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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Cast Upon the Breakers, by Horatio Alger
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Cast Upon the Breakers
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: January 16, 2006 [EBook #399]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CAST UPON THE BREAKERS ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Keller and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+CAST UPON THE BREAKERS
+
+by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+A FAITHLESS GUARDIAN.
+
+
+"Well, good by, Rodney! I leave school tomorrow. I am going to learn a
+trade."
+
+"I am sorry to part with you, David. Couldn't you stay another term?"
+
+"No: my uncle says I must be earning my living, and I have a chance to
+learn the carpenter's trade."
+
+"Where are you going?"
+
+"To Duffield, some twenty miles away. I wish I were in your shoes. You
+have no money cares, and can go on quietly and complete your education."
+
+"I don't know how I am situated, David. I only know that my guardian
+pays my expenses at this boarding school."
+
+"Yes, you are a star boarder, and have the nicest room in the
+institution. I am only a poor day scholar. Still I feel thankful that I
+have been allowed to remain as long as I have. Who is your guardian?"
+
+"A Mr. Benjamin Fielding, of New York."
+
+"Is he a business man?"
+
+"I believe so."
+
+"Do you know how much you will inherit when you come of age?" asked
+David, after a short pause.
+
+"I haven't an idea."
+
+"It seems to me your guardian ought to have told you."
+
+"I scarcely know my guardian. Five years ago I spent a week at his home.
+I don't remember much about it except that he lives in a handsome house,
+and has plenty of servants. Since then, as you know, I have passed most
+of my time here, except that in the summer I was allowed to board at the
+Catskills or any country place I might select."
+
+"Yes, and I remember one year you took me with you and paid all my
+expenses. I shall never forget your kindness, and how much I enjoyed
+that summer."
+
+Rodney Ropes smiled, and his smile made his usually grave face look very
+attractive.
+
+"My dear David," he said, "it was all selfishness on my part. I knew I
+should enjoy myself much better with a companion."
+
+"You may call that selfishness, Rodney, but it is a kind of selfishness
+that makes me your devoted friend. How long do you think you shall
+remain at school?"
+
+"I don't know. My guardian has never told me his plans for me. I wish he
+would."
+
+"I shall miss you, Rodney, but we will correspond, won't we?"
+
+"Surely. You know I shall always feel interested in you and your
+welfare."
+
+David was a plain boy of humble parentage, and would probably be a hard
+working mechanic. In fact he was looking for nothing better.
+
+But Rodney Ropes looked to be of genteel blood, and had the air of
+one who had been brought up a gentleman. But different as they were in
+social position the two boys had always been devoted friends.
+
+The boarding school of which Rodney was, as his friend expressed
+himself, a star pupil, was situated about fifty miles from the city of
+New York. It was under the charge of Dr. Sampson, a tall, thin man
+of fair scholarship, keenly alive to his own interest, who showed
+partiality for his richer pupils, and whenever he had occasion to
+censure bore most heavily upon boys like David Hull, who was poor.
+
+Rodney occupied alone the finest room in the school. There was a great
+contrast between his comfortable quarters and the extremely plain
+dormitories occupied by less favored pupils.
+
+In the case of some boys the favoritism of the teacher would have led
+them to put on airs, and made them unpopular with their school
+fellows. But Rodney had too noble a nature to be influenced by such
+considerations. He enjoyed his comfortable room, but treated his school
+fellows with a frank cordiality that made him a general favorite.
+
+After David left his room Rodney sat down to prepare a lesson in Cicero,
+when he was interrupted by the entrance through the half open door of a
+younger boy.
+
+"Rodney," he said, "the doctor would like to see you in his office."
+
+"Very well, Brauner, I will go down at once."
+
+He put aside his book and went down to the office of Dr. Sampson on the
+first floor.
+
+The doctor was sitting at his desk. He turned slightly as Rodney
+entered.
+
+"Take a seat, Ropes," he said curtly.
+
+His tone was so different from his usual cordiality that Rodney was
+somewhat surprised.
+
+"Am I in disgrace?" he asked himself. "Dr. Sampson doesn't seem as
+friendly as usual."
+
+After a brief interval Dr. Sampson wheeled round in his office chair.
+
+"I have a letter for you from your guardian, Ropes," he said. "Here it
+is. Do me the favor to read it here."
+
+With some wonder Rodney took the letter and read as follows:
+
+
+DEAR RODNEY--I have bad news to communicate. As you know, I was left by
+your father in charge of you and your fortune. I have never told you
+the amount, but I will say now that it was about fifty thousand dollars.
+Until two years since I kept it intact but then began a series of
+reverses in which my own fortune was swallowed up. In the hope of
+relieving myself I regret to say that I was tempted to use your money.
+That went also, and now of the whole sum there remains but enough to
+pay the balance of your school bills, leaving you penniless. How much I
+regret this I cannot tell you. I shall leave New York at once. I do not
+care at present to say where I shall go, but I shall try to make good
+the loss, and eventually restore to you your lost fortune. I may be
+successful or I may not. I shall do my best and I hope in time to have
+better news to communicate.
+
+One thing I am glad to say. I have a casket containing your mother's
+jewels. These are intact. I shall send you the casket by express,
+knowing that you will wish to keep them out of regard for your mother's
+memory. In case you are reduced to the necessity of pawning or selling
+them, I am sure that your mother, could she be consulted, would advise
+you to do so. This would be better than to have you suffer from want.
+
+There is nothing further for me to write except to repeat my regret, and
+renew my promise to make up your lost fortune if I shall ever to able to
+do so. Your Guardian, BENJAMIN FIELDING.
+
+
+Rodney read this like one dazed. In an instant he was reduced from the
+position of a favorite of fortune to a needy boy, with his living to
+make.
+
+He could not help recalling what had passed between his friend David and
+himself earlier in the day. Now he was as poor as David--poorer, in fact
+for David had a chance to learn a trade that would yield him a living,
+while he was utterly without resources, except in having an unusually
+good education.
+
+"Well," said Dr. Sampson, "have you read your letter?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Your guardian wrote to me also. This is his letter," and he placed the
+brief epistle in Rodney's hands.
+
+
+DR. SAMPSON--I have written my ward, Rodney Ropes, an important
+letter which he will show you. The news which it contains will make it
+necessary for him to leave school. I inclose a check for one hundred and
+twenty five dollars. Keep whatever is due you, and give him the balance.
+BENJAMIN FIELDING.
+
+
+"I have read the letter, but I don't know what it means," said Dr.
+Sampson. "Can you throw any light upon it?"
+
+"Here is my letter, doctor. You can read it for yourself."
+
+Dr. Sampson's face changed as he read Rodney's letter. It changed and
+hardened, and his expression became quite different from that to which
+Rodney had been accustomed.
+
+"This is a bad business, Ropes," said the doctor in a hard tone.
+
+He had always said Rodney before.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That was a handsome fortune which your father left you."
+
+"Yes, sir. I never knew before how much it amounted to."
+
+"You only learn when you have lost it. Mr. Fielding has treated you
+shamefully."
+
+"Yes, sir, I suppose he has, but he says he will try to make it up to me
+in the future."
+
+"Pish! that is all humbug. Even if he is favored by fortune you will
+never get back a cent."
+
+"I think I shall, sir."
+
+"You are young. You do not know the iniquities of business men. I do."
+
+"I prefer to hope for the best."
+
+"Just as you please."
+
+"Have you anything more to say to me?"
+
+"Only that I will figure up your account and see how much money is to
+come to you out of the check your guardian has sent. You can stay here
+till Monday; then you will find it best to make new arrangements."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+Rodney left the room, realizing that Dr. Sampson's feelings had been
+changed by his pupil's reverse of fortune.
+
+It was the way of the world, but it was not a pleasant way, and Rodney
+felt depressed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+THE CASKET OF JEWELS.
+
+
+It was not till the latter part of the afternoon that the casket
+arrived. Rodney was occupied with a recitation, and it was only in
+the evening that he got an opportunity to open it. There was a pearl
+necklace, very handsome, a pair of bracelets, two gold chains, some
+minor articles of jewelry and a gold ring.
+
+A locket attracted Rodney's notice, and he opened it. It contained the
+pictures of his father and mother.
+
+His father he could barely remember, his mother died before he was old
+enough to have her image impressed upon his memory. He examined the
+locket and his heart was saddened. He felt how different his life would
+have been had his parents lived.
+
+He had never before realized the sorrow of being alone in the world.
+Misfortune had come upon him, and so far as he knew he had not a friend.
+Even Dr. Sampson, who had been paid so much money on his account, and
+who had always professed so great friendship for him, had turned cold.
+
+As he was standing with the locket in his hand there was a knock at the
+door.
+
+"Come in!" he called out.
+
+The door opened and a stout, coarse looking boy, dressed in an expensive
+manner, entered.
+
+"Good evening, John," said Rodney, but not cordially.
+
+Next to himself, John Bundy, who was the son of a wealthy saloon keeper
+in the city of New York, had been a favorite with Dr. Sampson.
+
+If there was anything Dr. Sampson bowed down to and respected it was
+wealth, and Mr. Bundy, senior, was reputed to be worth a considerable
+fortune.
+
+In Rodney's mood John Bundy was about the last person whom he wanted to
+see.
+
+"Ha!" said John, espying the open casket, "where did you get all that
+jewelry?"
+
+"It contains my mother's jewels," said Rodney gravely.
+
+"You never showed it to me before."
+
+"I never had it before. It came to me by express this afternoon."
+
+"It must be worth a good pile of money," said John, his eyes gleaming
+with cupidity.
+
+"I suppose it is."
+
+"Have you any idea what it is worth?"
+
+"I have no thought about it."
+
+"What are you going to do with it? It won't be of use to you, especially
+the diamond earrings," he added, with a coarse laugh.
+
+"No," answered Rodney shortly.
+
+"My eyes, wouldn't my mother like to own all this jewelry. She's fond of
+ornament, but pa won't buy them for her."
+
+Rodney did not answer.
+
+"I say, Ropes, I mustn't forget my errand. Will you do me a favor?"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Lend me five dollars till the first of next month. My allowance comes
+due then. Now I haven't but a quarter left."
+
+"What makes you apply to me, Bundy?"
+
+"Because you always have money. I don't suppose you are worth as much as
+my father, but you have more money for yourself than I have."
+
+"I have had, perhaps, but I haven't now."
+
+"Why, what's up? What has happened?"
+
+"I have lost my fortune."
+
+John whistled. This was his way of expressing amazement.
+
+"Why, what have you been doing? How could you lose your fortune?"
+
+"My guardian has lost it for me. That amount to the same thing."
+
+"When did you hear that?"
+
+"This morning."
+
+"Is that true? Are you really a poor boy?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+John Bundy was astonished, but on the whole he was not saddened. In the
+estimation of the school Rodney had always ranked higher than he, and
+been looked upon as the star pupil in point of wealth.
+
+Now that he was dethroned John himself would take his place. This would
+be gratifying, though just at present, and till the beginning of the
+next month, he would be distressed for ready money.
+
+"Well, that's a stunner!" he said. "How do you feel about it? Shall you
+stay in school?"
+
+"No; I can't afford it. I must get to work."
+
+"Isn't there anything left--not a cent?"
+
+"There may be a few dollars."
+
+"And then," said Bundy with a sudden thought, "there is this casket of
+jewelry. You can sell it for a good deal of money."
+
+"I don't mean to sell it."
+
+"Then you're a fool; that's all I've got to say."
+
+"I don't suppose you will understand my feeling in the matter, but these
+articles belonged to my mother. They are all I have to remind me of her.
+I do not mean to sell them unless it is absolutely necessary."
+
+"I would sell them quicker'n a wink," said Bundy. "What's the good of
+keeping them?"
+
+"We won't discuss the matter," said Rodney coldly.
+
+"Do you mind my telling the other boys about your losing your money?"
+
+"No; it will be known tomorrow at any rate; there is no advantage in
+concealing it."
+
+A heavy step was heard outside. It stopped before the door.
+
+"I must be getting," said Bundy, "or I'll get into trouble."
+
+It was against the rule at the school for boys to make calls upon each
+other in the evening unless permission were given.
+
+John Bundy opened the door suddenly, and to his dismay found himself
+facing the rigid figure of Dr. Sampson, the principal.
+
+"How do you happen to be here, Bundy?" asked the doctor sternly.
+
+"Please, sir, I was sympathizing with Ropes on his losing his money,"
+said Bundy with ready wit.
+
+"Very well! I will excuse you this time."
+
+"I'm awful sorry for you, Ropes," said Bundy effusively.
+
+"Thank you," responded Rodney.
+
+"You can go now," said the principal. "I have a little business with
+Master Ropes."
+
+"All right, sir. Good night."
+
+"Good night."
+
+"Won't you sit down, Dr. Sampson?" said Rodney politely, and he took the
+casket from the chair.
+
+"Yes, I wish to have five minutes' conversation with you. So these are
+the jewels, are they?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"They seem to be quite valuable," went on the doctor, lifting the pearl
+necklace and poising it in his fingers. "It will be well for you to have
+them appraised by a jeweler."
+
+"It would, sir, if I wished to sell them, but I mean to keep them as
+they are."
+
+"I would hardly advise it. You will need the money. Probably you do not
+know how near penniless you are."
+
+"No, sir; I don't know."
+
+"Your guardian, as you are aware, sent me a check for one hundred and
+twenty five dollars. I have figured up how much of this sum is due to
+me, and I find it to be one hundred and thirteen dollars and thirty
+seven cents."
+
+"Yes, sir," said Rodney indifferently.
+
+"This leaves for you only eleven dollars and sixty three cents. You
+follow me, do you not?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Have you any money saved up from your allowance?"
+
+"A few dollars only, sir."
+
+"Ahem! that is a pity. You will need all you can raise. But of course
+you did not anticipate what has occurred?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I will throw off the thirty seven cents," said the principal
+magnanimously, "and give you back twelve dollars."
+
+"I would rather pay you the whole amount of your bill," said Rodney.
+
+"Ahem! Well perhaps that would be more business-like. So you don't wish
+to part with any of the jewelry, Ropes?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I thought, perhaps, by way of helping you, I would take the earrings,
+and perhaps the necklace, off your hands and present them to Mrs.
+Sampson."
+
+Rodney shuddered with aversion at the idea of these precious articles,
+which had once belonged to his mother, being transferred to the stout
+and coarse featured consort of the principal.
+
+"I think I would rather keep them," he replied.
+
+"Oh well, just as you please," said Dr. Sampson with a shade of
+disappointment for he had no idea of paying more than half what the
+articles were worth. "If the time comes when you wish to dispose of them
+let me know."
+
+Rodney nodded, but did not answer in words.
+
+"Of course, Ropes," went on the doctor in a perfunctory way, "I am very
+sorry for you. I shall miss you, and, if I could afford it, I would tell
+you to stay without charge. But I am a poor man."
+
+"Yes," said Rodney hastily, "I understand. I thank you for your words
+but would not under any circumstances accept such a favor at your
+hands."
+
+"I am afraid you are proud, Ropes. Pride is--ahem--a wrong feeling."
+
+"Perhaps so, Dr. Sampson, but I wish to earn my own living without being
+indebted to any one."
+
+"Perhaps you are right, Ropes. I dare say I should feel so myself. When
+do you propose leaving us?"
+
+"Some time tomorrow, sir."
+
+"I shall feel sad to have you go. You have been here so long that
+you seem to me like a son. But we must submit to the dispensations of
+Providence--" and Dr. Sampson blew a vigorous blast upon his red silk
+handkerchief. "I will give you the balance due in the morning."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+Rodney was glad to be left alone. He had no faith in Dr. Sampson's
+sympathy. The doctor had the reputation of being worth from thirty to
+forty thousand dollars, and his assumption of being a poor man Rodney
+knew to be a sham.
+
+He went to bed early, for tomorrow was to be the beginning of a new life
+for him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+A STRANGE DISAPPEARANCE.
+
+
+When it was generally known in the school that Rodney was to leave
+because he had lost his property much sympathy was felt and expressed
+for him.
+
+Though he had received more than ordinary attention from the principal
+on account of his pecuniary position and expectations, this had not
+impaired his popularity. He never put on any airs and was on as cordial
+relations with the poorest student as with the richest.
+
+"I'm awfully sorry you're going, Rodney," said more than one. "Is it
+really true that you have lost your property?"
+
+"Yes, it is true."
+
+"Do you feel bad about it?"
+
+"I feel sorry, but not discouraged."
+
+"I say, Rodney," said Ernest Rayner, in a low voice, calling Rodney
+aside, "are you very short of money?"
+
+"I haven't much left, Ernest."
+
+"Because I received five dollars last week as a birthday present. I
+haven't spent any of it. You can have it as well as not."
+
+Rodney was much moved. "My dear Ernest," he said, putting his arm
+caressingly around the neck of the smaller boy, "you are a true friend.
+I won't forget your generous offer, though I don't need to accept it."
+
+"But are you sure you have money enough?" asked Ernest.
+
+"Yes, I have enough for the present. By the time I need more I shall
+have earned it."
+
+There was one boy, already introduced, John Bundy, who did not share in
+the general feeling of sympathy for Rodney. This was John Bundy.
+
+He felt that Rodney's departure would leave him the star pupil and give
+him the chief social position in school. As to scholarship he was not
+ambitious to stand high in that.
+
+"I say, Ropes," he said complacently, "I'm to have your room after
+you're gone."
+
+"I congratulate you," returned Rodney. "It is an excellent room."
+
+"Yes, I s'pose it'll make you feel bad. Where are you going?"
+
+"I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have done."
+
+"Oh yes, I guess there's no doubt of that. I'm going to get pa to send
+me some nice pictures to hang on the wall. When you come back here on a
+visit you'll see how nice it looks."
+
+"I think it will be a good while before I come here on a visit."
+
+"Yes. I s'pose it'll make you feel bad. Where are you going?"
+
+"To the City of New York."
+
+"You'll have to live in a small hall bedroom there."
+
+"Why will I?"
+
+"Because you are poor, and it costs a good deal of money to live in New
+York. It'll be a great come down."
+
+"It will indeed, but if I can earn enough to support me in plain style
+I won't complain. I suppose you'll call and see me when you come to New
+York?"
+
+"Perhaps so, if you don't live in a tenement house. Pa objects to my
+going to tenement houses. There's no knowing what disease there may be
+in them."
+
+"It is well to be prudent," said Rodney, smiling.
+
+It did not trouble him much to think he was not likely to receive a call
+from his quondan schoolmate.
+
+"Here is the balance of your money, Ropes," said Dr. Sampson, drawing
+a small roll of bills from his pocket, later in the day. "I am quite
+willing to give you the odd thirty seven cents."
+
+"Thank you, doctor, but I shan't need it."
+
+"You are poorly provided. Now I would pay you a good sum for some of
+your mother's jewelry, as I told you last evening."
+
+"Thank you," said Rodney hastily, "but I don't care to sell at present."
+
+"Let me know when you are ready to dispose of the necklace."
+
+Here the depot carriage appeared in the street outside and Rodney with
+his gripsack in one hand and the precious casket in the other, climbed
+to a seat beside the driver.
+
+His trunk he left behind, promising to send for it when he had found a
+new boarding place.
+
+There was a chorus of good byes. Rodney waved his handkerchief in
+general farewell, and the carriage started for the depot.
+
+"Be you goin' for good?" asked Joel, the driver, who knew Rodney well
+and felt friendly to him.
+
+"Yes, Joel."
+
+"It's kind of sudden, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What makes you go?"
+
+"Bad news, Joel."
+
+"Be any of your folks dead?"
+
+"It is not death. I haven't any 'folks.' I'm alone in the world.
+It's because I've lost my property and am too poor to remain in school."
+
+"That's too bad," said the driver in a tone of sympathy. "Where are you
+goin'?"
+
+"To the city."
+
+"Are you goin' to work?"
+
+"Yes, I shall have to."
+
+"If you was a little older you might get a chance to drive a street car,
+but I s'pose you're too young."
+
+"Yes, I don't think they would take me."
+
+"I've thought sometimes I should like such a chance myself," said Joel.
+"I've got tired of the country. I should like to live in the city where
+there's theaters, and shows, and such like. Do you know what the drivers
+on street cars get?"
+
+"No, I never heard."
+
+"I wish you'd find out and let me know. You can send the letter to Joel
+Phipps, Groveton. Then find out if it's easy to get such a chance."
+
+"I will. I shall be glad to oblige you."
+
+"You always was obligin', Rodney. I've asked Jack Bundy to do it--you
+know his folks live in the city--but he never would. He's a mighty
+disagreeable boy. He never liked you."
+
+"Didn't he?"
+
+"No, I surmise he was jealous of you. He used to say you put on so many
+airs it made him sick."
+
+"I don't think any of the other boys would say that."
+
+"No, but they could say it of him. Do you think his father is rich?"
+
+"I have always heard that he was."
+
+"I hope he's better about paying his debt than Jack. I lent him twenty
+five cents a year ago and I never could get it back."
+
+The distance from the school to the station was a mile. Joel fetched the
+carriage round with a sweep and then jumped off, opened the door, and
+then helped the passengers to disembark, if that word is allowable.
+
+"How soon does the train start, Joel?" asked Rodney.
+
+"In about five minutes."
+
+"Then I had better purchase my ticket without delay."
+
+"Don't forget to ask about horse car drivers!"
+
+"No, I won't. I should like to have you come to New York. I know no one
+there, and I should feel glad to see a familiar face."
+
+The train came up in time, and Rodney was one of half a dozen passengers
+who entered the cars.
+
+He obtained a place next to a stout man dressed in a pepper and salt
+suit.
+
+"Is this seat engaged?" asked Rodney.
+
+"Yes--to you," and his fellow passenger laughed.
+
+Rodney laughed too, for he saw that the remark was meant to be jocose.
+
+He put his gripsack on the floor at his feet, but held the casket in his
+lap. He did not like to run any risk with that.
+
+"Are you a drummer?" asked the stout man, with a glance at the casket.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I thought you might be, and that THAT might contain your samples."
+
+"No, sir. That is private property."
+
+He had thought of telling what it contained, but checked himself. He
+knew nothing of his companion, and was not sure how far it might be safe
+to trust a stranger.
+
+"I used to be a drummer myself--in the jewelry line--" continued his
+companion, "and I carried a box just like that."
+
+"Ah, indeed! Then you are not in that business now?"
+
+"No, I got tired of it. I deal in quite a different article now."
+
+"Indeed?"
+
+"Suburban lot."
+
+"You don't happen to have any of them with you?"
+
+The stout man roared with laughter, giving Rodney the impression that he
+had said a very witty thing.
+
+"That's a good one," he remarked, "the best I've heard for a long time.
+No, I haven't any of the lots with me, but I've got a circular. Just
+cast your eye over that," and he drew a large and showy prospectus from
+his pocket.
+
+"If you should be looking for a good investment," he continued, "you
+can't do any better than buy a lot at Morton Park. It is only eighteen
+miles from the city and is rapidly building up. You can buy lot on easy
+installments, and I will myself pick one out for you that is almost sure
+to double in value in a year or two."
+
+"Thank you," said Rodney, "but I shall have to invest my money, if I get
+any, in a different way."
+
+"As what for instance?"
+
+"In board and lodging."
+
+"Good. That is even more necessary than real estate."
+
+"How long have you been in the business, sir?"
+
+"About six months."
+
+"And how does it pay?"
+
+"Very well, if you know how to talk."
+
+"I should think you might do well, then."
+
+"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment. What business are you going
+into, that is, if you are going to the city?"
+
+"I am going to the city, but I have no idea yet what I shall do."
+
+"Perhaps you may like to become an agent for our lots. I shall be ready
+to employ you as sub agent if you feel disposed."
+
+"Thank you, sir. If you will give me your card, I may call upon you."
+
+The short man drew from his card case a business card. It bore the name
+
+
+ADIN WOODS. ROYAL BUILDING. NASSAU ST. Morton Park Lots.
+
+
+"Come to see me at any time," he said, "and we will talk the matter
+over."
+
+Here the train boy came along and Rodney bought a copy of Puck, while
+the agent resumed the perusal of a copy of a magazine. For an hour
+the cars ran smoothly. Then there was a sudden shock causing all the
+passengers to start to their feet.
+
+"We're off the track!" shouted an excitable person in front of Rodney.
+
+The instinct of self preservation is perhaps stronger than any other.
+Rodney and his seat mate both jumped to their feet and hurried to the
+door of the car, not knowing what was in store for them.
+
+But fortunately the train had not been going rapidly. It was approaching
+a station and was "slowing up." So, though it had really run off the
+track, there was not likely to be any injury to the passengers.
+
+"We are safe," said Adin Woods. "The only harm done is the delay. I hope
+that won't be long. Suppose we go back to our seat." They returned to
+the seat which they had jointly occupied.
+
+Then Rodney made an alarming discovery. "My casket!" he exclaimed.
+"Where is it?"
+
+"What did you do with it?"
+
+"Left it on the seat."
+
+"It may have fallen to the floor."
+
+Rodney searched for it in feverish excitement, but his search was vain.
+THE CASKET HAD DISAPPEARED!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+IN PURSUIT OF A THIEF.
+
+
+"Were the contents of the casket valuable?" asked the land agent.
+
+"Yes; it contained my mother's jewels, all the more valuable because she
+is dead," replied Rodney.
+
+"Were they of much intrinsic worth?"
+
+"They must be worth several hundred dollars at least."
+
+"Then they must be found," said Adin Woods energetically. "They have
+evidently been taken by some passenger during the five minutes we were
+away from our seat."
+
+"Were you inquiring about the casket?" asked a lady sitting opposite.
+
+"Yes, madam. Can you give any information about it?"
+
+"Just after you left your seat the man that sat behind you rose and
+reaching over for it went to the rear end of the car and got out."
+
+"I wish you had stopped him, madam."
+
+"He was so cool about it that I thought he might be a friend of the
+young gentleman."
+
+"I didn't know him. He must have been a thief."
+
+"What was his appearance, madam?" asked the lot agent.
+
+"He was a thin, dark complexioned man, with side whiskers coming half
+way down his cheeks."
+
+"And you say he got out of the rear end of the car?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He won't get on the train again," said the agent turning to Rodney. "He
+thinks the casket valuable enough to pay him for the interruption of his
+journey."
+
+"What shall I do then?" asked Rodney, feeling helpless and at a loss
+which way to turn.
+
+"Follow him," said the agent briefly. "He will probably stop over in the
+village a day and resume his journey tomorrow."
+
+"Even if I found him I am afraid I shouldn't know how to deal with him."
+
+"Then I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll stop over with you and help you
+make it hot for him. I've had a spite against thieves ever since I had a
+valuable overcoat stolen in one of my journeys."
+
+"I shall feel very much obliged to you, Mr. Woods, but won't it
+interfere with your business?"
+
+"Not materially. If we succeed in overhauling the rascal I shall feel
+sufficiently repaid for the small interruption. But come on, we can't
+afford to linger here while he is carrying off the plunder."
+
+"I don't know how I can repay you, Mr. Woods," said Rodney gratefully.
+
+"You can buy a lot of me when you get rich enough."
+
+"I will certainly do so, though I am afraid it will be a long time
+first."
+
+"You don't know what good fortune may be in store for you. Did you
+notice, madam, in which direction the thief went?"
+
+"Yes, I was looking out of the window. He went over the road to the
+left."
+
+"That leads to the village. You will see, Mr. Ropes, that I was right
+about his plans."
+
+"Don't call me Mr. Ropes. Call me Rodney."
+
+"I will. It don't seem natural to dub a boy Mr. Now, Rodney, follow me."
+
+The two passengers set out on the road that led to the village. They
+could see the latter easily, for it was not more than a mile away.
+
+"He will be surprised to think we have 'struck his trail' so quick,"
+said the agent.
+
+"Where shall we go first?"
+
+"To the hotel if there is one."
+
+"The village seems small."
+
+"Yes, there are only a few hundred inhabitant probably. It is not a
+place where a traveler would be likely to interrupt his journey unless
+he had a special object in doing so, like our dishonest friend. However,
+I think we shall be able to balk his little game."
+
+Ten minutes' walk brought them to the village. Looking about they saw a
+small hotel just across the way from a neat white chapel.
+
+"Follow me," said the agent.
+
+They went into the public room in which there was a small office.
+
+The book of arrivals was open, and Adin Woods went forward and examined
+it. Silently he pointed to a name evidently just written, for the ink
+was scarcely dry. This was the name: Louis Wheeler, Philadelphia.
+
+"This may or may not be his real name," said Mr. Woods in a low voice.
+
+"Do you wish to register, gentlemen?" asked the clerk.
+
+"We will take dinner, and if we decide to stay will register later. By
+the way, I recognize this name, but it may not be the man I suppose."
+
+"Yes, the gentleman just registered."
+
+"Would you mind describing him?"
+
+"He was a tall, dark man as near as I can remember."
+
+"And he carried a small casket in his hand?"
+
+"Yes, and a gripsack."
+
+"Oh yes," said the agent his face lighting up with satisfaction. "It is
+the man I mean--where is he now?"
+
+"In his room."
+
+"Did he say how long he intended to stay?"
+
+"No, sir. He said nothing about his plans."
+
+"Did he seem specially careful about the casket?"
+
+"Yes, sir. He carried that in his hands, but let the servant carry up
+the gripsack."
+
+"My friend," said the agent in an impressive tone, "I am going to
+surprise you."
+
+The country clerk looked all curiosity.
+
+"Is it about Mr. Wheeler?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, the man is a thief. He stole the casket, which contains valuable
+jewelry, from my young friend here. We are here to demand a return of
+the property or to arrest him. Is there a policeman within call?"
+
+"I can summon a constable."
+
+"Do so, but don't breathe a word of what I have told you."
+
+The clerk called a boy in from the street and gave him instructions in
+a low voice. He went at once on his errand, and in ten minutes a stout
+broad shouldered man made his appearance.
+
+"This gentleman sent for you, Mr. Barlow," said the clerk.
+
+"What can I do for you?" asked the constable.
+
+"Help me to recover stolen property."
+
+"That I will do with pleasure if you will tell me what you want me to
+do."
+
+Adin Woods held a brief conference with the constable, then he led the
+way up stairs, followed immediately by Rodney, while the constable kept
+a little behind.
+
+"His room is No. 9," said the bell boy.
+
+The agent paused before the door of No. 9, and knocked.
+
+"Come in!" said a voice.
+
+The agent opened the door, and entered, accompanied by Rodney. A glance
+showed that the occupant answered the description given by the lady in
+the car.
+
+Louis Wheeler changed color, for he recognized both the agent and
+Rodney.
+
+"What is your business?" he asked in a tone which he tried to make
+indifferent.
+
+"That," answered Woods, pointing to the jewel casket on the bureau.
+
+It looked to him as if Wheeler, if that was his name, had been trying to
+open it.
+
+"I don't understand."
+
+"Then I will try to make things clear to you. You have, doubtless by
+accident" he emphasized the last word, "taken from the car a casket
+belonging to my young friend here."
+
+"You are mistaken, sir," said Wheeler with brazen hardihood. "That
+casket belongs to me."
+
+"Indeed. What does it contain?"
+
+"I fail to see how that is any of your business," returned Wheeler,
+determined, if possible, to bluff off his visitors.
+
+"I admire your cheek, sir. I really do. But I am too old a traveler to
+be taken in by such tricks. I propose to have that casket."
+
+"Well, sir, you are the most impudent thief and burglar I ever met. You
+break into a gentleman's room, and undertake to carry off his private
+property. Unless you go out at once, I will have you arrested."
+
+"That you can do very readily, for I have an officer within call."
+
+Louis Wheeler changed color. He began to see that the situation was
+getting serious.
+
+"There is a great mistake here," he said.
+
+"I agree with you."
+
+The agent went to the door, and called "Constable Barlow."
+
+The constable promptly presented himself.
+
+"Do you want me, sir?" he asked.
+
+"That depends on this gentleman here. If he will peacefully restore to
+my young friend here yonder jewel casket I am willing to let him go.
+Otherwise--" and he glanced at Wheeler significantly.
+
+"Perhaps I have made a mistake," admitted the thief. "I had a casket
+exactly like this. Possibly I have taken the wrong one."
+
+"I have the key to the casket here," said Rodney, "and I can tell you
+without opening it what it contains."
+
+"What did yours contain?" asked the agent.
+
+"Jewelry," answered Wheeler shortly.
+
+"What articles?"
+
+"Never mind. I am inclined to think this casket belongs to the boy."
+
+"Rodney, you can take it and Mr. Wheeler will probably find his where he
+left it."
+
+No objection was made, and the discomfited thief was left a prey to
+mortification and disappointment.
+
+Rodney handed a dollar to the constable which that worthy official
+received with thanks, and he and the agent resumed their journey by an
+afternoon train. They saw nothing further of Louis Wheeler who sent for
+dinner to be served in his room.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+A YOUNG FINANCIAL WRECK.
+
+
+"You have been very fortunate in recovering your jewels," said the
+agent.
+
+"I owe it to you," replied Rodney gratefully.
+
+"Well, perhaps so. If I have rendered you a service I am very glad."
+
+"And I am very glad to have found so good a friend. I hope you will let
+me pay for your ticket to New York."
+
+"It won't be necessary. The interruption of our journey won't invalidate
+the ticket we have."
+
+An hour later they reached New York.
+
+"What are your plans, Rodney?" asked Adin Woods, who by this time had
+become quite intimate with his young companion.
+
+"I shall call on my guardian, and perhaps he may give me some advice as
+to what I do. Where would you advise me to go--to a hotel?"
+
+"No; it will be too expensive. I know of a plain boarding house on West
+Fourteenth Street where you can be accommodated with lodging and two
+meals--breakfast and supper, or dinner as we call it here--for a dollar
+a day."
+
+"I shall be glad to go there, for the present, at least. I haven't much
+money, and must find something to do as soon as possible."
+
+"We will both go there, and if you don't object we will take a room
+together. That will give us a larger apartment. Mrs. Marcy is an old
+acquaintance of mine, and will give you a welcome."
+
+Rodney was glad to accept his companion's proposal. They proceeded at
+once to the boarding house, and fortunately found a good room vacant on
+the third floor. Mr. Woods went out in the evening to make a call, but
+Rodney was glad to go to bed at nine o'clock.
+
+The next morning after breakfast Rodney consulted his companion as to
+what he should do with the casket.
+
+"Do you want to raise money on it?" asked the agent.
+
+"No; I shall not do this unless I am obliged to."
+
+"Have you any idea as to the value of the jewels?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I will take you first to a jeweler in Maiden Lane, a friend of
+mine, who will appraise them. Afterwards I advise you to deposit the
+casket at a storage warehouse, or get Tiffany to keep it for you."
+
+"I will do as you suggest."
+
+Maiden Lane is a street largely devoted to jewelers, wholesale and
+retail. Rodney followed Mr. Woods into a store about midway between
+Broadway and Nassau Street. A pleasant looking man of middle age greeted
+the agent cordially.
+
+"What can I do for you?" he asked. "Do you wish to buy a diamond ring
+for the future Mrs. Woods?"
+
+"Not much. I would like to have you appraise some jewelry belonging to
+my young friend here."
+
+The casket was opened, and the jeweler examined the contents admiringly.
+
+"This is choice jewelry," he said. "Does your friend wish to sell?"
+
+"Not at present," answered Rodney.
+
+"When you do give me a call. I will treat you fairly. You wish me to
+appraise these articles?"
+
+"Yes, sir, if you will."
+
+"It will take me perhaps fifteen minutes."
+
+The jeweler retired to the back part of the store with the casket.
+
+In about a quarter of an hour he returned.
+
+"Of course I can't give exact figures," he said, "but I value the
+jewelry at about twelve hundred dollars."
+
+Rodney looked surprised.
+
+"I didn't think it so valuable," he said.
+
+"I don't mean that you could sell it for so much, but if you wish to
+dispose of it I will venture to give you eleven hundred."
+
+"Thank you. If I decide to sell I will certainly come to you."
+
+"Now," said the agent, "I advise you on the whole to store the casket
+with Tiffany."
+
+"Shall I have to pay storage in advance?" asked Rodney anxiously.
+
+"I think not. The value of the jewels will be a sufficient guarantee
+that storage will be paid."
+
+Rodney accompanied Adin Woods to the great jewelry store on the corner
+of Fifteenth Street and Union Square, and soon transacted his business.
+
+"Now, you won't have any anxiety as to the safety of the casket," said
+the agent. "Your friend of the train will find it difficult to get hold
+of the jewels. Now I shall have to leave you, as I have some business to
+attend to. We will meet at supper."
+
+Rodney decided to call at the office of his late guardian, Benjamin
+Fielding. It was in the lower part of the city.
+
+On his way down town he purchased a copy of a morning paper. Almost the
+first article he glanced at proved to be of especial interest to him. It
+was headed--
+
+
+SKIPPED TO CANADA
+
+Rumors have been rife for some time affecting the business standing of
+Mr. Benjamin Fielding, the well known commission merchant. Yesterday
+it was discovered that he had left the city, but where he has gone is
+unknown. It is believed that he is very deeply involved, and seeing no
+way out of his embarrassment has skipped to Canada, or perhaps taken
+passage to Europe. Probably his creditors will appoint a committee to
+look into his affairs and report what can be done.
+
+LATER--An open letter has been found in Mr. Fielding's desk, addressed
+to his creditors. It expresses regret for their losses, and promises,
+if his life is spared, and fortune favors him, to do all in his power to
+make them good. No one doubts Mr. Fielding's integrity, and regrets are
+expressed that he did not remain in the city and help unravel the tangle
+in which his affairs are involved. He is a man of ability, and as he is
+still in the prime of life, it may be that he will be able to redeem his
+promises and pay his debts in full, if sufficient time is given him.
+
+
+"I can get no help or advice from Mr. Fielding," thought Rodney. "I am
+thrown upon my own resources, and must fight the battle of life as well
+as I can alone."
+
+He got out in front of the Astor House. As he left the car he soiled his
+shoes with the mud so characteristic of New York streets.
+
+"Shine your boots?" asked a young Arab, glancing with a business eye at
+Rodney's spattered shoes.
+
+Rodney accepted his offer, not so much because he thought the blacking
+would last, as for the opportunity of questioning the free and
+independent young citizen who was doing, what he hoped to do, that is,
+making a living for himself.
+
+"Is business good with you?" asked Rodney. "It ought to be with the
+street in this condition."
+
+"Yes; me and de Street Commissioner is in league together. He makes
+business good for me."
+
+"And do you pay him a commission?" asked Rodney smiling.
+
+"I can't tell no official secrets. It might be bad for me."
+
+"You are an original genius."
+
+"Am I? I hope you ain't callin' me names."
+
+"Oh no. I am only paying you a compliment. What is your name?"
+
+"Mike Flynn."
+
+"Were do you live, Mike?"
+
+"At the Lodge."
+
+"I suppose you mean at the Newsboys' 'Lodge?'"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How much do you have to pay there?"
+
+"Six cents for lodgin', and six cents for supper and breakfast."
+
+"That is, six cents for each."
+
+"Yes; you ain't comin' to live there, are you?" asked Mike.
+
+"I don't know--I may have to."
+
+"You're jokin'."
+
+"What makes you think I am joking?"
+
+"Because you're a swell. Look at them clo'es!"
+
+"I have a good suit of clothes, to be sure, but I haven't much money.
+You are better off than I am."
+
+"How's that?" asked Mike incredulously.
+
+"You've got work to do, and I am earning nothing."
+
+"If you've got money enough to buy a box and brush, you can go in with
+me."
+
+"I don't think I should like it, Mike. It would spoil my clothes, and I
+am afraid I wouldn't have money enough to buy others."
+
+"I keep my dress suit at home--the one I wear to parties."
+
+"Haven't you got any father or mother, Mike? How does it happen that you
+are living in New York alone?"
+
+"My farder is dead, and me mudder, she married a man wot ain't no good.
+He'd bate me till I couldn't stand it. So I just run away."
+
+"Where does your mother live?"
+
+"In Albany."
+
+"Some time when you earn money enough you can ask her to come here and
+live with you."
+
+"They don't take women at the Lodge."
+
+"No, I suppose not," said Rodney, smiling.
+
+"Besides she's got two little girls by her new husband, and she wouldn't
+want to leave them."
+
+By this time the shine was completed, and Rodney paid Mike.
+
+"If I ever come to the Lodge, I'll ask for you," he said.
+
+"Where do you live now?"
+
+"I'm just staying at a place on Fourteenth Street, but I can't afford to
+stay there long, for they charge a dollar a day."
+
+"Geewholliker, that would bust me, and make me a financial wreck as the
+papers say."
+
+"How did you lose your fortune and get reduced to blacking boots?" asked
+Rodney jocosely.
+
+"I got scooped out of it in Wall Street," answered Mike. "Jay Gould
+cleaned me out."
+
+"And I suppose now he has added your fortune to his."
+
+"You've hit it boss."
+
+"Well, good day, Mike, I'll see you again some day----"
+
+"All right! I'm in my office all de mornin'."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+AN IMPUDENT ADVENTURER.
+
+
+While Rodney was talking with Mike Flynn he was an object of attention
+to a man who stood near the corner of Barclay Street, and was ostensibly
+looking in at the window of the drug store. As Rodney turned away he
+recognized him at once as his enterprising fellow traveler who had taken
+possession of the casket of jewels.
+
+He did not care to keep up an acquaintance with him, and started to
+cross the street. But the other came forward smiling, and with a nod
+said: "I believe you are the young man I met yesterday in the cars and
+afterwards at Kentville?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I just wanted to tell you that I had got back my jewel box, the one for
+which I mistook yours."
+
+"Indeed!" said Rodney, who did not believe a word the fellow said.
+
+"Quite an amusing mistake, I made."
+
+"It might have proved serious to me."
+
+"Very true, as I shouldn't have known where to find you to restore your
+property."
+
+"I don't think that would have troubled you much," thought Rodney.
+"Where did you find your box?" he asked.
+
+"In the car. That is, the conductor picked it up and left it at the
+depot for me. Where are you staying here in the city? At the Astor
+House?"
+
+"No, I have found a boarding house on West Fourteenth Street."
+
+"If it is a good place, I should like to go there. What is the number?"
+
+"I can't recall it, though I could find it," answered Rodney with
+reserve, for he had no wish to have his railroad acquaintance in the
+house.
+
+"Is the gentleman who was traveling with you there also?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He is a very pleasant gentleman, though he misjudged me. Ha, ha! my
+friends will be very much amused when I tell them that I was taken for a
+thief. Why, I venture to say that my box is more valuable than yours."
+
+"Very likely," said Rodney coldly. "Good morning."
+
+"Good morning. I hope we may meet again."
+
+Rodney nodded, but he could not in sincerity echo the wish.
+
+He was now confronted by a serious problem. He had less than ten dollars
+in his pocketbook, and this would soon be swallowed up by the necessary
+expenses of life in a large city. What would he do when that was gone?
+
+It was clear that he must go to work as soon as possible. If his
+guardian had remained in the city, probably through his influence a
+situation might have been secured. Now nothing was to be looked for in
+that quarter.
+
+He bought a morning paper and looked over the Want Column. He found two
+places within a short distance of the Astor House, and called at each.
+One was in a railroad office.
+
+"My boy," said the manager, a pleasant looking man, "the place was taken
+hours since. You don't seem to get up very early in the morning."
+
+"I could get up at any hour that was necessary," replied Rodney, "but I
+have only just made up my mind to apply for a position."
+
+"You won't meet with any luck today. It is too late. Get up bright and
+early tomorrow morning, buy a paper, and make early application for any
+place that strikes you as desirable."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I am sure your advice is good."
+
+"If you had been the first to call here, I should have taken you. I like
+your appearance better than that of the boy I have selected."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"This boy may not prove satisfactory. Call in six days, just before
+his week expires, and if there is likely to be a vacancy I will let you
+know."
+
+"Thank you, sir. You are very kind."
+
+"I always sympathize with boys. I have two boys of my own."
+
+This conversation quite encouraged Rodney. It seemed to promise success
+in the future. If he had probably impressed one man, he might be equally
+fortunate with another.
+
+It was about half past twelve when he passed through Nassau Street.
+
+All at once his arm was grasped, and a cheery voice said, "Where are you
+going, Rodney?"
+
+"Mr. Woods!" he exclaimed, with pleased recognition.
+
+"Yes, it's your old friend Woods."
+
+"You are not the only railroad friend I have met this morning."
+
+"Who was the other?"
+
+"The gentleman who obligingly took care of my jewel box for a short
+time."
+
+"You don't mean to say you have met him? Where did you come across him?"
+
+"In front of the Astor House, almost two hours since."
+
+"Did you speak to him?"
+
+"He spoke to me. You will be glad to hear that he has recovered his own
+casket of jewels."
+
+Adin Woods smiled.
+
+"He must think you are easily imposed upon," he said, "to believe any
+such story. Anything more?"
+
+"He said his friends would be very much surprised to hear that he had
+been suspected of theft."
+
+"So he wanted to clear himself with you?"
+
+"Yes; he asked where I was staying."
+
+"I hope you didn't tell him."
+
+"I only said I was at a boarding house on West Fourteenth Street, but
+didn't mention the number."
+
+"He thinks you have the casket with you, and that he may get possession
+of it. It is well that you stored it at Tiffany's."
+
+"I think so. Now I have no anxiety about it. Do you think he will find
+out where we live?"
+
+"Probably, as you gave him a clew. But, Rodney, it is about lunch time,
+and I confess I have an appetite. Come and lunch with me."
+
+"But I am afraid, Mr. Woods, I shall not be able to return the
+compliment."
+
+"There is no occasion for it. I feel in good humor this morning. I have
+sold one lot, and have hopes of disposing of another. The one lot pays
+me a commission of twenty dollars."
+
+"I wish I could make twenty dollars in a week."
+
+"Sometimes I only sell one lot in a week. It isn't like a regular
+business. It is precarious. Still, take the year through and I make a
+pretty good income. Come in here. We can get a good lunch here," and he
+led the way into a modest restaurant, not far from the site of the old
+post office, which will be remembered by those whose residence in New
+York dates back twenty years or more.
+
+"Now we will have a nice lunch," said the agent. "I hope you can do
+justice to it."
+
+"I generally can," responded Rodney, smiling. "I am seldom troubled with
+a poor appetite."
+
+"Ditto for me. Now what have you been doing this morning?"
+
+"Looking for a place."
+
+"With what success?"
+
+"Pretty good if I had only been earlier."
+
+Rodney told the story of his application to the manager of the railroad
+office.
+
+"You will know better next time. I think you'll succeed. I did. When I
+came to New York at the age of twenty two I had only fifty dollars. That
+small sum had to last me twelve weeks. You can judge that I didn't
+live on the fat of the land during that time. I couldn't often eat at
+Delmonico's. Even Beefsteak John's would have been too expensive for me.
+However, those old days are over."
+
+The next day and the two following Rodney went about the city making
+application for positions, but every place seemed full.
+
+On the third day Mr. Woods said, "I shall have to leave you for a week
+or more, Rodney."
+
+"Where are you going?"
+
+"To Philadelphia. There's a man there who is a capitalist and likes land
+investments. I am going to visit him, and hope to sell him several lots.
+He once lived in this city, so he won't object to New York investments."
+
+"I hope you will succeed, Mr. Woods. I think if you are going away I had
+better give up the room, and find cheaper accommodations. I am getting
+near the end of my money."
+
+"You are right. It is best to be prudent."
+
+That evening Rodney found a room which he could rent for two dollars a
+week. He estimated that by economy he could get along for fifty cents a
+day for his eating, and that would be a decided saving.
+
+He was just leaving the house the next morning, gripsack in hand, when
+on the steps he met Louis Wheeler, his acquaintance of the train.
+
+"Where are you going?" asked Wheeler.
+
+"I am leaving this house. I have hired a room elsewhere."
+
+Wheeler's countenance fell, and he looked dismayed.
+
+"Why, I have just taken a room here for a week," he said.
+
+"You will find it a good place."
+
+"But--I wouldn't have come here if I hadn't thought I should have
+company."
+
+"I ought to feel complimented."
+
+Rodney was convinced that Wheeler had come in the hopes of stealing
+the casket of jewels a second time, and he felt amused at the fellow's
+discomfiture.
+
+"You haven't got your jewel box with you?"
+
+"No, I can take that another time."
+
+"Then it's still in the house," thought Wheeler with satisfaction. "It
+won't be my fault if I don't get it in my hands. Well, good morning," he
+said. "Come around and call on me."
+
+"Thank you!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+AT THE NEWSBOY'S LODGING HOUSE.
+
+
+Within a week Rodney had spent all his money, with the exception of
+about fifty cents. He had made every effort to obtain a place, but
+without success.
+
+Boys born and bred in New York have within my observation tried for
+months to secure a position in vain, so it is not surprising that Rodney
+who was a stranger proved equally unsuccessful.
+
+Though naturally hopeful Rodney became despondent.
+
+"There seems to be no place for me," he said to himself. "When I was at
+boarding school I had no idea how difficult it is for a boy to earn a
+living."
+
+He had one resource. He could withdraw the box of jewels from Tiffany's,
+and sell some article that it contained. But this he had a great
+objection to doing. One thing was evident however, he must do something.
+
+His friend, the lot agent, was out of town, and he hardly knew whom
+to advise with. At last Mike Flynn, the friendly bootblack, whose
+acquaintance he had made in front of the Astor House, occurred to him.
+
+Mike, humble as he was, was better off than himself. Moreover he was
+a New York boy, and knew more about "hustling" than Rodney did. So he
+sought out Mike in his "office."
+
+"Good morning, Mike," said Rodney, as the bootblack was brushing off a
+customer.
+
+"Oh, its you, Rodney," said Mike smiling with evident pleasure. "How
+you're gettin' on?"
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"That's bad. Can I help you? Just say the word, and I'll draw a check
+for you on the Park Bank."
+
+"Is that where you keep your money?"
+
+"It's one of my banks. You don't think I'd put all my spondulics in one
+bank, do you?"
+
+"I won't trouble you to draw a check this morning. I only want to ask
+some advice."
+
+"I've got plenty of that."
+
+"I haven't been able to get anything to do, and I have only fifty cents
+left. I can't go on like that."
+
+"That's so."
+
+"I've got to give up my room on Fourteenth Street. I can't pay for it
+any longer. Do you think I could get in at the Lodge?"
+
+"Yes. I'll introduce you to Mr. O'Connor."
+
+"When shall I meet you?"
+
+"At five o'clock. We'll be in time for supper."
+
+"All right."
+
+At five o'clock Mike accompanied Rodney to the large Newsboys' Lodging
+House on New Chambers Street. Mr. O'Connor, the popular and efficient
+superintendent, now dead, looked in surprise at Mike's companion. He was
+a stout man with a kindly face, and Rodney felt that he would prove to
+be a friend.
+
+"Mr. O'Connor, let me introduce me friend, Mr. Rodney Ropes," said Mike.
+
+"Could you give me a lodging?" asked Rodney in an embarrassed tone.
+
+"Yes; but I am surprised to see a boy of your appearance here."
+
+"I am surprised to be here myself," admitted Rodney.
+
+The superintendent fixed upon him a shrewd, but kindly glance.
+
+"Have you run away from home?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir. It is my home that has run away from me."
+
+"Have you parents?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Do you come from the country?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Where have you been living?"
+
+"At a boarding school a few hours from New York."
+
+"Why did you leave it?"
+
+"Because my guardian sent me word that he had lost my fortune, and could
+no longer pay my bills."
+
+"You have been unfortunate truly. What do you propose to do now?"
+
+"Earn my living if I can. I have been in the city for about two weeks,
+and have applied at a good many places but in vain."
+
+"Then you were right in coming here. Supper is ready, and although it
+is not what you are used to, it will satisfy hunger. Mike, you can take
+Rodney with you."
+
+Within five minutes Rodney was standing at a long table with a bowl
+of coffee and a segment of bread before him. It wouldn't have been
+attractive to one brought up to good living, as was the case with him,
+but he was hungry.
+
+He had eaten nothing since morning except an apple which he had bought
+at a street stand for a penny, and his stomach urgently craved a fresh
+supply of food.
+
+Mike stood next to him. The young bootblack, who was used to nothing
+better, ate his portion with zest, and glanced askance at Rodney to
+see how he relished his supper. He was surprised to see that his more
+aristocratic companion seemed to enjoy it quite as much as himself.
+
+"I didn't think you'd like it," he said.
+
+"Anything tastes good when you're hungry, Mike."
+
+"That's so."
+
+"And I haven't eaten anything except an apple, since morning."
+
+"Is dat so? Why didn't you tell me? I'd have stood treat at de Boss
+Tweed eatin' house."
+
+"I had money, but I didn't dare to spend it. I was afraid of having
+nothing left."
+
+When Rodney had eaten his supper he felt that he could have eaten more,
+but the craving was satisfied and he felt relieved.
+
+He looked around him with some curiosity, for he had never been in such
+a motley gathering before. There were perhaps one hundred and fifty boys
+recruited from the street, to about all of whom except himself the term
+street Arab might be applied.
+
+The majority of them had the shrewd and good humored Celtic face. Many
+of them were fun loving and even mischievous, but scarcely any were
+really bad.
+
+Naturally Rodney, with his good clothes, attracted attention. The boys
+felt that he was not one of them, and they had a suspicion that he felt
+above them.
+
+"Get on to de dude!" remarked one boy, who was loosely attired in a
+ragged shirt and tattered trousers.
+
+"He means me, Mike," said Rodney with a smile.
+
+"I say, Patsy Glenn, what do you mean by callin' me friend Rodney a
+dude?" demanded Mike angrily.
+
+"Coz he's got a dandy suit on."
+
+"What if he has? Wouldn't you wear one like it if you could!"
+
+"You bet!"
+
+"Then just let him alone! He's just got back from de inauguration."
+
+"Where'd you pick him up, Mike?"
+
+"Never mind! He's one of us. How much money have you got in your pocket
+Rodney?"
+
+"Thirty two cents."
+
+"He can't put on no frills wid dat money."
+
+"That's so. I take it all back," and Patsy offered a begrimed hand to
+Rodney, which the latter shook heartily with a pleasant smile.
+
+That turned the tide in favor of Rodney, the boys gathered around him
+and he told his story in a few words.
+
+"I used to be rich, boys," he said, "but my guardian spent all my money,
+and now I am as poor as any of you."
+
+"You'd ought to have had me for your guardian, Rodney," observed Mike.
+
+"I wish you had. You wouldn't have lost my money for me."
+
+"True for you! I say so, boys, if we can find Rodney's guardian, what'll
+we do to him?"
+
+"Give him de grand bounce," suggested Patsy.
+
+"Drop him out of a high winder," said another.
+
+"What's his name?"
+
+"I don't care to tell you, boys. He's written me a letter, saying he
+will try to pay me back some day. I think he will. He isn't a bad man,
+but he has been unlucky."
+
+Mike, at the request of Mr. O'Connor, showed Rodney a locker in which he
+could store such articles of clothing as he had with him. After that he
+felt more at home, and as if he were staying at a hotel though an humble
+one.
+
+At eight o'clock some of the boys had already gone to bed, but Mike
+and Rodney were among those who remained up. Rodney noticed with what
+kindness yet fairness the superintendent managed his unruly flock.
+Unruly they might have been with a different man, but he had no trouble
+in keeping them within bounds.
+
+It was at this time that two strangers were announced, one a New
+York merchant named Goodnow, the other a tall, slender man with sandy
+whiskers of the mutton chop pattern.
+
+"Good evening, Mr. Goodnow," said the superintendent, who recognized the
+merchant as a friend of the society.
+
+"Good evening, Mr. O'Connor. I have brought my friend and correspondent
+Mr. Mulgrave, of London, to see some of your young Arabs."
+
+"I shall be glad to give him all the opportunity he desires."
+
+The Englishman looked curiously at the faces of the boys who in turn
+were examining him with equal interest.
+
+"They are not unlike our boys of a similar grade, but seem sharper and
+more intelligent," he said. "But surely," pointing to Rodney, "that boy
+is not one of the--Arabs. Why, he looks like a young gentleman."
+
+"He is a new comer. He only appeared tonight."
+
+"He must have a history. May I speak with him?"
+
+"By all means. Rodney, this gentleman would like to talk with you."
+
+Rodney came forward with the ease of a boy who was accustomed to good
+society, and said: "I shall be very happy to speak with him."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+RODNEY FINDS A PLACE.
+
+
+"Surely," said the Englishman, "you were not brought up in the street?"
+
+"Oh, no," answered Rodney, "I was more fortunate."
+
+"Then how does it happen that I find you here--among the needy boys of
+the city?"
+
+"Because I am needy, too."
+
+"But you were not always poor?"
+
+"No; I inherited a moderate fortune from my father. It was only within a
+short time that I learned from my guardian that it was lost. I left the
+boarding school where I was being educated, and came to the city to try
+to make a living."
+
+"But surely your guardian would try to provide for you?"
+
+"He is no longer in the city."
+
+"Who was he?" asked Otis Goodnow.
+
+"Mr. Benjamin Fielding."
+
+"Is it possible? Why, I lost three thousand dollars by him. He has
+treated you shamefully."
+
+"It was not intentional, I am sure," said Rodney. "He was probably drawn
+into using my money by the hope of retrieving himself. He wrote me that
+he hoped at some time to make restitution."
+
+"You speak of him generously, my lad," said Mr. Mulgrave. "Yet he has
+brought you to absolute poverty."
+
+"Yes, sir, and I won't pretend that it is not a hard trial to me, but if
+I can get a chance to earn my own living, I will not complain."
+
+"Goodnow, a word with you," said the Englishman, and he drew his friend
+aside. "Can't you make room for this boy in your establishment?"
+
+Otis Goodnow hesitated. "At present there is no vacancy," he said.
+
+"Make room for him, and draw upon me for his wages for the first six
+months."
+
+"I will do so, but before the end of that time I am sure he will justify
+my paying him out of my own pocket."
+
+There was a little further conference, and then the two gentlemen came
+up to where Rodney was standing with Mr. O'Connor.
+
+"My boy," said Mr. Mulgrave, "my friend here will give you a place at
+five dollars a week. Will that satisfy you?"
+
+Rodney's face flushed with pleasure.
+
+"It will make me very happy," he said.
+
+"Come round to my warehouse--here is my business card--tomorrow
+morning," said the merchant. "Ask to see me."
+
+"At what time shall I call, sir?"
+
+"At half past nine o'clock. That is for the first morning. When you get
+to work you will have to be there at eight."
+
+"There will be no trouble about that, sir."
+
+"Now it is my turn," said the Englishman. "Here are five dollars to keep
+you till your first week's wages come due. I dare say you will find them
+useful."
+
+"Thank you very much, sir. I was almost out of money."
+
+After the two gentlemen left the Lodging House Rodney looked at the card
+and found that his new place of employment was situated on Reade Street
+not far from Broadway.
+
+"It's you that's in luck, Rodney," said his friend Mike. "Who'd think
+that a gentleman would come to the Lodging House to give you a place?"
+
+"Yes, I am in luck, Mike, and now I'm going to make you a proposal."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Why can't we take a room together? It will be better than living here."
+
+"Sure you wouldn't room with a poor boy like me?"
+
+"Why shouldn't I? You are a good friend, and I should like your company.
+Besides I mean to help you get an education. I suppose you're not a
+first class scholar, Mike?"
+
+"About fourth class, I guess, Rodney."
+
+"Then you shall study with me. Then when you know a little more you may
+get a chance to get out of your present business, and get into a store."
+
+"That will be bully!" said Mike with pleasure.
+
+"Now we'd better go to bed; I must be up bright and early in the
+morning. We'll engage a room before I go to work."
+
+There was no difficulty about rising early. It is one of the rules
+of the Lodging House for the boys to rise at six o'clock, and after
+a frugal breakfast of coffee and rolls they are expected to go out to
+their business whatever it may be. Mike and Rodney dispensed with the
+regulation breakfast and went out to a restaurant on Park Row where they
+fared better.
+
+"Now where shall we go for a room?" asked Rodney.
+
+"There's a feller I know has a good room on Bleecker Street," said Mike.
+
+"How far is that?"
+
+"A little more'n a mile."
+
+"All right! Let us go and see."
+
+Bleecker Street once stood in better repute than at present. It is said
+that A. T. Stewart once made his home there. Now it is given over to
+shops and cheap lodging houses.
+
+Finally the boys found a room decently furnished, about ten feet square,
+of which the rental was two dollars and a half per week. Mike succeeded
+in beating down the lodging house keeper to two dollars, and at that
+figure they engaged it.
+
+"When will you come?" asked Mrs. McCarty.
+
+"Right off," said Mike.
+
+"I'll need a little time to put it in order."
+
+"Me and my partner will be at our business till six o'clock," returned
+Mike.
+
+"You can send in your trunks during the day if you like."
+
+"My trunk is at the Windsor Hotel," said Mike. "I've lent it to a friend
+for a few days."
+
+Mrs. McCarty looked at Mike with a puzzled expression. She was one of
+those women who are slow to comprehend a joke, and she could not quite
+make it seem natural that her new lodger, who was in rather neglige
+costume, should be a guest at a fashionable hotel.
+
+"I will leave my valise," said Rodney, "and will send for my trunk. It
+is in the country."
+
+Mike looked at him, not feeling quite certain whether he was in earnest,
+but Rodney was perfectly serious.
+
+"You're better off than me," said Mike, when they reached the street.
+"If I had a trunk I wouldn't have anything to put into it."
+
+"I'll see if I can't rig you out, Mike. I've got a good many clothes,
+bought when I was rich. You and I are about the same size. I'll give you
+a suit of clothes to wear on Sundays."
+
+"Will you?" exclaimed Mike, his face showing pleasure. "I'd like to see
+how I look in good clo'es. I never wore any yet. It wouldn't do no good
+in my business."
+
+"You won't want to wear them when at work. But wouldn't you like to
+change your business?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you ever tried?"
+
+"What'd be the use of tryin'? They'd know I was a bootblack in these
+clo'es."
+
+"When you wear a better suit you can go round and try your luck."
+
+"I'd like to," said Mike wistfully. "I don't want you to tell at the
+store that you room with a bootblack."
+
+"It isn't that I think of, Mike. I want you to do better. I'm going to
+make a man of you."
+
+"I hope you are. Sometimes I've thought I'd have to be a bootblack
+always. When do you think you'll get the clo'es?"
+
+"I shall write to the principal of the boarding school at once, asking
+him to forward my trunk by express. I want to economize a little this
+week, and shall have to pay the express charges."
+
+"I'll pay up my part of the rent, Rodney, a quarter a day."
+
+Rodney had advanced the whole sum, as Mike was not in funds.
+
+"If you can't pay a dollar a week I will pay a little more than half."
+
+"There ain't no need. I'll pay my half and be glad to have a nice room."
+
+"I've got three or four pictures at the school, and some books. I'll
+send for them later on, and we'll fix up the room."
+
+"Will you? We'll have a reg'lar bang up place. I tell you that'll be
+better than livin' at the Lodge."
+
+"Still that seems a very neat place. It is lucky for poor boys that they
+can get lodging so cheap."
+
+"But it isn't like havin' a room of your own, Rodney. I say, when we're
+all fixed I'll ask some of me friends to come in some evenin' and take a
+look at us. They'll be s'prised."
+
+"Certainly, Mike. I shall be glad to see any of your friends."
+
+It may seem strange that Rodney, carefully as he had been brought up,
+should have made a companion of Mike, but he recognized in the warm
+hearted Irish boy, illiterate as he was, sterling qualities, and he felt
+desirous of helping to educate him. He knew that he could always depend
+on his devoted friendship, and looked forward with pleasure to their
+more intimate companionship.
+
+After selecting their room and making arrangements to take possession of
+it, the boys went down town. Rodney stepped into the reading room at the
+Astor House and wrote the following letter to Dr. Sampson:
+
+
+DR. PLINY SAMPSON:
+
+DEAR SIR--Will you be kind enough to send my trunk by express to No. 312
+Bleecker Street? I have taken a room there, and that will be my home for
+the present. I have obtained a position in a wholesale house on Reade
+Street, and hope I may give satisfaction. Will you remember me with best
+wishes to all the boys? I don't expect to have so easy or pleasant a
+time as I had at school, but I hope to get on, and some time--perhaps in
+the summer--to make you a short visit.
+
+Yours truly, RODNEY ROPES.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE FIRST DAY AT WORK.
+
+
+A little before half past nine Rodney paused in front of a large five
+story building on Reade Street occupied by Otis Goodnow.
+
+He entered and found the first floor occupied by quite a large number of
+clerks and salesmen, and well filled with goods.
+
+"Well, young fellow, what can I do for you?" asked a dapper looking
+clerk.
+
+"I would like to see Mr. Goodnow."
+
+"He's reading his letters. He won't see you."
+
+Rodney was provoked.
+
+"Do you decide who is to see him?" he asked.
+
+"You're impudent, young feller."
+
+"Am I? Perhaps you will allow Mr. Goodnow to see me, as long as he told
+me to call here this morning."
+
+"That's a different thing," returned the other in a different tone. "If
+you're sure about that you can go to the office in the back part of the
+room."
+
+Rodney followed directions and found himself at the entrance of a room
+which had been partitioned off for the use of the head of the firm.
+
+Mr. Goodnow was seated at a desk with his back to him, and was employed
+in opening letters. Without turning round he said, "Sit down and I will
+attend to you in a few minutes."
+
+Rodney seated himself on a chair near the door. In about ten minutes Mr.
+Goodnow turned around.
+
+"Who is it?" he asked.
+
+"Perhaps you remember telling me to call at half past nine. You saw me
+at the Newsboys' Lodging House."
+
+"Ah, yes, I remember. I promised my friend Mulgrave that I would give
+you a place. What can you do? Are you a good writer?"
+
+"Shall I give you a specimen of my handwriting?"
+
+"Yes; sit down at that desk."
+
+It was a desk adjoining his own.
+
+Rodney seated himself and wrote in a firm, clear, neat hand:
+
+"I will endeavor to give satisfaction, if you are kind enough to give me
+a place in your establishment."
+
+Then he passed over the paper to the merchant.
+
+"Ah, very good!" said Mr. Goodnow approvingly. "You won't be expected
+to do any writing yet but I like to take into my store those who are
+qualified for promotion."
+
+He rang a little bell on his desk.
+
+A boy about two years older than Rodney answered the summons.
+
+"Send Mr. James here," said the merchant.
+
+Mr. James, a sandy complexioned man, partially bald, made his
+appearance.
+
+"Mr. James," said the merchant, "I have taken this boy into my employ.
+I don't know if one is needed, but it is at the request of a friend. You
+can send him on errands, or employ him in any other way."
+
+"Very well, sir. I can find something for him to do today at any rate,
+as young Johnson hasn't shown up."
+
+"Very well. Whats your name, my lad?"
+
+"Rodney Ropes."
+
+"Make a note of his name, Mr. James, and enter it in the books. You may
+go with Mr. James, and put yourself at his disposal."
+
+Rodney followed the subordinate, who was the head of one of the
+departments, to the second floor. Here Mr. James had a desk.
+
+"Wait a minute," he said, "and I will give you a memorandum of places to
+call at."
+
+In five minutes a memorandum containing a list of three places was given
+to Rodney, with brief instructions as to what he was to do at each. They
+were places not far away, and fortunately Rodney had a general idea as
+to where they were.
+
+In his search for positions he had made a study of the lower part of the
+city which now stood him in good stead.
+
+As he walked towards the door he attracted the attention of the young
+clerk with whom he had just spoken.
+
+"Well, did you see Mr. Goodnow?" asked the young man, stroking a sickly
+looking mustache.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Has he taken you into the firm?"
+
+"Not yet, but he has given me a place."
+
+The clerk whistled.
+
+"So you are one of us?" he said.
+
+"Yes," answered Rodney with a smile.
+
+"Then you ought to know the rules of the house."
+
+"You can tell me later on, but now I am going out on an errand."
+
+In about an hour Rodney returned. He had been detained at two of the
+places where he called.
+
+"Do you remember what I said?" asked the young clerk as he passed.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"The first rule of the establishment is for a new hand to treat ME on
+his first day."
+
+"That's pretty good for you," said Rodney, laughing; "I shall have to
+wait till my pay is raised."
+
+About the middle of the afternoon, as Rodney was helping to unpack a
+crate of goods, the older boy whom he had already seen in the office
+below, walked up to him and said, "Is your name Ropes?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You are wanted in Mr. Goodnow's office."
+
+Rodney went down stairs, feeling a little nervous. Had he done wrong,
+and was he to be reprimanded?
+
+He could think of nothing deserving censure. So far as he knew he had
+attended faithfully to all the duties required of him.
+
+As he entered the office, he saw that Mr. Goodnow had a visitor, whose
+face looked familiar to him. He recalled it immediately as the face of
+the English gentleman who had visited the Lodging House the day previous
+with his employer.
+
+"So I find you at work?" he said, offering his hand with a smile.
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Rodney gratefully, "thanks to you."
+
+"How do you think you will like it?"
+
+"Very much, sir. It is so much better than going around the street with
+nothing to do."
+
+"I hope you will try to give satisfaction to my friend, Mr. Goodnow."
+
+"I shall try to do so, sir."
+
+"You mustn't expect to rise to be head salesman in a year. Festina
+lente, as the Latin poet has it."
+
+"I shall be satisfied with hastening slowly, sir."
+
+"What! you understand Latin?"
+
+"Pretty well, sir."
+
+"Upon my word, I didn't expect to find a boy in the News boys' Lodging
+House with classical attainments. Perhaps you know something of Greek
+also!" he said doubtfully.
+
+In reply Rodney repeated the first line of the Iliad.
+
+"Astonishing!" exclaimed Mr. Mulgrave, putting up his eyeglass, and
+surveying Rodney as if he were a curious specimen. "You don't happen to
+know anything of Sanscrit, do you?"
+
+"No, sir; I confess my ignorance."
+
+"I apprehend you won't require it in my friend Goodnow's establishment."
+
+"If I do, I will learn it," said Rodney, rather enjoying the joke.
+
+"If I write a book about America, I shall certainly put in a paragraph
+about a learned office boy. I think you are entitled to something for
+your knowledge of Greek and Latin--say five dollars apiece," and Mr.
+Mulgrave drew from his pocket two gold pieces and handed them to Rodney.
+
+"Thank you very much, sir," said Rodney. "I shall find this money very
+useful, as I have taken a room, and am setting up housekeeping."
+
+"Then you have left the Lodging House?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I only spent one night there."
+
+"You are right. It is no doubt a great blessing to the needy street
+boys, but you belong to a different class."
+
+"It is very fortunate I went there last evening, or I should not have
+met you and Mr. Goodnow."
+
+"I am glad to have been the means of doing you a service," said the
+Englishman kindly, shaking hands with Rodney, who bowed and went back to
+his work.
+
+"I am not sure but you are taking too much notice of that boy,
+Mulgrave," said the merchant.
+
+"No fear! He is not a common boy. You won't regret employing him."
+
+"I hope not."
+
+Then they talked of other matters, for Mr. Mulgrave was to start on his
+return to England the following day.
+
+At five o'clock Rodney's day was over, and he went back to Bleecker
+Street. He found Mike already there, working hard to get his hands
+clean, soiled as they were by the stains of blacking.
+
+"Did you have a good day, Mike?" asked Rodney.
+
+"Yes; I made a dollar and ten cents. Here's a quarter towards the rent."
+
+"All right! I see you are prompt in money matters."
+
+"I try to be. Do you know, Rodney, I worked better for feelin' that I
+had a room of my own to go to after I got through. I hope I'll soon be
+able to get into a different business."
+
+"I hope so, too."
+
+Two days later Rodney's trunk arrived. In the evening he opened it.
+He took out a dark mixed suit about half worn, and said, "Try that on,
+Mike."
+
+Mike did so. It fitted as if it were made for him.
+
+"You can have it, Mike," said Rodney.
+
+"You don't mean it?" exclaimed Mike, delighted.
+
+"Yes, I do. I have plenty of others."
+
+Rodney supplemented his gift by a present of underclothing, and on the
+following Sunday the two boys went to Central Park in the afternoon,
+Mike so transformed that some of his street friends passed him without
+recognition, much to Mike's delight.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+MIKE PUTS ON A UNIFORM.
+
+
+A wonderful change came over Mike Flynn. Until he met Rodney he seemed
+quite destitute of ambition. The ragged and dirty suit which he wore as
+bootblack were the best he had. His face and hands generally bore the
+marks of his business, and as long as he made enough to buy three meals
+a day, two taken at the Lodging House, with something over for lodging,
+and an occasional visit to a cheap theater, he was satisfied.
+
+He was fifteen, and had never given a thought to what he would do when
+he was older. But after meeting Rodney, and especially after taking
+a room with him, he looked at life with different eyes. He began to
+understand that his business, though honorable because honest, was not
+a desirable one. He felt, too, that he ought to change it out of regard
+for Rodney, who was now his close companion.
+
+"If I had ten dollars ahead," he said one day, "I'd give up blackin'
+boots."
+
+"What else would you do?"
+
+"I'd be a telegraph boy. That's more respectable than blackin' boots,
+and it 'ould be cleaner."
+
+"That is true. Do you need money to join?"
+
+"I would get paid once in two weeks, and I'd have to live till I got my
+first salary."
+
+"I guess I can see you through, Mike."
+
+"No; you need all your money, Rodney. I'll wait and see if I can't save
+it myself."
+
+This, however, would have taken a long time, if Mike had not been
+favored by circumstances. He was standing near the ladies' entrance to
+the Astor House one day, when casting his eyes downward he espied a
+neat pocketbook of Russia leather. He picked it up, and from the feeling
+judged that it must be well filled.
+
+Now I must admit that it did occur to Mike that he could divert to his
+own use the contents without detection, as no one had seen him pick it
+up. But Mike was by instinct an honest boy, and he decided that this
+would not be right. He thrust it into his pocket, however, as he had no
+objection to receiving a reward if one was offered.
+
+While he was standing near the entrance, a tall lady, dressed in brown
+silk and wearing glasses, walked up from the direction of Broadway. She
+began to peer about like one who was looking for something.
+
+"I guess its hers," thought Mike.
+
+"Are you looking for anything, ma'am?" he asked.
+
+She turned and glanced at Mike.
+
+"I think I must have dropped my pocketbook," she said. "I had it in my
+hand when I left the hotel, but I had something on my mind and I think
+I must have dropped it without noticing. Won't you help me look for it,
+for I am short sighted?"
+
+"Is this it?" asked Mike, producing the pocketbook.
+
+"Oh yes!" exclaimed the lady joyfully. "Where did you find it?"
+
+"Just here," answered Mike, indicating a place on the sidewalk.
+
+"I suppose there is a good deal of money in it?" said Mike, with
+pardonable curiosity.
+
+"Then you didn't open it?"
+
+"No, ma'am, I didn't have a chance. I just found it."
+
+"There may be forty or fifty dollars, but it isn't on that account I
+should have regretted losing it. It contained a receipt for a thousand
+dollars which I am to use in a law suit. That is very important for it
+will defeat a dishonest claim for money that I have already paid."
+
+"Then I'm glad I found it."
+
+"You are an honest boy. You seem to be a poor boy also."
+
+"That's true, ma'am. If I was rich I wouldn't black boots for a livin'."
+
+"Dear me, you are one of the young street Arabs I've read about," and
+the lady looked curiously at Mike through her glasses.
+
+"I expect I am."
+
+"And I suppose you haven't much money."
+
+"My bank account is very low, ma'am."
+
+"I've read a book about a boy named 'Ragged Dick.' I think he was a
+bootblack, too. Do you know him?"
+
+"He's my cousin, ma'am," answered Mike promptly.
+
+It will be observed that I don't represent Mike as possessed of all the
+virtues.
+
+"Dear me, how interesting. I bought the book for my little nephew. Now I
+can tell him I have seen 'Ragged Dick's' cousin. Where is Dick now?"
+
+"He's reformed, ma'am."
+
+"Reformed?"
+
+"Yes, from blackin' boots. He's in better business now."
+
+"If I should give you some of the money in this pocketbook, you wouldn't
+spend it on drinking and gambling, would you?"
+
+"No, ma'am. I'd reform like my cousin, Ragged Dick."
+
+"You look like a good truthful boy. Here are ten dollars for you."
+
+"Oh, thank you, ma'am! you're a gentleman," said Mike overjoyed. "No, I
+don't mean that but I hope you'll soon get a handsome husband."
+
+"My young friend, I don't care to marry, though I appreciate your good
+wishes. I am an old maid from principle. I am an officer of the Female
+Suffrage Association."
+
+"Is it a good payin' office, ma'am?" asked Mike, visibly impressed.
+
+"No, but it is a position of responsibility. Please tell me your name
+that I may make a note of it."
+
+"My name is Michael Flynn."
+
+"I see. You are of Celtic extraction."
+
+"I don't know, ma'am. I never heard that I was. It isn't anything bad,
+is it?"
+
+"Not at all. I have some Celtic blood in my own veins. If you ever come
+to Boston you can inquire for Miss Pauline Peabody."
+
+"Thank you, ma'am," said Mike, who thought the lady rather a "queer
+lot."
+
+"Now I must call upon my lawyer, and leave the receipt which I came so
+near losing."
+
+"Well, I'm in luck," thought Mike. "I'll go home and dress up, and apply
+for a position as telegraph boy."
+
+When Rodney came home at supper time he found Mike, dressed in his
+Sunday suit.
+
+"What's up now, Mike?" he asked. "Have you retired from business?"
+
+"Yes, from the bootblack business. Tomorrow I shall be a telegraph boy."
+
+"That is good. You haven't saved up ten dollars, have you?"
+
+"I saved up two, and a lady gave me ten dollars for findin' her
+pocketbook."
+
+"That's fine, Mike."
+
+There chanced to be a special demand for telegraph boys at that time,
+and Mike, who was a sharp lad, on passing the necessary examination, was
+at once set to work.
+
+He was immensely fond of his blue uniform when he first put it on, and
+felt that he had risen in the social scale. True, his earnings did not
+average as much, but he was content with smaller pay, since the duties
+were more agreeable.
+
+In the evenings under Rodney's instruction he devoted an hour and
+sometimes two to the task of making up the deficiencies in his early
+education. These were extensive, but Mike was naturally a smart boy, and
+after a while began to improve rapidly.
+
+So three months passed. Rodney stood well in with Mr. Goodnow, and
+was promoted to stock clerk. The discipline which he had revived as
+a student stood him in good stead, and enabled him to make more rapid
+advancement than some who had been longer in the employ of the firm. In
+particular he was promoted over the head of Jasper Redwood, a boy two
+years older than himself, who was the nephew of an old employee who had
+been for fifteen years in the house.
+
+Jasper's jealousy was aroused, and he conceived a great dislike for
+Rodney, of which Rodney was only partially aware.
+
+For this dislike there was really no cause. Rodney stood in his way only
+because Jasper neglected his duties, and failed to inspire confidence.
+He was a boy who liked to spend money and found his salary insufficient,
+though he lived with his uncle and paid but two dollars a week for his
+board.
+
+"Uncle James," he said one day, "when do you think I will get a raise?"
+
+"You might get one now if it were not for the new boy."
+
+"You mean Ropes."
+
+"Yes, he has just been promoted to a place which I hoped to get for
+you."
+
+"It is mean," grumbled Jasper. "I have been here longer than he."
+
+"True, but he seems to be Mr. Goodnow's pet. It was an unlucky day for
+you when he got a place in the establishment."
+
+"Did you ask Mr. Goodnow to promote me?"
+
+"Yes, but he said he had decided to give Archer's place to Ropes."
+
+Archer was a young clerk who was obliged, on account of pulmonary
+weakness, to leave New York and go to Southern California.
+
+"How much does Ropes get now?"
+
+"Seven dollars a week."
+
+"And I only get five, and I am two years older. They ought to have more
+regard for you, Uncle James, or I, as your nephew, would get promoted."
+
+"I will see what we can do about it."
+
+"I wish Ropes would get into some scrape and get discharged."
+
+It was a new idea, but Jasper dwelt upon it, and out of it grew trouble
+for Rodney.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+MISSING GOODS.
+
+
+James Redwood was summoned one morning to the counting room of his
+employer.
+
+"Mr. Redwood," said the merchant "I have reason to think that one of my
+clerks is dishonest."
+
+"Who, sir?"
+
+"That is what I want you to find out."
+
+"What reason have you for suspecting any one?"
+
+"Some ladies' cloaks and some dress patterns are missing."
+
+"Are you sure they were not sold?"
+
+"Yes: the record of sales has been examined, and they are not included."
+
+"That is strange, Mr. Goodnow," said Redwood thoughtfully. "I hope I am
+not under suspicion."
+
+"Oh, not at all."
+
+"The losses seem to have taken place in my department."
+
+"True, but that doesn't involve you."
+
+"What do you want me to do?"
+
+"Watch those under you. Let nothing in your manner, however, suggest
+that you are suspicious. I don't want you to put any one on his guard."
+
+"All right, sir. I will be guided by your instructions. Have you any
+idea how long this has been going on?"
+
+"Only a few weeks."
+
+Mr. Redwood turned to go back to his room, but Mr. Goodnow called him
+back.
+
+"I needn't suggest to you," he said, "that you keep this to yourself.
+Don't let any clerk into the secret."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+James Redwood, however, did not keep his promise. After supper he called
+back Jasper as he was about putting on his hat to go out, and said,
+"Jasper, I wish to speak with you for five minutes."
+
+"Won't it do tomorrow morning? I have an engagement."
+
+"Put it off, then. This is a matter of importance."
+
+"Very well, sir," and Jasper, albeit reluctantly, laid down his hat and
+sat down.
+
+"Jasper," said his uncle, "there's a thief in our establishment."
+
+Jasper started, and his sallow complexion turned yellower than usual.
+
+"What do you mean, uncle?" he asked nervously.
+
+"What I say. Some articles are missing that have not been sold."
+
+"Such as what?"
+
+"Ladies' cloaks and dress patterns."
+
+"Who told you?" asked Jasper in a low tone.
+
+"Mr. Goodnow."
+
+"What the boss?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"How should he know?"
+
+"I didn't inquire, and if I had he probably wouldn't have told me. The
+main thing is that he does know."
+
+"He may not be sure."
+
+"He is not a man to speak unless he feels pretty sure."
+
+"I don't see how any one could steal the articles without being
+detected."
+
+"It seems they are detected."
+
+"Did--did Mr. Goodnow mention any names?"
+
+"No. He wants to watch and find out the thief. I wish you to help me,
+though I am acting against instructions. Mr. Goodnow asked me to take
+no one into my confidence. You will see, therefore, that it will be
+necessary for you to say nothing."
+
+"I won't breathe a word," said Jasper, who seemed to feel more at ease.
+
+"Now that I have told you so much, can you suggest any person who would
+be likely to commit the theft?"
+
+Jasper remained silent for a moment, then with a smile of malicious
+satisfaction said, "Yes, I can suggest a person."
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"The new boy, Rodney Ropes."
+
+James Redwood shook his head.
+
+"I can't believe that it is he. I am not in love with the young fellow,
+who seems to stand in the way of your advancement but he seems straight
+enough, and I don't think it at all likely that he should be the guilty
+person."
+
+"Yes, Uncle James, he SEEMS straight but you know that still waters run
+deep."
+
+"Have you seen anything that would indicate guilt on his part?"
+
+"I have noticed this, that, he is very well dressed for a boy of his
+small salary, and seems always to have money to spend."
+
+"That will count for something. Still he might have some outide means.
+Have you noticed anything else?"
+
+Jasper hesitated.
+
+"I noticed one evening when he left the store that he had a sizable
+parcel under his arm."
+
+"And you think it might have contained some article stolen from the
+stock?"
+
+"That's just what I think now. Nothing of the kind occurred to me at
+that time, for I didn't know any articles were missing."
+
+"That seems important. When was it that you noticed this?"
+
+"One day last week," answered Jasper hesitatingly.
+
+"Can you remember the day?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Couldn't you fix it some way?"
+
+"No. You see, I didn't attach any particular importance to it at the
+time, and probably it would not have occurred to me again, but for your
+mentioning that articles were missing."
+
+"There may be something in what you say," said his uncle thoughtfully.
+"I will take special notice of young Ropes after this."
+
+"So will I."
+
+"Don't let him observe that he is watched. It would defeat our chances
+of detecting the thief."
+
+"I'll be careful. Do you want to say anything more, uncle?"
+
+"No. By the way, where were you going this evening?"
+
+"I was going to meet a friend, and perhaps go to the theater. You
+couldn't lend me a dollar, could you, Uncle James?"
+
+"Yes, I could, but you are not quite able to pay for your own pleasures.
+It costs all my salary to live, and its going to be worse next year, for
+I shall have to pay a higher rent."
+
+"When I have my pay raised, I can get along better."
+
+"If Ropes loses his place, you will probably step into it."
+
+"Then I hope he'll go, and that soon."
+
+When Jasper passed through the front door and stood on the sidewalk, he
+breathed a sigh of relief.
+
+"So, they are on to us," he said to himself. "But how was it found
+out? That's what I'd like to know. I have been very careful. I must see
+Carton at once."
+
+A short walk took him to a billiard room not far from Broadway. A young
+man of twenty five, with a slight mustache, and a thin, dark face, was
+selecting a cue.
+
+"Ah, Jasper!" he said. "Come at last. Let us have a game of pool."
+
+"Not just yet. Come outide. I want to speak to you."
+
+Jasper looked serious, and Philip Carton, observing it, made no
+remonstrance, but taking his hat, followed him out.
+
+"Well, what is it?" he asked.
+
+"Something serious. It is discovered at the store that goods are
+missing."
+
+"You don't mean it? Are we suspected?"
+
+"No one is suspected--yet."
+
+"But how do you know?"
+
+"My uncle spoke to me about it this evening--just after supper."
+
+"He doesn't think you are in it."
+
+"No."
+
+"How did he find out?"
+
+"Through the boss. Goodnow spoke to him about it today."
+
+"But how should Goodnow know anything about it?"
+
+"That no one can tell but himself. He asked Uncle James to watch the
+clerks, and see if he could fasten the theft on any of them."
+
+"That is pleasant for us. It is well we are informed so that we can be
+on our guard. I am afraid our game is up."
+
+"For the present at any rate we must suspend operations. Now, have you
+some money for me?"
+
+"Well, a little."
+
+"A little? Why there are two cloaks and a silk dress pattern to be
+accounted for."
+
+"True, but I have to be very careful. I have to submit to a big discount
+for the parties I sell to undoubtedly suspect that the articles are
+stolen."
+
+"Wouldn't it be better to pawn them?"
+
+"It would be more dangerous. Besides you know how liberal pawnbrokers
+are. I'll tell you what would be better. If I had a sufficient number of
+articles to warrant it, I could take them on to Boston or Philadelphia,
+and there would be less risk selling them there."
+
+"That is true. I wish we had thought of that before. Now we shall have
+to give up the business for a time. How much money have you got for me?"
+
+"Seven dollars."
+
+"Seven dollars!" exclaimed Jasper in disgust. "Why, that is ridiculous.
+The articles must have been worth at retail a hundred dollars."
+
+"Perhaps so, but I only got fourteen for them. If you think you can do
+any better you may sell them yourself next time."
+
+"I thought I should assuredly get fifteen dollars out of it," said
+Jasper, looking deeply disappointed. "I had a use for the money too."
+
+"Very likely. So had I."
+
+"Well, I suppose I must make it do. Listen and I will tell you how I
+think I can turn this thing to my advantage."
+
+"Go ahead!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+WHAT WAS FOUND IN RODNEY'S ROOM.
+
+
+"There is a boy who stands between me and promotion," continued Jasper,
+speaking in a low tone.
+
+"The boy you mentioned the other day?"
+
+"Yes, Rodney Ropes. Mr. Goodnow got him from I don't know where, and has
+taken a ridiculous fancy to him. He has been put over my head and his
+pay raised, though I have been in the store longer than he. My idea is
+to connect him with the thefts and get him discharged."
+
+"Do you mean that we are to make him a confederate?"
+
+"No," answered Jasper impatiently. "He would be just the fellow to peach
+and get us all into trouble."
+
+"Then what do you mean?"
+
+"To direct suspicion towards him. We won't do it immediately, but within
+a week or two. It would do me good to have him turned out of the store."
+
+Jasper proceeded to explain his idea more fully, and his companion
+pronounced it very clever.
+
+Meanwhile Rodney, not suspecting the conspiracy to deprive him of his
+place and his good name, worked zealously, encouraged by his promotion,
+and resolved to make a place for himself which should insure him a
+permanent connection with the firm.
+
+Ten days passed, and Mr. Redwood again received a summons from the
+office.
+
+Entering, he found Mr. Goodnow with a letter in his hand.
+
+"Well, Mr. Redwood," he began, "have you got any clew to the party who
+has stolen our goods?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Has any thing been taken since I spoke with you on the subject?"
+
+"Not that I am aware of."
+
+"Has any one of the clerks attracted your attention by suspicious
+conduct?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Redwood, puzzled.
+
+"Humph! Cast your eye over this letter."
+
+James Redwood took the letter, which was written in a fine hand, and
+read as follow:
+
+
+MR. GOODNOW:
+
+DEAR SIR,--I don't know whether you are aware that articles have been
+taken from your stock, say, ladies' cloaks and silk dress patterns,
+and disposed of outside. I will not tell you how it has come to my
+knowledge, for I do not want to get any one's ill will, but I will say,
+to begin with, that they were taken by one of your employees, and the
+one, perhaps, that you would least suspect, for I am told that he is
+a favorite of yours. I may as well say that it is Rodney Ropes. I live
+near him, and last evening I saw him carry a bundle to his room when he
+went back from the store. I think if you would send round today when he
+is out, you would find in his room one or more of the stolen articles. I
+don't want to get him into trouble, but I don't like to see you robbed,
+and so I tell you what I know. A FRIEND.
+
+
+Mr. Redwood read this letter attentively, arching his brows, perhaps to
+indicate his surprise. Then he read it again carefully.
+
+"What do you think of it?" asked the merchant.
+
+"I don't know," answered Redwood slowly.
+
+"Have you ever seen anything suspicious in the conduct of young Ropes?"
+
+"I can't say I have. On the contrary, he seems to be a very diligent and
+industrious clerk."
+
+"But about his honesty."
+
+"I fancied him the soul of honesty."
+
+"So did I, but of course we are liable to be deceived. It wouldn't
+be the first case where seeming honesty has been a cover for flagrant
+dishonesty."
+
+"What do you wish me to do, Mr. Goodnow? Shall I send Ropes down to
+you?"
+
+"No; it would only give him a chance, if guilty, to cover up his
+dishonesty."
+
+"I am ready to follow your instructions."
+
+"Do you know where he lodges?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then I will ask you to go around there, and by some means gain
+admission to his room. If he has any of our goods secreted take
+possession of them and report to me."
+
+"Very well, sir." Half an hour later Mrs. McCarty, Rodney's landlady, in
+response to a ring admitted Mr. James Redwood.
+
+"Does a young man named Ropes lodge here?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I come from the house where he is employed. He has inadvertently left
+in his room a parcel belonging to us, and I should be glad if you would
+allow me to go up to his room and take it."
+
+"You see, sir," said Mrs. McCarty in a tone of hesitation, "while you
+look like a perfect gentleman, I don't know you, and I am not sure
+whether, in justice to Mr. Ropes, I ought to admit you to his room."
+
+"You are quite right my good lady; I am sure. It is just what I should
+wish my own landlady to do. I will therefore ask you to go up to the
+room with me to see that all is right."
+
+"That seems all right, sir. In that case I don't object. Follow me, if
+you please."
+
+As they entered Rodney's room Mr. Redwood looked about him
+inquisitively. One article at once fixed his attention. It was a parcel
+wrapped in brown paper lying on the bed.
+
+"This is the parcel, I think," he said. "If you will allow me I will
+open it, to make sure."
+
+Mrs. McCarty looked undecided, but as she said nothing in opposition Mr.
+Redwood unfastened the strings and unrolled the bundle. His eyes lighted
+up with satisfaction as he disclosed the contents--a lady's cloak.
+
+Mrs. McCarty looked surprised.
+
+"Why, it's a lady's cloak," she said, "and a very handsome one. What
+would Mr. Ropes want of such a thing as that?"
+
+"Perhaps he intended to make you a present of it."
+
+"No, he can't afford to make such present."
+
+"The explanation is simple. It belongs to the store. Perhaps Mr. Ropes
+left it here inadvertently."
+
+"But he hasn't been here since morning."
+
+"He has a pass key to the front door?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then he may have been here. Would you object to my taking it?"
+
+"Yes, sir, you see I don't know you."
+
+"Your objection is a proper one. Then I will trouble you to take a look
+at the cloak, so that you would know it again."
+
+"Certainly, sir. I shall remember it!"
+
+"That is all, Mrs. ----?"
+
+"McCarty, sir."
+
+"Mrs. McCarty, I won't take up any more of your time," and Mr. Redwood
+started to go down stairs.
+
+"Who shall I tell Mr. Ropes called to see him."
+
+"You needn't say. I will mention the matter to him myself. I am employed
+in the same store."
+
+"All right sir. Where is the store? I never thought to ask Mr. Ropes."
+
+"Reade Street, near Broadway. You know where Reade Street is?"
+
+"Yes, sir. My husband used to work in Chambers Street. That is the first
+street south."
+
+"Precisely. Well, I can't stay longer, so I will leave, apologizing for
+having taken up so much of your time."
+
+"Oh, it's of no consequence, sir."
+
+"He is a perfect gentleman," she said to herself, as Mr. Redwood closed
+the front door, and went out on the street. "I wonder whether he's a
+widower."
+
+Being a widow this was quite a natural thought for Mrs. McCarty to
+indulge in, particularly as Mr. Redwood looked to be a substantial man
+with a snug income.
+
+Mr. Redwood went back to the store, and went at once to the office.
+
+"Well, Redwood," said Mr. Goodnow, "did you learn anything?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Go on."
+
+"I went to the lodging of young Ropes, and was admitted to his room."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"And there, wrapped in a brown paper, I found one of our missing cloaks
+lying on his bed."
+
+"Is it possible?"
+
+"I am afraid he is not what we supposed him to be, Mr. Goodnow."
+
+"It looks like it. I am surprised and sorry. Do you think he took the
+other articles that are missing?"
+
+"Of course I can't say, sir, but it is fair to presume that he did."
+
+"I am exceedingly sorry. I don't mind saying, Redwood, that I took an
+especial interest in that boy. I have already told you the circumstances
+of my meeting him, and the fancy taken to him by my friend Mulgrave."
+
+"Yes, sir, I have heard you say that."
+
+"I don't think I am easily taken in, and that boy impressed me as
+thoroughly honest. But of course I don't pretend to be infallible and it
+appears that I have been mistaken in him."
+
+The merchant looked troubled, for he had come to feel a sincere regard
+for Rodney. He confessed to himself that he would rather have found any
+of the other clerks dishonest.
+
+"You may send Ropes to me," he said, "Mr. Redwood, and you will please
+come with him. We will investigate this matter at once."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+CHARGED WITH THEFT.
+
+
+Rodney entered Mr. Goodnow's office without a suspicion of the serious
+accusation which had been made against him. The first hint that there
+was anything wrong came to him when he saw the stern look in the
+merchants eyes.
+
+"Perhaps," said Mr. Goodnow, as he leaned back in his chair and fixed
+his gaze on the young clerk, "you may have an idea why I have sent for
+you."
+
+"No, sir," answered Rodney, looking puzzled.
+
+"You can't think of any reason I may have for wishing to see you?"
+
+"No, sir," and Rodney returned Mr. Goodnow's gaze with honest
+unfaltering eyes.
+
+"Possibly you are not aware that within a few weeks some articles have
+been missed from our stock."
+
+"I have not heard of it. What kind of articles?"
+
+"The boy is more artful than I thought!" soliloquized the merchant.
+
+"All the articles missed," he proceeded, "have been from the room
+in charge of Mr. Redwood, the room in which you, among others, are
+employed."
+
+Something in Mr. Goodnow's tone gave Rodney the hint of the truth. If he
+had been guilty he would have flushed and showed signs of confusion.
+As it was, he only wished to learn the truth and he in turn became the
+questioner.
+
+"Is it supposed," he asked, "that any one in your employ is responsible
+for these thefts?"
+
+"It is."
+
+"Is any one in particular suspected?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you tell me who, that is if you think I ought to know?"
+
+"Certainly you ought to know, for it is you who are suspected."
+
+Then Rodney became indignant.
+
+"I can only deny the charge in the most emphatic terms," he said. "If
+any one has brought such a charge against me, it is a lie."
+
+"You can say that to Mr. Redwood, for it is he who accuses you."
+
+"What does this mean, Mr. Redwood?" demanded Rodney quickly. "What have
+you seen in me that leads you to accuse me of theft."
+
+"To tell the truth, Ropes, you are about the last clerk in my room
+whom I would have suspected. But early this morning this letter was
+received," and he placed in Rodney's hands the letter given in a
+preceding chapter.
+
+Rodney read it through and handed it back scornfully.
+
+"I should like to see the person who wrote this letter," he said. "It is
+a base lie from beginning to end."
+
+"I thought it might be when Mr. Goodnow showed it to me," said Redwood
+in an even tone, "but Mr. Goodnow and I agreed that it would be well to
+investigate. Therefore I went to your room."
+
+"When, sir?"
+
+"This morning."
+
+"Then it is all right, for I am sure you found nothing."
+
+"On the contrary, Ropes, I found that the statement made in the letter
+was true. On your bed was a bundle containing one of the cloaks taken
+from our stock."
+
+Rodney's face was the picture of amazement.
+
+"Is this true?" he said.
+
+"It certainly is. I hope you don't doubt my word."
+
+"Did you bring it back with you?"
+
+"No; your worthy landlady was not quite sure whether I was what I
+represented, and I left the parcel there. However I opened it in her
+presence so that she can testify what I found."
+
+"This is very strange," said Rodney, looking at his accuser with puzzled
+eyes. "I know nothing whatever of the cloak and can't imagine how it got
+into my room."
+
+"Perhaps it walked there," said Mr. Goodnow satirically.
+
+Rodney colored, for he understood that his employer did not believe him.
+
+"May I go to my room," he asked, "and bring back the bundle with me?"
+
+Observing that Mr. Goodnow hesitated he added, "You can send Some one
+with me to see that I don't spirit away the parcel, and come back with
+it."
+
+"On these conditions you may go. Redwood, send some one with Ropes."
+
+Rodney followed the chief of his department back to the cloak room, and
+the latter, after a moments thought, summoned Jasper.
+
+"Jasper," he said, "Ropes is going to his room to get a parcel which
+belongs to the store. You may go with him."
+
+There was a flash of satisfaction in Jasper's eyes as he answered with
+seeming indifference, "All right! I will go. I shall be glad to have a
+walk."
+
+As the two boys passed out of the store, Jasper asked, "What does it
+mean, Ropes?"
+
+"I don't know myself. I only know that there is said to be a parcel
+containing a cloak in my room. This cloak came from the store, and I am
+suspected of having stolen it."
+
+"Whew! that's a serious matter. Of course it is all a mistake?"
+
+"Yes, it is all a mistake."
+
+"But how could it get to your room unless you carried it there?"
+
+Rodney gave Jasper a sharp look.
+
+"Some one must have taken it there," he said.
+
+"How on earth did Uncle James find out?"
+
+"An anonymous letter was sent to Mr. Goodnow charging me with theft. Did
+you hear that articles have been missed for some time from the stock?"
+
+"Never heard a word of it," said Jasper with ready falsehood.
+
+"It seems the articles are missing from our room, and some one in the
+room is suspected of being the thief."
+
+"Good gracious! I hope no one will suspect me," said Jasper in pretended
+alarm.
+
+"It seems I am suspected. I hope no other innocent person will have a
+like misfortune."
+
+Presently they reached Rodney's lodgings. Mrs. McCarty was coming up the
+basement stairs as they entered.
+
+"La, Mr. Ropes!" she said, "what brings you here in the middle of the
+day?"
+
+"I hear there is a parcel in my room."
+
+"Yes; it contains such a lovely cloak. The gentleman from your store who
+called a little while ago thought you might have meant it as a present
+for me."
+
+"I am afraid it will be some time before I can afford to make such
+present. Do you know if any one called and left the cloak here?"
+
+"No; I didn't let in no one at the door."
+
+"Was the parcel there when you made the bed?"
+
+"Well, no, it wasn't. That is curious."
+
+"It shows that the parcel has been left here since. Now I certainly
+couldn't have left it, for I have been at work all the morning. Come up
+stairs, Jasper."
+
+The two boys went up the stairs, and, entering Rodney's room, found the
+parcel, still on the bed.
+
+Rodney opened it and identified the cloak as exactly like those which
+they carried in stock.
+
+He examined the paper in which it was inclosed, but it seemed to differ
+from the wrapping paper used at the store. He called Jasper's attention
+to this.
+
+"I have nothing to say," remarked Jasper, shrugging his shoulders. "I
+don't understand the matter at all. I suppose you are expected to carry
+the cloak back to the store."
+
+"Yes, that is the only thing to do."
+
+"I say, Ropes, it looks pretty bad for you."
+
+Jasper said this, but Rodney observed that his words were not
+accompanied by any expressions of sympathy, or any words that indicated
+his disbelief of Rodney's guilt.
+
+"Do you think I took this cloak from the store?" he demanded, facing
+round upon Jasper.
+
+"Really, I don't know. It looks bad, finding it in your room."
+
+"I needn't ask any further. I can see what you think."
+
+"You wouldn't have me tell a lie, would you, Ropes? Of course such
+things have been done before, and your salary is small."
+
+"You insult me by your words," said Rodney, flaming up.
+
+"Then I had better not speak, but you asked me, you know."
+
+"Yes, I did. Things may look against me, but I am absolutely innocent."
+
+"If you can make Mr. Goodnow think so," said Jasper with provoking
+coolness, "it will be all right. Perhaps he will forgive you."
+
+"I don't want his forgiveness. I want him to think me honest."
+
+"Well, I hope you are, I am sure, but it won't do any good our
+discussing it, and it doesn't make any difference what I think any way."
+
+By this time they had reached the store.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+RODNEY IS DISCHARGED.
+
+
+Rodney reported his return to Mr. Redwood, and in his company went down
+stairs to the office, with the package under his arm.
+
+"Well?" said Mr. Goodnow inquiringly.
+
+"This is the package, sir."
+
+"And it was found in your room?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I found it on my bed."
+
+"Can't you account for it being there?" asked the merchant searchingly.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"You must admit that its presence in your room looks bad for you."
+
+"I admit it sir; but I had nothing to do with it being there."
+
+"Have you any theory to account for it?"
+
+"Only this, that some one must have carried it to my room and placed it
+where it was found."
+
+"Did you question your landlady as to whether she had admitted any one
+during the morning?"
+
+"Yes, sir. She had not."
+
+"This is very unfavorable to you."
+
+"In what way, sir?"
+
+"It makes it probable that you carried in the parcel yourself."
+
+"That I deny," said Rodney boldly.
+
+"I expected you to deny it," said the merchant coldly. "If this cloak
+were the only one that had been taken I would drop the matter. But
+this is by no means the case. Mr. Redwood, can you give any idea of the
+extent to which we have been robbed?"
+
+"So far as I can estimate we have lost a dozen cloaks and about half a
+dozen dress patterns."
+
+"This is a serious loss, Ropes," said Mr. Goodnow. "I should think it
+would foot up several hundred dollars. If you can throw any light upon
+the thefts, or give me information by which I can get back the goods
+even at considerable expense, I will be as considerate with you as I
+can."
+
+"Mr. Goodnow," returned Rodney hotly, "I know no more about the matter
+than you do. I hope you will investigate, and if you can prove that I
+took any of the missing articles I want no consideration. I shall expect
+you to have me arrested, and, if convicted, punished."
+
+"These are brave words, Ropes," said Mr. Goodnow coldly, "but they are
+only words. The parcel found in your room affords strong ground for
+suspicion that you are responsible for at least a part of the thefts.
+Under the circumstances there is only one thing for me to do, and that
+is to discharge you."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+"You may go to the cashier and he will pay you to the end of the week,
+but your connection with the store will end at once."
+
+"I don't care to be paid to the end of the week, sir. If you will give
+me an order for payment up to tonight, that will be sufficient."
+
+"It shall be as you say."
+
+Mr. Goodnow wrote a few words on a slip of paper and handed it to
+Rodney.
+
+"I will leave my address, sir, and if I change it I will notify you. If
+you should hear anything as to the real robber I will ask you as a favor
+to communicate with me."
+
+"Mr. Redwood, you have heard the request of Ropes, I will look to you to
+comply with it."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+The merchant turned back to his letters, and Rodney left the office,
+with what feelings of sorrow and humiliation may be imagined.
+
+"I am sorry for this occurrence, Ropes," said Mr. Redwood, with a touch
+of sympathy in his voice.
+
+"Do you believe me guilty, Mr. Redwood?"
+
+"I cannot do otherwise. I hope you are innocent, and, if so, that the
+really guilty party will be discovered sooner or later."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+When they entered the room in which Rodney had been employed Jasper came
+up, his face alive with curiosity.
+
+"Well," he said, "how did you come out?"
+
+"I am discharged," said Rodney bitterly.
+
+"Well, you couldn't complain of that. Things looked pretty dark for
+you."
+
+"If I had committed the theft, I would not complain. Indeed, I would
+submit to punishment without a murmur. But it is hard to suffer while
+innocent."
+
+"Uncle James," said Jasper, "if Ropes is going will you ask Mr. Goodnow
+to put me in his place?"
+
+Even Mr. Redwood was disgusted by this untimely request.
+
+"It would be more becoming," he said sharply, "if you would wait till
+Ropes was fairly out of the store before applying for his position."
+
+"I want to be in time. I don't want any one to get ahead of me."
+
+James Redwood did not deign a reply.
+
+"I am sorry you leave us under such circumstances, Ropes," he said. "The
+time may come when you will be able to establish your innocence, and in
+that case Mr. Goodnow will probably take you back again."
+
+Rodney did not answer, but with his order went to the cashier's desk and
+received the four dollars due him. Then, with a heavy heart, he left the
+store where it had been such a satisfaction to him to work.
+
+On Broadway he met his room mate, Mike Flynn, in the uniform of a
+telegraph boy.
+
+"Where are you goin', Rodney?" asked Mike. "You ain't let off so early,
+are you?"
+
+"I am let off for good and all, Mike."
+
+"What's that?"
+
+"I am discharged."
+
+"What for?" asked Mike in amazement.
+
+"I will tell you when you get home tonight."
+
+Rodney went back to his room, and lay down sad and despondent. Some
+hours later Mike came in, and was told the story. The warm hearted
+telegraph boy was very angry.
+
+"That boss of yours must be a stupid donkey," he said.
+
+"I don't know. The parcel was found in my room."
+
+"Anybody'd know to look at you that you wouldn't steal."
+
+"Some thieves look very innocent. The only way to clear me is to find
+out who left the bundle at the house."
+
+"Doesn't Mrs. McCarty know anything about it?"
+
+"No; I asked her."
+
+"Some one might have got into the house without her knowing anything
+about it. The lock is a very common one. There are plenty of keys that
+will open it."
+
+"If we could find some one that saw a person with a bundle go up the
+steps, that would give us a clew."
+
+"That's so. We'll ask."
+
+But for several days no one could be found who had seen any such person.
+
+Meanwhile Rodney was at a loss what to do. He was cut off from applying
+for another place, for no one would engage him if he were refused
+a recommendation from his late employer. Yet he must obtain some
+employment for he could not live on nothing.
+
+"Do you think, Mike," he asked doubtfully, "that I could make anything
+selling papers?"
+
+"Such business isn't for you," answered the telegraph boy.
+
+"But it is one of the few things open to me. I can become a newsboy
+without recommendations. Even your business would be closed to me if it
+were known that I was suspected of theft."
+
+"Thats so," said Mike, scratching his head in perplexity.
+
+"Then would you recommend my becoming a newsboy?"
+
+"I don't know. You couldn't make more'n fifty or sixty cent a day."
+
+"That will be better than nothing."
+
+"And I can pay the rent, or most of it, as I'll be doin' better than
+you."
+
+"We will wait and see how much I make."
+
+So Rodney swallowed his pride, and procuring a supply of afternoon
+papers set about selling them. He knew that it was an honest business,
+and there was no disgrace in following it.
+
+But one day he was subjected to keen mortification. Jasper Redwood and
+a friend--it was Philip Carton, his confederate--were walking along
+Broadway, and their glances fell on Rodney.
+
+"I say, Jasper," said the elder of the two, "isn't that the boy who was
+in the same store with you?"
+
+Jasper looked, and his eyes lighted up with malicious satisfaction.
+
+"Oho!" he said. "Well, this is rich!"
+
+"Give me a paper, boy," he said, pretending not to recognize Rodney at
+first. "Why, it's Ropes."
+
+"Yes," answered Rodney, his cheek flushing. "You see what I am reduced
+to. What paper will you buy?"
+
+"The Mail and Express."
+
+"Here it is."
+
+"Can't you get another place?" asked Jasper curiously.
+
+"I might if I could get a recommendation, but probably Mr. Goodnow
+wouldn't give me one."
+
+"No, I guess not."
+
+"So I must take what I can get."
+
+"Do you make much selling papers?"
+
+"Very little."
+
+"You can't make as much as you did in the store?"
+
+"Not much more than half as much."
+
+"Do you live in the same place?"
+
+"Yes, for the present."
+
+"Oh, by the way, Ropes, I've got your old place," said Jasper in
+exultation.
+
+"I thought you would get it," answered Rodney, not without a pang.
+
+"Come into the store some day, Ropes. It will seem like old times."
+
+"I shall not enter the store till I am able to clear myself of the
+charge made against me."
+
+"Then probably you will stay away a long time."
+
+"I am afraid so."
+
+"Well, ta, ta! Come along, Philip."
+
+As Rodney followed with his eye the figure of his complacent successor
+he felt that his fate was indeed a hard one.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+A RICH FIND.
+
+
+As Jasper and his companion moved away, Carton said, "I'm sorry for that
+poor duffer, Jasper."
+
+"Why should you be sorry?" asked Jasper, frowning.
+
+"Because he has lost a good place and good prospects, and all for no
+fault of his own."
+
+"You are getting sentimental, Philip," sneered Jasper.
+
+"No, but I am showing a little humanity. He has lost all this through
+you----"
+
+"Through us, you mean."
+
+"Well, through us. We have made him the scapegoat for our sins."
+
+"Oh well, he is making a living."
+
+"A pretty poor one. I don't think you would like to be reduced to
+selling papers."
+
+"His case and mine are different."
+
+"I begin to think also that we have made a mistake in getting him
+discharged so soon."
+
+"We can't take anything more."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because there will be no one to lay the blame upon. He is out of the
+store."
+
+"That is true. I didn't think of that. But I invited him to come around
+and call. If he should, and something else should be missing it would be
+laid to him."
+
+"I don't believe he will call. I am terribly hard up, and our source of
+income has failed us. Haven't you got a dollar or two to spare?"
+
+"No," answered Jasper coldly. "I only get seven dollars a week."
+
+"But you have nearly all that. You only have to hand in two dollars a
+week to your uncle."
+
+"Look here, Philip Carton, I hope you don't expect to live off me. I
+have all I can do to take care of myself."
+
+Carton looked at Jasper in anger and mortification.
+
+"I begin to understand how good a friend you are," he said.
+
+"I am not fool enough to pinch myself to keep you," said Jasper bluntly.
+"You are a man of twenty five and I am only a boy. You ought to be able
+to take care of yourself."
+
+"Just give me a dollar, or lend it Jasper, and I will risk it at play.
+I may rise from the table with a hundred. If I do I will pay you
+handsomely for the loan."
+
+"I couldn't do it, Mr. Carton. I have only two dollars in my pocket, and
+I have none to spare."
+
+"Humph! what is that?"
+
+Philip Carton's eyes were fixed upon the sidewalk. There was a flimsy
+piece of paper fluttering about impelled by the wind. He stooped and
+picked it up.
+
+"It is a five dollar bill," he exclaimed in exultation. "My luck has
+come back."
+
+Jasper changed his tone at once. Now Philip was the better off of the
+two.
+
+"That is luck!" he said. "Shall we go into Delmonico's, and have an
+ice?"
+
+"If it is at your expense, yes."
+
+"That wouldn't be fair. You have more money than I."
+
+"Yes, and I mean to keep it myself. You have set me the example."
+
+"Come, Philip, you are not angry at my refusing you a loan?"
+
+"No; I think you were sensible. I shall follow your example. I will bid
+you good night. I seem to be in luck, and will try my fortune at the
+gaming table."
+
+"I will go with you."
+
+"No; I would prefer to go alone."
+
+"That fellow is unreasonable," muttered Jasper, as he strode off,
+discontented. "Did he expect I would divide my salary with him?"
+
+Philip Carton, after he parted company with Jasper, walked back to where
+Rodney was still selling papers.
+
+"Give me a paper," he said.
+
+"Which will you have?"
+
+"I am not particular. Give me the first that comes handy. Ah, the
+Evening Sun will do."
+
+He took the paper and put a quarter into Rodney's hand.
+
+As he was walking away Rodney called out, "Stop, here's your change,"
+
+"Never mind," said Philip with a wave of the hand.
+
+"Thank you," said Rodney gratefully, for twenty five cents was no trifle
+to him at this time.
+
+"That ought to bring me luck," soliloquized Philip Carton as he walked
+on. "It isn't often I do a good deed. It was all the money I had besides
+the five dollar bill, and I am sure the news boy will make better use of
+it than I would."
+
+"That was the young man that was walking with Jasper," reflected Rodney.
+"Well, he is certainly a better fellow than he. Thanks to this quarter,
+I shall have made eighty cents today, and still have half a dozen
+papers. That is encouraging."
+
+Several days passed that could not be considered lucky. Rodney's average
+profits were only about fifty cent a day, and that was barely sufficient
+to buy his meals. It left him nothing to put towards paying room rent.
+
+He began to consider whether he would not be compelled to pawn some
+article from his wardrobe, for he was well supplied with clothing, when
+he had a stroke of luck.
+
+On Fifteenth Street, by the side of Tiffany's great jewelry store, he
+picked up a square box neatly done up in thin paper. Opening it, he was
+dazzled by the gleam of diamonds.
+
+The contents were a diamond necklace and pin, which, even to Rodney's
+inexperienced eyes, seemed to be of great value.
+
+"Some one must have dropped them in coming from the jewelry store," he
+reflected. "Who can it be?"
+
+He had not far to seek. There was a card inside on which was engraved:
+
+
+MRS. ELIZA HARVEY,
+
+with an address on Fifth Avenue.
+
+
+Passing through to Fifth Avenue Rodney began to scan the numbers on
+the nearest houses. He judged that Mrs. Harvey must live considerably
+farther up the Avenue, in the direction of Central Park.
+
+"I will go there at once," Rodney decided. "No doubt Mrs. Harvey is very
+much distressed by her loss. I shall carry her good news."
+
+The house he found to be between Fortieth and Fiftieth Street. Ascending
+the steps he rang the bell. The door was opened by a man servant.
+
+"Does Mrs. Harvey live here?" asked Rodney.
+
+"What do you want with her, young man?" demanded the servant in a tone
+of importance.
+
+"That I will tell her."
+
+"What's your name?"
+
+"I can give you my name, but she won't recognize it."
+
+"Then you don't know her."
+
+"No."
+
+"If it's money you want, she don't give to beggars."
+
+"You are impudent," said Rodney hotly. "If you don't give my message you
+will get into trouble."
+
+The servant opened his eyes. He seemed somewhat impressed by Rodney's
+confident tone.
+
+"Mrs. Harvey doesn't live here," he said.
+
+"Is she in the house?"
+
+"Well, yes, she's visiting here."
+
+"Then why do you waste your time?" said Rodney impatiently. He forgot
+for the time that he was no longer being educated at an expensive
+boarding school, and spoke in the tone he would have used before his
+circumstances had changed.
+
+"I'll go and ask if she'll see you," said the flunky unwillingly.
+
+Five minutes later a pleasant looking woman of middle age descended the
+staircase.
+
+"Are you the boy that wished to see me?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, if you are Mrs. Harvey."
+
+"I am. But come in! Thomas, why didn't you invite this young gentleman
+into the parlor?"
+
+Thomas opened his eyes wide. So the boy whom he had treated so
+cavalierly was a young gentleman.
+
+He privately put down Mrs. Harvey in his own mind as eccentric.
+
+"Excuse me, ma'am," he said. "I didn't know as he was parlor company."
+
+"Well, he is," said Mrs. Harvey with a cordial smile that won Rodney's
+heart.
+
+"Follow me!" said the lady.
+
+Rodney followed her into a handsome apartment and at a signal seated
+himself on a sofa.
+
+"Now," she said, "I am ready to listen to your message."
+
+"Have you lost anything?" asked Rodney abruptly.
+
+"Oh, have you found it?" exclaimed Mrs. Harvey, clasping her hands.
+
+"That depends on what you have lost," answered Rodney, who felt that it
+was necessary to be cautious.
+
+"Certainly, you are quite right. I have lost a box containing jewelry
+bought this morning at Tiffany's."
+
+"What were the articles?"
+
+"A diamond necklace and pin. They are intended as a present for my
+daughter who is to be married. Tell me quick have you found them?"
+
+"Is this the box?" asked Rodney.
+
+"Oh yes, yes! How delightful to recover it. I thought I should never see
+it again. Where did you find it?"
+
+"On Fifteenth Street beside Tiffany's store."
+
+"And you brought it directly to me?"
+
+"Yes, madam."
+
+"Have you any idea of the value of the articles?"
+
+"Perhaps they may be worth five hundred dollars."
+
+"They are worth over a thousand. Are you poor?"
+
+"Yes, madam. I am trying to make a living by selling papers, but find it
+hard work."
+
+"But you don't look like a newsboy."
+
+"Till a short time since I thought myself moderately rich."
+
+"That is strange. Tell me your story."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+A SURPRISING TURN OF FORTUNE.
+
+
+Rodney told his story frankly. Mrs. Harvey was very sympathetic by
+nature, and she listened with the deepest interest, and latterly with
+indignation when Rodney spoke of his dismissal from Mr. Goodnow's store.
+
+"You have been treated shamefully," she said warmly.
+
+"I think Mr. Goodnow really believes me guilty," rejoined Rodney.
+
+"A dishonest boy would hardly have returned a valuable box of jewelry."
+
+"Still Mr. Goodnow didn't know that I would do it."
+
+"I see you are disposed to apologize for your late employer."
+
+"I do not forget that he treated me kindly till this last occurrence."
+
+"Your consideration does you credit. So you have really been reduced to
+earn your living as a newsboy?"
+
+"Yes, madam."
+
+"I must think what I can do for you. I might give you money, but when
+that was gone you would be no better off."
+
+"I would much rather have help in getting a place."
+
+Mrs. Harvey leaned her head on her hand and looked thoughtful.
+
+"You are right," she said. "Let me think."
+
+Rodney waited, hoping that the lady would be able to think of something
+to his advantage.
+
+Finally she spoke.
+
+"I think you said you understood Latin and Greek?"
+
+"I have studied both languages and French also. I should have been ready
+to enter college next summer."
+
+"Then perhaps I shall be able to do something for you. I live in
+Philadelphia, but I have a brother living in West Fifty Eighth Street.
+He has one little boy, Arthur, now nine years of age. Arthur is quite
+precocious, but his health is delicate, and my brother has thought of
+getting a private instructor for him. Do you like young children?"
+
+"Very much. I always wished that I had a little brother."
+
+"Then I think you would suit my brother better as a tutor for Arthur
+than a young man. Being a boy yourself, you would be not only tutor but
+companion."
+
+"I should like such a position very much."
+
+"Then wait here a moment, and I will write you a letter of
+introduction."
+
+She went up stairs, but soon returned.
+
+She put a small perfumed billet into Rodney's hands. It was directed to
+John Sargent with an address on West Fifty Eighth Street.
+
+"Call this evening," she said, "about half past seven o'clock. My
+brother will be through dinner, and will not have gone out at that
+hour."
+
+"Thank you," said Rodney gratefully.
+
+"Here is another envelope which you can open at your leisure. I cannot
+part from you without thanking you once more for returning my jewelry."
+
+"You have thanked me in a very practical way, Mrs. Harvey."
+
+"I hope my letter may lead to pleasant results for you. If you ever come
+to Philadelphia call upon me at No. 1492 Walnut Street."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+As Rodney left the house he felt that his ill fortune had turned,
+and that a new prospect was opened up before him. He stepped into the
+Windsor Hotel, and opened the envelope last given him. It contained five
+five dollar bills.
+
+To one of them was pinned a scrap of paper containing these words: "I
+hope this money will be useful to you. It is less than the reward I
+should have offered for the recovery of the jewels."
+
+Under the circumstances Rodney felt that he need not scruple to use the
+money. He knew that he had rendered Mrs. Harvey a great service, and
+that she could well afford to pay him the sum which the envelopes
+contained.
+
+He began to be sensible that he was hungry, not having eaten for some
+time. He went into a restaurant on Sixth Avenue, and ordered a sirloin
+steak. It was some time since he had indulged in anything beyond a
+common steak, and he greatly enjoyed the more luxurious meal. He
+didn't go back to selling papers, for he felt that it would hardly be
+consistent with the position of a classical teacher--the post for which
+he was about to apply.
+
+Half past seven found him at the door of Mr. John Sargent. The house was
+of brown stone, high stoop, and four stories in height. It was such a
+house as only a rich man could occupy.
+
+He was ushered into the parlor and presently Mr. Sargent came in from
+the dining room.
+
+"Are you Mr. Ropes?" he asked, looking at Rodney's card.
+
+It is not usual for newsboys to carry cards, but Rodney had some left
+over from his more prosperous days.
+
+"Yes, sir. I bring you a note of introduction from Mrs. Harvey."
+
+"Ah yes, my sister. Let me see it."
+
+The note was of some length. That is, it covered three pages of note
+paper. Mr. Sargent read it attentively.
+
+"My sister recommends you as tutor for my little son, Arthur," he said,
+as he folded up the letter.
+
+"Yes, sir; she suggested that I might perhaps suit you in that
+capacity."
+
+"She also says that you found and restored to her a valuable box of
+jewelry which she was careless enough to drop near Tiffany's."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I have a good deal of confidence in my sister's good judgment. She
+evidently regards you very favorably."
+
+"I am glad of that sir,"
+
+"Will you tell me something of your qualifications? Arthur is about to
+commence Latin. He is not old enough for Greek."
+
+"I could teach either, sir."
+
+"And of course you are well up in English branches?"
+
+"I think I am."
+
+"My sister hints that you are poor, and obliged to earn your own living.
+How, then, have you been able to secure so good an education?"
+
+"I have only been poor for a short time. My father left me fifty
+thousand dollars, but it was lost by my guardian."
+
+"Who was your guardian?"
+
+"Mr. Benjamin Fielding."
+
+"I knew him well. I don't think he was an unprincipled man, but he was
+certainly imprudent, and was led into acts that were reprehensible. Did
+he lose all your money for you?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"What did you do?"
+
+"Left the boarding school where I was being educated, and came to this
+city."
+
+"Did you obtain any employment?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I have been employed for a short time by Otis Goodnow, a
+merchant of Reade Street."
+
+"And why did you leave?"
+
+"Because Mr. Goodnow missed some articles from his stock, and I was
+charged with taking them."
+
+Rodney was fearful of the effect of his frank confession upon Mr.
+Sargent, but the latter soon reassured him.
+
+"Your honesty in restoring my sister's jewelry is sufficient proof that
+the charge was unfounded. I shall not let it influence me."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"Now as to the position of teacher, though very young, I don't see why
+you should not fill it satisfactorily. I will call Arthur."
+
+He went to the door and called "Arthur."
+
+A delicate looking boy with a sweet, intelligent face, came running into
+the room.
+
+"Do you want me, papa?"
+
+"Yes, Arthur. I have a new friend for you. Will you shake hands with
+him?"
+
+Arthur, who was not a shy boy, went up at once to Rodney and offered his
+hand.
+
+"I am glad to see you," he said.
+
+Rodney smiled. He was quite taken with the young boy.
+
+"What's your name?" the latter asked.
+
+"Rodney Ropes."
+
+"Are you going to stay and make us a visit?"
+
+Mr. Sargent answered this question.
+
+"Would you like to have Rodney stay?" he asked.
+
+"Oh yes."
+
+"How would you like to have him give you lessons in Latin and other
+studies?"
+
+"I should like it. I am sure he wouldn't be cross. Are you a teacher,
+Rodney?"
+
+"I will be your teacher if you are willing to have me."
+
+"Yes, I should like it. And will you go to walk with me in Central
+Park?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then, papa, you may as well engage him. I was afraid you would get a
+tiresome old man for my teacher."
+
+"That settles it, Rodney," said Mr. Sargent, smiling. "Now, Arthur, run
+out and I will speak further with Rodney about you."
+
+"All right, papa."
+
+"As Arthur seems to like you, I will give you a trial. As he suggested,
+I should like to have you become his companion as well as teacher.
+You will come here at nine o'clock in the morning, and stay till four,
+taking lunch with your pupil. About the compensation, will you tell me
+what will be satisfactory to you?"
+
+"I prefer to leave that to you, sir."
+
+"Then we will say fifteen dollars a week--today is Thursday. Will you
+present yourself here next Monday morning?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"If you would like an advance of salary, you need only say so."
+
+"Thank you, sir, but I am fairly provided with money for the present."
+
+"Then nothing more need be said. As I am to meet a gentleman at the
+Union League Club tonight, I will bid you good evening, and expect to
+see you on Monday."
+
+Rodney rose and Mr. Sargent accompanied him to the door, shaking hands
+with him courteously by way of farewell.
+
+Rodney emerged into the street in a state of joyous excitement. Twenty
+five dollars in his pocket, and fifteen dollars a week! He could hardly
+credit his good fortune.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+JASPER'S PERPLEXITY.
+
+
+Mike Flynn was overjoyed to hear of Rodney's good fortune.
+
+"Fifteen dollars a week!" he repeated. "Why you will be rich."
+
+"Not exactly that, Mike, but it will make me comfortable. By the way,
+as I have so much more than you, it will only be fair for me to pay the
+whole rent."
+
+"No, Rodney, you mustn't do that."
+
+"I shall insist upon it, Mike. You would do the same in my place."
+
+"Yes I would."
+
+"So you can't object to my doing it."
+
+"You are very kind to me, Rodney," said Mike, who had the warm heart of
+his race. "It isn't every boy brought up like you who would be willing
+to room with a bootblack."
+
+"But you are not a bootblack now. You are a telegraph boy."
+
+"There are plenty that mind me when I blacked boots down in front of the
+Astor House."
+
+"You are just as good a boy for all that. How much did you make last
+week?"
+
+"Four dollars salary, and a dollar and a half in extra tips."
+
+"Hereafter you must save your rent money for clothes. We must have you
+looking respectable."
+
+"Won't you adopt me, Rodney?" asked Mike with a laughing face.
+
+"That's a good idea. Perhaps I will. In that case you must obey all
+my orders. In the first place, what are you most in want in the way of
+clothing?"
+
+"I haven't got but two shirts."
+
+"That is hardly enough for a gentleman of your social position. Anything
+else."
+
+"I'm short on collars and socks."
+
+"Then we'll go out shopping. I'll buy you a supply of each."
+
+"But you haven't begun to work yet."
+
+"No, but Mrs. Harvey made me a present of twenty five dollars. We'll go
+to some of the big stores on Sixth Avenue where we can get furnishing
+goods cheap."
+
+Rodney carried out his purpose, and at the cost of four dollars supplied
+his room mate with all he needed for the present.
+
+"See what it is to be rich, Mike," he said. "It seems odd for me to be
+buying clothes for my adopted son."
+
+"You're in luck, Rodney, and so am I. I hope some time I can do you a
+favor."
+
+"Perhaps you can, Mike. If I should get sick, you might take my place as
+tutor."
+
+"You must know an awful lot, Rodney," said Mike, regarding his companion
+with new respect.
+
+"Thank you for the compliment, Mike. I hope Mr. Sargent will have the
+same opinion."
+
+The next day it is needless to say that Rodney did not resume the
+business of newsboy. He was very glad to give it up. He dressed with
+unusual care and took a walk down town.
+
+As he passed Reade Street by chance Jasper was coming around the
+corner. His face lighted up first with pleasure at seeing Rodney, for
+it gratified his mean nature to triumph over the boy whom he had ousted
+from his position, and next with surprise at his unusually neat and
+well dressed appearance. Rodney looked far from needing help. He might
+readily have been taken for a boy of aristocratic lineage.
+
+"Hallo!" said Jasper, surveying Rodney curiously.
+
+"How are you this morning, Jasper?" returned Rodney quietly.
+
+"Why ain't you selling papers?"
+
+"I don't like the business."
+
+"But you've got to make a living."
+
+"Quite true."
+
+"Are you going to black boots?"
+
+"Why should I? Is it a desirable business?"
+
+"How should I know?" asked Jasper, coloring.
+
+"I didn't know but you might have had some experience at it. I haven't."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me?" demanded Jasper hotly.
+
+"I never insult anybody. I will only say that you are as likely to take
+up the business as I."
+
+"I've got a place."
+
+"How do you know but I have?"
+
+"Because you were selling papers yesterday and are walking the street
+today."
+
+"That is true. But I have a place engaged for all that. I shall go to
+work on Monday."
+
+Jasper pricked up his ears.
+
+"Where is it?" he asked.
+
+"I don't care to tell at present."
+
+"Is it true? Have you got a place?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I don't see how you could. Mr. Goodnow wouldn't give you a
+recommendation."
+
+"There is no reason why he should not."
+
+"What, after your taking cloaks and dress patterns from the store?"
+
+"I did nothing of the kind. Sooner or later Mr. Goodnow will find out
+his mistake. Probably the real thief is still in his employ."
+
+Jasper turned pale and regarded Rodney searchingly, but there was
+nothing in his manner or expression to indicate that his remark had been
+personal. He thought it best to turn the conversation.
+
+"How much pay do you get--four dollars?"
+
+"More than that."
+
+"You don't get as much as you did at our store?"
+
+"Yes; I get more."
+
+Now it was Jasper's turn to show surprise. He did not know whether
+to believe Rodney or not, but there was something in his face which
+commanded belief.
+
+"How much do you get?" he asked.
+
+"You would not believe me if I told you."
+
+"Try me," returned Jasper, whose curiosity was aroused.
+
+"I am to get fifteen dollars a week."
+
+Jasper would not have looked more surprised if Rodney had informed him
+that he was to become a Cabinet minister.
+
+"You're joking!" he ejaculated.
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"How could you have the face to ask such a price. Did you pass yourself
+off as an experienced salesman?"
+
+"No."
+
+"I don't understand it at all, that is, if you are telling the truth."
+
+"I have told you the truth, Jasper. I have no object in deceiving you.
+The salary was fixed by my employer."
+
+"Who did you say it was?"
+
+"I didn't say."
+
+Jasper's cunning scheme was defeated. He felt disturbed to hear of
+Rodney's good fortune, but he had a shot in reserve.
+
+"I don't think you will keep your place long," he said in a malicious
+tone.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Your employer will hear under what circumstances you left our store,
+and then of course he will discharge you."
+
+"You will be sorry for that won't you?" asked Rodney pointedly.
+
+"Why of course I don't want you to have bad luck."
+
+"Thank you. You are very considerate."
+
+"Suppose you lose your place, shall you go back to selling papers?"
+
+"I hope to find something better to do."
+
+"Where are you going now?"
+
+"To get some lunch."
+
+"So am I. Suppose we go together."
+
+"Very well, providing you will lunch with me."
+
+"I don't want to impose upon you."
+
+"You won't. We may not meet again for some time, and we shall have this
+meal to remind us of each other."
+
+They went to a well known restaurant on Park Row. Rodney ordered a
+liberal dinner for himself, and Jasper followed his example nothing
+loath. He was always ready to dine at the expense of others, but even as
+he ate he could not help wondering at the strange chance that had made
+him the guest of a boy who was selling papers the day before.
+
+He had nearly finished eating when a disturbing thought occurred to him.
+Suppose Rodney didn't have money enough to settle the bill, and threw it
+upon him.
+
+When Rodney took the checks and walked up to the cashier's desk he
+followed him with some anxiety. But his companion quietly took out a
+five dollar bill, from his pocket and tendered it to the cashier. The
+latter gave him back the right change and the two boys went out into the
+street.
+
+"You seem to have plenty of money," said Jasper.
+
+"There are very few who would admit having that," smiled Rodney.
+
+"I don't see why you sold papers if you have five dollar bills in your
+pocket."
+
+"I don't want to be idle."
+
+"May I tell my uncle and Mr. Goodnow that you have got a place?"
+
+"If you like."
+
+"Well, good by, I must be hurrying back to the store."
+
+Rodney smiled. He rather enjoyed Jasper's surprise and perplexity.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+RODNEY'S SECRET IS DISCOVERED.
+
+
+Jasper lost no time in acquainting his uncle with Rodney's extraordinary
+good fortune. James Redwood was surprised, but not all together
+incredulous.
+
+"I don't understand it," he said, "but Ropes appears to be a boy of
+truth. Perhaps he may have exaggerated the amount of his salary."
+
+"I hardly think so, uncle. He gave me a tip top dinner down on Park
+Row."
+
+"He may have been in funds from selling the articles taken from the
+store."
+
+"That's so!" assented Jasper, who had the best possible reason for
+knowing that it was not so.
+
+"I wish the boy well," said his uncle. "He always treated me
+respectfully, and I never had anything against him except the loss of
+stock, and it is not certain that he is the thief."
+
+"I guess there isn't any doubt about that."
+
+"Yet, believing him to be a thief, you did not hesitate to accept a
+dinner from him."
+
+"I didn't want to hurt his feelings," replied Jasper, rather sheepishly.
+
+"Do you know what sort of a place he has got, or with what house?"
+
+"No; he wouldn't tell me."
+
+"He thought perhaps you would inform the new firm of the circumstances
+under which he left us. I don't blame him, but I am surprised that he
+should have been engaged without a recommendation."
+
+"Shall you tell Mr. Goodnow?"
+
+"Not unless he asks about Ropes. I don't want to interfere with the boy
+in any way."
+
+In the store, as has already been stated, Jasper succeeded to Rodney's
+place, and in consequence his pay was raised to seven dollars a week.
+Still it was not equal to what it had been when he was receiving
+additional money from the sale of the articles stolen by Philip Carton
+and himself.
+
+The way in which they had operated was this: Philip would come in and
+buy a cloak or a dress pattern from Jasper, and the young salesman would
+pack up two or three instead of one. There was a drawback to the profit
+in those cases, as Carton would be obliged to sell both at a reduced
+price. Still they had made a considerable sum from these transactions,
+though not nearly as much as Mr. Goodnow had lost.
+
+After the discovery of the theft and the discharge of Rodney, the two
+confederates felt that it would be imprudent to do any more in that
+line. This suspension entailed heavier loss on Carton than on Jasper.
+The latter had a fixed income and a home at his uncle's house, while
+Philip had no regular income, though he occasionally secured a little
+temporary employment.
+
+In the meantime Rodney had commenced his tutorship. His young pupil
+became very fond of him, and being a studious boy, made rapid progress
+in his lessons.
+
+Mr. Sargent felt that his experiment, rash as it might be considered,
+vindicated his wisdom by its success. At the end of a month he
+voluntarily raised Rodney's salary to twenty dollars a week.
+
+"I am afraid you are overpaying me, Mr. Sargent," said Rodney.
+
+"That's my lookout. Good service is worth a good salary, and I am
+perfectly satisfied with you."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I prize that even more than the higher salary."
+
+Only a portion of Rodney's time was spent in teaching. In the afternoon
+he and his charge went on little excursions, generally to Central Park.
+
+One holiday, about four months after the commencement of Rodney's
+engagement, he was walking in the Park when he fell in with Jasper.
+Jasper's attention was at once drawn to the little boy, whose dress and
+general appearance indicated that he belonged to a wealthy family. This
+excited Jasper's curiosity.
+
+"How are you, Rodney?" said Jasper adroitly. "It is a good while since I
+met you."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Who is the little boy with you?"
+
+"His name is Arthur Sargent."
+
+Rodney gave this information unwillingly, for he saw that his secret was
+likely to be discovered.
+
+"How do you do, Arthur?" asked Jasper, with unwonted affability, for he
+did not care for children.
+
+"Pretty well," answered Arthur politely.
+
+"Have you known Rodney long?"
+
+"Why, he is my teacher," answered Arthur in some surprise.
+
+Jasper's eyes gleamed with sudden intelligence. So this was Rodney's
+secret, and this was the position for which he was so well paid.
+
+Rodney bit his lip in vexation, but made no remark.
+
+"Does he ever punish you for not getting your lessons?" asked Jasper
+without much tact.
+
+"Of course not," answered Arthur indignantly.
+
+"Arthur always does get his lessons," said Rodney. "I suppose you have a
+holiday from work today, Jasper."
+
+"Yes; I am glad to get away now and then."
+
+"I must bid you good morning now."
+
+"Won't you let me call on you? Where do you live, Arthur?"
+
+The boy gave the number of his house.
+
+Jasper asked Arthur, thinking rightly that he would be more likely to
+get an answer from him than from Rodney. He walked away triumphantly,
+feeling that he had made a discovery that might prove of advantage to
+him.
+
+"Is that a friend of yours, Rodney?" asked little Arthur.
+
+"I have known him for some time."
+
+"I don't like him very much."
+
+"Why?" asked Rodney with some curiosity.
+
+"I don't know," answered the little boy slowly. "I can't like
+everybody."
+
+"Quite true, Arthur. Jasper is not a special friend of mine, and I am
+not particular about your liking him. I hope you like me."
+
+"You know I do, Rodney," and he gave Rodney's hand an assuring pressure.
+
+Ten minutes after he left Rodney, Jasper fell in with Carton. The
+intimacy between them had perceptibly fallen off. It had grown out of
+business considerations.
+
+Now that it was no longer safe to abstract articles from the store,
+Jasper felt that he had no more use for his late confederate. When they
+met he treated him with marked coldness.
+
+On this particular day Carton was looking quite shabby. In fact, his
+best suit was in pawn, and he had fallen back on one half worn and
+soiled.
+
+"Hello!" exclaimed Jasper, and was about to pass on with a cool nod.
+
+"Stop!" said Philip, looking offended.
+
+"I am in a hurry," returned Jasper. "I can't stop today."
+
+"You are in a hurry, and on a holiday?"
+
+"Yes; I am to meet a friend near the lake."
+
+"I'll go along with you."
+
+Jasper had to submit though with an ill grace.
+
+"Wouldn't another day do?"
+
+"No; the fact is, Jasper, I am in trouble,"
+
+"You usually are," sneered Jasper.
+
+"That is so. I have been out of luck lately."
+
+"I am sorry, but I can't help it as I see."
+
+"How much money do you think I have in my pocket?"
+
+"I don't know, I am sure. I am not good at guessing conundrums."
+
+"Just ten cents."
+
+"That isn't much," said Jasper, indifferently.
+
+"Let me have a dollar, thats a good fellow!"
+
+"You seem to think I am made of money," said Jasper sharply. "I haven't
+got much more myself."
+
+"Then you might have. You get a good salary."
+
+"Only seven dollars."
+
+"You are able to keep most of it for yourself."
+
+"Suppose I am? You seem to know a good deal of my affairs."
+
+"Haven't you any pity for an old friend?"
+
+"Yes, I'll give you all the pity you want, but when it comes to money
+it's a different matter. Here you are, a man of twenty six, ten years
+older than me, and yet you expect me to help support you."
+
+"You didn't use to talk to me like that."
+
+"Well, I do now. You didn't use to try to get money out of me."
+
+"Look here, Jasper! I am poor, but I don't want you to talk to me as you
+are doing."
+
+"Indeed!" sneered Jasper.
+
+"And I won't have it," said Carton firmly. "Listen to me, and I will
+propose a plan that will help us both."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"You can easily secrete articles, if you are cautious, without
+attracting notice, and I will dispose of them and share the money with
+you."
+
+Jasper shook his head.
+
+"I wouldn't dare to do it," he said. "Somebody might spy on me."
+
+"Not if you are careful."
+
+"If it were found out I would be bounced like Ropes."
+
+"What is he doing? Have you seen him lately?"
+
+"He is getting on finely. He is earning fifteen dollars a week."
+
+"You don't mean it?"
+
+"Yes I do."
+
+"What firm is he working for?"
+
+"For none at all. He is tutor to a young kid."
+
+"I didn't know he was scholar enough."
+
+"Oh yes, he knows Greek and Latin and a lot of other stuff."
+
+"Who is the boy?"
+
+"I don't feel at liberty to tell. I don't think he would care to have
+you know."
+
+"I'll tell you what you can do. Borrow five dollars of him for me."
+
+"I don't know about that. If I were to borrow it would be for myself."
+
+"You can do as you please. If you don't do something for me I will write
+to Mr. Goodnow that you are the thief who stole the cloaks and dress
+patterns."
+
+"You wouldn't do that?" exclaimed Jasper in consternation.
+
+"Wouldn't I? I am desperate enough to do anything."
+
+After a little further conference Jasper agreed to do what was asked of
+him. He did not dare to refuse.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+JASPER'S REVENGE
+
+
+Rodney was considerably surprised one evening to receive a call from
+Jasper in his room. He was alone, as Mike had been detailed about a
+week ago for night duty. The room looked more attractive than formerly.
+Rodney had bought a writing desk, which stood in the corner, and had put
+up three pictures, which, though cheap, were attractive.
+
+"Good evening, Jasper," he said. "It is quite friendly of you to call."
+
+"I hadn't anything else on hand this evening, and thought I would come
+round see how you were getting along."
+
+"Take a seat and make yourself at home."
+
+"Do you object to cigarettes?" asked Jasper, producing one from a case
+in his pocket.
+
+"I object to smoking them myself, but I don't want to dictate to my
+friends."
+
+"You look quite comfortable here," continued Jasper in a patronizing
+tone.
+
+"We try to be comfortable, though our room is not luxurious."
+
+"Who do you mean by 'we'? Have you a room mate?"
+
+"Yes. Mike Flynn rooms with me."
+
+"Who is he--a newsboy?"
+
+"No. He is a telegraph boy."
+
+"You don't seem to very particular," said Jasper, shrugging his
+shoulders.
+
+"I am very particular."
+
+"Yet you room with an Irish telegraph boy."
+
+"He is a nice boy of good habit, and a devoted friend. What could I want
+more?"
+
+"Oh, well, you have a right to consult your own taste."
+
+"You have a nice home, no doubt."
+
+"I live with my uncle. Yes, he has a good house, but I am not so
+independent as if I had a room outide."
+
+"How are things going on at the store?"
+
+"About the same as usual. Why don't you come in some day?"
+
+"For two reasons; I am occupied during the day, and I don't want to go
+where I am considered a thief."
+
+"I wish I was getting your income. It is hard to get along on seven
+dollars a week."
+
+"Still you have a nice home, and I suppose you have most of your salary
+to yourself."
+
+"Yes, but there isn't much margin in seven dollars. My uncle expects
+me to buy my own clothes. You were lucky to get out of the store. Old
+Goodnow ought to give me ten dollars."
+
+"Don't let him hear you speak of him as OLD Goodnow, Jasper."
+
+"Oh, I'm smart enough for that. I mean to keep on the right side of the
+old chap. What sort of a man are you working for?"
+
+"Mr. Sargent is a fine man."
+
+"He isn't mean certainly. I should like to be in your shoes."
+
+"If I hear of any similar position shall I mention your name?" asked
+Rodney, smiling.
+
+"No; I could not take care of a kid. I hate them."
+
+"Still Arthur is a nice boy."
+
+"You are welcome to him. What do you have to teach?"
+
+"He is studying Latin and French, besides English branches."
+
+"I know about as much of Latin and French as a cow. I couldn't be a
+teacher. I say, Rodney," and Jasper cleared his throat, "I want you to
+do me a favor."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"I want you to lend me ten dollars."
+
+Rodney was not mean, but he knew very well that a loan to Jasper would
+be a permanent one. Had Jasper been his friend even this consideration
+would not have inspired a refusal, but he knew very well that Jasper had
+not a particle of regard for him.
+
+"I don't think I can oblige you, Jasper," he said.
+
+"Why not? You get fifteen dollars a week."
+
+"My expenses are considerable. Besides I am helping Mike, whose salary
+is very small. I pay the whole of the rent and I have paid for some
+clothes for him."
+
+"You are spending your money very foolishly," said Jasper frowning.
+
+"Would I spend it any less foolishly if I should lend you ten dollars?"
+
+"There is some difference between Mike Flynn and me. I am a gentleman."
+
+"So is Mike."
+
+"A queer sort of gentleman! He is only a poor telegraph boy."
+
+"Still he is a gentleman."
+
+"I should think you might have money enough for both of us."
+
+"I might but I want to save something from my salary. I don't know how
+long I shall be earning as much. I might lose my place."
+
+"So you might."
+
+"And I could hardly expect to get another where the pay would be as
+good."
+
+"I would pay you on installment--a dollar a week," urged Jasper.
+
+"I don't see how you could, as you say your pay is too small for you
+now."
+
+"Oh, well, I could manage."
+
+"I am afraid I can't oblige you, Jasper," said Rodney in a decided tone.
+
+"I didn't think you were so miserly," answered Jasper in vexation.
+
+"You may call it so, if you like. You must remember that I am not
+situated like you. You have your uncle to fall back upon in case you
+lose your position, but I have no one. I have to hustle for myself."
+
+"Oh, you needn't make any more excuses. I suppose ten dollars is rather
+a large sum to lend. Can you lend me five?"
+
+"I am sorry, but I must refuse you."
+
+Jasper rose from the chair on which he had been sitting.
+
+"Then I may as well go," he said. "I am disappointed in you, Ropes. I
+thought you were a good, whole souled fellow, and not a miser."
+
+"You must think of me as you please, Jasper. I feel that I have a right
+to regulate my own affairs."
+
+"All I have to say is this, if you lose your place as you may very soon,
+don't come round to the store and expect to be taken back."
+
+"I won't," answered Rodney, smiling. "I wouldn't go back at any rate
+unless the charge of theft was withdrawn."
+
+"That will never be!"
+
+"Let it be so, as long as I am innocent."
+
+Jasper left the room abruptly, not even having the politeness to bid
+Rodney good evening.
+
+Rodney felt that he was quite justified in refusing to lend Jasper
+money. Had he been in need he would have obliged him, though he had no
+reason to look upon him as a friend.
+
+No one who knew Rodney could regard him as mean or miserly. Could he
+have read Jasper's thoughts as he left the house he would have felt even
+less regret at disappointing him.
+
+About two days afterward when Rodney went up to meet his pupil, Mr.
+Sargent handed him a letter.
+
+"Here is something that concerns you, Rodney," he said. "It doesn't
+appear to be from a friend of yours."
+
+With some curiosity Rodney took the letter and read it.
+
+It ran thus:
+
+
+Mr. JOHN SARGENT:
+
+DEAR SIR--I think it my duty to write and tell you something about
+your son's tutor--something that will surprise and shock you. Before
+he entered your house he was employed by a firm on Reade Street. He was
+quite a favorite with his employer, Mr. Otis Goodnow, who promoted him
+in a short time. All at once it was found that articles were missing
+from the stock. Of course it was evident that some one of the clerks was
+dishonest. A watch was set, and finally it was found that Rodney Ropes
+had taken the articles, and one--a lady's cloak--was found in his room
+by a detective. He was discharged at once without a recommendation.
+
+For a time he lived by selling papers, but at last he managed to get
+into your house. I am sure you won't regard him as fit to educate
+your little son, though I have no doubt he is a good scholar. But his
+character is bad--I don't think he ought to have concealed this from you
+out of friendship for you, and because I think it is my duty, I take the
+liberty of writing. If you doubt this I will refer to Mr. Goodnow,
+or Mr. James Redwood, who had charge of the room in which Ropes was
+employed. Yours very respectfully,
+                                        A FRIEND.
+
+
+"You knew all this before, Mr. Sargent," said Rodney, as he handed back
+the letter.
+
+"Yes. Have you any idea who wrote it?"
+
+"I feel quite sure that it was a boy about two years older than myself,
+Jasper Redwood."
+
+"Is he related to the man of the same name whom he mentions?"
+
+"Yes, he is his nephew."
+
+"Has he any particular reason for disliking you, Rodney?"
+
+"Yes, sir. He came round to my room Wednesday evening, and asked me to
+lend him ten dollars."
+
+"I presume you refused."
+
+"Yes, sir. He is not in need. He succeeded to my place, and he has a
+home at the house of his uncle."
+
+"He appears to be a very mean boy. Anonymous letters are always
+cowardly, and generally malicious. This seems to be no exception to the
+general rule."
+
+"I hope it won't affect your feelings towards me, Mr. Sargent."
+
+"Don't trouble yourself about that Rodney. I am not so easily prejudiced
+against one of whom I have a good opinion."
+
+"I suppose this is Jasper's revenge," thought Rodney.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+
+RODNEY LOSES HIS PUPIL.
+
+
+Jasper had little doubt that his letter would lead to Rodney's loss of
+position. It was certainly a mean thing to plot another's downfall,
+but Jasper was quite capable of it. Had he secured the loan he asked he
+would have been willing to leave Rodney alone, but it would only have
+been the first of a series of similar applications.
+
+It was several days before Jasper had an opportunity of learning whether
+his malicious plan had succeeded or not. On Sunday forenoon he met
+Rodney on Fifth Avenue just as the church services were over. He crossed
+the street and accosted the boy he had tried to injure.
+
+"Good morning, Ropes," he said, examining Rodney's face curiously to see
+whether it indicated trouble of any kind.
+
+"Good morning!" responded Rodney coolly.
+
+"How are you getting along in your place?"
+
+"Very well, thank you."
+
+"Shall I find you at your pupil's house if I call there some afternoon?"
+
+"Yes, unless I am out walking with Arthur."
+
+"I wonder whether he's bluffing," thought Jasper. "I daresay he wouldn't
+tell me if he had been discharged. He takes it pretty coolly."
+
+"How long do you think your engagement will last?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know. I never had a talk with Mr. Sargent on that point."
+
+"Do you still give satisfaction?"
+
+Rodney penetrated Jasper's motives for asking all these questions, and
+was amused.
+
+"I presume if I fail to satisfy Mr. Sargent he will tell me so."
+
+"It would be a nice thing if you could stay there three or four years."
+
+"Yes: but I don't anticipate it. When Arthur get a little older he will
+be sent to school."
+
+"What will you do then?"
+
+"I haven't got so far as that."
+
+"I can't get anything out of him," said Jasper to himself. "I shouldn't
+be a bit surprised if he were already discharged."
+
+They had now reached Madison Square, and Jasper left Rodney.
+
+The latter looked after him with a smile.
+
+"I think I have puzzled Jasper," he said to himself. "He was anxious to
+know how his scheme had worked. He will have to wait a little longer."
+
+"If Mr. Sargent keeps Ropes after my letter he must be a fool," Jasper
+decided. "I wonder if Ropes handles the mail. He might have suppressed
+the letter."
+
+But Rodney was not familiar with his handwriting, and would have no
+reason to suspect that the particular letter contained anything likely
+to injure him in the eyes of Mr. Sargent.
+
+Later in his walk Jasper met Philip Carton. His former friend was
+sitting on a bench in Madison Square. He called out to Jasper as he
+passed.
+
+"Come here, Jasper, I want to talk with you."
+
+Jasper looked at him in a manner far from friendly.
+
+"I am in a hurry," he said.
+
+"What hurry can you be in? Come and sit down here. I MUST speak to you."
+
+Jasper did not like his tone, but it impressed him, and he did not dare
+to refuse.
+
+He seated himself beside Philip, but looked at him askance. Carton was
+undeniably shabby. He had the look of a man who was going down hill and
+that rapidly.
+
+"I shall be late for dinner," grumbled Jasper.
+
+"I wish I had any dinner to look forward to," said Carton. "Do you see
+this money?" and he produced a nickel from his pocket.
+
+"What is there remarkable about it?"
+
+"It is the last money I have. It won't buy me a dinner."
+
+"I am sorry, but it is none of my business," said Jasper coolly. "You
+are old enough to attend to your own affairs."
+
+"And I once thought you were my friend," murmured Philip bitterly.
+
+"Yes, we were friends in a way."
+
+"Now you are up and I am down--Jasper, I want a dollar."
+
+"I dare say you do. Plenty want that."
+
+"I want it from you."
+
+"I can't spare it."
+
+"You can spare it better than you can spare your situation."
+
+"What do you mean by that?" asked Jasper, growing nervous.
+
+"I'll tell you what I mean. How long do you think you would stay in
+the store if Mr. Goodnow knew that you were concerned in the theft from
+which he has suffered?"
+
+"Was I the only one?"
+
+"No; I am equally guilty."
+
+"I am glad you acknowledge it. You see you had better keep quiet for
+your own sake."
+
+"If I keep quiet I shall starve."
+
+"Do you want to go to prison?"
+
+"I shouldn't mind so much if you went along, too."
+
+"Are you crazy, Philip Carton?"
+
+"No, I am not, but I am beginning to get sensible. If I go to prison I
+shall at least have enough to eat, and now I haven't."
+
+"What do you mean by all this foolish talk?"
+
+"I mean that if you won't give me any money I will go to the store and
+tell Mr. Goodnow something that will surprise him."
+
+Jasper was getting thoroughly frightened.
+
+"Come, Philip." he said, "listen to reason. You know how poor I am."
+
+"No doubt. I know you have a good home and enough to eat."
+
+"I only get seven dollars a week."
+
+"And I get nothing."
+
+"I have already been trying to help you. I went to Ropes the other day,
+and asked him to lend me five dollars. I meant it for you."
+
+"Did he give it to you?"
+
+"He wouldn't give me a cent. He is mean and miserly!"
+
+"I don't know. He knows very well that you are no friend of his, though
+he doesn't know how much harm you have done him."
+
+"He's rolling in money. However, I've put a spoke in his wheel, I hope."
+
+"How?"
+
+"I wrote an anonymous letter to Mr. Sargent telling him that Ropes was
+discharged from the store on suspicion of theft."
+
+"You are a precious scamp, Jasper."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"You are not content with getting Ropes discharged for something which
+you yourself did----"
+
+"And you too."
+
+"And I too. I accept the amendment. Not content with that, you try to
+get him discharged from his present position."
+
+"Then he might have lent me the money," said Jasper sullenly.
+
+"It wouldn't have been a loan. It would have been a gift. But no matter
+about that. I want a dollar."
+
+"I can't give it to you."
+
+"Then I shall call at the store tomorrow morning and tell Mr. Goodnow
+about the stolen goods."
+
+Finding that Carton was in earnest Jasper finally, but with great
+reluctance, drew out a dollar and handed it to his companion.
+
+"There, I hope that will satisfy you," he said spitefully.
+
+"It will--for the present."
+
+"I wish he'd get run over or something," thought Jasper. "He seems to
+expect me to support him, and that on seven dollars a week."
+
+Fortunately for Jasper, Philip Carton obtained employment the next day
+which lasted for some time, and as he was paid ten dollars a week he was
+not under the necessity of troubling his old confederate for loans.
+
+Now and then Jasper and Rodney met, but there were no cordial relations
+between them. Jasper could not forgive Rodney for refusing to lend him
+money, and Rodney was not likely to forget the anonymous letter by which
+Jasper had tried to injure him.
+
+So three months passed. One day Mr. Sargent arrived at home before it
+was time for Rodney to leave.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Rodney," said his employer. "I have some news for
+you which I am afraid will not be entirely satisfactory to you."
+
+"What is it, sir?"
+
+"For the last three years I have been wishing to go to Europe with my
+wife and Arthur. The plan has been delayed, because I could not make
+satisfactory business arrangements. Now, however, that difficulty has
+been overcome, and I propose to sail in about two weeks."
+
+"I hope you'll enjoy your trip, sir."
+
+"Thank you. Of course it will terminate, for a time at least your
+engagement to teach Arthur."
+
+"I shall be sorry for that, sir, but I am not selfish enough to want you
+to stay at home on that account."
+
+"I thought you would feel that way. I wish I could procure you another
+position before I go, but that is uncertain. I shall, however, pay you a
+month's salary in advance in lieu of a notice."
+
+"That is very liberal, sir."
+
+"I think it only just. I have been very well pleased with your attention
+to Arthur, and I know he has profited by your instructions as well
+as enjoyed your companionship. I hope you have been able to save
+something."
+
+"Yes, sir, I have something in the Union Dime Savings Bank."
+
+"That's well. You will remain with me one week longer, but the last week
+Arthur will need for preparations."
+
+Two weeks later Rodney stood on the pier and watched the stately Etruria
+steam out into the river. Arthur and his father were on deck, and the
+little boy waved his handkerchief to his tutor as long as he could see
+him.
+
+Rodney turned away sadly.
+
+"I have lost a good situation," he soliloquized. "When shall I get
+another?"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+CONTINUED ILL LUCK.
+
+
+Rodney set himself to work searching for a new situation. But
+wherever he called he found Some one ahead of him. At length he saw an
+advertisement for an entry clerk in a wholesale house in Church Street.
+He applied and had the good fortune to please the superintendent.
+
+"Where have you worked before?" he asked.
+
+"At Otis Goodnow's, on Reade Street."
+
+"How much were you paid there?"
+
+"Seven dollars a week."
+
+"Very well, we will start you on that salary, and see if you earn it."
+
+Rodney was surprised and relieved to find that he was not asked for a
+recommendation from Mr. Goodnow, knowing that he could not obtain one.
+He went to work on a Monday morning, and found his duties congenial and
+satisfactory.
+
+Seven dollars a week was small, compared with what he had received as a
+tutor, but he had about two hundred and fifty dollars in the Union Dime
+Savings Bank and drew three dollars from this fund every week in order
+that he might still assist Mike, whose earnings were small.
+
+One of his new acquaintances in the store was James Hicks, a boy about a
+year older than himself.
+
+"Didn't you use to work at Otis Goodnow's?" asked James one day when
+they were going to lunch.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I know a boy employed there. He is older than either of us."
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"Jasper Redwood. Of course you know him."
+
+"Yes," answered Rodney with a presentiment of evil.
+
+He felt that it would be dangerous to have Jasper know of his present
+position, but did not venture to give a hint of this to James.
+
+His fears were not groundless. Only the day after James met Jasper on
+the street.
+
+"Anything new?" asked Jasper.
+
+"Yes; we've got one of your old friends in our store."
+
+"Who is it?"
+
+"Rodney Ropes."
+
+Jasper stopped short, and whistled. He was excessively surprised, as he
+supposed Rodney still to be Arthur Sargent's tutor.
+
+"You don't mean it?" he ejaculated.
+
+"Why not? Is there anything so strange about it?"
+
+"Yes. Did Ropes bring a recommendation from Mr. Goodnow?"
+
+"I suppose so. I don't know."
+
+"If he did, it's forged."
+
+"Why should it be?"
+
+"Goodnow wouldn't give him a recommendation."
+
+"Why wouldn't he?"
+
+"Because he discharged Ropes. Do you want to know why?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"For stealing articles from the store."
+
+It was the turn of James Hicks to be surprised.
+
+"I can't believe it," he said.
+
+"Its true. Just mention the matter to Ropes, and you'll see he won't
+deny it."
+
+"I think there must be some mistake about it. Rodney doesn't look like a
+fellow that would steal."
+
+"Oh, you can't tell from appearances--Rogues are always plausible."
+
+"Still mistakes are sometimes made. I'd trust Rodney Ropes sooner than
+any boy I know."
+
+"You don't know him as well as I do."
+
+"You don't like him?" said James shrewdly.
+
+"No I don't. I can't like a thief."
+
+"You talk as if you had a grudge against him."
+
+"Nothing but his being a thief. Well, what are you going to do about
+it?"
+
+"About what?"
+
+"What I have just told you."
+
+"I don't feel that I have any call to do anything."
+
+"You ought to tell your employer."
+
+"I am no telltale," said James scornfully.
+
+"Then you will let him stay in the store, knowing him to be a thief?"
+
+"I don't know him to be a thief. If he steals anything it will probably
+be found out."
+
+Jasper urged James to give information about Rodney, but he steadily
+refused.
+
+"I leave others to do such dirty work," he said, "and I don't think any
+better of you, let me tell you, for your eagerness to turn the boy out
+of his position."
+
+"You are a queer boy."
+
+"Think so if you like," retorted Hicks. "I might give my opinion of
+you."
+
+At this point Jasper thought it best to let the conversation drop. He
+was much pleased to learn that Rodney had lost his fine position as
+tutor, and was now in a place from which he might more easily be ousted.
+
+As he could not prevail upon James Hicks to betray Rodney he decided to
+write an anonymous letter to the firm that employed him.
+
+The result was that the next afternoon Rodney was summoned to the
+office.
+
+"Sit down Ropes," said the superintendent. "For what store did you work
+before you came into our house?"
+
+"Otis Goodnow's."
+
+"Under what circumstances did you leave?"
+
+"I was accused of theft."
+
+"You did not mention this matter when you applied for a situation here."
+
+"No, sir. I ought perhaps to have done so, but I presumed in that case
+you would not have given me a place."
+
+"You are right he would not."
+
+"Nor would I have applied had the charge been a true one. Articles were
+certainly missing from Mr. Goodnow's stock, but in accusing me they did
+me a great injustice."
+
+"How long since you left Mr. Goodnow's?"
+
+"Four months."
+
+"What have you been doing since?"
+
+"I was acting as tutor to the son of Mr. Sargent, of West Fifty Eighth
+Street."
+
+"A well known citizen. Then you are a scholar?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I am nearly prepared for college."
+
+"Of course he did not know you were suspected of dishonesty."
+
+"On the contrary he did know it. I told him, and later he received an
+anonymous letter, notifying him of the fact."
+
+"We also have received an anonymous letter. Here it is. Do you recognize
+the hand writing?"
+
+"Yes," answered Rodney after examining the letter. "It was written by
+Jasper Redwood."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"A boy employed by Mr. Goodnow. For some reason he seems to have a spite
+against me."
+
+"I admit that it is pretty small business to write an anonymous letter
+calculated to injure another. Still we shall have to take notice of
+this."
+
+"Yes, sir, I suppose so."
+
+"I shall have to bring it to the notice of the firm. What they may do I
+don't know. If the matter was to be decided by me I would let you stay."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Rodney gratefully.
+
+"But I am not Mr. Hall. You can go now and I will see you again."
+
+Rodney left the office fully persuaded that his engagement would
+speedily terminate. He was right; the next day he was sent for again.
+
+"I am sorry to tell you, Ropes," said the superintendent kindly "that
+Mr. Hall insists upon your being discharged. He is a nervous man and
+rather suspicious. I spoke in your favor but I could not turn him."
+
+"At any rate I am grateful to you for your friendly effort."
+
+The superintendent hesitated a moment, and then said: "Will this
+discharge seriously embarrass you? Are you short of money?"
+
+"No, sir. I was very liberally paid by Mr. Sargent, and I saved money.
+I have enough in the savings bank to last me several months, should I be
+idle so long."
+
+"I am glad of it. I hope you will remember, my boy, that this is none of
+my doing. I would gladly retain you. I will say one thing more, should
+Jasper Redwood ever apply for a situation here, his name will not be
+considered."
+
+So Rodney found himself again without a position. It seemed hard in view
+of his innocence, but he had confidence to believe that something would
+turn up for him as before. At any rate he had enough money to live on
+for some time.
+
+When Mike Flynn learned the circumstances of his discharge he was very
+angry.
+
+"I'd like to meet Jasper Redwood," he said, his eyes flashing. "If I
+didn't give him a laying out then my name isn't Mike Flynn."
+
+"I think he will get his desert some time, Mickey, without any help from
+you or me."
+
+"Should hope he will. And what'll you do now, Rodney?"
+
+"I don't know. Sometimes I think it would be well to go to some other
+city, Boston or Philadelphia, where Jasper can't get on my track."
+
+"Should hope you won't do it. I can't get along widout you."
+
+"I will stay here for a few weeks, Mike, and see if anything turns up."
+
+"I might get you in as a telegraph boy."
+
+"That wouldn't suit me. It doesn't pay enough."
+
+Rodney began to hunt for a situation again, but four weeks passed and
+brought him no success. One afternoon about four o'clock he was walking
+up Broadway when, feeling tired, he stepped into the Continental Hotel
+at the corner of Twentieth Street.
+
+He took a seat at some distance back from the door, and in a desultory
+way began to look about him. All at once he started in surprise, for
+in a man sitting in one of the front row of chairs he recognized Louis
+Wheeler, the railroad thief who had stolen his box of jewelry.
+
+Wheeler was conversing with a man with a large flapping sombrero, and
+whose dress and general appearance indicated that he was a Westerner.
+
+Rodney left his seat and going forward sat down in the chair behind
+Wheeler. He suspected that the Western man was in danger of being
+victimized.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE TURNS UP.
+
+
+In his new position Rodney could easily hear the conversation which took
+place between the Western man and his old railroad acquaintance.
+
+"I am quite a man of leisure," said Wheeler, "and it will give me great
+pleasure to go about with you and show you our city."
+
+"You are very obliging."
+
+"Oh, don't mention it. I shall really be glad to have my time occupied.
+You see I am a man of means--my father left me a fortune--and so I am
+not engaged in any business."
+
+"You are in luck. I was brought up on a farm in Vermont, and had to
+borrow money to take me to Montana four years ago."
+
+"I hope you prospered in your new home?"
+
+"I did. I picked up twenty five thousand dollars at the mines, and
+doubled it by investment in lots in Helena."
+
+"Very neat, indeed. I inherited a fortune from my father--a hundred and
+twenty five thousand dollars--but I never made a cent myself. I don't
+know whether I am smart enough."
+
+"Come out to Montana and I'll put you in a way of making some money."
+
+"Really, now, that suggestion strikes me favorably. I believe I will
+follow your advice. When shall you return to your Western home?"
+
+"In about a fortnight I think."
+
+"You must go to the theater tonight. There is a good play on at the
+Madison Square."
+
+"I don't mind. When can I get ticket?"
+
+"I'll go and secure some. It is only a few blocks away."
+
+"Do so. How much are the tickets?"
+
+"A dollar and a half or two dollars each."
+
+"Here are five dollars, if it won't trouble you too much."
+
+"My dear friend, I meant to pay for the tickets. However, I will pay
+next time. If you will remain here I will be back in twenty minutes."
+
+Louis Wheeler left the hotel with the five dollars tucked away in his
+vest pocket.
+
+He had no sooner disappeared than Rodney went forward and occupied his
+seat.
+
+"Excuse me, sir," he said to the miner, "but do you know much of the man
+who has just left you?"
+
+"I only met him here. He seems a good natured fellow. What of him?"
+
+"He said he was a man of independent means."
+
+"Isn't he?"
+
+"He is a thief and an adventurer."
+
+The miner was instantly on the alert.
+
+"How do you know this?" he asked.
+
+"Because he stole a box of jewelry from me in the cars some months ago."
+
+"Did you get it again?"
+
+"Yes; he left the train, but I followed him up and reclaimed the
+jewelry."
+
+"Was it of much value?"
+
+"They were family jewels, and were worth over a thousand dollars."
+
+"Do you think he wants to bunco me?"
+
+"I have no doubt of it."
+
+"I have given him money to buy theater tickets. Do you think he will
+come back?"
+
+"Yes. He wouldn't be satisfied with that small sum."
+
+"Tell me about your adventure with him."
+
+"I will do it later. The theater is so near that he might come back and
+surprise us together. I think he would recognize me."
+
+"Do you advise me to go to the theater?"
+
+"Yes, but be on your guard."
+
+"Where can I see you again?"
+
+"Are you staying at this hotel?"
+
+"Yes. Here is my card."
+
+Rodney read this name on the card:
+
+
+JEFFERSON PETTRIGREW.
+
+
+"I wish you were going to the theater with us."
+
+"It wouldn't do. Mr. Wheeler would remember me."
+
+"Then come round and breakfast with me tomorrow--at eight o'clock,
+sharp."
+
+"I will, sir. Now I will take a back seat, and leave you to receive your
+friend."
+
+"Don't call him my friend. He seems to be a mean scoundrel."
+
+"Don't let him suspect anything from your manner."
+
+"I won't. I want to see him expose his plans." Five minutes afterwards
+Louis Wheeler entered the hotel.
+
+"I've got the tickets," he said, "but I had to buy them of a speculator,
+and they cost me more than I expected."
+
+"How much?"
+
+"Two and a half apiece. So there is no change coming back to you."
+
+"Never mind! As long as you had enough money to pay for them it is all
+right."
+
+As a matter of fact Wheeler bought the tickets at the box office at one
+dollar and fifty cent each, which left him a profit of two dollars.
+When he saw how easily the Western man took it he regretted not having
+represented that the tickets cost three dollars each.
+
+However, he decided that there would be other ways of plundering his new
+acquaintance. He took his seat again next to the miner.
+
+"It is not very late," he said. "Would you like a run out to Central
+Park or to Grant's Tomb?"
+
+"Not today. I feel rather tired. By the way, you did not mention your
+name."
+
+"I haven't a card with me, but my name is Louis Wheeler."
+
+"Where do you live, Mr. Wheeler?"
+
+"I am staying with an aunt on Fifth Avenue, but I think of taking board
+at the Windsor Hotel. It is a very high toned house, and quite a number
+of my friends board there."
+
+"Is it an expensive hotel?"
+
+"Oh, yes, but my income is large and----"
+
+"I understand. Now, Mr. Wheeler, I must excuse myself, as I feel tired.
+Come at half past seven and we can start for the theater together."
+
+"Very well."
+
+Wheeler rose reluctantly, for he had intended to secure a dinner from
+his new acquaintance, but he was wise enough to take the hint.
+
+After he left the room Rodney again joined Mr. Pettigrew.
+
+"He didn't give me back any change," said the Western man. "He said he
+bought the tickets of a speculator at two dollars and a half each."
+
+"Then he made two dollars out of you."
+
+"I suppose that is the beginning. Well, that doesn't worry me. But I
+should like to know how he expects to get more money out of me. I don't
+understand the ways of this gentry."
+
+"Nor I very well. If you are on your guard I think you won't be in any
+danger."
+
+"I will remember what you say. You seem young to act as adviser to a man
+like me. Are you in business?"
+
+"At present I am out of work, but I have money enough to last me three
+months."
+
+"Are you, like my new acquaintance, possessed of independent means?"
+
+"Not now, but I was six months ago."
+
+"How did you lose your money?"
+
+"I did not lose it. My guardian lost it for me."
+
+"What is your name?"
+
+"Rodney Ropes."
+
+"You've had some pretty bad luck. Come up to my room and tell me about
+it."
+
+"I shall be glad to do so, sir."
+
+Mr. Pettigrew called for his key and led the way up to a plain room on
+the third floor.
+
+"Come in," he said. "The room is small, but I guess it will hold us
+both. Now go ahead with your story."
+
+In a short time Rodney had told his story in full to his new
+acquaintance, encouraged to do so by his sympathetic manner. Mr.
+Pettigrew was quite indignant, when told of Jasper's mean and
+treacherous conduct.
+
+"That boy Jasper is a snake in the grass," he said. "I'd like to give
+him a good thrashing."
+
+"There isn't any love lost between us, Mr. Pettigrew, but I think it
+will turn out right in the end. Still I find it hard to get a place in
+New York with him circulating stories about me."
+
+"Then why do you stay in New York?"
+
+"I have thought it might be better to go to Philadelphia or Boston."
+
+"I can tell you of a better place than either."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"Montana."
+
+"Do you really think it would be wise for me to go there?"
+
+"Think? I haven't a doubt about it."
+
+"I have money enough to get there, but not much more. I should soon have
+to find work, or I might get stranded."
+
+"Come back with me, and I'll see you through. I'll make a bargain with
+you. Go round with me here, and I'll pay your fare out to Montana."
+
+"If you are really in earnest I will do so, and thank you for the
+offer."
+
+"Jefferson Pettigrew means what he says. I'll see you through, Rodney."
+
+"But I may be interfering with your other friend, Louis Wheeler."
+
+"I shall soon be through with him. You needn't worry yourself about
+that."
+
+Mr. Pettigrew insisted upon Rodney's taking supper with him. Fifteen
+minutes after Rodney left him Mr. Wheeler made his appearance.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+
+MR. WHEELER HAS A SET BACK.
+
+
+Louis Wheeler had not seen Rodney in the hotel office, and probably
+would not have recognized him if he had, as Rodney was quite differently
+dressed from the time of their first meeting. He had no reason to
+suppose, therefore, that Mr. Pettigrew had been enlightened as to his
+real character.
+
+It was therefore with his usual confidence that he accosted his
+acquaintance from Montana after supper.
+
+"It is time to go to the theater, Mr. Pettigrew," he said.
+
+Jefferson Pettigrew scanned his new acquaintance with interest. He
+had never before met a man of his type and he looked upon him as a
+curiosity.
+
+He was shrewd, however, and did not propose to let Wheeler know that he
+understood his character. He resolved for the present to play the part
+of the bluff and unsuspecting country visitor.
+
+"You are very kind, Mr. Wheeler," he said, "to take so much trouble for
+a stranger."
+
+"My dear sir," said Wheeler effusively, "I wouldn't do it for many
+persons, but I have taken a fancy to you."
+
+"You don't mean so?" said Pettigrew, appearing pleased?
+
+"Yes, I do, on my honor."
+
+"But I don't see why you should. You are a polished city gentleman and I
+am an ignorant miner from Montana."
+
+Louis Wheeler looked complacent when he was referred to as a polished
+city gentleman.
+
+"You do yourself injustice, my dear Pettigrew," he said in a patronizing
+manner. "You do indeed. You may not be polished, but you are certainly
+smart, as you have shown by accumulating a fortune."
+
+"But I am not as rich as you."
+
+"Perhaps not, but if I should lose my money, I could not make another
+fortune, while I am sure you could. Don't you think it would be a good
+plan for us to start a business together in New York?"
+
+"Would you really be willing to go into business with me?"
+
+Jefferson Pettigrew asked this question with so much apparent sincerity
+that Wheeler was completely deceived.
+
+"I've got him dead!" he soliloquized complacently.
+
+He hooked his arm affectionately in the Montana miner's and said,
+"My dear friend, I have never met a man with whom I would rather
+be associated in business than with you. How much capital could you
+contribute?"
+
+"I will think it over, Mr. Wheeler. By the way what business do you
+propose that we shall go into?"
+
+"I will think it over and report to you."
+
+By this time they had reached the theater. The play soon commenced. Mr.
+Pettigrew enjoyed it highly, for he had not had much opportunity at the
+West of attending a high class theatrical performance.
+
+When the play ended, Louis Wheeler said, "Suppose we go to Delmonico's
+and have a little refreshment."
+
+"Very well."
+
+They adjourned to the well known restaurant, and Mr. Pettigrew ordered
+an ice and some cakes, but his companion made a hearty supper. When the
+bill came, Louis Wheeler let it lie on the table, but Mr. Pettigrew did
+not appear to see it.
+
+"I wonder if he expects me to pay for it," Wheeler asked himself
+anxiously.
+
+"Thank you for this pleasant little supper," said Pettigrew
+mischievously. "Delmonico's is certainly a fine place."
+
+Wheeler changed color. He glanced at the check. It was for two dollars
+and seventy five cents, and this represented a larger sum than he
+possessed.
+
+He took the check and led the way to the cashier's desk. Then he
+examined his pockets.
+
+"By Jove," he said, "I left my wallet in my other coat. May I borrow
+five dollars till tomorrow?"
+
+Jefferson Pettigrew eyed him shrewdly. "Never mind," he said, "I will
+pay the check."
+
+"I am very much ashamed of having put you to this expense."
+
+"If that is all you have to be ashamed of Mr. Wheeler," said the miner
+pointedly, "you can rest easy."
+
+"What do you mean?" stammered Wheeler.
+
+"Wait till we get into the street, and I will tell you."
+
+They went out at the Broadway entrance, and then Mr. Pettigrew turned to
+his new acquaintance.
+
+"I think I will bid you good night and good by at the same time, Mr.
+Wheeler," he said.
+
+"My dear sir, I hoped you won't misjudge me on account of my
+unfortunately leaving my money at home."
+
+"I only wish to tell you that I have not been taken in by your plausible
+statement, Mr. Wheeler, if that is really your name. Before we started
+for the theater I had gauged you and taken your measure."
+
+"Sir, I hope you don't mean to insult me!" blustered Wheeler.
+
+"Not at all. You have been mistaken in me, but I am not mistaken in you.
+I judge you to be a gentlemanly adventurer, ready to take advantage of
+any who have money and are foolish enough to be gulled by your tricks.
+You are welcome to the profit you made out of the theater tickets, also
+to the little supper to which you have done so much justice. I must
+request you, now, however, to devote yourself to some one else, as I do
+not care to meet you again."
+
+Louis Wheeler slunk away, deciding that he had made a great mistake in
+setting down his Montana acquaintance as an easy victim.
+
+"I didn't think he'd get on to my little game so quick," he reflected.
+"He's sharper than he looks."
+
+Rodney took breakfast with Mr. Pettigrew the next morning. When
+breakfast was over, the Montana man said:
+
+"I'm going to make a proposal to you, Rodney. How much pay did you get
+at your last place?"
+
+"Seven dollars a week."
+
+"I'll pay you that and give you your meals. In return I want you to keep
+me company and go about with me."
+
+"I shall not be apt to refuse such an offer as that, Mr. Pettigrew, but
+are you sure you prefer me to Mr. Wheeler?" laughed Rodney.
+
+"Wheeler be--blessed!" returned the miner.
+
+"How long are you going to stay in New York?"
+
+"About two weeks. Then I shall go back to Montana and take you with me."
+
+"Thank you. There is nothing I should like better."
+
+Two days later, as the two were walking along Broadway, they met Mr.
+Wheeler. The latter instantly recognized his friend from Montana, and
+scrutinized closely his young companion.
+
+Rodney's face looked strangely familiar to him, but somehow he could not
+recollect when or under what circumstances he had met him. He did not,
+however, like to give up his intended victim, but had the effrontery to
+address the man from Montana.
+
+"I hope you are well, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"Thank you, I am very well."
+
+"I hope you are enjoying yourself. I should be glad to show you the
+sights. Have you been to Grants Tomb?"
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"I should like to take you there."
+
+"Thank you, but I have a competent guide."
+
+"Won't you introduce me to the young gentleman?"
+
+"I don't require any introduction to you, Mr. Wheeler," said Rodney.
+
+"Where have I met you before?" asked Wheeler abruptly.
+
+"In the cars. I had a box of jewelry with me," answered Rodney
+significantly.
+
+Louis Wheeler changed color. Now he remembered Rodney, and he was
+satisfied that he owed to him the coolness with which the Western man
+had treated him.
+
+"I remember you had," he said spitefully, "but I don't know how you came
+by it."
+
+"It isn't necessary that you should know. I remember I had considerable
+difficulty in getting it out of your hands."
+
+"Mr. Pettigrew," said Wheeler angrily, "I feel interested in you, and
+I want to warn you against the boy who is with you. He is a dangerous
+companion."
+
+"I dare say you are right," said Pettigrew in a quizzical tone. "I shall
+look after him sharply, and I thank you for your kind and considerate
+warning. I don't care to take up any more of your valuable time. Rodney,
+let us be going."
+
+"It must have been the kid that exposed me," muttered Wheeler, as he
+watched the two go down the street. "I will get even with him some time.
+That man would have been good for a thousand dollars to me if I had not
+been interfered with."
+
+"You have been warned against me, Mr. Pettigrew," said Rodney, laughing.
+"Mr. Wheeler has really been very unkind in interfering with my plans."
+
+"I shan't borrow any trouble, or lie awake nights thinking about it,
+Rodney. I don't care to see or think of that rascal again."
+
+The week passed, and the arrangement between Mr. Pettigrew and Rodney
+continued to their mutual satisfaction. One morning, when Rodney came to
+the Continental as usual, his new friend said: "I received a letter last
+evening from my old home in Vermont."
+
+"I hope it contained good news."
+
+"On the contrary it contained bad news. My parents are dead, but I have
+an old uncle and aunt living. When I left Burton he was comfortably
+fixed, with a small farm of his own, and two thousand dollars in bank.
+Now I hear that he is in trouble. He has lost money, and a knavish
+neighbor has threatened to foreclose a mortgage on the farm and turn out
+the old people to die or go to the poorhouse."
+
+"Is the mortgage a large one?"
+
+"It is much less than the value of the farm, but ready money is scarce
+in the town, and that old Sheldon calculates upon. Now I think of going
+to Burton to look up the matter."
+
+"You must save your uncle, if you can, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"I can and I will. I shall start for Boston this afternoon by the Fall
+River boat and I want you to go with me."
+
+"I should enjoy the journey, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"Then it is settled. Go home and pack your gripsack. You may be gone
+three or four days."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+
+A CHANGE OF SCENE.
+
+
+"Now," said Mr. Pettigrew, when they were sitting side by side on the
+upper deck of the Puritan, the magnificent steamer on the Fall River
+line. "I want you to consent to a little plan that will mystify my old
+friends and neighbors."
+
+"What is it, Mr. Pettigrew?"
+
+"I have never written home about my good fortune; so far as they know I
+am no better off than when I went away."
+
+"I don't think I could have concealed my success."
+
+"It may seem strange, but I'll explain--I want to learn who are my
+friends and who are not. I am afraid I wasn't very highly thought of
+when I left Burton. I was considered rather shiftless.
+
+"I was always in for a good time, and never saved a cent. Everybody
+predicted that I would fail, and I expect most wanted me to fail. There
+were two or three, including my uncle, aunt and the friend who lent me
+money, who wished me well.
+
+"I mustn't forget to mention the old minister who baptized me when I was
+an infant. The good old man has been preaching thirty or forty years
+on a salary of four hundred dollars, and has had to run a small farm to
+make both ends meet. He believed in me and gave me good advice. Outside
+of these I don't remember any one who felt an interest in Jefferson
+Pettigrew."
+
+"You will have the satisfaction of letting them see that they did not do
+you justice."
+
+"Yes, but I may not tell them--that is none except my true friends. If
+I did, they would hover round me and want to borrow money, or get me to
+take them out West with me. So I have hit upon a plan. I shall want to
+use money, but I will pretend it is yours."
+
+Rodney opened his eyes in surprise.
+
+"I will pass you off as a rich friend from New York, who feels an
+interest in me and is willing to help me."
+
+Rodney smiled.
+
+"I don't know if I can look the character," he said.
+
+"Oh yes you can. You are nicely dressed, while I am hardly any better
+dressed than when I left Burton."
+
+"I have wondered why you didn't buy some new clothes when you were able
+to afford it."
+
+"You see we Western miners don't care much for style, perhaps not
+enough. Still I probably shall buy a suit or two, but not till I have
+made my visit home. I want to see how people will receive me, when they
+think I haven't got much money. I shall own up to about five hundred
+dollars, but that isn't enough to dazzle people even in a small country
+village."
+
+"I am wiling to help you in any way you wish, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"Then I think we shall get some amusement out of it. I shall represent
+you as worth about a hundred thousand dollars."
+
+"I wish I were."
+
+"Very likely you will be some time if you go out to Montana with me."
+
+"How large a place is Burton?"
+
+"It has not quite a thousand inhabitants. It is set among the hills,
+and has but one rich man, Lemuel Sheldon, who is worth perhaps fifty
+thousand dollars, but put on the airs of a millionaire."
+
+"You are as rich as he, then."
+
+"Yes, and shall soon be richer. However, I don't want him to know it. It
+is he who holds the mortgage on my uncle's farm."
+
+"Do you know how large the mortgage is?"
+
+"It is twelve hundred dollars. I shall borrow the money of you to pay
+it."
+
+"I understand," said Rodney, smiling.
+
+"I shall enjoy the way the old man will look down upon me very much as a
+millionaire looks down upon a town pauper."
+
+"How will he look upon me?"
+
+"He will be very polite to you, for he will think you richer than
+himself."
+
+"On the whole, we are going to act a comedy, Mr. Pettigrew. What is the
+name of the man who lent you money to go to Montana?"
+
+"A young carpenter, Frank Dobson. He lent me a hundred dollars, which
+was about all the money he had saved up."
+
+"He was a true friend."
+
+"You are right. He was. Everybody told Frank that he would never see his
+money again, but he did. As soon as I could get together enough to
+repay him I sent it on, though I remember it left me with less than ten
+dollars in my pocket.
+
+"I couldn't bear to think that Frank would lose anything by me. You see
+we were chums at school and always stood by each other. He is married
+and has two children."
+
+"While you are an old bachelor."
+
+"Yes; I ain't in a hurry to travel in double harness. I'll wait till
+I am ready to leave Montana, with money enough to live handsomely at
+home."
+
+"You have got enough now."
+
+"But I may as well get more. I am only thirty years old, and I can
+afford to work a few years longer."
+
+"I wish I could be sure of being worth fifty thousand dollars when I am
+your age."
+
+"You have been worth that, you tell me."
+
+"Yes, but I should value more money that I had made myself."
+
+Above five o'clock on Monday afternoon Mr. Pettigrew and Rodney reached
+Burton. It was a small village about four miles from the nearest railway
+station. An old fashioned Concord stage connected Burton with the
+railway. The driver was on the platform looking out for passengers when
+Jefferson Pettigrew stepped out of the car.
+
+"How are you, Hector?" said the miner, in an off hand way.
+
+"Why, bless my soul if it isn't Jeff!" exclaimed the driver, who had
+been an old schoolmate of Mr. Pettigrew's.
+
+"I reckon it is," said the miner, his face lighting up with the
+satisfaction he felt at seeing a home face.
+
+"Why, you ain't changed a mite, Jeff. You look just as you did when you
+went away. How long have you been gone?"
+
+"Four years!"
+
+"Made a fortune? But you don't look like it. That's the same suit you
+wore when you went away, isn't it?"
+
+Mr. Pettigrew laughed.
+
+"Well no, it isn't the same, but it's one of the same kind."
+
+"I thought maybe you'd come home in a dress suit."
+
+"It isn't so easy to make a fortune, Hector."
+
+"But you have made something, ain't you?"
+
+"Oh, yes, when I went away I hadn't a cent except what I borrowed. Now
+I've got five hundred dollars."
+
+"That ain't much."
+
+"No, but it's better than nothing. How much more have you got, Hector?"
+
+"Well, you see I married last year. I haven't had a chance to lay by."
+
+"So you see I did as well as if I had stayed at home."
+
+"Are you going to stay home now?"
+
+"For a little while. I may go back to Montana after a bit."
+
+"Is it a good place to make money?"
+
+"I made five hundred dollars."
+
+"Thats only a little more than a hundred dollars a year. Frank Dobson
+has saved as much as that and he's stayed right here in Burton."
+
+"I'm glad of that," said Pettigrew heartily. "Frank is a rousing good
+fellow. If it hadn't been for him I couldn't have gone to Montana."
+
+"It doesn't seem to have done you much good, as I can see."
+
+"Oh, well, I am satisfied. Let me introduce my friend, Mr. Rodney Ropes
+of New York."
+
+"Glad to meet you," said Hector with a jerk of the head.
+
+"Rodney, won't you sit inside? I want to sit outide with Hector."
+
+"All right, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"Who is that boy?" asked Hector with characteristic Yankee curiosity, as
+he seized the lines and started the horses.
+
+"A rich young fellow from New York. I got acquainted with him there."
+
+"Rich is he?" Jefferson Pettigrew nodded.
+
+"How rich do you think?"
+
+"Shouldn't wonder if he might be worth a hundred thousand."
+
+"You don't say! Why, he beat Squire Sheldon."
+
+"Oh, yes, Squire Sheldon wouldn't be considered rich in New York."
+
+"How did he get his money?"
+
+"His father left him a fortune."
+
+"Is that so? I wish my father had left me a fortune."
+
+"He did, didn't he?"
+
+"Yes, he did! When his estate was settled I got seventy five dollars, if
+you call that a fortune. But I say, what brings the boy to Burton?"
+
+"His friendship for me, I expect. Besides he may invest in a place."
+
+"There's the old Morse place for sale. Do you think he'd buy that?"
+
+"It wouldn't be nice enough for him. I don't know any place that would
+be good enough except the squire's."
+
+"The squire wouldn't sell."
+
+"Oh, well, I don't know as Rodney would care to locate in Burton."
+
+"You're in luck to get such a friend. Say, do you think he would lend
+you a hundred dollars if you were hard up?"
+
+"I know he would. By the way, Hector, is there any news? How is my
+uncle?"
+
+"I think the old man is worrying on account of his mortgage."
+
+"Who holds it?"
+
+"The squire. They do say he is goin' to foreclose. That'll be bad for
+the old man. It'll nigh about break his heart I expect."
+
+"Can't uncle raise the money to pay him?"
+
+"Who is there round here who has got any money except the squire?"
+
+"That's so."
+
+"Where are you goin' to stop, Jeff?"
+
+"I guess I'll stop at the tavern tonight, but I'll go over and call on
+uncle this evening."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+
+JEFFERSON PETTIGREW'S HOME.
+
+
+News spreads fast in a country village. Scarcely an hour had passed
+when it was generally known that Jefferson Pettigrew had come home from
+Montana with a few hundred dollars in money, bringing with him a rich
+boy who could buy out all Burton. At least that is the way the report
+ran.
+
+When the two new arrivals had finished supper and come out on the hotel
+veranda there were a dozen of Jefferson Pettigrew's friends ready to
+welcome him.
+
+"How are you, Jefferson, old boy?" said one and another.
+
+"Pretty well, thank you. It seems good to be home."
+
+"I hear you've brought back some money."
+
+"Yes, a few hundred dollars."
+
+"That's better than nothing. I reckon you'll stay home now."
+
+"I can't afford it, boys."
+
+"Are ye goin' back to Montany?"
+
+"Yes. I know the country, and I can make a middlin' good livin' there."
+
+"I say, is that boy thats with you as rich as they say?"
+
+"I don't know what they say."
+
+"They say he's worth a million."
+
+"Oh no, not so much as that. He's pretty well fixed."
+
+"Hasn't he got a father livin'?"
+
+"No, it's his father that left the money."
+
+"How did you happen to get in with him?"
+
+"Oh, we met promiscuous. He took a sort of fancy to me, and that's the
+way of it."
+
+"Do you expect to keep him with you?"
+
+"He talks of goin' back to Montana with me. I'll be sort of guardian to
+him."
+
+"You're in luck, Jeff."
+
+"Yes, I'm in luck to have pleasant company. Maybe we'll join together
+and buy a mine."
+
+"Would you mind introducin' him?"
+
+"Not at all," and thus Rodney became acquainted with quite a number
+of the Burton young men. He was amused to see with what deference they
+treated him, but preserved a sober face and treated all cordially, so
+that he made a favorable impression on those he met.
+
+Among those who made it in their way to call on the two travelers was
+Lemuel Sheldon, the rich man of the village.
+
+"How do you do, Jefferson?" he said condescendingly.
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+"You have been quite a traveler."
+
+"Yes, sir; I have been to the far West."
+
+"And met with some success, I am told."
+
+"Yes, sir; I raised money enough to get home."
+
+"I hear you brought home a few hundred dollars."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Oh, well," said the squire patronizingly, "that's good beginning."
+
+"It must seem very little to a rich man like you, squire."
+
+"Oh, no!" said the squire patronizingly. "You are a young man. I
+shouldn't wonder if by the time you get as old as I am you might be
+worth five thousand dollars."
+
+"I hope so," answered Mr. Pettigrew demurely.
+
+"By the way, you have brought a young man with you, I am told."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I should like to make his acquaintance. He is rich, is he not?"
+
+"I wish I was as rich."
+
+"You don't say so! About how much do you estimate he is worth?"
+
+"I don't think it amounts to quite as much as a quarter of a million.
+Still, you know it is not always easy to tell how much a person is
+worth."
+
+"He is certainly a VERY fortunate young man," said the squire,
+impressed. "What is his name?"
+
+"Rodney Ropes."
+
+"The name sounds aristocratic. I shall be glad to know him."
+
+"Rodney," said Mr. Pettigrew. "I want to introduce you to Squire
+Sheldon, our richest and most prominent citizen."
+
+"I am glad to meet you, Squire Sheldon," said Rodney, offering his hand.
+
+"I quite reciprocate the feeling, Mr. Ropes, but Mr. Pettigrew should
+not call me a rich man. I am worth something, to be sure."
+
+"I should say you were, squire," said Jefferson. "Rodney, he is as rich
+as you are."
+
+"Oh no," returned the squire, modestly, "not as rich as that. Indeed, I
+hardly know how much I am worth. As Mr. Pettigrew very justly observed
+it is not easy to gauge a man's possessions. But there is one difference
+between us. You, Mr. Ropes, I take it, are not over eighteen."
+
+"Only sixteen, sir."
+
+"And yet you are wealthy. I am rising fifty. When you come to my age you
+will be worth much more."
+
+"Perhaps I may have lost all I now possess," said Rodney. "Within a year
+I have lost fifty thousand dollars."
+
+"You don't say so."
+
+"Yes; it was through a man who had charge of my property. I think now I
+shall manage my money matters myself."
+
+"Doubtless you are right. That was certainly a heavy loss. I shouldn't
+like to lose so much. I suppose, however, you had something left?"
+
+"Oh yes," answered Rodney in an indifferent tone.
+
+"He must be rich to make so little account of fifty thousand dollars,"
+thought the squire.
+
+"How long do you propose to stay in town, Mr. Pettigrew?" he asked.
+
+"I can't tell, sir, but I don't think I can spare more than three or
+four days."
+
+"May I hope that you and Mr. Ropes will take supper with me tomorrow
+evening?"
+
+"Say the next day and we'll come. Tomorrow I must go to my uncle's."
+
+"Oh very well!"
+
+Squire Sheldon privately resolved to pump Rodney as to the investment of
+his property. He was curious to learn first how much the boy was worth,
+for if there was anything that the squire worshiped it was wealth. He
+was glad to find that Mr. Pettigrew had only brought home five hundred
+dollars, as it was not enough to lift the mortgage on his uncle's farm.
+
+After they were left alone Jefferson Pettigrew turned to Rodney and
+said, "Do you mind my leaving you a short time and calling at my
+uncle's?"
+
+"Not at all, Mr. Pettigrew. I can pass my time very well."
+
+Jefferson Pettigrew directed his steps to an old fashioned farmhouse
+about half a mile from the village. In the rear the roof sloped down so
+that the eaves were only five feet from the ground. The house was large
+though the rooms were few in number.
+
+In the sitting room sat an old man and his wife, who was nearly as
+old. It was not a picture of cheerful old age, for each looked sad.
+The sadness of old age is pathetic for there is an absence of hope,
+and courage, such as younger people are apt to feel even when they are
+weighed down by trouble.
+
+Cyrus Hooper was seventy one, his wife two years younger. During the
+greater part of their lives they had been well to do, if not prosperous,
+but now their money was gone, and there was a mortgage on the old home
+which they could not pay.
+
+"I don't know whats goin' to become of us, Nancy," said Cyrus Hooper.
+"We'll have to leave the old home, and when the farm's been sold there
+won't be much left over and above the mortgage which Louis Sheldon
+holds."
+
+"Don't you think the squire will give you a little more time, Cyrus?"
+
+"No; I saw him yesterday, and he's sot on buyin' in the farm for
+himself. He reckons it won't fetch more'n eighteen hundred dollars."
+
+"Thats only six hundred over the mortgage."
+
+"It isn't that Nancy. There's about a hundred dollars due in interest.
+We won't get more'n five hundred dollars."
+
+"Surely, Cyrus, the farm is worth three thousand dollars."
+
+"So it is, Nancy, but that won't do us any good, as long as no one wants
+it more'n the squire."
+
+"I wish Jefferson were at home."
+
+"What good would it do? I surmise he hasn't made any money. He never did
+have much enterprise, that boy."
+
+"He was allus a good boy, Cyrus."
+
+"That's so, Nancy, but he didn't seem cut out for makin' money. Still
+it would do me good to see him. Maybe we might have a home together, and
+manage to live."
+
+Just then a neighbor entered.
+
+"Have you heard the news?" she asked.
+
+"No; what is it?"
+
+"Your nephew Jefferson Pettigrew has got back."
+
+"You don't mean so. There, Jefferson, that's one comfort."
+
+"And they say he has brought home five hundred dollars."
+
+"That's more'n I thought he'd bring. Where is he?"
+
+"Over at the tavern. He's brought a young man with him, leastways a boy,
+that's got a lot of money."
+
+"The boy?"
+
+"Yes; he's from New York, and is a friend of Jefferson's."
+
+"Well, I'm glad he's back. Why didn't he come here?"
+
+"It's likely he would if the boy wasn't with him."
+
+"Perhaps he heard of my misfortune."
+
+"I hope it'll all come right, Mr. Hooper. My, if there ain't Jefferson
+comin' to see you now. I see him through the winder. I guess I'll be
+goin'. You'll want to see him alone."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+
+THE BOY CAPITALIST.
+
+
+"How are you, Uncle Cyrus?" said Jefferson Pettigrew heartily, as he
+clasped his uncle's toil worn hand. "And Aunt Nancy, too! It pays me for
+coming all the way from Montana just to see you."
+
+"I'm glad to see you, Jefferson," said his uncle. "It seems a long time
+since you went away. I hope you've prospered."
+
+"Well, uncle, I've brought myself back well and hearty, and I've got a
+few hundred dollars."
+
+"I'm glad to hear it, Jefferson. You're better off than when you went
+away."
+
+"Yes, uncle. I couldn't be much worse off. Then I hadn't a cent that I
+could call my own. But how are you and Aunt Nancy?"
+
+"We're gettin' old, Jefferson, and misfortune has come to us. Squire
+Sheldon has got a mortgage on the farm and it's likely we'll be turned
+out. You've come just in time to see it."
+
+"Is it so bad as that, Uncle Cyrus? Why, when I went away you were
+prosperous."
+
+"Yes, Jefferson, I owned the farm clear, and I had money in the bank,
+but now the money's gone and there's a twelve hundred dollar mortgage on
+the old place," and the old man sighed.
+
+"But how did it come about uncle? You and Aunt Nancy haven't lived
+extravagantly, have you? Aunt Nancy, you haven't run up a big bill at
+the milliner's and dressmaker's?"
+
+"You was always for jokin', Jefferson," said the old lady, smiling
+faintly; "but that is not the way our losses came."
+
+"How then?"
+
+"You see I indorsed notes for Sam Sherman over at Canton, and he failed,
+and I had to pay, then I bought some wild cat minin' stock on Sam's
+recommendation, and that went down to nothin'. So between the two I lost
+about three thousand dollars. I've been a fool, Jefferson, and it would
+have been money in my pocket if I'd had a guardeen."
+
+"So you mortgaged the place to Squire Sheldon, uncle?"
+
+"Yes; I had to. I was obliged to meet my notes."
+
+"But surely the squire will extend the mortgage."
+
+"No, he won't. I've asked him. He says he must call in the money, and so
+the old place will have to be sold, and Nancy and I must turn out in our
+old age."
+
+Again the old man sighed, and tears came into Nancy Hooper's eyes.
+
+"There'll be something left, won't there, Uncle Cyrus?"
+
+"Yes, the place should bring six hundred dollars over and above the
+mortgage. That's little enough, for it's worth three thousand."
+
+"So it is, Uncle Cyrus. But what can you do with six hundred dollars? It
+won't support you and Aunt Nancy?"
+
+"I thought mebbe, Jefferson, I could hire a small house and you could
+board with us, so that we could still have a home together."
+
+"I'll think it over, uncle, if there is no other way. But are you sure
+Squire Sheldon won't give you more time?"
+
+"No, Jefferson. I surmise he wants the place himself. There's talk of a
+railroad from Sherborn, and that'll raise the price of land right around
+here. It'll probably go right through the farm just south of the three
+acre lot."
+
+"I see, Uncle Cyrus. You ought to have the benefit of the rise in
+value."
+
+"Yes, Jefferson, it would probably rise enough to pay off the mortgage,
+but its no use thinkin' of it. The old farm has got to go."
+
+"I don't know about that, Uncle Cyrus."
+
+"Why, Jefferson, you haven't money enough to lift the mortgage!" said
+the old man, with faint hope.
+
+"If I haven't I may get it for you. Tell me just how much money is
+required."
+
+"Thirteen hundred dollars, includin' interest."
+
+"Perhaps you have heard that I have a boy with me--a boy from New York,
+named Rodney Ropes. He has money, and perhaps I might get him to advance
+the sum you want."
+
+"Oh, Jefferson, if you only could!" exclaimed Aunt Nancy, clasping her
+thin hands. "It would make us very happy."
+
+"I'll see Rodney tonight and come over tomorrow morning and tell you
+what he says. On account of the railroad I shall tell him that it is a
+good investment. I suppose you will be willing to mortgage the farm to
+him for the same money that he pays to lift the present mortgage?"
+
+"Yes, Jefferson, I'll be willin' and glad. It'll lift a great burden
+from my shoulders. I've been worryin' at the sorrow I've brought upon
+poor Nancy, for she had nothing to do with my foolish actions. I was old
+enough to know better, Jefferson, and I'm ashamed of what I did."
+
+"Well, Uncle Cyrus, I'll do what I can for you. Now let us forget all
+about your troubles and talk over the village news. You know I've been
+away for four years, and I haven't had any stiddy correspondence, so a
+good deal must have happened that I don't know anything about. I hear
+Frank Dobson has prospered?"
+
+"Yes, Frank's pretty forehanded. He's got a good economical wife, and
+they've laid away five or six hundred dollars in the savings bank."
+
+"I am glad of it. Frank is a good fellow. If it hadn't been for him I
+couldn't have gone to Montana. When he lent me the money everybody said
+he'd lose it, but I was bound to pay it if I had to live on one meal a
+day. He was the only man in town who believed in me at that time."
+
+"You was a littless shif'less, Jefferson. You can't blame people. I
+wasn't quite sure myself how you'd get along."
+
+"No doubt you are right, Uncle Cyrus. It did me good to leave town. I
+didn't drink, but I had no ambition. When a man goes to a new country
+it's apt to make a new man of him. That was the case with me."
+
+"Are you goin' back again, Jefferson?"
+
+"Yes, uncle. I'm going to stay round here long enough to fix up your
+affairs and get you out of your trouble. Then I'll go back to the West.
+I have a little mining interest there and I can make more money there
+than I can here."
+
+"If you can get me out of my trouble, Jefferson, I'll never forget it.
+Nancy and I have been so worried that we couldn't sleep nights, but now
+I'm beginnin' to be a little more cheerful."
+
+Jefferson Pettigrew spent another hour at his uncle's house, and then
+went back to the tavern, where he found Rodney waiting for him. He
+explained briefly the part he wished his boy friend to take in his plan
+for relieving his uncle.
+
+"I shall be receiving credit to which I am not entitled," said Rodney.
+"Still, if it will oblige you I am willing to play the part of the boy
+capitalist."
+
+The next morning after breakfast the two friends walked over to the
+house of Cyrus Hooper. Aunt Nancy came to the door and gave them a
+cordial welcome.
+
+"Cyrus is over at the barn, Jefferson," she said. "I'll ring the bell
+and he'll come in."
+
+"No, Aunt Nancy, I'll go out and let him know I am here."
+
+Presently Cyrus Hooper came in, accompanied by Jefferson.
+
+"Uncle Cyrus," said the miner, "let me introduce you to my friend Rodney
+Ropes, of New York."
+
+"I'm glad to see you," said Cyrus heartily. "I'm glad to see any friend
+of Jefferson's."
+
+"Thank you, sir. I am pleased to meet you."
+
+"Jefferson says you are goin' to Montany with him."
+
+"I hope to do so. I am sure I shall enjoy myself in his company."
+
+"How far is Montany, Jefferson?"
+
+"It is over two thousand miles away, Uncle Cyrus."
+
+"It must be almost at the end of the world. I don't see how you can feel
+at home so far away from Vermont."
+
+Jefferson smiled.
+
+"I can content myself wherever I can make a good living," he said.
+"Wouldn't you like to go out and make me a visit?"
+
+"No, Jefferson, I should feel that it was temptin' Providence to go so
+far at my age."
+
+"You never were very far from Burton, Uncle Cyrus?"
+
+"I went to Montpelier once," answered the old man with evident pride.
+"It is a nice sizable place. I stopped at the tavern, and had a good
+time."
+
+It was the only journey the old man had ever made, and he would never
+forget it.
+
+"Uncle Cyrus," said Jefferson, "this is the young man who I thought
+might advance you money on a new mortgage. Suppose we invite him to go
+over the farm, and take a look at it so as to see what he thinks of the
+investment."
+
+"Sartain, Jefferson, sartain! I do hope Mr. Ropes you'll look favorable
+on the investment. It is Jefferson's idea, but it would be doin' me a
+great favor."
+
+"Mr. Pettigrew will explain the advantages of the farm as we go along,"
+said Rodney.
+
+So they walked from field to field, Jefferson expatiating to his young
+friend upon the merits of the investment, Rodney asking questions now
+and then to carry out his part of the shrewd and careful boy capitalist.
+
+When they had made a tour of the farm Jefferson said: "Well, Rodney,
+what do you think of the investment?"
+
+"I am satisfied with it," answered Rodney. "Mr. Hooper, I will advance
+you the money on the conditions mentioned by my friend, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+Tears of joy came into the eyes of Cyrus Hooper and his worn face showed
+relief.
+
+"I am very grateful, young man," he said. "I will see that you don't
+regret your kindness."
+
+"When will Squire Sheldon be over to settle matters, Uncle Cyrus?" asked
+Jefferson.
+
+"He is comin' this afternoon at two o'clock."
+
+"Then Rodney and I will be over to take part in the business."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+
+THE FAILURE OF SQUIRE SHELDON'S PLOT.
+
+
+On the morning of the same day Squire Sheldon sat in his study when the
+servant came in and brought a card.
+
+"It's a gentleman thats come to see you, sir," she said.
+
+Lemuel Sheldon's eye brightened when he saw the name, for it was that of
+a railroad man who was interested in the proposed road from Sherborn.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Caldwell," he said cordially, rising to
+receive his guest. "What is the prospect as regards the railroad?"
+
+"I look upon it as a certainty," answered Enoch Caldwell, a grave,
+portly man of fifty.
+
+"And it is sure to pass through our town?"
+
+"Yes, I look upon that as definitely decided."
+
+"The next question is as to the route it will take," went on the squire.
+"Upon that point I should like to offer a few suggestions."
+
+"I shall be glad to receive them. In fact, I may say that my report will
+probably be accepted, and I shall be glad to consult you."
+
+"Thank you. I appreciate the compliment you pay me, and, though I say
+it, I don't think you could find any one more thoroughly conversant with
+the lay of the land and the most advisable route to follow. If you will
+put on your hat we will go out together and I will give you my views."
+
+"I shall be glad to do so."
+
+The two gentlemen took a leisurely walk through the village, going by
+Cyrus Hooper's house on the way.
+
+"In my view," said the squire, "the road should go directly through this
+farm a little to the north of the house."
+
+The squire proceeded to explain his reasons for the route he
+recommended.
+
+"To whom does the farm belong?" asked Caldwell, with a shrewd glance at
+the squire.
+
+"To an old man named Cyrus Hooper."
+
+"Ahem! Perhaps he would be opposed to the road passing so near his
+house."
+
+"I apprehend that he will not have to be consulted," said the squire
+with a crafty smile.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because I hold a mortgage on the farm which I propose to foreclose this
+afternoon."
+
+"I see. So that you will be considerably benefited by the road."
+
+"Yes, to a moderate extent."
+
+"But if a different course should be selected, how then?"
+
+"If the road goes through the farm I would be willing to give a quarter
+of the damages awarded to me to--you understand?"
+
+"I think I do. After all it seems the most natural route."
+
+"I think there can be no doubt on that point. Of course the corporation
+will be willing to pay a reasonable sum for land taken."
+
+"I think I can promise that, as I shall have an important voice in the
+matter."
+
+"I see you are a thorough business man," said the squire. "I hold that
+it is always best to pursue a liberal policy."
+
+"Quite so. You have no doubt of obtaining the farm?"
+
+"Not the slightest."
+
+"But suppose the present owner meets the mortgage?"
+
+"He can't. He is a poor man, and he has no moneyed friends. I confess
+I was a little afraid that a nephew of his just returned from Montana
+might be able to help him, but I learn that he has only brought home
+five hundred dollars while the mortgage, including interest, calls for
+thirteen hundred."
+
+"Then you appear to be safe. When did you say the matter would be
+settled?"
+
+"This afternoon at two o'clock. You had better stay over and take supper
+with me. I shall be prepared to talk with you at that time."
+
+"Very well."
+
+From a window of the farmhouse Cyrus Hooper saw Squire Sheldon and his
+guest walking by the farm, and noticed the interest which they seemed to
+feel in it. But for the assurance which he had received of help to pay
+the mortgage he would have felt despondent, for he guessed the subject
+of their conversation. As it was, he felt an excusable satisfaction in
+the certain defeat of the squire's hopes of gain.
+
+"It seems that the more a man has the more he wants, Jefferson," he said
+to his nephew. "The squire is a rich man--the richest man in Burton--but
+he wants to take from me the little property that I have."
+
+"It's the way of the world, Uncle Cyrus. In this case the squire is safe
+to be disappointed, thanks to my young friend, Rodney."
+
+"Its lucky for me, Jefferson, that you came home just the time you did.
+If you had come a week later it would have been too late."
+
+"Then you don't think the squire would have relented?"
+
+"I know he wouldn't. I went over a short time since and had a talk with
+him on the subject. I found he was sot on gettin' the farm into his own
+hands."
+
+"If he were willing to pay a fair value it wouldn't be so bad."
+
+"He wasn't. He wanted to get it as cheap as he could."
+
+"I wonder," said Jefferson Pettigrew reflectively, "whether I shall be
+as hard and selfish if ever I get rich."
+
+"I don't believe you will, Jefferson. I don't believe you will. It
+doesn't run in the blood."
+
+"I hope not Uncle Cyrus. How long have you known the squire?"
+
+"Forty years, Jefferson. He is about ten years younger than I am. I was
+a young man when he was a boy."
+
+"And you attend the same church?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And still he is willing to take advantage of you and reduce you to
+poverty. I don't see much religion in that."
+
+"When a man's interest is concerned religion has to stand to one side
+with some people."
+
+It was in a pleasant frame of mind that Squire Sheldon left his house
+and walked over to the farmhouse which he hoped to own. He had decided
+to offer eighteen hundred dollars for the farm, which would be five
+hundred over and above the face of the mortgage with the interest added.
+
+This of itelf would give him an excellent profit, but he expected also,
+as we know, to drive a stiff bargain with the new railroad company, for
+such land as they would require to use.
+
+"Stay here till I come back, Mr. Caldwell," he said. "I apprehend it
+won't take me long to get through my business."
+
+Squire Sheldon knocked at the door of the farmhouse, which was opened to
+him by Nancy Hooper.
+
+"Walk in, squire," she said.
+
+"Is your husband at home, Mrs. Hooper?"
+
+"Yes; he is waiting for you."
+
+Mrs. Hooper led the way into the sitting room, where her husband was
+sitting in a rocking chair.
+
+"Good afternoon, Mr. Hooper," said the squire. "I hope I see you well."
+
+"As well as I expect to be. I'm gettin' to be an old man."
+
+"We must all grow old," said the squire vaguely.
+
+"And sometimes a man's latter years are his most sorrowful years."
+
+"That means that he can't pay the mortgage," thought Squire Sheldon.
+
+"Well, ahem! Yes, it does sometimes happen so," he said aloud.
+
+"Still if a man's friends stand by him, that brings him some comfort."
+
+"I suppose you know what I've come about, Mr. Hooper," said the squire,
+anxious to bring his business to a conclusion.
+
+"I suppose it's about the mortgage."
+
+"Yes, its about the mortgage."
+
+"Will you be willing to extend it another year?"
+
+"I thought," said the squire, frowning, "I had given you to understand
+that I cannot do this. You owe me a large sum in accrued interest."
+
+"But if I make shift to pay this?"
+
+"I should say the same. It may as well come first as last. You can't
+hold the place, and there is no chance of your being better off by
+waiting."
+
+"I understand that the new railroad might go through my farm. That would
+put me on my feet."
+
+"There is no certainty that the road will ever be built. Even if it
+were, it would not be likely to cross your farm."
+
+"I see, Squire Sheldon, you are bound to have the place."
+
+"There is no need to put it that way, Mr. Hooper. I lent you money
+on mortgage. You can't pay the mortgage, and of course I foreclose.
+However, I will buy the farm and allow you eighteen hundred dollars for
+it. That will give you five hundred dollars over and above the money you
+owe me."
+
+"The farm is worth three thousand dollars."
+
+"Nonsense, Mr. Hooper. Still if you get an offer of that sum TODAY I
+will advise you to sell."
+
+"I certainly won't take eighteen hundred."
+
+"You won't? Then I shall foreclose, and you may have to take less."
+
+"Then there is only one thing to do."
+
+"As you say, there is only one thing to do."
+
+"And that is, to pay off the mortgage and clear the farm."
+
+"You can't do it!" exclaimed the squire uneasily.
+
+Cyrus Hooper's only answer was to call "Jefferson."
+
+Jefferson Pettigrew entered the room, followed by Rodney.
+
+"What does this mean?" asked the squire.
+
+"It means, Squire Sheldon," said Mr. Pettigrew, "that you won't turn
+my uncle out of his farm this time. My young friend, Rodney Ropes, has
+advanced Uncle Cyrus money enough to pay off the mortgage."
+
+"I won't take a check," said the squire hastily.
+
+"You would have to if we insisted upon it, but I have the money here in
+bills. Give me a release and surrender the mortgage, and you shall have
+your money."
+
+It was with a crestfallen look that Squire Sheldon left the farmhouse,
+though his pockets were full of money.
+
+"It's all up," he said to his friend Caldwell in a hollow voice. "They
+have paid the mortgage."
+
+After all the railway did cross the farm, and Uncle Cyrus was paid two
+thousand dollars for the right of way, much to the disappointment of
+his disinterested friend Lemuel Sheldon, who felt that this sum ought to
+have gone into his own pocket.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+
+A MINISTER'S GOOD FORTUNE.
+
+
+"I have another call to make, Rodney," said Mr. Pettigrew, as they were
+on their way back to the hotel, "and I want you to go with me."
+
+"I shall be glad to accompany you anywhere, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"You remember I told you of the old minister whose church I attended as
+a boy. He has never received but four hundred dollars a year, yet he
+has managed to rear a family, but has been obliged to use the strictest
+economy."
+
+"Yes, I remember."
+
+"I am going to call on him, and I shall take the opportunity to make
+him a handsome present. It will surprise him, and I think it will be the
+first present of any size that he has received in his pastorate of over
+forty years.
+
+"There he lives!" continued Jefferson, pointing out a very modest
+cottage on the left hand side of the road.
+
+It needed painting badly, but it looked quite as well as the minister
+who came to the door in a ragged dressing gown. He was venerable
+looking, for his hair was quite white, though he was only sixty five
+years old. But worldly cares which had come upon him from the difficulty
+of getting along on his scanty salary had whitened his hair and deepened
+the wrinkles on his kindly face.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Jefferson," he said, his face lighting up with
+pleasure. "I heard you were in town and I hoped you wouldn't fail to
+call upon me."
+
+"I was sure to call, for you were always a good friend to me as well as
+many others."
+
+"I always looked upon you as one of my boys, Jefferson. I hear that you
+have been doing well."
+
+"Yes, Mr. Canfield. I have done better than I have let people know."
+
+"Have you been to see your uncle? Poor man, he is in trouble."
+
+"He is no longer in trouble. The mortgage is paid off, and as far as
+Squire Sheldon is concerned he is independent."
+
+"Indeed, that is good news," said the old minister with beaming face.
+"You must surely have done well if you could furnish money enough to
+clear the farm. It was over a thousand dollars, wasn't it?"
+
+"Yes, thirteen hundred. My young friend, Rodney Ropes, and myself
+managed it between us."
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Ropes. Come in both of you. Mrs. Canfield
+will be glad to welcome you."
+
+They followed him into the sitting room, the floor of which was
+covered by an old and faded carpet. The furniture was of the plainest
+description. But it looked pleasant and homelike, and the papers and
+books that were scattered about made it more attractive to a visitor
+than many showy city drawing rooms.
+
+"And how are all your children, Mr. Canfield?" asked Jefferson.
+
+"Maria is married to a worthy young man in the next town. Benjamin is
+employed in a book store, and Austin wants to go to college, but I don't
+see any way to send him, poor boy!" and the minister sighed softly.
+
+"Does it cost much to keep a boy in college?"
+
+"Not so much as might be supposed. There are beneficiary funds for
+deserving students, and then there is teaching to eke out a poor young
+man's income, so that I don't think it would cost over a hundred and
+fifty dollars a year."
+
+"That isn't a large sum."
+
+"Not in itelf, but you know, Jefferson, my salary is only four hundred
+dollars a year. It would take nearly half my income, so I think Austin
+will have to give up his hopes of going to college and follow in his
+brother's steps."
+
+"How old is Austin now?"
+
+"He is eighteen."
+
+"Is he ready for college?"
+
+"Yes, he could enter at the next commencement but for the financial
+problem."
+
+"I never had any taste for college, or study, as you know, Mr. Canfield.
+It is different with my friend Rodney, who is a Latin and Greek
+scholar."
+
+The minister regarded Rodney with new interest.
+
+"Do you think of going to college, Mr. Ropes?" he asked.
+
+"Not at present. I am going back to Montana with Mr. Pettigrew. Perhaps
+he and I will both go to college next year."
+
+"Excuse me," said Jefferson Pettigrew. "Latin and Greek ain't in my
+line. I should make a good deal better miner than minister."
+
+"It is not desirable that all should become ministers or go to college,"
+said Mr. Canfield. "I suspect from what I know of you, Jefferson, that
+you judge yourself correctly. How long shall you stay in Burton?"
+
+"I expect to go away tomorrow."
+
+"Your visit is a brief one."
+
+"Yes, I intended to stay longer, but I begin to be homesick after the
+West."
+
+"Do you expect to make your permanent home there?"
+
+"I can't tell as to that. For the present I can do better there than
+here."
+
+The conversation lasted for some time. Then Jefferson Pettigrew rose to
+go.
+
+"Won't you call again, Jefferson?" asked the minister hospitably.
+
+"I shall not have time, but before I go I want to make you a small
+present," and he put into the hands of the astonished minister four fifty
+dollar bills.
+
+"Two hundred dollars!" ejaculated the minister. "Why, I heard you only
+brought home a few hundred."
+
+"I prefer to leave that impression. To you I will say that I am worth a
+great deal more than that."
+
+"But you mustn't give me so much. I am sure you are too generous for
+your own interest. Why, it's munificent, princely."
+
+"Don't be troubled about me. I can spare it. Send your boy to college,
+and next year I will send you another sum equally large."
+
+"How can I thank you, Jefferson?" said Mr. Canfield, the tears coming
+into his eyes. "Never in forty years have I had such a gift."
+
+"Not even from Squire Sheldon?"
+
+"The squire is not in the habit of bestowing gifts, but he pays a large
+parish tax. May I--am I at liberty to say from whom I received this
+liberal donation?"
+
+"Please don't! You can say that you have had a gift from a friend."
+
+"You have made me very happy, Jefferson. Your own conscience will reward
+you."
+
+Jefferson Pettigrew changed the subject, for it embarrassed him to be
+thanked.
+
+"That pays me for hard work and privation," he said to Rodney as they
+walked back to the tavern. "After all there is a great pleasure in
+making others happy."
+
+"Squire Sheldon hadn't found that out."
+
+"And he never will."
+
+On the way they met the gentleman of whom they had been speaking. He
+bowed stiffly, for he could not feel cordial to those whom had snatched
+from him the house for which he had been scheming so long.
+
+"Squire Sheldon," said Jefferson, "you were kind enough to invite
+Rodney and myself to supper some evening. I am sorry to say that we must
+decline, as we leave Burton tomorrow."
+
+"Use your own pleasure, Mr. Pettigrew," said the squire coldly.
+
+"It doesn't seem to disappoint the squire very much," remarked
+Jefferson, laughing, when the great man of the village had passed on.
+
+"It certainly is no disappointment to me."
+
+"Nor to me. The little time I have left I can use more pleasantly than
+in going to see the squire. I have promised to supper at my uncle's
+tonight--that is, I have promised for both of us."
+
+Returning to New York, Jefferson and Rodney set about getting ready for
+their Western journey. Rodney gave some of his wardrobe to Mike Flynn,
+and bought some plain suits suitable for his new home.
+
+While walking on Broadway the day before the one fixed for his departure
+he fell in with Jasper Redwood.
+
+"Have you got a place yet Ropes?" asked Jasper.
+
+"I am not looking for any."
+
+"How is that?" asked Jasper in some surprise.
+
+"I am going to leave the city."
+
+"That is a good idea. All cannot succeed in the city. You may find a
+chance to work on a farm in the country."
+
+"I didn't say I was going to the country."
+
+"Where are you going, then?"
+
+"To Montana."
+
+"Isn't that a good way off?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What are you going to do there?"
+
+"I may go to mining."
+
+"But how can you afford to go so far?"
+
+"Really, Jasper, you show considerable curiosity about my affairs. I
+have money enough to buy my ticket, and I think I can find work when I
+get out there."
+
+"It seems to me a crazy idea."
+
+"It might be--for you."
+
+"And why for me?" asked Jasper suspiciously.
+
+"Because you might not be willing to rough it as I am prepared to do."
+
+"I guess you are right. I have always been used to living like a
+gentleman."
+
+"I hope you will always be able to do so. Now I must bid you good by, as
+I am busy getting ready for my journey."
+
+Jasper looked after Rodney, not without perplexity.
+
+"I can't make out that boy," he said. "So he is going to be a common
+miner! Well, that may suit him, but it wouldn't suit me. There is no
+chance now of his interfering with me, so I am glad he is going to leave
+the city."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+
+A MINING TOWN IN MONTANA.
+
+
+The scene changes.
+
+Three weeks later among the miners who were sitting on the narrow
+veranda of the "Miners' Rest" in Oreville in Montana we recognize two
+familiar faces and figures--those of Jefferson Pettigrew and Rodney
+Ropes. Both were roughly clad, and if Jasper could have seen Rodney he
+would have turned up his nose in scorn, for Rodney had all the look of a
+common miner.
+
+It was in Oreville that Mr. Pettigrew had a valuable mining property, on
+which he employed quite a number of men who preferred certain wages to a
+compensation depending on the fluctuations of fortune. Rodney was among
+those employed, but although he was well paid he could not get to like
+the work. Of this, however, he said nothing to Mr. Pettigrew whose
+company he enjoyed, and whom he held in high esteem.
+
+On the evening in question Jefferson rose from his seat and signed to
+Rodney to follow him.
+
+"Well, Rodney, how do you like Montana?" he asked.
+
+"Well enough to be glad I came here," answered Rodney.
+
+"Still you are not partial to the work of a miner!"
+
+"I can think of other things I would prefer to do."
+
+"How would you like keeping a hotel?"
+
+"Is there any hotel in search of a manager?" asked Rodney smiling.
+
+"I will explain. Yesterday I bought the 'Miners' Rest.'"
+
+"What--the hotel where we board?"
+
+"Exactly. I found that Mr. Bailey, who has made a comfortable sum of
+money, wants to leave Montana and go East and I bought the hotel."
+
+"So that hereafter I shall board with you?"
+
+"Not exactly. I propose to put you in charge, and pay you a salary. I
+can oversee, and give you instructions. How will that suit you?"
+
+"So you think I am competent, Mr. Pettigrew?"
+
+"Yes, I think so. There is a good man cook, and two waiters. The cook
+will also order supplies and act as steward under you."
+
+"What then will be my duties?"
+
+"You will act as clerk and cashier, and pay the bills. You will have to
+look after all the details of management. If there is anything you don't
+understand you will have me to back you up, and advise you. What do you
+say?"
+
+"That I shall like it much better than mining. My only doubt is as to
+whether I shall suit you."
+
+"It is true that it takes a smart man to run a hotel, but I think we can
+do it between us. Now what will you consider a fair salary?"
+
+"I leave that to you, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"Then we will call it a hundred and fifty dollars a month and board."
+
+"But, Mr. Pettigrew," said Rodney in surprise, "how can I possibly earn
+that much?"
+
+"You know we charge big prices, and have about fifty steady boarders.
+I expect to make considerable money after deducting all the expenses of
+management."
+
+"My friend Jasper would be very much surprised if he could know the
+salary I am to receive. In the store I was only paid seven dollars a
+week."
+
+"The duties were different. Almost any boy could discharge the duties of
+an entry clerk while it takes peculiar qualities to run a hotel."
+
+"I was certainly very fortunate to fall in with you, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"I expect it will turn out fortunate for me too, Rodney."
+
+"When do you want me to start in?"
+
+"Next Monday morning. It is now Thursday evening. Mr. Bailey will turn
+over the hotel to me on Saturday night. You needn't go to the mines
+tomorrow, but may remain in the hotel, and he will instruct you in the
+details of management."
+
+"That will be quite a help to me, and I am at present quite ignorant on
+the subject."
+
+Rodney looked forward with pleasure to his new employment. He had good
+executive talent, though thus far he had had no occasion to exercise it.
+It was with unusual interest that he set about qualifying himself for
+his new position.
+
+"Young man," said the veteran landlord, "I think you'll do. I thought
+at first that Jefferson was foolish to put a young boy in my place, but
+you've got a head on your shoulders, you have! I guess you'll fill the
+bill."
+
+"I hope to do so, Mr. Bailey."
+
+"Jefferson tells me that you understand Latin and Greek?"
+
+"I know something of them."
+
+"Thats what prejudiced me against you. I hired a college boy once as a
+clerk and he was the worst failure I ever came across. He seemed to have
+all kinds of sense except common sense. I reckon he was a smart scholar,
+and he could have made out the bills for the boarders in Latin or Greek
+if it had been necessary, but he was that soft that any one could cheat
+him. Things got so mixed up in the department that I had to turn him
+adrift in a couple of weeks. I surmised you might be the same sort of a
+chap. If you were it would be a bad lookout for Jefferson."
+
+In Oreville Mr. Pettigrew was so well known that nearly everyone called
+him by his first name. Mr. Pettigrew did not care about this as he had
+no false pride or artificial dignity.
+
+"Do you consider this hotel a good property, Mr. Bailey?"
+
+"I'll tell you this much. I started here four years ago, and I've
+made fifty thousand dollars which I shall take back with me to New
+Hampshire."
+
+"That certainly is satisfactory."
+
+"I shouldn't wonder if you could improve upon it."
+
+"How does it happen that you sell out such a valuable property, Mr.
+Bailey? Are you tired of making money?"
+
+"No, but I must tell you that there's a girl waiting for me at home, an
+old schoolmate, who will become Mrs. Bailey as soon as possible after
+I get back. If she would come out here I wouldn't sell, but she has a
+mother that she wouldn't leave, and so I must go to her."
+
+"That is a good reason, Mr. Bailey."
+
+"Besides with fifty thousand dollars I can live as well as I want to
+in New Hampshire, and hold up my head with the best. You will follow my
+example some day."
+
+"It will be a long day first, Mr. Bailey, for I am only sixteen."
+
+On Monday morning the old landlord started for his Eastern home and
+Rodney took his place. It took him some little time to become familiar
+with all the details of hotel management, but he spared no pains to
+insure success. He had some trouble at first with the cook who presumed
+upon his position and Rodney's supposed ignorance to run things as he
+chose.
+
+Rodney complained to Mr. Pettigrew.
+
+"I think I can fix things, Rodney," he said. "There's a man working for
+me who used to be cook in a restaurant in New York. I found out about
+him quietly, for I wanted to be prepared for emergencies. The next time
+Gordon act contrary and threatens to leave, tell him he can do as he
+pleases. Then report to me."
+
+The next day there came another conflict of authority.
+
+"If you don't like the way I manage you can get somebody else," said
+the cook triumphantly. "Perhaps you'd like to cook the dinner yourself.
+You're nothing but a boy, and I don't see what Jefferson was thinking of
+to put you in charge."
+
+"That is his business, Mr. Gordon."
+
+"I advise you not to interfere with me, for I won't stand it."
+
+"Why didn't you talk in this way to Mr. Bailey?"
+
+"That's neither here nor there. He wasn't a boy for one thing."
+
+"Then you propose to have your own way, Mr. Gordon?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"Very well, then you can leave me at the end of this week."
+
+"What!" exclaimed the cook in profound astonishment. "Are you going
+crazy?"
+
+"No, I know what I am about."
+
+"Perhaps you intend to cook yourself."
+
+"No, I don't. That would close up the hotel."
+
+"Look here, young feller, you're gettin' too independent! I've a great
+mind to leave you tonight."
+
+"You can do so if you want to," said Rodney indifferently.
+
+"Then I will!" retorted Gordon angrily, bringing down his fist upon the
+table in vigorous emphasis.
+
+Oreville was fifty miles from Helena, and that was the nearest point, as
+he supposed, where a new cook could be obtained.
+
+After supper Rodney told Jefferson Pettigrew what had happened.
+
+"Have I done right?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; we can't have any insubordination here. There can't be two heads
+of one establishment. Send Gordon to me."
+
+The cook with a defiant look answered the summons.
+
+"I understand you want to leave, Gordon," said Jefferson Pettigrew.
+
+"That depends. I ain't goin' to have no boy dictatin' to me."
+
+"Then you insist upon having your own way without interference."
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"Very well, I accept your resignation. Do you wish to wait till the end
+of the week, or to leave tonight?"
+
+"I want to give it up tonight."
+
+"Very well, go to Rodney and he will pay you what is due you."
+
+"Are you goin' to get along without a cook?" inquired Gordon in
+surprise.
+
+"No."
+
+"What are you going to do, then?"
+
+"I shall employ Parker in your place."
+
+"What does he know about cookin'?"
+
+"He ran a restaurant in New York for five years, the first part of the
+time having charge of the cooking. We shan't suffer even if you do leave
+us."
+
+"I think I will stay," said Gordon in a submissive tone.
+
+"It is too late. You have discharged yourself. You can't stay here on
+any terms."
+
+Gordon left Oreville the next day a sorely disappointed man, for he had
+received more liberal pay than he was likely to command elsewhere. The
+young landlord had triumphed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+
+THE MYSTERIOUS ROBBERY.
+
+
+At the end of a month Jefferson Pettigrew said: "I've been looking over
+the books, Rodney, and I find the business is better than I expected.
+How much did I agree to pay you?"
+
+"A hundred and fifty dollars a month, but if you think that it is too
+much----"
+
+"Too much? Why I am going to advance you to two hundred and fifty."
+
+"You can't be in earnest, Mr. Pettigrew?"
+
+"I am entirely so."
+
+"That is at the rate of three thousand dollars a year!"
+
+"Yes, but you are earning it."
+
+"You know I am only a boy."
+
+"That doesn't make any difference as long as you understand your
+business."
+
+"I am very grateful to you, Mr. Pettigrew. My, I can save two hundred
+dollars a month."
+
+"Do so, and I will find you a paying investment for the money."
+
+"What would Jasper say to my luck?" thought Rodney.
+
+Three months passed without any incident worth recording. One afternoon
+a tall man wearing a high hat and a Prince Albert coat with a paste
+diamond of large size in his shirt bosom entered the public room of the
+Miners' Rest and walking up to the bar prepared to register his name.
+As he stood with his pen in his hand Rodney recognized him not without
+amazement.
+
+It was Louis Wheeler--the railroad thief, whom he had last seen in New
+York.
+
+As for Wheeler he had not taken any notice of the young clerk, not
+suspecting that it was an old acquaintance who was familiar with his
+real character.
+
+"Have you just arrived in Montana, Mr. Wheeler?" asked Rodney quietly.
+
+As Rodney had not had an opportunity to examine his signature in the
+register Wheeler looked up in quiet surprise.
+
+"Do you know me?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; don't you know me?"
+
+"I'll be blowed if it isn't the kid," ejaculated Wheeler.
+
+"As I run this hotel, I don't care to be called a kid."
+
+"All right Mr.----"
+
+"Ropes."
+
+"Mr. Ropes, you are the most extraordinary boy I ever met."
+
+"Am I?"
+
+"Who would have thought of your turning up as a Montana landlord."
+
+"I wouldn't have thought of it myself four months ago. But what brings
+you out here?"
+
+"Business," answered Wheeler in an important tone.
+
+"Are you going to become a miner?"
+
+"I may buy a mine if I find one to suit me."
+
+"I am glad you seem to be prospering."
+
+"Can you give me a good room?"
+
+"Yes, but I must ask a week's advance payment."
+
+"How much?"
+
+"Twenty five dollars."
+
+"All right. Here's the money."
+
+Louis Wheeler pulled out a well filled wallet and handed over two ten
+dollar bills and a five.
+
+"Is that satisfactory?" he asked.
+
+"Quite so. You seem better provided with money than when I saw you
+last."
+
+"True. I was then in temporary difficulty. But I made a good turn in
+stocks and I am on my feet again."
+
+Rodney did not believe a word of this, but as long as Wheeler was able
+to pay his board he had no good excuse for refusing him accommodation.
+
+"That rascal here!" exclaimed Jefferson, when Rodney informed him of
+Wheeler's arrival. "Well, thats beat all! What has brought him out
+here?"
+
+"Business, he says."
+
+"It may be the same kind of business that he had with me. He will bear
+watching."
+
+"I agree with you, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+Louis Wheeler laid himself out to be social and agreeable, and made
+himself quite popular with the other boarders at the hotel. As Jefferson
+and Rodney said nothing about him, he was taken at his own valuation,
+and it was reported that he was a heavy capitalist from Chicago who had
+come to Montana to buy a mine. This theory received confirmation both
+from his speech and actions.
+
+On the following day he went about in Oreville and examined the mines.
+He expressed his opinion freely in regard to what he saw, and priced one
+that was for sale at fifty thousand dollars.
+
+"I like this mine," he said, "but I don't know enough about it to make
+an offer. If it comes up to my expectations I will try it."
+
+"He must have been robbing a bank," observed Jefferson Pettigrew.
+
+Nothing could exceed the cool assurance with which Wheeler greeted
+Jefferson and recalled their meeting in New York.
+
+"You misjudged me then, Mr. Pettigrew," he said. "I believe upon my soul
+you looked upon me as an adventurer--a confidence man."
+
+"You are not far from the truth, Mr. Wheeler," answered Jefferson
+bluntly.
+
+"Well, I forgive you. Our acquaintance was brief and you judged from
+superficial impressions."
+
+"Perhaps so, Mr. Wheeler. Have you ever been West before?"
+
+"No."
+
+"When you came to Oreville had you any idea that I was here?"
+
+"No; if I had probably I should not have struck the town, as I knew that
+you didn't have a favorable opinion of me."
+
+"I can't make out much of that fellow, Rodney," said Jefferson. "I can't
+understand his object in coming here."
+
+"He says he wants to buy a mine."
+
+"That's all a pretext. He hasn't money enough to buy a mine or a tenth
+part of it."
+
+"He seems to have money."
+
+"Yes; he may have a few hundred dollars, but mark my words, he hasn't
+the slightest intention of buying a mine."
+
+"He has some object in view."
+
+"No doubt! What it is is what I want to find out."
+
+There was another way in which Louis Wheeler made himself popular among
+the miners of Oreville. He had a violin with him, and in the evening he
+seated himself on the veranda and played popular tunes.
+
+He had only a smattering in the way of musical training, but the airs he
+played took better than classical music would have done. Even Jefferson
+Pettigrew enjoyed listening to "Home, Sweet Home" and "The Last Rose of
+Summer," while the miners were captivated by merry dance tunes, which
+served to enliven them after a long day's work at the mines.
+
+One day there was a sensation. A man named John O'Donnell came down
+stairs from his room looking pale and agitated.
+
+"Boys," he said, "I have been robbed."
+
+Instantly all eyes were turned upon him.
+
+"Of what have you been robbed, O'Donnell?" asked Jefferson.
+
+"Of two hundred dollars in gold. I was going to send it home to my wife
+in Connecticut next week."
+
+"When did you miss it?"
+
+"Just now."
+
+"Where did you keep it?"
+
+"In a box under my bed."
+
+"When do you think it was taken?"
+
+"Last night."
+
+"What makes you think so?"
+
+"I am a sound sleeper, and last night you know was very dark. I awoke
+with a start, and seemed to hear footsteps. I looked towards the door,
+and saw a form gliding from the room."
+
+"Why didn't you jump out of bed and seize the intruder whoever he was?"
+
+"Because I was not sure but it was all a dream. I think now it was some
+thief who had just robbed me."
+
+"I think so too. Could you make out anything of his appearance?"
+
+"I could only see the outlines of his figure. He was a tall man. He must
+have taken the money from under my bed."
+
+"Did any one know that you had money concealed there?"
+
+"I don't think I ever mentioned it."
+
+"It seems we have a thief among us," said Jefferson, and almost
+unconsciously his glance rested on Louis Wheeler who was seated near
+John O'Donnell, "what do you think, Mr. Wheeler?"
+
+"I think you are right, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"Have you any suggestion to make?" asked Jefferson. "Have you by chance
+lost anything?"
+
+"Not that I am aware of."
+
+"Is there any one else here who has been robbed?"
+
+No one spoke.
+
+"You asked me if I had any suggestions to make, Mr. Pettigrew," said
+Louis Wheeler after a pause. "I have.
+
+"Our worthy friend Mr. O'Donnell has met with a serious loss. I move
+that we who are his friends make it up to him. Here is my contribution,"
+and he laid a five dollar bill on the table.
+
+It was a happy suggestion and proved popular. Every one present came
+forward, and tendered his contributions including Jefferson, who put
+down twenty five dollars.
+
+Mr. Wheeler gathered up the notes and gold and sweeping them to his hat
+went forward and tendered them to John O'Donnell.
+
+"Take this money, Mr. O'Donnell," he said. "It is the free will offering
+of your friends. I am sure I may say for them, as for myself, that it
+gives us all pleasure to help a comrade in trouble."
+
+Louis Wheeler could have done nothing that would have so lifted him in
+the estimation of the miners.
+
+"And now," he said, "as our friend is out of his trouble I will play you
+a few tunes on my violin, and will end the day happily."
+
+"I can't make out that fellow, Rodney," said Jefferson when they were
+alone. "I believe he is the thief, but he has an immense amount of
+nerve."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+
+MR. WHEELER EXPLAINS.
+
+
+Probably there was no one at the hotel who suspected Louis Wheeler of
+being a thief except Rodney and Mr. Pettigrew. His action in starting
+a contribution for John O'Donnell helped to make him popular. He
+was establishing a reputation quite new to him, and it was this fact
+probably that made him less prudent than he would otherwise have been.
+
+As the loss had been made up, the boarders at the Miners' Rest ceased to
+talk of it. But Jefferson and his young assistant did not forget it.
+
+"I am sure Wheeler is the thief, but I don't know how to bring it home
+to him," said Jefferson one day, when alone with Rodney.
+
+"You might search him."
+
+"Yes, but what good would that do? It might be found that he had money,
+but one gold coin is like another and it would be impossible to identify
+it as the stolen property. If O'Donnell had lost anything else except
+money it would be different. I wish he would come to my chamber."
+
+"Perhaps he would if he thought you were a sound sleeper."
+
+"That is an idea. I think I can make use of it.".
+
+That evening when Wheeler was present Mr. Pettigrew managed to turn the
+conversation to the subject of sleeping.
+
+"I am a very sound sleeper," he said. "I remember when I was at home
+sleeping many a time through a severe thunder storm."
+
+"Don't you sometimes wake up in the middle of the night?" asked Rodney.
+
+"Very seldom, if I am in good health."
+
+"Its different with me," said another of the company. "A step on the
+floor or the opening of the door will wake me up at any time."
+
+"I am glad I am not so easily roused."
+
+"If I had a fish horn," said Rodney, laughing, "I should be tempted to
+come up in the night and give it a blast before your door."
+
+"That might wake me up," said Mr. Pettigrew. "I wouldn't advise you to
+try it or the other boarders might get up an indignation meeting."
+
+The same evening Jefferson Pettigrew took out a bag of gold and
+carelessly displayed it.
+
+"Are you not afraid of being robbed, Mr. Pettigrew?" asked Rodney.
+
+"Oh no. I never was robbed in my life."
+
+"How much money have you there?"
+
+"I don't know exactly. Perhaps six hundred dollars," said Pettigrew in
+an indifferent tone.
+
+Among those who listened to this conversation with interest was Louis
+Wheeler. Rodney did not fail to see the covetous gleam of his eyes when
+the gold was displayed.
+
+The fact was, that Wheeler was getting short of cash and at the time
+he took John O'Donnell's money--for he was the thief--he had but about
+twenty dollars left, and of this he contributed five to the relief of
+the man he had robbed.
+
+His theft realized him two hundred dollars, but this would not last him
+long, as the expenses of living at the Miners' Rest were considerable.
+He was getting tired of Oreville, but wanted to secure some additional
+money before he left it. The problem was whom to make his second victim.
+
+It would not have occurred to him to rob Jefferson Pettigrew, of whom he
+stood in wholesome fear, but for the admission that he was an unusually
+sound sleeper; even then he would have felt uncertain whether it would
+pay. But the display of the bag of money, and the statement that it
+contained six hundred dollars in gold proved a tempting bait.
+
+"If I can capture that bag of gold," thought Wheeler, "I shall have
+enough money to set me up in some new place. There won't be much risk
+about it, for Pettigrew sleeps like a top. I will venture it."
+
+Jefferson Pettigrew's chamber was on the same floor as his own. It was
+the third room from No. 17 which Mr. Wheeler occupied.
+
+As a general thing the occupants of the Miners' Rest went to bed early.
+Mining is a fatiguing business, and those who follow it have little
+difficulty in dropping off to sleep. The only persons who were not
+engaged in this business were Louis Wheeler and Rodney Ropes. As a rule
+the hotel was closed at half past ten and before this all were in bed
+and sleeping soundly.
+
+When Wheeler went to bed he said to himself, "This will probably be my
+last night in this tavern. I will go from here to Helena, and if things
+turn out right I may be able to make my stay there profitable. I shan't
+dare to stay here long after relieving Pettigrew of his bag of gold."
+
+Unlike Jefferson Pettigrew, Wheeler was a light sleeper. He had done
+nothing to induce fatigue, and had no difficulty in keeping awake till
+half past eleven. Then lighting a candle, he examined his watch, and
+ascertained the time.
+
+"It will be safe enough now," he said to himself.
+
+He rose from his bed, and drew on his trousers. Then in his stocking
+feet he walked along the corridor till he stood in front of Jefferson
+Pettigrew's door. He was in doubt as to whether he would not be obliged
+to pick the lock, but on trying the door he found that it was not
+fastened. He opened it and stood within the chamber.
+
+Cautiously he glanced at the bed. Mr. Pettigrew appeared to be sleeping
+soundly.
+
+"It's all right," thought Louis Wheeler. "Now where is the bag of gold?"
+
+It was not in open view, but a little search showed that the owner had
+put it under the bed.
+
+"He isn't very sharp," thought Wheeler. "He is playing right into my
+hands. Door unlocked, and bag of gold under the bed. He certainly is a
+very unsuspicious man. However, that is all the better for me. Really
+there isn't much credit in stealing where all is made easy for you."
+
+There seemed to be nothing to do but to take the gold from its place of
+deposit and carry it back to his own room. While there were a good many
+lodgers in the hotel, there seemed to be little risk about this, as
+every one was asleep.
+
+Of course should the bag be found in his room that would betray him,
+but Mr. Wheeler proposed to empty the gold coins into his gripsack, and
+throw the bag out of the window into the back yard.
+
+"Well, here goes!" said Wheeler cheerfully, as he lifted the bag, and
+prepared to leave the chamber. But at this critical moment an unexpected
+sound struck terror into his soul. It was the sound of a key being
+turned in the lock.
+
+Nervously Wheeler hastened to the door and tried it. It would not open.
+Evidently it had been locked from the outside. What could it mean?
+
+At the same time there was a series of knocks on the outside of the
+door. It was the signal that had been agreed upon between Mr. Pettigrew
+and Rodney. Jefferson had given his key to Rodney, who had remained up
+and on the watch for Mr. Wheeler's expected visit. He, too, was in his
+stocking feet.
+
+As soon as he saw Wheeler enter his friend's chamber he stole up and
+locked the door on the outide. Then when he heard the thief trying to
+open the door he rained a shower of knocks on the panel.
+
+Instantly Jefferson Pettigrew sprang out of bed and proceeded to act.
+
+"What are you doing here?" he demanded, seizing Wheeler in his powerful
+grasp.
+
+"Where am I?" asked Wheeler in a tone of apparent bewilderment.
+
+"Oh, it's you, Mr. Wheeler?" said Jefferson. "Don't you know where you
+are?"
+
+"Oh, it is my friend, Mr. Pettigrew. Is it possible I am in your room?"
+
+"It is very possible. Now tell me why you are here?"
+
+"I am really ashamed to find myself in this strange position. It is not
+the first time that I have got into trouble from walking in my sleep."
+
+"Oh, you were walking in your sleep!"
+
+"Yes, friend Petttigrew. It has been a habit of mine since I was a boy.
+But it seems very strange that I should have been led to your room. How
+could I get in? Wasn't the door locked?"
+
+"It is locked now?"
+
+"It is strange! I don't understand it," said Wheeler, passing his hand
+over his forehead.
+
+"Perhaps you understand why you have that bag of gold in your hand."
+
+"Can it be possible?" ejaculated Wheeler in well counterfeited surprise.
+"I don't know how to account for it."
+
+"I think I can. Rodney, unlock the door and come in."
+
+The key was turned in the lock, and Rodney entered with a lighted candle
+in his hand.
+
+"You see, Rodney, that I have a late visitor. You will notice also that
+my bag of gold seems to have had an attraction for him."
+
+"I am ashamed. I don't really know how to explain it except in this way.
+When you displayed the gold last night it drew my attention and I must
+have dreamed of it. It was this which drew me unconsciously to your
+door. It is certainly an interesting fact in mental science."
+
+"It would have been a still more interesting fact if you had carried off
+the gold."
+
+"I might even have done that in my unconsciousness, but of course I
+should have discovered it tomorrow morning and would have returned it to
+you."
+
+"I don't feel by any means sure of that. Look here, Mr. Wheeler, if that
+is your name, you can't pull the wool over my eyes. You are a thief,
+neither more nor less."
+
+"How can you misjudge me so, Mr. Pettigrew?"
+
+"Because I know something of your past history. It is clear to me now
+that you were the person that stole John O'Donnell's money."
+
+"Indeed, Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"It is useless to protest. How much of it have you left?"
+
+Louis Wheeler was compelled to acknowledge the theft, and returned one
+hundred dollars to Jefferson Pettigrew.
+
+"Now," said Jefferson, "I advise you to leave the hotel at once. If
+the boys find out that you are a thief you will stand a chance of being
+lynched. Get out!"
+
+The next morning Jefferson Pettigrew told the other boarders that Louis
+Wheeler had had a sudden call East, and it was not for a week that he
+revealed to them the real reason of Wheeler's departure.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+
+RODNEY FALLS INTO A TRAP.
+
+
+Rodney had reason to be satisfied with his position as landlord of the
+Miners' Rest. His pay was large, and enabled him to put away a good sum
+every month, but his hours were long and he was too closely confined
+for a boy of his age. At the end of three months he showed this in his
+appearance. His good friend Pettigrew saw it and said one day, "Rodney,
+you are looking fagged out. You need a change."
+
+"Does that mean that you are going to discharge me?" asked Rodney, with
+a smile.
+
+"It means that I am going to give you a vacation."
+
+"But what can I do if I take a vacation? I should not like lounging
+around Oreville with nothing to do."
+
+"Such a vacation would do you no good. I'll tell you the plan I have for
+you. I own a small mine in Babcock, about fifty miles north of Oreville.
+I will send you up to examine it, and make a report to me. Can you ride
+on horseback?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That is well, for you will have to make your trip in that way. There
+are no railroads in that direction, nor any other way of travel except
+on foot or on horseback. A long ride like that with hours daily in the
+open air, will do you good. What do you say to it?"
+
+"I should like nothing better," replied Rodney, with his eyes sparkling.
+"Only, how will you get along without me?"
+
+"I have a man in my employ at the mines who will do part of your work,
+and I will have a general oversight of things. So you need not borrow
+any trouble on that account. Do you think you can find your way?"
+
+"Give me the general direction, and I will guarantee to do so. When
+shall I start?"
+
+"Day after tomorrow. That will give me one day for making arrangements."
+
+At nine the appointed morning Mr. Pettigrew's own horse stood saddled
+at the door, and Rodney in traveling costume with a small satchel in his
+hand, mounted and rode away, waving a smiling farewell to his friend and
+employer.
+
+Rodney did not hurry, and so consumed two days and a half in reaching
+Babcock. Here he was cordially received by the superintendent whom
+Jefferson Pettigrew had placed in charge of the mine. Every facility was
+afforded him to examine into the management of things and he found all
+satisfactory.
+
+This part of his journey, therefore, may be passed over. But his return
+trip was destined to be more exciting.
+
+Riding at an easy jog Rodney had got within fifteen miles of Oreville,
+when there was an unexpected interruption. Two men started out from the
+roadside, or rather from one side of the bridle path for there was no
+road, and advanced to meet him with drawn revolvers.
+
+"Halt there!" one of them exclaimed in a commanding tone.
+
+Rodney drew bridle, and gazed at the two men in surprise.
+
+"What do you want of me?" he asked.
+
+"Dismount instantly!"
+
+"Why should I? What right have you to interfere with my journey?"
+
+"Might gives right," said one of the men sententiously. "It will be best
+for you to do as we bid you without too much back talk."
+
+"What are you--highwaymen?" asked Rodney.
+
+"You'd better not talk too much. Get off that horse!"
+
+Rodney saw that remonstrance was useless, and obeyed the order.
+
+One of the men seized the horse by the bridle, and led him.
+
+"Walk in front!" he said.
+
+"Where are you going to take me?" asked Rodney.
+
+"You will know in due time."
+
+"I hope you will let me go," urged Rodney, beginning to be uneasy. "I am
+expected home this evening, or at all event I want to get there."
+
+"No doubt you do, but the Miners' Rest will have to get along without
+you for a while."
+
+"Do you know me then?"
+
+"Yes; you are the boy clerk at the Miners' Rest."
+
+"You both put up there about two weeks since," said Rodney, examining
+closely the faces of the two men.
+
+"Right you are, kid!"
+
+"What can you possibly want of me?"
+
+"Don't be too curious. You will know in good time."
+
+Rodney remembered that the two men had remained at the hotel for a day
+and night. They spent the day in wandering around Oreville.
+
+He had supposed when they came that they were in search of employment,
+but they had not applied for work and only seemed actuated by curiosity.
+What could be their object in stopping him now he could not understand.
+
+It would have been natural to suppose they wanted money, but they had
+not asked for any as yet. He had about fifty dollars in his pocketbook
+and he would gladly have given them this if it would have insured his
+release. But not a word had been said about money.
+
+They kept on their journey. Montana is a mountainous State, and they
+were now in the hilly regions. They kept on for perhaps half an hour,
+gradually getting upon higher ground, until they reached a precipitous
+hill composed largely of rock.
+
+Here the two men stopped as if they had reached their journey's end.
+
+One of them advanced to the side of the hill and unlocked a thick wooden
+door which at first had failed to attract Rodney's attention. The door
+swung open, revealing a dark passage, cut partly through stone and
+partly through earth. Inside on the floor was a bell of good size.
+
+One of the men lifted the bell and rang it loudly.
+
+"What does that mean?" thought Rodney, who felt more curious than
+apprehensive.
+
+He soon learned.
+
+A curious looking negro, stunted in growth, for he was no taller than a
+boy of ten, came out from the interior and stood at the entrance of the
+cave, if such it was. His face was large and hideous, there was a hump
+on his back, and his legs were not a match, one being shorter than the
+other, so that as he walked, his motion was a curious one. He bent a
+scrutinizing glance on Rodney.
+
+"Well, Caesar, is dinner ready?" asked one of the men.
+
+"No, massa, not yet."
+
+"Let it be ready then as soon as possible. But first lead the way. We
+are coming in."
+
+He started ahead, leading the horse, for the entrance was high enough to
+admit the passage of the animal.
+
+"Push on!" said the other, signing to Rodney to precede him.
+
+Rodney did so, knowing remonstrance to be useless. His curiosity was
+excited. He wondered how long the passage was and whither it led.
+
+The way was dark, but here and there in niches was a kerosene lamp that
+faintly relieved the otherwise intense blackness.
+
+"I have read about such places," thought Rodney, "but I never expected
+to get into one. The wonder is, that they should bring me here. I can't
+understand their object."
+
+Rodney followed his guide for perhaps two hundred and fifty feet when
+they emerged into a large chamber of irregular shape, lighted by four
+large lamps set on a square wooden table. There were two rude cots in
+one corner, and it was here apparently that his guides made their home.
+
+There was a large cooking stove in one part of the room, and an
+appetizing odor showed that Caesar had the dinner under way.
+
+Rodney looked about him in curiosity. He could not decide whether the
+cave was natural or artificial. Probably it was a natural cave which had
+been enlarged by the hand of man.
+
+"Now hurry up the dinner, Caesar," said one of the guides. "We are all
+hungry."
+
+"Yes, massa," responded the obedient black.
+
+Rodney felt hungry also, and hoped that he would have a share of the
+dinner. Later he trusted to find out the object of his new acquaintances
+in kidnaping him.
+
+Dinner was soon ready. It was simple, but Rodney thoroughly enjoyed it.
+
+During the meal silence prevailed. After it his new acquaintances
+produced pipes and began to smoke. They offered Rodney a cigarette, but
+he declined it.
+
+"I don't smoke," he said.
+
+"Are you a Sunday school kid?" asked one in a sneering tone.
+
+"Well, perhaps so."
+
+"How long have you lived at Oreville?"
+
+"About four months."
+
+"Who is the head of the settlement there?"
+
+"Jefferson Pettigrew."
+
+"He is the moneyed man, is he?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is he a friend of yours?"
+
+"He is my best friend," answered Rodney warmly.
+
+"He thinks a good deal of you, then?"
+
+"I think he does."
+
+"Where have you been--on a journey?"
+
+"Yes, to the town of Babcock."
+
+"Did he send you?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What interest has he there?"
+
+"He is chief owner of a mine there."
+
+"Humph! I suppose you would like to know why we brought you here."
+
+"I would very much."
+
+"We propose to hold you for ransom."
+
+"But why should you? I am only a poor boy."
+
+"You are the friend of Jefferson Pettigrew. He is a rich man. If he
+wants you back he must pay a round sum."
+
+It was all out now! These men were emulating a class of outlaws to be
+found in large numbers in Italy and Sicily, and were trading upon human
+sympathy and levying a tax upon human friendship.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+
+UNDERGROUND.
+
+
+Rodney realized his position. The alternative was not a pleasant one.
+Either he must remain in the power of these men, or cost his friend Mr.
+Pettigrew a large sum as ransom. There was little hope of changing the
+determination of his captors, but he resolved to try what he could do.
+
+"Mr. Pettigrew is under no obligations to pay money out for me," he
+said. "I am not related to him, and have not yet known him six months."
+
+"That makes no difference. You are his friend, and he likes you."
+
+"That is the very reason why I should not wish him to lose money on my
+account."
+
+"Oh, very well! It will be bad for you is he doesn't come to your help."
+
+"Why? What do you propose to do to me?" asked Rodney boldly.
+
+"Better not ask!" was the significant reply.
+
+"But I want to know. I want to realize my position."
+
+"The least that will happen to you is imprisonment in this cave for a
+term of years."
+
+"I don't think I should like it but you would get tired of standing
+guard over me."
+
+"We might, and in that case there is the other thing."
+
+"What other thing?"
+
+"If we get tired of keeping you here, we shall make short work with
+you."
+
+"Would you murder me?" asked Rodney, horror struck, as he might well be,
+for death seems terrible to a boy just on the threshold of life.
+
+"We might be obliged to do so."
+
+Rodney looked in the faces of his captors, and he saw nothing to
+encourage him. They looked like desperate men, who would stick at
+nothing to carry out their designs.
+
+"I don't see why you should get hold of me," he said. "If you had
+captured Mr. Pettigrew himself you would stand a better chance of making
+it pay."
+
+"There is no chance of capturing Pettigrew. If there were we would
+prefer him to you. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."
+
+"How much ransom do you propose to ask?"
+
+This Rodney said, thinking that if it were a thousand dollars he might
+be able to make it good to his friend Jefferson. But he was destined to
+be disappointed.
+
+"Five thousand dollars," answered the chief speaker.
+
+"Five thousand dollars!" ejaculated Rodney in dismay. "Five thousand
+dollars for a boy like me!"
+
+"That is the sum we want."
+
+"If it were one thousand I think you might get it."
+
+"One thousand!" repeated the other scornfully. "That wouldn't half pay
+us."
+
+"Then suppose you call it two thousand?"
+
+"It won't do."
+
+"Then I suppose I must make up my mind to remain a prisoner."
+
+"Five thousand dollars wouldn't be much to a rich man like Pettigrew.
+We have inquired, and found out that he is worth at least a hundred
+thousand dollars. Five thousand is only a twentieth part of this sum."
+
+"You can do as you please, but you had better ask a reasonable amount if
+you expect to get it."
+
+"We don't want advice. We shall manage things in our own way."
+
+Convinced that further discussion would be unavailing, Rodney relapsed
+into silence, but now his captors proceeded to unfold their plans.
+
+One of them procured a bottle of ink, some paper and a pen, and set them
+on the table.
+
+"Come up here, boy, and write to Mr. Pettigrew," he said in a tone of
+authority.
+
+"What shall I write?"
+
+"Tell him that you are a prisoner, and that you will not be released
+unless he pays five thousand dollars."
+
+"I don't want to write that. It will be the same as asking him to pay it
+for me."
+
+"That is what we mean him to understand."
+
+"I won't write it."
+
+Rodney knew his danger, but he looked resolutely into the eyes of the
+men who held his life in their hands. His voice did not waver, for he
+was a manly and courageous boy.
+
+"The boy's got grit!" said one of the men to the other.
+
+"Yes, but it won't save him. Boy, are you going to write what I told
+you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Are you not afraid that we will kill you?"
+
+"You have power to do it."
+
+"Don't you want to live?"
+
+"Yes. Life is sweet to a boy of sixteen."
+
+"Then why don't you write?"
+
+"Because I think it would be taking a mean advantage of Mr. Pettigrew."
+
+"You are a fool. Roderick, what shall we do with him?"
+
+"Tell him simply to write that he is in our hands."
+
+"Well thought of. Boy, will you do that?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Rodney gave his consent for he was anxious that Mr. Pettigrew should
+know what had prevented him from coming home when he was expected.
+
+"Very well, write! You will know what to say."
+
+Rodney drew the paper to him, and wrote as follows:
+
+
+DEAR MR. PETTIGREW,
+
+On my way home I was stopped by two men who have confined me in a cave,
+and won't let me go unless a sum of money is paid for my ransom. I don't
+know what to do. You will know better than I. RODNEY ROPES.
+
+
+His chief captor took the note and read it aloud.
+
+"That will do," he said. "Now he will believe us when we say that you
+are in our hands."
+
+He signed to Rodney to rise from the table and took his place. Drawing a
+pile of paper to him, he penned the following note:
+
+
+Rodney Ropes is in our hands. He wants his liberty and we want money.
+Send us five thousand dollars, or arrange a meeting at which it can be
+delivered to us, and he shall go free. Otherwise his death be on your
+hands. HIS CAPTORS.
+
+
+Rodney noticed that this missive was written in a handsome business
+hand.
+
+"You write a handsome hand," he said.
+
+"I ought to," was the reply. "I was once bookkeeper in a large business
+house."
+
+"And what--" here Rodney hesitated.
+
+"What made me an outlaw you mean to ask?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"My nature, I suppose. I wasn't cut out for sober, humdrum life."
+
+"Don't you think you would have been happier?"
+
+"No preaching, kid! I had enough of that when I used to go to church in
+my old home in Missouri. Here, Caesar!"
+
+"Yes, massa."
+
+"You know Oreville?"
+
+"Yes, massa."
+
+"Go over there and take this letter with you. Ask for Jefferson
+Pettigrew, and mind you don't tell him where we live. Only if he asks
+about me and my pal say we are desperate men, have each killed a round
+dozen of fellows that stood in our way and will stick at nothing."
+
+"All right, massa," said Caesar with an appreciative grin. "How shall I
+go, massa?"
+
+"You can take the kid's horse. Ride to within a mile of Oreville, then
+tether the horse where he won't easily be found, and walk over to the
+mines. Do you understand?"
+
+"Yes, massa."
+
+"He won't probably give you any money, but he may give you a letter.
+Bring it safely to me."
+
+Caesar nodded and vanished.
+
+For an hour the two men smoked their pipes and chatted. Then they rose,
+and the elder said: "We are going out, kid, for a couple of hours. Are
+you afraid to stay alone?"
+
+"Why should I be?"
+
+"That's the way to talk. I won't caution you not to escape, for it would
+take a smarter lad then you to do it. If you are tired you can lie down
+on the bed and rest."
+
+"All right!"
+
+"I am sorry we haven't got the morning paper for you to look over," said
+his captor with a smile. "The carrier didn't leave it this morning."
+
+"I can get along without it. I don't feel much like reading."
+
+"You needn't feel worried. You'll be out of this tomorrow if Jefferson
+Pettigrew is as much your friend as you think he is."
+
+"The only thing that troubles me is the big price you charge at your
+hotel."
+
+"Good! The kid has a good wit of his own. After all, we wouldn't
+mind keeping you with us. It might pay you better than working for
+Pettigrew."
+
+"I hope you'll excuse my saying it, but I don't like the business."
+
+"You may change your mind. At your age we wouldn't either of us like the
+sort of life we are leading. Come, John."
+
+The two men went out but did not allow Rodney to accompany them to the
+place of exit.
+
+Left to himself, Rodney could think soberly of his plight. He could not
+foresee whether his captivity would be brief or prolonged.
+
+After a time the spirit of curiosity seized him. He felt tempted
+to explore the cavern in which he was confined. He took a lamp, and
+followed in a direction opposite to that taken by his captors.
+
+The cave he found was divided into several irregularly shaped chambers.
+He walked slowly, holding up the lamp to examine the walls of the
+cavern. In one passage he stopped short, for something attracted his
+attention--something the sight of which made his heart beat quicker and
+filled him with excitement.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+
+RODNEY'S DISCOVERY.
+
+
+There was a good reason for Rodney's excitement. The walls of the
+subterranean passage revealed distinct and rich indications of gold.
+There was a time, and that not long before, when they would have
+revealed nothing to Rodney, but since his residence at Oreville he had
+more than once visited the mines and made himself familiar with surface
+indications of mineral deposit.
+
+He stopped short and scanned attentively the walls of the passage.
+
+"If I am not mistaken," he said to himself, "this will make one of the
+richest mines in Montana. But after all what good will it do me? Here am
+I a prisoner, unable to leave the cave, or communicate with my friends.
+If Mr. Pettigrew knew what I do he would feel justified in paying the
+ransom these men want."
+
+Rodney wondered how these rich deposits had failed to attract the
+attention of his captors, but he soon settled upon the conclusion that
+they had no knowledge of mines or mining, and were ignorant of the
+riches that were almost in their grasp.
+
+"Shall I enlighten them?" he asked himself.
+
+It was a question which he could not immediately answer. He resolved to
+be guided by circumstances.
+
+In order not to excite suspicion he retraced his steps to the apartment
+used by his captors as a common sitting room--carefully fixing in his
+mind the location of the gold ore.
+
+We must now follow the messenger who had gone to Oreville with a letter
+from Rodney's captors.
+
+As instructed, he left his horse, or rather Rodney's, tethered at some
+distance from the settlement and proceeded on foot to the Miners' Rest.
+His strange appearance excited attention and curiosity. Both these
+feelings would have been magnified had it been known on what errand he
+came.
+
+"Where can I find Mr. Jefferson Pettigrew?" he asked of a man whom he
+saw on the veranda.
+
+"At the Griffin Mine," answered the other, removing the pipe from his
+mouth.
+
+"Where is that?"
+
+"Over yonder. Are you a miner?"
+
+"No. I know nothing about mines."
+
+"Then why do you want to see Jefferson? I thought you might want a
+chance to work in the mine."
+
+"No; I have other business with him--business of importance," added the
+black dwarf emphatically.
+
+"If that is the case I'll take you to him. I am always glad to be of
+service to Jefferson."
+
+"Thank you. He will thank you, too."
+
+The man walked along with a long, swinging gait which made it difficult
+for Caesar to keep up with him.
+
+"So you have business with Jefferson?" said the man with the pipe, whose
+curiosity had been excited.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Of what sort?"
+
+"I will tell him," answered Caesar shortly.
+
+"So its private, is it?"
+
+"Yes. If he wants to tell you he will."
+
+"That's fair. Well, come along! Am I walking too fast for you?"
+
+"Your legs are much longer than mine."
+
+"That's so. You are a little shrimp. I declare."
+
+A walk of twenty minutes brought them to the Griffin Mine. Jefferson
+Pettigrew was standing near, giving directions to a party of miners.
+
+"Jefferson," said the man with the pipe, "here's a chap that wants to
+see you on business of importance. That is, he says it is."
+
+Jefferson Pettigrew wheeled round and looked at Caesar.
+
+"Well," he said, "what is it?"
+
+"I have a letter for you, massa."
+
+"Give it to me."
+
+Jefferson took the letter and cast his eye over it. As he read it his
+countenance changed and became stern and severe.
+
+"Do you know what is in this letter?" he asked.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Come with me."
+
+He led Caesar to a place out of earshot.
+
+"What fiend's game is this?" he demanded sternly.
+
+"I can't tell you, massa; I'm not in it."
+
+"Who are those men that have written to me?"
+
+"I don't know their right names. I calls 'em Massa John and Massa Dick."
+
+"It seems they have trapped a boy friend of mine, Rodney Ropes. Did you
+see him?"
+
+"Yes; I gave him a good dinner."
+
+"That is well. If they should harm a hair of his head I wouldn't
+rest till I had called them to account. Where have they got the boy
+concealed?"
+
+"I couldn't tell you, massa."
+
+"You mean, you won't tell me."
+
+"Yes. It would be as much as my life is worth."
+
+"Humph, well! I suppose you must be faithful to your employer. Do you
+know that these men want me to pay five thousand dollars for the return
+of the boy?"
+
+"Yes, I heard them talking about it."
+
+"That is a new kind of rascality. Do they expect you to bring back an
+answer?"
+
+"Yes, massa."
+
+"I must think. What will they do to the boy if I don't give them the
+money?"
+
+"They might kill him."
+
+"If they do--but I must have time to think the matter over. Are you
+expected to go back this afternoon?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Can you get back? It must be a good distance."
+
+"I can get back."
+
+"Stay here. I will consult some of my friends and see if I can raise the
+money."
+
+"Very well, massa." One of those whom Jefferson called into consultation
+was the person who had guided Caesar to the Griffin Mine.
+
+Quickly the proprietor of the Miners' Rest unfolded the situation.
+
+"Now," he said, "I want two of you to follow this misshapen dwarf, and
+find out where he comes from. I want to get hold of the scoundrels who
+sent him to me."
+
+"I will be one," said the man with the pipe.
+
+"Very well, Fred."
+
+"And I will go with Fred," said a long limbed fellow who had been a
+Kansas cowboy.
+
+"I accept you, Otto. Go armed, and don't lose sight of him."
+
+"Shall you send the money?"
+
+"Not I. I will send a letter that will encourage them to hope for it. I
+want to gain time."
+
+"Any instructions, Jefferson?"
+
+"Only this, if you see these men, capture or kill them."
+
+"All right."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+
+A BLOODY CONFLICT.
+
+
+This was the letter that was handed to Caesar:
+
+
+I have received your note. I must have time to think, and time perhaps
+to get hold of the gold. Don't harm a hair of the boy's head. If so, I
+will hunt you to death.
+
+JEFFERSON PETTIGREW.
+
+
+P.S.--Meet me tomorrow morning at the rocky gorge at the foot of Black
+Mountain. Ten o'clock.
+
+
+Caesar took the letter, and bent his steps in the direction of the place
+where he had tethered his horse. He did not observe that he was
+followed by two men, who carefully kept him in sight, without attracting
+attention to themselves.
+
+When Caesar reached the place where he had tethered the horse, he was
+grievously disappointed at not finding him. One of the miners in
+roaming about had come upon the animal, and knowing him to be Jefferson
+Pettigrew's property, untied him and rode him back to Oreville.
+
+The dwarf threw up his hands in dismay.
+
+"The horse is gone!" he said in his deep bass voice, "and now I must
+walk back, ten long miles, and get a flogging at the end for losing
+time. It's hard luck," he groaned.
+
+The loss was fortunate for Fred and Otto who would otherwise have found
+it hard to keep up with the dwarf.
+
+Caesar breathed a deep sigh, and then started on his wearisome journey.
+Had the ground been even it would have troubled him less, but there was
+a steep upward grade, and his short legs were soon weary. Not so with
+his pursuers, both of whom were long limbed and athletic.
+
+We will go back now to the cave and the captors of Rodney. They waited
+long and impatiently for the return of their messenger. Having no
+knowledge of the loss of the horse, they could not understand what
+detained Caesar.
+
+"Do you think the rascal has played us false?" said Roderick.
+
+"He would be afraid to."
+
+"This man Pettigrew might try to bribe him. It would be cheaper than to
+pay five thousand dollars."
+
+"He wouldn't dare. He knows what would happen to him," said John grimly.
+
+"Then why should he be so long?"
+
+"That I can't tell."
+
+"Suppose we go out to meet him. I begin to feel anxious lest we have
+trusted him too far."
+
+"I am with you!"
+
+The two outlaws took the path which led to Oreville, and walked two
+miles before they discovered Caesar coming towards them at a slow and
+melancholy gait.
+
+"There he is, and on foot! What does it mean?"
+
+"He will tell us."
+
+"Here now, you black imp! where is the horse?" demanded Roderick.
+
+"I done lost him, massa."
+
+"Lost him? You'll get a flogging for this, unless you bring good news.
+Did you see Jefferson Pettigrew?"
+
+"Yes, massa."
+
+"Did he give you any money?"
+
+"No; he gave me this letter."
+
+Roderick snatched it from his hand, and showed it to John.
+
+"It seems satisfactory," he said. "Now how did you lose the horse?"
+
+Caesar told him.
+
+"You didn't fasten him tight."
+
+"Beg your pardon, massa, but I took good care of that."
+
+"Well, he's gone; was probably stolen. That is unfortunate; however you
+may not have been to blame."
+
+Luckily for Caesar the letter which he brought was considered
+satisfactory, and this palliated his fault in losing the horse.
+
+The country was so uneven that the two outlaws did not observe that they
+were followed, until they came to the entrance of the cave. Then, before
+opening the door, John looked round and caught sight of Fred and Otto
+eying them from a little distance.
+
+He instantly took alarm.
+
+"Look," he said, "we are followed. Look behind you!"
+
+His brother turned and came to the same conclusion.
+
+"Caesar," said Roderick, "did you ever see those men before?"
+
+"No, massa."
+
+"They must have followed you from Oreville. Hello, you two!" he added
+striding towards the miners. "What do you want here?"
+
+Fred and Otto had accomplished their object in ascertaining the place
+where Rodney was confined, and no longer cared for concealment.
+
+"None of your business!" retorted Fred independently. "The place is as
+free to us as to you."
+
+"Are you spies?"
+
+"I don't intend to answer any of your questions."
+
+"Clear out of here!" commanded Roderick in a tone of authority.
+
+"Suppose we don't?"
+
+Roderick was a man of quick temper, and had never been in the habit of
+curbing it. He was provoked by the independent tone of the speaker, and
+without pausing to think of the imprudence of his actions, he raised his
+rifle and pointing at Fred shot him in the left arm.
+
+The two miners were both armed, and were not slow in accepting the
+challenge. Simultaneously they raised their rifles and fired at the two
+men. The result was that both fell seriously wounded and Caesar set up a
+howl of dismay, not so much for his masters as from alarm for himself.
+
+Fred and Otto came forward, and stood looking down upon the outlaws, who
+were in the agonies of death.
+
+"It was our lives or theirs," said Fred coolly, for he had been long
+enough in Montana to become used to scenes of bloodshed.
+
+"Yes," answered Otto. "I think these two men are the notorious Dixon
+brothers who are credited with a large number of murders. The country
+will be well rid of them."
+
+Roderick turned his glazing eyes upon the tall miner. "I wish I had
+killed you," he muttered.
+
+"No doubt you do. It wouldn't have been your first murder."
+
+"Don't kill me, massa!" pleaded Caesar in tones of piteous entreaty.
+
+"I don't know," answered Fred. "That depends on yourself. If you obey us
+strictly we will spare you."
+
+"Try me, massa!"
+
+"You black hound!" said Roderick hoarsely. "If I were not disabled I'd
+kill you myself."
+
+Here was a new danger for poor Caesar, for he knew Roderick's fierce
+temper.
+
+"Don't let him kill me!" he exclaimed, affrighted.
+
+"He shall do you no harm. Will you obey me?"
+
+"Tell me what you want, massa."
+
+"Is the boy these men captured inside?"
+
+"Yes, massa."
+
+"Open the cave, then. We want him."
+
+"Don't do it," said Roderick, but Caesar saw at a glance that his old
+master, of whom he stood in wholesome fear, was unable to harm him, and
+he proceeded to unlock the door.
+
+"Go and call the boy!" said Fred.
+
+Caesar disappeared within the cavern, and soon emerged with Rodney
+following him.
+
+"Are you unhurt?" asked Fred anxiously.
+
+"Yes, and overjoyed to see you. How came you here?"
+
+"We followed the nigger from Oreville."
+
+What happened afterwards Rodney did not need to inquire, for the two
+outstretched figures, stiffening in death, revealed it to him.
+
+"They are the Dixon brothers, are they not?" asked Fred, turning to
+Caesar.
+
+"Yes, massa."
+
+"Then we are entitled to a thousand dollars each for their capture. I
+have never before shed blood, but I don't regret ending the career of
+these scoundrels."
+
+Half an hour later the two outlaws were dead and Rodney and his friends
+were on their way back to Oreville.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+
+THE RODNEY MINE.
+
+
+Rodney was received by Jefferson Pettigrew with open arms.
+
+"Welcome home, boy!" he said. "I was very much worried about you."
+
+"I was rather uneasy about myself," returned Rodney.
+
+"Well, it's all over, and all's well that ends well. You are free and
+there has been no money paid out. Fred and Otto have done a good thing
+in ridding the world of the notorious Dixon brothers. They will be
+well paid, for I understand there is a standing reward of one thousand
+dollars for each of them dead or alive. I don't know but you ought
+to have a share of this, for it was through you that the outlaws were
+trapped."
+
+"No, Mr. Pettigrew, they are welcome to the reward. If I am not mistaken
+I shall make a good deal more out of it than they."
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+Upon this Rodney told the story of what he had seen in the cavern.
+
+"When I said I, I meant we, Mr. Pettigrew. I think if the gold there is
+as plentiful as I think it is we shall do well to commence working it."
+
+"It is yours, Rodney, by right of first discovery."
+
+"I prefer that you should share it with me."
+
+"We will go over tomorrow and make an examination. Was there any one
+else who seemed to have a claim to the cave except the Dixons?"
+
+"No. The negro, Caesar, will still be there, perhaps."
+
+"We can easily get rid of him."
+
+The next day the two friends went over to the cavern. Caesar was still
+there, but he had an unsettled, restless look, and seemed undecided what
+to do.
+
+"What are you going to do, Caesar?" asked Pettigrew. "Are you going to
+stay here?"
+
+"I don't know, massa. I don't want to lib here. I'm afraid I'll see the
+ghostes of my old massas. But I haven't got no money."
+
+"If you had money where would you go?"
+
+"I'd go to Chicago. I used to be a whitewasher, and I reckon I'd get
+work at my old trade."
+
+"That's where you are sensible, Caesar. This is no place for you. Now
+I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll give you a hundred dollars, and you can
+go where you like. But I shall want you to go away at once."
+
+"I'll go right off, massa," said Caesar, overjoyed. "I don't want to
+come here no more."
+
+"Have you got anything belonging to you in the cave?"
+
+"No, massa, only a little kit of clothes."
+
+"Take them and go."
+
+In fifteen minutes Caesar had bidden farewell to his home, and Rodney
+and Jefferson were left in sole possession of the cavern.
+
+"Now, Mr. Pettigrew, come and let me show you what I saw. I hope I have
+made no mistake."
+
+Rodney led the way to the narrow passage already described. By the light
+of a lantern Mr. Pettigrew examined the walls. For five minutes not a
+word was said.
+
+"Well, what do you think of it?" asked Rodney anxiously.
+
+"Only this: that you have hit upon the richest gold deposits in Montana.
+Here is a mining prospect that will make us both rich."
+
+"I am glad I was not mistaken," said Rodney simply.
+
+"Your capture by the Dixon brothers will prove to have been the luckiest
+event in your life. I shall lose no time in taking possession in our
+joint name."
+
+There was great excitement when the discovery of the gold deposit was
+made known. In connection with the killing of the outlaws, it was noised
+far and wide. The consequence was that there was an influx of mining
+men, and within a week Rodney and Jefferson were offered a hundred
+thousand dollars for a half interest in the mine by a Chicago syndicate.
+
+"Say a hundred and fifty thousand, and we accept the offer," said
+Jefferson Pettigrew.
+
+After a little haggling this offer was accepted, and Rodney found
+himself the possessor of seventy five thousand dollars in cash.
+
+"It was fortunate for me when I fell in with you, Mr. Pettigrew," he
+said.
+
+"And no less fortunate for me, Rodney. This mine will bring us in a rich
+sum for our share, besides the cash we already have in hand."
+
+"If you don't object, Mr. Pettigrew, I should like to go to New York and
+continue my education. You can look after my interest here, and I shall
+be willing to pay you anything you like for doing so."
+
+"There won't be any trouble about that, Rodney. I don't blame you for
+wanting to obtain an education. It isn't in my line. You can come out
+once a year, and see what progress we are making. The mine will be
+called the Rodney Mine after you."
+
+The Miners' Rest was sold to the steward, as Mr. Pettigrew was too busy
+to attend to it, and in a week Rodney was on his way to New York.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+Otis Goodnow arrived at his place of business a little earlier than
+usual, and set himself to looking over his mail. Among other letters was
+one written on paper bearing the name of the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He came
+to this after a time and read it.
+
+It ran thus:
+
+
+DEAR SIR:
+
+I was once in your employ, though you may not remember my name. I was in
+the department of Mr. Redwood, and there I became acquainted with Jasper
+Redwood, his nephew. I was discharged, it is needless to recall why. I
+had saved nothing, and of course I was greatly embarrassed. I could not
+readily obtain another place, and in order to secure money to pay living
+expenses I entered into an arrangement with Jasper Redwood to sell me
+articles, putting in more than I paid for. These I was enabled to sell
+at a profit to smaller stores. This was not as profitable as it might
+have been to me, as I was obliged to pay Jasper a commission for
+his agency. Well, after a time it was ascertained that articles were
+missing, and search was made for the thief. Through a cunningly devised
+scheme of Jasper's the theft was ascribed to Rodney Ropes, a younger
+clerk, and he was discharged. Ropes was a fine young fellow, and I have
+always been sorry that he got into trouble through our agency, but there
+seemed no help for it. It must rest on him or us. He protested
+his innocence, but was not believed. I wish to say now that he was
+absolutely innocent, and only Jasper and myself were to blame. If you
+doubt my statement I will call today, and you may confront me with
+Jasper. I desire that justice should be done.
+                                            PHILIP CARTON.
+
+
+"Call Mr. Redwood," said the merchant, summoning a boy.
+
+In five minutes Mr. Redwood entered the office of his employer.
+
+"You sent for me, sir?"
+
+"Yes, Mr. Redwood; cast your eye over this letter."
+
+James Redwood read the letter, and his face showed the agitation he
+felt.
+
+"I don't know anything about this, Mr. Goodnow," he said at last.
+
+"It ought to be inquired into."
+
+"I agree with you. If my nephew is guilty I want to know it."
+
+"We will wait till the writer of this letter calls. Do you remember
+him?"
+
+"Yes, sir; he was discharged for intemperance."
+
+At twelve o'clock Philip Carton made his appearance, and asked to be
+conducted to Mr. Goodnow's private office.
+
+"You are the writer of this letter?" asked the merchant.
+
+"Yes sir."
+
+"And you stand by the statement it contains?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Why, at this late day, have you made a confession?"
+
+"Because I wish to do justice to Rodney Ropes, who has been unjustly
+accused, and also because I have been meanly treated by Jasper Redwood,
+who has thrown me over now that he has no further use for me."
+
+"Are you willing to repeat your statement before him?"
+
+"I wish to do so."
+
+"Call Jasper Redwood, Sherman," said the merchant, addressing himself to
+Sherman White, a boy recently taken into his employ.
+
+Jasper entered the office, rather surprised at the summons. When he saw
+his accomplice, he changed color, and looked confused.
+
+"Jasper," said the merchant, "read this letter and tell me what you have
+to say in reply."
+
+Jasper ran his eye over the letter, while his color came and went.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"It's a lie," said Jasper hoarsely.
+
+"Do you still insist that the articles taken from my stock were taken by
+Rodney Ropes?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"What do you say, Mr. Carton?"
+
+"Not one was taken by Rodney Ropes. Jasper and I are responsible for
+them all."
+
+"What proof can you bring?"
+
+"Mr. James Redwood will recall the purchase I made at the time of the
+thefts. He will recall that I always purchased of Jasper."
+
+"That is true," said Mr. Redwood in a troubled voice.
+
+"Do you confess, Jasper Redwood?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"If you will tell the truth, I will see that no harm comes to you. I
+want to clear this matter up."
+
+Jasper thought the matter over. He saw that the game was up--and decided
+rapidly that confession was the best policy.
+
+"Very well, sir, if I must I will do so, but that man put me up to it."
+
+"You did not need any putting up to it. I wish young Ropes were here,
+that I might clear him."
+
+As if in answer to the wish a bronzed and manly figure appeared at the
+office door. It was Rodney, but taller and more robust than when he left
+the store nearly a year before.
+
+"Rodney Ropes!" ejaculated Jasper in great surprise.
+
+"Yes, Jasper, I came here to see you, and beg you to free me from the
+false charge which was brought against me when I was discharged from
+this store. I didn't find you in your usual places, and was directed
+here."
+
+"Ropes," said Mr. Goodnow, "your innocence has been established. This
+man," indicating Philip Carton, "has confessed that it was he and Jasper
+who stole the missing articles."
+
+"I am thankful that my character has been cleared."
+
+"I am ready to take you back into my employ."
+
+"Thank you, sir, but I have now no need of a position. I shall be glad
+if you will retain Jasper."
+
+"You are very generous to one who has done so much to injure you."
+
+"Indirectly he put me in the way of making a fortune. If you will retain
+him, Mr. Goodnow, I will guarantee to make up any losses you may incur
+from him."
+
+"How is this? Are you able to make this guarantee?"
+
+"I am worth seventy five thousand dollars in money, besides being owner
+of a large mining property in Montana."
+
+"This is truly wonderful! And you have accumulated all this since you
+left my store?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Rodney," said Jasper, going up to his old rival, and offering his hand.
+"I am sorry I tried to injure you. It was to save myself, but I see now
+how meanly I acted."
+
+"That speech has saved you," said the merchant. "Go back to your work. I
+will give you another chance."
+
+"Will you take me back also, Mr. Goodnow?" asked Philip Carton.
+
+The merchant hesitated.
+
+"No, Mr. Carton," said Rodney. "I will look out for you. I will send
+you to Montana with a letter to my partner. You can do better there than
+here."
+
+Tears came into the eyes of the ex-clerk.
+
+"Thank you," he said gratefully. "I should prefer it. I will promise to
+turn over a new leaf; and justify your recommendation."
+
+"Come to see me this evening at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and I will
+arrange matters."
+
+"Shall you stay in the city long, Ropes?" asked the merchant.
+
+"About a week."
+
+"Come and dine with me on Tuesday evening."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+
+Later in the day Rodney sought out his old room mate Mike Flynn. He
+found Mike in a bad case. He had a bad cold, but did not dare to give up
+work, because he wouldn't be able to meet his bills. He was still in the
+employ of the District Telegraph Company.
+
+"Give the company notice, Mike," said Rodney. "Henceforth I will take
+care of you. You can look upon me as your rich uncle," he added with a
+smile.
+
+"I will be your servant, Rodney."
+
+"Not a bit of it. You will be my friend. But you must obey me
+implicitly. I am going to send you to school, and give you a chance
+to learn something. Next week I shall return to Dr. Sampson's boarding
+school and you will go with me as my friend and room mate."
+
+"But, Rodney, you will be ashamed of me. I am awfully shabby."
+
+"You won't be long. You shall be as well dressed as I am."
+
+A week later the two boys reached the school. It would have been hard
+for any of Mike's old friends to recognize him in the handsomely dressed
+boy who accompanied Rodney.
+
+"Really, Mike, you are quite good looking, now that you are well
+dressed," said Rodney.
+
+"Oh, go away with you, Rodney? It's fooling me you are!"
+
+"Not a bit of it. Now I want you to improve your time and learn as fast
+as you can."
+
+"I will, Rodney."
+
+A year later Rodney left school, but he kept Mike there two years
+longer. There had been a great change in the telegraph boy, who was
+quick to learn. He expects, when he leaves school, to join Rodney in
+Montana.
+
+I will not attempt to estimate Rodney's present wealth, but he is
+already prominent in financial circles in his adopted State. Philip
+Carton is prospering, and is respected by his new friends, who know
+nothing of his earlier life.
+
+As I write, Rodney has received a letter from his old guardian, Benjamin
+Fielding. The letter came from Montreal.
+
+"My dear Rodney," he wrote. "I have worked hard to redeem the past, and
+restore to you your fortune. I have just succeeded, and send you the
+amount with interest. It leaves me little or nothing, but my mind is
+relieved. I hope you have not had to suffer severely from my criminal
+carelessness, and that you will live long to enjoy what rightfully
+belongs to you."
+
+In reply Rodney wrote: "Please draw on me for fifty thousand dollars.
+I do not need it, and you do. Five years from now, if you can spare the
+money you may send it to me. Till then use it without interest. I am
+worth much more than the sum my father intrusted to you for me."
+
+This offer was gratefully accepted, and Mr. Fielding is now in New York,
+where he is likely to experience a return of his former prosperity.
+
+As for Rodney, his trials are over. They made a man of him, and proved a
+blessing in disguise.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Cast Upon the Breakers, by Horatio Alger
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