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diff --git a/old/cubrk10.txt b/old/cubrk10.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b509498 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/cubrk10.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9974 @@ +The Project Gutenberg Etext of Cast Upon the Breakers, by Alger +#3 in our series by Horatio Alger + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world, be sure to check +the copyright laws for your country before posting these files!! + +Please take a look at the important information in this header. +We encourage you to keep this file on your own disk, keeping an +electronic path open for the next readers. Do not remove this. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**Etexts Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*These Etexts Prepared By Hundreds of Volunteers and Donations* + +Information on contacting Project Gutenberg to get Etexts, and +further information is included below. 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If you + don't derive profits, no royalty is due. Royalties are + payable to "Project Gutenberg Association / Illinois + Benedictine College" within the 60 days following each + date you prepare (or were legally required to prepare) + your annual (or equivalent periodic) tax return. + +WHAT IF YOU *WANT* TO SEND MONEY EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO? +The Project gratefully accepts contributions in money, time, +scanning machines, OCR software, public domain etexts, royalty +free copyright licenses, and every other sort of contribution +you can think of. Money should be paid to "Project Gutenberg +Association / Illinois Benedictine College". + +*END*THE SMALL PRINT! FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + + + + +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 Catkills 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 joumey 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 busines 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 fumished, 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 respectually, + 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 beinning 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 XXXXVII. + + +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 seeemed 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 Etext of Cast Upon the Breakers +#3 in our series by Horatio Alger + |