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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -/* DIV */ -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } - -</style> -<title>THE GAYTON SCHOLARSHIP</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="The Gayton Scholarship" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Hebert Hayens" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1904" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="46020" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2014-06-25" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Gayton Scholarship A School Story" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="The Gayton Scholarship A School Story" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="gayton.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2014-06-25T19:01:11.404476+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/46020" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="Hebert Hayens" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2014-06-25" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="the-gayton-scholarship"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">THE GAYTON SCHOLARSHIP</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: The Gayton Scholarship -<br /> A School Story -<br /> -<br />Author: Hebert Hayens -<br /> -<br />Release Date: June 25, 2014 [EBook #46020] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE GAYTON SCHOLARSHIP</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">THE GAYTON -<br />SCHOLARSHIP</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><em class="italics large">A SCHOOL STORY</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="large">HERBERT HAYENS</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="small">Author of "At the Point of the Sword," "An Emperor's Doom," -<br />"Clevely Sahib," "Under the Lone Star," -<br />&c. &c.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">THOMAS NELSON AND SONS -<br /></span><em class="italics medium">London, Edinburgh, and New York</em><span class="medium"> -<br />1904</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">CONTENTS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<ol class="upperroman simple"> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-deanery-candidates">THE DEANERY CANDIDATES</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-challenge-shield">THE CHALLENGE SHIELD</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-newspaper-paragraph">A NEWSPAPER PARAGRAPH</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#further-news-of-the-morning-star">FURTHER NEWS OF THE "MORNING STAR"</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#jim-starts-work">JIM STARTS WORK</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-examination">THE EXAMINATION</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#it-s-all-my-fault">"IT'S ALL MY FAULT"</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#did-i-save-him">"DID I SAVE HIM?"</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-result-of-the-examination">THE RESULT OF THE EXAMINATION</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#going-down-hill">GOING DOWN HILL</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#is-jim-a-thief">IS JIM A THIEF?</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#where-is-the-missing-money">WHERE IS THE MISSING MONEY?</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#an-amateur-detective">AN AMATEUR DETECTIVE</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#curly-and-company">CURLY AND COMPANY</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#when-thieves-fall-out">"WHEN THIEVES FALL OUT"</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-fresh-start">A FRESH START</a></p> -</li> -<li><p class="first noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-startling-surprise">A STARTLING SURPRISE</a></p> -</li> -</ol> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-deanery-candidates"><span class="bold x-large">THE GAYTON SCHOLARSHIP.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER I.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE DEANERY CANDIDATES.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Good-morning, Mrs. Hartland. Isn't Jim -ready? All right; I'll wait for him. Do -you think Susie would care for these wild flowers -and grasses? I picked them this morning. Rover -and I have been for a splendid run over the common, -nearly as far as the forest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks, Dick," said Mrs. Hartland, with a pleased -smile; "Susie will be delighted with them. Poor -girl! it's little chance she has to see them growing -herself. What a pretty white dog-rose!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Isn't it a beauty? I thought Susie would like -that.—Hullo, Jim!" as his chum appeared from -an inner room; "come on, old lazy-bones. I -expected to find you in a tremendous hurry this -morning.—Good-bye, Mrs. Hartland; I hope Susie -will be pleased with the flowers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Most people liked Dick Boden. He was a comical -youngster, fond of all kinds of fun and frolic, and -always keeping an eye on the bright side of things. -In school he was a regular pickle, and yet his -teachers spoke well of him, for there was nothing -mean about Dick, and he was as honest as the day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Full of animal spirits and a trifle impetuous, -but a good little chap at bottom," said Mr. Holmore, -the head-master of the Deanery School.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was a round-faced, curly-haired fellow, with -laughing blue eyes, a most engaging smile, and such -an innocent expression that a lady artist once painted -his portrait as a study of an angel. This greatly -amused the Deaneryites, who promptly dubbed him -the Angel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of course he was very popular with his -school-fellows, but his one particular chum was Jim -Hartland, a sailor's son, and one of the head boys -in the school.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Grinding for the exam.?" he asked, as they waved -a last adieu to Mrs. Hartland, who stood on the -doorstep watching them as they went down the street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hardly," said Jim, "until we know who are -to be the candidates."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, you'll be one for certain, and Perce Braithwaite -another."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If Holmore gives me the chance, I'll work like -a nigger for the honour of the school. The scholarship -wouldn't be any good to me though; it only -pays for the fees and books, and you have to stay -till you are sixteen. Mother couldn't afford to keep -me at school as long as that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was at this time great excitement among -the boys of the elementary schools in the seaport -town of Beauleigh. The governors of Gayton Public -School had offered a scholarship, to be competed for -by three selected candidates from every school in -the town, and the offer had produced a feeling of -intense rivalry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The names of the chosen boys from the Deanery -were to be made known that morning, and every -one was on the tiptoe of expectation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're late," said Dick, as the two boys turned -into the long, straight road leading to the school, -"most of the fellows are in the playground. I'll -race you to the gate. Ready? One, two, three—off!" -and away they sped for a good two hundred -yards' run.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim was the taller and stronger, but Dick was -very nimble, and having got the lead, he kept it. -On they went, flushed, panting, and straining every -nerve, while a group of boys coming from the -opposite direction encouraged them with loud cries.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep it up, Angel!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Another spurt, Jim; he's nearly done!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick's legs were getting tottery, and Jim was -close on his shoulder, but the open gate was only -ten yards off, and the plucky youngster pulled -himself together for a last effort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jim's got him!" "No, no; the Angel wins! the -Angel wins!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A yard from the gate they were neck and neck; -but then, using up all his remaining strength, Dick -flung himself forward—the winner by scarcely half -a foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unlucky Dick! In the excitement of the last -half-second he had gone like stone from catapult straight -against the vest pocket of a portly gentleman who -was strolling leisurely across the playground to the -gate. Jim's onset completed the mischief, and the -three rolled together on the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys in the road, unable to see the catastrophe, -ran up with a brisk "hurrah." But suddenly -every tongue was still.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If you have ever felt the shock of an earthquake, -or been shipwrecked, or in a railway collision, you -will have some faint idea of the fright which held -the handful of Deanery boys spellbound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The inspector!" whispered Tompkins in a tone -of awe, and a shiver ran through the little crowd.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then, as the gentleman and boys rose to their -feet, Tompkins, with an imbecile kind of smile, said, -"Please, sir, it's only the Angel!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Only the Angel! Had His Majesty's Inspector -been a Deanery boy he would not have required -any further information. As it was, the look of -surprise in his face deepened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now Dick, with all his faults, was a little -gentleman. His face was white and his voice husky, but, -standing cap in hand, he said bravely, "I am very -sorry, sir. We were racing, and Jim Hartland had -almost caught me, so I put on a last sprint, and—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And won?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," answered Dick modestly; "but Jim -was close behind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," observed the gentleman with a grim smile, -"I am painfully aware of the fact. However, there -is not much harm done. Ask your master to lend -me a brush."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Isn't he a brick?" said one of the boys as they -ran to their places. "He didn't even look angry. -Have you hurt your leg, Jim?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a bit painful—that's all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope it will be right for the match to-morrow." And -then, at sound of the bell, all talking stopped, -and the boys marched into the assembly hall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After prayers, the inspector, looking none the -worse for his mishap, came into the room and -talked with Mr. Holmore, who then proceeded to make -a little speech concerning the Gayton Scholarship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You know," he said, "that only one boy can -win it, and there will be candidates from nearly -every school in the town. We have three good -champions, and whether they obtain the great -honour for the Deanery or not, I am sure they will -do their best. Come to the desk as I call your -names. Richard Boden."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a hum of pleasure as Dick went up, -flushed with joy, yet feeling rather uncomfortable -at having to face the inspector a second time that -morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Percy Braithwaite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A well-dressed, spruce-looking boy, known as -Dandy Braithwaite, came forward with alacrity -and, to the delight of the school, was followed by -James Hartland.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, boys," said their master, "I hope your -work will show we have made a wise selection. -Remember, once your names are given in, we -cannot make any alteration." Then turning to -the inspector, he added, "These are our candidates, -sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah," exclaimed that gentleman genially, "I have -made the acquaintance of two of them, Mr. Holmore, -and I can assure you they are tremendous fellows—at -a sprint.—Well, my lads, one thing is certain: this -scholarship won't be gained without plenty of hard -work. The chosen knights are buckling on their -armour in every quarter of the town, and the -tournament will be a keen one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately, school closed at noon for the day, as -the boys were too excited to pay much attention to -lessons. They were well satisfied with their master's -selection, and many of them at once put down the -scholarship as a "good thing" for Jim Hartland.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some thought Braithwaite might get it, others -pinned their faith to Dick Boden, "if the little beggar -would work;" and when one wretched urchin hinted -that the St. Paul's boys had won a lot of prizes lately, -he was promptly "sat on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's bound to come to the Deanery," declared -Tompkins, who was himself still struggling with the -mysteries of long division. "The only question is, -Who's to get it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then the talk turned to the great cricket match -fixed for the next day, which was to decide the -possession of the challenge shield for the following year. -St. Paul's held it, but the Deanery intended having a -good try to wrest it from their near and dear rivals.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hartland's in fine form," said one. "You should -have seen him hit at practice yesterday. If he comes -off we ought to stand a chance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the Angel's bowling a treat! I don't think -the 'Magpies'" (as the St. Paul's boys were called) -"will do much with his curly ones."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He bowled the inspector out before school, didn't he?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were still laughing at the recollection of -Dick's mishap when Simpson, the reserve man of the -team, came up, trying, but with poor success, to look -sorry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Heard the news, you fellows?" he asked. "Hartland's -cricked his leg and won't be able to play."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys gazed at one another blankly, hoping -against hope that the news was not true.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There he is," cried one suddenly; and sure enough -there he was, leaning on his chum's arm, and -hobbling slowly across the playground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They crowded around him eagerly, asking more -questions than could be answered in a week.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the matter, Jim?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't you play?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you hurt?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurt!" cried Dick scornfully. "Of course not! -He is doing this just for fun, you silly duffers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It isn't much," exclaimed Jim, "and I'll play -to-morrow if I can stand. We'll have that shield yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anyhow," said Dick, with a laugh, "if Jim can't -turn out, we have Simpson to fall back on," at which -the Deanery boys shook their heads doubtfully. They -had no very high opinion of Simpson's powers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm awfully sorry," said Dick ruefully, as the -two chums went up the road. "There'll be no -practice for you this afternoon, at all events."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," agreed Jim. "I'd better lie by till the -morning. Never mind, old chap; it wasn't your fault; -and besides, I shall be all right. Mother will see to -that, I'm glad the match is to-morrow. We'll have -a good try for the shield, and then peg away for the -scholarship."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Won't the Magpies get their monkey up if we -pull off both? What a beastly nuisance! There's -Temple coming!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Temple was the captain of the St. Paul's team—a -tall, nice-looking lad, immensely proud of his school, -and noted for playing the game like a true sportsman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hullo, Hartland!" he cried; "crippled? I say, -that's hard lines on the Deanery. I wonder if the -committee would put the game off for a week?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no," said Jim; "it isn't much. I shall turn -up in the morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're a brick, Temple," exclaimed Dick, "and a -jolly good sort, though you are a Magpie. 'Pon my -word, I'm half sorry we're going to take that shield -from you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you're a little humbug," laughed Temple, -giving him a playful dig in the ribs.—"Take care of -yourself, Jim. I wouldn't give a toss to beat the -Deanery if you're out of the team."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Proper sort of chap, ain't he?" said Dick, when -the Magpie passed on. "Just fancy his proposing -that the match should be put off! My stars, there -aren't many captains who would do that. How's the -leg now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Painful rather, but 'twill be better when I lie down."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick helped his chum home; and while Mrs. Hartland -doctored the bruised limb, he chatted gaily with -Susie, telling her all about the match and the -scholarship, and making merry jokes for her to laugh at.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Owing to a weak spine, Susie spent most of her -time lying on the sofa; but she was a bright, -intelligent girl, very fond of mischievous Dick, and -immensely proud of her brother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She was very glad when her mother said Jim's -leg would soon be well, for this cricket match was to -be a great event in her life—a gleam of gold in a -gray sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland had hired an invalid chair, and the -two boys had promised to take her to the county -ground, where the game was to be played.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do hope it will be fine," she exclaimed rather -wistfully, for there were few pleasures in her life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's bound to be," cried Dick, with a merry -laugh. "The sun will come out on purpose to see -you. Now I must be off for the practice. Give Jim -plenty of goose-grease, Mrs. Hartland, and make him -stay in bed till the last minute.—I'll be round in -good time in the morning, Susie.—Ta, ta, Jimmy. -This will teach you not to go about knocking -inspectors over in the future."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I like that," said Jim. "Why, you little fraud—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Dick had picked up his hat, and was outside -the door before he could finish.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-challenge-shield"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER II.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE CHALLENGE SHIELD.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Susie's eyes sparkled and her face beamed with -pleasure as she lay in the invalid-chair, with -her head propped up by soft, cozy pillows. The boys -had found a splendid spot for the carriage, while her -mother and Mrs. Boden sat beside her. And to make -her happiness complete, Jim had declared that his leg -was not in the least bit painful.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Isn't it prime?" said Dick, who had come over -for a last word. "You'd never have guessed we -could be such awful swells. There's the mayor in -the pavilion, and no end of big-wigs with him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where's Jim?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, he's tossing with Temple, and he's lost too; -our fellows are coming out to field."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was an ideal day for cricket. The sun shone -brightly, but a cool breeze tempered its heat, making -it pleasant for players and spectators alike. The -ground was packed with people, who cheered heartily -as Jim led his team into the field.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hundreds of boys were there, some sporting the -Magpie colours, others the blue and white favours of -the Deanery, while many of the principal men in the -town had come with their wives and children to -watch the final struggle for the challenge shield.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Only one innings was to be played by each side, -and Dick started the bowling. The opening was -sensational: his first ball scattered the batsman's -stumps, and in the same over another man was caught -and bowled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two wickets down and not a run scored! The -Deanery boys were wild with delight. They flung -their caps in the air, and began debating where it -would be best to hang the shield.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their joy did not last long, however. Temple had -gone in, and he was hitting the ball to all parts of -the field without giving a chance. In vain Jim -changed his bowlers and rearranged his field. Until -he had made 69, the doughty batsman defied every -attempt to dislodge him. Then, getting hold of a -curly one from Dick, he sent it spinning high and -hard to the boundary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Magpies cheered and clapped their hands; but, -as Dick afterwards remarked, they were "a little too -previous." Jim was fielding "in the country," and he -did not often miss a catch. He had hard work this -time though; but he just managed it, and a welcome -roar burst from the Deanery boys as he threw the -ball into the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well caught! well caught, Hartland!" they cried, -for Temple was their most dangerous opponent, and -now that he was gone they felt on better terms with -themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still the score gradually crept up, till, by the time -the last man was out, the board showed the respectable -total of 157.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Susie had very hazy notions of cricket, and when -Dick came over she wanted to know if the Deanery -had won the shield.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Won!" echoed Dick, opening his eyes wide. -"Why, the match isn't over. We have to go in yet. -There's Jim just walking to the wicket. Did you -see that lovely catch he made? Mr. Barrow, a regular -cricketing swell—plays for the county, you know—said -it was as neat a bit of work as he'd seen on the -ground."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Susie still felt very hazy about it, but she -understood Jim had done something clever, and that was -enough to make her happy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the excitement over the match grew -very keen. The Deanery innings opened well, fifty -runs being scored for the loss of two wickets; but -after that matters went badly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One after the other, the batsmen were caught or -bowled; and it seemed as if the captain could not get -any one to stay with him for long.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the seventh wicket fell for exactly a hundred, -Dick began to whistle comically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's only Archer to depend on now," said he, -"and it isn't often he makes more than a dozen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why don't you go in?" asked Susie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I'm last man. I'm no good with the bat. -They only play me for bowling. Oh, well done, -Archer! That was a pretty cut for two. I hope -he'll get set."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So do I," said the girl, though rather wondering -what to 'get set' meant; and then Dick mystified -her more than ever by remarking that if Archer got -his eye in he might be good for a score.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It makes all the difference if a fellow has his eye -in, you know," he said; and as this appeared -reasonable, Susie agreed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How the Deanery boys shouted when the board -showed 120! And what a roar went up from the -Magpies as, without another run added, Archer's bails -went tumbling to the ground!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A beastly yorker!" exclaimed Dick in a tone of -deep disgust. "Well, I must be off. That's Crag -going to the wicket now. He'd make a lot of runs, -only he's so jolly nervous."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The poor boy looks very pale," said Mrs. Hartland.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O my aunt!" shouted Dick in an ecstasy of -delight, "he's got a two off his first ball. Well done, -Crag!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The strain was intense now. The spectators -watched every ball, and there were loud cries of -"Play up, Deanery!" as the score kept creeping up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Holmore felt as much excited as any of his -boys, and he clapped his hands when 130 appeared -on the board.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only twenty-eight to win," he said; "but I'm -afraid the odds are too great."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hartland's good for these," said Mr. Laythorne -Jim's class-master; "he is playing magnificently."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, whether we win or lose, it's a great day for -him. Ah, I was afraid of it! Crag's out, and we still -want twenty-five. Who is the last in?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boden! I think we can abandon all hope of -winning the shield this year."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Deanery boys looked glum, but the Magpies -beamed with satisfaction, for they all knew Dick. -Though a good bowler, he had batting notions of his -own which generally brought him to grief. He -treated all balls alike, banging at each with a mighty -swipe till a crash in the timber-yard told him it was -time to retire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For goodness sake, be careful, Dicky," whispered -Jim, as his chum passed him; "block everything, and -keep your wicket up for once. I'll do the hitting."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," grinned Dick. "I will, if I can remember."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a deep hush as he stood facing the -bowler, and the Deanery boys hardly dared to breathe, -for they knew too well that their erratic schoolfellow -had an unhappy knack of missing his first ball. If -Dicky played up to his reputation, all hope of winning -the shield was at an end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A profound sigh of relief broke from the friends -of the Deanery, and they looked at one another in -astonishment. Dicky had actually blocked the ball! -The next was the last of the over, and then -Mr. Laythorne beamed as Jim stood at the wicket.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little luck and good management enabled Jim to -take every ball in the over and to score eight; but -the Magpies, still feeling sure of winning the match, -whistled cheerfully. Temple would have Dick out in -less than no time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No boy needs to be reminded of the delightful -uncertainty of cricket, and here was a splendid -example. The Angel stood as if rooted to the -ground, and never once attempted one of his mighty -but erratic swipes. The cunning bowler tried every -variety of dodge to tempt him, but Dicky was not to -be coaxed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Magpies became impatient, and perhaps a little -bit anxious. When Dick pushed the ball away a -foot or two they cheered ironically, crying, "Well -hit!" "Nearly a boundary!" etc., and advised him -in sarcastic tones to run it out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick grinned. He was enjoying himself immensely, -and had no objection to any amount of chaff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the game proceeded, a magnetic influence seemed -to pervade the air. A deep hush fell over the field; -the spectators were afraid to turn their eyes from the -wicket a second.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim had the ball again, and was playing like a -professional. Twelve, ten, eight to win! A -beautiful drive all along the ground reduced the required -number to four, and the Deanery boys burst into a -roar of cheering.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Holmore's eyes brightened, and he turned with -a smile to the St. Paul's master, who stood near him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Hudson, we shall give you a fright, at -least," he remarked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It looks as if we shall have to give you the -shield," replied Mr. Hudson ruefully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another cheer announced that two more runs had -been knocked off; and then, from the very last ball -of the over, Jim made it a tie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The excitement was too intense for the Deanery -boys even to cheer; they held their breath and waited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What would Dicky do?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Laythorne, who was watching through his -field-glass, sighed dolefully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The strain's too much for him," he said. "He's -trembling fearfully. He'll lose his head and throw -his wicket away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alas! there was a good deal of truth in the young -class-master's words. It was not in Dick's nature to -stand for long poking quietly at the ball as he had -been doing. His fingers tingled as they closed round -bat, and he longed to hit out at something.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Temple saw the youngster's state and took his -measures accordingly. He placed his men with great -care for a catch, and then sent down a tempting slow. -Dick blocked it, and a second of the same sort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not a bit discouraged, Temple gave him a third; -and this time, as the master had prophesied, Dick -lost his head. His friends groaned when they saw -his bat go up, and decided it would be only a -question of caught or stumped. Dicky afterwards -confessed it should have been one or the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I couldn't stand it any longer, and that's the -truth," said he. "I forgot all about the shield, and -just went for the ball with all my might."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim declared his chum shut his eyes before hitting -out; but be that as it may, the ball travelled through -the air towards the boundary. Travers, the Magpie -stationed in that part, ran along the edge of the field -in a gallant attempt to bring off a fine catch; but he -missed the ball by a hair's-breadth, and the coveted -shield passed into the possession of the Deanery for -the next twelve months.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I congratulate you," said the master of St. Paul's, -turning to Mr. Holmore. "It has been a splendid -fight, and you deserved to win."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The last words were almost drowned in the roar -that went up from the field. The Deanery boys -swarmed in a mob across to the wicket. Some -clutched Jim, others surrounded Dick, and lifting -them shoulder-high, carried them off in triumph.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Susie could not leave her chair, so her mother and -Mrs. Boden wheeled it over to the edge of the crowd -which surrounded the pavilion. Then, to crown her -happiness, some warm-hearted boys, whispering, "That's -Hartland's crippled sister," cleared a passage, and -would not be satisfied till the chair was wheeled right -to the front where she could see and hear everything. -Susie will never forget that half-hour of her life. -The mayor made a pretty speech, and handed the -shield to Mr. Holmore amidst an outburst of cheering. -Then the Magpies stepped on to the platform -to receive the medals which were given to the players -on each side; and Jim, carried away by enthusiasm, -shouted, "Three cheers for the good old Magpies!" -which were given by every one on the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then it was the turn of the Deanery eleven, and -fresh plaudits rang out, especially when Jim went -forward. The spectators cheered almost as loudly -for Dick; and the ladies said what a pretty, -innocent-looking boy he was, with his rosy cheeks and crisp -curls.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, it's splendid! just splendid!" Susie kept -saying. In her eyes Jim and his curly-haired chum -were real heroes, and she was as proud as if they had -performed some glorious action.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was over at last, and the crowd, still talking -over the various events of the day, began to disperse -slowly. Everywhere the girl heard her brother's -name coupled with Dick's, and her face flushed with -real pleasure. Presently she saw the head-master -shake Jim's hand and pat Dick on the back; then -the two boys left the platform and ran quickly to -her side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, the Deanery's got the shield, thanks to -Jim," cried Dick, his eyes sparkling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't you believe him, Mrs. Boden," said Jim. -"He had as much to do with our winning as any one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do let me see your medals," said Susie. "Oh, -how nice! You will have to take care of them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm going to buy a safe and lock mine up in it," -said Dick, laughing.—"Now, mother, you go on with -Mrs. Hartland. Jim and I will take care of Susie. -Hasn't the fresh air done her good? Why, her face -is as red as a rose."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-newspaper-paragraph"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER III.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A NEWSPAPER PARAGRAPH.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The members of that little party will long -remember the walk home from the county -ground. It was an ideal summer evening. A few -fleecy white clouds flaked the blue of the sky, and -the sun's heat was tempered by a gentle breeze -blowing up pleasantly from the south. Birds sang in the -gardens, and the fragrant odour of flowers filled -the air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now and again the boys stopped the carriage, so -that Susie, looking through the gateways, might see -the flowers in all their glory of colour. She did not -talk much; she was rather tired by the unusual -excitement, and by her long stay in the open air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Occasionally they passed a group of the Deanery -boys, and then there were cries of "Good old -Hartland!" "Well done, Angel!" which made Susie -prouder than ever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Dick," said one urchin, "is it true you've -been asked to play for the county?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Angel, who loved a joke, laughed back broadly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing's been settled yet," said he, "but I may -give 'em a hand if they're hard pushed. I can't -promise to play regularly, though—at least this -season."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a pity!" exclaimed the boy; "you would -have been such a help."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The town was beginning to fill with the usual -Saturday evening crowd when they reached the main -street, and the newsboys were lustily shouting, -"Evening paper!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must have a paper," said Jim's mother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better wait a bit," observed Dick, with an air of -wisdom; "the special edition will be out soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then Temple, the captain of the Magpies, came -along. He was reading a paper, and would have -passed our friends had not Dick said, "Hullo, old -chap; anything about the match there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Temple glanced up hastily, and, with an odd look -at Jim, answered slowly,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only the result, and there's no need to tell you -that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on, Dick," said Jim; "he's got the hump."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Angel was turning round to join his chum -when Temple called him back softly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Haven't you heard the news?" he asked curiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Haven't heard anything," replied Dick. "We've -only just come from the ground. You look as -solemn as an owl."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am thinking of Hartland."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why? He's all right."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unfolding the paper, Temple pointed with his -finger to the space reserved for late news.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick read the short paragraph, and immediately -his face became clouded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, poor old Jim!" he exclaimed. "And fancy, -to-day of all the days in the year."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm awfully sorry too," remarked Temple. "Better -show him the paper, so that he can tell his mother. -Lucky the information came too late to put on the -placard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They'll have it in big letters on the next lot," -replied Dick, slipping the paper inside his flannels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurry him home as fast as you can," said the -other. "Somebody may stop Mrs. Hartland and -blurt out the news. There are plenty of fools about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was off at once, and, overtaking his friends, -rather surprised his mother by saying,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Step out, mother. You forget it's past tea-time, -and Susie here is as hungry as a hunter."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, of course Mrs. Boden had no suspicion of the -truth, but she guessed from Dick's face that -something was wrong, and, being a wise little woman, -quickened her pace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fancy Temple taking the hump like that," said -Jim as they turned into Cedar Road, where he lived. -"Shouldn't have thought he was that sort."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, it wasn't over the match. But I'll tell you -all about it another time." And Dick nodded at the -chair, as much as to say, "I don't want Susie to -hear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim took the hint, and being rather curious, pushed -on quickly to the house. They were all near the -little gate when his mother said,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How very odd! Mrs. Hunt's blinds are all down, -and so are Mrs. Pettifer's. There must be some one -dead. I didn't know either of them had any one ill."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A relative has died suddenly, perhaps," suggested -Dick's mother; while the boy, who trembled all over -thought Jim would never get the front door open.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last it swung back, and the two boys lifted the -carriage into the passage. Then, between them, they -carried Susie into the back room and laid her gently -on the couch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Mrs. Boden had gone on home, leaving -word for Dick to follow; so, after wishing Susie -and her mother good-bye, he went out, accompanied -by Jim.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come outside," he whispered, "and pull the door -to. There's bad news in the town."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bad news!" echoed Jim, wondering why his -chum trembled so.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, that's what upset Temple. It's in the paper; -but there's only a line or two, and it mayn't be true."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what is it?" asked Jim, and, oddly enough, -his voice sank to a whisper, while his face was as -white as Dick's.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's about the—the </span><em class="italics">Morning Star</em><span>," gasped the boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Jim understood in a flash what had happened, -and why the neighbours had darkened their -windows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give me the paper," said he, "and let me see -what it says."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The paragraph was very brief, and ran thus:—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is reported at Lloyd's that the barque </span><em class="italics">Morning -Star</em><span> has been lost in a storm off Cape Horn. Some -of the crew, including the chief mate, got ashore; but -the captain, Robert Merritt, and the second mate, -John Hartland, went down with the ship. The -</span><em class="italics">Morning Star</em><span> was owned at Cardiff, and was making -for San Francisco with a general cargo."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim read the paragraph over several times. The -letters seemed blurred and running into one another; -only the words, "the second mate, John Hartland, -went down with the ship," stood out clear and -distinct, as if raised above the surrounding type.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There may be a chance yet," suggested Dick, who -was hurt by the look of pain on his chum's face. -"It isn't certain that your father is drowned."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said Jim absently; "it isn't certain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he put the paper into his pocket and turned -to go in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shall I tell my mother to come round?" asked Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not to-night—thanks. No, we shall be better -by ourselves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nodding to Dick, he stepped into the passage and -closed the door gently. Then he went quietly to the -room where his mother had laid tea. There was -nothing of value in the house, for the family had -been particularly unfortunate during the last few -years. In spite of many obstacles Mr. Hartland had -worked his way up to the position of mate, but on -his first voyage as an officer had met with an -accident which kept him in hospital for months. Then -he found it hard to secure another berth, and during -the time of his enforced idleness the best of his -furniture had been parted with to buy food. Few -people knew this, however, as the Hartlands, who -were very proud, kept their troubles to themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland was a notable housewife, and had -a certain amount of taste, which enabled her to make -the house look nice. The room which Jim entered -was quite attractive. A few nicely-framed -black-and-white pictures hung on the walls; long curtains -draped the window tastefully; the grate shone by -reason of many applications of elbow-polish; -everything was beautifully clean. A cloth of snowy -whiteness covered the table, and the various articles -set out for use showed evidence of capable cleaning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Make haste, my boy!" exclaimed his mother -cheerfully; "your tea is poured out. Dick and you -have had a long gossip."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jim's tired, and I don't wonder at it," remarked -Susie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy sat down in his usual place and forced -himself to eat and drink. His mother, who was -proud of the praise he had won, talked about the -match.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There was only one thing wanted to make the -day a complete success," said she. "When you were -on the platform with all those gentlemen I could not -help wishing that your father had been looking on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim put down his cup, so that she should not see -how his hand trembled, and bit his lip to keep from -crying out. The paper seemed to rustle in his pocket, -and he made up his mind to tell her the truth at once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But how? He could not say, "Father will never -know anything about it, because he is lying at the -bottom of the sea!" Yet it must be done. His -mother must not be left to hear the terrible news -from a stranger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While he still hesitated, Susie, who had sharp ears, -exclaimed, "Listen, there's the paper-boy. I can -hear him shouting, 'Latest Special!'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Run, Jim, quick!" cried his mother, taking a -half-penny from her pocket. She was as excited as -Susie at the thought of seeing her boy's name in print.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim tried to stand, but his limbs tottered, and he -sat down again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In an instant his mother, forgetful of the paper, -was by his side. "You have overdone yourself, my -boy," she said. "All that running about has been -too much for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said the boy, and he spoke with difficulty; -"I am all right, mother!" and then, with a wild cry, -"O mother, mother, how can I tell you? It's about -the </span><em class="italics">Morning Star</em><span>, and—and father!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland did not cry out or make a scene; -only her lips twitched painfully, and she laid a hand -on the table to steady herself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell me the worst, Jim," she whispered bravely; -and the boy drew the paper from his pocket with -trembling fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Read it," she said simply; and he tried hard, but -his voice broke down before the end of the first -sentence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then she looked at it herself, but the letters -seemed only black dots which danced about and -intermingled as if trying to hide from her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give it to me, mother," said Susie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the moment they had forgotten her, but the -sound of her voice sent a fresh arrow of pain through -the mother's heart. But Susie was used to sorrow, -and drew strength from her very weakness. Steadily -she read through the paragraph from beginning to -end, while her mother stood, white-faced and tearless, -drinking in every word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The second mate, John Hartland, went down -with the ship!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the woman and children in that little room the -words formed the whole paragraph.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Went down with the ship!" A simple phrase -enough, and not uncommon, but perhaps it is as well -that we do not always realize the misery and sorrow -lying behind it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A deep hush fell as Susie finished reading. The -sun had gone down, the evening shadows were -gathering fast; soon it would be time to light the -lamp, but no one moved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A loud rat-tat at the door startled them; and Jim, -going out, found a messenger boy with a telegram. -It was from the owners of the </span><em class="italics">Morning Star</em><span>, but -contained no further information than had appeared -in the evening paper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is very kind of them," said Mrs. Hartland -"but I am glad you told me first, Jim."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We don't know yet that father is drowned!" -exclaimed Susie stoutly. "He might have been -picked up by another ship. I have read of such -things."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neither Jim nor his mother answered her; the -idea was too wild to be considered seriously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy did not realize all that his father's death -meant to him, for he was young, and his experience -of life had not been great. But his mother, while -grieving bitterly for the dead man who had loved -her so devotedly, had to think of the living.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the long night hours, while the children -forgot their sorrow in sleep, she lay thinking, -thinking earnestly about their future. She had planned -great things for Jim, had built splendid castles in -the air for him; and now, at a blow, they came -tumbling about her ears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor boy!" she said softly to herself; "I fear it -will change the whole of his life."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="further-news-of-the-morning-star"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">FURTHER NEWS OF THE "MORNING STAR."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>On the following Monday morning Dick called -for his chum as usual, but Jim was in no -hurry to start.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You go on," said he; "I'll come presently."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As a matter of fact he dreaded the meeting with -his school-fellows; it would be so different from the -scene he had pictured while walking home from the -cricket-ground. He had looked forward to a regular -triumph, for it must be confessed that Jim was rather -vain, though he had the good sense to keep this -failing, for the most part, to himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right!" exclaimed the Angel cheerfully; but -he went only a short distance, and waited till his -chum came out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a silly chap you are!" said Jim peevishly; -"now you'll be late."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind, my boy; better late than never, as -they say in the copy-books. I said that to -Laythorne the other day, but he gave me one back. -'Better never late,' said he, as I went to my place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Prayers were over when they reached the school, -but the master made no remark as they passed to -their places. He had heard the sad news, and easily -understood why the boys were late. At the interval -he asked Jim to remain, and told him how sorry he -was for his great loss.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," said Jim, resolutely keeping the -tears from his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And, by the way, Hartland," continued the young -master kindly, "if there's anything I can do, let me -know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then the Head entered the room, and he, too, -expressed his sorrow at what had happened, and Jim -appreciated the kindness of his masters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had dreaded going back to school, but it was -not very dreadful after all. Most of the boys looked -at him curiously, but only one or two said anything, -and then matters resumed their usual course.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At home it was much worse, although Susie, with -strange persistence, still cherished the hope that her -father had not been drowned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We don't know," she argued stoutly—"no one -knows. The papers say some of the crew got ashore."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't be stupid," said her brother. "It says -plainly enough that father went down with the ship."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But he might have been picked up afterwards, -or got ashore somewhere else."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even Susie's faith gave way, however, when a -fuller account of the wreck came to hand. It was -supplied by an A.B. named Davies, who had been -picked up by the steamship </span><em class="italics">Cormorant</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was on a Friday night," the newspaper report -of his narrative ran, "and we were there or -thereabout up to the latitude of Cape Horn. I had -turned in 'all standing,' for the weather was squally, -and I didn't expect to get much of a nap. Sure -enough I'd hardly got my eyes shut when there -came a crash, and some one sang out, 'All hands, -ahoy!' We tumbled up the ladder in a hurry, and -I tell you there wasn't a man there who didn't think -Davy Jones was calling us. It was a night! The -rain was coming down full pelt, and you couldn't -keep your feet for the wind. Spars snapped like -match-boxes, and the barque lay nearly on her -beam-ends. It was dark as pitch just then, though it -cleared up afterwards. We did what we could to -save the ship; but, bless you, we had no more chance -than a parcel of babies. She was settling down like -a stone, and the old man sung out that we'd better -try the boats. I ran to help clear the port quarter -boat, and got in, when a heavy sea broke over her, -smashing her in two. Down I went a long way, but -at last came up to the surface again, and hammered -my right hand against something hard. This turned -out to be a top-gallant mast, so I took a firm grip. -I couldn't see anything of the </span><em class="italics">Morning Star</em><span>, but -there seemed to be a lot of rigging about, and I -heard some men shouting in the distance. I reckoned -afterwards it must have been the first mate and the -chaps who got away in the other boat. I hulloed -back, but they couldn't hear, and I reckoned I was -done. Soon after that came another shout close to -me, and I yelled back, 'Ahoy, there! Is that you, -Mr. Hartland?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Yes. Who are you?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Davies,' I sings out—'on a mast.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Can you hold on?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Not much longer, I'm afeared.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Keep your spirits up,' says he, cheery like, and -then it was all quiet. However, we must have -drifted pretty close together, for, directly day broke, -there he was, not twenty yards off, with a lifebuoy -round him, and clinging to a light spar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'How goes it now?' says he; and when I tells -him I'm nearly done, he says, 'I've a good mind to -keep you company. I've some rope here, and a draw -or two round the body will keep you tight.' With -that he swims over and lashes me to the mast. -Presently he says again, quiet as anything, 'Look -here, Davies; it's no go! This won't hold us both; -I must take my chance. Good-bye, and if you've -the luck to be picked up, just let 'em know over -in England that I stood by the ship till she went -down.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Them were his last words. He let go, and the -last I saw of him he was striking out towards the -shore. Of course he never reached it, though he -was a strong swimmer, too. After that I lost count -of things, and don't know anything more till my -eyes opened aboard the </span><em class="italics">Cormorant</em><span>. The lashings -saved me, or I should have gone under as sure as -fate."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The story of her husband's bravery filled -Mrs. Hartland with honest pride; but, unfortunately it -extinguished the last spark of hope that, almost -unknown, had lurked in the recesses of her mind. -However, she faced the matter bravely, and talked -over her plans with Jim.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall have to leave this house," she said, -"and find a cheaper one. Then I must get some -kind of work to do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What about Susie?" asked Jim.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, that's the trouble! I can't very well go out -and leave her alone. Perhaps I can get some plain -sewing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Haven't we any money at all, mother?" the boy -asked presently.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only what is due from your father's wages, and -that won't keep us long."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Susie had gone to bed, and there was no one in -the room but mother and son. Mrs. Hartland sat by -the window with some needlework in her hand, -though it was too dark to sew; Jim stood by the -mantelpiece, fumbling nervously with a button on -his jacket.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently he said bravely, "I must leave school -and get a place somewhere. I daresay I can earn -something, if only a little."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It cost him an effort to say this without breaking -down, for he was very ambitious, and had mapped -out a great career for himself. In the first place he -had made up his mind to win the Gayton Scholarship, -which was to be a stepping-stone to fortune. -This was all done with now, for even in the event -of being successful he could not accept the scholarship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland guessed a part of his thoughts, and, -calling him to her side, said,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll talk about that another time, Jim. There's -no need to give up your school at present; I wouldn't -like you to do that. I daresay we shall be able to -rub along somehow till the next examination."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But there's no good in trying for the 'Gayton.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not for yourself, but it would be an honour for -your school if you won it. You would leave a good -name behind you also."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So, after some further talk, it was decided that -Jim should stay on at school; and the next week -the family moved to a little house in a much poorer -quarter of the town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of course Dick went to help, and his bright smile -and cheerful humour did much to cheer them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Isn't it a poky place?" said Jim, pausing in the -work of putting up his sister's bedstead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you can't call it exactly a palace," replied -Dick, "but it might be worse, you know. O my -aunt!" And the Angel finished with a vigorous howl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the matter?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I nipped my hand under that iron bar." And he -sucked the tips of his fingers as if they were sticks -of sugar-candy. "Just see if you can twist this nut -round; I can't move it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two friends worked away with a will, making -up in zeal what they lacked in experience, and very -soon had the room looking quite cozy and comfortable. -Then they went downstairs; and before night, -as Dick's mother, who had come over to help, put it, -"things were beginning to look a bit straight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Susie, of course, could do nothing herself; but she -played the part of superintendent, and ordered the -boys about, especially Dick, who good-humouredly -obeyed all her commands. He looked on it all as -great fun, and announced his intention of worrying -his mother until they had a move on their own -account.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland had faced her trouble bravely, but -before long Jim recognized that things were much -worse than he had guessed. Beyond his father's -wages and the donation of a few pounds from the -"Shipwrecked Mariners' Society," they had absolutely -no money, and there seemed little prospect of his -mother being able to earn sufficient to keep them. -Already they had to deny themselves everything in -the shape of luxury, and even Susie had to go -without various little delicacies which they had been -in the habit of providing for her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I ought to give up school and go to work," he -said; but to this his mother was strongly opposed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you leave school now you can only be an -errand boy," she said; "and without education, you -will have no chance of doing anything in the world."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now I have no desire to put James Hartland -forward as an uncommonly good boy, because, as you -will find for yourselves, he was nothing of the sort; -but in this particular case he certainly deserved -some credit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One evening he arrived home very late, which was -such an unusual thing that his mother wondered -what had kept him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Awfully sorry, mother," he cried, looking at the -clock; "but I've been up in the town on business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For the master?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied the boy, with rather a forced smile; -"on my own account. I've got a place. Don't be -vexed. I shan't have to leave school; it's only -mornings and evenings."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What have you to do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To take the papers to Mr. Broad's customers; and -if I help on Saturdays too, he'll give me five -shillings a week. What do you think of that? Isn't -it splendid?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you will have no time to study for the -'Gayton.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I must work harder at school, and put in an hour -extra in the morning. I'll manage, never fear, and -the money will just pay the rent. Wasn't it lucky I -saw the card in the window? Of course I shan't be -able to play in the rest of the cricket matches, but -they can easily get some one to take my place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He spoke cheerfully, but his mother knew what a -sacrifice he had made, and hoped, for his sake, that -good might come of it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jim," said Susie, plucking his sleeve nervously, -"will you have to call out 'Paper!' like the boys -who come round here at night?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, you little goose," he laughed—"only to leave -them at the different houses. And now, let me finish -my tea. I must have a good grind at geography this -evening."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="jim-starts-work"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER V.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">JIM STARTS WORK.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It wanted ten minutes to nine, and the Deanery -boys were pouring into the playground, ready -to assemble for morning school. Percy Braithwaite -stood just inside the gate talking to a little group of -his chums. He was a good-looking, fair-skinned boy, -with sharp, keen eyes. Somehow he was not a -favourite with the majority, but as his father kept -him well supplied with pocket-money, he generally -had a certain following which petted and made much -of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I had a jolly lark this morning," he was saying. -"What d'you think Jimmy Hartland's doing? You'd -never guess! He's selling papers. He brought ours -round just now, and I answered the door. You'd -have died to see him: he went as red as a turkey-cock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Hullo!' said I—'a fresh paper-boy? You're -very late. This won't do, you know. Tell your -master if you can't come earlier than this we shall -have to make a change.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you really say that?" asked Simpson, who -was sucking one of Braithwaite's bull's-eyes. "He -would be wild. The beggar's as proud as Lucifer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't see why he shouldn't sell papers," said -Alec Macdonald. "There's nothing to be ashamed of -in that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps not for fellows of his class," said Braithwaite, -with a superior air, "but fancy a paper-boy trying -for the 'Gayton'! Why, if he got it, all the school -would cut him dead. I call it a great piece of cheek."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here he comes with the Angel," whispered Simpson, -who had finished his bull's-eye, and was hoping -to get another before the bell rang. "I say, let's -have a lark!" And raising his voice, he cried, -"Hevenin' Noos! Hextry Speshul! Paper, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others burst into a roar of laughter; and -Braithwaite, who thought it an excellent joke, -laughed the loudest of all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Angel, scenting mischief, laid hold of his -chum's arm, saying,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't take any notice, Jim; it's only the 'Dandy' -and his gang."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was an unfortunate remark, as it would have -been safer just then to wave a red flag before a bull -than to mention Braithwaite's name to Jim. He was -hot and tired and cross, angry with himself and the -world in general, and with Braithwaite in particular. -The incident of the morning had upset him, and this -mocking laughter was, as Dick afterwards said, "the -last straw that broke the camel's back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Want a hextry, sir? Take the last one!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Simpson was fairly earning another bull's-eye.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim's face was white with passion as he strode -over to the group, in the midst of which Braithwaite -stood laughing. Blinded by anger, he did not stay to -ask questions, but crying, "You beastly cad!" let out -straight from the shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Angel, though rather alarmed, could not resist -the chance of a joke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a drop of </span><em class="italics">hextry speshul</em><span> claret!" he sang -out, as the blood spurted from Braithwaite's nose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instantly there arose a babel of voices.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give him one back, Dandy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Off with your coat; I'll hold it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who has a spare handkerchief?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>I trust my readers are not thirsting for a description -of a fight, because in that case they will be -disappointed. In the midst of the hubbub the bell -sounded, and the boys went to their places, Simpson -leading his friend along, and making a great show of -the blood-stained handkerchief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The injured boy, who was in the same class as Jim -and Dick, at once attracted the attention of -Mr. Laythorne, who asked what had happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you please, sir," said Braithwaite, "I was -standing just inside the gate when Hartland came -along and hit me on the nose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is this correct, Hartland?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He called me names, so I hit him, sir," answered -Jim sulkily. "And I'll hit him again, too, if he -cheeks me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am sorry to hear you talk in that way," said -the young master calmly. "Go to your place now, -and stay behind during the interval.—Boden, take -that boy to the lavatory."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," responded the Angel cheerfully, taking -Braithwaite, not too tenderly, by the arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Everything went wrong that morning with Jim. -He made the most stupid mistakes in class, and -behaved so badly that Mr. Laythorne felt sorely -tempted to send him to the head-master. He was -kept in during the interval, and again at noon, and -accordingly looked on himself as a martyr. When -he at last got out, the playground was empty except -for Dick, who would never have dreamed of going -without his chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Get your face straight, old man," cried he; "it's -as long as a fiddle. I wish I had a looking-glass, so -that you could see yourself. Think of the milkmen -down your way! You'll turn all their milk sour!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim stalked across the playground without deigning -to reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whew!" whistled the Angel; "you ought to be -marked </span><em class="italics">dangerous</em><span>, like a magazine. No wonder -Laythorne was afraid to keep you inside any longer. -But I say, Jim, that was a lovely tap you gave -Braithwaite. He asked me if I thought his nose -was broken."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll break his head next time!" said Jim savagely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Angel clapped him on the back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's nothing like making a good job of a -thing while you're at it," he said. "Going up the -lane? All right. I'll call for you after dinner. -And take that frown off your face, or you'll frighten -Susie into a fit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland saw there was something the matter -with the boy, but happily she did not worry him -about it, and by the time Dick called he was almost -himself again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I forgot to tell you, mother," he said as he -was going out, "you needn't wait tea for me. I'm -going to have mine at the shop. It will save time, -Mr. Broad says."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you to work all the evening, Jim?" asked -Dick as they went down the street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I shall be home by eight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That doesn't leave you much time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I shall manage. Laythorne is taking all the -subjects at school, and I can get in at least two hours -extra every day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As it happened, Jim found in a short time that he -was reckoning without his book.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the close of afternoon school Jim stepped up -to the master's desk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you wish to speak to me?" asked Mr. Laythorne, -looking rather surprised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," replied Jim bravely. "I want to beg -your pardon for my rudeness this morning. Things -seemed to go quite wrong somehow, and I was in -a bad temper."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's very manly to come forward of your own -account like this," said Mr. Laythorne pleasantly, -"and it does you credit. But you must learn to -govern your temper, Hartland, or it will bring you -into mischief. How are you getting on for the -'Gayton'? Don't forget that if I can help you in -any way I shall be pleased to do so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," replied Jim brightly. "I am -hoping to make a good fight for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He left the room in good spirits, stopped a minute -or two in the playground to chat with Dick, and then -ran off to town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Twill be a scramble," he thought to himself, -"but I'll pull through. I can put in from half-past -eight till ten at night, and from five till half-past six -in the morning, besides an hour at dinner-time. That -ought to be enough, and five shillings a week will be -very useful to mother."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pretty punctual, my boy," said the stationer as -Jim entered the shop. "I like to see that. Your -tea's ready in the kitchen. When you've finished -I've something here for you to do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," said Jim.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Eager to do his best, and being a smart, intelligent -boy, he created a favourable impression at once. -Mr. Broad was delighted with him; and that night -after closing time, he told his wife that the new boy -was a treasure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You had better wait a bit before you judge," she -replied. "Don't forget that new brooms sweep clean."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Broad laughed, admitted there was a great -deal of truth in the proverb, but all the same -maintained his opinion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Jim had gone home, eaten his supper, -and settled down to work. To win this Gayton -Scholarship was his one idea, and if he failed it -would not be for want of trying. He had heard of -the sneer about a paper-boy going in for the "Gayton," -and it nettled him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll beat Perce Braithwaite, anyhow!" he said -to himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was the spur that goaded him on, and all -that week he devoted every minute of his spare time -to study.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't bury yourself too deep," advised the Angel, -who, on the Friday evening, walked a part of the -way with him, "or we mayn't be able to dig you up -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I'm all right," laughed Jim. "I shall cut -you out, Dicky, my boy. I've made a big move this -week."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Glad to hear it," said the Angel cheerfully. "It's -the history that bothers me most. I get mixed with -the dates and things. I don't think history ought -to count: it's mostly rubbish, anyway. Who wants -to know about the old kings, and when they lived, and -when they died, and who their grandfathers were?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Or the Provisions of Oxford," added Jim slyly; -at which his churn roared with laughter, though the -joke was against himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not long before, Mr. Laythorne had asked his class -to name the "Provisions of Oxford," whereupon the -Angel, though rather astonished at such a simple -question, replied blandly, "The chief provisions of -Oxford, like those of other English towns, are bread, -meat, all kinds of vegetables, poultry, fish—" And -he only pulled up when the suppressed titter of his -classmates broke into uncontrollable laughter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Laythorne told the Head of that," said Dick, -when he had recovered his breath, "and it went the -round of the masters. They chaffed me about it at -the cricket match; but I don't call it a fair question. -I hope I shan't come a cropper like that at the -'Gayton.' Well, I'm off. See you Sunday." And -leaving his chum at the shop door, he went away -whistling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That night when Jim was leaving, Mr. Broad said, -"I shall want you to do a double round in the -morning, and to stay till ten o'clock in the evening."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," said the boy, though he was sorry at -having to lose his own time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you won't be wanted in the middle of the -day," continued his master. "As soon as you have -finished in the morning you can go till tea-time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh," said Jim, brightening, "that will be capital," -and at once resolved to use the extra time for study. -He felt very tired on the Saturday night, but his -heart was light and his face smiling when he got -home. As a great treat Susie had been allowed to -stay up, and Mrs. Hartland had prepared a tasty if -cheap supper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is prime!" exclaimed Jim, sniffing at the -savoury odour, "and I'm as hungry as a hunter. -But, first of all, you had better take my wages, -mother." And he put down a tiny pile of silver on -the table with the air of a millionaire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's too much here by sixpence," said -Mrs. Hartland, counting the coins. "Your master has -made a mistake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all right, mother," replied Jim proudly; "he -gave me an extra sixpence for doing my work so well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O Jim!" cried Susie, "isn't it splendid? Fancy -earning all that money!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will come in handy," said he, "and in a few -months I shall be able to earn more. But while -we're chattering the supper's getting cold. Sit down -mother. You look tired to death."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mother's been sewing all day, and the fine work -hurts her eyes," observed Susie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not as young as I was," remarked their -mother, trying to laugh, "and my eyes feel the strain -more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When I'm a bit older you won't need to work -at all," said Jim, who meant what he said. "I'll -earn enough for us all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They lingered a long while over the simple meal, -and then Jim helped his mother to carry Susie to her -bedroom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shan't call you early in the morning," said -Mrs. Hartland, as Jim kissed her good-night; "I -think you've earned a rest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wish that horrid exam. was over!" cried Susie; -"then you'd have more time to yourself."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-examination"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE EXAMINATION.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It really seemed as if fate was dead against Jim -Hartland's winning the Gayton Scholarship -For some time his mother, though saying nothing -to the children, had not felt well. The shock of her -husband's death, and the consequent change in -circumstances, had done much to depress her, and the -hard struggle to earn a scanty living had made her -worse. She had done her best to keep up as long -as possible; but on the Monday morning she was -too ill even to get Jim's breakfast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind, mother," said he cheerfully; "you -stay in bed. I'll see to things. The lessons must -go for a bit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Being a handy sort of fellow, he made breakfast, -carried some up to his mother and Susie, straightened -things a bit downstairs, and then ran off to his work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There still remained three weeks till the day of -the examination; but, unfortunately for Jim, his -mother's illness lasted two-thirds of that time. -Mrs. Boden went in as often as she could, and a kindly -neighbour did several odd jobs; but there were so -many things to be done that Jim found all his time -occupied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should chuck the 'Gayton' if I were you," said -the Angel one morning. "It will be no good to you -if you win it, and with all these upsets you can't -expect to be at your best."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The fellows would think I was afraid of being -beaten."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the odds? Who cares what they think? -There's no sense in working yourself half to death -for nothing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a bit; but I'm going in all the same."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you are a stubborn beggar, and no mistake," -said his chum, who usually spoke his mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The examination was to be held in one of the rooms -at the Gayton School, and on the Monday morning -the candidates assembled in the big playground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim, who had been granted leave for the day by -Mr. Broad, went down with Dick and Tom Moon, who -was one of the Magpies. He was feeling wretchedly -ill; his head ached, and his brains were all at sixes -and sevens. He had worked like a horse all the -week to make up for lost time, and was paying the -penalty. He had lost all sense of proportion, and it -seemed to him that life would be worth nothing if he -failed to win this scholarship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hullo!" cried Dick suddenly; "there's Dandy -Braithwaite!—Morning, Dandy! Why, you look as -pleased as if you'd won the scholarship already!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm going to have a good shot at it, anyhow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bravo, my boy!—Hullo, Temple! You here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why not?" asked Temple in surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought you'd more sense, 'pon my word! -Now what is the use of you fellows wasting your -time when there are three of the Deaneryites in the -running?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys who knew the Angel's little ways greeted -his remark with good-humoured laughter; the others -thought he was a conceited donkey, and some said -as much.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Much plague in India just now, Dicky?" asked -Temple mischievously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait till I've seen the geography questions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the joke?" asked Tom Moon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Haven't you heard of the Angel's little dodge? -Why, they fairly screamed over it at the Deanery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Moon," said Dick, without a twinkle -in his big blue eyes; "it was a beastly shame, and -they treated me most unfairly. We had to write an -account of a trip up the Ganges and a visit to Benares. -Well, you know there was a horrible plague at Benares -just then, and I couldn't afford to risk my valuable -life in the town, so I skipped it, stating my reasons. -And what do you think they said?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't guess."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, that 'twas a fake, because I didn't know -anything about the blessed old town." And he looked -so solemn that Moon was half inclined to think he -had been badly treated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you really put that down?" asked one of -the boys in the group.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course I did!" answered Dicky, in a tone of -surprise. "They couldn't expect me to go to a -plague-spot like that!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Didn't I hear some yarn, too, about a dead -passenger?" asked Temple.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very likely," said the Angel calmly; "that was -another misfortune. You see, we had to describe -a voyage from London to Odessa, and a very nice -little trip, too. Well, my passenger started in a -yacht, and had a jolly good time, jotting down his -descriptions every night. At last he got into the -Adriatic, and the poor fellow fell overboard. The -skipper fished him out, but he was quite dead; and -so, of course, the trip ended. Now, what do you -think the inspector had the conscience to ask me? -'Boden,' said he, 'couldn't you remember any more -of the coast-line?' Just as if I'd play a trick like -that!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't cry, Dicky!" observed Temple. "The -inspector didn't know you as well as we do, or there -would have been no need to ask such a question"—an -oracular speech with rather a doubtful meaning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim did not join in the chaff—in fact, he scarcely -heard it. His whole mind was absorbed in the -forthcoming examination, and he waited impatiently -for the door to be opened. When Temple and several -of the others spoke to him he answered briefly, and -then relapsed into silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's the matter with him, Dicky?" whispered -the popular captain of the Magpies, as they entered -the building.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too much work. He's been overdoing it, and -I shouldn't wonder if he breaks down. He's slaved -like a nigger since the news of his father's loss -came."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor old chap!" said Temple. "It was hard -lines, and no mistake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys passed along a broad corridor, mounted -a staircase, and entered a large room. Above the -door was a card bearing the words, "Candidates for -the Gayton Scholarship."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Move quietly, please," said a spectacled gentleman -standing at a desk. "Each boy will find his name on -the desk at which he is to sit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were arranged in alphabetic order, and Dick -found himself just behind Braithwaite. Jim was in -the middle of the room, and Temple at the end. In -a short time they were all seated, and the examiner -read the rules and regulations. Then his colleague -went round with the questions to be answered during -the morning, and presently the only sound to be -heard was the scratching of busy pens.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a rapid glance at the paper, Dick settled to -work with a pleasant smile; the questions were just -to his liking, and he felt sure of doing well in the -morning at least. Braithwaite, too, seemed satisfied, -while Temple used his pen as if he were master of -the situation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The one boy in the room who appeared ill at ease -was Jim Hartland. His face was hot and flushed; -there were drumming noises in his ears; letters and -figures, all jumbled together, danced wildly before his -eyes. At the end of the first half-hour his paper was -still blank. Long afterwards, in talking about the -examination, he told me that, but for the examiner, -he does not think he should have written a single word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That gentleman, seeing something was amiss, went -over, and laying one hand on the boy's shoulder, -said kindly, "Are you ill, my lad?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sympathetic tone seemed to break the spell, -and looking up, Jim answered, "My head aches a bit, -sir, but it's getting better now. I think I can make -a start."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's right, my boy. Time's flying; but you -must do your best."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," said Jim gratefully, and by a great -effort he managed to concentrate his attention on -the questions. Once started, he worked feverishly to -make up for the lost half-hour; but at one o'clock he -had to hand in his papers without having gone over -them a second time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fortunately the interval was too short for comparing -notes. There was scarcely time for more than -a rush home, a hurried meal, and a run back to be -ready for the opening of the doors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the gate Jim overtook Braithwaite, who, much -to his surprise, said in quite a friendly way, "Done -pretty well, Hartland?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pretty well, thanks; how did you get on?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Prime! The questions were just made for me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then the Angel came along.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Dandy," he cried, "how came you to be -doing Euclid this morning?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Euclid? I wasn't!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What were you drawing, then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, a map of the United States!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh!" The blue eyes opened wide with assumed -wonder. "I thought 'twas a figure in Euclid."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't be such a fool!" said Braithwaite testily, -while the others laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wasn't the arithmetic beastly stiff?" grumbled -Tom Moon. "Did anybody do that thing about the -two trains passing each other?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, that was easy enough!" laughed Temple. -"It worked out to thirty-seven seconds and a half."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I got that," said Braithwaite.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So did I," cried Dick, throwing up his hat. -"Well done, Boden, my boy; you'll pull this -scholarship off yet!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim said nothing, but his skin burned like fire as -he remembered that his answer was more than an -hour and twenty minutes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just then the doors were opened and the boys -trooped into their places. While waiting for the papers -to be given out he recalled the sum in question, -and soon found what a ridiculous mess he had made -of it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's no use," he thought to himself bitterly; "as -likely as not I've made as big a hash of the rest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once he thought of pleading illness and giving up -the struggle. The excuse would not have been -without a backing of truth; but, after all, Jim was no -coward, and he thrust the idea aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," muttered he, "I'll see the thing through."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first subject in the afternoon was history, for -which he had always a liking; and when the paper -was finished he felt that he had at last done himself -justice. Encouraged by this success, he worked away -at the others, feeling more and more cheerful at the -end of each subject.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said the examiner, when he came to collect -the papers, "are you satisfied?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"With this afternoon's work, sir," said Jim; "but -I'm afraid I lost my chance this morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, you mustn't worry about that. 'Never -despair!'—that's the motto, you know!" And the -gentleman gave him a good-natured smile as he passed -to the next desk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Outside, the boys clustered together, comparing -notes and talking over their doings. Some smiled -complacently, others looked rather miserable as they -discovered their mistakes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The algebra paper was a teaser," remarked -Temple, "and as for the last equation, I couldn't do -it at all.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't believe it comes out," said Braithwaite, -while Dick admitted with a grin that he had left it -untouched.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you have a shot at it, Hartland?" asked Temple.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said Jim; "it seemed easy enough, unless -I misunderstood it." And with paper and pencil he -proceeded to work it out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O my aunt!" cried Dick, who was very fond of -bringing that worthy person into his conversation -"I believe you've got it, Jimmy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said Temple, "it certainly looks right. That -will give you a lift, Hartland; it counts twenty -marks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," replied Jim, thinking of the morning's -work, "I shall need them all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently the groups began to break up, and the -boys to disperse. Jim still seemed very gloomy, and -even his lively little chum found it difficult to bring -a smile to his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You haven't to go to the shop, have you?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not to-night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's jolly; we'll have a good game down at the -Old Fort. It's ages since you were down, and the -fellows will be glad to see you. Say you'll come, -just to please me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a good deal of hesitation Jim promised, and -the Angel went off whistling merrily. He little -guessed what a terrible tragedy he was thus, in an -indirect way, helping to bring about.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="it-s-all-my-fault"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">"IT'S ALL MY FAULT"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The port of Beauleigh has a fine harbour and -splendid docks generally crowded with shipping. -To the west of the harbour lies a sandy bay, while -still farther west the coast becomes rugged and -dangerous. When the tide is out, the rocks form a -favourite playground for the boys of the neighbourhood, -as also, at the time of our story, did the Old -Fort. This is a ruined tower standing well out in -the bay, and approached at low water by a stone -bridge built up from the bottom of the sea. The -width of this bridge is about sufficient to allow of two -persons walking abreast, and here and there pieces -have been knocked off by the action of the waves. -At high tide it is covered to a height of several feet. -The tower itself is so old that its origin was a -matter for dispute among many learned men. Some -said it had been built as a lighthouse; others that it -was a real fort; while a third party declared that its -original purpose was to serve as a prison for the -king's enemies. The Beauleigh boys, without deciding -on these abstruse matters, unanimously voted that -it was a jolly place for a good game.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not having any business there, they found it the -more attractive, especially as there was a real element -of danger in playing there at dusk. The notice-board -marked "Dangerous" and the warning to trespassers -added spice to their enjoyment. Now and again it -was proposed by the townspeople to demolish the -tower, as it no longer served any useful purpose; but -somehow nothing was done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Despite the danger, accidents rarely happened; the -last one, in fact, was beyond the memory of even the -oldest inhabitant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before joining the ranks of the workers Jim had -played many a game both on the rocks and at the -Fort, and his companions were glad to have him back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here's Jim Hartland coming down with the -Angel!" cried one.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland, thinking a good game would "blow -the cobwebs," had urged him to go with Dick. -He had been gloomy enough on the way down, but -he brightened up at the boys' welcome, and threw -himself heartily into the games. Whether he had -done well or badly, the examination was over, and he -might as well enjoy his brief holiday.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>First they had their favourite military game. For -this they divided into two parties—one, under Dick, -defending the Fort; the second, led by Jim, trying to -force an entrance. The besieged warriors performed -prodigies of valour; but the enemy were too strong, -and after a desperate fight succeeded in storming the -outworks and putting the garrison to the sword. -Then the Angel, scorning to surrender, seized his -battered flag, and with a shout of defiance, leaped -from the battlements, taking particular care, however, -to come down where the sand was nice and soft.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After this some one proposed a game of "I spy!" -among the rocks, to which the others readily agreed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they were scampering along Dick cried out, -"Hullo! there's Braithwaite!—Come on, Dandy, and -have a game! 'Twill do you good after all that dry -stuff at Gayton to-day!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," replied Braithwaite, who did not often -join in these rough sports; "where are you going?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Up to the rocks. Come along; we'll give the rest -a breather!" And off he went, light of foot and heart -and, I am afraid, somewhat light of head. Indeed it -was partly owing to one of his mischievous pranks -that the incident which I am about to relate occurred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After playing a considerable time on the rocks, they -went back across the bay. It was getting dusk now, -and the tide, though still some distance out, was -flowing shoreward. Some of the boys, wishing their -companions good-night, started for home; five or six -gathered at the stone bridge for a chat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then it was that Dick Boden made his unfortunate -proposal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've thought of a ripping game," said he. "See -this knife? I'll hide it somewhere in the Old Fort, -and you can try to find it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will soon be dark," objected Braithwaite.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not too dark to see the knife, for a bit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The tide's coming in too, and you know how fast -it comes in just here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, go on, Dick!" cried Jim scornfully; "don't -take any notice of him: he's always showing the -white feather!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Braithwaite flushed. "You think you're very -brave, Jim Hartland," he said, "but you're no braver -than any one else. I'm not afraid of going to the -Fort."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, not a bit!" sneered Jim; "you'd walk across -to France if the sea was all dry land. Make haste, -Dick; we'll come on slowly. Call out when you're -ready."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick, who was now half-way across, soon disappeared -in the ruin, and presently they heard him -shouting, "Come on!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Perhaps the catastrophe might not have occurred -even then; but, unfortunately, Jim, who was eager to -be first, put out his hand to push Braithwaite aside; -whereupon the latter, evidently thinking this a -challenge, ran forward. Jim followed with young Moon, -and two others brought up the rear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bravo, Dandy!" cried Dick, who was waiting for -them. "Now then, spread yourselves out, my -amateur detectives, and search for the lost property. -Well done, Dandy; you're hot on the scent. O -Tommy Moon, O Tommy Moon, I'm sure you'll find -it very soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whether Braithwaite remembered the danger I -cannot tell, but the others forgot everything in -hunting for the knife and listening to Dick's nonsense. -Laughing and joking, he led them on, keeping their -noses to the grindstone, as it were, though without -result.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't believe he's hidden it at all!" grumbled -Tom Moon at last, stretching his cramped legs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You young fraud!" cried Jim suddenly; "I -believe the knife's in your pocket."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I told you 'twas a ripping game!" chuckled the -Angel, preparing to run. "Whoop!" And he was -off like a shot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"After him!" cried Jim. Then from those -nearest the bridge came a shout of "Make haste! -Quick! quick! The water's in!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sudden gust of wind blew Jim's cap into the dry -well of the Fort, and a considerable time passed before -he could scramble out; then, for a moment, he stood -helpless and amazed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sky was dark and overcast with black clouds -scudding in from the sea; the tide had half filled the -bay; the waves were washing the bridge and increasing -in violence every second. Dick and the others -were racing along the slippery path, and had by this -time almost gained safety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank goodness they're safe!" said he. "Shall I -risk it? I think not. I'll climb to the top of the -tower till the tide goes down, or perhaps a boatman -will take me off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was turning to go back when a yell from the -shore attracted his attention, and looking along the -bridge again, he exclaimed, "Good gracious! what's -that fool of a Braithwaite doing? He'll be washed -off for certain.—Hi, Braithwaite, Braithwaite! come -back! D'you hear? Come back! You'll be all right -here in the Fort."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy in the middle of the pathway moved -neither backward nor forward. It was poor -Braithwaite, who, though far from being a coward, was -overwhelmed by the startling suddenness of the -danger. He could not swim, and the possibility -of being drowned unnerved him. Instead of following -the others, he had stopped short on the bridge, -too dazed to move, though the peril increased every -moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even now, with care and a little luck, he might -have got safely through, but he did not try. In -vain the boys on shore shouted; in vain Jim yelled -from the fort; he seemed not to hear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He'll be drowned," groaned Jim—"he's bound to -be. And," with a sudden rush of memory, "it's all -my fault. If I hadn't chaffed him, he would have -been at home now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Raising his voice, he once more shouted, "Braithwaite, -Braithwaite, come back; it's quite safe here!" -But it appeared as if the unhappy boy had lost all -power to move.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not only useless, it might be fatal, to wait -longer. Taking out his pocket-knife, Jim cut the -laces of his boots, slipped them off, and put them -in a safe place. Then he laid his coat and waistcoat -by them, muttering, "Better go light, in case -of accident."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep your footing, Braithwaite!" he yelled; -"I'm coming."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Full of their play, the boys had not noticed the -signs of the coming storm. It was sweeping in now. -The sky had darkened. Across the bay the great -white sea-horses were leaping madly at the jagged -rocks. The boys on shore had disappeared, but Jim -knew the Angel would not desert him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Cautiously but swiftly he trod the path, over which -the waves were breaking with increased violence, -leaping and dancing as if in glee. Suddenly a clap -of thunder pealed right overhead, and for an -instant the town was lit up by a vivid illumination. -Jim staggered on, barely able to keep his footing -now, for the wash of the waves reached his waist, -and the path was deeply submerged. He began -to fear that, encumbered by Braithwaite, he would -never reach either shore or fort, but he did not quite -despair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep a firm hold, Braithwaite," he cried; "I'm -coming!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From first to last the incident lasted but a short -time, though to Jim it seemed a century. He thought -or his mother, scarcely recovered from her illness, and -of his helpless sister; but most of all he thought that, -but for his folly, poor Braithwaite would not now be -in danger. Again and again he said to himself, "It's -all my fault."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more he shouted, "Keep up, Dandy!" but in -reply there came a piercing cry—a cry so full of agony -that Jim has never forgotten and is never likely to -forget it. That which he dreaded from the first had -happened. Unable to preserve his footing any longer, -Braithwaite had been swept into the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Heedless of his own danger, Jim pushed on rapidly, -when another scream reached him, and through the -gathering dusk he caught sight for a moment of the -boy's head above the waves. He was taking a terrible -risk, but he could not see him drown; so with a cheery -shout he sprang into the sea, and with swift, powerful -strokes swam to the aid of his drowning companion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't struggle, Dandy, and don't catch hold of -me," he cried; but the advice was futile. Braithwaite -was sinking a second time, and not realizing -what he was doing, he clutched his rescuer tightly -around the throat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim fought desperately to release himself, and at -length succeeded in unlocking the clinging arms. -Then, dragging the almost lifeless boy, he rose to -the surface, but not before swallowing a large -quantity of salt water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time Braithwaite's struggles had ceased, -and supporting him with one hand, Jim turned over -on his back. Twice he called loudly for help, but -no voice replied; on shouting a third time he fancied -he heard an encouraging shout in reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Alone he would have felt little alarm, but this -dead weight tired him. He made scanty progress, -and before long felt that he must go down. Still, -he never once thought of deserting Dandy; he would -save him, or perish in the attempt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The waves were rolling fiercely, his breast was -sore as if beaten with heavy hammers, he gasped -for breath, and the salt water poured into his open -mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Help!" he cried, "help!" And surely that was -Dicky's voice he heard in answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He strained his ears to listen, and the sound came -again. He recognized the words now—"Jim! Jim! where -are you?"—and put all his remaining strength -into one last cry of despair.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Help must come quickly, or it would be too late. -His strength was failing, his mind wandering.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all my fault, Dandy," he murmured, "but -I'll do my best. I'll stick to you. Look at the -star! It's getting bigger and brighter. It's -coming this way. Look! it's dancing up and -down!" And he broke into loud laughter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had ceased swimming now, and was merely -keeping himself and his silent companion afloat, -almost without knowing that he did so.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="did-i-save-him"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">"DID I SAVE HIM?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When Dick Boden ran from the Fort and -raised the alarm, he waited till his companions -made their appearance; then, expecting they -would all follow, he dashed off across the stone bridge. -In his opinion, as he afterwards said, the worst that -could happen for any one was a few hours' -imprisonment in the old tower.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No one looked behind till reaching the shore, and -then Tom Moon noticed that Braithwaite had stopped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Unless he hurries up, he'll get a jolly good -wetting," said Dick, and they all began to shout.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a muff the fellow is!" said Moon. "Why -doesn't he come? There's Jimmy Hartland just come -out; he'll bustle him along."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dick," suddenly said one of the other boys in a -grave tone, "he'll be drowned, I'm sure." His name -was Spencer, and his father being a fisherman, he -was well acquainted with the bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look!" he continued; "just look how high the -water is getting! Jim will have to stay in the Fort."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as Dick grasped the danger he sent a boy -for help, and with Moon and Spencer ran down the -beach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here you are!" he cried, stopping at the boat -nearest the incoming tide. "Unfasten her, Spencer.—Light -the lantern, Tommy; here's a match. Are the -oars there? Right you are!—Now—one, two, three, -and all together, boys. Push her along! Now she's -riding! In with you!—Give me an oar, Spencer.—You -steer, Tommy—straight for Braithwaite."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no," said Spencer hastily; "steer for that -rock with the whitewashed top; then swing her -round, and we'll pick him up coming back. We -should never reach there in a straight course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right!" exclaimed Dick cheerfully; "you -boss the show. I don't mind as long as he's saved."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys bent their backs with a will: but the -boat was heavy, the tide strong, and, as the Angel -admitted, the rowing was hardly up to regatta mark. -Still they were making progress when Moon called -out, "There's Hartland going for him!—Well done, -Jim!—Pull, you fellows!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They tugged away desperately, but suddenly a -piercing shriek startled them, and they knew that -Braithwaite was fighting for life in the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick groaned, and pulled till it seemed as if his -arms must come out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They'll both be lost!" he cried, knowing well -that Jim would not hesitate a second in jumping -to the rescue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There are some men on the shore," said Spencer; -"they're getting out another boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too late!" muttered Dick gloomily. "Listen! -There's Jim calling for help. Shout back. Now -again, and all together."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sweat poured down their faces, their muscles -ached terribly, their throats were dry and parched, -but they pulled on without a second's pause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the cry for help rang out, this time much -nearer, and soon they discerned a dark object in the -water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep her steady!" roared Spencer. "Grab the -other fellow, Dick!" And he himself caught Jim, -and pulled him up so that he partly rested on the -gunwale.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whole manoeuvre was full of danger, but they -were taking risks that night. By degrees, Spencer, -who was fortunately strong as a horse, managed to -pull Jim into the boat, and then helped to drag in -Braithwaite, who displayed no sign of life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's put our coats over them, and that dry sail -in the corner," said Dick. "Now, a pull for the -shore. Keep her head straight, Tommy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>News of the desperate situation of the boys had -spread rapidly. Numbers of people had assembled on -the shore, and cheer after cheer greeted the plucky -rescuers as they beached and made fast the boat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two or three doctors were among the spectators. -Some thoughtful soul had hastily made and sent -down a can of hot coffee, while a man from the York -Hotel arrived soon afterwards with warm blankets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are they alive?" was the question on the lips -of every one, as the doctors ran down to the boat, -and a few policemen kept the crowd back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick had already unfastened his friend's braces, -and taken off his shirt, in order to expose his chest -fully, while Spencer and Tom Moon were doing the -same for Braithwaite.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's right, my boy," said one of the doctors to -Dick. "Now, help me to turn him face downwards. -Place one of his arms under the forehead, so, and -hold it there while I wipe his mouth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was half wild with grief; but he did as he -was told, though feeling sure in his mind that Jim -was dead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Assisted by another man, the doctor presently -turned the body gently on one side, and then back -again sharply, Dick supporting the head meanwhile. -This movement was repeated many times, and at last -the doctor exclaimed with a look of satisfaction, -"We've got him; he's beginning to breathe. Slip -the trousers off and cover him with a blanket. Now -rub his limbs upward, under the blanket. You've -saved him, my boy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is he alive, sir?" asked Dick, hardly able to -believe the truth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Alive? Yes; he'll be as right as ninepence in a -few hours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as Jim began to breathe he was carried to -a hotel close by, where the landlady busied herself -to procure hot flannels and hot water-bottles. Then -she brought a bottle of old wine, and gave Jim some -in a teaspoon, under the doctor's orders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," said that gentleman, "there's nothing but -a few hours' sleep required. Let this youngster stay -in the room. I'm going to see how the other poor -boy's getting on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So Dick sat beside the bed on which his friend -lay, and wondered what was happening on the beach. -After a time Jim stirred uneasily, opened his eyes, -and recognized his chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dick!" he whispered faintly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't try to talk, old chap. It's all right. Go -to sleep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was an uneasy look in Jim's eyes, and his -forehead puckered up as if he were in thought. Then -he said in a whisper, "Did I save him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim had asked a question difficult to answer, but -his chum thought it best to soothe him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said he; "you kept him afloat till the boat -came up. Now go to sleep—there's a good chap—or -I shan't be allowed to stay with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim's lips moved as if in speech, but no words -passed them, and in a short time he was fast asleep, -with a peaceful smile on his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meantime, news of the accident had reached Mrs. Hartland, -who, getting a neighbour to stay with Susie, -hurried to the hotel, where she was permitted to go -into the boy's room to satisfy herself that he was -really alive.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm going to stay with him," said Dick, following -her to the door, "and the doctor says there's no need -at all to worry. Does Susie know?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; I couldn't keep it from her. How did it -happen?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick told the story briefly, and then, promising to -bring Jim home in the morning, he returned to the -room. An hour later the doctor came to have another -look at his patient, who was still sleeping nicely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hum!" said he, rubbing his hands, "one's better -than none, though it is a pity the other slipped -past us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is Braithwaite dead, sir?" asked Dick, sinking -his voice to a whisper lest Jim should hear him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, my boy, I'm sorry to say he is. We've tried -hard to restore breathing, but it's no good. How -came he to get into the water?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick told him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And this lad jumped in to save him? Well, that -was very plucky, but none of you had any business -there at all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir," replied Dick humbly, "but I only thought -to have a joke."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, well, I don't suppose you're more to blame -than the rest!" exclaimed the doctor; and then, after -making a note of Jim's name and address, he said -he would call at his house in a day or two.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That was a wretched night for Dick. The -kind-hearted landlady brought him in a good supper, and -a servant made him a comfortable bed on the floor, -but he could not sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor old Dandy!" he murmured again and again, -"but for me he would be alive now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Early in the morning Jim wakened, and in an -instant Dick was by his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Feel better, old boy?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I'm all right. Where's Braithwaite? What's -the matter? Why are you looking like that? Is -he—</span><em class="italics">dead</em><span>?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said Dick, and no one would have known -it was the Angel speaking.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I've killed him! He only went because I -called him a coward."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Twas as much my fault as yours," said Dick. -"I started it. Poor old Dandy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim did not speak again; and even when, later in -the day, he went home, his mother could hardly get -a word from him; but at the inquest he told the -story without hiding anything, and took all the -blame on his own shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Braithwaite wouldn't have gone," he said; "only -I laughed at him for being afraid."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whole incident was so plain that the jury at -once brought in a verdict of "accidental death," adding -a rider that, in their opinion, the Old Fort and the -bridge should be destroyed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The event, of course, caused a tremendous sensation -in the town. Many people spoke harshly of Jim, -but all admired his courage both in attempting to -save the drowning boy and in frankly telling the -truth afterwards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The lad has grit," remarked the doctor who had -brought him round. "I hope he won't take it too -much to heart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was a Scotsman named Stewart, a pleasant, -cheery fellow, well known in Beauleigh both for his -ability and kindliness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've a good mind to call and have a look at him," -said he. "What's his address?" pulling out his -notebook. "Hum! Brook Street! Not very much -burdened with this world's goods, I expect."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That same evening Mrs. Hartland was startled -by a loud rat-tat, and going to the door, found the -doctor there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-evening!" said he briskly; "are you -Mrs. Hartland? I am the doctor who attended your boy, -and I've come to have a look at him. No, no; don't -make a fuss. I'll come straight through, if you don't -mind." And closing the door, he followed Mrs. Hartland -into the sitting-room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, young shaver," said he, patting Jim on -the back, "how do you feel now?—better? That -was a very plucky thing you did.—You ought to -be proud of him, ma'am; he deserves the Society's -medal. And who is this young lady?" stooping to -touch Susie's hair. "Can't get up? Dear me! that -is sad. Any one attending her?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not now, sir. You see, the doctors—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite so; I understand. Now, suppose I have -a look at her in the morning—eh? I've had some -experience in these cases. I shan't call -professionally—just as a friend of this young gentleman's, you -know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O sir, how can I thank you?" exclaimed Mrs. Hartland -gratefully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No need of thanks to any one yet, ma'am; but -if I can do the dear child any good, she can thank -her brother, because, but for him, I should not be -here to-night. Eh, Pussy?" And he pulled Susie's -ear playfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jim tried to save the other boy," said Susie with -tears in her eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I know, and nearly lost his own life. He -was very silly in the first place, but turned out a -real hero after all.—Now, Jim, brighten up and look -cheerful. You've had a hard lesson; show the world -you've learned something from it. What's done can't -be undone, and moping won't make things a bit better. -Well, I must go.—Good-night, Pussy. Shall we say -ten o'clock in the morning? That will suit me -nicely." And with a bright smile all round, and a -last word of encouragement to Jim, he took his leave.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O mother," cried Susie, "isn't he a nice man?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is, my dear, and wonderfully clever too, I've -heard," replied Mrs. Hartland. "Oh, what a good -thing it will be if he can make you stronger!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They talked about it till bedtime, but Jim was -very quiet. He was still thinking of the boy who -had gone so suddenly to his death.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-result-of-the-examination"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IX.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">THE RESULT OF THE EXAMINATION.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>There was a subdued air about Mr. Laythorne's -class the next morning, and the boys could -not keep their eyes from the desk which Percy -Braithwaite had occupied. He had not been very -popular, but the startling tragedy had gripped their -minds, making them feel really sorry for the loss -of their schoolmate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As to Jim Hartland, opinion was divided. Some -of the boys rather pitied him, others looked on him -as a hero, while a few blamed him outright for being -the cause of Braithwaite's death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He should have known better," said one. "It -might have been all very well for him and the Angel, -but 'twas a fool's game to let Dandy into. I don't -suppose he had ever gone to the Fort before, even in -daylight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They must have been blind not to have seen the -tide coming in," exclaimed another. "And fancy -Dick Boden, the little idiot, letting 'em grub about -there, while he had the knife in his pocket all the -time!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, that's just like one of the Angel's tricks! -But he's a good-hearted little chap, and this business -has cut him up dreadfully."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Somehow, in the eyes of his schoolfellows, Dick -rarely did wrong; and even those who looked askance -at Jim were unwilling to say anything against his -popular chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All this chatter took place in the playground before -either of the two boys arrived, for Dick was rather -late, while Jim did not get in till after prayers. He -winced, too, on seeing the vacant desk, but fortunately -his mind was somewhat preoccupied by wondering -what Dr. Stewart would be able to do for Susie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The morning seemed terribly long, but he stumbled -through his lessons without actual failure, and as -soon as school was dismissed, started for home at full -speed. Panting and blowing, he got to the door just -as the doctor was leaving.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hullo!" exclaimed Dr. Stewart kindly; "there's -no need to ask how you are. Well, I've seen your -sister. Mother will tell you all about it." And -stepping into his gig, he drove off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland's first words brought the blood to -the boy's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O Jim," she cried, "he thinks there's a chance for -Susie. He won't promise, of course, but he is quite -hopeful about it. He has been here nearly two hours, -though knowing perfectly well that I can't pay him. -And what do you think he has offered to do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't guess," replied the boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To get her into the private hospital for children. -He's going to send a nurse and a proper invalid-chair -in the morning, and attend to her himself, just as if -he were charging a big fee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's a real old brick!" exclaimed Jim enthusiastically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And he thinks—though, of course, I haven't told -Susie—that at the end of six months she may be -able to </span><em class="italics">walk</em><span>! He says there was a girl suffering -just like Susie in a Scotch hospital, and she was -cured. But there is only a chance, of course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What does Susie say about going?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, the poor child is rather timid and nervous -but she is quite willing. It's wonderful how she has -taken to the doctor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before getting his dinner, Jim ran up to his sister, -who was in bed, and feeling rather weary after the -medical examination.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Has mother told you?" she asked, smiling bravely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. Isn't it glorious? You don't mind going, -do you? I shall come to see you on Sundays. And -oh, suppose—suppose you should be able to walk -some day!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a suspicion of tears in her eyes as she -answered, "Don't talk about that, Jim—not yet. I -try not to think of it, because it may never happen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe it will, though," declared Jim stoutly. -"The doctor would not say there was a chance unless -he felt pretty sure of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did he say that?" asked the girl eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; only you must keep up your spirits and go -on hoping all the time. Now I must run off, or I -shall be late for school."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the door she called him back, saying, "I should -like to see Dick before I go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So you shall. I'll tell him presently, and he'll -come in this evening. Old Dick will be as happy as -a sand-boy when he hears the news."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As it happened, Jim had no chance to speak to his -chum till after school, when, as usual, Dick went a -part of the way to the shop with him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll go in directly after tea," he said, his eyes -sparkling. "Poor little midge! 'twill be dreary -enough in the hospital; but, I say, fancy her -walking! Even if she has to use a crutch it will be -something. Well, I'll turn off here and run straight -home. Good-night, in case I'm gone when you get back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>True to his word, Dr. Stewart sent a nurse with -the famous chair the next morning, and also looked -in himself to superintend the removal of his little -patient.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There," said he, "now you're comfortable—eh? -Oh yes; mother's coming too. Why, it's quite a -royal procession. And on Sunday we shall have our -big brother to see how we're getting on—eh, my -lassie?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brook Street showed unwonted excitement over -the child's removal, and discussed it volubly and -freely, agreeing on the whole with the crushing -remark of Mrs. Archer, whose chief occupation in -life was discussing the affairs of her neighbours.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As much fuss," said she scornfully, "as if she -was a real lady! An' her brother goin' round with -papers! It's a wonder they don't have a carriage -with houtriders and postillions, like the King!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Susie was taken to the hospital and -carried into a room containing four beds. Over one -hung a card with "Susie Hartland" written on it, -and the child smiled with pleasure on seeing the -snowy sheets and soft white pillows and pretty -counterpane. Then, when she was cozily tucked up, her -mother sat and talked to her cheerfully, and a nurse -brought games and picture-books with which she -could amuse herself later on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She cried a little when the time came for parting -with her mother, but the nurse was so kind and gentle -that she soon dried her tears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland felt the separation too, especially -in the evening, when she sat alone with her work. -Although an invalid, Susie was always bright and -cheerful, and her good spirits had done much to lessen -her mother's grief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The excitement attending his sister's going away -had buoyed Jim up, and kept him from moping, but -now he began to brood over the unlucky accident at -the Old Fort. Although a strong, healthy boy, he -was extremely sensitive, and conjured up all sorts -things that existed only in his imagination. School -no longer had any attraction for him; he cut himself -adrift from his old companions, even endeavouring to -shake Dick off, but the Angel stuck to him resolutely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're a silly duffer, Jim," said he, with charming -frankness. "What's the use of moping about like a -barn owl? You did your best to save Braithwaite, -and you can't bring him back to life, anyhow. I'm -as sorry as you, but pulling a long face won't do -any good."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Every one's down on me," answered Jim sulkily. -"Laythorne hardly speaks, and the fellows look as if -I had committed a murder; and it's just the same in -the town. I'm sick of it. I wish I'd been drowned -myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pooh!" said Dick; "you're talking rubbish. I'm -ashamed of you, Jim, 'pon my word. I thought you -had more grit. I'm sure no one could have been -kinder than Laythorne; and as for the fellows—why, -half of them think you're a greater hero than Nelson. -You should hear 'em talk!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've a good mind to get a berth on board ship," -said Jim gloomily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What? and leave your mother and sister? Well -you're a bigger coward than I ever took you for, Jim -Hartland!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was the first unpleasantness that had occurred -between the two chums; but Dick was in dead earnest -and did not mince his words. Better balanced than -Jim, he took a more sensible view of things. He -admitted they had acted foolishly, and without thought; -but they had done their best, Jim especially, to remedy -the mistake. They bitterly regretted not being able -to rescue their companion, but to Dick's mind this -was no reason why they should spoil their own lives.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is likely enough that Jim would have come -round to this view, but for an unexpected event -which revived the interest in Braithwaite's death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One evening he had gone as usual into the shop -directly after tea. Mr. Broad was absent when the -papers arrived, so that Jim, after arranging the -bundle, had a few minutes to spare.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Opening one of the papers, he saw in big type—"The -Gayton Scholarship." His heart beat fast, and -for a second or two he dared not look farther. Then -with feverish anxiety he read the paragraph at a -glance, and stood leaning over the counter like one -dazed. Was it possible? Could it be really true? -Surely there must be some mistake! Half mechanically -his eves wandered over the words again, but with -the same result.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This is the announcement as it appeared in </span><em class="italics">The -Beauleigh Evening News</em><span>:—</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"THE GAYTON SCHOLARSHIP.—The result of the -examination for the Gayton Scholarship is now to -hand. Forty-five candidates, the cream of the -elementary schools, were examined, and we give below -the names of the six highest, with the number of -marks obtained by each out of a possible thousand:—</span></p> -<pre class="literal-block"> -<span> CANDIDATE. SCHOOL. MARKS. - -Braithwaite, Percy . . . . Deanery . . . . . . . 871 -Temple, Hugh . . . . . . . St. Paul's . . . . . 868 -Carter, Robert . . . . . . Bath Street Board . . 839 -Boden, Richard . . . . . . Deanery . . . . . . . 810 -Jones, Samuel . . . . . . Royal British . . . . 750 -Morris, William Charles . Somerton Board . . . 716</span> -</pre> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The honour of winning the scholarship thus goes to -the Deanery School; but, unhappily, the successful -candidate cannot take advantage of his victory. Our -readers will, no doubt, remember the sad accident -which recently occurred at the Old Fort, in which -Percy Braithwaite lost his life. Great sympathy is -felt for the sorrowing parents. It is sad to think -of the early termination to what evidently might -have been a distinguished career. The scholarship -will therefore be awarded to the candidate next on -the list, Hugh Temple of St. Paul's, who, it will be -noticed, is only three marks behind the leader."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At first, Jim could think of nothing but the blow -to his own pride. Most of the Deanery boys fully -expected him to win the scholarship; they had -coupled his name with it as far back as the cricket -match for the Challenge Shield; they had looked up -to him as their champion. And now the list was -out, and he was not even in the first six!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>I am sorry to admit it, but the truth must be told. -Jim fairly broke down. He was angry, mortified, -and ashamed. He felt the blow with bitter humiliation, -and while doing his round that evening he had -not the courage to look any one in the face. It -seemed as if all the town must be jeering at him as -a dead failure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He could have yielded pride of place to Temple, -but to be beaten by Braithwaite, and even by the -light-hearted Angel! This was where the sting lay, -because, knowing the extent of their abilities, he felt -that he was far superior to them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of course, he had had hard lines in his father's -death, in the necessity for finding work, and again -in his mother's illness; but he could not tell all the -world that. The Deanery fellows bothered little -about his misfortunes; in their eyes the thing would -be simple enough: he had failed even to get into the -first six, and there was an end of it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he got home that night, he said nothing of -the news; so that his mother, who rarely bought a -paper, did not know that the list was out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She will know soon enough," he thought bitterly, -"and on Sunday I shall have to tell Susie."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="going-down-hill"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER X.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">GOING DOWN HILL.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Nowhere was the result of the examination -received with greater surprise than at the -Deanery School. It is safe to say that every boy -looked twice at the published list before admitting -Jim Hartland's name was not there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the following morning the boys of the upper -classes, gathering together in the playground, discussed -the matter excitedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's just what I've always said," exclaimed Simpson; -"the chap's no better than the rest of us. Just -because he can play cricket a bit, we put him on the -top of a monument, and now, down he comes—flop!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you needn't be afraid of tumbling," laughed -little Macdonald, "because you'll never be put on the -top of anything. You're always having a dig at -Hartland, because he wouldn't have you in the cricket -eleven."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well said, Alec!" cried the Angel. "That's the -truth. Now look at me. I came out fourth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So you did!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good old Angel!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll be first another time!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, what rot!" exclaimed Dick. "Can't you let -a fellow speak? What I want to say is that Jim -Hartland's twice as good as me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He didn't make much show, anyhow," growled Simpson.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, he didn't. And why? Because, when his -father was drowned, he went to work to help his -mother. If it hadn't been for that, he'd have won -the 'Gayton' easily."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, he lost it!" growled Simpson; "and through -him the Deanery lost it, too!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How's that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How's that! Why, wasn't it through his bounce -that Dandy Braithwaite got drowned?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't listen to him, Angel," said Macdonald, for Dick -had doubled up his fists, and his eyes were flashing fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pooh!" said Simpson. "I don't care; everybody -knows it's true."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He owned as much as that himself," chimed in -Archer, who owed Jim a grudge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps you think he wanted Braithwaite to get -drowned," exclaimed Dick sarcastically, "and that he -and I put up the little job between us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not saying anything against you," replied -Simpson; "but I do say it's Hartland's fault we lost -the 'Gayton,' and you can take it how you like."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was the view held by many of the Deanery -boys, who were very sore that the scholarship had -gone to St. Paul's. Thus the subject of the tragedy -was brought to the front again, and during the -interval at morning school Jim could not help -overhearing some of the remarks. Angry and miserable, -he went to a corner of the playground, where Dick -followed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Jim," said the Angel cheerily; "don't -mope about the 'Gayton.' We've all seen the list, of -course, and I'm awfully sorry you aren't in it. It's -too ridiculous putting me above you. I know that, -and so do the others. It's like turning you out of -the eleven to put Simpson in; but buck up, old -chap—you'll soon get over it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wasn't thinking about you, Dicky," replied his -chum. "I'm jolly glad you're high up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you looking so miserable about, then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, hang it all!" cried Jim excitedly; "can't you -hear what the fellows are saying? They look at me -as black as thunder!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let 'em," rejoined the Angel serenely; "that -won't hurt you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh," said Jim, jerking himself away savagely, -"it's easy for you to talk! I wish the place was -at the bottom of the sea!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't!" replied Dick. "My mac's worn out, -and I shan't get another this side of Christmas. -Here's Macdonald coming; don't eat him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say, Hartland," began Alec, who was as red -as a turkey-cock, "I'm awfully sorry you didn't get -the 'Gayton.' I know from what the Angel has -said that you've had jolly hard lines."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks!" growled Jim. "But I wonder you -aren't afraid to be seen speaking to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wish you didn't feel so cut up about it," -returned Macdonald, ignoring Jim's surliness. "You're -looking at it through magnifying glasses."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unfortunately Jim did feel </span><em class="italics">cut up</em><span>, and by -continual brooding made himself more and more -miserable. From this time, I fear, he began to go slowly -down hill, and the only gleam of good feeling he -displayed was with regard to his mother and Susie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm very sorry, my boy," said his mother, when -he told her; "and yet I shall never think of this -scholarship without feeling proud of you. I know -you had a good chance of winning it, and threw it -away for the sake of helping me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no, mother," cried the boy cheerfully; "you -mustn't look at it that way. I mightn't have won -the scholarship at all; and anyhow, I couldn't have -accepted it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On Sunday, when at the hospital, he talked to -Susie much in the same way, making light of his -disappointment so successfully that the girl was quite -deceived.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At school, however, he was very different, becoming -surly and morose, and making enemies of the boys -who would willingly have remained his friends.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Broad, too, noticed his altered manner; but -knowing the circumstances, he said nothing, thinking -the trouble would soon blow over; besides, Jim did -not neglect his work. He was always punctual, and -had such a quick grasp of his duties that he saved -his employer a great deal of labour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His usefulness in the shop led Mr. Broad to engage -the services of a smaller boy for the evening round, -while Jim was promoted to the dignity of serving -behind the counter. This made him later at night, -but he generally found an opportunity of doing his -lessons before going home. His wages were raised to -six shillings a week, and there was some talk of his -going into the business altogether when he left school.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep steady, my boy," said his employer, "learn -all you can here, and there is no reason why you -should not get on well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unfortunately Jim had drifted away from his -schoolmates, seeing little even of Dick. To a certain -extent this was inevitable, but Dick soon discovered -that his old chum was beginning to lose pleasure in -his company.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The truth was that Jim had picked up some new -friends, with whom he knew quite well that Dick -would have nothing to do. He himself was a little -ashamed of them, but he eased his conscience by -saying he must have some one to talk to. One night on -leaving the shop he found the Angel outside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hullo, Dick," he said; "anything wrong?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh no. I had an hour to spare, so I thought I'd -come and meet you—that's all. We haven't seen -much of each other lately."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That isn't my fault."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; I'm not blaming you. I was awfully -disappointed last night, though."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim's face became red.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How is that?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I came round last night just in time to see -you going off with Curly Peters and his chum."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why shouldn't I? What's the matter with Curly?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, nothing!" replied Dick airily—"only he's a -foul-mouthed little blackguard. Perhaps you'll take -him with you on Sunday to see Susie?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That shot struck home, and Jim winced, but he -answered sneeringly,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'll be getting another nickname soon: they'll -be calling you the Saint."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They might do worse," replied Dick cheerfully. -"Anyhow, I'd make a cleaner saint than Curly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's right!" exclaimed Jim, trying to work -himself into a passion; "you're like all the rest. -Just because the chap's poor and has no friends -you're down on him. I've been through it myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Angel laughed genially.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's something in that," he agreed. "You -see, we Baxter's Court millionaires"—Dick lived in -a tiny house in Baxter's Court—"don't care much -to mix up with poor people. But Curly has a few -extra points in his favour. He's dirty, he loafs -about the town cadging for coppers instead of going -to work, he thinks it big to swear, and I don't know -that he's over honest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, he hasn't asked for your company," said -Jim sullenly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied the Angel with a smile; "perhaps -that's why I'm prejudiced against him. And now -let's talk about something else. How's Susie?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better," said Jim, his face brightening. "The -doctor says he is more than satisfied."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Let me hasten to place something to the credit -side of Jim's account. Whatever evil habits he might -have fallen into, he was a good brother. At every -opportunity he visited the hospital to cheer his sister. -With her he was always kind and bright and cheerful. -For her sake he denied himself many little -pleasures, saving up his odd coppers in order to buy -some little present that would please and delight her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As for Susie, she thought there was no one like -her brother; to her he was the one hero in the -world, followed, though at a long distance, by Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the subject of Susie, therefore, the boys could talk -without restraint; but when that was exhausted they -became silent, both vaguely realizing that, in some -strange way, a barrier was rising up between them, and -that the good old times were gradually disappearing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both were sorry; yet the mischief appeared -unavoidable. Dick tried hard to restore matters to -their former footing. He was really fond of Jim, -and could not see him drift without an effort to -check him. Frequently he waited outside the shop -till his chum left, thinking to entice him away -from his fresh associates.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One night as they walked away together Curly -Peters came towards them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You aren't going to stop, are you?" asked Dick -anxiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why not? D'you think he'll give us the plague?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, well," said Dick, "I'm off. I'd be ashamed -to be seen speaking to him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now this was an unfortunate remark, as it -reminded Jim of an incident which occurred only the -previous evening. Mr. Broad, coming into the shop -unexpectedly, had seen Peters slinking out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What did that customer want, Hartland?" he -asked sharply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim felt cornered for a moment, but replied -steadily,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He wanted to know if there was a chance of -getting a paper job."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was a lie; but I warned you Jim had sadly -deteriorated, and he dared not tell his master that -the boy was his friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thinking of this, he turned on Dick savagely, -saying,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's good enough for me if he isn't for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," exclaimed Dick; "every one to his -taste. Some people I know have a lot of taste—all -bad. Good-night, old man. Hope you'll have a bath -when you get home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My stars!" cried Curly, as Dick went off; "ain't -we getting proud? Washing and charing must be -goin' up. It ought to make you feel taller, Jimmy, -talking to a toff like that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep your chaff to yourself," said Jim crossly. -"Dick Boden's a heap better than you or me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Curly opened his eyes wide, but being a wise -youth in his generation, and having a particular -object in view, he let the subject drop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You couldn't lend me another sixpence, Jimmy, -I suppose?" he said after a time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said Jim shortly, "I couldn't; and what's -more, I'd like the last one back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You shall have it in a few days, but I've been -awfully unlucky lately. I'll pay you back, never -fear. I wouldn't like you to have to borrow from -the old man's till; it's dangerous."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Borrow from the till? What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothin'; only I once knew a feller who did that. -When he wanted any money he used to take it from -the till, and pay it back Saturday nights."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, he was just a common thief!" exclaimed -Jim scornfully. "I'd rather starve than do that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course you would," said Curly approvingly, -"and so would I. Let us be honest if we are -poor; that's my motto. But it's hard when a chap's -starvin', you know. Where are you goin'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Home," said Jim. "I'm tired."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right. I'll pay you that tanner soon. -Wouldn't it be a lark to march into the shop and -ask the boss for my friend, Jim Hartland?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't think you'd better," said Jim. "He -mightn't like it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What did he say last night, then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, well, you see," replied Jim hesitatingly, "I -didn't tell him. And I say, Curly, you'd better give -me the sixpence in the street."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," replied Curly; "I'll remember." Then -himself he added, "Well, he is a blessed mug, and -mistake. One of the regular old-fashioned sort."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="is-jim-a-thief"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">IS JIM A THIEF?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Three weeks after the conversation recorded -in our last chapter, Mr. Broad wished Jim -good-night, closed the shop door, and returned to his -desk. As a rule he was a cheery, good-humoured -man, easy-going, and with an eye for the bright side -of things.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On this particular evening he appeared moody -and unsettled, and quite unable to look through -the pile of books which lay on the desk. Presently, -leaving his chair, he walked up and down the shop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't believe it," he said half aloud. "I don't -wish to believe it. The boy has always seemed as -honest as the day. I must have made a mistake." And -his face brightened. Then it clouded again, and -he went on, "Why should I beat about the bush -instead of going straight to the point? I know I am -not mistaken. Some one stole a florin from the till -last night, and Hartland must have been the thief."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For some time past Mr. Broad had had a vague -suspicion that he was being robbed—not on a large -scale, and not regularly; but now and again he -fancied a piece of silver or a few coppers disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The incident which converted his suspicion into -certainty was this. On the previous night he had -left the shop with a friend. Before going, he placed -a florin, the price of an article just sold, in the till. -On his return the florin was gone, and, according to -Jim's own words, no customer had entered the shop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was very perplexing, but Mr. Broad did not -like to tax the boy with theft, and rather foolishly -made no further remark. It was just possible, he -told himself, that he only </span><em class="italics">intended</em><span> to put the florin -in the till, but had really slipped it into his pocket. -One thing he knew—that after going out he had -changed a florin in the town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>However, the subject worried him a good deal, -especially as, on sober reflection, he felt convinced -that the coin had been left in the shop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hate to do it," he muttered, "but it will be -better even for the boy's own sake. A sharp fright -may do him good and teach him a useful lesson. If -he isn't found out now he is pretty certain to go -from bad to worse. It's an awful pity, too. He's -a smart lad, and ought to do well; but I shall never -feel able to trust him again, and I shan't feel -justified in recommending him to any one else."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The shopkeeper kept his suspicions to himself, -saying nothing even to his wife. He had watched -Jim closely, however, while affecting to be busy in -another part of the shop. Nothing resulted from -this amateur detective work, but Mr. Broad noticed -that several times during the evening Jim cast -glances toward the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This certainly seemed rather odd, but it was no -proof of guilt; and the stationer concluded his best -plan was to lay a trap for Jim, and then go off -the premises, leaving him a clear field.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The opportunity came the next day when most -of the shops closed early. Mr. Broad was -compelled to keep open because of the evening papers; -but as soon as they were dispatched, the gas was -lowered, and there was nothing to do beyond -waiting for the errand-boy's return. As a rule the -master did this himself, and Jim had an hour or -two off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On this particular evening, however, Mr. Broad -said, "Hartland, I am going out, so you must stay -till I return."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, sir," replied Jim, who really thought -it was very bad, for he had promised to meet Curly -Peters at the bottom of the street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Broad went round the shop, turned down -the lights, except the one over the desk, and went -out, saying,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If I am not here by half-past nine, turn the gas -off at the meter, lock the door, and bring the keys -to my house. Most likely though I shall be back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," said Jim, who earnestly hoped he would.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Upon my word," muttered Mr. Broad to himself, -as he stepped into the street, "this business is horrible. -I feel almost as if I were committing some terrible -crime. But, after all, it will be a warning to him. -Some men would have him packed off to jail, and -then he could never hold his head up again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He pulled out his watch and looked at the time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll just run down and have a gossip at the -club," said he. "I feel as nervous as if I had -robbed the till myself.—-Bless my soul, boy, why -don't you look where you are going?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Awfully sorry, sir," said the boy, who was no -other than our lively friend, Dick Boden. "I hope -you aren't hurt?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; but you startled me. You might have -been a policeman, you know, or—or—Dear me, my -nerves are in an extraordinary state!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Funny old gent," thought Dick; and then, stealing -a second look at him, he said to himself, "Why, -it's Mr. Broad. It's no use waiting for Jim, then. He -has to mind the shop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Remembering that it was early closing day, he -had run up directly his lessons were finished, -thinking he might catch Jim and induce him to go for -a good game. He went very rarely now, but he had -not quite abandoned the hope of rescuing Jim from -the clutches of his new friends, who, according to -some of the boys, were doing him more harm than -good. Indeed, there were some curious tales -floating about which made Dick extremely anxious on -his friend's account.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've half a mind to call at the shop and ask -him when he'll be off duty," he thought. "Perhaps -his master will be coming back in a few minutes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He still stood hesitating on the pavement, when -he suddenly caught sight of a little by-play which -turned his thoughts in another direction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder," he muttered, "what game those chaps -are up to. No good, I'll be bound."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few paces off he saw Curly Peters and his mate -gazing after the worthy stationer, and presently they -began talking together very earnestly. Dick could not -hear what passed, but he felt sure they were discussing -some scheme with which Mr. Broad was connected.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, as a rule, the Angel took little interest in his -neighbours' doings, but on this occasion he could not -help watching closely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I mustn't let them see me, though," he muttered, -and crossed to the other side of the road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last the two boys finished their conversation; -and then, while Curly lounged about the pavement, -his companion, whose name was Bryant, ran after -Mr. Broad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hum!" said Dick; "that's a queer start. I should -like to watch this little game, yet I don't want to lose -sight of Curly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The whole affair was most perplexing; but in a few -minutes Bryant returned, laughing and evidently well -pleased. He said something to his companion, who -nodded approvingly, and then strolled up the street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Going to call on Jim, I'll bet sixpence!" said -Dick, who, by the way, never bet sixpence or any -other sum of money in his life. "What an idiot he -is not to drop 'em. Not much use in my going on, I -suppose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He has told me since that he had actually turned -to go home, when a queer thing happened. The two -boys had reached the shop, when Bryant slipped into -a doorway adjoining the stationer's, and stood close -against the wall as if not wishing to be seen. In -this he was greatly helped by the fact of the building -being in darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without any definite object Dick did the same -thing on his side of the street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is getting quite exciting," said Dick to -himself. "Why did he slip in there, I wonder? -Doesn't he want Jim to see him? But if not, why -not? It doesn't seem very clear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as Bryant had disappeared, Curly sauntered -carelessly past the shop window and back again. -Then he looked up and down the street, which was -now nearly empty, and, appearing satisfied, approached -the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick judged that he whistled softly and received -no answer. In a minute or two he whistled again, -when the door was opened partly, and he appeared to -be talking to some one inside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That must be Jim," thought Dick. "I suppose -they are making some arrangement; but it's odd the -other fellow doesn't show himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently Curly took what appeared to be a scrap -of newspaper from his pocket, and in order to see -it better, Jim came right outside. Then, almost -imperceptibly, Curly began to edge away till he -manoeuvred Jim from the doorway to the front of -the shop. The movement was so natural and -performed so dexterously that even the suspicious Dick -thought nothing of it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the instant the coast was clear, a dark figure -glided swiftly through the open door and disappeared -in the shop. Dick rubbed his eyes and looked at -Jim. His head was bent over the paper, and, whether -by accident or design, Curly kept him engaged in -animated conversation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What was to be done? Should he rush over and -give the alarm? For once in his life he could not -decide what to do, and while he hesitated the -opportunity was lost.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim was still talking earnestly when the dark -figure reappeared in the doorway, stole away with -cat-like stealth by the side of the wall, and vanished. -The next moment some one coughed loudly; Jim -looked up with a start, returned the paper to Curly, -and, with a parting word, went back to the shop door. -A dozen yards away Bryant waited for his -companion. There was not sufficient light for Dick to -see what took place, but in a minute or two Curly -ran back quickly to where Jim was still standing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This time Curly did not speak so quietly, and so -Dick was able to hear brief snatches of the -conversation, such as, "Awfully sorry—wouldn't do -you—now we're square, aren't we?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," replied Jim, slipping something into his -pocket, "and it comes in very handy just now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right," said Curly, walking away; and raising -his voice, he added, "You'll be sure to come, won't -you? We'll have a rattling good time. So long."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was on the horns of a dilemma. He felt -eager to tell his chum what he had seen, yet he had -a vague idea that he ought to keep an eye on the -other two.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll follow them up," he said, "and then come -back to meet Jim. Unless I've been dreaming with -my eyes open, there's something very rotten in the -state of Denmark."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile, Jim remained at the door till the -errand-boy returned, then he went in and sat down -at the desk. He had finished his lessons, and was in -the midst of a very exciting story, but somehow he -did not find much pleasure in it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As a matter of fact he was getting very tired of -Curly Peters and Company. He knew quite well they -were doing him no food. On more than one occasion -they had forced him to lie to his employer and to -do other things of which he was heartily ashamed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've a good mind to cut the whole concern," said -he, "make a clean breast of it to the gov'nor, and -ask him to give me a fresh start. I really believe he -would do it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he turned to his book again, but it was useless -trying to follow the fortunes of the hero; he was -thinking all the time what a fool he had been in -preferring Curly Peters to Dick Boden.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Angel's a little brick," he said to himself. -"He's stuck to me like a leech, though I've snubbed -him awfully. Never mind, Dicky; I'll make up for -it, if you'll let me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently he closed the book, got down from the -desk, and went to the door, muttering, "I wish the -gov'nor would make haste."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He little guessed the shame and agony which -Mr. Broad's return would cause him.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="where-is-the-missing-money"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">WHERE IS THE MISSING MONEY?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Hullo, Hartland! tired of waiting?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather, sir. I thought I would come -outside for a breath of fresh air."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! Everything all right?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any one been here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only Johnson."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Johnson was the boy who did the evening round.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just so.—Come inside, Farrant, will you?—Turn -up the gas, Hartland. I want you to stay a few -minutes longer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," replied Jim, who was getting his hat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He thought his employer's manner a trifle strange, -and rather wondered why Mr. Farrant, who was a -frequent visitor, remained standing just inside the -door. However, he turned the gas on full and -waited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sure no one has been here?" repeated the -stationer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite sure, sir," answered Jim, who thought it -was a very odd question.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you haven't sold anything, or given change?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said Jim, who was beginning to feel a trifle -uneasy, though he scarcely knew why.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hum," said his master; "that's satisfactory in one -sense, at least. It leaves no room for mistakes." And -going round the counter he opened the till.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One glance was sufficient, and in a loud voice he -added, "Lock the door, Farrant, and bring me the -key.—Hartland, come here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If he's guilty, he's a good actor," thought -Mr. Farrant, who was watching the puzzled look on the -boy's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Count the money in the till, Hartland—it won't -take a century to do," said Mr. Broad, who intended -to be sarcastic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fourpence ha'penny, sir," said Jim promptly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Without a word the stationer drew a notebook -from his pocket, opened it, and laid it on the table. -On the top of the page was a circle with a star in the -centre, drawn in ink. Underneath was written, "One -florin, 1884. One shilling, 1885. One sixpence, -1861. Sevenpence ha'penny in coppers. Silver all -marked as above."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That," said Mr. Broad, speaking very slowly and -gravely, "is the amount of money in the till when I -left the shop. Here"—pointing to the few -coppers—"is fourpence ha'penny. Where is the rest?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim's face became white as death, and he trembled -violently. Beads of perspiration stood on his forehead, -a film gathered before his eyes, his throat was -parched, and he could not utter a word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come," repeated his master sternly; "I must have -an answer to my question. Where is the missing -money?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know, sir," answered Jim huskily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's rubbish. No one but you has been in the -shop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only Johnson."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Was he near the till?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is a foolish question," thought Mr. Farrant. -"Of course he'll shift the blame to the errand-boy. -Broad has given him a fine chance to wriggle out -of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The same idea flashed through Jim's mind, but he -rejected it scornfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said he, with the utmost deliberation, "he -did not go near the counter. I took the bag from -him myself, and he went out again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then, if you didn't steal the money, where is it?" -asked the stationer testily. He was really a -kind-hearted man, and the miserable business upset him -terribly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, my boy," said Mr. Farrant; "this is a sad -case, but you will do no good by denying your guilt. -Better make a clean breast of it, and trust to your -master's leniency."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now if I have drawn anything like an accurate -picture of James Hartland, you will not be surprised -that this well-meant suggestion made him very angry. -The blood rushed to his face, his eyes glowed, and, as -Dicky would have said, "the monkey was up" with -a vengeance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know that it is any business of yours," -he exclaimed. "I'm responsible to my master, and -not to you," which was very rude, and very -ill-advised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, all right," said Mr. Farrant; "go your own -way. You'll feel a trifle less high and mighty when -you've been in prison a week or two."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will be an awful disgrace, Hartland. You'll -be ruined for life," observed Mr. Broad. "Come, my -boy, tell me the truth; I have no wish to be severe -with you. Where is the money?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I haven't seen it," answered Jim sullenly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This isn't the first time, you know," continued his -master. "I have missed money before when you -were left in charge, but I did not like to be positive. -Unfortunately for you, there can be no question about -it this time. If you will confess, I will forgive you, -for your mother's sake; if not, I must ask my friend -to fetch a policeman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy shuddered at this threat. He had a -strong imagination, and he instantly conjured up the -whole pitiful scene. He saw himself marched to the -station, and brought up next morning before the -magistrates. He pictured the grief and horror in his -mother's face, and thought of Susie when she should -hear of what had happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Broad understood what was passing through -his mind, and said in an encouraging tone,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come; which is it to be?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I really can't confess anything," cried Jim -hopelessly. "I have not been near the till."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wouldn't it be as well to search him?" suggested -Mr. Farrant. "Of course he may have got rid of it; -but, on the other hand, it may be in his -pockets—that is," he added blandly, "assuming he is guilty of -the theft."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That seems to be a very good idea," said the -stationer.—"I suppose, Hartland, you have no -objection to turning out your pockets? Of course if you -are innocent there can't be any objection."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir," answered Jim eagerly. "You can search -me as much as you like. Shall I take my coat off?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said his master, "do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They found nothing beyond a handkerchief and a -few odds and ends such as every schoolboy loves to -carry; and a search of the trousers pockets only -revealed a knife, a piece of tarred string, a wire -puzzle, and a halfpenny, which might or might not -have been taken from the till.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you anything in your waistcoat pockets?" -asked Mr. Broad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," answered Jim promptly; "there's nothing—" He -stopped suddenly, and his face turned very red.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well?" observed his master, and the boy felt -how stern the voice had become.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I forgot," he said; "there's a sixpenny piece, -but it is my own."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Farrant smiled slightly, as the stationer, -producing the coin, laid it on the counter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I notice that it is dated 1861," remarked he, -"but that may be only a coincidence." Then he -turned the coin over, and pointing to a spot at the -back of the Queen's head, added sorrowfully, "This, -however, is hardly a coincidence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim's knees knocked together as he saw quite -plainly the figure of a circle with a starred centre, -similar to the one in the notebook. There could -be no doubt that the coin was one of those which -his master had marked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That settles it," remarked Mr. Farrant -emphatically. "Come, Broad; you had better make short -work of the matter. Give him two minutes, and -if he doesn't own up, let me go for a policeman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am afraid I must," said the stationer sadly.—"You -see, Hartland, the thing's as plain as a pikestaff; -and here," tapping the coin, "is the proof. -You can't explain that away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim felt that he was in a desperate situation, and -he doubted if even the truth would save him now. -Mr. Broad might believe the story—his friend -certainly would not—but, after all, it would throw -no real light on the mystery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said his master, "are you going to -confess that you took this sixpence from the till?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said Jim, "because it wouldn't be true."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good boy!" exclaimed Mr. Farrant sarcastically; -"always stick to the truth!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time even Mr. Broad was inclined to -lose patience; but, controlling his temper, he said, -"Perhaps you will tell me how it came to be in -your possession?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tell you all about it as far as I know, though -I'm afraid it won't do much good. Some weeks -ago I lent a boy sixpence. His name is Peters. -This evening, while you were away, he called me -to the door. He came to pay back the money he -had borrowed, because I had asked him for it -several times."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did he come into the shop?" interrupted -Mr. Farrant sharply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; we both stood talking outside. He took -the sixpence from his pocket"—Jim was scarcely -correct in this—"but we were so full of our talk -that he forgot to give it to me. However, he ran -back with it directly he remembered, and I put it -in my pocket."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any one with him?" asked Mr. Farrant, who -was drumming softly on the counter, and smiling -at what he called a cock-and-bull story.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," answered Jim confidently; "he was by himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What sort of chap is this Peters? Respectable?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, he's very poor, sir, so I suppose folks are -down on him a bit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rubbish! You're poor, aren't you? Nobody's -'down' on you! Would you take him home, now, -if your mother was there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was a poser; and Mr. Farrant, noticing Jim's -perplexity, began quite a brilliant tune with his -fingers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better leave it to the police, Broad," he advised. -"I daresay they'll be able to supply us with -information concerning the other boy. We aren't likely -to get anything satisfactory in this quarter."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In truth Jim's story did not go far toward clearing -his character, and of this he was fully aware. -Curly Peters had given him the sixpence, but, just -as certainly, he had not entered the shop. The more -Jim puzzled, the more mixed things became, until -at length his brain was in a perfect whirl. Still -he stuck stubbornly to the main points of his -statement, from which he could not be turned either by -threats or blandishments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His employer implored him for the sake of his -mother and sister to tell the truth, while Mr. Farrant -drew a vivid word-picture of the disgrace and misery -awaiting him; but to each of them he replied in -the same terms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did not steal the money!" he exclaimed; "and -I have told you all I know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Farrant ceased drumming. "I'm tired of -this farce, Broad," he exclaimed, "and if you don't -make an end one way or another, I'm off!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait five minutes longer," pleaded Jim's master. -"Now, Hartland, here is your last chance." And he -laid his watch on the counter. "Tell the whole -truth, and I promise solemnly that nothing more -shall be heard of the business. Beyond the three -of us, no one shall be any the wiser. If you still -remain obstinate at the end of five minutes, I shall -place the matter in the hands of the police."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim is not likely ever to forget that tiny -fraction of his life. His master stood by his side; -Mr. Farrant seated himself on the counter; no one -spoke, and the only sound to break the silence was -the monotonous ticking of the watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Five minutes—and then? The boy dared not -think of it. He was pale and deadly cold, but he -tried to stand firm, to hold himself erect, so that -his employer should not think he was afraid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two minutes more," said the stationer gravely, -and then—"One minute more. Now, Hartland, -seize your chance before it is too late."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Farrant slid to the ground; evidently he -had quite made up his mind how the affair would -end. Mr. Broad took the watch from the counter, -replaced it in his pocket, and waited for the boy -to answer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim looked helplessly from one to the other of -the two men. What could he say? How could -he prove his innocence? No magistrate would -believe his story, and, as likely as not, Curly would -deny it, in order to save himself. A boy of Curly's -doubtful character was not likely to admit being -in possession of a stolen sixpence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is no good," said he wearily; "I have told -the truth. I am not a thief, Mr. Broad. I have -never stolen a ha'penny in my life, either from -you or from any one else."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="an-amateur-detective"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">AN AMATEUR DETECTIVE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When Dick Boden set off after the two boys -he had no definite object in view beyond -keeping them in sight. As yet he did not quite -grasp the meaning of what he had seen, though his -suspicions were fully aroused.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Curly and his companion displayed no particular -hurry in getting clear of the neighbourhood. They -strolled along quietly, and without attracting -attention, for the street was deserted, and the only light -was that thrown out by the public lamps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the first corner they stopped a moment, and -then, turning to the right, plunged into a narrow but -busy street, much frequented by hawkers and all -kinds of barrow-merchants. Quickening his steps, -Dick followed, but they were already swallowed up -by the throng of people.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the middle of the road a policeman stood on -point duty, and Dick felt a strong desire to accost -him; but what could he say? He had really nothing -to go on except his own suspicion that in some way -the two boys had been up to mischief, but the officer -was not likely to interfere on that account.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Putting this idea aside, Dick edged his way through -the crowd, keeping a sharp lookout for his quarry. -For some time he saw nothing of them, and began to -fear they had dodged up one of the narrow courts, -when he caught sight of them standing by a -hand-cart piled with bananas.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All ripe! all ripe!" the owner was shouting at -the top of his voice. "Here you are! Two for -three-ha'pence. The finest fruit in Beauleigh.—Out o' the -way, matey, if you don't want to buy; you're -keeping off good customers.—Sold again, and got the -money! Come on; it's like giving 'em away at the -price!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let's have four," said Bryant, "and don't pick -out all the little uns."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here ye are, sonny," cried the hawker, taking -the three coppers; "we're in luck to-night. Sold -again!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bryant shared the bananas with his companion, and -both fell to without delay. Evidently they were in -high spirits, and enjoying themselves thoroughly, only -stopping in their feast to nudge each other playfully.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's wonderful how flush of money they seem!" -thought Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While he stood watching them his mind was busy -recalling the events of the evening. He pieced them -all together, and, as a result, made up a pretty correct -picture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O my aunt!" said he, "I didn't think Curly -was so cute! But the dodge seems plain enough -now. While Curly was bamboozling Jim, the other -slipped into the shop and emptied the till. Ah, ah, -you artful dodgers; that accounts for the milk in the -cocoanut!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly his satisfied smile vanished, and a shiver -of fear ran through him. Why had Curly gone back? -And what had he given Jim? Was it possible that -his old friend formed one of the gang? No, no; he -would not believe that! Jim had acted foolishly, no -doubt, in taking up with these fellows, but he was -not dishonest. Besides, if he wished to rob his -employer, it could be done in a much simpler way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet what did Curly mean by being, "square"? and -why had Jim said, "It comes in very handy -just now"? Had he shared the plunder without -knowing it? It seemed to Dick that fifty thousand -bees were buzzing in his brain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Broad is sure to miss the money," he thought, -"and, of course, he'll charge Jim with stealing it. -I wish I knew what to do! If I run back to tell -him, perhaps he'll think it's a pitched-up yarn. Hullo, -they're moving again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having finished their bananas the two boys walked -on slowly, stopping now and then to speak to an -acquaintance or to look at the contents of the various -barrows. They did not seem at all uneasy; only once, -when a policeman came their way, they separated, -Bryant stepping on to the pavement just in front of -Dick. A few yards farther he was rejoined by Curly, -who said something to his companion which Dick -could not hear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently they stopped outside a small tobacconist's -shop. Dick did not care to approach too closely, but -he got near enough to hear that they were discussing -what to buy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last he heard Curly say, "Them's the ones in -the corner."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Apparently the other boy raised some objection -which made Curly angry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you frightened of?" he said savagely. -"Think I'm on the cross? You change the bob, and -we'll square up afterwards."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bryant went to the door reluctantly, but, as if -unable to make up his mind, returned and whispered -something to his companion. A scornful laugh greeted -his remark, and without further delay he entered the -shop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All this time Dick had stood a little distance off, -thinking. By a lucky accident the boys had chosen -the shop kept by a man named Martin, for whom -Dick had occasionally done a few odd jobs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tell Martin," said Dick to himself, "and ask -his advice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a minute or two Bryant, still looking rather -dissatisfied, came out with a small packet of cigarettes; -and, standing in the doorway of an empty shop, -he proceeded to share them with his companion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was Dick's opportunity, and, screening himself -from their view by the aid of the passers-by, he -slipped into the shop, which, save for the proprietor, -was fortunately empty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hullo, Dick; what is it?" said the man behind -the counter. "You haven't taken to smoking, have -you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said Dick, who hardly knew how to begin -his curious story.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it then? Anything wrong at home?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; we're all right, thanks. I say, Mr. Martin, -what did that chap buy who was in here just now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Packet of cigarettes," answered the man, looking -in surprise at his questioner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Would you know him again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pick him out of a thousand, if you like."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did he give you a shilling?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh?" said Martin, opening the till hastily, and -taking out the coin. "Is it bad?" And he rang it -on the counter. "Sounds all right," he added with a -sigh of relief, "and there doesn't seem anything the -matter with it. But one is never safe with these -young sharks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He held the coin up to the light, turning it round -and round, and examining it attentively.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good enough," he decided, and was about to put -it back, when something again arrested his attention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hullo!" he exclaimed, "some one has scratched -a circle and star here. Looks like a private mark." And -he handed it to Dick.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy was in such a state of excitement that he -could hardly see. What was the meaning of this? -Had Mr. Broad, suspecting something wrong, laid a -trap for Jim? It seemed very much like it. But if -he had marked one coin he had probably marked -others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The very notion made Dick shudder. He felt sure -that Curly had passed some money to Jim. Suppose -it happened to be marked too! "Good gracious!" he -thought in despair; "they'll take him to prison like a -common thief! The disgrace will kill his mother!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Noticing the agitation which Dick could not conceal, -the shopkeeper said,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's it all about, Dicky? I hope you haven't -got mixed up in anything wrong?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," answered the boy. "But trust me; I'll tell -you all about it to-morrow. I must be off now; and, -I say, Mr. Martin, keep that shilling by itself, will -you? I shouldn't be surprised if the police want to -see it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, Dick. It shall be ready for them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you," said Dick, and left the shop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder now," mused the shopkeeper, "what the -game is. Something queer, by the youngster's -showing. But he's an honest little chap, and sharp as a -knife. Well, I'll put the shilling away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Looking round, he discovered an empty tobacco tin, -in which he placed the coin, and then locked it up in -one of the drawers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No doubt the youngster will be back again, -presently," he said to himself, "and I shall hear what -it's all about. It's very curious, anyhow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Dick, hot and flustered, was threading -his way through the side street. He was too excited -to steer very cautiously, but, after numerous bumps -and joltings, he found himself at the top, where the -traffic was less dense.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hullo, Dick Boden; you ought to be home and -abed! There's your mother down the road with a -cane looking for you." And Curly Peters, who stood -on the edge of the curb puffing away at a cigarette, -laughed boisterously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick did not answer, but, being afraid of arousing -suspicion, he walked very leisurely till he had turned -the corner and was out of sight. Then he ran at his -topmost speed, reaching the stationer's shop breathless -and exhausted. He was approaching the door to -knock when he noticed, through the side window, -that the shop was brilliantly lit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Broad must have returned," thought he, "and -perhaps brought a policeman. I wonder if they -are searching Jim."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He tried to peer in, but could see nothing. Then, -crouching close to the door, he listened. All was -still; he could hear no sound.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I may as well knock," he thought, and had raised -his hand to do so when a man inside began speaking. -"That's Broad," said Dick to himself, and directly -afterwards he heard his chum's voice. Then the key -turned in the lock, the door was flung open, and Dick -found himself face to face with Mr. Farrant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hullo!" exclaimed the latter, who was just going -for a policeman; "who's this?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was rather taken aback, but he answered -boldly, "If you please, I want to see Mr. Broad."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come again in the morning; he is busy now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I can't wait," pleaded Dick. "I must see -him now; it's very important."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let him in, Farrant," said the stationer; "he may -know something of this miserable business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come along then," grumbled Farrant, pulling him -roughly inside and shutting the door. "Now, what -have you to say? Make haste with your yarn, -whatever it is!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick glanced around apprehensively, and felt -relieved at finding no policeman in the shop. He -smiled brightly at Jim, as if to say, "Cheer up, old -chap; I'll soon get you out of this scrape!" and then -walked over to Mr. Broad.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I fancy I have seen you before," said that -gentleman. "Aren't you one of Hartland's friends?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," replied Dick promptly; "Jim and I -are old friends."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh!" exclaimed Mr. Farrant, showing a sudden -interest in the conversation; "is your name Peters?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Dick in surprise; "my name's Boden, -but Peters has something to do with what I've come -about.—Have you lost any money, Mr. Broad?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've been robbed of some," answered Jim's employer -sternly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Was there a shilling amongst it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. Why?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tell you soon, sir," said Dick; "but I want to -make sure of my ground first. I should like to ask -if there was a circle with a starred centre scratched -on it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," replied the stationer, now thoroughly -interested—"the same mark as on the sixpence which has -been found in your friend Hartland's pocket."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope you don't think Jim a thief, sir. He -wouldn't steal a pin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We aren't listening to testimonials of character," -remarked Mr. Farrant dryly; "they can be left to -the magistrates. But now, just tell us how you -come to know anything about this business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim had not said a word. On seeing his chum -his face had become white, and he hardly dared look -at him. By degrees, however, he became more -composed; and when Dick spoke so emphatically about -his honesty, the warm blood surged to his face. -Somehow he felt that in some mysterious way Dick -would be able to prove his innocence, and his heart -grew light at the thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Farrant prepared to listen with a cynical -smile, but Mr. Broad was anxious to give a favourable -hearing to anything that might help to clear -Jim's character.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="curly-and-company"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">CURLY AND COMPANY.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Before Jim came here to work," began Dick, -clearing his throat, "we were generally -together in the evenings. Since then, of course, he -hasn't had much time; but now and then I've been -up to wait for him. Coming up this evening I met -Mr. Broad, and just afterwards Curly Peters with a -boy named Bryant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is this Peters a friend of yours?" interrupted -Mr. Farrant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Dick; "and I've never had anything -to do with him. I thought a long time ago that he -wasn't up to much."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right; go on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, thinking they were going to see Jim, I -turned back, and they acted in such a funny way -that I became curious. First of all, Bryant followed -Mr. Broad, very likely to see where he went; then -they walked up to the shop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where were you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On the other side of the road. Curly went to the -shop, while the other chap hid in the next doorway. -Presently Jim came out; and, after a time, Curly -managed to draw him away from the door a bit. -Then Bryant slipped into the shop, and was back -again almost before you could say 'Jack Robinson!'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why didn't you call out?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That wouldn't have done any good. Besides, -Curly was on the move directly. He joined his mate -down the street, got something from him, and ran -back all in a breath to give it to Jim."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two men exchanged significant glances. Thus -far, at any rate, the story fitted in very well with -the suspected boy's assertions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But if you knew these boys had been thieving, I -can't understand why you did not tell your chum," -said Mr. Farrant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I didn't know for certain," responded Dick -promptly. "Besides, I thought the best thing was -to keep an eye on them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's reasonable enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And it was lucky I did, too. I followed them -into West Street, where they bought three pennyworth -of bananas. Then they went on to a tobacconist's, -and Bryant bought a packet of cigarettes. He -paid for them with a shilling."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How do you know that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because directly he came out I went in and asked -the man. His name's Martin, and he knows me. He -doesn't know Bryant; but he could recognize him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what about the shilling?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Martin is taking care of it in case it's wanted. -And so, sir, the whole thing's as plain as anything, -you see. They just diddled Jimmy, and there you -are.—How came he to give you the sixpence, Jim?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To pay back one that I lent him a month ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Broad was quite satisfied of the truth of -Dick's story. It cleared Hartland. Even with the -marked coin before him he had somehow doubted -the boy's guilt. His friend showed himself rather -more sceptical; but he, too, admitted that the two -stories fitted in admirably.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We had better go to the tobacconist's," said he, -"and then give information to the police. I suppose -there won't be much chance of tracing the florin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If Curly doesn't know it's marked," said Dick, -"he'll stick to it till the shilling's gone, and then I -expect Bryant won't get much of a share."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then he mustn't be allowed to suspect anything," -said Mr. Farrant.—"Broad, suppose you go along -with this amateur detective and identify the shilling. -I'll lock up and meet you later at the police -station."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What about Hartland?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hum! If this Peters sees him with any of us the -florin will soon be a minus quantity.—Can you get -home without his seeing you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; over Cannon Hill and round by the Park. -He isn't likely to be there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I suppose we must trust you, though I don't -half like it. However, take care, for your own sake, -that you do not meet him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come as usual in the morning, Hartland," added -his master. "You will be required to give evidence -at the police-court."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And thank your lucky stars," remarked Mr. Farrant, -"that you won't be in the dock. Your -friend here has saved you from that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim recognized this fact fully, and was never -slow to acknowledge it either to himself or to others. -Slinking home by a roundabout way, he entered the -house, where his mother was awaiting him somewhat -anxiously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're late, my boy," said she. "I'm afraid your -supper has got cold."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It doesn't matter, mother, thank you. I'm not -hungry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His mother looked curiously at him, wondering -what had happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't you feel well?" she asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My head aches a bit. There's been a bother at -the shop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Try to eat your supper," said she gently. "You -can tell me about it afterwards."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim did his best in order to please her, but the -attempt was not very successful. He was thinking -of his marvellous escape, and how, but for Dick, he -would now be locked up in a prison cell. His mother -watched him closely, and with something like fear in -her heart; but, being a tactful woman, she did not -press him to tell her his story.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It came out at last, little by little, and the boy -did not spare himself. After all, beyond the folly of -associating with unprincipled companions, he had done -little of which to be really ashamed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His mother did not interrupt him once; but Jim -will never forget the look in her eyes when he told -her of the finding of the marked coin, and of his -narrow escape from prison.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is Dick now?" she asked when he had -finished.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gone with the master to give information to the -police. I expect he will come in on his way home; -but don't you think we ought to tell his mother? -She may be fidgeting about him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; I will go round at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Putting on her hat and jacket, she went out, leaving -Jim to wonder if the marked florin would be found -in Curly's possession. A great deal might depend on -that.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile, Dick having piloted the worthy -stationer to the tobacconist's shop, where the shilling -was at once identified, accompanied him to the police -station. Here they were shown into a sparsely-furnished -room, where an inspector sat at a table writing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After Mr. Broad had given an outline of the case, -Dick was called on for his story, which he related in -the most straightforward and convincing manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Simple enough," remarked the police inspector, -"especially if we can find the florin;" and, ringing a -bell, he ordered the man who answered it to send -Pedder to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Pedder was a short, stout, bull-necked man in -plain clothes, who, in answer to his superior, said: -"Curly Peters? Oh yes, I know the young gentleman -quite well. I've been expecting to put my hand -on his shoulder for a long time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And a lad named Bryant?" asked the inspector, -reporting Dick's description of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Pedder shook his head. "I've seen a chap with -Curly, but don't know anything of him, good or bad."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, take a man with you and bring them both -here. Be sure that Peters has no chance to get rid -of any money."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very good, sir," said Pedder, looking at the clock. -"The round trip oughtn't to take more than half -an hour, if I've any luck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sit down, Mr. Broad—and you, my boy," said the -inspector, who immediately resumed his writing, and -did not look up again till Mr. Farrant was shown -into the room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Five minutes after the half-hour there was a -scuffling noise in the passage, the door was thrown -open, and in marched Curly Peters and Bryant in -the custody of the two plain-clothes policemen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Curly looked about him with easy self-assurance. -His companion, on the contrary, was white and -trembling, and would have fallen but for the officer's -support.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Search them!" said the inspector briefly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You won't find anything on me but my own -money," said Curly defiantly. "I've only a -two-shilling piece, which I worked hard enough for, too. -I earned it yesterday, carrying boxes on the quay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You'd better keep a still tongue," advised the -inspector gruffly. "All you say may be used as -evidence against you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I ain't afraid of telling the truth," responded -Curly boldly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently the search was over, and Dick heaved -a sigh of satisfaction when Pedder placed a florin -on the table. Bryant's share of the plunder had -dwindled to twopence halfpenny.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can you identify this coin, Mr. Broad?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said the stationer, after examining it -carefully; "here is my private mark quite plain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the tobacconist can identify the boy from -whom he received the marked shilling?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I took him to the shop," said the second officer, -"and he knew him in an instant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When all the formalities were concluded, the two -boys were marched off, Curly throwing a savage -glance at Dick, and muttering, "I'll pay you out -for this!" as he passed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think there is nothing further now," said the -inspector to Mr. Broad. "Of course you will be -present in the morning. As to the shop-boy, I hardly -know whether he should not have been charged with -the others; but no doubt we shall get at the truth -when the case comes before the magistrates."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jim Hartland didn't know anything about it, -sir!" cried Dick, who was bold as a lion in defence -of his friend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps not, perhaps not!" replied the inspector -testily. "However, we shall soon see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as he could get away, Dick ran off to -Brook Street, knowing that his chum would be -anxiously awaiting him. As a matter of fact Jim -stood at the gate, and on seeing Dick he cried -eagerly, "Did you catch them? Had Peters spent -the money?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Make yourself easy, old chap!" laughed Dick; -"it's all right. Curly had the florin, and he gave -himself away before knowing it was marked."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did he try to drag me into it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No. Don't pull such a long face. The truth -is bound to come out. I shall be surprised if Bryant -doesn't own up; he's nearly frightened to death. -Well, I must be off; mother will think I'm lost."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She knows where you are; we told her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a good chap. She's been awfully fidgety -since Dandy Braithwaite was drowned. Well, ta-ta! -See you in the morning, as the fisherman said when -he popped the trout into his basket."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You won't come in?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'd rather not. Wait till this affair's done with, -and we'll celebrate the event in fine style."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-night, then. I can't thank you properly -just now, but I shan't forget in a hurry what you've -done for me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, old fellow! </span><em class="italics">I</em><span> know." And Dick went -off whistling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim closed the gate softly, but did not go into the -house for some time. Thus far—thanks to Dick—all -had gone well; but there was still a prospect of -danger. Suppose Curly, finding himself trapped, -endeavoured to throw the blame on him. He might -even assert that he, Jim, had planned the robbery, -and had knowingly shared the plunder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The magistrates might doubt such a tale, but some -people would believe it, and in their eyes he would -be a thief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes," they would say, "that's the lad who -was mixed up in the till robbery. Nothing was -proved against him, you know, but—" And then there -would be expressive glances and waggings of heads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again, he could hardly expect Mr. Broad to -continue to employ him. Of course he would be -dismissed, and no one would care to engage a boy who -had lost his situation under such suspicious -circumstances. It seemed to him just then that he had -recklessly spoiled his career before it had fairly -begun. His thoughts were very, very bitter; but -he had not altogether lost his moral courage, and -readily confessed that he was only reaping what he -had sown. This, however, was but poor consolation, -and it was with a heavy heart that he at last went -into the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dick has brought good news, mother," he cried, -trying to speak cheerfully: "the police have caught -Peters with the money on him. I am going to bed -now. We shall have to be up early in the morning." And -he kissed her good-night.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="when-thieves-fall-out"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XV.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">"WHEN THIEVES FALL OUT."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Fortunately for Jim's peace of mind the -next day was not a particularly busy one at -the police court. He and Dick sat with Mr. Broad -and the tobacconist in the space reserved for witnesses, -while in the public portion of the building only a -few people besides his mother and Mrs. Boden had -assembled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently a small side-door was opened, and the -two youthful prisoners took their places in the dock. -Curly was still smiling and cheerful, but his -companion in misfortune looked even more miserable -than on the preceding night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the charge had been read over, Mr. Broad -proceeded to make his statement, describing how he -had marked the coins and placed them in the till, -and how, on returning to the shop, he had found they -were gone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Jim went into the witness-box, feeling horribly -uncomfortable. He thought the two magistrates -regarded him contemptuously, and as if they thought -his proper place was in the dock with the prisoners. -However, he managed to give a connected account of -what had passed, and was stepping down again when -one of the magistrates observed, "If this witness -speaks the truth, it is clear that the prisoner Peters -could not have been in the shop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wasn't, sir," spoke up Curly. "I never put my -foot inside it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We suggest that he was acting as a blind," said -the inspector—"that he engaged the shop-boy's -attention while the other prisoner stole the money. -I think the next witness will make that clear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well," said the magistrate; "let him he -called."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Richard Boden!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick stepped into the box, took the oath, and -began his story without the least hesitation. As he -proceeded Curly's confident smile began to fade: the -witness was not leaving him a single loophole for -escape. The evidence was so clear and simple and -yet so conclusive that, as one constable remarked in a -whisper, the prisoners had not "the ghost of a chance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Uncommon smart boy that," he added graciously. -"Ought to join the force when he's old enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Dick had finished, Sir Thomas Arkell, the -senior magistrate, a tall, stout man with bristling -moustache, leaning forward, said, "I congratulate -you on the way in which you have given your -evidence, my lad." And the compliment was well -deserved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Martin, the tobacconist, then identified Bryant as -the boy who had paid him the marked shilling, -and the officers deposed to searching the prisoners -and finding the florin on Peters. No one had any -doubt of their guilt, but several people thought Jim -very lucky in not having been placed with them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>However, Curly did not quite despair of getting -off. Certainly he would leave his accomplice in the -lurch, but that misfortune he was prepared to bear -philosophically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I didn't steal the money!" he protested energetically, -"and I didn't know it was stole. It will teach -me a lesson, though, to mind who I takes up with -another time. This all comes of being pals with -Sam Bryant. Last night I met him in West Street. -He said he had won some money on a race, and asked -me to mind a two-shilling piece. He said he durstn't -take it home for fear his father would nab it. And -that's the solemn truth, gentlemen! Why, I'd no -more think of stealing a penny than of swallowing it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now, fortunately for Jim, Curly's frantic effort to -save himself roused Bryant from his stupor. Hitherto -he had displayed no interest in the proceedings, but -now, glaring savagely at his companion, he exclaimed -in a shrill voice, "Oh, that's it, is it? I am to bear -all the blame, am I? Well, then, I'll just tell the -truth. Curly made friends with Jim Hartland on -purpose to get him to rob the till. Curly sounded -him several times, but could make nothing of him, -so we agreed to do it ourselves. We went in two -or three times before, but didn't get much. Last -night seemed a good chance, and Curly agreed to -get Hartland out of the way. I got three and ninepence -altogether, and out of that Curly gave Hartland -sixpence that he owed him. I ain't going to prison -by myself, when Curly Peters had more to do with -it than me!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I told you it would come out!" whispered Dick -to his chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The magistrates consulted together for a few minutes, -and then the two prisoners were remanded, with -a view to being sent to a reformatory.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As this was the last case set down for hearing, the -people began to leave the court; and Mr. Broad, -turning to Jim with a smiling face, said,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am glad you have come out of it so well, -Hartland. I am sorry I suspected you at all, but -at one time things looked rather black against you, -eh? However, you've had your lesson, and I hope -you will profit by it. By the way, I shall be glad -if you can come an hour earlier this afternoon. This -wretched business has thrown the work back a good -deal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you going to keep me on, sir?" asked Jim, -who could scarcely believe his own ears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep you on? Of course! Why not? You've -been a pretty silly chap in choosing your friends, but -that won't happen again. There, there; don't thank -me." And the worthy stationer bustled away, leaving -Jim with flushed face and sparkling eyes. This was -a greater piece of good fortune than he had dared -hope for.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the corridor he found his mother with -Mrs. Boden; and directly afterwards Dick, who had -suddenly disappeared, ran up waving his cap and -hardly able to keep from hurrahing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O my aunt!" cried he; "here's a stroke of good -luck! Let's go outside, where I can tell you all about -it. You'll never guess where I've been."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You had better tell us, then," said his mother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I will. Don't get too excited, now. What -do you think of an interview with Sir Thomas Arkell -in the magistrates' room? I thought you'd open -your eyes. O my—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never mind your aunt," said Jim, laughing; "we're -dying to hear about the interview."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, while you were talking to Mr. Broad, a -policeman came up and asked if I was Richard -Boden. When I told him I was, he said, 'Come this -way. Sir Thomas wishes to speak to you.' He was -a solemn old chap, and marched along like a mute -at a funeral. I began to feel frightened."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wish I'd been there to see you, Dicky," said -Mrs. Hartland.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it really was enough to make me nervous," -declared Dick. "However, at last he knocked at a -door; some one said, 'Come in,' and there was Sir -Thomas standing with his back to the fire.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Ah,' said he—and he isn't half as fierce as he -looks—'are you Richard Boden?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Yes, sir.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Well, I wanted to say I was very pleased with -you this morning. Where do you go to school?' And -when I told him, he said, 'I suppose your master -can give you a good character?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'I think he will, sir,' I answered; and then he -wrote down my name and the name of the school -in a notebook.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'I will see Mr. Holmore,' he said; 'and should -the result be satisfactory, as I have no doubt it will, -I shall find a berth for you in my business.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O Dick!" exclaimed his mother, "it sounds too -good to be true!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's true enough," cried Dick gaily, throwing his -cap into the air. "Don't you hear the bells, 'Turn -again, Richard, Lord Mayor of Beauleigh'? Why, it's -as simple as anything: just like going upstairs. -Office-boy, clerk, confidential clerk, manager, -partner—Arkell and Boden! We'll hang out a big -signboard when that time comes. Hurrah! Trot along, -Jimmy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You might both run on," suggested Mrs. Hartland, -"and get a cup of tea ready for us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rather a drop from the Lord-Mayor business, -isn't it?" laughed Dick good-humouredly. "Still, -it's as well to make use of me while you can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That afternoon has often been talked of since. -Every one was in good spirits, and Dick rattled on -like a merry madcap, building, half in jest, half in -earnest, golden castles in the air. To judge by his -remarks when Mrs. Hartland began talking of his -kindness to Jim, the whole affair had been got up -specially for his benefit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's I who have to thank Jim," he laughed. -"But for him I shouldn't have had an interview -with Sir Thomas!" adding solemnly, "I won't forget -you, Jim; you shall have a ticket for my mayoral -banquet, and shall sit near me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks," replied Jim humbly; "I shall be -satisfied with a seat at the bottom of the table."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a rattle-pate you are, Dick!" laughed -Mrs. Hartland. "How poor Susie would enjoy being here -now!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is the doctor really doing her good?" asked -Dick's mother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He thinks so. He is trying a wonderful new -discovery of some foreign doctor, and the nurse told -me on Sunday he's more than satisfied with the result."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hurrah for Dr. Stewart!" cried Dick; "he's a -fine fellow. I'll keep a place for him on my -visiting-list."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus they laughed and chattered, enjoying -themselves in an innocent way, and endeavouring to -banish the disagreeable incidents of the morning, -until it was time for Jim to start for work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I may as well walk with you as far as the shop," -said Dick, going out with him; "I feel like a fish -out of water, not being at school to-day. Won't -there be a buzz when the fellows hear the news?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Too much for me. I don't think I shall go back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What?" Dicky turned and looked his chum -full in the face. "Surely you aren't going to show -the white feather, old man. Why, that would be -just giving the fellows a stick to beat you with."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is easy to talk," said Jim, "but I don't want -to see sour looks and hear sneering remarks every -day. I know what chaps like Simpson will say."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I know what they'll say if you don't turn up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For some distance the two boys walked in silence. -Jim was thinking. His chum was right, of course. -It would be much braver and more manly to "face -the music;" but he shrank, and perhaps naturally, -from the ordeal. Besides, he would be leaving in -any case at the end of a few weeks, and why should -he go out of his way to suffer misery for the sake -of a fad?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here we are nearly at the shop," cried Dick, -stopping suddenly. "You will come in the morning, -won't you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I won't promise," said Jim slowly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>I think that at this juncture it was the boy's -master who proved his guardian angel. He greeted -him cheerily, and showed by every means in his -power that he had confidence in his honesty. This -absolute trust brought back Jim's self-respect. If -his employer believed in his innocence, why should -he trouble himself about the sneers of others? His -courage gradually rose; he threw off the gloom that -hung about him. He determined to hold up his -head and bear himself bravely, whatever happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Twill be jolly hard, I know," he said to himself; -"but I'll live it down." And his heart grew lighter -as he registered the resolve.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the way, Hartland," remarked his employer -later in the evening, "I have been thinking we might -make a fresh arrangement. I should like you to -stay all day, and you might start on Monday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'd rather not begin till the holidays, sir," said -Jim, with an effort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why not?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because, because—well, they might say I was -afraid to go back to school."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it won't be particularly pleasant," replied -Mr. Broad, "and that is partly why I made the offer. -But yours is the better plan, and I wish you luck, -my boy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," returned Jim, brightly, though -in his heart he could not help wishing that the next -day was safely over.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-fresh-start"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVI.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A FRESH START.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The police-court proceedings created a great -sensation at the Deanery, and were canvassed -with characteristic schoolboy freedom. Dick, of -course, received much praise; and on his arrival, just -before opening time, he was surrounded by an -admiring group. However, he bore his blushing honours -meekly, remarking that he had done nothing in -particular.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your being there was a lucky thing for Jim -Hartland, though," observed Alec Macdonald.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A good many people think there's more in it -than came out!" sneered Simpson. "</span><em class="italics">I</em><span> shouldn't -like to be caught with a marked sixpence in my -pocket!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're just a cad!" cried Dick hotly, "and no -one cares a brass button what you say. As to -Hartland, he showed more grit in five minutes than -you'd show in five centuries."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How's that?" cried several boys eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's part of what Simpson says didn't come -out. Of course you know old Broad found the -sixpence on him. Well, he's a good sort, though -at first he did think Jim guilty. 'Look here, Hartland,' -said he; 'you'd better own up. You're certain -to be sent to prison, because, even if you're innocent, -you can't prove it.' Well, what did Jim answer?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He wasn't likely to give the show away, anyhow!" -said Simpson.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Broad didn't ask him to. 'Just admit you stole -the money, and you'll hear no more of it,' said he. -'I'll hush it up, and no one will be any the wiser.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That was handsome," remarked several of the boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," agreed Dick, "but Jim wasn't taking any -'Send me to prison for life if you like,' said Jim; -'I shan't confess to what I didn't do!'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good old Jim!" cried Alec Macdonald. "He -always was a plucky beggar." And the others echoed -his cry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Few of them believed he was mixed up in the -robbery, and Dick's story was received with -acclamation. A sudden revulsion of feeling took place, -and those who had looked rather coldly on Jim -since the fatal accident to Braithwaite now spoke -loudly in his defence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just as the bell rang he was seen coming in at -the gate, and quite a number of boys ran across to -meet him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more Alec Macdonald voiced the general -sentiment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're jolly glad you got out of that mess, Jim," -he exclaimed, "and we know it wasn't your fault."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim blushed like a peony; his eyes were suspiciously -moist, and he felt a choking sensation in his -throat. This reception differed altogether from what -he had expected. He looked at the group of boys -and tried to answer, but his words were very stammering.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is—very—kind—of you chaps," he managed -to say, "and I didn't expect it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come on!" cried Dick; "there's Mr. Laythorne! -He'll be giving us an extra half-hour's grind." And -they scudded away to their places like so many -rabbits into a warren.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim's class-fellows were not alone in expressing -their belief in his innocence. After prayers, and -before beginning morning work, Mr. Laythorne, -standing before his class, said, "I am glad to see -you in your place again, Hartland. We have all -heard of your trouble, and we all rejoice that you -have come through it so triumphantly. I am speaking -not only for myself and the boys, but for all the -masters, including Mr. Holmore. Let me say for all -of us that we are quite convinced of your honesty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes!" murmured the class approvingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," said Jim. "I'm—" But he got -no farther. Cold looks he had steeled himself to -meet, and angry words he would have thrown back -with interest, but this kindness broke him down -utterly. The tears would come into his eyes, and -he covered his face with his hands. The young -master said nothing further, thinking it best not -to disturb him. He had always felt great interest -in Jim, and no one had been more disappointed at -his failure to gain a high place in the Gayton -Scholarship list.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Several times recently he had endeavoured to save -him from drifting, but without success; now he -resolved to make another effort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is a clever boy, and ought to do well," he -said to himself thoughtfully, "but lately he seems to -have got into a set of cross currents. One would -think he had thrown that Gayton Scholarship away -deliberately."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Laythorne was not aware how very severely -Jim had been handicapped; but that same afternoon, -during a talk with Dick Boden on quite another -subject, he learned the truth. When school was -dismissed, he called Dick to him and said, "By the -way, Boden, I have to congratulate you. Sir Thomas -Arkell has been to see the head-master, who referred -him to me. I was glad to be able to report -favourably on your conduct, and he has decided in -consequence to take you on at his place as soon as the -holidays begin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, sir," answered Dick gratefully. -"Mother meant me to stay a little longer, but we -can't afford to miss this chance, and I shall be able -to attend the continuation school."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope you will. Well, it appears we shall both -be leaving the dear old Deanery together."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick glanced up hastily, saying, "Are you going -away from Beauleigh, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. It will soon be known now. I have been -appointed to a school in Portsmouth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The boys will be sorry," exclaimed Dick, "and -glad too—sorry on their own account, and glad -on yours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think," said the master, smiling, "we have got -on very comfortably together. By the way, I am -sorry about your chum Hartland. I had hoped he -would do better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jim's had very hard lines lately, sir. Things -have all gone wrong, somehow, and he took the -result of the 'Gayton' very much to heart."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So I should imagine," exclaimed the master dryly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It wasn't his fault coming out so low down," said -Dick. "You can't sprint very fast with a heavy -load on your shoulders, and Jim was carrying too -much weight. A lot of his time was taken up at -the shop, morning and evening; then his mother -fell ill, and he had to work like a nigger keeping -things straight at home. Why, for weeks he had -hardly a minute to breathe in!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He did not mention this to me when I spoke to -him about his position."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," responded Dick with a twinkle; "Jim isn't -built that way. He's too proud to let the world into -his little secrets."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh!" said the master thoughtfully, "that puts -a very different complexion on the case."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That same evening Jim's mother was surprised -by a visit from Mr. Laythorne, who, by a few -skilful questions, soon discovered that Dick had not -overstated the case. It was plain that, despite his -folly elsewhere, Jim had behaved splendidly at home; -and the class-master's good opinion of his scholar was -more than restored.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you going to make of the boy?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," replied Mrs. Hartland, "had his father -lived we should have tried to start him as a -pupil-teacher, but I fear he must give up that idea now. -Mr. Broad has been very kind, and has offered to -take him into the shop altogether."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what does Jim think of the proposal?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He doesn't really like it, but he is a good boy, -and raises no objection."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Laythorne was more than ordinarily thoughtful -that evening. For more than an hour he sat in his -room, thinking deeply, too absorbed even to open one -of his favourite books.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a quixotic scheme," he muttered once, "but -upon my word I've a good mind to try it. The lad -has brains, and, properly trained, should do well. -He'll do no good here if his heart isn't in the work -and he may slip back. It would remove him from -temptation, too. Well, I'll sleep on it, and ask -Holmore's advice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The result of these cogitations, and of an interview -with the head-master, became apparent at the end of -the week, when he once more called at the house in -Brook Street; but this time late in the evening, -when Jim had returned from work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was not a man given to much beating about -the bush, and he introduced the object of his visit -at once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hartland," he began quietly, "I understand from -your mother that you would like to be a pupil-teacher?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," answered Jim readily, "but," trying to -smile, "that's out of the question now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm not so sure of that. You know I am going -to Portsmouth?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir; Dick Boden told me, and very pleased -I was to hear it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How would you like to go with me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim sprang to his feet, his cheeks flushed, his eyes -sparkling, and every fibre of his body quivering with -excitement. Then he shook his head mournfully, -saying, "We can't afford it, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your mother and I will discuss that part of the -business," remarked Mr. Laythorne quietly. "But -if you go, I shall expect you to work hard, to pass -your examinations high up, and, generally speaking, -to do me credit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I would do my very best!" exclaimed the lad -earnestly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe you would. Well, now run away, while -I have a talk with your mother."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy went out to the front door, and stood -looking into the dingy street. Now and again he -turned toward the room, straining his ears, not to -hear what was said, but just to make sure that -Mr. Laythorne was really there. It seemed altogether -too wonderful; he feared almost to dwell on it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently he heard the visitor stand up, and come -into the passage. What had been decided? His -heart beat fast at the question. Here was -Mr. Laythorne shaking his hand. What did he say? What -strange noises buzzed in his head! Ah, the words -became plain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope, my boy, that this will be putting your -foot on the first rung of the ladder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So the wonderful thing had come to pass, and he -was really to go! I cannot write down Jim's answer -because neither his mother nor Mr. Laythorne understood -his broken words; but it is certain that he was -extremely grateful and supremely happy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the way," said their visitor, before taking -leave, "it will not be necessary to inform the world -of our private arrangement. It will be sufficient to -say that Jim is coming with me." For Mr. Laythorne -was a gentleman, and had no sympathy with the -blowing of trumpets at street corners.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim and his mother had little to say when they -were left alone. They were overwhelmed with -surprise, and their happiness was too great for words. -But when the boy had gone to his room, he knelt by -his bedside and asked for strength to prove himself -worthy of his benefactor's generosity; and many times -over, before falling asleep, he said to himself, "I will -not disappoint him!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of course, Mr. Broad had to be told of the -contemplated change, and he was really sorry to have -to part with Jim.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should have liked to keep you, Hartland," he -said, "but I mustn't stand in your light; and, by -the way, don't buy any lesson-books. Ask your -master to write out a list of what you will require -for next two years, and I will get them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why," exclaimed the Angel delightedly, when he -heard the news, "there's such a lot of silver lining -that very soon you won't be able to see the black -cloud at all!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick was prophesying better than he knew. But -we must not anticipate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On Sunday Jim went with his mother to the -Children's Hospital. Susie still kept her bed, and -her back was encased in plaster of Paris; but she -had grown decidedly stronger, and the nurse spoke -most hopefully of her case.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And if she does walk," said she, "you will have -to thank Dr. Stewart. I have never known any one -take such an interest in a case."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland left Jim to reveal his great secret, -and it was charming to observe the look of delighted -surprise steal into the girl's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you know," she said thoughtfully, after -congratulating her brother on his good fortune, "I think -people have been very kind to us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," exclaimed her mother, kissing her fondly; -"and I hope we shall never forget it."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-startling-surprise"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVII.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">A STARTLING SURPRISE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The next fortnight was about the happiest time -Jim had passed since the news arrived of his -father's death. Thanks in some part to his wages, -they had tided over the worst of the crisis; and his -mother, who was really a skilful needlewoman, had -now no lack of employment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the Deanery School he had quite recovered his -popularity. The boys sought his advice as in the old -days; and one half-holiday the Football Committee -begged him to assist the team in an important match. -Mr. Broad readily granted him an extra hour's leave, -and much to the delight of his numerous admirers, he -had the satisfaction of kicking the winning goal for -the school.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's an end to my football in Beauleigh," he -said, as he left the field with his chum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And a very good finish!" laughed the Angel. -"The Deanery fellows will miss you at cricket next -season."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I expect they'll miss us both. I hope, though, -they'll keep the shield."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're bound to!" said Dick, with a grin. -"Haven't they got Simpson?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course; I'd forgotten him. Have you heard -from Sir Thomas Arkell?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; I'm to begin work on the morning they -reopen after the holidays. I can hardly believe it now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I understand the feeling. D'you know, I think -we've been awfully lucky, Dick."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The reward of merit!" murmured the Angel; -and a stranger, judging by the tone of his voice, -would have thought he really meant it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim, however, knew him better, and greeted the -remark with a laugh, saying, "Well, every one who -deserves the reward doesn't get it, anyhow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only one week more," cried Dick, flying off at a -tangent—a by no means unusual proceeding on his -part. "I'm counting the days now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That week seemed a long time to the eager boys; -but it came to an end at last, and the Deanery -scholars assembled in the large hall for dismissal. -It was the head-master's custom to speak a few -words before they separated, and he did so now.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That part of the speech which met with the -greatest attention referred to Mr. Laythorne's -approaching departure. The boys were sorry to lose -him, as he was very popular, and they punctuated -every sentence with ringing cheers. But the greatest -applause was reserved for the unveiling of the -handsome presents which boys and masters alike had -subscribed for; and when Mr. Laythorne stepped -forward to express his thanks, the cheering became -deafening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three cheers for Mr. Laythorne, and one cheer -more!" yelled the Angel. "Hurrah!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a breaking-up scene such as had rarely -occurred at the Deanery, and one to be long -remembered. Mr. Laythorne made a modest little speech, -and then, unchecked by the masters, the Angel led -off with "For he's a jolly good fellow!" and was -strenuously backed up by the vocal powers of three -hundred enthusiastic boys. It was not, perhaps, -strictly orthodox, but it was undoubtedly genuine; -I fancy Mr. Laythorne, though not a demonstrative -man himself, was rather pleased by the warmth -of his reception. When the boys were dismissed, he -called Jim, to give him his final instructions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My arrangements are quite complete," said he, -"but I shall write in the course of a week or two. -Most likely I shall want you to come over a few -days before school begins."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall be ready, sir, whenever you send."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, good-bye! Have a good holiday, because -there will be plenty of work when you get to -Portsmouth."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A good holiday! How surprised both would have -been had they known the kind of holiday which was -in store for Jim!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instead of going straight to work, the boy ran -home with his bag of books, and stayed a few -minutes with his mother, chatting of the splendid -send-off to Mr. Laythorne.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dick led the cheering," said he, "and we all -sang, 'For he's a jolly good fellow!'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So he is," said Mrs. Hartland, smiling—"none -better, as far as we are concerned."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I must be off," remarked Jim, "or Mr. Broad -will wonder if I'm lost."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were very busy at the shop, and the boy -worked away with a will. Perhaps the breaking-up -scene had put him in good spirits; at any rate, the -stationer remarked on his cheerfulness. While they -were waiting for the evening papers, Jim, anxious -not to waste time, sat down in a recess and began -addressing a pile of labels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly he saw a man pass the window, stop as -if hesitating, and then enter the shop. Knowing his -employer was at the counter, he went on with his -work, not thinking he would be required.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can polish these things off to-night if I peg -away at them," he said to himself. "Where's that -other book of addresses, I wonder? Oh, I see!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He got up to fetch the volume. From where he -stood he could just see the top of Mr. Broad's head, -but nothing of the customer. He heard his employer -say "Good-evening," to which the stranger replied in -a tone that made Jim jump.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He placed the book on the table, and sat down. -It was no business of his, but he felt compelled to -listen to the conversation. The first words brought -the blood to his face with a rush.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you a boy named Hartland employed -here?" asked the stranger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"James Hartland?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is his name. Why?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should like to speak to him for a minute, if -I may."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is it anything important? because he is busy at -present."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim thought the man laughed; but he said aloud, -"I think it's important enough for me to see him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hartland!" cried his master, "here's a gentleman -wishes to see you!" And Jim, half dazed by surprise -and doubt and fear, moved slowly toward the counter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man on the other side of the counter was of -medium height, well proportioned on the whole, but -with a great breadth of chest. He was dressed in -heavy serge of a dark-blue colour, and wore a peaked -cap. His hair was short and curly; a few silver -threads sprinkled the tawny brown of an ample -beard. His eyes were gray; his face was white, -and rather drawn. An observant critic would -probably have called him a strong man just recovered or -recovering from a severe illness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment he looked hard at the boy; then a -tender smile overspread his face, his lips parted, and -in a soft voice he whispered, "Jim!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>I do not know that the stationer ever complained; -he might have done so with reason. Jim was a good -all-round athlete, who, on ordinary occasions, could -vault over the counter with ease. Now, dizzy with -excitement, he made an erratic kick, sweeping papers, -books, and stationery to the floor. Neither did he -stop to repair the mischief, but flung himself with -a cry of joy into the man's outstretched arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently the man looked round on the pile of -wreckage, and smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, Jim," said he, "let us put this straight." And -while Mr. Broad looked on in undisguised amazement, -the pair proceeded to pick up the fallen articles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If," said the stationer, slowly rubbing his hands, -"I were in the habit of guessing, I should say you -are Mr. John Hartland, who was drowned off Cape Horn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Right you are, sir!" returned the man, smiling -pleasantly; "I am John Hartland, and this is my -boy. I'm just down from London. I heard Jim was -up here, and I've come to borrow him. You see, -he has to tell his mother. I've kept it out of the -papers, and no one but the owners of the </span><em class="italics">Morning -Star</em><span> know I'm still in the land of the living."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take him, my good sir!" said the delighted -stationer. "Take him, and good luck to you both! -But come to see me, Jim; come to see me!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll tide you over the busy time, sir!" exclaimed -Jim; "I won't leave you in the lurch. But I must -go now. Oh, </span><em class="italics">how</em><span> shall I tell mother?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>People stopped to look at them in the streets—they -were so patently, so undeniably happy. John -Hartland clutched his boy's arm tightly, and every now -and then Jim smiled up into his father's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We're living in Brook Street now, father," he -remarked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I know. I've made inquiries," replied his -father. "How is Susie?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's in the Children's Hospital, and getting -better. The doctor says she is going to walk in -a few months. O father, I can hardly believe you -are here!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can't you? Just feel this!" And he squeezed -the boy's arm. "How is mother living?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By her needle. She does beautiful needlework."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know! I know!" said the man abruptly. -"Isn't this Brook Street? You go on, and I'll wait -here a bit. But don't be long, Jim, don't be long! -My patience will soon bubble over. I've been burning -to get a peep at her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jim smiled brightly, ran a few yards, and then -walked soberly to the house. His mother was -busy with her work, and she looked up at him in -surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it, my boy?" she asked. "Why aren't -you at the shop?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all right, mother," answered the lad; "there's -no bad news. Mr. Broad said I might come. I've -something to tell you—something pleasant, that will -make you very happy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes?" she said wonderingly, and looking straight -into his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A marvellous thing, mother—more marvellous -than you ever dreamed of. Only Susie said it -could be true, and even her faith failed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The woman had put down her work. Her face -was white, her lips twitched nervously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jim," she said pathetically—"Jim, this can only -be one thing. Tell me quickly! O Jim, I can't -bear it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's true, mother!" cried the boy. "It is the -one thing. Yes, father is alive; there's news of -him. He's coming home—coming to Beauleigh!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Hartland slipped to the floor, clasped her -hands, and offered up a silent prayer to Heaven. -She could not speak, but the joy and the praise -and the thanksgiving were all there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And then! Then they heard a click at the little -gate, and a firm step on the path, and the front -door was gently pushed open.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O mother," cried Jim, "try to bear up! It is -father!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He came along, slowly and with even steps at -first; but, in his own words, his patience bubbled -over, his feet broke into a run, and the next -instant he was within the kitchen clasping his wife -in his arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mary!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"John!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nothing more than that was heard for a long time, -but no words were required to express their joy. Later -in the evening there were numerous questions to be -asked and answered, and the returned sailor's account -of his wonderful escape to be given.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>I cannot set the story down in his own words, -though it was full of interest to his eager listeners, -but the outline is simple enough. The man Davies's -account proved correct in the main, though John -Hartland was astonished to find he had survived. -As for himself, being a good swimmer, he had struck -out for the shore, which, for a time, it appeared -he would in all likelihood reach. Then his strength -failed, and he could do no more than turn on his -back and endeavour to float in the rough sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The waves tossed him where they listed; he -was worn out and exhausted by the prolonged -struggle; but for the thought of the loved ones -at home, he would have sunk down, down to the -depths, like a weary child laying its head on the -pillows. Only for the sake of his wife and children -he fought on, though with ever-increasing weakness, -until the roar of the sea was meaningless in his -ears, and his upturned eyes gazed at the sun, -without sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Death was then very close at hand. He never -knew the exact manner of his rescue or the period -of his unconsciousness. He came back to life in -a wretched hut on a desolate coast. Several natives -stood around him. They were ill clothed, miserably -poor, and, to our way of thinking, absolutely -without the necessities of life. However, they treated -the white man to the best of their ability, lighting -a fire for him, gathering shell-fish for him, even -giving up to his wants their greatest dainty—an -occasional bird.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From this savage condition he was rescued by an -American whaler; and afterwards, joining a Chilian -ship at Valparaiso, he worked his way round to Rio. -Thence he got to the West Indies, where, by a -fortunate accident, he secured a mate's berth in a -homeward-bound vessel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Mrs. Hartland had to tell her story; and -as she praised Jim's unselfishness, the sailor kept -patting him on the shoulder and murmuring, "Good -boy! Good boy, Jimmy! You did well!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As to this young schoolmaster," said he, "he's -a regular brick! Thank goodness we can pay him -for Jim's upkeep and all that, but we can never -repay his generous thoughtfulness. Money's no -good for that part of the case."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," remarked his wife; "and money will not -repay Dr. Stewart either. We have had much to -be thankful for, John."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Pon my word!" exclaimed the sailor, bringing -his great fist down on the table with a mighty -bang, "I did not think, lass, there was so much -kindness in the world. When shall I be able to see -Susie?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must consult the doctor," said his wife. -"The sudden shock may not be good for her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah," said he with a sigh, "we must be careful; -but my heart's sore to see the little lass."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>True to his promise, Jim was early at the shop -next morning, and for several days he toiled early -and late until his employer's busy time was over. -It was one way of showing his gratitude, and he had -no thought of reward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The news of his father's return quickly spread -through Beauleigh, and he received the congratulations -of all kinds of people. Dick Boden, of course, -found his way to Brook Street, where, it is perhaps -hardly necessary to state, he was warmly welcomed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shan't forget you in a hurry, my son!" -exclaimed the jovial sailor, "nor what you did for -Jim. I've heard the yarn. Just wait till I come -back from my next voyage."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope," observed Dick, with the usual innocent -expression on his face, "that it won't take quite -as long as the last." And the sailor laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He would have felt quite happy now, had his -little girl been at home. His heart yearned for the -lass, but he was buoyed up by a wonderful hope. -With the doctor's permission, he had seen her at -the hospital, and had come away with the profound -conviction that she was gradually growing stronger. -Indeed, Dr. Stewart had said as much, and more also.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Next summer," he had said, "in all human -probability, Pussy will walk, and before the end -of the year even go a short distance without the -aid of crutches."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Laythorne had left the town at the beginning -of the holidays, and Jim could not communicate -with him; but at last his letter arrived, directing -the boy to join him at 7 Mortimer Gardens, -Portsmouth, on the following morning. Accordingly, -Mrs. Hartland packed his things, Jim paid a -farewell visit to his sister, went to see Dick, who was -now installed in Sir Thomas Arkell's business, and -then spent a quiet hour with his parents.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll come with you, my boy," said his father. -"I wish to thank this Mr. Laythorne, and to have -a little talk with him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The schoolmaster was naturally somewhat surprised -by the appearance of the sturdy, deep-chested -sailor; but Jim soon explained matters, and then his -father said,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am a plain man, sir, and not much used to -figures of speech, but I want to thank you from -my heart for your kindness. You've been a real -Samaritan to my boy, and none of us will ever -forget it. There is just one thing to be said. I -mustn't trade on your generosity. The owners of -the </span><em class="italics">Morning Star</em><span> have behaved very handsomely, -so that I can well afford to pay Jim's shot. Now -that his father is home again, the boy mustn't be -a burden on you, sir. You see that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well," said Mr. Laythorne; "that shall be -as you please." And before Jim's father left, the -two drew up a fresh and eminently satisfactory -arrangement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now," said the sailor, "I'll just slip my -moorings and run back.—Good-bye, my boy. Write -often to your mother, and try to show this -gentleman you're worth the care he has bestowed on -you.—Good-bye, sir. If Jim comes to be worth -anything in the world we shall have you to thank for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They watched him go down the street; and then, -turning to the boy, Mr. Laythorne said,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is a happier start than I expected. Now -let us go to the school; there are several things -to be done before the boys return."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir," replied Jim, anxious to make himself -useful, and to begin his fresh start in life.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>L'ENVOI.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Seven years have gone by since the events just -recorded. It is Christmas Eve, and the streets of -Beauleigh are ablaze with light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>People are hurrying to and fro, laughing, talking, -pausing now and again to wish each other the -compliments of the season. Children stand at the shop -windows, gazing in wonder and delight at the -gorgeous toys, the pretty picture-books, and the numerous -games which make them look like fairyland. The -bright red berries of the holly shine and sparkle -in the brilliant light, the mistletoe hangs temptingly -overhead, the turkeys and geese are garlanded with -ribbons and decked with green.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Inside the shop of Messrs. Gotch and Parker, the -eminent jewellers, a young man is buying an -exquisite brooch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think, mother, that this will please her," he -remarks to the well-dressed woman seated close by.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Look at the laughing blue eyes, the fresh-coloured -cheeks, the winning smile. Surely this young -gentleman is an old acquaintance. Mr. Boden, the -shopman calls him; but to us he is Dick, or Dicky, or -the Angel, just as memory prompts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks," he says, placing the tiny packet in -his pocket. "Now, mother, lean on my arm."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yes, it certainly is our light-hearted Dick, whom -we will take the liberty of following, as he pilots his -mother through the crowded streets, then into the -quieter part of the town, and so to the foot of a -fairly steep hill facing the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He is evidently well known in Beauleigh, and -respected, too, one would imagine. Many people stop -to shake his hand, and to wish him a "merry -Christmas." Some are poor, other well-to-do; but -their wealth or poverty makes no difference in the -warmth of his greeting. It is easy to see that -things have prospered with him, but he is just as -kind and generous and simple-hearted as in the -old days.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O my aunt!" he exclaims with a boyish laugh, -looking at the hill; "fancy having this to climb! -You'll need a rest, mother, by the time we reach -the top!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Boden smiles, and glances proudly at the -handsome young fellow on whose arm she is leaning. -It must needs be a steep hill she could not -climb with him to help her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They are up at last, and a stream of light comes -from the open doorway of a large, old-fashioned -house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There he is!" cries Dick excitedly; and the -next instant he is shaking hands with another -young fellow, who pulls him laughingly inside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come along, old man!—Come along, Mrs. Boden!" -he exclaims. "A merry Christmas to you both!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The same to you, Jim, and many of 'em. You're -looking well, old chap, considering that heavy -grind.—A merry Christmas, Mrs. Hartland! See, you have -half killed mother! How? Why, by living up in -the clouds. You ought to keep a special tramway -for your guests—'pon my word you ought."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite right, Dick, my boy!" exclaims a deep -voice; and a tanned, bearded man comes into the -room with a sailor-like roll.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let me congratulate you on your appointment, -Mr. Hartland," cries Dick. "No more ploughing -the salt seas for you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>John Hartland has just procured the berth of traffic -manager to the harbour board.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's almost a pity, though," says Mr. Hartland -with a laugh, "that the house is perched up so -high. I tell the wife we live in a sort of eagle's -nest. Still, it suits Susie remarkably well; I must -admit that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Isn't Susie here?" asks Dick innocently, -looking round as if he had only just discovered her -absence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's upstairs," laughs her father, "putting on -a few more fal-lals, I expect. The lasses are all -alike in that respect."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick whispers to Mrs. Hartland, at the same -time slipping something into her hand, and the -others smile at one another as she glides out of the -room. She reappears presently, followed by a -young girl, the neck of whose dress is fastened by -an exquisite brooch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O Dick!" she exclaims, running forward, "thank -you very much. It is just lovely!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dick, looking a trifle shamefaced, murmurs some -reply, while Jim can hardly take his eyes from his -sister's face. He has not been at home much of -late years, and he can never quite restrain a thrill -of surprise on seeing the beautiful girl as she passes -before him with all the grace of a young fawn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Presently, when they are all quietly seated, Dick -says, with a joyous laugh,—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the way, I have a surprise packet for you. -Barton, our manager, has resigned, and Mr. Leverton -has been appointed in his place. That leaves the -under-manager's berth vacant, and—"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You haven't got it, Dick?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How can a fellow tell his yarn if he's interrupted -in this fashion? But, just to relieve your suspense, -I beg to state that the new under-manager for Sir -Thomas Arkell is Mr. Richard Boden, whom his -friends call Dick, and sometimes Dicky."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How they laugh, and cheer, and congratulate -him—almost like a parcel of school-boys! It certainly -is a memorable Christmas Eve.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That partnership is decidedly drawing nearer!" -laughs Jim. "I shall soon begin to look for the -altered sign."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He himself has not done badly. He has passed -through college with flying colours, has earned the -right to place "B.A. (Lond.)" after his name, and now, -on returning to Beauleigh, has been appointed one -of the masters at the Deanery School.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They are very proud of him at home, for he -has more than fulfilled their expectations, and has -brought some amount of credit to the good old -town.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sometimes," he exclaims thoughtfully, "it all -seems like a dream, and I pinch myself to make -sure that I am awake. I little imagined, dad, -when we heard of the loss of the </span><em class="italics">Morning Star</em><span>, -that things would turn out like this. We have -been very fortunate in finding good friends, and -the best one of all, as far as I am concerned, sits -here," he says, pointing to Dick.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Draw the curtains now, light the gas, heap more -logs on the roaring fire, and let us, before saying -our final word of farewell, take one more glance -at the merry party. For the elders, the stress and -storm of life's battle has abated; they have glided -into a peaceful haven, where they hear only the -echo of the thundering waves outside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As to the younger ones, who shall prophesy? -Life holds many storms and tempests for them -yet; but their barks are well manned and stoutly -built, and, I think, are likely to ride triumphantly -through life's seas, until they, too, come to a -peaceful anchorage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And so, farewell.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>THE END.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">Hayens's (Herbert) Books for Boys.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">Price 6s. each.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For the Colours. A Historical -Sketch of the British Army. -With Coloured Frontispiece and -Thirty-two Illustrations by -ARCHIBALD WEBB and other -well-known artists. Crown 8vo, -bevelled boards, cloth extra, -gilt top.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Ye Mariners of England. A -Boys' Book of the Navy. -Profusely illustrated. Crown 8vo, -bevelled boards, cloth extra, -gilt top.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="bold italics medium">Tales of Adventure.</em></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span>Crown 8vo, bevelled boards, cloth extra, gilt top, price 5s. each.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At the Point of the Sword. -A New Story for Boys. Illustrated -by R. PAYTON REID, -A.R.S.A.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A Captain of Irregulars. A -Stirring Tale of War and -Adventure in Chili. With Six -Illustrations by SIDNEY PAGET</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Clevely Sahib. A Tale of the -Khyber Pass. With Eight -Illustrations by J. WILLIAMSON.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>An Emperor's Doom; or, The -Patriots of Mexico. With Eight -Illustrations by A. J. B. SALMON.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A Fighter in Green. A Tale -of Algeria. With Nine -Illustrations by R. TALBOT KELLY, -R.B.A.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In the Grip of the Spaniard. -With Nine Illustrations by WAL PAGET.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Red, White, and Green. -Illustrated by ARCH. WEBB.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Under the Lone Star. With -Eight Illustrations by W. S. STACEY.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A Vanished Nation. A Tale of -Fighting in Paraguay. With -Six Illustrations by W. B. WOLLEN, R.I.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>Price 3s. 6d. each.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The British Legion. A Tale -of the Carlist War. With Six -Illustrations by W. H. MARGETSON.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Scouting for Buller. A Story -of the South African War. With -Coloured Illustrations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">Select Library of Historical Tales.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>Crown 8vo, cloth extra. Price 4s. each.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold">THREE BOOKS BY ANNIE LUCAS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The City and the Castle. A -Story of the Reformation in -Switzerland.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Leonie; or, Light out of Darkness -and Within Iron Walls, a -Tale of the Siege of Paris. -Twin Stories of the Franco-German War.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Wenzel's Inheritance; or, -Faithful unto Death. A Tale -of Bohemia in the Fifteenth -Century.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Alison Walsh. A Study of To-Day. -By CONSTANCE EVELYN.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Arthur Erskine's Story. A -Tale of the Days of Knox. By -the Author of "The Spanish -Brothers," etc.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dorothy Arden. A Story of -England and France Two -Hundred Years Ago. By J. M. CALLWELL.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Helena's Household. A Tale -of Rome in the First Century. -With Frontispiece.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>How They Kept the Faith. -A Tale of the Huguenots of -Languedoc. By GRACE RAYMOND.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>La Rochelle; or, The Refugees. -A Story of the Huguenots. By -Mrs. E. O. WILSON.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Monk and Knight. A Tale. By -FRANK W. GUNSAULUS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Pendower. A Story of Cornwall -in the Reign of Henry the -Eighth. By M. FILLEUL.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Spanish Brothers. A Tale -of the Sixteenth Century. By -the Author of "No Cross, No Crown."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Czar. A Tale of the Time -of the First Napoleon. By the -Author of "The Spanish Brothers," etc.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Under the Southern Cross. -A Tale of the New World. By -the Author of "The Spanish -Brothers," etc.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For Her Sake. A Tale of Life -in Ireland. By GORDON ROY.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In Palace and Faubourg. A -Story of the French Revolution. -By C. J. G., Author of "Good -Fight of Faith," etc.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Through Peril, Toil, and Pain. -A Story of the 10th Century. -By LUCY TAYLOR.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">Popular Works by E. 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FINNEMORE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Temple's Trial.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>Price 3s. 6d. each.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dominique's Vengeance. A -Story of France and Florida.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Fallen Fortunes. Illustrated -by W. H. MARGETSON.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For the Faith. A Story of the -Reformation Times in England. -Illustrated by W. H. MARGETSON.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Maud Melville's Marriage. A -Tale of the Seventeenth Century.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Priscilla. A Story for Girls. By -E. EVERETT-GREEN and -H. LOUISE BEDFORD. With Six -Illustrations by J. H. BACON.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Sign of the Red Cross. -A Tale of Old London.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Vera's Trust. A Tale.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Winning the Victory; or, Di -Pennington's Reward. A Tale.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="bold italics">Books for Young People.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>Post 8vo, cloth extra. -<br />Price 2s. 6d. each.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Birdie's Resolve, and How It -was Accomplished. A Story -for Children.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dulcie's Little Brother; or, -Doings at Little Monksholm.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dulcie and Tottie; or, The Story -of an Old-Fashioned Pair.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dulcie's Love Story.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Esther's Charge. With Six -Illustrations by J. H. BACON.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Fighting the Good Fight; or, -The Successful Influence of Well -Doing.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For the Queen's Sake; or, The -Story of Little Sir Caspar.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A Gordon Highlander. A Story -of the South African War. -Illustrated.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Squib and His Friends. A -Story for Children.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>True to the Last; or, My Boyhood's Hero.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">The Boys' Own Library.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>Post 8vo, cloth extra. Price 2s. each.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>THREE BOOKS BY M. DOUGLAS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Across Greenland's Ice-Fields. -The Adventures of Nansen and -Peary on the Great Ice-Cap.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Breaking the Record. The -Story of Three Arctic Expeditions.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The White North. With Nordenskiold, -De Long, and Nansen. -With Illustrations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>After Years. A Story of Trials -and Triumphs. By J. W. BRADLEY. -With Illustrations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Culm Rock; or, Ready Work -for Willing Hands. A Book -for Boys. By J. W. BRADLEY. -With Illustrations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Among the Turks. By VERNEY -LOVETT CAMERON, C.B., D.C.L., -Commander Royal Navy, Author -of "Jack Hooper," etc. With -Illustrations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Archie Digby; or, An Eton Boy's -Holidays. By G. E. WYATT, -Author of "Harry Bertram and -his Eighth Birthday."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As We Sweep Through the -Deep. A Story of the Stirring -Times of Old. By GORDON -STABLES, M.D., R.N. With -Illustrations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At the Black Rocks. A Story -for Boys. By the Rev. EDWARD -A. RAND, Author of "Margie -at the Harbour Light," etc.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Battle of the Rafts. And -Other Stories of Boyhood in -Norway. By H. H. BOYESEN.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A Fortune from the Sky. By -SKELTON KUPPORD, Author of -"The Uncharted Island," etc. -Illustrated by ROBERT HOPE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Great Explorers. An Account -of Exploration and Travel in -many Lands. With Thirty-two -Full-page Illustrations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Gunpowder Treason and Plot, -and other Stories for Boys. -By HAROLD AVERY, FRED. -WHISHAW, and R. B. TOWNSHEND. -With Fourteen Illustrations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Lost in the Wilds of Canada. -By ELEANOR STREDDER, Author -of "The Merchant's Children," etc.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Lost Squire of Inglewood; -or, Adventures in the Caves of -Robin Hood. A Boy's Story of -Adventure. By Dr. JACKSON. -Illustrated by WALTER G. GRIEVE.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Romance of the South -Pole. Antarctic Voyages and -Explorations. By G. BARNETT -SMITH. With Twelve Illustrations.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Soldiers of the Queen; or, Jack -Fenleigh's Luck. A Story of -the Dash to Khartoum. By -HAROLD AVERY, Author of -"Frank's First Term," etc.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Vandrad the Viking; or, The -Feud and the Spell. A Tale of -the Norsemen. By J. STORER -CLOUSTON. With Six Illustrations -by HUBERT PATON.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Willoughby Boys. By -EMILY C. HARTLEY.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>T. 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