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diff --git a/old/50246-0.txt b/old/50246-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 61ef363..0000000 --- a/old/50246-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6531 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Running To Waste, by George M. Baker - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: Running To Waste - The Story of a Tomboy - -Author: George M. Baker - -Release Date: October 17, 2015 [EBook #50246] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RUNNING TO WASTE *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Craig Kirkwood, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive.) - - - - - - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - -Additional Transcriber’s Notes are at the end. - - * * * * * - -[Illustration: BECKY’S LEAP. Page 89.] - -_THE MAIDENHOOD SERIES._ - - - - -RUNNING TO WASTE. - -THE STORY OF A TOMBOY. - - - BY GEORGE M. BAKER. - - AUTHOR OF “AMATEUR DRAMAS,” “DRAWING-ROOM STAGE,” - “SOCIAL STAGE,” “MIMIC STAGE,” - ETC., ETC. - - _ILLUSTRATED._ - - BOSTON: - LEE AND SHEPARD, PUBLISHERS. - - NEW YORK: - LEE, SHEPARD AND DILLINGHAM. - - * * * * * - - Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874, - BY GEORGE M. BAKER, - In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - - * * * * * - - TO - MRS. RACHEL E. BOLES, - - A PATIENT INVALID, WHO WOULD HAVE ME BELIEVE - THAT A FEW OF HER WEARY HOURS HAVE - BEEN LIGHTENED BY THE READING OF - “THE STORY OF A TOMBOY,” - - I Dedicate this Book, - - IN REMEMBRANCE OF A LONG FRIENDSHIP, - AND IN GRATITUDE FOR MANY - KIND ACTS. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PAGE - - CHAPTER I. - - STOLEN SWEETS. 7 - - CHAPTER II. - - FALLEN FORTUNES. 22 - - CHAPTER III. - - MRS. THOMPSON’S CROSS. 38 - - CHAPTER IV. - - BECKY SLEEPER’S CHARITY. 56 - - CHAPTER V. - - IN SCHOOL AND OUT. 73 - - CHAPTER VI. - - BECKY’S LAST FROLIC. 90 - - CHAPTER VII. - - MRS. THOMPSON DISOBEYS ORDERS. 104 - - CHAPTER VIII. - - BECKY’S NEW BIRTH. 122 - - CHAPTER IX. - - TEDDY SLEEPER DINES OUT. 145 - - CHAPTER X. - - THE ROMANCE OF A POOR OLD MAID. 161 - - CHAPTER XI. - - BECKY BEARDS THE LION IN HIS DEN. 176 - - CHAPTER XII. - - AMONG THE WOODPECKERS. 197 - - CHAPTER XIII. - - DELIA SLEEPER’S SHIP COMES IN. 215 - - CHAPTER XIV. - - TWO YEARS AFTER. 231 - - - - -RUNNING TO WASTE. - -CHAPTER I. - -STOLEN SWEETS. - - -“Bouncers, Teddy! the roundest and the rosiest. Drop them, quick! My -apron’s all ready for the darlings.” - -“It’s very well to say drop _them_; but it’s just as much as I can do -to keep from falling myself. Don’t you see I’m holding on with both -hands?” - -“What a fuss you do make! Come down, and let me try. I never saw a tree -yet big enough to scare me.” - -“Who’s scart, Becky Sleeper? I ain’t--not by a long chalk. When a -feller’s holdin’ on with both hands, he can’t be expected to pick very -quick--can he?” - -“Wind your arm round that branch over your head. There; now you’re all -right, Teddy.” - -“That’s so. What a hand you are to contrive! Now look sharp--they’re -coming!” - -Becky Sleeper, in imitation of famed “Humpty Dumpty,” sat upon a wall, -where she had no business to be, for the wall was the boundary of -Captain Thompson’s orchard. But there she sat, her feet dangling, her -hair flying, and her hands holding her apron by its corners, intent on -catching the apples which her brother was plucking from the tree above -her head. - -An active, wide-awake little body was the girl who was acting as -accessory to the crime--a very common one--of robbing an orchard. Every -movement of her sprightly figure belied the family name. Perched upon -the wall, that cool October morning, she might have sat as a model -for the Spirit of Mischief. A plump, round, rosy face, with a color -in the cheeks that rivaled in brightness the coveted fruit above her, -blue eyes full of laughter, a pretty mouth, with dissolving views of -flashing teeth, teasing smiles, and a tongue never at rest; a queer -little pug nose, that had a habit of twitching a mirthful accompaniment -to the merriment of eyes and mouth, a profusion of light hair, tossed -to and fro by the quick motions of the head,--all these combined to -make a head-piece which would have delighted an artist, brightened -as it was by a few straggling rays of sunshine, that darted through -convenient openings in the mass of foliage above her head. - -Miss Becky’s costume, however, did not furnish a fitting finish to her -face and figure, but, on the contrary, seemed much the worse for wear. -A high-neck, blue-check apron showed unmistakable signs of familiarity -with grape and berry juices; the rusty brown dress which peeped out -beneath it was plentifully “sown with tares,” and had a rough fringe at -the bottom never placed there by the dress-maker; a pair of stockings, -once white, had the appearance of having recently been dyed in a -mud-puddle, and a pair of stringless boots, which completed her attire, -were only prevented from dropping off by an elevation of the toes. - -With her diminutive figure, her mischievous face, and her eager -interest in the apple raid, she might have been taken for a -thoughtless, giddy child. No stranger would have dreamed she was a -maiden with an undoubted right to affix to her name, age sixteen. - -Her companion was a year younger, but greatly her superior in weight -and measure, not much taller, but remarkably round at the waist and -plentifully supplied with flesh. He lacked the activity of his sister, -but was ambitious to emulate her achievements, and to that end panted -and puffed with remarkable vigor. - -Becky was an adept in all _boyish_ sports. She could climb a tree with -the activity of a squirrel, ride a horse without saddle or bridle, pull -a boat against the swift current of the river, “follow my leader” on -the roughest trail, take a hand at base ball, play cricket, and was -considered a valuable acquisition to either side in a game of football. - -Teddy admired the vigor of his sister, was not jealous of her superior -abilities, although he was unlucky in his pursuit of manly sports. -He had to be helped up a tree, and very often lay at the foot, when -the helper thought he had successfully accomplished his task. Horses -generally dropped him when he attempted to ride; he always “caught -crabs” in boats; was a “muffer” at base ball, and in everybody’s way in -all sorts of games. - -These two were companions in roguery, and were a terror to all -respectable people in Cleverly who possessed orchards which they valued -highly, or melon patches which they watched with anxious care; for, -no matter how high the value, or how strict the watch, this pair of -marauders had excellent taste in selection, and managed to appropriate -the choicest and best without leave or license. - -Cleverly is a very staid, respectable, triangular township on the coast -of Maine, its southern, or sea line about six miles in length, forming -the base of the triangle, with a small village--Foxtown--at its -eastern point, and a somewhat more pretentious town--Geeseville--at -its western point. From these two places the division lines ran, one -north-east, the other north-west, meeting on Rogue’s River, where a -bridge makes the apex of the triangle. The roads, however, do not -traverse these boundary lines. There is a straight road from Foxtown -to Geeseville, passing over a bridge which spans the river where it -empties into the harbor. South of this highway is known as the fore -side, and here may be found Captain Thompson’s shipyard, a short, -chunky wharf, where occasionally a packet lies, and a blacksmith’s -shop. - -A few rods west of the river another road breaks from the highway and -goes straight north. This is the main street of Cleverly. Climbing a -hill from the fore side, the traveller, on entering this street, will -find on the left a tailor’s shop, a country store, the post-office, -then a dozen houses, white, attractive, and roomy. On the right, a row -of neat and tidy houses, four in number; then a carpenter’s shop, the -church, a small school-house, a more expansive “academy,” several fine -dwellings, then a long hill, at the foot of which is a brick-yard, -and, a few rods farther, another settlement known as the “Corner.” -The distance between the fore side and the Corner is about a mile, -and between these two points may be found the wealth, culture, and -respectability of the township. - -There is abundance of thrift, with very little “brag” about Cleverly. -Rogue’s River turns a paper mill, a woollen mill, and a nail factory. -Every season a vessel is launched from the ship-yard, and every winter -the academy is well filled with students; every Friday night, winter -and summer, the vestry of the church is crowded with an attentive -audience, and every Sunday the church is surrounded with horses and -vehicles of all sizes, varieties, and conditions; yet the quiet of the -place seems never broken. There is much beauty, with little attempt at -display, about the town. Trees line the street, vines climb about the -houses, shrubs peep out at the palings, and flowers bloom everywhere -without any seeming special assistance from the inhabitants. - -There is very little change in the Cleverly of to-day from the Cleverly -of twenty years ago. Then Captain Thompson’s house stood directly -opposite the church, a large, square, two-story front, as grand as any -in the place. At the rear, a lower building, used as a kitchen, ran -out to one still lower, used as a wood-shed; this, in turn, stretched -out to another building, used as a carriage-house, while the barn, -of larger proportions, swung at the end of all; so that, approaching -it from the side, the structure had the appearance of a kite with a -very long tail to it. At the end of the stable was the kitchen garden; -beyond that, the orchard, and on the stone wall which separates it from -the lane, which in its turn separates the whole place from the woods, -patiently sits Miss Becky during this long description. - -“Quick, Teddy! Three more will make a dozen; and that’s as many as -I can hold, they’re such whoppers. O, dear! my arms ache now,” said -Becky, after Teddy had employed more time than seemed necessary in -plucking the captain’s mammoth Baldwins. - -“Don’t ache any more than mine do, I guess,” grumbled Teddy; “and I’m -all cramped up, too. Don’t believe I’ll ever git down agin.” - -“O, yes, you will Teddy. You’re famous for quick descents, you know. -You always come down quicker than you go up; and such graceful -somersets as you do make! It’s better than the circus, any time, to see -you;” and a merry peal of laughter broke from Miss Becky’s lips. - -“Becky, Becky! don’t do that!” cried Teddy; “they’ll hear you up at the -house. I wouldn’t have Cap’n Thompson catch me in this tree for a good -deal, I tell you. He’s promised me a whaling if he ever catches me on -his place.” - -“Don’t be scart, Teddy. He won’t catch you this time. I can see the -house, and there is not a soul stirring; and, besides, the cap’n’s not -at home.” - -“I tell you, Becky, somebody’s comin’. I can feel it in my bones. I’m -comin’ down;” and Teddy made a frantic effort to free himself from the -crotch of the tree, into which he was snugly fitted. - -“Not until you make up the dozen, Teddy. Don’t be a goose! I haven’t -watched this tree a week for nothin’. Cap’n Thompson’s gone to the -ship-yard. I saw him ride off an hour ago on ‘Uncle Ned;’ and he never -gets back till dinner time when he goes there.” - -“Don’t be too sure of that, Tomboy!” - -With a slight scream, Becky turned her eyes from the camp of the enemy -to the lane. Not ten feet from her stood a white horse, and on his back -sat the dreaded enemy--Captain Thompson. A lively trembling of the -branches overhead gave evidence that another party was aware of the -startling interruption to a projected fruit banquet. - -Becky looked at the captain. He had a very red face; he seemed to be -in a towering passion, and was, evidently, searching his short, stout -body for a tone deep and terrible enough with which to continue the -conversation. She looked at him with a smile on her face; but, at the -flash of his angry eyes, dropped hers to the apron which contained -the proofs of guilt, then stole a glance at her trembling accomplice, -straightened her little body, and looked defiantly at the horseman. - -“So, Tomboy, I have caught you in the act--have I?” thundered the -captain. - -“Yes, cap’n, you certainly have, this time, and no mistake,” saucily -answered the tomboy. “S’pose we’ve got to catch it now. What’s the -penalty? Going to put us in the pound, or lock us up in the barn?” - -“Neither, Miss Impudence,” thundered the captain. “I’ll horsewhip you -both. Here, you, Master Ned, come out of that tree, quick! D’ye hear?” - -That the delinquent did hear, and that he was inclined to obey, was -made manifest by a rustling among the leaves, and the dull thud of a -heavy body as it struck the ground, for Master Teddy, terrified at the -angry voice of the captain, had let go, and landed in a heap outside -the wall. - -“Run, Teddy, run! Don’t let him catch you!” cried Becky, in excitement, -dropping her apron. - -[Illustration: STOLEN SWEETS. Page 7.] - -The round and rosy spoils, being freed, followed the law of -gravitation, and plumped one after another on to the head of the -prostrate Teddy, who was groaning and rubbing his elbows, with a very -lugubrious face. - -“If you stir a step, you imp of mischief, I’ll break every bone in your -body,” cried the captain, hastily dismounting, and approaching Teddy, -with a long riding-whip in his hand. - -“Don’t you touch my brother! Don’t you dare to touch my brother!” cried -Becky from her perch. “It’s a shame to make such a fuss about a few -apples!” - -“It’s a great shame that a girl of your age should be caught stealing -apples,” replied the captain. - -“’Tain’t my fault. We shouldn’t have been caught if you’d only staid at -the yard.” - -The captain almost smiled; the audacity of the young depredator’s -attempt to shift the responsibility of the theft upon him, really -tickled him. Nevertheless, he approached Teddy, who, having rubbed -himself comfortable, now sat calmly awaiting his fate. - -“Now, sir, what have you to say for yourself? Haven’t I told you to -keep off my place? Haven’t I given you sufficient warning? Haven’t I -promised you a thrashing if I caught you here--hey?” roared the captain. - -“Yes, cap’n, you did. But I couldn’t help it. I--I--I didn’t want the -apples; b--b--but I wanted to climb the tree for fun; its such a hard -climb, and--and--” stammered Teddy, eyeing the whip. - -“Don’t lie, you imp. There’s my apples all round you. You shall sweat -for this, I promise you. Off with your jacket, quick! D’ye hear?” - -“Don’t strike him, cap’n; please don’t. He’s not to blame;” and Becky -plunged from the wall, and stood between the captain and her brother. -“He didn’t want the apples--indeed, he didn’t. He don’t like apples--do -you, Teddy?” - -Teddy shook his head energetically, with a contemptuous look at the -fruit. - -“I helped him up the tree, and I’m to blame for it all. You oughtn’t -to strike a boy for doing all he can to please his sister. If you must -whip somebody, take me.” - -“Stand out of the way, Tomboy. Your time will come soon enough--never -fear.” And he pushed her from the path. “Off with that jacket. D’ye -hear?” - -Teddy coolly unbuttoned his jacket, and threw it on the grass. - -“Don’t tease him, Becky. I’m not afraid of his whip. If it’s any fun -for him, let him lay on. I guess I can stand it as long as he can;” and -Teddy looked defiantly at his adversary. - -Becky ran to her brother, and threw her arms about his neck, to shield -him from the whip. - -“He shan’t strike you, Teddy. It’s all my fault. He shan’t touch you.” - -Captain Thompson was an obstinate man. When he made up his mind to the -doing of an act, nothing could stand in his way. Perhaps this accounted -for the coolness of Teddy in the trying situation in which he was -placed, who, remembering his promise, knew it must be fulfilled, and so -offered no resistance. - -“Don’t, Becky. D’ye want to smother a feller? Don’t be a ninny. It’s -got to come. Go home--do.” - -“I won’t. He shall kill me before he strikes you.” - -Becky’s devotion was blighted in an instant, for the angry man seized -her by the arm and flung her across the lane. She fell to the ground -unhurt, for the grass was thick and soft. - -“I’ll teach you to meddle. Don’t come near me till I’ve done with him. -Mind that.” - -Becky sprang to her feet, fire flashing from her eyes. She was as angry -now as her tormentor. She picked up a stone, and despite his warning, -approached the captain. He should not strike her brother, she looked -at the house; no one in sight. Down the lane; no one--yes, there stood -Uncle Ned, cropping the grass, unmindful of the group. Ah, the horse! -There was a chance yet to save her brother. - -“Now, you scamp, I’ll teach you to rob orchards!” and the whip was -raised. - -Spry as a cat, Becky was at the captain’s back in an instant. She -jumped and caught the whip from his hand, then ran for the horse. The -captain quickly turned; but too late. Becky sprang to the saddle, -caught up the rein, lashed the horse, turned, and shouted, “Good by, -Teddy! Good by, cap’n!” and galloped down the lane. - -“Come back, come back, you imp of mischief! Come back, I say,” shouted -the captain, running after her. - -“Some other time, cap’n; can’t stop now. Good by;” and the saucy girl -turned, waved her hand to the maddened and baffled owner of the -Baldwins, plied the whip briskly, and was out of sight. - -The captain, with a muttered “Hang it!”--which was the extent of his -swearing, for he was a deacon,--followed at as rapid a pace as he could -command, leaving Teddy solitary and alone. - -The fat boy looked after his persecutor a moment, with a smile upon his -face, then rose, picked up his jacket, put it on, buttoned it at the -bottom, then coolly picked up the trophies of victory, tucked them into -his jacket and his pockets, crossed the lane, crept through a hedge, -and disappeared. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -FALLEN FORTUNES. - - -“A stern chase is a long chase;” so, leaving Captain Thompson in -pursuit of the fugitive, we will take the liberty of passing through -his premises to the main street. At the left of the church, opposite -his house, another road ran down a steep hill, crossed Rogue’s River, -by a bridge, ran up another hill, and wound round into the Foxtown -road. At the top of the second hill stood a small brown house, by no -means attractive in appearance, being destitute of paint, climbing -vine, flowers, or other ornamentation. It had not even the virtue of -neatness to recommend it. The gate was off its hinges, and lay in the -road. A crazy barn close by had a pitch towards the river, as though -from sheer weakness it was inclined to lie down for rest, while the -scanty patch of cabbages and beets, the potato hills, few and far -between, and the rickety bean-poles, all had a starved and neglected -appearance. - -This was known as the “Sleeper Place,” being occupied by Mrs. Sleeper -and the young people, Rebecca and Edward, better known as Becky and -Teddy. Inside, the house was not much more attractive than the outside. -On the lower floor were four rooms, separated by the entry, from which -a flight of stairs, hidden by a door, led to the garret above. On one -side was a kitchen, with a door leading into Mrs. Sleeper’s bed-room -at the back. On the other side was a sitting-room, with a door leading -to a bed-room back of that, known as Becky’s room. Teddy’s quarters -were above, under the roof. The house was scantily furnished with -old-fashioned furniture and home-made carpets, all of which had seen -their best many years before, and now showed veteran scars of long -service. - -In the kitchen were two females--Mrs. Sleeper and Hulda Prime. Mrs. -Sleeper was a small, slender woman, with a face from which much beauty -had faded out, a face which bore but one expression at all times--that -of anxious expectation. All else had died out five years before. Then -she was a bright, cheerful, active wife, merrily singing over her -household cares. Now she was waiting, for time to determine whether she -was a wife or a widow. - -In ’49, when the California gold fever attacked so many New England -towns, Captain Cyrus Sleeper was returning from the West Indies with -a cargo of sugar and molasses, in the new ship “Bounding Billow,” -the joint property of himself and Captain Paul Thompson. Touching -at Havana, he was made acquainted with the startling news of gold -discoveries; and, always impetuous, at once turned the bow of his ship -towards California. - -A year passed, and Captain Thompson also received startling news. -His runaway partner had reached California, disposed of his cargo at -fabulous prices, and sent the ship home in charge of his mate, and had -started for the mines. To his partner he remitted the whole amount -received for his cargo,--enough to build two ships like the Bounding -Billow,--one half of which, being his own, was to be held by his -partner for the support of his family until his return. - -The captain was astounded. The conduct of his partner was so strange, -he believed he must have lost his reason, and never expected to hear -any intelligence of him again. Mrs. Sleeper also received a message -from her eccentric husband, full of glowing descriptions of quick -fortunes made in El Dorado, hopes of speedy return, and bright pictures -of the high life they would lead when “his ship came in.” Since that -time nothing had been heard of Captain Cyrus Sleeper or his fortunes. - -The ship was fitted for a second voyage to the West Indies, Mrs. -Sleeper, by Thompson’s advice, going shares with him in the venture. -But it proved disastrous. The ship was wrecked on her return, and Mrs. -Sleeper found herself obliged to live on a very small income. Of a very -romantic nature, her sailor husband always a hero in her eyes, for -a little while she had high hopes of his quick return with an ample -fortune, and chatted gaily of the good time coming “when her ship came -in.” But as time passed, and no message came from over the sea, the -smile forsook her lips, the brightness her cheek, and the hope-light of -her eyes changed to an eager, searching glance, that told of an unquiet -mind and an aching, breaking heart. - -She went about her household duties, cooked, scrubbed, and mended, -quietly and silently, but took no pride in her home, no comfort in her -children. The house soon showed evidences of neglect. The children, -without a mother’s sympathy and guidance, were rapidly running to waste. - -Just when the money began to give out, Hulda Prime “came to help.” -Hulda was a distant relative of Cyrus Sleeper, by her own showing, as -she was a distant relative of almost everybody in Cleverly. She was -somewhere between forty and sixty: it was hard telling her age. It -could not be told by her hair, for she had none; nor yet by her teeth, -for they were false, or her cheeks, for they were always bright, and -had a natural color which some people were wicked enough to say was not -natural. She was long-favored, long and lean in body, had a very long -face, long nose, and a long chin. She wore a “front,” with two auburn -ringlets dangling at either end, a very tall white cap, carried herself -very erect, and had altogether a solemn and serious demeanor. She left -a “relative” to come and help “dear Delia in her troubles;” though in -what her help consisted was a puzzle which the good people of Cleverly -had never been able to solve. She got her living by “helping.” She -had no money, but she had a large stock of complaints, so many, that -they might have been calendared thus: Monday, rheumatism; Tuesday, -cancer; Wednesday, dyspepsia; Thursday, heart disease; Friday, lumbago; -Saturday, “spine;” Sunday, neuralgia. Or to vary the monotony, she -would start off Monday with “cancer,” or some other disease; but the -week would contain the whole programme. She was very regular in her -habits--of complaining, and was always taken bad just when she might be -of assistance. - -This day she was crouched by the fire, her head tied up in a towel, her -body slowly rocking to and fro. It was her neuralgia day. - -Mrs. Sleeper stood at her wash-tub near the window, her hands busy in -the suds, her eyes fixed on the distant waters of the bay, her thoughts -away with the ship that never came in. So absorbed was she in her -“waiting” dream, that she did not see Captain Thompson, who for the -last ten minutes had been puffing up the hill in sight of the window; -was not aware of his approach until he stood in the kitchen doorway, -with both hands braced against the sides, breathing very hard. - -“So, so! Pur--pur--purty capers those young ones of yours are cutting -up, Delia Sleeper!” - -Mrs. Sleeper turned with a start; Aunt Hulda straightened up with a -groan. - -“Do you mean Rebecca and Edward, captain? Have they been making any -trouble?” said Mrs. Sleeper, with the faintest sign of interest in her -voice. - -“Trouble, trouble!” shouted the captain, so loud that Aunt Hulda gave a -groan, and held her head very hard; “did they ever make anything else? -Ain’t they the pests of the town? Who or what is safe when they are -about? I tell you what it is, Delia, I’m a patient man, a very patient -man. I’ve endured this sort of thing just as long as I mean to. I tell -you something’s got to be done.” And the captain looked very red, very -angry, and very determined. - -“I’m sure I try to keep the children out of mischief,” faltered Mrs. -Sleeper. - -“No, you don’t. That’s just what’s the matter. You’ve no control over -them. You don’t want to control them. You just let them loose in the -town, like a couple of wildcats, seeking whom they may devour. What’s -the consequence? Look at Brown’s melon patch! He couldn’t find a sound -melon there. Look at my orchard! Despoiled by those barbarians! Here’s -a sample. To-day I caught them at one of my trees, loaded with plunder; -caught them in the act!” - -“O, captain! you did not punish them!” - -“Punish eels! No; they were too sharp for me. One ran off with my -horse, and a purty chase I’ve had for nothing. The other marched away -with my fruit. But I will punish them; be sure of that. Now, Delia, -this thing must be stopped; it shall be stopped. I’m a man of my word, -and when I say a thing’s to be done, it is done.” - -“I’m sure I’m willing to do anything I can to keep them orderly,” began -Mrs. Sleeper. - -“Now what’s the use of your talking so? You know you’re not willing to -do anything of the kind. You’re all bound up in your sorrows. You won’t -think of the matter again when I’m gone--you know you won’t. If you -cared for their bringing up, you’d have that boy at school, instead of -letting him fatten on other folks’s property, and bring that girl up to -work, instead of lettin’ her go galloping all over creation on other -folks’s horses. I tell you, Delia Sleeper, you don’t know how to bring -up young ones!” - -The captain, in his warmth, braced himself against the door sills so -energetically that they cracked, and a catastrophe, something like -that which occurred when Samson played with the pillars of the temple, -seemed imminent. - -“P’raps she’d better turn ’em over to you, Cap’n Thompson,” growled -Aunt Hulda; “you’re such a grand hand at bringin’ up!” - -“Hulda Prime, you jest attend to your own affairs. This is none of your -business; so shet up!” shouted the more plain than polite captain. - -“Shut up!” retorted Aunt Hulda. “Wal, I never! Ain’t you gettin’ a -leetle _obstroperlous_, cap’n? This here’s a free country, and nobody’s -to hinder anybody’s freein’ their mind to anybody, even if they are -a little up in the world. Shut up, indeed!” And Aunt Hulda, in her -indignation, rose from her chair, walked round it, and plumped down -again in her old position. - -“I don’t want any of your interference, Hulda Prime.” - -“I know you don’t. But it’s enough to make a horse laugh to see you -comin’ here tellin’ about bringin’ up young uns! Brought up your Harry -well--didn’t yer?” - -“Hush, Aunt Hulda; don’t bring up that matter now,” said Mrs. Sleeper. - -“Why not?” said Aunt Hulda, whose neuralgia was working her temper up -to a high pitch. “When folks come to other folks’s houses to tell ’em -how to train up their children, it’s high time they looked to home.” - -“I brought up my son to obey his father in everything, and there wasn’t -a better boy in the town.” - -“I want to know! He was dreadful nice when you had him under your -thumb, for you was so strict with him he darsn’t say his soul was his -own; but he made up for it when he got loose. Sech capers! He made a -tom-boy of our Becky, and was jest as full of mischief as he could -stick.” - -“No matter about my son, Hulda Prime; he’s out of the way now.” - -“Yes; cos you wanted to put him to a trade after he’d been through -the academy. He didn’t like that, and started off to get a college -education, and you shut the door agin him, and you locked up your -money, and vowed he should starve afore you’d help him. But they do say -he’s been through Harvard College in spite of yer.” - -“Hulda Prime, you’re a meddlin’ old woman,” roared the captain, -thoroughly enraged, “and it’s a pity somebody didn’t start you off -years ago--hangin’ round where you ain’t wanted.” - -“I never hung round your house much--did I, cap’n?” cried Aunt Hulda, -with a triumphant grin, which evidently started the neuralgic pains, -for she sank back with a groan. - -While this passage of tongues was going on inside the house, Miss Becky -appeared in the road, mounted on Uncle Ned, who looked rather jaded, -as though he had been put to a hard gallop. Flinging herself from his -back she entered the door, when the form of Captain Thompson, braced in -the kitchen door-way,--which position he had not forsaken even in the -height of debate,--met her eyes. Her first thought was to regain the -safe companionship of Uncle Ned; but a desire to know what was going on -overcame her sense of danger, and she gently lifted the latch of the -door which opened to the garret stairs, and stepped inside. The warlike -parties in the kitchen covered her retreat with the clamor of their -tongues. - -“Now, Delia, I want you to listen to reason,” continued the captain, -turning from the vanquished spinster to the silent woman, who had kept -busily at work during the combat. “You’re too easy with them children. -They want a strong hand to keep them in line. Now you know I’m a good -friend to you and yours; and though Cyrus Sleeper treated me rather -shabbily--” - -“My gracious! hear that man talk!” blurted out Aunt Hulda. “It’s no -such thing, and you know it. You made more money out of his Californy -speculation with that air ship than you ever made afore in your life.” - -“Will you be quiet, woman?” roared the captain. “I ain’t talkin’ to -you, and don’t want any of your meddlin’.” - -“Aunt Hulda, don’t interrupt, please,” said Mrs. Sleeper; “let’s hear -what the captain has to say.” - -“Then let him talk sense. The idea of Cyrus Sleeper’s ever treating -anybody shabby! It’s ridikerlous!” growled Aunt Hulda, as she returned -to her neuralgic nursing. - -“The young ones want a strict hand over ’em,” continued the captain, -when quiet was restored again. “I’m willing to take part charge of -them, if you’ll let me. They must be sent to school.” - -“I can’t afford it, captain. I couldn’t send ’em last year. You know -the money’s most gone,” said Mrs. Sleeper. - -“I know its all gone, Delia. What you’ve been drawing the last year is -from my own pocket. But no matter for that. Drinkwater opens the school -Monday. I’ll send the children there, and pay the bills. It’s time -something was done for their education; and I’ll be a father to them, -as they’re not likely to have another very soon.” - -“Don’t say that, don’t say that! Cyrus will come back--I know he will.” - -“If he’s alive. But don’t be too hopeful. There’s been a heap of -mortality among the miners; and if he’s alive, we should have heard -from him afore this. Chances are agin him. So you’d better be resigned. -Yes, you’d better give him up, put on mourning for a year, and then -look round, for the money’s gone.” - -“Give up my husband!” cried Mrs. Sleeper, with energy. “No, no. He -will come back; I feel, I know he will. He would never desert me; and -if he died,--O, Heaven, no, no!--if he died, he would find some way to -send his last words to me. No, no, don’t say give him up. I cannot, I -cannot!” and the poor woman burst into tears. - -“Wal, I never!” cried Aunt Hulda. “Look round, indeed! Why, it’s -bigamy, rank bigamy!” - -“Well, well,” said the captain, quickly, anxious to avoid another -battle, “do as you please about that; but let’s give the children a -good bringing up. They’ve got to earn their own living, and the sooner -they get a little learning the better.” - -“The children should go to school, captain, I know,” said Mrs. Sleeper; -“but I’m afraid they will not take kindly to the change.” - -“I’ll make ’em, then. It’s time they were broke, and I flatter myself -I’m able to bring ’em under control. But make no interference with my -plans. Once begun, they must stick to school. It’s for their good, you -know.” - -“Very well, captain; I consent; only be easy with them at first.” - -“O, I’ll be easy enough, never fear, if they mind me; if not, they must -take the consequences. So, next Monday fix ’em up, and I’ll take ’em -over, and talk to Drinkwater.” - -“I’ll have them all ready, captain, and thank you for the trouble -you’re taking,” said Mrs. Sleeper. - -“Now, mind! no interference from you or Hulda. If there is--” - -“Don’t fret yourself about me, cap’n. Mercy knows I’ve trouble enough -of my own. I declare, there’s that lumbago comin’ on agin,” groaned -Aunt Hulda. - -The captain seemed highly delighted at the prospect of a change in the -condition of his enemy, and, with a triumphant smile, backed into the -entry. - -“Hallo! there’s my horse, reeking with sweat. Where is that imp of -mischief?” thundered the exasperated captain. “If I catch her--” - -“Here I am, cap’n. Clear the coast! Ha, ha, ha! Hooray!” - -The voice came from the garret. There was a thundering racket on the -stairs, a crash against the door, which flew open, and Becky, seated -in an old cradle without rockers, burst into the entry. Tired of -listening, she had searched the garret for sport, had dragged this old -emblem of infancy from its hiding-place to the head of the stairs, -seated herself in it, and, regardless of consequences, started for a -slide. - -It was a reckless act. As the door flew open, the cradle struck the -captain’s shins, throwing him backwards, and pitching Becky out of the -front door on to the grass. The captain scrambled to his feet, furious -with pain and choler. Becky regained hers quickly and started for the -barn, the captain in hot pursuit. Another stern chase. The captain soon -desisted, mounted his horse, and rode away, while Miss Becky perched -herself on the rickety fence, and saluted the captain’s ears, as he -rode down the hill, with the refrain of the well-known song, “O, dear, -what can the matter be?” - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -MRS. THOMPSON’S CROSS. - - -The captain cantered home in no enviable state of mind. His mission had -been successful, in as much as he had gained Mrs. Sleeper’s consent -to his plan for “tying up” her children. Otherwise he felt unhappy -regarding the events of the day. There were still stinging pains in -his ankles and back to remind him of Miss Becky’s exploit, and the -shrill, sarcastic voice of Hulda Prime still rang in his ears. That -so miserable a creature as he considered her should have dared to -criticise his conduct was peculiarly mortifying to his pride. Aunt -Hulda had, indeed, spoken boldly. He was, undoubtedly the greatest man -in Cleverly. Senior deacon in the church, moderator at town meetings, -referee in all disputes, and general adviser of his fellow-townsmen, -he was a man to be treated with respect, a man who would brook -no interference with his plans, a man whose opinions must not be -combatted, and one whom people did not think it safe to thwart. And -this poor old hanger-on at people’s firesides had dared to criticise a -proceeding which others had not the courage to mention in his presence. -And he had not the power to punish her. Poor Aunt Hulda was never -thought so much of before by a man as she was by the captain during his -homeward ride. - -Gloomily he rode into the yard, and consigned Uncle Ned to the care of -Phil Hague, his man-of-all-work, who advanced smiling, to meet him, -undeterred by the black looks of his master. - -“By me sowl, cap’n, dear, it’s a fine lather yez given owld Uncle Ned. -Is it fur ye’ve rode?” - -“No,” shortly replied the captain. - -“Is that so? Thin what’s the matter wid the baste? Shure he’s not -looked so wary loike since--since Master Harry--” - -“Shut up, you fool!” thundered the captain. “It’s your business to take -care of him, and not to ask impertinent questions.” And he stamped into -the house, muttering, “Am I never to hear the last of that boy?” - -Phil scratched his head, and looked after the captain. - -“Shure there’s an aist wind blowin’, an’ we’ll have to be afther -scuddin’ under bare poles, jist.” - -Gloomily the captain stalked through the various sections of his -establishment, until he reached the front sitting-room, and found -himself in the presence of his wife. - -Mrs. Thompson was the queen of Cleverly society. The mention of her -name in any company was enough to make the most silent tongue suddenly -eloquent. She was plump in person and plump in virtues. Her face was -just round and full enough to please everybody. No one had such rosy -cheeks as Mrs. Thompson, “at her time of life too!” There was the -kindliest light in her grey eyes, and the jolliest puckers about her -mouth; and the short gray curls that flourished all over her head -formed a perfect crown of beauty--nothing else. Cleverly folks were -proud of her, and well they might be. She was everybody’s friend. She -not only ministered to the wants of the needy, but she sought them out. -She was the first at the bedside of the sick, and the last to give -them up, for she was as well skilled in domestic medicine as she was -in domestic cooking, and superior in both. She was a wondrous helper, -for she knew just where to put her hands, and an enchanting talker, -for she never spoke ill of anybody. She was a devout sister of the -church, promulgating the true religious doctrines of faith, hope, and -charity with no sanctimonious face, but purifying and warming with the -incense of good deeds and the sunshine of a life cheerful, hopeful, -and energetic. She had her cross to bear--who has not?--but she so -enveloped it in the luxuriant branches of the tree of usefulness rooted -in her own heart, that its burden lay easy on her broad, matronly -shoulders. - -On the captain’s entrance she was seated in a low rocking-chair, -darning one of her husband’s socks. She looked up, with a smile upon -her face. - -“Ah, father! back early to-day!” - -“Father!” snapped the captain, as he flung himself upon a sofa. “Why -will you insist on calling me by that name? Haven’t I repeatedly asked -you not to?” - -“So you have Paul, so you have; and I’ve repeatedly disobeyed you,” -cheerfully answered the good woman. “I didn’t mean to; but women are -so forgetful! I’ll be more careful in future, fath--Dear me, there it -is again!” - -“There, there! what’s the use of talking to you? But I won’t have it. -I tell you I’m no father. I won’t be a father. When that boy took the -reins in his own hands, I cut him out of my heart. I’ll never, never -own him!” - -Mrs. Thompson bit her lips. Evidently the cross was bearing down hard -upon her. Only an instant, and the smile came back. - -“You rode up from the bridge. Been over to Delia’s?” - -“Yes, I’ve been over to Delia’s. That woman, and that woman’s young -ones, will drive me crazy.” - -“Then I wouldn’t go over there, if I were you. Let me be your messenger -in future.” - -“No, marm. I’ve taken this case into my own hands, and I mean to -finish it. When Sleeper disappeared, I told you not to go near them, -for I knew that you would be just foolish enough to fix them up so -comfortably, she would lead an idle life; and I wasn’t going to have -anything of the kind going on. She’s got to come to hard work, and she -might as well commence first as last. Its a mystery to me how she’s -got along so well as she has.” - -It was no mystery to Mrs. Thompson. She had been forbidden to go, but -not to send; and many and heavy had been the burdens her messengers had -carried across the river to the little brown house on the hill. - -“But I’ve settled things now,” continued the captain. “Next Monday the -young ones go to school.” - -“Next Monday! No, no; don’t send them then!” cried Mrs. Thompson, with -a shade of alarm in her manner. - -“And why not? I’d like to know. Next Monday the term begins.” - -“Yes; but--but hadn’t you better wait a few days?” - -“Wait? wait? I won’t wait a moment after the doors open. Next Monday -they go, bright and early.” - -“Just as you say, Paul,” said Mrs. Thompson, with a sigh. “How is -Delia? looking well?” - -“No; she looks bad. Think she might, with that grumbling old crone -fastened on to her.” - -“Old crone! Why, Paul, whom do you mean?” - -“Hulda Prime. She’s dropped in there to ‘help!’ Help make her -miserable; that’s all she’ll do. Plaguy old busybody, meddling in other -people’s affairs! I wish the town was well rid of her.” - -“She is rather an encumbrance--that’s a fact,” quietly replied Mrs. -Thompson. “But we are never troubled with her.” - -“She knows better than to come near me,” said the captain, with a wise -shake of the head. “Why, she had the impudence to taunt me with having -turned my own son out of doors!” - -“Indeed!” said his wife, hardly able to conceal a smile. - -“Yes, she did; and she’d heard that, spite of me, the boy had gone -through college. Plague take her!” - -“Indeed! Well, Aunt Hulda never picks her words. She is sometimes very -aggravating.” - -“Aggravating! She’s insolent. The idea of her daring to talk so to me! -O, if there was only a law to shut the mouths of such meddling old -tattlers, I’d spend every cent I have but what I’d lock her up where -her voice could never be heard!” - -The captain, unable longer to keep quiet, here rose, dashed about the -room two or three times, then darted out, and his angry tirade died -away in the distance as he made his way to the barn. - -Mrs Thompson sat quiet a moment, then burst into such a merry peal of -laughter that the Canary in the cage above her head was inspired, and -burst into a torrent of song. The audacity of Aunt Hulda seemed to -affect Mrs. Thompson far less severely than it did her husband, for -that was the cause of her mirth. - -Had Captain Thompson really been a bad man, his frequent outbursts -of passion might have terrified, and his fierce threats have pained -her; but a long acquaintance with the defect in his otherwise good -disposition had made these stormy passages too familiar to be dreaded. -His one defect--Mrs. Thompson’s cross--was obstinacy. Give the man -his own way, and he was ready for any good act or work: thwart him in -the slightest particular, and he was immovable. And so Mrs. Thompson, -like a wise woman, never openly arrayed herself against his wishes or -opinions. And yet the captain would have been astonished, had he calmly -investigated the matter, to find how seldom he really had his own way. -This shrewd woman knowing it was useless to combat his stubborn spirit, -was continually setting up safety-rods to attract this destructive -fluid where it could do no harm; contriving plans for him to combat, -herself triumphing in their downfall, while he exulted in his supposed -victory. - -Miss Becky’s career was a case in point. She had been pained to see -and hear of the girl’s wild, mischievous pranks, and felt it was time -she should be sent to school. She took occasion one day when, in sight -of the window, Becky had climbed up the lightning-rod on the church, -and seated herself in a window over the door, to call her husband’s -attention to the fact, with the remark that “such exercise must be -excellent for a girl’s constitution.” The captain fired up at once, -denounced such tomboy tricks, and declared the girl should go to -school, or he’d know the reason why. - -And so thanks to Mrs Thompson, and not her husband, Becky was to be -turned from the error of her ways. The captain was a liberal man; his -purse was always open to the demands of his wife. She might cover every -bed in the parish with comforters, clothe the poor, and feed the -hungry, to her heart’s content; he would never stop to count the cost. -And so she often managed to repair damages his temper had caused, out -of his own purse. - -But the man’s obstinacy had brought one serious disaster, which she -found all her woman’s wit necessary to repair. It had driven their only -child from his home, and made a breach between father and son which -might never be healed. - -Harry Thompson, at the age of fifteen, was a leader among the boys of -Cleverly. He was brave, skilful, and mischievous. He was looked upon -as a hero by his playfellows, whom he could incite to the performance -of wonderful gymnastic feats, or to the perpetration of boyish tricks -hardly as creditable. Among his enthusiastic admirers was Becky -Sleeper, then ten years of age, whom, being a special favorite of his, -he took pains to train in all the sports with which he was familiar. He -was then attending the school; no interested student, but very quick -and apt to learn, standing fair in his class. The next year he was sent -to the academy; and a suddenly-acquired taste for learning so fired -his ambitious spirit that at the end of the second year he graduated -at the head of his class, with the reputation of being a remarkable -scholar. Then, hungry for knowledge, he wanted to go to college. But -Captain Thompson had already planned a course for his son. He had -book-learning enough; he wanted him to be a practical man. He should go -into the yard and learn the trade of a ship-carpenter; in time he could -be a builder; and then the son could build, and the father would fit -out and send his ships abroad. - -The son demurred. The father’s obstinacy asserted itself; he could -not be made to listen to reason; and the matter ended by the boy’s -proclaiming his determination to go through college, if he had to scrub -the floors to get through, and the father’s threat that, if he left -home, the doors should be closed against his return. - -The boy went. The mention of his name was forbidden in his home by the -angry father. He had been gone four years, and the captain seemed as -insensible to his welfare as he did when he pronounced his dictum. - -But the mother, she had not held her peace for four long years without -knowledge of her boy. Snugly tucked away among her treasures were -weekly records of her son’s progress, in his own handwriting--tender, -loving epistles, such as make a mother’s heart warm and happy, telling -of true growth in manhood’s noblest attributes, and showing in every -line the blessed power of a mother’s influence. - -Despite her cross, Mrs. Thompson was a happy woman, and the -championship of her son by Aunt Hulda was a power to make her merry; -for she knew how her Harry got through college. He didn’t scrub the -floors to get through. O, no! Captain Thompson’s purse paved the way -for a more stately march through the halls of learning. - -And so, having had her laugh, Mrs. Thompson called, in a loud voice,-- - -“Silly!” - -Silly, somewhere down in the tale of the kite, answered the summons -with a shrill “Yes, marm,” and in a few minutes entered the room. - -Priscilla York was one of Mrs. Thompson’s charity patients--a tall, -ungainly, awkward girl, whom, from pity, the good woman had taken -into her house, with a desire to teach her a few of the rudiments of -housekeeping. - -Silly was by no means a promising pupil, her “breaking in” requiring -the breaking up of many dishes and the exercise of much patience. - -She was abrupt and jerking in her motion, except when she walked; then -she seemed afraid of damaging carpets, not having been accustomed to -them, and walked on tiptoe, which peculiar footfall caused the heels of -her slip-shod shoes to drop with a “clap-clap-clap,” as she crossed the -oil-cloth on the floor of the dining-room. Her clothes hung loosely on -her, and as she entered the room her arms were stuck stiff at her side, -her mouth wide open, and her eyes staring as though she expected to -hear some dreadful news. - -“Silly,” said Mrs. Thompson, “get the covered basket.” - -“Yes, marm,” said Silly, and darted for the door. - -“Stop, stop, child; I’ve not finished.” - -Silly darted back again. - -“I want you to get the covered basket, and take some things over to -Mrs. Sleeper.” - -“Yes marm;” and the girl darted for the door a second time. - -“Silly, stop this instant! What in the world are you thinking of?” - -“The covered basket, marm; it’s in the pantry.” - -“Silly, when I have finished what I want to say, I will tell you to go.” - -“Then you don’t want the covered basket, marm?” - -“Get the covered basket, put in it the ham that was left at dinner, a -pair of chickens I cooked this morning, a couple of mince pies, and a -loaf of bread. Do you understand?” - -“Yes marm. Basket, ham, chickens, mince pie, bread,” said Silly, -briskly. - -“Very well. Those are for Mrs. Sleeper, with my compliments.” - -“Yes marm. Basket and all?” - -“Bring back the basket, of course. Now go--” - -“Yes, marm;” and Silly made a third dart doorward. - -“Stop, stop, Silly!” - -“You told me to go when you said go; and I was a going to go.” - -“That was my mistake, Silly. I want you to go to the pantry, get -a bottle of currant wine, a jar of damson preserves, and a box of -sardines. Can you find them all?” - -“O, yes, marm. Currant wine, damson preserves, sardines.” - -“Very well. Be careful in handling things. Those are for Aunt Hulda, -with my compliments. Make no mistake, and be sure to tell her I sent -them. Now, Silly, go.” - -Silly started at the word “go” so forcibly that she ran plump against -the portly form of the captain, who just then entered. - -“Hang it!” roared he; “why don’t you see where you are going, stupid?” - -“Stupid” stopped not to tell the reason why, but darted by the captain: -and soon a commotion among the dishes in the pantry made it evident -that Silly was “handling things” none to carefully. - -“Where’s that crazy thing going now?” muttered the captain, as he -stalked to the window. - -“On one of my errands, Paul; so don’t be inquisitive.” - -Had he dreamed that Aunt Hulda’s defence of his boy had turned his -wife’s sympathies in her direction, and that there was likely to be a -shower of goodies poured into the spinster’s lap, he might have been -inquisitive, instead of shouting at that particular moment,-- - -“Hang it! there’s that boy again! and with my apples, too! He shan’t -escape me this time. No, no.” And the captain darted from the room, and -out into the road, bare-headed. - -Teddy Sleeper had waited two hours, in the woods behind the orchard -the return of Becky, supposing that, as she was the leader of the -expedition, after decoying the captain to a safe distance, she would -return to rescue her follower; for Teddy had not sufficient reliance -on his own skill to venture either an attack or a retreat. At last, -getting weary, he crept out into the lane, and from there into the -main street, and started for home. But as he neared the church he was -waylaid by a half a dozen of his cronies, just returning from a game -of base ball, and, of course, very hungry. Catching sight of the fruit -stowed away in Teddy’s jacket, they set up a roar of delight, and -surrounded him. - -“Hooray! Ted’s made a haul!” - -“Divy’s the thing--hey, Ted?” - -“O, come, Ted, don’t be mean.” - -“But they ain’t mine; they’re Becky’s,” said Teddy, warding off the -snatches at his plunder as best he could with his elbows. - -“Becky’s--are they? Hooray! She won’t care. Divy, Ted. She’s the best -fellow in town.” - -Teddy had about made up his mind to unbosom himself to his captors, -when he caught sight of the bareheaded captain emerging from the door. -A shiver ran through him. Hardly a chance for escape now. Nevertheless -he darted round the corner at a lively pace, and down the hill. The -disappointed boys, not having seen the captain, but supposing Teddy was -attempting to escape from them, set up a yell, and started in pursuit. -But Teddy had made a good start, and fear lent unwonted activity to his -legs. So, down the hill they went, Teddy ahead, the boys close at his -heels, and the captain dashing on behind. - -With such a load as he carried, Teddy could not long keep up his -gallant pace, and his pursuers rapidly gained upon him. He was almost -to the bridge, and there was Becky cheering and clapping her hands. If -he could only reach her, he felt he was safe. With a quick impulse, -he drew two apples from his bosom, and threw them over his head. The -foremost boy stopped suddenly to pick them up. On a down grade, too! -The result was appalling. In an instant he was on the ground, with his -companions piled upon him. A pitfall in the path of the irate captain. -His ponderous body launched itself upon the heap, and great was the -fall thereof. Screams, groans, and dirt filled the air as Teddy reached -the bridge. The vanquished picked themselves up as best they could, -without a thought of further pursuit, while the conquering _heroes_ -marched up the hill, to make, in some secure retreat, a fair division -of the spoils. - -[Illustration: ON THE BRIDGE. Page 55.] - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -BECKY SLEEPER’S CHARITY. - - -“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy,” was a precept by no -means religiously observed at the little brown house on the hill. -Mrs. Sleeper had never been a regular attendant at divine service, -even in her happiest days, and, since her peculiar misfortune, had -almost entirely neglected the church. A part of the day was regularly -spent in poring over the letters of her husband, the effect of which -was to set her weeping for the balance. The young people, left to -their own devices, amused themselves by pitching “quates” behind the -house, playing tag in the barn, or by indulgence in other equally -indecorous sports endeavored to wear out the long day. Aunt Hulda -generally brought forth from their resting-place at the bottom of her -trunk “The Family Physician,” or “Every Woman her own Doctor,” two -standard works for the cure of all diseases, and faithfully consulting -them for remedies to meet her infirmities, or, from old habit, took -the ponderous family Bible into her lap, and in its pages sought -consolation, the Book of Job, however, being the portion which really -soothed her perturbed spirit. - -On the Sunday following the disaster on the hill, the afflicted -spinster, in the sitting-room, was groaning over a treatise on cancer, -in “The Family Physician,” that disease being the order of the day in -her system of complaints. It was near the middle of the afternoon, -and Becky, having exhausted the supply of out-door sports, was lying -upon the sofa, and, with a very dissatisfied look upon her face, was -watching Aunt Hulda. Teddy, who seldom lost sight of his sister, was -flattening his nose against the window-pane. - -“Aunt Hulda,” said Becky, suddenly, “don’t you think Sunday is an awful -long day?” - -“I do, by hokey!” blurted out Teddy. “Can’t get up no fun, nor nothin’. -I’d like to go a fishin’ first rate; but jest as you git a nibble, long -comes some the meetin’-house folks, and begin to talk about breakin’ -the Sabbath. And that jest scares off all the fish.” - -“And the fishermen, too, Teddy. My sakes, how you did run last Sunday -when Deacon Hill caught you fishing down at the fore side!” said Becky, -with a laugh. - -“Plague take him! he jest marched off with my line and bait, too,” -growled Teddy. “It’s none of his business, anyhow.” - -“All days are long to a poor, afflicted creeter,” groaned Aunt Hulda. -“But when I was a girl of your age, I did think Sunday was as long -as six week-days beat into one; but then it’s the Lord’s day, and I -s’pose, after all, we can make it long or short, just as we try to do -what he wants us to.” - -“Well, I’d like to know what he wants me to do, for I can’t find out -any way to make it short. It’s just hateful, and I wish there wasn’t -any such day,” replied Becky, turning restlessly about. - -“Why, Rebecca Sleeper, how can you talk so? One of the things he wants -folks to do is to go to meetin’ regular. You ought to know that well -enough.” - -“Does he?” said Becky, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Seems to -me, Aunt Hulda, you don’t mind very well.” - -“Lor, child, I’m a poor, afflicted creeter. He don’t expect me to do -much but bear my troubles patiently; and I’m sure I do that,” said Aunt -Hulda, forcing a look of resignation into her face. - -“Don’t think much of goin’ to meetin’ anyhow,” said Teddy. “They always -pokes us up in the gallery, and won’t let us go to sleep; and if old -Fox, the sexton, ketches a feller firin’ spitballs, he jest whacks him -on the head.” - -“Then there are other ways to make the day short--readin’ the Bible and -other good books.” - -“Yes; ‘Family Physician,’ I s’pose,” said Teddy. “I jest wish I had -Robinson Crusoe: that’s a first rate one.” - -“Then a goin’ to see sick folks, and carryin’ ’em little dainties, is -another; and that makes the day short, I tell you,” continued Aunt -Hulda. “When I was a helpin’ Mrs. Lincoln, years and years ago, she -used to say to me Sunday afternoons, ‘Hulda, don’t you want to clap on -your bonnet and run over to the widder Starns with the basket?’ or, -‘Hulda, don’t you want to carry this jelly round to Mr. Peters? He’s -terrible sick.’ And I used to go and go, and never feel a bit tired, -because it was charitable work; and Sundays used to go quicker than -week-days, and I was glad when they come round again. Now there’s -poor Mr. York, Silly York’s father; poor man, he’s most gone with the -consumption; now, if you only had a nice little bit of somethin’ good -to take over to him, you don’t know how good you would feel, and how -the time would fly! O, dear, if I was only strong and well! But what’s -the use of talkin’? Here I’ve got the rheumatics so I can’t walk, and -the neuralogy so I can’t sit still, and I’m afraid there’s a cancer -comin’ on the end of my tongue, and then I can’t talk.” - -Here Aunt Hulda ran out her tongue, and commenced exploring it with her -finger to find a small pimple which had made its appearance that day. -Becky lay very quiet on the sofa, watching Aunt Hulda, who, after the -examination of her tongue, plunged into “The Family Physician” with -anxious interest. - -“Did she ever delight in doing good?” thought Becky, as she studied -Aunt Hulda’s face with renewed interest. “Everybody calls her a -nuisance, and everybody laughs at her complaints. She take nice things -to sick folks, and feel good in doing it! And she says this is the -Lord’s day--this long, weary day,--and can be made short and pleasant -like the other six! Why, she talks like a minister!” - -Aunt Hulda was a new being in the girl’s eyes. She began to reverence -the afflicted spinster. She lay there so quiet that Teddy looked round -in astonishment. His sister had been lying perfectly still for fifteen -minutes. Such an occurrence startled him. - -“Becky, what’s the matter? Sick--hey?” - -“No, Teddy,” replied Becky, startled in turn; “I’m thinking--that’s -all.” - -“Don’t do it. ’Twill make you sick--see if it don’t.” - -“I guess not, Teddy,” replied Becky, jumping up. “I’m going into the -kitchen.” - -Teddy followed her as she left the room. - -“Teddy,” said Becky, solemnly, after she had softly closed the kitchen -door behind them, “I expect we’re awful wicked.” - -“Do you, though?” said Teddy, with staring eyes. “What for?” - -“Because Sunday’s such a long day. Didn’t you hear what Aunt Hulda -said? It’s the Lord’s day, and we can make it short or long, just as we -try to do what he wants us to.” - -“Well, what’s he want us to do?” - -“To go to church, and not stay at home and pitch quates.” - -“How are we goin’ to church without clo’es? My elbows are all out; so’s -my knees. They’d send us home quick, I tell you.” - -“I suppose they would,” replied Becky, thoughtfully. “Well, there’s one -thing we might do--carry something nice to sick folks.” - -“We ain’t got nothin’ nice, and don’t know any sick folks,” replied -matter-of-fact Teddy, who failed to see anything time-shortening in -Becky’s project. - -“We know Mr. York, who’s got the consumption.” - -“Well, we might go and catch some fish and take to him--only I’ve lost -my line.” - -“No; something better than that, Teddy. Now you run and get a basket. I -know what to take.” - -Teddy went into the wood-shed and soon returned with a very dilapidated -basket. - -“That will do nicely. Now let’s see what we can find to put into it,” -said Becky, as she opened the door of the cupboard. “Here’s a bottle of -currant wine; I guess that’s good for consumption; we’ll take that. -And here’s a jar of preserves; they always give them to sick folks; -we’ll take that. And here’s a box of sardines. I don’t know about that. -Well, we’ll take it, any way.” - -“Why, Becky, these things are what Mrs. Thompson sent to Aunt Hulda,” -said Teddy, a little alarmed at Becky’s proceedings. - -“So they are;” and Becky wavered a moment. “No matter; she’ll send her -some more, I guess. Besides, Aunt Hulda won’t care, for we’re going to -do good with them. There’s a pair of chickens, too; but I guess they’re -most too hearty for sick folks. Now let’s be off.” - -With the basket between them, they crept into the wood-shed, from -there into a pasture behind the house, crossed that, climbed a fence, -and struck into the Foxtown road. The Yorks lived upon this road, a -good mile and a half from Mrs. Sleeper’s. The basket was a heavy, -unwieldy affair, in which the “good things” bounced about in a very -unsatisfactory manner; and the couple “changed hands” many times before -they reached their destination. - -In answer to Becky’s knock, the door was opened by Mrs. York, a short, -buxom woman with a very pleasant face. - -“Becky Sleeper--of all things! What in the world brought you here? and -what have you got there?” - -“Thought we’d come over and bring something to Mr. York. He’s -sick--ain’t he?” answered Becky. - -“Why, you good little soul! Come right in; my poor man will be dreadful -glad to see you.” - -Becky and Teddy accepted the cordial invitation, and were ushered -into the presence of the “poor man.” Mr. York was by no means so far -gone as people imagined. True, there were about him symptoms of the -dread disease which New England makes a specialty; but he was a very -lazy man, and took advantage of any slight cold to house himself and -be nursed by his wife. Mrs. York was not an idle woman; she washed, -ironed, and scrubbed in the neighborhood, when her husband worked at -his trade; the moment he “felt bad” she dropped all outside labor, and -gave her attention to him, magnifying his troubles by her sympathy, -and thus making a “baby” of a man who was strong enough to support his -family, had he the inclination. Of course, in this state of affairs, -there was no income, and the active charity of Cleverly had a loud call -in that direction. - -The room was neat and tidy; the “poor man” lay upon a sofa; two of the -five children with which this couple were blessed were playing about -the room; two were at church; the eldest, Silly, was in the next room, -putting away her things, having just returned from Mrs. Thompson’s. - -“Only think, father, here’s Becky and Teddy Sleeper come all the way -alone to bring you something nice. Of all things! Why, Becky, I thought -you didn’t care for anything but getting into scrapes and out again. -You’ve got a good heart, any way--ain’t she father?” - -Father raised himself on his elbow, with a faint “Yes, indeed,” and -fastened his eyes on the basket, somewhat more interested in the good -things than in the good heart. - -“Empty your basket right on to the table, Becky. Did your mother send -’em?” - -“No; mother’s sick,” replied Becky, a little defiantly, for the -allusion to scrapes had struck her as not exactly polite under the -circumstances. “No, Mrs. York; I thought I’d pick up something myself. -Here’s a bottle of wine, a jar of preserves, and a box of sardines,” -placing them upon the table. “If they will do Mr. York any good, you’re -welcome to them.” - -“Why, they’re real nice, and we’re ever so much obliged to you, Becky. -Where did you get them?” - -Becky was silent a moment. She had not expected such a question, was -not prepared to tell the truth, and would not lie, lying being an -infirmity which she detested; not, however, from any prompting of her -moral nature, but because she thought it a cowardly way of getting out -of a scrape. - -“Do you think it polite, Mrs. York, to ask so many questions when -people take the trouble to bring you things?” she said, at last, with -an abused look in her eyes. - -“No, I don’t, Becky,” replied Mrs. York, with a laugh. “It’s real -mean, and I’ll say no more. You’re a dear, good girl, and you deserve -a better bringing up than you’re getting now. Here’s Silly,--Silly, do -look here; see what these dear children have brought your father--wine, -preserves, sardines! Ain’t they kind?” - -Silly stopped short in the doorway, and looked in astonishment first at -the table then at Becky. - -“Wine, preserves, sardines! Becky Sleeper, where did you get those -things?” - -“It’s none of your business,” replied Becky. “I didn’t come here to be -asked questions.” - -“O, you didn’t!” sneered Silly. “I know where you got ’em: you stole -’em!--Mother, they’re the very things Mrs. Thompson sent over to Hulda -Prime yesterday afternoon; and I took ’em.” - -“Land of liberty sakes! You don’t mean it!” cried Mrs. York, with -uplifted hands. - -“Now, you young ones, take them things right back!” cried Silly, -stamping her foot and jerking her arms about in an extraordinary manner. - -“I wouldn’t send them back, Silly,” said her father, with a faint hope -of retaining the delicacies, the sight of which had made his mouth -water. “Perhaps Hulda Prime sent ’em!” - -“Hulda Prime, indeed! Ketch her parting with her things; she’s too -mean. No; they shall go back, quick, too. What would Mrs. Thompson say? -Don’t you feel mean, Becky Sleeper?” - -From the color of Becky’s face it was evident she was not contented -with the situation. As for Teddy, he was terrified, expecting every -moment the swinging arms of Silly would be attracted to the vicinity of -his ears. - -“Now, off with you,” continued Silly, tossing the articles into the -basket; “and don’t you ever show your faces here again. Purty capers -you cut up, Becky Sleeper,” picking up the basket. “Here, take hold of -it,” opening the door. “Now, start yourselves, quick, or I’ll know the -reason why.” - -Bang went the door, and the charitable party were in the road, with the -rejected offering still upon their hands. They stood a moment looking -at each other and the closed door behind them, Becky’s face crimson -with shame, Teddy’s eyes, now that he was out of danger, blazing with -anger. - -“Well, well,” sputtered Teddy, “here’s a purty kettle of fish. Nice -scrape you’ve got us in now, Becky Sleeper! You ought to know better.” - -“Aunt Hulda said this was the Lord’s work,” answered Becky, meekly. “I -was only trying to make the day short and pleasant.” - -“Well, if it’s the Lord’s work, you’ve made a botch of it; and if he -sent you here, he made a mistake in the house.” - -“Don’t talk so, Teddy; it’s wicked.” - -“It’s wickeder to have to lug that basket way round home again. I -won’t do it. Let’s chuck it in the water.” - -“No, no, Teddy; let’s take it home. I wouldn’t have believed Silly York -could be so mean. Poor as they are, too!” - -“I should think so! Folks don’t get sardines and currant wine every -day.” - -“Come, let’s go the shortest way, Teddy.” - -They took up the basket, and started homeward. The shortest way was -by the main street, and as they entered it they met the people coming -from church. So, with down-cast faces, the disappointed almoners ran -the gantlet of wondering eyes, attracted by the uncommon sight of two -poorly-dressed youngsters lugging a heavy basket on Sunday. - -For the first time in her life Becky was mortified at the condition in -which she found herself. As she passed neatly-dressed girls of her own -age, and heard the laughter which they took no pains to suppress, her -old, defiant manner failed to assert itself, and she hung her head in -shame. To add to her humiliation, when they reached the church, Captain -Thompson was standing on the steps talking with the sexton. - -“Heavens and earth! What new caper’s this?” he shouted, making a dash -at the culprits. - -Becky, having her head down, had not seen the captain, but she heard -his voice and recognized it. She gave one startled look, dropped the -basket, and ran. Teddy was not slow in following her example. The -captain made a motion as if to follow them, but giving a thought to the -day, and perhaps another to the steepness of the hill they were rapidly -descending, changed his mind, picked up the basket, and entered his -house. - -Becky and her accomplice made no stops until they reached home. They -dashed into the sitting-room, breathless and frightened. - -“Massy sakes! do you want to take the house down?” cried Aunt Hulda. -“What on airth’s the matter now?” - -“Aunt Hulda, I don’t believe you know a thing about making Sunday short -and pleasant,” said Becky, indignantly. “I’ve tried it, and it’s just -as hateful a way of having a good time as ever I saw.” - -“Tried it! Tried what?” cried Aunt Hulda. - -“Carrying nice things to sick folks, and getting snubbed for your -pains,” said Becky. - -“Yes, and gittin’ yer shins barked with plaguy big baskets,” added -Teddy. - -“Carrying things! What have you carried? Where have you been?” - -“Currant wine, preserves and sardines!” sputtered Teddy. - -“Yes, to Mr. York; and got turned out of doors,” added Becky. - -“Currant wine! Heavens and airth!” screamed Aunt Hulda, jumping up and -darting into the kitchen with an activity she seldom displayed. - -She flew to the cupboard, gave one look, uttered a dismal groan, and -darted back to the sitting-room. - -“You hateful young one, you’ve stolen my things! What do you mean?” she -cried, seizing Becky by the shoulder, and shaking her. “Is that the way -you rob a poor, afflicted creeter? What have you done with them? Where -are they?” - -“Don’t care where they are! Wish they were at the bottom of the river! -Quit shaking me!” - -“Guess they’re safe, Aunt Hulda,” said Teddy, with a grin. “Cap’n -Thompson’s got ’em.” - -“Cap’n Thompson!” gasped Aunt Hulda, staring at Teddy. In his hands -she felt they were indeed safe. It was too much. She dropped Becky, -tottered to the sofa, and added a fit of hysterics to the catalogue of -her numerous ailments. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -IN SCHOOL AND OUT. - - -The dazzlingly white school-house opposite Captain Thompson’s mansion -was not used for the public school, which, under the state law, was -necessarily kept in operation at least four months in the year, and -for whose support the people of Cleverly were taxed. That institution -was situated at a point nearer the fore side, a short distance from -the main street, and was in rather a dilapidated condition. In those -days country people had not that pride in handsome and commodious -school-houses which is now eminently a characteristic of New England -villages; and this crazy edifice was likely to serve the purpose for -which it had been erected, years and years before, until it should -crumble to pieces with age or be swept into a pile of kindling-wood by -the fury of a March gale. - -Captain Thompson, as a member of the school committee, had endeavored -many times to have the old shell supplanted by a better building, -or at least placed on a more secure footing; but in vain. His -associates--Messrs. Pennywise and Poundfoolish--strictly opposed -reconstruction in any form. - -“It was good enough for us; and what was good enough for us is good -enough for our young ones,” was not a very sound argument; but, as it -satisfied the majority, the captain was obliged to give way. He then -carried the matter before the town meeting, with no better success. -There was a strong opposition to any measure he brought forward for -the improvement of the school estate. Not even a bundle of shingles or -a pound of nails could be had for repairs. The “good-enough” argument -prevailed here; and the captain was vanquished. - -Then his obstinacy asserted itself. He withdrew from the school -committee, bought the land opposite his house, took men from his -shipyard, hired all the carpenters he could find, and in less than two -months had a very neat and commodious school-house of his own. This he -leased to Rufus Drinkwater, the best teacher the public school ever -had,--a man generally esteemed by the good folks of Cleverly,--and -commenced a warfare against the ancient establishment. Drinkwater’s -term opened a month earlier than the public, the charge for tuition -was very low, and the captain gave notice that he was prepared to pay -the bills, if children wanted to come to “my school,” and parents felt -unable to incur further expense for schooling than that to which they -were subjected by the state tax. - -The committee-men laughed when they saw “Thompson’s Folly,” as they -styled the new edifice, going up. But when they saw the children going -in,--and a very respectable procession they made,--and looked into -their almost deserted quarters, they groaned in spirit, forgot the -dignity of office, and railed in unbecoming terms at the “underhand -tricks” of their successful opponent. - -There was a satisfied look upon the captain’s face as he stepped into -the road Monday morning, followed by his man-of-all-work. About the -door of the school-house were gathered a dozen or so of young people, -awaiting the appearance of the teacher. It was only half past eight; -and this assembly at so early an hour gave promise of a successful -opening. - -“Well, well, little folks, this looks well, this looks well,” said the -great man, good humoredly, as he entered the circle. “‘It’s the early -bird that catches the worm,’ and its the early chicks that pick up the -largest crumbs at the bountiful table of learning.” - -The “chicks” looked a little crestfallen as the captain passed among -them, patting a head here, and chucking a chin there; for to boys -and girls ranging from ten to fifteen years of age, these babyish -appellations and familiarities are not cordially welcome. - -“Phil, unlock the door.--Everything’s in order, nice and clean; and be -sure you keep it so, little folks.” - -“And mind, darlin’s, it’s the captain that’s done it all,” put in Phil, -as he unlocked the door. “Niver be ungrateful, for it is a warm heart -has the captain, though he doesn’t always show it in his face.” - -“Come, come, Phil, none of that,” cried the captain, a flash of -“ugliness” springing to his face to give color to Phil’s remark. “Mind -your own business, and open the door.” - -“There yez are,” said Phil, throwing open the door. “In wid yez, and -have a raal foine frolic afore the schoolmasther comes. Howld on a -bit. Three cheers for yer binefacthor--Captain Thompson. Now: one, two, -three, and away you go!” - -Phil led off with a cheer, in which the young people heartily joined. -The captain turned down the hill, followed by Phil and the continued -cheers of the scholars, who, once started, were not contented with -anything short of three times three, though whether the thought of -their benefactor or the sound of their own voices contributed more to -their enthusiasm, would have been no hard matter to decide. - -The captain, evidently impressed with the idea that the young -Sleepers were to be driven to school like unruly cattle, was armed -with his whip, and, that there might be no defeat of his project, had -furnished Phil with a stout stick, and bade him keep a sharp eye on -the youngsters until they were safe in the school-house. Phil followed -meekly, with his weapon under his arm and a broad grin on his face, -for the comicality of the situation highly delighted the warm-hearted -Hibernian, with whom the young people were such favorites that, had -they meditated an escape, he would have managed, by some native -blunder, to aid, and not impede, their attempt. - -To the utter astonishment of the captain, when they reached the house, -a transformation had been accomplished. On a block in the yard sat -Teddy, with a clean face, smoothly-brushed hair, clothes well patched, -to be sure, but without a rent, and, strangest of all, shoes and -stockings on his feet. Becky sat in the doorway, with an open book -in her lap, hair well brushed and curled, frock mended, clean apron, -polished shoes, and white stockings. All this was the work of Hulda -Prime. Either in gratitude to Mrs. Thompson, who had quickly returned -the purloined goodies, with the request that the children be made -presentable, or from a desire to astonish her enemy, Hulda had risen at -an early hour, aroused the sleepers, washed, brushed, and mended with -an energy that surprised even the dreamy mother, and, after a lesson in -good behaviour, had set her charge out to dry, until the arrival of the -captain. - -Becky had taken the matter very coolly. When told she was going to -school that day, she said,-- - -“Why, Teddy and I were going up to the Basin to-day.” - -“Yes, rafting,” said Teddy. “It’s plaguy mean to spoil a fellow’s fun.” - -“No matter,” replied Becky, with a knowing nod of the head; “guess -we’ll go after school, any way.” - -When thoroughly scoured and adorned, she took a large book, and sat in -the doorway, where the captain found her. - -“Well, young ones, what is it--peace or war? Will you go to school -quietly, or must we drive you?” said the captain, when he had recovered -from his surprise. - -“You won’t drive us, captain,” said Becky, looking up, with a smile. -“It would be too hard work. We’re going quietly--ain’t we, Teddy?” - -“Yes, if we’re let alone. Ain’t going to be lugged like a calf to the -slaughter-house, any way,” grumbled Teddy. - -“You’d better,” growled the captain. “I ain’t forgot your capers in -my orchard. I’m just itching to pay off that score. But I’ll call it -square if you give me no trouble now.” - -“All right, captain,” replied Becky; “We’ll go. I’ve been preparing -myself for torture in this blessed book.” - -“What book’s that--the Bible, hey?” said the captain. - -“It’s ‘Fox’s Book of Martyrs,’ captain; but I can’t find anything about -school in it.” - -“Pshaw!” said the captain; “let such books alone. Come, stir your -stumps, or you’ll be late. Now, recollect, if you give me any trouble--” - -“Cap’n Thompson, you needn’t be afraid of them young ones; they won’t -eat you!” cried Aunt Hulda, sticking her head out of the kitchen -doorway. “If you and that big Irish lubber can’t handle ’em, better -call on the committee; they’ll help you.” - -The taunt was so bitter that the captain raised his whip; but, -recollecting the sex of his opponent, he turned away, with a muttered -“Hang it!” and strode into the road. Teddy and Becky followed, and -Phil brought up the rear. The march schoolward was devoid of stirring -incidents. Occasionally Becky, annoyed at the strict guard kept over -them, would dart to the side of the road. The captain and Phil would -run after her, only to find her picking a flower, or cutting a switch. -The captain would stalk on again, and the captives would exchange -mischievous glances, while Phil would grow red in the face with -suppressed laughter. - -The captain had consumed more time than he intended in mustering -his recruits; and it was past nine o’clock when he reached the -school-house. His “chicks,” having exhausted their stock of cheers, had -filed into the school-room, and not averse to Phil’s recommendation, -had indulged in a noisy but good-humored frolic, in which they were -joined by some twenty later arrivals. They were in the midst of an -animated game of tag, when three distinct raps upon the teacher’s desk -made them aware of the presence of a stranger. In an instant there -was profound silence in the room, and all eyes were turned upon the -new-comer. He was a young man, of medium height, broad-shouldered and -full-chested, every movement of his person showing in its powerful -grace the effects of physical culture and out-door exercise. His -face was equally powerful; piercing black eyes, browned skin, and a -determined lock of the under jaw, showed a strong will and a daring -spirit. Yet an occasional comical quiver about his eyes, and a lifting -of his slight moustache by a half smile, and a genial glow of good -humor which beamed through its sternness, as the ruddy cheek glowed -under the brown coating, gave token of the nobility of power, by its -kinship to gentleness and good humor. To all this were added a high -forehead and an abundance of short, curly locks, so that the person of -the stranger was not only calculated to command respect, but admiration -as well. - -“My young friends,” said he, “I bear a message from your teacher. He -was taken suddenly ill last Friday night; he is somewhat better this -morning, we think, but unable to be here with you. He has asked me to -take his place, and wishes you to be patient with one who is a new hand -at keeping school. That’s myself,” with a smile. “Will you take me?” - -“O, yes, sir!” “Yes, sir!” in full chorus. - -“Very well. I think we can agree. Take your places--boys on the left, -girls on the right, as usual.” - -There were three rows of forms on each side, for the scholars, with a -broad open space between; there was a platform at the farther end, for -recitations; the teacher’s desk faced this, on a corresponding platform -at the left of the door, and behind his desk was a blackboard affixed -to the wall. The room was lighted by three windows on each side, and -one at the farther end. - -The scholars quickly took their places, and Mr. Drinkwater’s substitute -seated himself at the desk, opened the record book, and commenced -calling the names of the scholars of the last term in alphabetical -order. He was among the D’s, had reached the name of Hosea Davis, when -the door was thrown open, and Captain Thompson stalked into the room, -followed by Becky and Teddy. - -“Here Drinkwater, here’s a couple of eels that want training.” - -The substitute raised his head quickly. - -“Harry Thompson!” - -“Yes, sir, Harry Thompson,” said the stranger, rising. “I hope I see -you well, sir.” - -The captain did not look well. He turned pale, and stared at his son as -though he could not believe his eyes. - -“Wh-wh-what does this mean? Why are you here? Where’s Drinkwater?” - -“Mr. Drinkwater is ill, sir; taken suddenly last Friday. I have been -stopping with him for a few days, and he requested me to open his -school to-day.” - -“He’s no business to do anything of the kind. This is my school; and I -won’t have it.” - -The captain was getting angry. - -“I understood him to say that the school-house was leased to him, and -that he was expected to get a substitute when unable to attend himself.” - -“So he is; but not you, sir, not you. I don’t want any of your -teaching. S’pose you’ll teach these young ones to disobey their -fathers, and run off. No, sir. You are at liberty. I’ll teach myself.” - -“That is a point you must settle with Mr. Drinkwater,” said the young -man, quietly. “I have taken command here, and, without meaning to -be disrespectful, propose to hold my position until relieved by Mr. -Drinkwater.” - -The captain absolutely foamed with rage. - -“You’re an impudent puppy. You’ve no business here, no business in -the place. You’ve disgraced yourself. After what I’ve done for you, -too!” And the captain went into particulars as to what he had done, -commencing a long way back in the young man’s history, and without -giving his son a chance to speak, growing louder and fiercer as his -tongue flew the faster. He was suddenly brought to a stop by a roar of -laughter from the children. He turned to them in amazement, but not by -him was their merriment caused. - -While the captain was giving vent to his troubles, Miss Becky had -stepped upon the platform, picked up a crayon, and commenced operations -on the blackboard. As she proceeded, all eyes, with the exception of -those belonging to the captain and his son, were fastened upon her; and -the completion of her picture had brought forth the interrupting roar. - -Becky had one talent which had long been hid; she had a genius for -drawing; but never before had this peculiar talent been paraded for -public inspection. - -But here, as skillfully executed as chalk would allow, was a drawing -representing “Old Uncle Ned” at full gallop, Becky seated upon his -back, and the captain in full pursuit--so well done, that the captain, -following the direction of all eyes, instantly recognized it. Incensed -he made a dart at Becky; but the nimble artist dodged him, and fled -to the farther end of the room. This produced another roar from the -scholars. The captain checked his pursuit, turned about, and fled from -the room, banging the door behind him. - -Harry Thompson rapped the desk, and commanded silence. - -“Miss Becky Sleeper, remove that drawing from the blackboard at once,” -he said sternly. - -Becky looked up at him with a mischievous smile, which instantly -disappeared, as she met his eye. She meekly obeyed, and the picture -vanished. - -“Now, take your place. You, too, Master Teddy.” - -Teddy went over among the boys, and Becky followed him. Another roar -from the scholars. - -“Silence!” from the teacher. “Miss Becky, you will take your place -among the girls, where you belong.” - -Becky went the whole length of the room, scowling at the girls, who had -laughed at her blunder, and took a seat by the window. - -Harry concluded his record by affixing the names of Teddy and Becky, -who were the only new scholars. - -“The exercises will be very short this morning, and there will be but -one session. I shall only call upon you to read; that concluded, you -will be dismissed for the day.” - -He then commenced with the boy nearest him, calling upon them -separately to read--first a boy, then a girl, in regular succession. -They made their own selections, and with varied success. There were -some good readers, none very bad, until they reached Teddy. He stepped -upon the platform, and read “Casabianca” somewhat in this style:-- - - “‘The boy stood on the--b-u-r-n-i-n-g--burning deck, - Whence--whence--whence all butim had sled--no, fled; - The flames that lit the batil wreck - Shine--shown--show--round him o’er the dead;’” - -which, of course, excited a laugh. It was now Becky’s turn, and she was -called. She did not move. She could read no better than Teddy, and she -was determined not to be laughed at. - -“Becky Sleeper, take the platform!” said the teacher, in a stern voice. - -“I won’t--there! I didn’t come to school to you: Mr. Drinkwater’s my -teacher.” - -Harry Thompson stepped from his desk. The lower jaw came up with an -ominous snap. He went to where Becky sat kicking the form before her, -and looked down at her. She appeared so little, that his anger at her -sauciness vanished at once. - -“Becky, you and I will have a private session after school. You will -read to me then, I think, for old acquaintance’s sake,” he said, with a -smile, and returned to his desk. “I am very much obliged to you all for -your attention. School is dismissed. Becky Sleeper will remain.” - -There was a rush for out doors, and the school-room was quickly cleared -of all but Becky and the teacher. Teddy had lingered a moment to -exchange a word with Becky, in which “the Basin,” and “wait outside,” -might be distinguished, and then had taken his leave. - -“Now, Becky, let me hear you read.” - -Becky arose, but instead of stepping to the platform, marched straight -for the door. But not quite fast enough, for Harry stepped before her, -closed the door, and locked it. - -“Becky,” said he, “the first duty to be learned in school is obedience -to the teacher. Go to the platform!” - -Becky looked up at him with defiance in her glance. - -“Harry Thompson, you’re just as mean as you can be. You let those boys -and girls laugh at Teddy and now you want to laugh at me. I won’t read.” - -“Go to the platform.” - -Becky turned and went to the platform, and farther yet; she threw up -the window, and jumped upon the sill, and all very quickly. Harry saw -her intention at once. - -“Becky, Becky, don’t do that,” he cried, running towards her. “It’s ten -feet. You’ll break your neck.” - -“Don’t care. I won’t read;” and she leaped. There was a rustling and -tearing among the foliage beneath the window; but when Harry reached -it, Becky was invisible. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -BECKY’S LAST FROLIC. - - -Teddy Sleeper obeyed Becky’s injunction to wait outside, by passing -round school-house, and down the hill, to the window at the end, that -he might be in readiness should she desire to signal him during her -confinement. He was just in time to witness her descent. She plumped -into a cluster of bushes, and for a moment was lost to sight. Even this -terrific leap did not surprise the phlegmatic Teddy, who had such an -exalted opinion of his sister’s prowess, that, had she jumped from the -steeple of the church, he would have expected her to pick herself up as -coolly as she did now, emerging from the bushes with ruffled plumage, -but without a scratch or bruise. - -“Well, Becky, got out sooner than I thought you would. Did he make you -read?” - -“No, he didn’t,” replied Becky, with a sneer. “It will take a smarter -teacher than him to make me do what I don’t want to. He’s nothing but a -boy.” - -“What will the captain say now, Becky?” - -“I don’t care what he says. Guess he don’t like the teacher any better -than I do. Come, let’s get away from here; he’ll be after us.” - -“That’s so. Where shall we go?” - -“Where we were going this morning. We’ve got time to ‘shoot the Basin’ -before dinner.” - -So saying, Becky, whose hasty exit from the school-room had not allowed -her to gain possession of her hat, started off bareheaded, followed by -Teddy, along the bank of the river, towards the Corner. - -Harry Thompson inherited a streak of the obstinacy which was so -apparent in his father. As Becky disappeared from one side of the -window, he rushed from the other, caught up his hat, unlocked the door, -and hastened down the hill, only to see his unruly pupil climbing a -fence twenty rods away. This convinced him that no bones had been -broken. But he was not inclined to let the matter drop here; so he -returned to the school-room, made all secure, and then started in -pursuit. - -As he moved along the bank of the river, the leading event of the -morning was uppermost in his thoughts. The appearance of his father in -the school-room had not been unexpected, and the explanation he had -given of his own presence there was perfectly true. Mr. Drinkwater was -ill, and had sent him as a substitute. Harry, who was well acquainted -with the new school-house affair, had, after consultation with his -mother, who visited him daily at Mr. Drinkwater’s residence, where he -was domiciled for the express purpose of meeting her, accepted the -position that he might try the temper of his father, and pave the way -to a reconciliation, if that were possible. He was quietly awaiting the -conclusion of the captain’s vehement review of “what he had done for -him,” when he expected to have an opportunity to say a word in his own -defence; but Miss Becky’s exhibition of _chalkotype_ art interrupted -the contemplated plea, and sadly disarranged his plans. His only -consolation was, that Mr. Drinkwater would not be able to take charge -of the school for several days, and another meeting might be possible. - -Becky, in her turn, occupied a share of his thoughtful attention. -He had looked forward with pleasure to the meeting with his little -playmate, fully expecting that the years which had wrought so much -change in his character, would have shaped the little maid, of whom he -was so fond,--with her quick wit and active spirit,--into something -better than the hoiden he found her. Her saucy movements, her rough -appearance, and her rudeness, had startled him; but, remembering the -influences by which she was surrounded at home, and the artistic touch -displayed at the blackboard, he was convinced that in that little -body were capabilities running to waste, which, trained aright, might -blossom into usefulness. If his good mother only had the trailing of -this wild vine, it would flourish in fruitfulness, and not cumber the -ground. It was not yet too late. He would take his mother into his -confidence. - -Full of thoughts like these, Harry went on, keeping a sharp lookout for -the runaway, until he reached the paper-mill at the Corner. Here he -was informed that the young Sleepers had gone farther up the river’s -bank. Undecided whether to go on or retrace his steps, he passed into -the mill, and, meeting his old friend, Mark Small, went over the -building with him, viewing the improvements, in which he became so much -interested that he quite forgot the object of his expedition. - -In the mean time, Becky and Teddy had, after a long tramp, and with no -small vaulting of fences and climbing of rocks, reached the Basin. - -Rogue’s River, the base of Becky’s future operations, was dammed at -three points. The lower dam was at the fore side, the middle dam just -above the school-house, and the upper dam at the Corner. Here was -located Small’s paper-mill, not a very extensive affair, but which -employed a dozen men and as many girls. In the middle of the river, -about a quarter of a mile above this mill, was a small island, scarcely -twenty feet in circumference, on which flourished a wild growth of -unproductive bushes, with one solitary sentinel of a tree in their -centre; and above this was the Basin. Into this basin, after a winding -flow of ten or twelve miles, increased by several minor streams, -the water poured with considerable power. It lay in the form of a -heart, so often depicted on valentines, or moulded in sugar for the -sweet-toothed. It was about thirty feet from bank to bank, and about -the same distance from the point of entrance to the island, which -shooting into it, gave it a resemblance to the emblem of affection. -Divided by this island, the water swept along on either side in strong, -swift currents. When Harry Thompson, as leader of the boys of Cleverly, -had exhausted all the known means of amusement, his daring spirit -suggested a difficult feat, calculated to carry dismay to the hearts -of his followers, and cause uneasiness to those parents who had an -interest in the safety of their children. He not only suggested it, but -himself performed it, and succeeded in inducing a few of the boldest to -follow his example. This feat was known as “shooting the Basin.” Into -the winding river he launched a log, of which there were many lying -along the banks, a mill hand being employed at this point to draw them -out of the stream. Upon this he stepped, with a long, narrow strip of -board to serve as a rudder, with which to guide his craft. The force of -the stream swiftly carried him into the Basin and towards the island. -It was only necessary to keep “her head” straight, and the island was -reached. - -He accomplished the feat, well knowing the danger he incurred; for, -had his craft swerved either to the right or left, he would have -been capsized or carried down the river. Of course there could be no -returning in the same manner. But, to prevent his becoming a Robinson -Crusoe, a tree on the bank was felled so as to bridge the stream from -the bank to the island; and there it had remained ever since. - -Becky Sleeper, having seen Harry perform this feat, had desired to -undertake it; but Harry had strongly objected, and the tomboy, having -accepted him as a leader, was obliged to postpone the attempt. - -Some recent conversations on old sports between Teddy and herself -had awakened a desire to attempt this feat, and a trip to the Basin -had already been arranged for Monday, when the school programme was -promulgated. - -The short session, and Becky’s escape, had made the old arrangement -possible; and the young Amazon and her faithful squire were now on the -banks of the upper stream, after a quick march, ready to launch their -barks upon the tide, careless of consequences. - -“Now, Teddy,” said Becky, “I’ll go first: you must watch me closely, -and do just as I do. You ain’t scared--are you?” - -Teddy, to tell the truth, was looking rather anxiously at the rushing -stream, the broad basin, and the two foaming channels beyond. The -stream had been swollen by heavy rains, and the feat seemed more -difficult than he had imagined before he set out. - -“N-o, of course not,” he said slowly. “If you go, I’m bound to anyway.” - -“Because, if you are Teddy, you’d better not try it.” - -“I will try, Becky. I ain’t a goin’ to be stumped by a girl.” - -“All right. But don’t you start until I reach the island; and be sure -you keep your log pointed right straight at the tree.” - -While speaking, Becky had rolled a short, stout log into the water, -picked up a light slab, and was ready for the dash. Stepping lightly -and quickly upon the log, she pushed it into the middle of the stream, -headed it for the tree, and, carefully guiding her craft, shot across -the Basin, and struck the island fairly and squarely. - -“Hurrah! I’ve done it Teddy!” she shouted, as she leaped upon the land. - -“All right; I’m a comin’. Hooray!” answered Teddy, as he jumped upon -his log, which darted down the stream, Teddy dancing rather lively to -regain his equilibrium, which had sustained a shock by the sudden dart -of his log. He was so busily engaged in this manœuvre that he failed to -head his bark as he should, and, instead of going straight across the -Basin, he swept to the right. - -“Teddy, Teddy, what are you about?” shouted Becky. “Turn her head! -quick, quick!” - -But Teddy was frightened; his log was rolling over and over, and he -dropped his rudder, fell upon the log, and clasped it, with his legs -in the water, and round into the swifter of the two currents it went, -very near the island. Seeing his danger, Becky ran to the edge of the -island, and attempted to rescue him. She leaned far over, lost her -balance, and fell into the stream. Bungling Teddy clutched the bushes -as he passed, let the log go, and pulled himself to land; but Becky was -swept past the island, and went floating down the river. - -Teddy, seeing the danger of his sister, shouted lustily for help. Two -men, at work near the bank, ran down to the water, saw the struggling -girl, but could afford no assistance; but they started off at a swift -pace for the mill. Becky was an excellent swimmer; she was not a bit -frightened, but struck out bravely in a vain attempt to reach the bank. -The stream was strong and swift, and bore her on faster and faster -towards the dam. Skillfully she kept her head above water, and struck -out to reach Teddy’s log, which was just ahead of her. Fast as she -went, the men on the shore flew faster still. It was a case of life and -death. They reached the mill. - -“Help, help! there’s a girl in the water!” - -Men came running out, women ran to the windows; there was wild -commotion, but no attempt at rescue. - -“We can’t help her; she must go over the dam!” - -“Throw her a rope--it’s her only chance!” - -“Mighty slim chance: she’s too much frightened to catch it. She can’t -be saved!” - -“She can be saved! Quick! a long, stout rope!” - -It was a commanding voice that spoke, a commanding form that stepped -forward--the school-master, Harry Thompson. Quickly a rope was placed -in his hand. - -“Now, three good, strong fellows, follow me!” - -He threw off his coat, ran along the bank, winding the rope around -his body, and tying it as he ran. Becky was coming down swiftly, when -the roar of the dam reached her ears. For the first time she felt her -danger. Instantly all power of exertion forsook her. The terrible dam! -the jagged rocks beneath! There was death in the thought, and a shrill -scream rang over the water. - -“Help, help! Don’t let me drown! don’t let me go over the dam!” - -“Courage, Becky, courage. You shall be saved.” - -She recognized the voice, even in her agony. “O, Harry, Harry! save me, -save me!” - -Still on and on she swept, and the roar of the dam grew louder and -louder. It seemed to sound in her ears like thunder. - -“Now, quick, boys, quick! Give me plenty of rope, and hold on strong!” - -Harry Thompson kicked off his shoes and threw away his hat. Becky -was moving towards him, but ten feet from the bank. He measured the -distance with his eye, stepped back a few paces, then ran quickly, -and leaped into the water. The best jumper in the county had well -calculated his distance. He struck the water close beside Becky. He -clasped her quick, she threw her arms about his neck with a scream of -joy, and both sank beneath the water. - -Then the good, strong fellows pulled with a will, and in a moment Becky -and her preserver were safe on the bank. Such a shout as the good -fellows sent up, then such a chorus of shouts as the people at the mill -joined to theirs, was never before heard in Cleverly. - -But the chorus of rejoicing was unheard by Becky, who lay upon the -bank insensible. The girls from the mill gathered about her, rubbed -her hands, bathed her temples, and used all the customary means of -restoration; but yet she lay there cold and still. - -Harry became alarmed. She must be taken home at once. - -“Small, bring your wagon--quick! Send a man for the doctor--quick!” - -Small’s team was standing at the mill door. In a few moments Harry was -in the wagon, with Becky in his arms, and one of the “good fellows” was -racing down the road, horseback, for the doctor. - -Mrs. Sleeper, weak and dispirited, was in the kitchen, standing at -the table, washing the dinner dishes; Aunt Hulda, nursing an attack of -lumbago, was groaning at the fireside. A wagon drove swiftly into the -yard, a moment, and Harry Thompson stood in the doorway, bearing the -insensible form of Becky. - -“Mrs. Sleeper, quick! your camphor bottle!” - -Mrs. Sleeper dropped the dish in her hands; her eyes glared at the -helpless girl. Her lips parted, but no sound came from them. Then her -eyes closed, her hands clutched the air, and she fell heavily to the -floor. Aunt Hulda ran to her and raised her head. - -“Delia Sleeper, what on airth ails you?--Here, you, Henry Thompson, -take that girl into the settin’ room. That’s just like you -Thompsons--always a scarin’ folks to death.--Delia, Delia! what ails -you?” - -Aunt Hulda rubbed her, and sprinkled water over her, scolding all the -while. Harry carried Becky to the sitting-room, and laid her upon -the lounge. As he did so, a sigh, and the opening of her eyes, gave -assurance of returning animation; and when, in a few minutes, Dr. Allen -entered, there was no occasion for his services, for Becky was sitting -up, and inquiring for Teddy, who at that moment was coming down the -road, between the mill and the school-house, feeling very wet and mean. - -Mrs. Sleeper was carried to her room, and laid upon the bed. Dr. Allen, -finding Becky so comfortable, made the former a visit. - -“Doctor, what ails her? Is it stericks?” - -The doctor shook his head. - -“Worse than that, worse than that!” - -“You don’t say so! Goodness gracious! it’s purrellysis.” - -The doctor nodded. Aunt Hulda was right. The sudden shock, upon the -long and weary straining for the ever-distant ship, had snapped the -cords of action, and left her powerless. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -MRS. THOMPSON DISOBEYS ORDERS. - - -“When that grim smith, Adversity, stalks unannounced and unwelcome into -the abode, erects his forge, bares his strong arm, and sets himself to -work among our affections, feeding his fire with earthly treasures, -perhaps too fondly prized; or poisoning the air with unhealthy vapors, -that blight with disease; or shaping upon his anvil the arrows of -death, for instant use among the loved ones,--it is a hard task to -meet him hospitably; to be patient under the agony of his blows; to -realize, in his presence, that in his forge is the soul whitened and -made pliable, that under the heavy hammer he relentlessly wields it is -shaped to nearness of perfection. - -“But when time has cooled the beaten soul, then it realizes how much -stronger it has grown through that dread experience; how much better -fitted it is to meet the ever-returning guest; then it recognizes in -this hard-hitting smith, Adversity, an earnest worker for the universal -good.” - -Thus preached Parson Arnold, the salaried fountain from which the good -people of Cleverly drew the living waters for their spiritual needs. -His auditors were Captain Thompson and his good wife, to whom the -parson had just communicated the misfortunes of the Sleeper family, on -the day of their occurrence, he having picked up the intelligence at -the blacksmith’s shop, while awaiting the setting of a tooth into an -iron rake, upon which he was now leaning in the sitting-room at Captain -Thompson’s. Perhaps the skill of the agricultural dentist had suggested -the illustration with which he seasoned his short discourse upon the -uses of adversity, for he was an earnest worker both in his Master’s -vineyard and his own, and used both logical and local arguments to -drive home to the hearts of his people the great truth which he -honestly believed. - -“Poor soul! struck down in an instant! what will become of the -children?” said Mrs. Thompson. - -“The town will have to take care of ’em. After this caper I’ve done -with ’em. I wash my hands of all responsibility,” growled the captain. -“That young tomboy of theirn has kicked about until she’s broke her -mother’s heart; and I hope she’ll have to suffer for it.” - -“Nay, nay, brother; we must be charitable. Remember her youth and -inexperience,” the parson mildly remonstrated. - -“Well, I ain’t likely to forget it. It’s been a dear experience to me; -and I won’t have anything more to do with them.” - -“Don’t say that, Paul,” said Mrs. Thompson, rising from her chair. -“They need kindness more than ever. Their poor mother can no longer -guide them: shall we desert them now?” - -“Guide them! Stuff! She never did guide them. If she had, she’d have -been saved all this trouble.” - -“Well, well, they’re in the Lord’s hands,” said the parson; “in his -hands who suffers not a sparrow to fall to the ground without his -notice. Leave all to him.” - -The parson put on his hat, shouldered his rake, and departed. Mrs. -Thompson attended him to the door, returned, folded up her work, -and left the room. The captain followed her motions with his eyes. -Something was wrong. There was no _heart_ in his obstinacy. He -evidently felt ill at ease. He walked about the room rapidly, as though -endeavoring to rouse up something like an angry spirit; but the fire -would not kindle. Instead of the angry flash which should have shone in -his eye, there was a tear, and the muscles of his mouth quivered with -suppressed emotion. Mrs. Thompson entered the room, equipped in bonnet -and shawl. - -“What! going out again, Rebecca?” - -“Yes, Paul; I am going at once.” Mrs. Thompson looked almost defiantly -at her husband, expecting the next question, and fully prepared to -answer it. But the second question was indefinitely postponed. It -trembled on the captain’s lips, but something in his wife’s face told -him if he asked it his power to rule was gone forever. - -“Well, don’t be gone long; it’s lonesome here without you.” - -Mrs. Thompson seemed in turn disappointed, but she said nothing, and -departed. The captain took a seat upon the sofa, whence he had a view -of the road, and deliberately watched his wife. - -“Hum! told you so,” soliloquized he; “there she goes--straight down -the hill! There never was such a woman! Deliberately disobeying her -husband. Bless her good heart! I knew she’d go. Never could stand -that--never! It’s wrong. Obedience is a wife’s first duty. Won’t she -make things fly over there! Poor Delia! She shan’t want for physic as -long as I live; and those young ones--well, well, boys will be boys, -and girls will be--tomboys, sometimes, I suppose. There she goes, up -the hill, now. Disobedience,--rank disobedience! I can’t endure the -sight of it, and I won’t! I’ll just saddle Uncle Ned, and go and see -the doctor. She must have constant attendance; and my wife,--no, I -won’t forgive her disobedience--never!” - -The captain now went to the window, and watched until his wife -turned into the gate; then, heaving a sigh (more closely resembling -satisfaction than regret), went in pursuit of Phil and Uncle Ned. - -Lightning, that swift agent of destruction, has been known, in the -midst of its vagaries, to smite gigantic rocks, and lay open veins of -wealth never before discovered. When the bolt of misfortune struck -the Sleeper house, it brought to light a much-needed treasure in the -person of the forlorn, complaining Aunt Hulda. She seemed electrified -by the stroke that paralyzed the languid mother, and all the powers of -her being sprang into active life. All the theoretical knowledge she -had acquired by her long, useless “helping” of other people, burst into -fruitful bloom. From the moment Mrs. Sleeper was laid upon her bed, -she was the careful, watchful nurse, quietly but hurriedly arranging -everything for the comfort of the invalid, laying her plans for a long -fit of sickness with all the skill of an old campaigner. Nor did her -usefulness end here. From the chamber to the kitchen she flew, washed -and put away the dishes, replenished the fire, swept and tidied up the -kitchen, re-filled the kettle, made up a batch of bread and set it -“rising,” and back again to the bed-side of her patient, without one -thought of her own magazine of combustible troubles ready to explode at -a spark of complaint. All this with a feverish uneasiness, as though -she feared the coming of somebody to take the power to do out of her -hands. A gentle knock at the door of the sick chamber, and the entrance -of Mrs. Thompson, told her the somebody she feared had come. - -Mrs. Thompson gave her hand to Aunt Hulda with a quiet smile, and went -to the bed. What there was left of life in the body of Delia Sleeper -seemed concentrated in her face. She could not move foot or hand; but -the same watchful glance was in her eyes, and the shadow of a smile -played about her mouth, as her old friend bent over her and kissed her. - -“So kind! so good! I knew you’d come.” - -Faint and tremulous was the voice of the invalid. - -“Yes, dear heart; I’ve come to nurse you, to make you strong and well -again.” - -Aunt Hulda groaned. Her power was slipping from her. - -“No, no. Aunt Hulda--so kind--she does everything. She will nurse -me--thank you. Let me--see you often--that’s all.” - -The eyes wandered to Aunt Hulda with a beseeching look that Mrs. -Thompson divined at once. - -“Bless you child! I’ll not interfere with her. She shall be mistress in -the house; and a good one she’ll make.” - -This was said with a smile for Aunt Hulda that warmed the heart of the -spinster towards the visitor. There was a pleased look in the eyes of -the invalid, as those of Mrs. Thompson came back to her full of love -and sympathy. - -“Thank you. Come closer. Becky--my Becky--don’t let her believe she -did this. I’ve brought it on myself--the doctor said so. Too much -watching--you know--it’s been wearing upon me. The ship--that never -comes--never, never comes. But it will--I know it will.” - -“I wouldn’t speak of that, Delia, now. The ship will come in God’s good -time,” said Mrs. Thompson. “Remember the dear ones here, and trust the -absent one to his care.” - -“Yes, yes; but I didn’t,” said the sick one, sighing. “I forgot my -treasures here, hoping to clasp that other every day; and now I’m -punished. Wasted life! Wasted life! Poor little girl! with her mother’s -heart shut against her, drifting away--running to waste; and so smart -and apt to learn! God pity me! God pity me!” - -“Leave all to me, Delia. Let no thought of Becky disturb you.” - -“I cannot help it. It seems to me as though I had wilfully neglected -her.” - -“Not as I have, Delia. With all your household cares, my little -namesake claimed some portion of my attention; and we have not met -for years. Delia, you know the reason. I blame myself for this long -neglect.” - -“No, no; you were always a kind, good friend. But I suppose he thought -it best. Becky is in the sitting-room; won’t you see her and comfort -her?” - -“Now and always. With Aunt Hulda’s permission, she shall be my especial -charge hereafter.” - -“O, you are so good! No wonder people love you.” - -Mrs. Thompson kissed her friend, and passed out of the room. Aunt Hulda -smoothed the bedclothes, and looked at her patient inquiringly. - -“Yes, go, go,” said Mrs. Sleeper. “But first kiss me, Aunt Hulda--won’t -you my best friend?” - -Aunt Hulda made a dash at her lips, and a loud smack resounded through -the room. - -“You dear, dear, dear child! May the Lord give me strength to do for -you as you deserve!” - -With her apron to her eyes, Aunt Hulda left the room, leaving the -invalid to her solitary vigil. Already was adversity working in her -for good. The mother-love so long repressed in her heart had, by one -of those strange phases of illness, at once asserted itself the ruling -power. Only a few hours had the active forces refused to obey the -will; only a few hours had the brain caught this new power from the -heart; yet it had travelled over years and years of neglect and wasted -opportunity, with bitter regrets that might yet shape themselves into -guiding forces, in the lonely vigils of the years to come. - -Becky Sleeper, under the shadow of this sudden visitation, had in turn -received a shock. The terrible sequel to her frolic had, upon her -revival, produced such a nervous state, that for two hours she lay upon -the sofa, trembling and weeping, in the presence of the astonished -Teddy, who never before had seen a tear in the eyes of his volatile -sister. Harry Thompson had, when he found her in no danger, consulted -his own safety by driving to the house of Mr. Drinkwater for a change -of raiment. Aunt Hulda’s attention was required at the bed-side of -her patient, and Miss Becky was left to recover at her leisure. The -period of lamentation having passed away, she lapsed into a state of -dejection, so long and silent that Teddy, weary with waiting for her to -break the silence, quietly fell asleep. - -Becky’s thoughts ran over and over the recent events; but in the -midst of them all this was uppermost: “I’ve killed mother.” Again she -swept across the Basin; again clutched at drifting Teddy; again fell -splashing in the water; again glided down the stream, heard the roar of -the dam, the voice of Harry; but all mixed with this one thought, “I’ve -killed mother.” And she buried her head in the sofa, shut her eyes -hard, and thrust her fingers into her ears, in vain attempts to shut -out the thought. What would become of her? Would she be locked up in -jail--hanged? She must be, for it was murder! - -Becky was not well skilled in reasoning. She could not have told why -this feeling took possession of her; but there was a dim consciousness -that she must be an awful wicked girl, and that it was somebody’s duty -to punish her for this, and a wild wish that somebody would be quick -about it, and have it all over with. In this state she was conscious -of the opening of the door, and the presence of some one in the room. -There was a light step by her side; a soft hand was placed upon her -head. - -“Becky, my child, you are making yourself miserable.” - -Becky knew that well enough. Why should she be told what she knew so -well? It was nobody’s business, any way. Why didn’t people attend to -their own affairs? She failed to recognize the voice, and, being in an -ugly state of misery, snatched the soft hand from its resting-place, -and flung it rudely from her, with her eyes defiantly closed. - -Mrs. Thompson did not replace the hand, did not repeat the words. She -stood looking at the girl a moment, then passed across the room, and -took a seat by the window. This movement set Becky to thinking. Who -could it be? It was a kind voice, a warm, soft hand. There was no -feeling of punishment in either. Why didn’t the visitor speak again? -How rude she had been! Then there came a long pause. She was listening -intently for some signs of her visitor’s presence. Hush! No; that -was Teddy, snoring. She recognized that; and then--yes, some one was -breathing by the window. Who could it be? Some one quietly waiting for -her to get over her ugly fit. She felt a pair of eyes were fastened -upon her. Wondered if her hair was fit to be seen, if there were any -rents in her dress, and--and--O, dear, this was terrible! She would -know the worst. - -Suddenly she sprang up, and looking across the room, met the loving -eyes of Mrs. Thompson; saw a smile wreathing about the lips; saw the -arms of the good woman stretched out to her so invitingly, that, -without further invitation, she ran into them, and nestled her head -among the plaits of Mrs. Thompson’s merino, as if she had an undoubted -right there. Then of course, she fell to crying again. - -“O, Aunt Rebecca! you’re so good! and I’m so wicked!” - -“No, no, pet. I’m a wicked woman for neglecting you so long. But it’s -all right now. I have you in my arms, just as I had you when you were a -baby; and I don’t mean to let you go. Now tell me what’s the matter.” - -“Why, don’t you know? I’ve killed my mother!” - -“No, no, pet. Dismiss that fear from your mind. She is very ill; -perhaps may never recover; but the doctor says her disease has been a -long time coming on.” - -“And that I tumbled into the water, got most drowned, and frightened -the life out of her,” burst out Becky. “O dear, dear! what will become -of me?” And another deluge of tears swept over the placid bosom of Mrs. -Thompson. - -“Hush, hush, dear child! You were not to blame. Any sudden shock might -have caused the disaster.” - -“Aunt Rebecca, do you mean to say I am not a bad, wicked girl?” - -Becky straightened up with such an air of _injured guilt_ that Mrs. -Thompson looked at her in surprise. - -“Becky, how old are you?” - -“Sixteen, Aunt Rebecca.” - -“Quite a young lady, I declare. Now that mother is laid upon a sick -bed, the care of the house devolves upon you. Girls of sixteen are -usually fitted for that position. Do you feel prepared to attend to -those duties?” - -Becky hung her head. - -“No, Becky, you are not a wicked girl. But it is time for some good -friend to show you how you have wasted the powers God has given you. -Had you given the same attention to learning to keep house that you -have to playing ball and tag, to robbing orchards and shooting the -Basin, you would have been ready to take your place at your mother’s -bed-side, or to take charge of cooking. You would have gained the good -opinion of everybody, instead of being shunned as a tomboy; and you -would not then have reproached yourself, as you do now, for being the -cause of your mother’s illness.” - -“I know it, I know; ’tis all my fault, ’tis all my fault!” sobbed Becky. - -“Not altogether your fault, pet. You have had no one to lead you -aright. But ’tis time you learned a young woman’s duties. You are -quick, intelligent, apt to learn. Will you let me give you a few -lessons, Becky?” - -“O, Aunt Rebecca, if you don’t hate me, if you will try and make -something of me, I’ll never go out doors again as long as I live!” - -Mrs. Thompson smiled. - -“Plants will not thrive without air, Becky: you shall have plenty of -it. Now, dry your eyes, and come with me to see mother.” - -“Not now, Aunt Rebecca; I’m not fit. I hope you’ll make something of -me; but it’s an awful bad job. One thing I mean to do. I’ll try just as -hard as ever I can to do just what you tell me.” - -“That’s right, Miss Becky Sleeper; and if you do what that angel woman -tells you, you are on the straight road to heaven, I can tell you.” - -Mr. Harry Thompson came running into the room. - -“Don’t scold, mother. I’ve been listening outside the door for the last -five minutes. Let me congratulate you on your promising pupil.” - -“I think I can make something of her,” said Mrs. Thompson looking with -pride at her handsome son. - -“Not without my help, mother. I know all the good points of that -sportive genius, for, alas! I helped to train them in the wrong way. -So, to make amends, employ me in the good work of training this -wandering vine in the proper direction. What do you say, Miss Becky?” - -“I don’t know what you mean, Harry,” said Becky, soberly. “Is it some -new game you want to teach me? If it is, I can’t learn it, for I’ve -promised not to play any more.” - -Harry laughed. - -“Yes, Becky, ’tis a new game. We’ll call it ‘Excelsior,’ a game which -requires work, and not play.” - -“Don’t puzzle the child, Harry,” said Mrs. Thompson. - -“Child!” echoed Harry. “Sweet sixteen; and yet she’s but a child.” - -“You saved my life, Harry,” said Becky, with tears in her eyes. “I -don’t know as I ought to thank you for doing it, for Aunt Rebecca says -it’s been a wasted life. But I do thank you all the same.” - -“Perhaps I’ve brought you into a new life, Becky. I hope I have--the -life of usefulness we all should live.” - -“Look out, Becky! she’s drifting!” shouted Teddy, in his sleep. “She’s -drifting! she drifting!” - -He moved uneasily in his sleep, started, rolled off his chair, and -_drifted_ on to the floor, with a crash that shook the house. - -“Teddy Sleeper, what ails you? Wake up!” cried Becky, running to him, -and shaking him. “Don’t you see we’ve got company?” - -Teddy rolled over, sat up, and stared wildly about him. - -“I don’t care, Becky Sleeper. I ain’t a goin’ to be stumped by a girl, -any way.” - -Harry Thompson laughed so loud that Teddy sprang to his feet in -confusion. - -“Stick to that, Teddy, and we’ll make a man of you.” - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -BECKY’S NEW BIRTH. - - -Into the life thus accidentally opened to her, Becky dashed with the -same vigor and determination which had characterized her dealings with -the sports of tomboyhood. - -On the departure of the Thompsons, she marched into the kitchen, and -surprised Aunt Hulda by pulling the table into the middle of the floor, -spreading the cloth, and arranging the dishes for supper. - -“Goodness gracious, child! What’s come to you?” cried the spinster, in -astonishment. - -“Don’t say a word, Aunt Hulda. I’ve been a bad girl, but I mean to do -better. I’m not going to let you do all the work in this house.” - -Aunt Hulda looked at the girl uneasily. Was this madcap endeavoring to -take the reins out of her hands? - -“Indeed! Praps you’d like to be mistress, and order me round.” - -“No, indeed, Aunt Hulda; you shall be mistress, and I’ll be maid. It’s -little I know, shame on me! but I want to learn; and you know how to -teach so well that I shan’t bother you long with my clumsiness, I -guess.” - -“Well, that’s clever. You’re real handy, too; only you’ve put the -knives and forks on the wrong side of the plates.” - -“So I have,” said Becky, quickly “changing sides.” “Where are you going -now, Aunt Hulda?” - -“After wood; the fire’s getting low. It’s got to be chopped, too. But I -can manage that.” - -“No, you must not.--Here, Teddy, bring in a good big armful of wood; -and don’t you never let Aunt Hulda bring another stick.” - -Teddy had been standing by the window, gazing, in open-mouthed -astonishment, at Becky’s proceedings. He roused himself at her sharp -call, and obeyed. - -“Guess Becky’s a little out of head,” he soliloquized, in the woodshed. -“Got too much water on the brain in the dam.” - -Supper finished, Becky washed the dishes, cleared away, and swept -the kitchen, under the direction of Aunt Hulda, and then insisted on -making bread, after careful directions from the mistress. All this was -faithfully reported to Mrs. Sleeper by Aunt Hulda. - -“I tell you, Delia, there’s the making of a smart woman in that girl; -and it’s coming out fast.” - -When bed time came, Becky went in to her mother with a sad face. The -idea that she had caused her mother’s illness was so strong upon her, -that it could not be easily dissipated. Perhaps it was better so, if it -only strengthened her in her determination to achieve success in the -new life. - -“How do you feel to-night, mother?” said Becky choking down a sob, and -laying her hand on her mother’s head, with a caress. - -“Happy, Becky, very happy,” said the mother, with a smile. “The -light step of a little woman about the house has made me wonderfully -contented.” - -The “little woman” blushed, then said, with a smile she found it hard -to muster,-- - -“Sick people should not listen. But I’m glad it made you happy, mother. -Shall I stay with you to-night?” - -“No; Aunt Hulda will take care of me. Good night.” - -“Good night, mother” with a kiss. “Don’t worry about me. I mean to try, -O, so hard--” - -She could say no more. The tears would come, spite of her efforts to -repress them; and she ran from the room. - -She slept little that night; the new tenant--thought--rambled strangely -about in its unfamiliar quarters, as if uncertain at what task to set -itself, in what corner of this little head to find a resting-place. - -Mr. Drinkwater was no better the next morning, and Harry Thompson -opened the school, as usual. He was gratified, on casting his eyes -about the room, to see Becky and Teddy in the places assigned them the -day before; and very much surprised, when the religious exercises were -concluded, to see Becky rise from her place, and march to the centre of -the room. - -“Master Thompson, if you please, I was very rude to you yesterday. I -want to beg your pardon before all the scholars.” - -“Very well, Miss Becky; you were somewhat rude; but this free -confession amply atones for it. You are forgiven.” - -“I want all the scholars to know, if you please, that after school, -when I was told to take my place upon the platform, I jumped out of the -window.” - -Harry bit his lip. This was just what he didn’t want the scholars to -know; and they never would have known how he had been outwitted, but -for Becky’s confession. She was altogether too penitent. - -“That will do, Miss Becky. You have said quite enough. I shall expect -better conduct from you in the future.” - -“I mean to try, sir.” - -Becky returned to her seat. She did try hard that day; and not only -that day, but every day, found her trying, and succeeding, too. She -diligently applied herself to the studies assigned her, watched her -conduct carefully, and in a very short time Harry Thompson had reason -to be proud of his pupil. She gave Teddy a helping hand, also. She was -pained to hear the laugh when Teddy blundered; so every night at home -Teddy was carefully tutored by his sister for the next day’s task; and -in a short time he, too, accomplished wonders. - -As soon as the brain was trained to systematized labor, Becky’s sharp -eyes traced the difference in her attire and that of the girls about -her; and very soon improvement was noticed in this. Mrs. Thompson, -whose visits to the brown house were now of daily occurrence, taught -her to sew. Material was readily found among the stock of presents the -sailor husband had been accustomed to bring his wife, and which had -never been made up; and thus Becky was as neat and well dressed a girl -as there was in the school. She made quick progress with her studies. -In one branch she excelled all--that of drawing. Harry had introduced -this as a pleasant study, with no idea that Becky had such a genius for -it as she rapidly displayed. - -Mr. Drinkwater continued ill all the winter, and Harry kept the school, -by his orders; for, contrary to his expectations, Captain Thompson did -not come into the school. The shrewd proprietor evidently discovered -the trick to bring about a reconciliation, and, with his usual -obstinacy, defeated the well laid plan. And so, autumn gave place to -winter, and the snow lay heavily on the ground. Winter, in turn, gave -place to spring, with all its opening beauties; and school was over. - -Harry Thompson stood upon the steps of the school-house, the door -locked behind him for the last time, the key in his hand. His scholars -had gone; up and down the road he could hear their merry voices, -as they wended their ways homeward. But one was left to keep him -company--Becky Sleeper. She stood beside him, anxiously watching -his troubled face; for the master was looking across the road at -the home of his childhood, where he could not now enter. He was -bitterly disappointed in his labors; they had not brought about the -reconciliation for which he had plotted, and which, for his mother’s -sake, he had so longed for. He turned, with a sigh, to Becky. - -“Well, little one, school is over.” - -“Yes, Harry. It’s been a pleasant time for me. How can I thank you for -having been so kind to me, for having taught me so much, and being such -a dear, kind friend?” - -“Yes, I have been able to do you some good, Becky. My labor has not -been fruitless, after all.” - -Fruitless! No. One look at the thoughtful face beside him, one glance -at the trim figure, might convince him of that. Six months ago a -hoiden, to-day a woman; bright, young, beautiful, still; but strong, -energetic, persevering, rapidly unfolding the intellectual graces of -true womanhood. - -He was fond of his pupil; and to her he was a hero--always had been; -but for the last six months they had been constantly in each other’s -company. Out of school, many of the old familiar ways had been revived. -They had ridden, sailed, rowed, even indulged in an occasional game -of cricket. At her home he was a constant visitor, that being the -established rendezvous for meeting his mother; and mother and son had -diligently wrought--quietly, but earnestly--a great change in her life. -She knew it, and blessed them for it. These two were very dear to each -other, and, without knowing it, were passing beyond the boundaries of -friendship into the perplexing maze of love. - -“Harry,” said Becky, suddenly, “where does all the money come from?” - -“Money, Becky! What money?” - -“The money that gets us all we have at home. Mother’s went long ago; -and yet we are always well supplied with food and clothing. Does it -come from your father?” - -“I think it does, Becky. My angel mother possesses a key which unlocks -all his treasures; and I suspect that some of them fly across the -bridge to your home.” - -“I thought so. It isn’t right. Is there not some way in which I could -earn money?” - -“Well, I don’t know of any. Stay. You might blow the bellows for Fox, -the blacksmith, or get employment in the shipyard.” - -“O, stop. That’s not what I want. Couldn’t I work in one of the mills?” - -“Yes, I suppose you could; but I wouldn’t, at least until after we’ve -had a consultation with my angel mother.” - -“Then let’s have one, quick. I’m determined to earn money some way; and -if you don’t find me something better I _will_ blow the bellows for Mr. -Fox.” - -“Well, I’ll come over to-night, and we’ll have a grand council of war. -Good by, Becky.” - -“Good by, Harry.” - -He turned up the road, and she stood and watched him as he stepped -briskly along, swinging the key in his hand, and whistling merrily. - -“He’s just splendid! O, if I was only a man, to follow him into the -world! For this life will not content him long. He’s restless now, -eager to be at work among men. And he’ll go, too. And, O, dear! how -lonesome it will be without him!” - -Even then Becky felt a lonesome shadow gliding into her heart with its -oppressive weight, felt the tears gathering in her eyes. Then, when he -was still in sight! How would it be when he should be far, far away? - -Yet she stood and watched as he descended the hill, till he was out of -sight; longer still, her eyes fixed upon the spot from which he had -vanished, her thoughts shaping themselves into queer notions of the -future, in girlhood’s flattering mirror of romance, building bright -pictures of renown for him,--her hero,--in which she bore no part. - -From this sudden romantic attack she was aroused by the appearance -of another figure in the place on which her eyes were fixed. Slowly -toiling up the hill came a girl, pale-featured, poorly-clad, deformed, -and crippled. With the aid of a crutch she stumped along the path until -she reached the school-house; then, with a pleasant nod to Becky, and a -sigh of relief, she seated herself upon the steps. - -Becky returned the nod, and seated herself by the side of the cripple. - -“You seem to have a pretty hard time of it.” - -“Do I?” said the cripple, smiling. “Well, I suppose to you, who have -two feet to run about on, it does seem hard. But it’s the best I can -do, the best I ever could do; and so I don’t mind it a bit.” - -“You don’t mean to say that you like being a cripple,” said Becky, in -astonishment. “I never could be contented in that way--never!” - -“No, I don’t think I like it; but I cannot help it. It must always be -so. It’s hip trouble. I only try to make the best of it. The hardest -to bear are the hard, grinding pains that come sometimes. O, they -are terrible! But they come and go; and after they’re gone I’m real -comfortable till--the next.” - -“Well, you’re a brave girl, any way,” said Becky. “What’s your name, -please?” - -“Why, don’t you know Jenny York? I thought everybody knew me. What’s -yours?” - -“Becky Sleeper.” - -“What! the tomboy?” - -A dark shadow passed across the face of Becky. - -“I was the tomboy, Jenny; but I’ve outgrown that name. I think I’m -something a little nearer what a girl of my age should be now.” - -“I beg your pardon for speaking so, Becky. I’ve never met you before; -but I’ve always heard of you and your--your--” - -“Capers, Jenny. Don’t be afraid. I don’t mind it a bit. Thank goodness, -I’ve outgrown all that folly. But tell me, are you Silly York’s sister?” - -“Yes. She’s number one, and I’m number two; then there’s Johnny, three, -and four and five. They’re little tots, and don’t count for much yet. -Silly works for Mrs. Thompson, and I work at the mill.” - -“_You_ work! At what mill?” - -“The paper mill, sorting rags. It’s profitable business, too. Some -weeks I make five or six dollars.” - -What a strange meeting! A little cripple earning six dollars a week, -and a great, strong, healthy girl, who never earned a cent. Becky could -scarcely believe her ears. - -“Why, Jenny York, you’re worth a dozen girls like me. I never earned a -cent in my life. I wish I could, though.” - -“It’s easy enough. Mr. Small wants some help; he told me so to-day. -The work is not very clean; there’s plenty of dust to get down your -throat, and up your nose, and into your ears. But it never gets into my -eyes thick enough to prevent my seeing the wages every Saturday night.” - -Jenny York laughed merrily, making it evident that the dust had no -effect on her good humor. - -“There, I guess I’ve had a good rest. I must be going.” - -“Let me go with you,” said Becky, springing up, and assisting Jenny to -regain her feet. - -“O, thank you! That will be nice. I can put my arm about your waist, if -you’ll let me, and you can shoulder the crutch, if you like, and ’twill -be a pleasant change for me.” - -Warm-hearted Becky quickly adjusted herself to the requirements of her -companion, and they started off down the road. - -“Do you walk up and down every day, Jenny?” - -“O, no. Almost always somebody comes along and gives me a ride. -Everybody is very kind to me, and I get along famously.” - -Ah, Jenny, if everybody had your cheerful spirit, how much better -and brighter the world would become! how pleasantly we should all get -along! The hard, grinding times come to all, in different shapes, to be -rightly borne in patience; but between the past and the coming are long -reaches of level life which the sunshine of a contented spirit can make -glad and happy. - -That long walk opened a fresh path in the new life to Becky. For two -years Jenny York had worked at the mill. She gave her companion a full -description of her duties, and eagerly pressed her to come and try -her luck. They parted at the door of Mr. York’s house, sworn friends. -Becky, refusing an invitation to enter, remembering her charity visit, -gave Jenny her promise that the next day should find her at the mill. - -So homeward tripped Becky, thanking her lucky stars for this -providential meeting, thinking how oddly it had come about that just at -the right moment a weak, crippled girl had been able to point out to -her the road to independence. - -The “council of war” that night deliberated long and earnestly on -the question which Becky laid before that body. Harry opposed, Mrs. -Thompson hesitated, Becky was resolute. - -“I hate to oppose you, Harry, who have been so good to me. But I can -earn money there; and it’s high time I did something for the support of -the family.” - -She had taken the precaution to win Aunt Hulda and her mother to her -side before submitting her plan to the others. Aunt Hulda, whose -admiration for Becky sometimes was unbounded, had been first consulted. -This mark of confidence had won all that remained of Aunt Hulda’s -heart, and she readily acquiesced, as she would have done had Becky -proposed to shingle the church. The mother had read in the sparkling -eyes of her daughter, now so very dear to her, the earnest desire -to work and earn, and could not, if she would, disappoint her. Thus -thrice-armed in a just cause, Becky met her councillors, and bore off -the victory at last. - -With these stipulations: she should give just the time daily which had -been occupied by her school duties to rag-picking--no more. She should -perform her household labors as usual, and be ready at other times -for out-door exercise at the will and pleasure of Harry Thompson. His -consent could be gained on no other terms. Mrs. Thompson was doubtful -of the influences which might be brought to bear upon Becky at the -mill, yet could not but admire the spirit she displayed. She hesitated -on Becky’s account a while, then smilingly gave her vote in favor of -Becky, and the field was won. - -The next morning found her at the mill equipped for dusty labor. Mr. -Small received her kindly, made a satisfactory bargain with her, and -she at once entered upon her duties. - -The paper mill was composed of three buildings; the main section, -comprising the business office, the machine-room, the pulp-vats, and -the bleaching-tubs, was built of bricks. At right angles with this -structure, and attached to it, was a flat-roofed wooden building. In -the lower story of this were stored rags in bags; from this room they -were hoisted to the second story, where they were sorted, then taken -to the main building to be bleached. At the end of this building was -a low, slant-roofed stable. In the sorting-room from ten to a dozen -females were usually employed; and to this section of the paper mill -Becky was assigned. - -To no pleasant work did Becky set her hands; in no very pleasant -companionship did she find herself. With the exception of Jenny York, -the “girls” were middle aged and old women, loud-tongued, and very apt -to be quarrelsome. At first Becky tried to make friends with all of -them; but, finding her overtures met with rudeness, she desisted from -further attempts, and drew the closer to the little cripple. - -As time passed on, and she grew familiar with her labor, stronger -grew her friendship for Jenny. These two made a corner of their own, -a little removed from the Babel of tongues. Jenny, rejoicing in the -companionship of one so near her age, was always bright and happy. -Becky, catching the inspiration of her cheerful spirit, overflowed with -mirth and humor, and oft-repeated stories of tomboy adventures made -them both merry over their work. - -But Becky never lost sight of her independence. She worked gaily, but -she worked with a will; and the sight of her wages when Saturday came -was a reward of merit dearly prized. Steadily she worked through the -hot months of summer, until she could count ninety dollars in her -strong-box; and then a sad disaster befell the mill. - -The machinery of a paper mill seldom stops, night or day, save for -repairs. It was in the month of September that it was necessary to -stop for the repair of a broken wheel. The sorting-room, however, was -kept in operation. - -At twelve o’clock the “girls” repaired to their homes for dinner--all -but Jenny York. Occasionally Becky staid to keep her company, but not -often, the stipulations with the council requiring her to be punctual -to her meals at home. Certainly Jenny fared all the better for this, -for Becky’s return always added something nice to her plain fare. - -But one day Jenny had a fierce attack of her grinding pains, and all -the forenoon she lay upon a couch of bags, and when dinner time came, -spite of her wishes, Becky would not leave her. They were alone; Jenny, -just recovering, was faint and ghostly white; Becky, bending over her, -was bathing her temples, when, suddenly, outside, the cry of “Fire!” -was raised. Becky sprang to her feet, to find the room thickening with -smoke, coming up through the chinks in the floor. A too common accident -in paper mills had occurred. A bag of cotton waste had burst into -flames, and the store-room beneath was a furnace of fire. Her first -thought was--no thought at all. The instinct of self-preservation took -her into the machine-room very quick, and then she thought of Jenny. -She ran back to the terrified girl, crying,-- - -“Don’t be frightened, Jenny. The mill’s on fire; but I’ll save you.” - -She stooped and lifted Jenny in her arms. All the “waste” of her early -life served her well now. Exercise had made that small frame tough and -muscular, and she easily bore Jenny towards the door. But suddenly the -iron doors between the two buildings were closed with a crash. Some -crazy operative, thinking only of the danger to the main building, had -taken this precaution, without looking into the room. Becky dropped her -burden, and flew to the doors. She screamed for help; she beat the iron -with her fists in vain. Then she ran to the windows on the sides; there -were none at the end. But the thick, black smoke, rolling up outside, -obscured the light. No escape there; they were walled in on every side. -The smoke in the room was so thick it was with difficulty they could -breathe. - -No escape? Yes, one. Becky cast her eyes aloft. In the centre of -the roof was a scuttle, ten feet above her. Lying along the side of -the room was a ladder. Becky sprang for it. It was very heavy; but -desperation nerved her arms, and it was raised. - -All this time Jenny lay upon the floor, watching with wishful eyes the -movements of Becky. O, if she only had a little strength now! Becky -came to her side, and raised her once more in her arms. - -“Now clasp me close, and we’ll soon reach the roof, and be out of this -stifling smoke, any way.” - -With her heavy burden she toiled up the ladder, rested a moment at the -top, then threw up the scuttle, and reached the roof. There she laid -Jenny down and ran to the edge. Right and left the smoke was rising in -dense volumes; but at the farther end all was clear, and beneath it -was the steep roof of the stable. There was her chance for escape. She -could drop easily; it was but ten feet. But Jenny! The poor girl would -scarce escape without injury. Only a moment she pondered, then ran back -to the scuttle, and descended the ladder, at the risk of her life. -Near the iron doors the flames were shooting up through the floor, and -dancing on the wall. The smoke was stifling. She caught up several -empty bags, and quickly regained her place upon the roof. - -“Quick, Jenny, quick! Help me to tear these bags to pieces. We must -have a rope.” - -They tore the bags apart, divided them, with the aid of their scissors, -into long, narrow strips; then Becky’s nimble fingers twisted them -together. - -“Now, Jenny, I’m going to lower you to the shed; and then we’re safe.” - -She fastened the improvised rope about Jenny’s waist, and bore her to -the edge of the roof. She then passed the rope around the chimney. - -“Once more, Jenny. Slide over the roof, and hold on to the rope.” - -The rope slid through Becky’s hands, and Jenny was upon the roof -below. Then the brave girl, casting loose the trusty cord, advanced to -the edge of the roof, and, supporting herself a moment by her hands, -dropped beside her friend. None too soon; for, while she clung there, -up through the scuttle appeared the flaming head of the advancing -column of fire. - -It was still ten feet from the stable to the ground, and no time to be -lost. - -“Slide down the roof, Jenny, and drop again. I’ll hold you; never fear.” - -She stretched herself flat upon the roof, with the rope in her hands. -Jenny slid down, and dropped as directed. But now a new danger to -Becky arose: the cord had become entangled in her dress; and, as Jenny -descended, she found herself being dragged down the roof. But she held -all the tighter to the rope, fearing the shock to Jenny, should she -fall, more than the danger of being herself plunged headlong from the -roof. Faster and faster they went; she was nearing the edge; she must -go over. No. Suddenly the cord slacked. Jenny had touched the ground. -She dropped the cord, clutched the gutter with all her strength, her -body swung round, and she dropped to the ground, very ungracefully, but -unhurt. - -“O, Becky, you’ve saved my life! Can I ever repay you.” - -Jenny lay upon the ground, with clasped hands and streaming eyes. Becky -stood by her side, looking ruefully at the burning building. No more -work there. - -“Yes, Jenny, I believe I’ve saved both our lives. But there’s one thing -I forgot; and it’s just like me. Your crutch! I might have saved that -too.” - -Not quite a thoughtful, earnest woman yet, Becky; but this day the -climbing frolics of the tomboy days have enabled you to glorify -humanity with its proudest triumph--an heroic act! - -[Illustration: THE BURNING MILL.--Page 142.] - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -TEDDY SLEEPER DINES OUT. - - -Just before the breaking out of the fire in the paper mill Teddy -Sleeper, sat on the door step awaiting the return of his sister. He -was particularly uneasy on this occasion, having had a long spell of -fishing with no luck, “not even a bite” and was very impatient at the -delay in obtaining a “bite” at home, it being the invariable rule -there, to wait for Becky. Teddy under the wise rule of his sister -had lost much of his gaukiness and rough speech but had lost none -of his rotundity of form and cool, phlegmatic disposition. With him -everything was taken as a matter of course. Nothing ever surprised him -into expressions of wonder, and seldom did he lose his temper. The -sole disturber of his peace was hunger--the foe that has successfully -assailed the good disposition of many wise and great men. Under its -attacks Teddy grew restless and disorderly. He was in a fair way to -do something rash, when his keen eye discovered smoke rolling up over -the paper mill, and the cry of “Fire! fire! fire!” faintly reached his -ears. He rolled off the step, took a long look in the direction of the -smoke, then started down the hill. Reaching the church, he saw Phil -Hague standing before the captain’s house, shading his eyes and looking -up the road. People were hurrying toward the fire. - -“Phil, Phil, it’s the paper mill!” - -“Is that so? Bedad, its foine kindlings they have there for a blaze.” - -“Come on. Let’s get out the ingine.” - -“What for, I dunno?” said Phil, scratching his head. - -“To put out the fire. Here, Jackson, the ingine. Hold on, Smith, help -run her up. Come on, Phil.” - -Teddy run to the engine house, followed by Phil, and Smith and Jackson, -who were on their way to the fire. - -The engine was kept next door to the church. It was a heavy, -old-fashioned affair, not much larger than a good-sized wash-tub, had -not been moved for years, and it was very doubtful if it could be made -to work. Of this Teddy took no thought. There was a fire, and the first -thing to be done was to have it on the spot. So they pulled it out and -started down the hill as fast as they could run. Not being experienced -firemen, they did not use any “hold-back” measures, and the consequence -was, half way down the hill they found the “ingine” close upon their -heels, and themselves in danger of being crushed. With one accord they -dropped the rope, and sprang to the sides of the road. “Cataract”--this -was the name by which the extinguisher was known--being deserted by its -leaders, went thundering down the hill and tipped over at the bottom. - -“By my sowl,” said Phil Hague, “that’s a quare way of putting out a -fire. The contrary divil’s laid down for a nap.” - -“Come on, it ain’t hurt; let’s set it up and lug it up the hill,” said -Teddy hurrying to the prostrate Cataract. - -They managed to get it upon its wheels again, tugged up the hill with -their heavy burden, and at last reached the fire. A hose was laid -and the engine manned, but the rusty machine refused to work. All this -time Teddy had been sweating and hurrying to get it in operation. It -was a sore disappointment to him after all his trouble. - -Mark Small came along at that moment. - -“It’s no use, boys, there’s been no washers on them pumps this five -years.” - -There was a laugh from the crowd and Teddy turned away with a very red -face. - -“The best engine in the world would be of no use now. She’s got to -burn,” said Small, looking at his buildings, now enveloped in flames. -“Much obliged to you, Teddy, all the same. Tell you what you can do. -There’s little York frightened most to death. Becky got her out just in -time. Just you take my team and get her home. That’s a good fellow.” - -Teddy followed the direction of Small’s pointing finger, and saw Jenny -York crouching on the ground beside Becky. In a moment he was beside -the girls. - -“Hello, girls, had a narrow squeak of it. Say, Becky, Small says you -got her out. Is that so?” - -“Yes, I did, Teddy. Ain’t you glad?” said Becky. - -“Glad; you bet I am. Bully for you. Hurrah for Becky Sleeper.” - -The crowd took up the shout, and Becky received an ovation. Just then -Small drove up in his wagon. - -“Come, Teddy, get the girls home, quick.” - -He leaped from his seat and took Jenny in his arms and placed her in -the wagon. - -“There’s room for you, too, Becky. Jump in. God bless you, girl. It’s -hard to lose all I have in the world, but it would have been harder to -bear had there been a life lost.” - -Becky climbed into the wagon followed by Teddy who took up the reins -and drove away. As they moved off the excited crowd, who had witnessed -Becky’s valor, shouted until Becky was out of sight, “Hurrah, hurrah, -hurrah!” As they flew down the road Jenny poured into the ears of Teddy -Sleeper the exciting narrative of the escape. - -“That’s just like her, Jenny. Hi, lively, Spotty. She’s a bouncer, I -tell you. And she’s my sister. Ain’t I proud of her? Oh, no--get up, -Spotty,” cried Teddy, at the conclusion of the narrative. “And I lugged -that plaguy old ingine up all for nothing. She does all the brave -things, and I ain’t no account. Don’t care, she’s my sister. Hi, there, -Spotty, what are ye about? She’s my sister.” - -Spotty was the name of Small’s horse--an explanation rather necessary, -in view of the manner in which Teddy mixed his sentences. - -Having safely deposited his sister at home, Teddy drove on to Jenny’s -house. Mrs. York was surprised at the appearance of Jenny in the middle -of the day. The family had heard nothing about the fire, and were about -sitting down to dinner when Teddy arrived with his charge. - -“Bless the child, where did you come from? What’s the matter?” cried -Mrs. York, appearing in the doorway, as Teddy carefully deposited Jenny -on the step. - -“Been a fire! Mill’s gone--clean gone!” said Teddy. “So I brought Jenny -home.” - -“Mill’s burned? Sakes alive! How on earth did you get out? Do you hear -that, father? Mill’s gone--clean gone.” - -“I got out because Becky Sleeper saved me, mother,” said Jenny, -quietly, as she took her mother’s hand to get into the house. “Had it -not been for her you’d have had no crippled daughter to care for more.” - -“My gracious! you don’t mean it,” cried Mrs. York, hastily closing the -door, regardless of Teddy standing outside. Teddy turned away with -a disappointed air. The grateful incense of a boiled dinner had been -wafted to his hungry spirit, through the open door. He remembered the -time, when on a charitable mission, that same door had been closed -to him, and thought that if a little charity should be extended to -him from the other side, hungry as he was he could not refuse it. -He climbed to his seat, took up the reins, and was on the point of -starting off when the door opened again. - -“Here, Teddy, Teddy Sleeper, don’t go yet.” It was the voice of Mrs. -York. “You mustn’t mind my shuttin’ the door. I’m so flurried to think -that our Jenny’s come so near never comin’ home again. Come in and have -some dinner. We ain’t got much, but what we have is good, for I cooked -it myself. Don’t be bashful. Come in, and welcome.” - -Teddy stopped not for further invitation, but quickly fastened Spotty -and entered the house. The table was spread in the middle of the room, -its centre embellished with a huge platter in which reposed a smoking -piece of corned-beef, almost hidden by the surrounding accompaniment -of turnips, carrots, parsnips, cabbage and potatoes. Near it was an -enormous dish of squash. There was a plate of brown bread, another of -white, a castor, a huge coffee pot, cups and saucers, plates, knives -and forks. Teddy took it all in at a glance. There was enough for all, -he should not be robbing the poor if he helped to dispose of the feast. -Yet the supply of squash so far exceeded the usual provision made for -such an occasion that he could not keep his eyes from it. - -“Father” York who was on the lounge, when he entered raised his eyes -and said “How do you do?” in a very weak voice. - -“Come, father, dinner’s all on the table.” - -“Father” rose quickly, and took his place at the foot of the table. -Mrs. York motioned Teddy to a seat next him. Jenny took her place, and -the two younger Yorks, about four and six years old scrambled to their -places. - -“Why, where’s Johnny?” said Mrs. York, about to do the honors at the -head of the table. - -“Oh, he’ll be here afore we get through, I guess,” said father York, -“he never loses a meal.” - -There was a scrambling at the back door, it flew open, and Johnny York -made his appearance. He was about eleven years old. A redheaded, -freckled-faced boy, with eyes like a sculpin. With much haste he tossed -his hat on the lounge, dragged a chair across the floor, jumped into -his seat, and fastened his eyes upon the dish of squash. - -“Squash!” he ejaculated, lifting his plate. - -“Wait, sonny, wait; don’t you see we have company,” said Mrs. York. - -Johnny looked round the table, saw Teddy, grinned, then fastened his -eyes on his favorite dish. - -Mrs. York helped Teddy and Jenny and then looked at Johnny. - -“Squash,” answered Johnny to the look. - -Into his plate Mrs. York heaped the yellow vegetable in such profusion -that Teddy stared. The youngster seemed not a bit discouraged by the -supply but attacked it at once. The two smaller children were also -helped from the same dish, paying no attention to the contents of the -principal platter. With a great many groans Mr. York supplied his own -plate bountifully, and set to work like a man ravenously hungry. Teddy -kept him company--he had fasted long and he was tempted by a favorite -dinner. - -“Teddy,” said Mrs. York, “we can never be grateful enough to that dear -sister of yours, and only think, we turned her away from our doors.” - -“Yes,” sighed Mr. York, “and refused her bounty. It was cruel, and if -ever there was a thing a poor sick man hankered for, it was what she -brought.” - -“Squash!” burst out Johnny, raising his empty plate. - -Teddy stopped eating and looked at Johnny. The boy’s eyes stood out -hungrier than ever. Mrs. York quietly refilled his plate. - -“Oh, she’s the dearest girl, mother, you ever saw. If you’d only seen -her in the loft,” said Jenny, “tugging away at that great ladder, and -then carrying me up in her arms, and so gay about it, as though she -did it every day. I was frightened almost to death, but when I saw how -calm she was, it made me quiet. I thought if I must die, it would not -be alone. And then I thought that was selfish and wanted her to go and -leave me to my fate. Oh, mother, it was a happy day for me when she -came to the mill.” - -“It was a happy day for us all, Jenny,” said Mrs. York. “What should -we do without our singing Jenny? Have some more beef, Teddy. I declare -you’re not eating anything.” - -Teddy looked up to see if she was not making fun of him for he had -already made away with two generous supplies. But, no, there was no fun -in her eye, and he passed his plate. - -“Yes,” sighed Mr. York, “we have much to be grateful for. Poor health -is an awful pullback to a man who’s willin’ to do all he can, but to -lose children after they’ve begun to earn something, is a special -dispensation of Providence that goes agin’ the grain. I always told -Small that mill of his would end in--” - -“Squash!” sung out Johnny, lifting an empty plate again. - -“Squash!” echoed number four. - -“Squash!” chimed in number five. - -Teddy saw three uplifted plates and ceased to wonder at the enormous -provision. Without a murmur Mrs. York plied the big iron spoon once -more, and the youngsters again set to work. - -“And to think that girl should turn out so well after all,” said Mrs. -York. “She was the most harum scarum thing I ever saw when she was a -young girl.” - -“Ah, we must never judge by appearances,” sighed Mr. York. “That’s -what I tell Mason when I have my bad spells come on. ‘York,’ he says, -‘don’t be a fool. You’re tough enough if you only keep to work. You’re -as strong and healthy a looking man as I am.’ Ah, he little knows what -a sinking there is my stomach and how weak I get, and don’t have the -least bit of appetite. Ah, I’m slowly but surely fading away, fading -away.” - -“Don’t, father, don’t talk so. You make me feel miserable,” said Mrs. -York, laying down her knife and looking at the sufferer with real -distress in her face. - -“Well, I won’t,” sighed York, taking up his knife and fork, and dashing -at his plate with vigor. “I know its wrong to distress you, but what -can a man do who feels the all-devouring worm continually crying--” - -“Squash!” interrupted Johnny. - -“No, sir, no more,” said Mrs. York, firmly. “Mercy sakes, do you want -to turn into a squash vine, and have squashes grow out all over you? No -more.” - -Johnny said not a word, but pushed back his chair, grabbed his cap, and -slid out of the back door. The little Yorks who were on the point of -joining their petitions with that of their brother, awed by the stern -tone of their mother, or frightened at the probable result of too much -indulgence, dropped their plates and were silent. Teddy, having fully -appeased his appetite, thought of Spotty. - -“I believe I must be goin’. Hadn’t ought to have stopped so long. Mr. -Small will be wanting his horse.” - -“Oh, don’t be in a hurry, Teddy. Well, if you must go--come again, -we’ll be glad to see you any time, won’t we, father?” - -“Yes, indeed; and your sister, too, and she shan’t be turned out of -doors, if she ever feels like bringing something nice to a poor sick -man,” said Mr. York. - -“Don’t, father, speak of such a thing,” cried Jenny. “She’s done enough -for us. Don’t take such a message as that, Teddy, but tell her we all -love her dearly, and will never think of her but as the best girl in -Cleverly.” - -“That’s so, Jenny. I knew folks would find out how clever she is,” said -Teddy, “and she’s my sister. Good by. I really must be going,” and -he started for the door. Outside he found Spotty impatiently pulling -at his tether, and jumping into the wagon he started off. As he drove -into the main street he found a group of men and boys discussing the -fire, and by their motions enacting the scene in which Becky had taken -a prominent part. Further on another group with the same subject under -consideration, and a third were on the steps of the church. As he -passed he could hear his sister’s name spoken by one and another. In -a cheerful spirit, with his hungry foe completely vanquished, it is -no wonder that Teddy’s heart glowed at the praises he heard, and felt -proud of its connection with the heroine of the day. - -And Becky; how bore she her triumph? Quietly she entered the house and -took her place at her mother’s side. - -“No more work to-day, mother, or for many days. The mill is burned to -the ground.” - -“Nobody hurt, Becky?” with an anxious look, said the mother. - -“No, all safe and sound. Nobody lost anything but Mr. Small.” - -Aunt Hulda entered the room at that moment. - -“What’s that, Becky? Where have you been? Dinner’s cold as a stone.” - -“Jenny was very sick and I couldn’t leave her, and then the mill took -fire and burnt to the ground.” - -“Mark Small’s mill burnt. You don’t mean it. Why, it will ruin him,” -gasped Aunt Hulda. - -“Yes, I’m afraid he’s lost everything.” - -“Oh dear, dear, dear! It’s the Lord’s doin’s and I ’spose we must be -resigned,” cried Aunt Hulda. “And Mark Small’s lost everything,” and -she sat down and rocked briskly, wringing her hands. - -“Why, Aunt Hulda, what ails you? You’ll lose nothing. Come, give me my -dinner, I’m as hungry as a bear. I can’t wait; come along,” and Becky -seized Aunt Hulda by main force and dragged her to the kitchen. Not a -word about her adventure to Aunt Hulda, not a word to her mother on -her return. They were left in ignorance until Teddy puffing with haste -burst into the room. He ran at Becky and seized her in his arms. - -“It’s all over town. I tell you, everybody’s talking about you. You’re -a heroine, Becky, and I’m your brother.” - -“What on airth ails the boy?” shrieked Aunt Hulda. “Is he mad? What’s -Becky done now?” - -“What has she done, Aunt Hulda? She dragged Jenny York up on the roof, -tore up the bags and let her down to the ground, when the building was -blazing like fury. D’ye hear that, mother? Our Becky did it. Ain’t you -proud of her? I am.” - -Becky freed herself from Teddy’s embrace, wondering what could -have started him to such a proceeding, he always so cool and -undemonstrative. She looked at her mother. The face of the invalid was -flushed, the lips moved yet no words escaped them, but in the eyes -Becky read the rich reward, “Well done, daughter.” She ran to her -mother’s side and put her arms about her neck. - -“Poor Jenny York, mother, she must have died without me. Thank Heaven, -I was there, mother. Thank Him that I knew how to save her.” - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE ROMANCE OF A POOR OLD MAID. - - -If ever a man had reason to be disappointed at the ways of Providence, -that man was Mark Small, owner of the mill, whose earthly possessions -had vanished in fire and smoke. Twenty years before, he had wandered -over from Foxtown, a sunburnt lad, with all his wardrobe--a cotton -shirt, homespun pants, and a straw hat, stuck loosely upon his thin -frame,--and the sad recollection of the death-bed of his father, a -dissipated laborer, firmly fixed in his memory. In search of a job he -stumbled into Capt. Thompson’s kitchen, where he was treated to a good, -warm meal, and afterwards given charge of the captain’s “cattle;” _i. -e._ a lively young horse, and a quiet, orderly cow,--for the captain’s -domestic establishment was then on a very small scale. This work -contented him for five years; when a desire to become a tin-peddler, -induced the captain to equip him with a horse and wagon, and to set -him off upon his travels. A very promising year at this business was -ended by the disappearance of his whole stock from the breaking of a -bridge; and the bankruptcy of that concern was the consequence. Then -he tried book-peddling with considerable success, until one night the -barn, in which he and his library had taken shelter from a storm, was -struck by lightning and burned; he barely escaping with his life. -Then he took to farming;--cut his leg with a scythe, and was laid up -all winter. So fast failures followed all his attempts to rise in the -world, that he jestingly asserted he must have been named Mark, that -misfortune might make no mistake in marking him for its victim. At -length he sought employment at the paper mill, where he prospered; and -in time, by careful saving and shrewd management, was able to purchase -the whole concern. And now fire had again made him penniless. Yet he -sat there, lounging on a stone, humming a tune, and whittling a stick, -as the twilight was gathering, and the flickering flames dying out of -all that remained of his earthly possessions. He was a tall, thin man, -with hollow cheeks, a ring of grizzled beard encircling his throat, -a long, sharp nose, and a pair of rambling, piercing eyes, which were -now fastened upon the fast blackening heap before him. So deeply was he -interested in the last flashes of his expiring treasures, that he was -unconscious of the approach of footsteps, until a hand was laid upon -his shoulder. - -“Mark, if it wasn’t the Lord’s doings, I should say that you’re the -worst treated man in Cleverly.” - -Mark started, and turned to see the sharp eyes of Hulda Prime looking -into his eagerly. He was not quite sure, but he thought they looked -moist and watery. - -“Yes, Hulda, the old tune’s struck up again,”--by which Mark meant his -old follower, misfortune--“I’d kinder lost the hang of it, so long -since I’ve heeded it, but now it seems jist as natral as ‘auld lang -syne.’” - -“Mark, I’m real sorry for you. I don’t know as I’m welcome, but I -couldn’t help putting on my bunnet and coming over to see you, if ’twas -only for the sake of ‘auld lang syne’ you tell about.” - -“Well, it’s real kind of you, Hulda; something I couldn’t expect; for I -hain’t treated you jest right, nohow.” - -Aunt Hulda shivered; it couldn’t be with cold, for the warmth of the -failing embers was still powerful. - -“Seems queer you should drop down on me jest then, Hulda; for I’ve been -kinder lookin’ back, and jest when you put your hand on my shoulder, I -was thinkin’ of that day when horse, wagon, tin-ware and peddler, went -through the bridge together.” - -Aunt Hulda shivered again, and somehow managed to slip down by Small’s -side. He took no notice of the circumstance, but went on. - -“Yes, you were stopping with Mrs. Johnson, helping her with her -thanksgiving. You were a smart girl those days. Not handsome, but -kinder good, wholesome lookin’. Don’t you remember my coming round to -the kitchen and jokin’ you about Cyrus Cheever, who was kinder makin’ -up to you; and I sung out to you, ‘Don’t have him, Hulda, wait for me. -I’ll call when I come back, and pop the question.’ But I drove off and -popped through the bridge. Don’t you remember it?” - -Hulda Prime answered not. Her elbows were on her knees, her chin in her -hand, her eyes looking into the gleaming ruins, where broken walls and -twisted machinery, stood as monuments of destruction. - -Remember it! had she not waited for that return? had she not taken to -heart those playful words? And out of them woven a bright dream, and -built upon it year by year, the only romance of her solitary life. - -“I meant it, Hulda, true as gospel I meant it.” - -Hulda’s old heart gave a bound. It was no jest after all. - -“Yes, if it hadn’t been for that accident, I should have come back and -asked you Hulda, true as preaching. But the old tune struck up, and -’twas no use trying to get up a wedding-dance to such music as that. -And then when I got in luck again, somehow, I kinder got stuck up, and -got used to being my own master; but I did keep kinder thinkin’ on you. -But what’s the use of my tellin’ you all this? we’ve got by, all that -nonsense, and I’m flat on by back agin, and as ‘poor as a puddock.’ I -don’t s’pose it’s very manly in me to go confessing this thing now; -but I’ve kinder felt mean about it, and your comin’, so cleverly and -neighborly like, when I’ve nobody to feel sorry for me, has sorter made -me do it.” - -Mark Small shifted about uneasily in his seat, and whittled very -briskly, and tried to whistle; but he found it hard to “pucker,” and -could not muster a note. - -Aunt Hulda shivered, and looked off into the ruins; and nursed her chin -in her hand, and thought, “‘We’ve got by all that nonsense,’ have we?” -Perhaps he had. She had not. No! Mark Small had been the idol of her -younger days--her hero--by no means a handsome one; neither brave or -gifted; yet she had loved him dearly, without any hope of being his -wife, and now to find that he had thought of her, had wished to marry -her, was happiness enough to pay for all the waiting, though they might -never come any nearer to each other,--though, as he said, “they had got -by all that nonsense.” - -She spoke at last. - -“Mark, I’m glad you told me this. You needn’t be ashamed of it, -neither. It’s a manly thing for you to do. It’s wiped out some hard -thoughts I’ve had of you; for I want you to understand that if you’d -come back then, Cyrus Cheever, or any other man, would have been no -consequence at all.” - -And because all that nonsense had died out, Hulda’s hand fell upon -Mark’s, and the ruined paper maker dropped his knife, and clasped it; -and both gazed wistfully into the ruins, as the twilight darkened, and -the fires burned dimmer. - -“Mark, I am so sorry for you. What will you do now? Your mill is -ruined. ’Twill take a heap of money to build it up again.” - -“I don’t know, Hulda; but I ain’t a bit scart. I’ve begun too many -times at the bottom of the ladder, to give up now.” - -“Trust in the Lord, Mark, trust in the Lord.” - -“That’s good, pious doctrine, Hulda, but I’m kinder unsteady on -religious pints, and I think the Lord does the handsome thing, when he -gives us this world, with all its fruits and products, and store of -materials to work and weave, and brains to think, and arms to work; and -we serve him best when we take all this, on trust, and turn it over, -and work it up, and do the very best we can, givin’ him the glory. -That’s my religion, Hulda, and I mean to live by it. And if I can do -that, I ain’t afraid it won’t carry me over the river. I ain’t agoin’ -to trouble him to set me goin’, but jest look ’round, find suthin’ to -do, and then pitch in with a will.” - -Hulda groaned in spirit, but kept her lips fast closed. This was not -exactly what Parson Arnold preached, and the self-reliant religion of -Mark Small, had a shade of blasphemy to her orthodox ears. - -“Hulda, I wouldn’t sit here any longer if I were you. It’s getting -dark and cold. I’ll walk down the road with you. It’s good of you to -come, and I think I feel better for getting to be good friends with you -again. I thought the old feelin’ had died out, but it hain’t, and if -ever I get on my feet agen,--” - -“Is that you, Mark Small?” - -A burly form came between them and the light. Hulda recognized it, and -sprang to her feet. Captain Thompson, the last man she expected to meet -stood before them. She darted back of Mark Small, out of the light. The -captain took no notice of her, supposing her one of the employees of -the mill. - -“Yes, Captain, here I am, watching the remains. The old mill’s done -for--and so am I.” - -The captain came forward with outstretched hands. - -“Mark, I am sorry for you. If it had been one of my ships, I couldn’t -have felt worse. I’ve been out of town all day. Just heard of it. Swept -clean away, hey?” - -“Yes, Captain, all gone. Some of the machinery might be saved, but it -can do no good. What’s the use of a horse, if you can’t get a stable -for him?” - -“Well, the first thing to do is to build a stable for your iron horses.” - -“It’s easy enough to talk, but where’s the money coming from?” - -“How much will it take to set the mill agoing again?” - -“Ten thousand dollars,” said Mark, with a very faint whistle. - -“Ten thousand dollars!” echoed the captain, with a louder whistle. “Any -insurance?” - -“Not a cent’s worth!” said Mark; “it’s too risky. You see a little -combustible cotton has swept away my fortune in a couple of hours.” - -“Nobody hurt, was there?” queried the captain. - -“No. Thanks to brave little Becky Sleeper, even the little cripple -was got out. That’s a brave girl, Captain. She’ll be the town talk -to-morrow. Her skill in climbing and lifting stood her friend to-day. -She’s a wide-awake Sleeper. Pity we hadn’t more tomboys like her about.” - -“She of any use? you surprise me, Mark.” - -Hulda drew a step nearer. With her pet for a subject, the conversation -was becoming interesting. - -“Yes, while the building was in flames, she dragged Jenny York to the -roof, and lowered her to the ground;” and Small related the adventure, -painting in glowing colors the heroism of Becky Sleeper. - -“Well, well,” said the captain at the close of the narrative, “I’m glad -she’s done something to redeem her bad character.” - -Hulda Prime took another step forward, and clenched her fist. The -captain never knew how narrowly he escaped an assault. “The ugly -brute!” she thought, “he should repent that speech.” But remembering -she had no right to interfere in that place, she smothered her ruffled -feelings, and listened. - -“And you say ten thousand dollars would be required to rebuild the -mill. A big sum, a very big sum;” and the captain rubbed his hand -thoughtfully. - -“Yes, the stock’s gone clean; but my agent in Boston would fill me up, -if I could only get the mill on its legs again.” - -“Hem! pays good profit, hey?” asked the captain. - -“Splendid! I had a customer for all I could make. Might rebuild on -shares with my agents. I guess they’d come down with five thousand, if -I could show the other five.” - -“Would they,” said the captain, lighting up, “then you’re all right, -Small. All right! build it up and set it agoing.” - -“Yes, but where’s my five thousand coming from?” - -“Out of my pocket, Small. ’Tain’t the first time I’ve set you up in -business. And though you’ve failed many times, I’ve never lost a cent. -You’ve paid me up principal and interest. And the money’s yours, when -you want it to set things agoing. And if your agents won’t go in with -you, why, I will; though where so much money’s coming from, I can’t -exactly see.” - -Small sprang to his feet, with eyes full of tears. - -“Captain Thompson, you’re a friend worth having; you’ve put new life -into me. I thought my best friend was gone when the old mill burnt; but -I’m all right now.” And he seized Captain Thompson’s hand and shook it -warmly. - -“That’s all right, Small. Don’t say any more about it. And don’t let it -leak out; I don’t like to have my doings known.” - -“But they shall be known, you ugly old angel,” cried Hulda Prime, -pouncing upon the Captain, and shaking his hand with energy. - -“Hulda Prime, you here!” cried the astonished Captain; backing away and -endeavoring to release his hand,-- - -“Yes, and I bless the Lord I am here, to see such a noble spirit. -Captain Thompson, I’ve said hard things about you, and to your face, -too; but I take ’em all back,--except about Harry--that I will stick -to.” - -Remembering what had been said about Harry, the Captain was not well -pleased at the reservation. - -“Miss Prime, I am surprised to find you here,” began he, sternly. - -“Well, you needn’t be. Mark Small and I are old friends, and so I ran -over to console him and bid him trust in the Lord. And I guess he did, -after all, for nobody else could have sent you here just in the nick of -time. You’re just splendid. Folks round here pity Miss Thompson because -she’s got such a brute of a husband. But they needn’t. You’re just as -good as you can be, and I’ve a great mind to hug you.” - -The Captain grew red, and the Captain grew pale. He never felt in such -deadly peril before. - -“Come, Captain, shake hands and forgive me.” - -She stretched out her hand. The Captain hesitated--then took it. - -“You’ll never regret this night’s work as long as you live,--never! And -I’ll never go to sleep at night without a prayer for Captain Thompson.” - -“Pray as much as you please, Hulda; I shall need it all. But if we are -to be friends, not a word of what has been said to-night, in Cleverly. -You understand?” - -“If you insist on hiding your light under a bushel, I’m not mean enough -to kick it over without your consent. But it’s a shame. Everybody ought -to know what a good man you are.” - -The Captain turned on his heel. “Good night, Hulda! Good night, Mark! -I’ll see you in the morning.” - -“Good night, Captain! You’ve made my sleep hearty to-night,” cried -Small. - -“Good night, Captain. God bless you!” cried Hulda. And so they parted. - -The Captain laughed to himself, as he marched into the road; but there -he met his son Harry. He pulled his hat over his eyes, and without -recognition passed him by as he would a stranger. - -“The Lord sent him, Mark, to-night, you believe that?” said Hulda, as -the Captain disappeared. - -“The Lord put a noble heart in his breast, and it turned him toward -the old mill. It’s the same thing, Hulda; but you and I look at it in -a different light. Now I’ll beau you home. You don’t get a beau every -night, Hulda.” - -“I never wanted but one, and he never happened along until to-night.” - -They laughed merrily and started off, arm in arm, only a few steps, and -they came plump upon Harry Thompson. - -“Hullo! Small, is that you? I came up to offer a little friendly -consolation, but you seem in good spirits. What, Aunt Hulda, you here! -What’s the meaning of this?” and Harry for once, looked very sober. - -“The fire is all out, Harry,” said Small, confused. - -“Is it?” said Harry, “There’s no danger of its rekindling.” He looked -hard at Aunt Hulda. He could not understand the situation. Until now, -he supposed the two were strangers. Their confused manner was a puzzle, -too. - -“There’s no vestige of a flame there,” said Small, “not a spark. All -dead and gone.” - -Harry looked as though there was a flame very near to Small, but said -nothing about it. - -“I just ran up to look after you, Small, to see that you did not get -down in the mouth, and to say for my mother, that if you need help, -there’s money in her purse at your command. Good night! Look out for -the sparks, Aunt Hulda.” And with a laugh he turned on his heel and -walked away. - -“Wonder if the Lord sent him?” growled Mark. Aunt Hulda said nothing. -The situation in which she found herself, was very awkward, and she -trudged along with her arm in Mark’s, very much like a lamb led -to slaughter. This could not continue long however, and e’er they -reached the Sleeper place, their tongues were loosened, and they found -themselves building castles as airy and fleecy as lovers are accustomed -to shape in the years allotted to youth and romance. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -BECKY BEARDS THE LION IN HIS DEN. - - -With the burning of the mill, Becky’s march towards independence was -stayed for a while by the failure of supplies. There was a disposition -on the part of Cleverly folks to lionize the young girl for the brave -deed she had accomplished. Much to her surprise, people who had before -shunned her took particular pains to call and thank her for the heroism -she had displayed. Deacon Procter’s wife--a woman who, in the tomboy -days, had caught her among the melons, who had told her she was on the -broad road to destruction--smiled upon her kindly, patted her cheek, -and called her a brave, good girl, and the pride of the town. Parson -Arnold, who before had pulled his hat over his eyes, and stepped one -side, when he met her, now benevolently laid his hand upon her head, -with a blessing. Even the boys--Teddy’s cronies--gathered about the -house, and, on her appearance at the door or the window, testified -their approbation of her conduct by loud and prolonged cheering; while -buxom Mrs. York visited the house regularly every day for a week, to -clasp Becky in her arms with such a strength of gratitude that the girl -really feared the breath would be driven from her body. - -All this was a source of wonder to her. She had felt a glow of pleasure -when she saw the flush on her mother’s cheek, the tears standing in her -eyes, and a faint smile upon her lips. There was something very warming -to her heart, when Aunt Hulda said, with a shake of the head,-- - -“What did I tell you? She’s a brave, good girl; and I knew she’d come -out strong when she did come;” with a defiant glance at an invisible -somebody, who might be inclined to doubt her. - -Mrs. Thompson’s warm kiss of approval; Harry’s loud “Well done, pet! -I’m proud of you!” all these were very gratifying to her. But these -outward demonstrations seemed to her something to which she was not -entitled, and so dismayed her that she took every opportunity possible -to hide herself on the appearance of visitors. - -The destruction of the mill was a bitter disappointment to her. She had -set her heart on earning a hundred dollars. She had reached ninety, and -the opportunity had vanished in fire and smoke. Not all the praise of -Cleverly could compensate her for this loss. But though disappointed, -she was not disheartened; and leaving the ninety safely locked, like -the good woman in the Scriptures, she went searching about to discover -the missing ten. - -October came, and school opened once more, Mr. Drinkwater in his place, -and Becky and Teddy among his pupils. For a time the young master, -with his lively interest in their studies and out-door pastimes, his -original way of making the most laborious duties pleasant, was missed; -but Mr. Drinkwater was an earnest teacher, a kind and honorable man, -methodical in his course of training, and under his charge the school -prospered. - -Harry Thompson was still an inmate of Mr. Drinkwater’s house, chafing -under the restraint of inaction, yet obedient to the wishes of the -mother to whom he owed his education, whose loving heart could -not harbor the thought of a long absence, and whose faith in the -reconciliation that would place her son in his home was still strong. -How it was to be brought about, she knew not; but this separation was -unnatural; it must have an end. Only have patience, and the perfect -worker, in God’s good time, would mend the broken threads. - -One cold November afternoon, Mrs. Thompson, with her knitting needles -busily plying, sat in the sitting-room of the little brown house, now -made very comfortable by the zealous workers. A miniature bonfire -crackled and blazed in the broad fireplace, bountifully supplied by -Harry Thompson, who lazily lounged in a rocking-chair before it, and -divided his attention between a frequent piling of sticks and the -contents of a portfolio in his lap. - -Into this cosy retreat, with a rush of cold air, burst Becky Sleeper, -in her usual dashing style, flinging her books on the sofa, her hat in -one corner, her cloak in another, her gloves on the mantel-piece, and -herself into a chair. - -“There, Aunt Rebecca! I’ve stood this just as long as I’m a going to. -I must earn money somehow. That hateful ten got into two of my sums -to-day, and completely ruined them. It haunts me. Master Drinkwater -asked me how many straight lines there were in a dollar mark, and I -said ten; how many senses there were, and I said ten; and I got well -laughed at. It’s no use. I never can succeed in anything more until I -earn that ten dollars. So don’t oppose me, for I’m determined to get -work at the woolen mill.” - -Having emphatically launched this alarming threat, Becky applied -herself to the task of raising the temperature of that truthful -thermometer,--her nose,--which indicated a state of the weather but -little above zero. This she did by a brisk application of her hand, -with her eyes fastened upon her companions. - -“Take care, Becky; you’ll rub it off. It’s very tender, and there’s -but little of it,” said Harry, with a laugh. “Woolen mill, indeed! You -can’t get up a blaze there; it’s brick.” - -“Don’t think of such a thing, child. There’s no necessity for your -earning money,” said Mrs. Thompson. - -“Necessity or not, I mean to try. To-morrow morning I shall go there, -and ask for work,” replied Becky; “so don’t try to stop me, for I know -it’s right for me to do all I can for the support of the family.” - -“Earn money in the woolen mill! Nonsense! Why, there’s talent enough in -this portfolio to give you a handsome living, independent of the dust -and dirt of an ugly, noisy mill.” - -“In that portfolio?” said Becky. “What do you mean, Harry?” - -“Why, didn’t you know, Becky, that men have made fortunes by their -skill with the pencil and brush?” - -“Men! Men can do anything; but girls can’t.” - -“Don’t be so sure of that Becky. I know a young lady who earns twice as -much as you ever did in the paper mill, by the use of a pencil.” - -“You know a young lady?” said Becky, with a flush. “Who--where? What’s -her name?” - -Harry laughed. - -“Ah, now you’re getting inquisitive, Miss Becky.” - -“I know who it is, Becky,” said Mrs. Thompson. “He’s told me all about -it, and I’ll tell you.” - -“Mother, mother,” said Harry, with much sternness, “secrets are sacred. -You must not tell.” - -Becky began to feel decidedly uncomfortable. Here was a young lady she -had never heard of. There was a secret, and it must not be told. O, -dear! somebody was coming between Harry and herself. She covered her -eyes with her hand; her face was burning. - -“What a silly goose!” she thought, and fell to rubbing her nose again, -which now indicated a very high degree of temperature. - -“No matter, Becky,” said Harry, noticing her confusion; “I’ll make -a clean breast of it, and let you into the secret. When I was at -Cambridge, I boarded with a widow who had one daughter. She was about -your age, and her name was Alice. Nice name--isn’t it!” - -“I don’t know. Yes--yes,” said Becky; “of course. Didn’t she have any -other name?” - -“Certainly--Alice Parks. But Alice is such a pretty name, it’s a pity -it didn’t stand alone, and have no parks about it. Alice--Alice. I do -like that name!” - -“Why, Harry, what are you thinking of?” asked Mrs. Thompson, in -surprise. - -“Thinking of Alice, of course,” said Becky, with a little snap of -temper. “I don’t see what that’s got to do with a pencil.” - -“Then we’ll come to the point--of the story, not the pencil,” said -Harry, who was evidently enjoying the confusion of Becky. “Well, you -must know, I took a great fancy to this girl, she was so pretty, and -so gentle and obliging. They were poor people, and found it hard to -keep up a respectable appearance, and make their home comfortable, and -table inviting. But they did it; and it was just the nicest, cosiest -place in all the world, except home.” Harry sobered here, and looked -at his mother. “Well, Alice had a talent for painting and drawing, and -amused herself in her leisure moments with making sketches and water -colors, with which to adorn their rooms. I was very grateful to them -for their kindness to me; and one day I purloined some of Alice’s -drawings, and took them into Boston. I had often played cricket with -an Englishman,--John Woodfern,--who, I knew, was one of the best -engravers in America. I took the sketches to him, told my story, and -asked him to do something for the girl. He took a fancy to the drawings -at once. He had a fancy for me already; and, fortunately, he had just -taken a contract to supply a children’s magazine, then in successful -operation. He sent for Alice, took a fancy to her, too, and at once set -her to work. She is now a successful artist. So you see, Becky, what a -young girl can do, when she has a smart, enterprising man to help her. -Ahem!” - -“Do you think I could do that too?” asked Becky, with sparkling eyes. - -“Of course you could. John Woodfern could never refuse such convincing -proofs as are packed away in this portfolio.” - -“O, isn’t that splendid! I know I should like that work,” cried Becky, -jumping up and clapping her hands. “I’ll go to Boston at once!” - -“Hold on, hold on, aspiring genius!” exclaimed Harry. “You go to -Boston--one hundred and twenty miles! Nonsense! You will stay at home, -and go to school; and when the term is over, we’ll see what can be -done.” - -“But I can’t wait. I must have work. O, let me go. I can find the way, -and Mr. John Woodfern, too.” - -“No, no; I won’t aid you unless you strictly conform to my wishes. Am I -not right, mother?” - -“Yes, Harry,” said Mrs. Thompson; “it’s best that Becky give her -attention to home and school this winter. Be patient, Becky. Harry has -opened an agreeable field of labor to you, where you shall work in good -time.” - -“Yes, Becky, I’ve discovered the mine where lie concealed treasures -of wealth, which you shall pick with the point of a pencil. Only wait -until I give you the word.” - -Discovered a mine? Ah, Master Harry, you’ve reared a mine of another -sort, and laid a train, and put the match into the hands of a -quick-witted girl. Look out for a speedy explosion. - -This new idea so bewitched Becky, that the haunting figures ten were -quickly rubbed out of existence in her day-dreams, to give place to the -Utopian vision of fame and fortune, which Harry had conjured for her -especial benefit. Mother and son departed. The girl sat and gazed into -the fire, with mingled feelings of hope and disappointment. There was -a bright prospect in the future for her. Harry had said she had the -talent; her own heart told her she had the power to accomplish this -new undertaking. But he had put the attempt a long way off, and bade -her be patient. Patience, indeed! Wait until the end of the term--six -months. In that time what an immense sum could be added to her store! -No; she would act at once. Patience, as yet, was no prominent quality -in her volatile disposition; and now, when so easy a victory over the -crushing despot, dependence she so loathed was at her will, she could -not heed its voice. She would act at once. And then the thought of the -dear friends she must disappoint by her disobedience checked her. But -again the ambitious fever raged, and into her musings crept Miss Alice -Parks; Alice, of whom Harry was so fond! She would go. She would see -this paragon, and know why he raved so about her. And so, two desires -mingled in her meditations, the one born of a healthy ambition to -achieve independence, the other springing from a jealous affection, too -mischievous to be the happy tenant of a young girl’s heart. - -For three days duty and inclination struggled with Becky for the -mastery. In the afternoon of the fourth day she took from her box the -carefully hoarded sum she had earned at the paper mill, and set out for -school. - -That afternoon Captain Thompson, as was his usual custom, was seated -at his desk in the corner of the sitting-room, making up his accounts -for the day. He was alone; his good wife, as was _her_ usual afternoon -custom, was at Mrs. Sleeper’s--a proceeding of which the peppery -captain took not the least apparent notice. But he knew all that had -happened during the year; knew what was happening now--the daily -meetings of his wife and son; the reformation of Becky; his son’s brave -deed in the dam; the girl’s heroism at the burning mill. But he never -made any comments, and to all seemed an uninterested man, wrapped in -ship-building and monetary speculations. - -But one single thread connected him with any interest in the Sleeper -affairs. He and Teddy Sleeper had become warm friends. Teddy had -wandered into the ship-yard one day, had watched the ship upon the -stocks, and the men at work, and, desiring some information, had coolly -walked up to Captain Thompson, and asked a question. The captain looked -at him in surprise, then kindly answered him, found he was interested -in the ship, and, to the astonishment of everybody, sat down, and told -him all about it. From that time Teddy’s out-door life was passed in -the ship-yard. After school found him there, and the captain expecting -him. They drove about town together; and people said the boy had got -the right side of the captain, and his fortune would be made. - -But not a word of home dropped from Teddy’s lips. The captain never -asked questions in that direction; and Teddy was too shrewd to peril -their friendship by treading on forbidden ground. This day Teddy had -not put in an appearance, and for that or some other reason the captain -was in his unhappiest mood. He blotted his ledger, spilled his ink, -hitched about in his chair, and puffed and worried, until he worked -himself into a steaming mood, that required frequent applications of -his handkerchief. In his highest state of excitement came a knock at -the front door. - -“Here, you, Silly, you silly thing! where are you?” he shouted. “See -who’s at the door.” - -There was a “clap-clap-clap” in the next room, and Silly York made her -appearance. - -“Do you want me, captain?” - -“No, I don’t want you. Somebody’s at the door. If they want you, -they’re welcome to you.” - -“Do you want me to go to the door?” - -“Of course I do. What else are you here for? Start yourself, quick!” - -Silly stepped across the room, and opened a door, and passed into the -front entry. - -“Here, you! mind! I’m busy, and don’t want to see anybody. Shut that -door!” - -Silly slammed the door after her. Then the captain heard a scream, and -Silly’s voice. - -“O, you dear little thing! I must hug you! Come right in.” - -The door flew open. - -“Didn’t I tell you I wouldn’t see anybody?” shouted the captain. - -“You don’t know who it is. You wouldn’t shut her out--would you? She -saved my sister!” - -“Hang your sister! She--” And then he stopped, for in the room stood -Silly, and the last one he ever expected to meet in his house--Becky -Sleeper. - -The captain looked at her in astonishment. He knew her well. They had -never spoken to each other since that first day at school--but he had -watched her since then--was well informed as to her progress. And yet, -the bright, young, well-dressed, graceful girl, with a smile on her -face, standing before him, took him by surprise, and made a _gentle_ -man of him at once. - -“I hope I do not interrupt you, Captain Thompson,” said Becky, very -gently; “but I have a little business with you; and if you would kindly -give me five minutes, I should be very much obliged.” - -The captain got up from his chair, and made a low bow. It surprised him -as soon as it was done; but he couldn’t help it. - -“Certainly, Miss Becky, if I can be of service to you,--Silly, you -needn’t stop.” - -“But I want to,” said Silly. “She saved my sister.” - -Becky laughed. - -“I’ll come out and see you before I go,” she said. “You’re not afraid -to trust me alone with the captain--are you?” - -Silly looked at the captain and then at Becky, evidently believing that -it was her duty to stay and protect Becky. - -“Here; you start your boots--quick!” - -The captain mounted his high horse, and Silly started for the kitchen -in a hurry. - -“Now, Miss Becky, what have you to say?” - -The captain sat at his desk, and motioned Becky to a chair. She did not -obey his motion, but came to his side. - -“Captain Thompson, I’ve been wanting to come to you, to thank you for -being so kind to us all, for helping--no, not helping, for you have -done everything. You have given us food and clothing; and without your -aid I don’t know what would have become of us.” - -“O, pshaw!” said the captain. “Is that all you came for?” - -“No. I came to beg your pardon for being so much trouble to you when I -was a wild tomboy. I was young then; didn’t know how wrong it was. I’m -older now, and see my error.” - -The captain looked at her with increasing wonder. Could this be the -tomboy who had snatched his whip from his hand, stolen his horse, and -given him such a chase--this little woman, with her sweet voice and -penitent air? Or was this some new trick? - -“Well,” said he at last, gruffly; “is that all you came for?” - -“No,” answered Becky. “When I found that we were indebted to you for -food and clothing, when I began to be a better girl, I felt it was mean -to let you do everything, and I, strong and active, doing nothing; so I -went to work in the paper mill. You know how it was destroyed.” - -“Yes; and how a brave girl, at the risk of her own life, saved a weak -and helpless companion,” burst out the captain. “O, I know it!” - -“Yes,” said Becky, with heightened color, “the mill was burned. I had -saved ninety dollars. O, I did so want to make it a hundred! But I -couldn’t. I meant to bring it to you, to pay you in part for what you -had done for me and mine. But I’ve brought you the ninety.” And Becky -suddenly laid upon the desk before the eyes of the astonished captain -her savings. - -The captain started, then stared at the little pile of money very hard, -then harder still at Becky, and back at the money again, until tears -began to drop from his eyes, when, without any further ceremony, he -pulled out his handkerchief, and blubbered like a big school-boy. It -was now Becky’s turn to be surprised. - -“O, captain, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. I only wanted -to repay you just a little for your kindness. I didn’t mean any -harm--indeed I didn’t.” - -“Becky Sleeper, you’re a little angel, and I’m an ugly old brute. Pick -up your money. I don’t want it. To think that I’ve been abusing you all -this time, and you coming in this way to pour coals of fire on my head. -I’m an old fool! Take your money--quick!” - -“No, captain, don’t ask me to do that. If you knew what a temptation -that money has been to me, you would never ask me--never.” - -“Temptation! What do you mean?” - -“I’ll tell you, captain, a secret. You must not tell, not even Aunt -Rebecca. You won’t--will you?” Becky smiled at the captain. “Honor -bright.” - -The captain smiled at Becky. It was a good-humored smile. They were -getting on famously. - -“I’ll keep your secret, Becky, when I get it.” - -“Well, then, you must know that I’ve just learned of a very nice way to -make money, one I should like very much. To get it in this nice way, it -is necessary to make a journey to Boston, to see a certain man, and he -would give me drawing, for engravings. Aunt Rebecca--no, Harry--told me -of it; your Harry.” - -The captain did not stop her at the mention of that name, a name -forbidden to be spoken in that house. There was a little more color in -his face; but he looked steadily at her. - -“I had the money to take me there, and I was tempted to use it; -tempted, O, so hard! till at last I remembered it was your money; and, -to put the temptation from me, I brought it to you. I didn’t want to -until I had the hundred. Now I’m glad I did. Had I gone, I should have -disobeyed Aunt Rebecca, and--Harry.” - -“Why disobeyed Aunt Rebecca?” said the captain, quietly dropping the -other party. - -“Because _they_,” said Becky, not relishing the dropping game, “forbade -my going until the expiration of the school term.” - -“How? _She_ forbid you! It’s a good idea; a nice way of earning money; -and you want to go still?” - -“O, indeed I do, if only it was right.” - -“Right? Of course it’s right,” said the captain, roused at a chance for -opposition. “_She’s_ no right to prevent you, and I should like to see -her do it. You want to go to Boston. You shall go.” - -Becky flushed with pleasure. - -“O, if could only go! I know I could succeed. But what would Aunt -Rebecca and--” - -“Hang Aunt Rebecca!” shouted the captain, cutting in to prevent the -addition of the other name. “I’ve just as much right to direct your -actions as she has. I’m going to Boston to-morrow morning. You shall go -with me.” - -Before the appearance of Becky, the captain had no intention of taking -a journey. - -“O, that will be splendid--if I only could.” - -“You can, and shall. Go home, get ready, and to-morrow morning at -five o’clock meet me at the school-house. Phil shall drive us over to -Foxtown. We’ll take the cars there, and be in Boston at one. Here, take -your money;” and the captain swept it from the desk, and put it in her -hand. “When I want it, I’ll ask for it.” - -“But how can I ever pay you?” - -“By shaking hands, and being friends with the old man. You may add a -kiss if you like.” - -“A dozen!” cried Becky, throwing her arms about the captain’s neck. -“You dear, good, kind, noble old captain!” - -“Now, good by, little one. Be sure and be on time to-morrow morning at -five.” - -“When the clock strikes, you’ll find me there. Good by.” - -Becky ran home with a happy heart, bounced into the sitting room, and -told them all about it--Mrs. Thompson and Harry; then ran to her -mother’s room, and told her; then to the kitchen, and told Aunt Hulda. -And such a surprised household it would be hard to find. - -Harry Thompson frowned, and was inclined to put a stop to the journey; -but his mother looked happy. - -“Our little witch has caught the captain. Do not interfere, for out of -this friendship I foresee a happy day for you and me. ‘Let patience -have her perfect work.’” - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -AMONG THE WOODPECKERS. - - -Twenty years ago, in one of the busiest streets in bustling Boston, -up three flights of stairs, sufficiently distant from the tumult of -trade to escape its confusion, and near enough to the sun to receive -the full benefit of its light, “John Woodfern, Designer and Engraver,” -plied his artistic trade, in the enjoyment of a large share of public -patronage. He was a man who held the foremost place in his profession, -renowned for his skill in fastening the fine points and delicate shades -of a drawing upon wooden blocks, whence are produced those pictorial -illustrations which often adorn, and sometimes disfigure, books, -periodicals, and papers. He was also a man of good business habits, -and his establishment was neatly arranged, and conducted in the most -orderly manner. - -An Englishman by birth, he brought to this country, besides a clear -head and skilful hands, a love for the roast-beef and ale of Old -England, a warm heart, and a jovial temper, the latter somewhat -obscured by the characteristic fogs of gruffness and blunt speech, -without which no Briton would be content to leave his native land. He -was a large, handsome man of fifty, with light, curly hair, surrounding -a polished pate, in whose centre flourished a single tuft of hair; blue -eyes, and a long, flowing beard. - -His establishment was divided into two sections--his own office at the -head of the stairs, and his work-room, from which he was only separated -by a partition, and which he could overlook, through the door, from his -seat. - -The office contained a handsome book-case, a desk, and his own -work-table, where he did the finest work. Its walls were adorned with -fine pictures and specimens of his work. Over the desk was displayed, -on brackets, a polished champion cricket bat, ornamented with a silver -plate, on which glistened his name and the match in which it was won. -On his table were the usual implements of his craft--a small stand with -a padded leather cushion, a frame in which was fitted an eye-glass, a -fine assortment of “gravers,” and blocks of wood in various stages of -completion. - -The work-room contained three tables, at which were seated three young -men, with their eyes screwed down to eye-glasses, diligently pecking -at drawings on wooden blocks. These young men, “woodpeckers” by trade, -were Woodferns by name, being sons of the proprietor, and, like their -father, all good fellows and skilful workmen. This room was plainly -furnished with three tables and a transfer press, and above them a long -shelf, on which were ranged a row of glass globes, filled with water, -used to concentrate the light in night work. - -Mr. Woodfern sat at his table, busily at work putting the finishing -touches to a block, when unattended and unannounced, Miss Becky Sleeper -marched into his presence. - -Mr. Woodfern lifted his eye from the glass, and politely turned in his -chair, with a nod to the visitor. The young Woodferns unscrewed their -eyes from the wooden sockets in which they were imbedded, and very -impolitely stared at the intruder. - -“Good morning, sir,” said Becky, in her sweetest tones. “Will you be -kind enough to look at these drawings?” - -Mr. Woodfern scowled. He had been pestered by an army of aspiring -draughts_men_, of both sexes; and the London fog was on him. He -answered shortly,-- - -“No, I don’t want any drawings. Good morning,” turned in his chair and -applied his eye to its artificial socket. - -A wave of confusion rolled over Becky’s confident spirit. The gruff -voice and the abrupt dismissal had not entered into her calculations. -But she was not disposed to quit the field without a struggle, after so -long a journey; so, gulping down her chagrin, she said,-- - -“But you don’t understand. I’ve come a long way to get work. My friends -tell me I am competent, and I have specimens of drawing. You’ll surely -look at them.” - -“I shall do nothing of the sort,” said Mr. Woodfern, gruffly, not -deigning to raise his eye. “I have all the draughtsmen I want; and I -never employ girls.” - -“Why, you give Miss Alice Parks work--don’t you?” - -Caught. Mr. John Woodfern, how will you answer that question? - -“I have given her work; and a precious sight of trouble she has made -me.” - -[Illustration: BECKY MAKES A HIT. Page 203.] - -There was some comfort in that to Miss Becky’s jealous heart. Miss -Alice was not quite a paragon, after all. - -“Once for all, I don’t want your drawings. I’ve no time to look at -them. Good morning.” - -The tone was so chilling that a returning “good morning” trembled -on Becky’s lips. The tears sprang to her eyes. It seemed to her for -a moment that all was lost. But, remembering the friends she must -meet with the story of her defeat, remembering the captain patiently -waiting in the street for her return, she yet lingered, hoping that a -little reflection might produce a change in the temper of this gruff -proprietor, and gain her a hearing. Profound silence; eyes glued to -their sockets; not even the tools of the workmen broke the stillness, -for these woodpeckers tapped no hollow oak tree, but pecked at solid -boxwood, which emits no sound. Her eyes roved about the room until they -fastened on the cricket-bat above the desk. They glistened at the sight. - -“O, what a splendid cricket-bat!” she cried. - -“Is that yours, sir? Did you win it?” - -Mr. Woodfern raised his head, with a faint show of interest. - -“Yes, I won it. What do you know about cricket?” - -“I know it’s just the most splendid game I ever played,” replied Becky, -with enthusiasm. - -“You play cricket!” said Mr. Woodfern, in surprise. - -“Yes, indeed; but it was long ago. I was a famous hand at it, too, -though I do say it. Please, sir, let me take it down. I won’t hurt it.” - -“Certainly,” said Mr. Woodfern, rising from his chair. “Handle it as -much as you like.” - -He took it from its place, put it in Becky’s hands, and resumed his -seat, watching the girl with a lively interest, for cricket was a -passion with him age could not smother. Becky took the bat and handled -it like a true cricketer, placing herself in graceful positions, to -display her knowledge of its use. - -“Now, if we only had a ball!” - -“If we had! We have,” said Mr. Woodfern, opening a drawer in his table, -and producing a cricket ball. “Now, what next?” - -“Bowl me a ball, and you shall see,” replied Becky, placing herself -before an imaginary wicket. - -The sight of a cricketer in position was enough to excite the -enthusiastic sportsman; and when Becky shouted, “Play!” without a -moment’s thought he bowled a swift ball. Becky struck quick and hard; -it flew across the room, into the work-shop, and struck a glass globe. -There was a crash, and the imprisoned water poured on to the head of -the youngest woodpecker in a miniature deluge. He sprang up, shouting, -“Help, help!” - -“Gracious! what have I done?” faltered the terrified Becky. - -Mr. Woodfern colored to the tuft of the oasis in the bald desert on -his head, but quietly rose, shut the door between the two rooms, and -resumed his seat. - -“It’s of no consequence. Let me see your drawings.” - -So out of the old life a second time had come her deliverance in time -of trouble. Not altogether wasted, after all. - -Mr. John Woodfern took the proffered portfolio and placed it in his -lap. As he did so his eyes met Becky’s, and the comical situation in -which he had been placed overpowered him. He threw himself back in his -chair, and burst into a prolonged, loud and hearty peal of laughter. -Having thus effectually dissipated the fog he opened the portfolio, and -examined its contents. - -“So, so; this is your work--is it? Very good, fine, excellent! You had -a good teacher, that’s evident; but you have talent, that’s still more -evident. Who is your teacher?” - -“Harry Thompson, sir,” replied Becky. - -“Harry Thompson of Harvard?” queried Mr. Woodfern. - -“He was at Harvard, sir. He’s now at Cleverly--Cleverly, Maine; that’s -where I live,” said Becky. - -“Indeed! It’s my old friend. He’s your teacher at cricket, too, I’ll be -bound. Why didn’t you tell me this before?” - -“If you’ll be kind enough to remember, sir, you were very busy when I -came in. You didn’t give me a chance to tell you anything,” said Becky, -taking a mischievous pleasure in reminding the engraver of his brusque -behavior. - -“Hem, hem; that’s so. I was busy, very busy, Miss--Miss--what’s your -name?” - -“Rebecca Sleeper, sir. Harry calls me Becky.” - -“Well, Miss Becky, I like your drawings; but the fact is you’ve had no -experience in drawing on wood.” - -“But I could learn, sir,” said Becky, quickly. “If you only knew how -much need I have of money, you would give me a chance--I know you -would.” - -At this moment the door opened, and a young lady made her appearance. -She was taller than Becky, but young and graceful, with a bright, -handsome face, lustrous black eyes, and a profusion of dark ringlets. - -“Good morning, Miss Parks,” said Mr. Woodfern, courteously. - -Becky started, and stared at the visitor--Harry’s paragon. It must be; -it could be no other. - -“Good morning, Mr. Woodfern,” said Miss Parks, gayly. “It’s the day -after the fair, I know; but you will forgive me. I couldn’t finish them -in time.” - -The young lady unfastened her reticule, and produced three blocks, -which she laid before the engraver. - -“Forgive you?” said Mr. Woodfern. “I don’t know about that. Five -minutes more, and you would have been superceded by this young artist;” -and he pointed to Becky. - -Miss Parks looked at Becky, and Becky looked at Miss Parks. - -“Miss Parks,” said Mr. Woodfern, “this is Miss Rebecca Sleeper, of -Cleverly.” - -A flush of surprise overspread the features of Miss Parks. - -“Miss Rebecca Sleeper of Cleverly! Why, it must be Harry’s Becky. You -dear little thing! how glad I am to meet you!” and she advanced with -outstretched hands to Becky. - -Becky met her advances with cordiality, though the appellation of “dear -little thing” from a stranger somewhat surprised her. - -“Harry has told me all about you. His letters are full of praises -of you; and I know all about the adventure in the mill-dam, and the -burning of the mill. We must be good friends.” - -So Harry wrote to her. She must be a very, very dear friend, then; too -dear for her peace of mind. The old jealous feeling crept into Becky’s -heart, so heavy that she could scarcely hold back her tears; but she -did, and answered nervously,-- - -“Yes; and I’ve heard a great deal about Miss Alice Parks. I’m glad I -met you. It will please Harry to know that I met his dear friend.” - -Becky didn’t mean to emphasize the “dear” so strongly; but she noticed -it brought a flush to the face of Alice Parks. It was rather confusing, -and the two young ladies stood looking at each other in silence. - -“Miss Sleeper wants work. She has brought me these sketches. Take a -look at them,” said Mr. Woodfern, handing the portfolio to Miss Parks. - -The young lady took it, and, seating herself at the desk, immediately -became interested in the drawings. Just then the door of the work-room -opened, and Mr. George Woodfern entered the office. He was a tall, -handsome fellow, the image of his father. On his entrance, Miss Alice -Parks raised her head quickly. - -“Good morning, George,” she said, “come and look at these drawings, and -confess I’ve found a rival at last.” - -George Woodfern crossed the office, with a quick step and a blushing -face, and joined Miss Alice. The two put their heads together over the -drawings, with such evident pleasure in each other’s society, that had -Alice not been such a _dear_ friend of Harry’s, Becky would have made -a match on the spot. Their conference was long and earnest; and from -their conversation Becky was convinced that they were pleased with -her drawings. In the meantime Mr. Woodfern made himself agreeable to -Becky, showed her how drawings were reversed on wood, and gave her -many hints regarding “shading,” “filling in,” and the nice points of -wood engravings. The young couple at the desk at last finished their -examination. - -“Well, Miss Alice, what is the verdict?” asked Mr. Woodfern. - -“Employ the young lady, by all means; though I fear ‘Othello’s -occupation’s gone,’ as far as I am concerned. She can draw ever so much -better than poor I.” - -Becky blushed with pleasure. So Harry’s friend was her friend too. Mr. -Woodfern took from his drawer the manuscript of two short stories and a -poem. He then selected three blocks of boxwood from a row on his table, -and placed the whole in Becky’s hands. - -“Miss Sleeper,” he said, “on the recommendation of this talented young -lady, I shall give you a trial. There are two stories for children, and -a short ‘baby’ poem. The points to be illustrated are all marked. Take -them, consult your friend Harry Thompson, and if you send me three -satisfactory drawings within a fortnight, I will send you my check for -fifteen dollars. If not satisfactory, I pay nothing.” - -Becky’s heart thrilled. How kind, how good of Mr. Woodfern! She -thanked him warmly enough, but the words seemed a long way off from -the thanksgiving that glowed in her heart. Mr. Woodfern turned away -abruptly, and entered the work room. - -“Now come over here and let me give you a few hints from an experienced -hand. We shan’t want you any more, George.” - -George Woodfern laughed, and in turn departed to the privacy of -the work-room; and the two young ladies were left to their own -deliberations. - -All this time Captain Thompson was patiently sitting in a carriage at -the entrance, awaiting the return of his charge. On the arrival of the -train in Boston at one o’clock, he had taken a carriage and driven to -the engraver’s. He had been anxious to participate in the interview; -but Becky, fearing his quick temper might cause trouble, had prevailed -upon him to allow her to be the sole carver of her fortunes with the -wood carver. Thus far the peppery captain had enjoyed this, to him, -new sensation hugely. The bright, cheerful, happy demeanor of the -girl, her intelligent and witty conversation, her delight in the fresh -experience of the day, had made him really happy; and his warm heart -bubbled up through its rough exterior with desires to still further -gratify her wishes. - -And so he waited patiently a long hour for her return. She came -bounding down the stairs, and leaped into the carriage, her face rosy, -her eyes bright with triumph. - -“It’s a success, captain. I’ve conquered, and I’m carrying home lots of -work.” - -“Of course you’ve conquered. I knew you would; and we’ve done it -without _their_--her--help, too,” said the captain, chuckling with -triumph. “Now let’s see--we’ve got two hours for dinner and a drive; -and then back to Cleverly.” - -They drove to a hotel, had an excellent dinner, took the carriage -again, and Becky was shown the Boston sights, all of which were new -revelations to the country girl, whose delight made the old captain’s -heart glow and glow again. - -In due time they took the train for Foxtown, and then Becky related her -adventure, in the course of which Miss Alice Parks appeared upon the -scene. - -“She’s a dear friend of Harry’s--your Harry, captain. I shouldn’t -wonder if one of these days she should become his wife.” - -Becky said this bravely. The captain could not know what a throb of -pain darted through Becky’s bosom at the thought. - -“Become his wife! Nonsense! What are you thinking of, Becky?” - -The captain looked fierce and angry, and Becky saw it. - -“Well, all I know, he calls her his dear friend, and she calls him her -dear friend, and they write to each other; and that’s the way lovers -do--don’t they?” - -The captain stared out of the window, moving uneasily in his seat, -snapping his teeth together very often, all of which Becky saw and took -advantage of. A wild scheme had crept into the girl’s head. Harry and -Harry’s mother had done much for her; it was time she should repay it. -The captain had a wilder scheme in his head, and was in exactly the -right mood to combat the proposed alliance. - -“He marry this girl! I’d like to see him attempt it! I’d like to see -him attempt it!” - -This came involuntarily from the captain’s mouth after a very long -silence. - -“Why, captain,” said Becky, “she’s a splendid girl, and so smart with -her pencil! And if they love each other,”--here she gave a gulp,--“I’m -sure it’s only right that they should marry. And then Harry’s so good! -O, it would be wicked to prevent his happiness. You won’t--will you, -captain?” - -The captain said nothing, but grew more and more uneasy; said nothing, -but thought, thought hard. What could he do? He had cast the boy off; -he was his own master. He had no power to accomplish the wish that was -in his mind. - -“O, if you only knew how good and kind Harry has been to me, you would -never desire to break his heart.” - -Here Becky broke down, and commenced sobbing. The captain started, put -his arm about Becky, and drew her head to his breast, still looking out -of the window, and saying nothing. - -Becky’s weeping was of short duration; there was too much at stake; -and so, still lying on the captain’s breast, with his arm about her, -softly and gently she spoke of Harry; of his kindness to her; of -his brave deeds; of the love he had gained from all who knew him; -of his devotion to his mother; rehearsed incidents in his college -life; brought out of his boyhood history little scraps of goodness so -carefully treasured in her grateful heart. If she had been pleading -for Harry’s life, she could not have been more earnest and determined -in the recital of his virtues. And the captain sat there, listening, -saying nothing; and the little pleader babbled on, unaware that at the -captain’s heart the old obstinate roots were being plucked from their -bed; that the warmth of his new love was flowing in thawing out the -long-frozen channel of paternal affection. - -The cars reached Foxtown, and still the captain said nothing. The -carriage was in waiting, and an hour’s ride took them to Cleverly. The -captain was silent all the way. Phil drove straight on to the Sleeper -house. It was twelve o’clock. There was a light in the sitting-room. At -the sound of wheels, Mrs. Thompson came to the door. The curtain was -drawn aside, and Becky saw Harry peering out into the darkness. She -jumped from the carriage. - -“Won’t you come in, captain?” said Becky. - -The captain shook his head. - -“I shall come up to see you to-morrow, to thank you for being so kind -to-day. O, I’ve had a splendid time. Good night.” - -She approached the carriage, and held out her hand. The captain grasped -it. - -“I shall come up to-morrow, captain. Shall I come alone?” - -Becky’s voice trembled. She had been trying hard for a triumph. She -feared she had failed. - -“No, Becky, no. God bless you, child! Bring him with you; bring Harry -home!” - -Phil Hague drove off down the hill at a lively rate, Uncle Ned being -started into a gallop, by an Irish howl, which might have been heard a -mile off. - -“Bring Harry home!” Becky heard it; Mrs. Thompson heard it; Harry heard -it. She had triumphed, after all--this little girl, whom Mrs. Thompson -folded to her bosom, whom Harry clasped by the hand. Mother and son -might well be happy. Reconciliation at last. But for Becky, happiness -supreme. She had accomplished this, and hers was the hand commissioned -to bring Harry home. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -DELIA SLEEPER’S SHIP COMES IN. - - -Becky received the warm thanks and congratulations of the happy mother -and son with a grateful heart. She had been enabled to repay, in some -part, the love and care they had bestowed upon her. She had conquered -the stubborn father, and lifted the cross from the shoulders of the -patient wife. But she felt that she had been but an instrument shaped -by their hands for the work, and to them she unselfishly gave the -credit of her triumph. Not all, however; one other, who had been her -counsellor and guide; one to whom all her thoughts and actions had -been confessed; one who, with almost supernatural wisdom had taught -her wayward feet to tread the path of duty; who out of her own needs, -had sought peace in the boundless love of a heavenly Father, and had -brought her child into the same tender embrace,--the stricken mother, -who for two long years, helpless upon her bed, had borne all so meekly -and patiently; to her the grateful daughter gave a generous share of -the glory which surrounded this unexpected reconciliation. - -That night mother and daughter shared the same couch. Aunt Hulda, -who had a great antipathy to strange beds, banished herself from her -accustomed pillow without a word of complaint, glad to make the child, -who had wound herself about the queer spinster as no other had ever -been able to, happy at any cost. Alone with her mother, Becky’s tongue -flew fast and furious with the recital of her wanderings and workings, -until the weariness of the long, strange day overpowered her nimble -organ of speech. In the middle of a sentence, she dropped asleep, her -mother’s hand fast clasped in hers, all forgotten, even her accustomed -prayer unspoken. But it lay there in the warm, beating, affectionate -heart, and the mother’s lips bore it to the heavenly throne, joined to -her own earnest plea that blessings from the Unseen hand might strew -the path of life with much of happiness for her own precious child. - -Having eased his unhappy conscience of the heavy load it had borne -so long, the conquered captain went home in a dazed sort of amazement -at the act which he had committed. He could not regret it, would not -have recalled his words had he the power. There was a warming up of his -stubborn spirit when he thought of the girl who had so craftily spread -for him the net in which he had been captured, but no desire to loose -his bonds, and escape. It was all for the best; they would be a happy -family after the first meeting. But the first meeting bothered the -captain. What could he say to this son who had been shut out from home -so many years? It was a serious question, and one he could not readily -answer. He went home thinking about it: went to bed, still thinking; -and at last fell asleep, to dream of it. - -Mrs. Thompson came home, escorted to her door by Harry; said “Good -night,” with a happy heart,--it was to be their last parting in this -strange manner; was not surprised to find her husband missing when she -entered the sitting-room, nor surprised to find him snoring when she -entered the sleeping-room, but had a quiet laugh to herself as she -thought how ashamed the captain tried to appear of his good actions. -She would not disturb him for the world; said nothing to him of the -last night’s work, the next morning, as he fidgeted at the breakfast -table, and looked everywhere but in her face. - -The captain did not leave the house, but gave his whole attention to -the preparation of the speech with which he was to meet his long-absent -son. On one thing he was determined--he would be a father still. He had -been disobeyed; it was for the son to ask pardon. He would be cool, -dignified, collected. He watched the bridge road uneasily. At half past -eight he saw Becky leave the gate with her school-books in her hands, -and after came Harry. He left the window at once. It was coming; it -would soon be over. He sat on the sofa, covered his eyes with his hand, -and waited. He did not need to look--he felt their coming. Now they -were on the bridge; now they had passed the school-house, were crossing -the road, were at the door. Yes, a ring! Mrs. Thompson rose from her -chair, looked at her husband, with his face hidden, smiled, and passed -into the entry. Be a man, captain; be a father, cool, dignified, -collected! The door opened; the captain rose to his feet. - -“Good morning, captain. Here I am, and here’s Harry.” Becky Sleeper’s -voice. - -He looked at her smiling face, beyond her to the manly form of his son, -advancing with outstretched hand, then grasped that hand, and shook it -with nervous energy. - -“Harry, my boy, welcome home. I have been a poor father to you. Forgive -and try me again!” - -He burst into tears, and sobbed like a child. The hard heart was -melted, and the cool, collected, dignified plans, on which he had so -much depended, were dissipated at the touch of Nature. - -Mrs. Thompson quietly drew Becky into the dining-room, and shut -the door, leaving father and son to become better acquainted. The -conference was so long that Becky slipped out of the side door, fearful -of being late to school, after a promise given to Mrs. Thompson that -she would come in and take tea with the reunited family. She kept -her promise, and had the satisfaction of seeing Harry in his right -place, the captain in a jovial fit of good nature, and Mrs. Thompson’s -handsome face radiant with the warm glow of a contented heart. - -The captain was not quite content with this quiet reconciliation, but -must kill the fatted calf in honor of his son’s return; and three -days afterwards the good people of Cleverly were surprised by the -intelligence that the Thompsons were to give a party. - -And such a party! The Thompson mansion was lighted from bottom to top, -and along the entire reach of the various outbuildings, the trees -were hung with lanterns. A blaze of light outside, a scene of joyous -festivity within. Nobody was forgotten. Parson Arnold, in clerical -black and white, with his wife in a new silk dress,--the gift of Mrs. -Thompson,--benignly circulated among their flock. Mr. Drinkwater was -there, crowding Deacon Proctor into a corner, with the discussion of -a theological point. Poor Mr. York was there, with a feeble cough, -and dilated nostrils eagerly sniffing the air, as the door of the -dining-room occasionally opened, while his buxom wife was busily at -work with Silly, in the kitchen; and little Jenny York was there, -perched on the arm of a sofa, drinking in with rare delight all this -flow of mirth, and light, and gay attire, and pleasant conversation. -The scholars, dressed in their best, played and romped about the -many-roomed mansion to their hearts’ content. And Teddy, the captain’s -favorite, dressed in a new suit,--his patron’s gift,--proudly moved -among the company, with his sister on his arm. And Becky--light and -joyous Becky--was the queen; everywhere she met smiles and kind words -of congratulation, for, somehow, her share in the bringing about of -this happy night had been noised abroad, and all were anxious to do her -honor. A dozen times that night Captain Thompson had clasped her hand. - -“It’s all your work, Becky!” - -A dozen times the face of Harry Thompson had beamed upon her, “Thanks -to you, Becky!” And every look of the happy mother, as she moved among -her guests, was a silent prayer of thankfulness to Becky. - -It was a gay night for Cleverly; and when the door of the dining-room -was thrown open, and the guests assembled about the tables,--whose -crooked legs seemed ready to snap under their burdens of good cheer,--a -night of feasting such as Cleverly had never before witnessed. - -At this stage of the proceedings, Teddy, dazzled by the tempting array -of edibles, quite forgot his gallantry, and slipping from Becky’s -side, went in pursuit of a far-off frozen pudding. His place was -quickly supplied by Harry Thompson. - -“Well, pet, enjoying yourself, I hope.” - -“Enjoying myself! Why, Harry, I never was so happy in all my -life--never!” - -“I have a message for you from a dear friend--Alice Parks.” - -“Indeed! Have you heard from her lately?” - -“Yes, I received a letter from her to-day; and it’s so full of praises -of one Becky Sleeper, that I am really jealous.” - -Becky made no reply. Somehow, she did not feel quite so happy now. It -seemed to her that they were getting along very pleasantly, without -having this young lady added to their company. He was jealous, too, -of her evident fondness for the little girl she had befriended. He -must be very much in love with her, then. She looked up, and met such -a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, that she laughed aloud at her own -folly. - -“O, Harry, you do like to torment me. I hope you won’t plague her so, -when you get her.” - -“When I get her? O, no, Becky, I shall be a different man, a very -different man--when I get her.” - -Still the same mischievous look. What could he mean? Was it all -settled, then? Was he sure of her? She turned away, sick at heart, -disappointed at she knew not what. She only wished she was at home. - -“Here, Becky, come with me. I have purloined a big dish of goodies, and -hidden it under the sofa in the sitting-room. Come with me; we shall be -alone in there.” - -It was the voice of the captain; a welcome relief to her embarrassed -position. Smilingly she took the arm of her friend, and soon they were -comfortably snuggled together on the sofa, and the captain’s teasing -offspring forgotten. - -“Ah, Becky, there’s lots of young and gay fellows about to-night; but I -know you will spare a few moments for the old man,” said the captain, -as he produced his “goodies” from beneath the sofa. - -“Indeed I will. O, you are so kind to make Harry’s coming home so -pleasant to all of us!” - -“Yes, chatterbox; and you were kind to give me the opportunity to do -it. But tell me, what shall we do with him, now we’ve got him home?” - -“Why keep him, of course. You don’t think he’ll run away--do you?” - -“I’m afraid he will. He’s talking now of going to Boston to study law. -It’s all nonsense. He needn’t do anything but just spend my money.” - -“He never would be satisfied with such a life as that. He’d make a -splendid lawyer, I know.” - -“Yes; but he can study with Squire Barnes, here at home. There’s few -lawyers can beat him in an argument. If I could only find some way to -keep him here! He’s old enough to marry.” - -Becky winced. - -“Perhaps he’s thinking of that, and wants to be in Boston, near Alice -Parks.” - -“Alice Fiddlesticks!” shouted the captain, upsetting his plate. “Don’t -talk nonsense, Becky.” - -“He had a letter from her to-day,” said Becky, innocently unmindful of -the fact that she might be betraying a secret. - -“He did--did he?” said the captain, growing red in the face. “I’ll put -a stop to that. He shan’t marry that girl; I won’t have it. I’ll just -have him in here, and know what he means.” - -He jumped to his feet, dropping his plate. - -“O, captain, don’t say anything to him to-night,” cried Becky, seizing -the captain’s arm, and preventing his leaving the room. “He would hate -me if I made trouble between him and you; and I love him so dearly! -Don’t captain, don’t. You’ll break my heart.” - -The little goose dropped the captain’s arm, and fled to the sofa, -covered her face with her hands, and sobbed aloud. The captain stared -at her. It was evident to him she did love Harry; and his hatred of -Miss Alice Parks grew stronger. But it was no time for a scene; and he -sat himself down beside Becky, put his arm around her, and penitently -promised to be quiet, and not interfere. He gradually succeeded in -bringing Becky into a lighter mood; and as the refreshed company from -the dining-room drifted that way, the party on the sofa were hugely -enjoying a joke the captain had perpetrated for the benefit of his -companion. - -In due time the dining-room was cleared of the fragments of the feast, -the tables rolled against the walls, and, with Harry as master of -ceremonies, a succession of familiar in-door pastimes was inaugurated -for the younger members of the company. “Fox and Geese,” “Blind Man’s -Buff,” and “Hunt the Slipper,” gave pleasant entertainment to the -light-hearted revellers. - -Nor did the happy occasion end here. Mr. Clairborn, the chorester, -had been running about the room, watching Mr. Arnold with a feverish -excitement he found hard to control. At last that worthy individual, to -set a good example to his parishioners, tucked his good wife under his -arm and departed. Then Mr. Clairborn ran to the sofa and from behind it -took a long green bag, of peculiar shape, and from the bag he took--a -fiddle, to the amazement of certain staid neighbors, who thought the -man crazy. Of these people he took not the least notice, but, with his -instrument in full view, marched to the head of the dining-room. - -Instantly there was a shout, “A dance! a dance!” A dance in Deacon -Thompson’s house! He’d soon put a stop to that. Anxious looks were cast -in his direction; but he was busy talking to Mrs. York, and took not -the least notice of what was going on about him. - -“Hull’s Victory; take your partners!” shouted Mr. Clairborn. - -The captain did not move; the company did. There was a moment’s bustle, -and then Mr. Clairborn’s bow went dancing across his fiddle, and twenty -happy couples danced up and down the dining-room. Then came “Virginia -Reel.” “Money Musk,” “Fisher’s Hornpipe,” and a regular succession of -good old contra dances, with a merry accompaniment of glib tongues and -happy laughter. O, captain, you are laying yourself open to a severe -reckoning at the next church meeting. Little cared the stubborn captain -what might come of his folly. “Eat, drink, and be merry.” The lost son -was home again. They might make a bonfire of his old house; but they -should never forget this night. - -In the height of their merriment, a strange figure dashed into their -midst. It was Aunt Hulda. - -“Stop, quick! Where’s Becky Sleeper?” - -The music ceased, and all gazed at the weird figure which, with glaring -eyes and dishevelled hair, stood in their midst. - -“Here, Aunt Hulda, what’s the matter?” and Becky stepped from her place -among the dancers. - -“O, Becky! Becky! home, quick! Your mother’s had another shock!” - -Becky screamed, and ran after Aunt Hulda, who immediately turned -and left the house. There was no more dancing: the company quietly -dispersed. When the last guest had departed, Mrs. Thompson put on her -shawl, and with Harry and the captain, started for the house across the -bridge. The church clock struck eleven. - -At that very moment the train entered the depot at Foxtown, and from it -jumped a stout, long-bearded weather-bronzed man. - -Aunt Hulda was right. A second stroke of paralysis had fallen upon -Delia Sleeper, sealing the lips that had so often of late uttered -tender words of love to the heart-broken child, who now lay weeping -upon her breast. There was no sign of life upon that pale face, save in -the eyes that wandered from face to face, and sought the open door with -a wishful look. They were all about her,--Aunt Hulda, Mrs. Thompson, -Harry, the captain, Teddy,--all anxiously waiting the verdict of Dr. -Allen. Soon the doctor made his appearance, soberly examined his -patient, gave a few whispered instructions to Aunt Hulda, and left the -room, followed by the captain. - -“O, mother, speak to me! only speak to me!” sobbed Becky. “Tell me you -forgive me for leaving you. I didn’t know this was coming--indeed I -didn’t. Forgive me dear, dear mother!” - -No sound from the lips, but the eyes sought the dear face with a -troubled look. - -“Nay, Becky,” said Mrs. Thompson, “you have done no wrong. It was your -mother’s wish that you should go to-night.” - -The roving eyes thanked the good woman for her interpretation of their -language. - -“No, no; it was wrong to leave her. She’ll die, and leave me--I know -she will.” - -“Hush, Becky,” said Aunt Hulda. “The doctor said she’d rally. Great -care is necessary. Another shock would be fatal.” - -Thus admonished, Becky grew very quiet, but knelt at the side of the -bed, with her eyes fastened upon her mother’s. Mrs. Thompson tried to -take her from the room, but she waved her off. Notwithstanding the -doctor’s whispered hope, dread forebodings filled the hearts of all -the watchers of that pale face, with its gleaming eyes. For an hour -that room was as quiet as if beneath a spell. No one there could be of -the least assistance; yet not one departed. So quiet, that the far-off -noise of wheels at that late hour startled them; and a sudden light -dilated the watchful eyes upon the bed. They fastened upon the door, -full of expectancy and hope. - -The wheels drew nearer, nearer yet; they stopped before the house. A -moment after there came a hurried tread; the door was thrown open, and -in the room stood the long-expected husband,--Cyrus Sleeper. - -“Delia, wife! home, home at last!” - -Those wishful eyes fastened upon his face an instant, gleamed brighter -still, and then closed--closed forever. Their work was done. - -Faithful eyes; let them be covered. They have watched and waited for -the ship; it has come, freighted with treasure; but not to enrich that -loving heart. The ship has come, to meet another leaving an earthly -port--God’s invisible bark, bearing one more purified soul out into the -sea of eternity, unto the haven of heavenly bliss. Speedy shall be thy -voyage, gentle mother. Behind thee are tears and lamentations, and the -memory of thy patient endurance of adversity’s long trial; before thee -lies the new life. Freed from earthly bonds, eager to do thy Maker’s -work in the great hereafter, loving spirits, with glad hosannas, shall -welcome thy coming to the port of peace. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -TWO YEARS AFTER. - - -The little brown house on the hill vanished; in its place stands a -modern mansion, broad and high, attractively arrayed in white and -green, with commodious out-buildings, broad walks and flower-beds about -it; a wide and well-cultivated vegetable patch stretching to the water, -with a young orchard, handsome and vigorous, away to the right. There -are evidences of abundant means in its laying out, and of rare taste in -its nurture. It is still the Sleeper place, and Captain Cyrus Sleeper -is the head of its household. When the earthly remains of Delia Sleeper -had been laid away in the quiet churchyard, and the serious faces of -the gossips of Cleverly had resumed their wonted aspect, eager was the -desire of these curious people to know the cause of the long absence -of the captain; and the stricken household were not long left to the -solitude they coveted. - -The captain’s story was very brief. Generally a man of voluble tongue, -the sad scene which had greeted his return home seemed to have so -shocked him, that his communications were abrupt, often rude, and -entirely unsatisfactory to the news-seekers. - -He had been to California, among the first adventurers to the Golden -State, had struck gold with the earliest, and at the end of a -year’s absence from home, returned to San Francisco well laden with -treasure. Here a thirst for speculation took hold of him; and, without -experience, he became the gull of a set of sharpers, and in less than -three months was penniless. Back to the mines again, but with a sterner -experience. The mines were overcrowded, gold was harder to find, and -still harder to keep. Yet he worked away for eighteen months, recovered -all he had lost, and came back to San Francisco, determined to start -for home. But this time he had a partner; and before the division of -the hard-won nuggets was made, his partner, thinking a whole loaf -better than half a loaf, vanished with the joint stock, leaving Sleeper -with barely enough to reach home. - -At this time news of the gold discoveries in Australia reached -California, and thirsty Sleeper started for the new fount, to fill -his empty pitcher. His good luck returned to him, and, after long and -patient delving, the coveted treasure was in his grasp. Taught wisdom -by experience, he banked his gold as fast as gained, and when he -reached Boston was worth at least three hundred thousand dollars. - -He reached home, a wealthy man, to find his wife dying of neglect; to -find she had not heard from him for years. He could not understand it. -Had he written? Certainly, often. But no letters had ever reached her. -Yet when closely questioned, it appeared he had only written twice, -being a man with whom penmanship was a most unmanageable craft, and had -entrusted his epistles to the care of others. He was a fair type of too -many sailors; the bonds of affection held strong at home; but away, the -driving winds and tossing waves snapped them, and they were useless to -guide the giddy rover. - -Cyrus Sleeper mourned his wife deeply for a while, and then his -bustling spirit set itself to work. He was proud of his daughter; gazed -upon her with admiration; watched her quick steps and ready tact in -household affairs, and swore a big sailor oath to himself that she -should have the best home in Cleverly. He kept his word. He went to -Captain Thompson, and asked him to take his child until he could build. -The captain took them all--his friend, Becky, Teddy, even Aunt Hulda; -and for a year they were the inhabitants of his house. - -Then the old house came down, and the new structure went up. With ready -money and a pushing spirit, Cyrus Sleeper found men and materials ready -at his command; and after a year’s absence the family returned to the -old spot, to find it entirely metamorphosed, as if by the hands of an -enchanter. - -During this year Becky had not been idle. Though the necessity for -work had passed away, the spirit of independence still hovered about -her. She had made a contract with Mr. Woodfern, and she determined to -fulfil it. She found drawing on wood no easy matter; but she resolutely -persevered, and in a fortnight sent her three blocks to Mr. Woodfern. -Two were accepted; the third was returned, with the concise message, -“Try again,” and matter for three new illustrations. Emboldened by -her success, she worked at her drawing through the winter, with a -constantly growing love for her task, and ever increasing show of -improvement, until no blocks were returned, and the engraver clamored -for more. - -Nor did her usefulness end here. Eager to relieve Mrs. Thompson of a -part of the burden which her large family entailed upon her, she dashed -into domestic affairs with alacrity, and proved an able assistant, and -a ready solver of the mysteries of housekeeping. Another loving and -holy task--the care of her mother’s grave--was never neglected. Daily -the grave, which bore a white slab at its head, on which the name -“Mother” was carved, was visited by her on whose heart that dear name -was so indelibly engraved; and twining vines and fresh white flowers -gave token of the fond affection of the motherless child. - -Poor Aunt Hulda having thus unexpectedly become an inmate of Captain -Thompson’s house, where she was treated with the utmost respect, had a -return of her old grumbling programme, to the dismay of Becky. Having -no active employment to keep her mind off herself, it was no wonder -that the appetite she had so long supplied should grow restive. But -not until the spinster spoke of going over to “help” Parson Arnold’s -wife, did Becky hit upon a cure for her nervousness. Then it suddenly -occurred to her that there were others who needed real “help,” and so, -taking Aunt Hulda to her chamber, she spread out a neat little campaign -of charity, in which Aunt Hulda, furnished with a well-filled purse, -and unlimited freedom to call upon her for supplies, was to enact -the _role_ of an angel of mercy, because Becky was “so busy.” This -dispelled the vapors at once. The homely angel took up her mission with -alacrity; and many a poor creature in Cleverly blessed the dear old -maid for her ministrations, with tears of gratitude. - -When the new house was finished, and they had moved in, Cyrus Sleeper -walked over to settle with Captain Thompson. He found this no easy -matter. Captain Thompson would not listen to it. He had induced Delia -Sleeper to embark with him in speculation; she had lost all, and it was -his duty to care for her and her children. As for the living during -the year, they had taken them as visitors; were glad to have them, and -would take them again willingly. - -Captain Sleeper was determined, and Captain Thompson obstinate; and -they came to pretty high words, and parted, vowing they would never -speak to each other again. Becky tried to reconcile them, and at last -made them agree to leave the matter to a referee for settlement, she -to name the party. To their surprise, she named Aunt Hulda. That -distinguished character immediately locked herself in her room,--for -she had an apartment in the new house. - -For a week she worked at accounts, partly drawn from her wise old head. -At the end of that time she called the two captains before her, and -placed in their hands a long bill. “Captain Sleeper debtor to Captain -Thompson,” in which every item of provisions and clothing, that Captain -Thompson had paid for, figured, and the sum total of which amounted to -seven hundred dollars, which Captain Sleeper must pay. Captain Sleeper -wrote a check, payable to the order of Captain Thompson, for one -thousand dollars--he wouldn’t pay a cent less. Captain Thompson took -the check, without a word, wrote across the back of it, “Pay to Hulda -Prime,” and handed it to the astonished woman. - -“That’s the fee for your work. Now don’t let’s hear any more about a -settlement.” - -The two captains shook hands; Becky hugged Aunt Hulda, and told her -they had served her just right. The spinster tried to speak, but -couldn’t, for her tears. The matter was satisfactorily settled forever, -and the hitherto penniless referee found herself no penniless bride, -when the new mill being in successful operation, Mark Small took her to -a home of her own, and the romantic episode in the life of an old maid -became one of the chronicles of Cleverly. - -Teddy Sleeper, by mutual consent of the two captains, was regularly -apprenticed to the trade of ship carpentering--an occupation which soon -reduced his weight, enlarged his muscles, and increased his appetite. -Hard work dissipated his once sluggish disposition; a love for his -trade aroused ambition; and Captain Thompson had the satisfaction of -knowing his _protege_ would in time become a successful ship-builder. - -Harry Thompson entered the office of Squire Alden, to study law, to -the delight of his father, and took to work so earnestly that the -scheming captain could not find it in his heart to risk another rupture -by opening his batteries for the purpose of defeating the alliance -which he had many reasons for believing was at some future time to be -completed between his son and Alice Parks. - -Two years after the death of her mother found Becky Sleeper mistress of -her father’s home, with unlimited means at her command, yet careful and -prudent in its management, relying upon her tried friends--Aunt Hulda -and Mrs. Thompson--for advice; always cheerful, yet ever earnest, doing -her best for the comfort of all about her, moving easily in her exalted -sphere, with all the roughness of her tomboy days quite worn away, and -the graces of gentle, cultivated womanhood shining all about her. - -Cleverly folks were prouder of the young housekeeper than they had -been of the brave girl. Captain Sleeper was a social man, and would -have a lively house, and many and brilliant were the gatherings over -which Becky presided. Yet she liked the neighborly company of Captain -Thompson, or Aunt Rebecca, or Harry best of all. The latter made -himself quite at home there, and of course Cleverly people talked about -it, and made a match at once. - -Yet the young people spoken of hardly acted like lovers. They were -not in the habit of secreting themselves among the window curtains, -or wandering down the walks hand in hand, or conversing in that -mysterious language of the eyes so tender and significant. And so at -last the good people believed themselves mistaken, and the wife-seeking -young fellows of the neighborhood took courage, and laid siege to the -richly-endowered heart of Miss Becky Sleeper. - -One of the number--Herbert Arnold, son of the pastor, a slim, delicate -young man--became a frequent visitor, and threw longing glances through -the glasses of his gold-rimmed spectacles, and paid much attention to -Aunt Hulda, whose pies were his exceeding delight, and listened to the -captain’s long yarns without a yawn, and went away firmly convinced he -was making an impression upon the heart of Becky. But the young lady -shut the door after him, with a smile, and turned away, to dream of -somebody else. - -The last rays of an October sun were decking the broad piazza of the -house with a golden glow. It had been a busy day with Becky, and, a -little weary, she threw open the door, to breathe the air, after her -long season of labor. Sitting on the steps, tracing in the sand -before him with a cane, was Harry Thompson, evidently busy with some -problem. With a smile, she cautiously slipped behind him, and looked at -his work. No difficult problem tasked his cane; only a name written in -the sand--“Becky Sleeper.” She started back, and a flush deeper than -the sun could paint overspread her face. - -[Illustration: HARRY WRITES IN THE SAND. Page 243.] - -“Why, Harry! you here?” - -The name quickly disappeared from the sands, and a flushed face turned -towards her. - -“Yes--O, yes--how do you do? Nice evening--isn’t it?” answered Harry, -hurriedly. - -“Why, what in the world are you doing there? Why don’t you come in?” - -“Thank you; not just now. I’m very busy thinking.” - -“Indeed! Then perhaps I’d better retire. I wouldn’t for the world -interrupt your _new_ occupation,” said Becky; and a merry laugh rippled -on her lips. - -“That’s right; laugh, Becky. It’s an old occupation, that, very -becoming to you,” returned Harry. “It reminds me of the days when we -were both so young and innocent. Ah, those good old days! We were great -friends then, Becky.” - -“I hope we are good friends now, Harry.” - -“Of course we are. But now you are quite a woman, full of cares; yet a -brave, good, noble little woman, rich and courted.” - -“Thanks to those who trained the vine once running to waste, flatterer. -What I am I owe to those who loved me; what I might have been without -their aid, not all the riches in the world could have prevented.” - -“True, Becky. By the by, I have a letter from an old friend will -interest you. Oh such startling news?” - -Becky colored, yet compressed her lips resolutely. Always that old -friend. - -“From Alice Parks?” she said. - -“Yes, from Alice Parks. You know what an interest I take in that young -lady’s welfare, and you shall share in my delight. Look at that.” - -He handed her a letter; she took it with a pang of uneasiness; -mechanically unfolded it. There dropped from it two cards, fastened -with white ribbon. Harry picked up the cards and handed them to her. -She glanced at them. - -“O, Harry! she’s married!” - -“Certainly. Mr. George Woodfern and Miss Alice Parks, after a long and -patient courtship, have united their destinies. The _designing_ young -woman having _engraved_ herself upon the heart of the young engraver, -the new firm is ready for business.” - -“O, Harry, I’m so sorry!” faltered Becky. - -“Sorry? for what, pray? They’ll be very happy.” - -“Sorry for you, Harry. They will be happy; but you--you--you loved her -so dearly--didn’t you?” - -“Sorry for me? Well, I like that!” And Harry indorsed his liking with a -hearty laugh. “Loved her? Why, Becky, what put that into your head?” - -Becky was confused. She thought of the uneasiness she had caused -Captain Thompson by her suspicions, to say nothing of the uneasiness -she had caused herself. - -“Why, Harry, you wrote to her, and she wrote to you; and I told your -father that I thought you were engaged.” - -“Indeed! that accounts for the old gentleman’s fidgets when I received -a letter. No, Becky, I admired, and do admire, that young lady; but -love her! make her my wife! I never had the least idea of it. My heart -is engaged elsewhere.” - -“Indeed! I never heard of it.” - -“That’s my misfortune, then. I have always loved a dear old playmate, -one whom I have watched grow into a strong and beautiful woman; whom I -would not wrong with the offer of my hand until I had fully proved my -power to win my way in the world. Do you know her, Becky?” - -He still sat there, looking up into her face, with eyes so full of -strong and tender love, that Becky was almost sure she saw her own -image mirrored there; and her heart beat wildly. - -“Becky, must I say more?” - -He looked at her mischievously; then turned and traced upon the sands -the name again--“Becky Sleeper.” - -“O, Harry, Harry! I’m so glad, so glad!” - -She sank down by his side; his arm was about her, and her head was on -his breast. Very much like lovers, now. So thought Mrs. Thompson, as -she stepped inside the gate; so thought two old fellows, who just then -came from the barn towards them. - -“Look there, Cyrus, old boy; there’s poaching on your ground.” - -“All right, Paul--if my dove must go. It will be tenderly nurtured -there.” - -And so, in due time, the “Tomboy” became a lovely bride; and the name -Harry Thompson had shaped upon the sand, was written in the old family -Bible; and another generation of Thompsons sported in the orchard, and -plucked fruit from the old tree where Becky Sleeper had long ago been -found Running to Waste. - - * * * * * - -LEE AND SHEPARD’S HANDBOOKS. - -“JUST AS THE TWIG IS BENT, THE TREE’S INCLINED” - -LESSONS ON MANNERS. For home and school use. A Manual by EDITH E. -WIGGIN. Cloth, 50 cents; school edition, boards, 30 cents net. - - This little book is being rapidly introduced into schools as a - text-book. - -SHOWS WHY THE WINDS BLOW. - -WHIRLWINDS, CYCLONES, AND TORNADOES. By Prof. W. M. DAVIS of Harvard -University. 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The Career and Achievements of John -Ericsson, Engineer. - - One of the most thrilling incidents of the war was the sudden - appearance of the Little Monitor in Hampton Roads to beat back the - Merrimac. The life of the inventor is crowded with his wonderful - inventions, and the story of his boyhood in the coal mines of Sweden - is particularly interesting. - -OLD STARS. The Life and Military Career of Major-Gen. Ormsby McKnight -Mitchel. - - “Old Stars” was the pet name given the brave general by his soldiers, - who remembered his career as an astronomer before he became a - soldier. His story is full of stirring events and heroic deeds. - -☞ Sold by all booksellers, or sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of -price. - -LEE AND SHEPARD, Publishers, Boston. - - * * * * * - -YOUNG AMERICA ABROAD. - -BY OLIVER OPTIC. - -A Library of Travel and Adventure in Foreign Lands. First and Second -Series; six volumes in each Series. 16mo. Illustrated. - -_First Series._ - - I. _OUTWARD BOUND_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA AFLOAT. - - II. _SHAMROCK AND THISTLE_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN IRELAND AND - SCOTLAND. - - III. _RED CROSS_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ENGLAND AND WALES. - - IV. _DIKES AND DITCHES_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN HOLLAND AND BELGIUM. - - V. _PALACE AND COTTAGE_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN FRANCE AND - SWITZERLAND. - - VI. _DOWN THE RHINE_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN GERMANY. - -_Second Series._ - - I. _UP THE BALTIC_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN NORWAY, SWEDEN, AND - DENMARK. - - II. _NORTHERN LANDS_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN RUSSIA AND PRUSSIA. - - III. _CROSS AND CRESCENT_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN TURKEY AND GREECE. - - IV. _SUNNY SHORES_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN ITALY AND AUSTRIA. - - V. _VINE AND OLIVE_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA IN SPAIN AND PORTUGAL. In - preparation. - - VI. _ISLES OF THE SEA_; OR, YOUNG AMERICA HOMEWARD BOUND. In - preparation. - - * * * * * - -Transcriber’s Notes: - -Illustrations have been moved to paragraph breaks near where they are -mentioned. - -Punctuation has been made consistent. - -Variations in spelling and hyphenation were retained as they appear in -the original publication, except that obvious typos have been corrected. - - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Running To Waste, by George M. 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