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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Driven From Home, by Horatio Alger
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Driven From Home
+       Carl Crawford’s Experience
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: January 21, 2006 [EBook #530]
+Last Updated: September 18, 2016
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DRIVEN FROM HOME ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Keller and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+
+DRIVEN FROM HOME
+
+OR
+
+CARL CRAWFORD’S EXPERIENCE
+
+
+BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+
+Author of “Erie Train Boy,” “Young Acrobat,” “Only an Irish Boy,” “Bound
+to Rise,” “The Young Outlaw,” “Hector’s Inheritance,” etc.
+
+
+
+
+
+DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+
+
+A boy of sixteen, with a small gripsack in his hand, trudged along the
+country road. He was of good height for his age, strongly built, and had
+a frank, attractive face. He was naturally of a cheerful temperament,
+but at present his face was grave, and not without a shade of anxiety.
+This can hardly be a matter of surprise when we consider that he was
+thrown upon his own resources, and that his available capital consisted
+of thirty-seven cents in money, in addition to a good education and a
+rather unusual amount of physical strength. These last two items
+were certainly valuable, but they cannot always be exchanged for the
+necessaries and comforts of life.
+
+For some time his steps had been lagging, and from time to time he had
+to wipe the moisture from his brow with a fine linen handkerchief, which
+latter seemed hardly compatible with his almost destitute condition.
+
+I hasten to introduce my hero, for such he is to be, as Carl Crawford,
+son of Dr. Paul Crawford, of Edgewood Center. Why he had set out to
+conquer fortune single-handed will soon appear.
+
+A few rods ahead Carl’s attention was drawn to a wide-spreading oak
+tree, with a carpet of verdure under its sturdy boughs.
+
+“I will rest here for a little while,” he said to himself, and suiting
+the action to the word, threw down his gripsack and flung himself on the
+turf.
+
+“This is refreshing,” he murmured, as, lying upon his back, he looked up
+through the leafy rifts to the sky above. “I don’t know when I have ever
+been so tired. It’s no joke walking a dozen miles under a hot sun, with
+a heavy gripsack in your hand. It’s a good introduction to a life of
+labor, which I have reason to believe is before me. I wonder how I am
+coming out--at the big or the little end of the horn?”
+
+He paused, and his face grew grave, for he understood well that for him
+life had become a serious matter. In his absorption he did not observe
+the rapid approach of a boy somewhat younger than himself, mounted on a
+bicycle.
+
+The boy stopped short in surprise, and leaped from his iron steed.
+
+“Why, Carl Crawford, is this you? Where in the world are you going with
+that gripsack?”
+
+Carl looked up quickly.
+
+“Going to seek my fortune,” he answered, soberly.
+
+“Well, I hope you’ll find it. Don’t chaff, though, but tell the honest
+truth.”
+
+“I have told you the truth, Gilbert.”
+
+With a puzzled look, Gilbert, first leaning his bicycle against the
+tree, seated himself on the ground by Carl’s side.
+
+“Has your father lost his property?” he asked, abruptly.
+
+“No.”
+
+“Has he disinherited you?”
+
+“Not exactly.”
+
+“Have you left home for good?”
+
+“I have left home--I hope for good.”
+
+“Have you quarreled with the governor?”
+
+“I hardly know what to say to that. There is a difference between us.”
+
+“He doesn’t seem like a Roman father--one who rules his family with a
+rod of iron.”
+
+“No; he is quite the reverse. He hasn’t backbone enough.”
+
+“So it seemed to me when I saw him at the exhibition of the academy. You
+ought to be able to get along with a father like that, Carl.”
+
+“So I could but for one thing.”
+
+“What is that?”
+
+“I have a stepmother!” said Carl, with a significant glance at his
+companion.
+
+“So have I, but she is the soul of kindness, and makes our home the
+dearest place in the world.”
+
+“Are there such stepmothers? I shouldn’t have judged so from my own
+experience.”
+
+“I think I love her as much as if she were my own mother.”
+
+“You are lucky,” said Carl, sighing.
+
+“Tell me about yours.”
+
+“She was married to my father five years ago. Up to the time of her
+marriage I thought her amiable and sweet-tempered. But soon after the
+wedding she threw off the mask, and made it clear that she disliked
+me. One reason is that she has a son of her own about my age, a mean,
+sneaking fellow, who is the apple of her eye. She has been jealous of
+me, and tried to supplant me in the affection of my father, wishing
+Peter to be the favored son.”
+
+“How has she succeeded?”
+
+“I don’t think my father feels any love for Peter, but through my
+stepmother’s influence he generally fares better than I do.”
+
+“Why wasn’t he sent to school with you?”
+
+“Because he is lazy and doesn’t like study. Besides, his mother prefers
+to have him at home. During my absence she worked upon my father,
+by telling all sorts of malicious stories about me, till he became
+estranged from me, and little by little Peter has usurped my place as
+the favorite.”
+
+“Why didn’t you deny the stories?” asked Gilbert.
+
+“I did, but no credit was given to my denials. My stepmother was
+continually poisoning my father’s mind against me.”
+
+“Did you give her cause? Did you behave disrespectfully to her?”
+
+“No,” answered Carl, warmly. “I was prepared to give her a warm welcome,
+and treat her as a friend, but my advances were so coldly received that
+my heart was chilled.”
+
+“Poor Carl! How long has this been so?”
+
+“From the beginning--ever since Mrs. Crawford came into the house.”
+
+“What are your relations with your step-brother--what’s his name?”
+
+“Peter Cook. I despise the boy, for he is mean, and tyrannical where he
+dares to be.”
+
+“I don’t think it would be safe for him to bully you, Carl.”
+
+“He tried it, and got a good thrashing. You can imagine what followed.
+He ran, crying to his mother, and his version of the story was believed.
+I was confined to my room for a week, and forced to live on bread and
+water.”
+
+“I shouldn’t think your father was a man to inflict such a punishment.”
+
+“It wasn’t he--it was my stepmother. She insisted upon it, and he
+yielded. I heard afterwards from one of the servants that he wanted me
+released at the end of twenty-four hours, but she would not consent.”
+
+“How long ago was this?”
+
+“It happened when I was twelve.”
+
+“Was it ever repeated?”
+
+“Yes, a month later; but the punishment lasted only for two days.”
+
+“And you submitted to it?”
+
+“I had to, but as soon as I was released I gave Peter such a flogging,
+with the promise to repeat it, if I was ever punished in that manner
+again, that the boy himself was panic-stricken, and objected to my being
+imprisoned again.”
+
+“He must be a charming fellow!”
+
+“You would think so if you should see him. He has small, insignificant
+features, a turn-up nose, and an ugly scowl that appears whenever he is
+out of humor.”
+
+“And yet your father likes him?”
+
+“I don’t think he does, though Peter, by his mother’s orders, pays
+all sorts of small attentions--bringing him his slippers, running on
+errands, and so on, not because he likes it, but because he wants to
+supplant me, as he has succeeded in doing.”
+
+“You have finally broken away, then?”
+
+“Yes; I couldn’t stand it any longer. Home had become intolerable.”
+
+“Pardon the question, but hasn’t your father got considerable property?”
+
+“I have every reason to think so.”
+
+“Won’t your leaving home give your step-mother and Peter the inside
+track, and lead, perhaps, to your disinheritance?”
+
+“I suppose so,” answered Carl, wearily; “but no matter what happens, I
+can’t bear to stay at home any longer.”
+
+“You’re badly fixed--that’s a fact!” said Gilbert, in a tone of
+sympathy. “What are your plans?”
+
+“I don’t know. I haven’t had time to think.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.
+
+
+Gilbert wrinkled up his forehead and set about trying to form some plans
+for Carl.
+
+“It will be hard for you to support yourself,” he said, after a pause;
+“that is, without help.”
+
+“There is no one to help me. I expect no help.”
+
+“I thought your father might be induced to give you an allowance, so
+that with what you can earn, you may get along comfortably.”
+
+“I think father would be willing to do this, but my stepmother would
+prevent him.”
+
+“Then she has a great deal of influence over him?”
+
+“Yes, she can twist him round her little finger.”
+
+“I can’t understand it.”
+
+“You see, father is an invalid, and is very nervous. If he were in
+perfect health he would have more force of character and firmness. He is
+under the impression that he has heart disease, and it makes him timid
+and vacillating.”
+
+“Still he ought to do something for you.”
+
+“I suppose he ought. Still, Gilbert, I think I can earn my living.”
+
+“What can you do?”
+
+“Well, I have a fair education. I could be an entry clerk, or a salesman
+in some store, or, if the worst came to the worst, I could work on a
+farm. I believe farmers give boys who work for them their board and
+clothes.”
+
+“I don’t think the clothes would suit you.”
+
+“I am pretty well supplied with clothing.”
+
+Gilbert looked significantly at the gripsack.
+
+“Do you carry it all in there?” he asked, doubtfully.
+
+Carl laughed.
+
+“Well, no,” he answered. “I have a trunkful of clothes at home, though.”
+
+“Why didn’t you bring them with you?”
+
+“I would if I were an elephant. Being only a boy, I would find it
+burdensome carrying a trunk with me. The gripsack is all I can very well
+manage.”
+
+“I tell you what,” said Gilbert. “Come round to our house and stay
+overnight. We live only a mile from here, you know. The folks will be
+glad to see you, and while you are there I will go to your house, see
+the governor, and arrange for an allowance for you that will make you
+comparatively independent.”
+
+“Thank you, Gilbert; but I don’t feel like asking favors from those who
+have ill-treated me.”
+
+“Nor would I--of strangers; but Dr. Crawford is your father. It isn’t
+right that Peter, your stepbrother, should be supported in ease and
+luxury, while you, the real son, should be subjected to privation and
+want.”
+
+“I don’t know but you are right,” admitted Carl, slowly.
+
+“Of course I am right. Now, will you make me your minister
+plenipotentiary, armed with full powers?”
+
+“Yes, I believe I will.”
+
+“That’s right. That shows you are a boy of sense. Now, as you are
+subject to my directions, just get on that bicycle and I will carry your
+gripsack, and we will seek Vance Villa, as we call it when we want to be
+high-toned, by the most direct route.”
+
+“No, no, Gilbert; I will carry my own gripsack. I won’t burden you with
+it,” said Carl, rising from his recumbent position.
+
+“Look here, Carl, how far have you walked with it this morning?”
+
+“About twelve miles.”
+
+“Then, of course, you’re tired, and require rest. Just jump on that
+bicycle, and I’ll take the gripsack. If you have carried it twelve
+miles, I can surely carry it one.”
+
+“You are very kind, Gilbert.”
+
+“Why shouldn’t I be?”
+
+“But it is imposing up on your good nature.”
+
+But Gilbert had turned his head in a backward direction, and nodded in a
+satisfied way as he saw a light, open buggy rapidly approaching.
+
+“There’s my sister in that carriage,” he said. “She comes in good
+time. I will put you and your gripsack in with her, and I’ll take to my
+bicycle again.”
+
+“Your sister may not like such an arrangement.”
+
+“Won’t she though! She’s very fond of beaux, and she will receive you
+very graciously.”
+
+“You make me feel bashful, Gilbert.”
+
+“You won’t be long. Julia will chat away to you as if she’d known you
+for fifty years.”
+
+“I was very young fifty years ago,” said Carl, smiling.
+
+“Hi, there, Jule!” called Gilbert, waving his hand.
+
+Julia Vance stopped the horse, and looked inquiringly and rather
+admiringly at Carl, who was a boy of fine appearance.
+
+“Let me introduce you to my friend and schoolmate, Carl Crawford.”
+
+Carl took off his hat politely.
+
+“I am very glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Crawford,” said Julia,
+demurely; “I have often heard Gilbert speak of you.”
+
+“I hope he said nothing bad about me, Miss Vance.”
+
+“You may be sure he didn’t. If he should now--I wouldn’t believe him.”
+
+“You’ve made a favorable impression, Carl,” said Gilbert, smiling.
+
+“I am naturally prejudiced against boys--having such a brother,” said
+Julia; “but it is not fair to judge all boys by him.”
+
+“That is outrageous injustice!” said Gilbert; “but then, sisters seldom
+appreciate their brothers.”
+
+“Some other fellows’ sisters may,” said Carl.
+
+“They do, they do!”
+
+“Did you ever see such a vain, conceited boy, Mr. Crawford?”
+
+“Of course you know him better than I do.”
+
+“Come, Carl; it’s too bad for you, too, to join against me. However,
+I will forget and forgive. Jule, my friend, Carl, has accepted my
+invitation to make us a visit.”
+
+“I am very glad, I am sure,” said Julia, sincerely.
+
+“And I want you to take him in, bag and baggage, and convey him to our
+palace, while I speed thither on my wheel.”
+
+“To be sure I will, and with great pleasure.”
+
+“Can’t you get out and assist him into the carriage, Jule?”
+
+“Thank you,” said Carl; “but though I am somewhat old and quite infirm,
+I think I can get in without troubling your sister. Are you sure, Miss
+Vance, you won’t be incommoded by my gripsack?”
+
+“Not at all.”
+
+“Then I will accept your kind offer.”
+
+In a trice Carl was seated next to Julia, with his valise at his feet.
+
+“Won’t you drive, Mr. Crawford?” said the young lady.
+
+“Don’t let me take the reins from you.”
+
+“I don’t think it looks well for a lady to drive when a gentleman is
+sitting beside her.”
+
+Carl was glad to take the reins, for he liked driving.
+
+“Now for a race!” said Gilbert, who was mounted on his bicycle.
+
+“All right!” replied Carl. “Look out for us!”
+
+They started, and the two kept neck and neck till they entered the
+driveway leading up to a handsome country mansion.
+
+Carl followed them into the house, and was cordially received by Mr.
+and Mrs. Vance, who were very kind and hospitable, and were favorably
+impressed by the gentlemanly appearance of their son’s friend.
+
+Half an hour later dinner was announced, and Carl, having removed the
+stains of travel in his schoolmate’s room, descended to the dining-room,
+and, it must be confessed, did ample justice to the bounteous repast
+spread before him.
+
+In the afternoon Julia, Gilbert and he played tennis, and had a trial at
+archery. The hours glided away very rapidly, and six o’clock came before
+they were aware.
+
+“Gilbert,” said Carl, as they were preparing for tea, “you have a
+charming home.”
+
+“You have a nice house, too, Carl.”
+
+“True; but it isn’t a home--to me. There is no love there.”
+
+“That makes a great difference.”
+
+“If I had a father and mother like yours I should be happy.”
+
+“You must stay here till day after tomorrow, and I will devote to-morrow
+to a visit in your interest to your home. I will beard the lion in his
+den--that is, your stepmother. Do you consent?”
+
+“Yes, I consent; but it won’t do any good.”
+
+“We will see.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+INTRODUCES PETER COOK.
+
+
+Gilbert took the morning train to the town of Edgewood Center, the
+residence of the Crawfords. He had been there before, and knew that
+Carl’s home was nearly a mile distant from the station. Though there was
+a hack in waiting, he preferred to walk, as it would give him a chance
+to think over what he proposed to say to Dr. Crawford in Carl’s behalf.
+
+He was within a quarter of a mile of his destination when his attention
+was drawn to a boy of about his own age, who was amusing himself and a
+smaller companion by firing stones at a cat that had taken refuge in
+a tree. Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect, and the poor cat
+moaned in affright, but did not dare to come down from her perch, as
+this would put her in the power of her assailant.
+
+“That must be Carl’s stepbrother, Peter,” Gilbert decided, as he noted
+the boy’s mean face and turn-up nose. “Stoning cats seems to be his idea
+of amusement. I shall take the liberty of interfering.”
+
+Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.
+
+“I hit her, Simon,” he said. “Doesn’t she look seared?”
+
+“You must have hurt her.”
+
+“I expect I did. I’ll take a bigger stone next time.”
+
+He suited the action to the word, and picked up a rock which, should
+it hit the poor cat, would in all probability kill her, and prepared to
+fire.
+
+“Put down that rock!” said Gilbert, indignantly.
+
+Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.
+
+“Who are you?” he demanded.
+
+“No matter who I am. Put down that rock!”
+
+“What business is it of yours?”
+
+“I shall make it my business to protect that cat from your cruelty.”
+
+Peter, who was a natural coward, took courage from having a companion
+to back him up, and retorted: “You’d better clear out of here, or I may
+fire at you.”
+
+“Do it if you dare!” said Gilbert, quietly.
+
+Peter concluded that it would be wiser not to carry out his threat, but
+was resolved to keep to his original purpose. He raised his arm again,
+and took aim; but Gilbert rushed in, and striking his arm forcibly,
+compelled him to drop it.
+
+“What do you mean by that, you loafer?” demanded Peter, his eyes blazing
+with anger.
+
+“To stop your fun, if that’s what you call it.”
+
+“I’ve a good mind to give you a thrashing.”
+
+Gilbert put himself in a position of defense.
+
+“Sail in, if you want to!” he responded.
+
+“Help me, Simon!” said Peter. “You grab his legs, and I’ll upset him.”
+
+Simon, who, though younger, was braver than Peter, without hesitation
+followed directions. He threw himself on the ground and grasped Gilbert
+by the legs, while Peter, doubling up his fists, made a rush at his
+enemy. But Gilbert, swiftly eluding Simon, struck out with his right
+arm, and Peter, unprepared for so forcible a defense, tumbled over on
+his back, and Simon ran to his assistance.
+
+Gilbert put himself on guard, expecting a second attack; but Peter
+apparently thought it wiser to fight with his tongue.
+
+“You rascal!” he shrieked, almost foaming at the mouth; “I’ll have you
+arrested.”
+
+“What for?” asked Gilbert, coolly.
+
+“For flying at me like a--a tiger, and trying to kill me.”
+
+Gilbert laughed at this curious version of things.
+
+“I thought it was you who flew at me,” he said.
+
+“What business had you to interfere with me?”
+
+“I’ll do it again unless you give up firing stones at the cat.”
+
+“I’ll do it as long as I like.”
+
+“She’s gone!” said Simon.
+
+The boys looked up into the tree, and could see nothing of puss. She
+had taken the opportunity, when her assailant was otherwise occupied, to
+make good her escape.
+
+“I’m glad of it!” said Gilbert. “Good-morning, boys! When we meet again,
+I hope you will be more creditably employed.”
+
+“You don’t get off so easy, you loafer,” said Peter, who saw the village
+constable approaching. “Here, Mr. Rogers, I want you to arrest this
+boy.”
+
+Constable Rogers, who was a stout, broad-shouldered man, nearly six feet
+in height, turned from one to the other, and asked: “What has he done?”
+
+“He knocked me over. I want him arrested for assault and battery.”
+
+“And what did you do?”
+
+“I? I didn’t do anything.”
+
+“That is rather strange. Young man, what is your name?”
+
+“Gilbert Vance.”
+
+“You don’t live in this town?”
+
+“No; I live in Warren.”
+
+“What made you attack Peter?”
+
+“Because he flew at me, and I had to defend myself.”
+
+“Is this so, Simon? You saw all that happened.”
+
+“Ye--es,” admitted Simon, unwillingly.
+
+“That puts a different face on the matter. I don’t see how I can arrest
+this boy. He had a right to defend himself.”
+
+“He came up and abused me--the loafer,” said Peter.
+
+“That was the reason you went at him?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Have you anything to say?” asked the constable, addressing Gilbert.
+
+“Yes, sir; when I came up I saw this boy firing stones at a cat, who
+had taken refuge in that tree over there. He had just hit her, and had
+picked up a larger stone to fire when I ordered him to drop it.”
+
+“It was no business of yours,” muttered Peter.
+
+“I made it my business, and will again.”
+
+“Did the cat have a white spot on her forehead?” asked the constable.
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“And was mouse colored?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Why, it’s my little girl’s cat. She would be heartbroken if the cat
+were seriously hurt. You young rascal!” he continued, turning suddenly
+upon Peter, and shaking him vigorously. “Let me catch you at this
+business again, and I’ll give you such a warming that you’ll never want
+to touch another cat.”
+
+“Let me go!” cried the terrified boy. “I didn’t know it was your cat.”
+
+“It would have been just as bad if it had been somebody else’s cat. I’ve
+a great mind to put you in the lockup.”
+
+“Oh, don’t, please don’t, Mr. Rogers!” implored Peter, quite
+panic-stricken.
+
+“Will you promise never to stone another cat?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Then go about your business.”
+
+Peter lost no time, but scuttled up the street with his companion.
+
+“I am much obliged to you for protecting Flora’s cat,” then said the
+constable to Gilbert.
+
+“You are quite welcome, sir. I won’t see any animal abused if I can help
+it.”
+
+“You are right there.”
+
+“Wasn’t that boy Peter Cook?”
+
+“Yes. Don’t you know him?”
+
+“No; but I know his stepbrother, Carl.”
+
+“A different sort of boy! Have you come to visit him?”
+
+“No; he is visiting me. In fact, he has left home, because he could not
+stand his step-mother’s ill-treatment, and I have come to see his father
+in his behalf.”
+
+“He has had an uncomfortable home. Dr. Crawford is an invalid, and very
+much under the influence of his wife, who seems to have a spite against
+Carl, and is devoted to that young cub to whom you have given a lesson.
+Does Carl want to come back?”
+
+“No; he wants to strike out for himself, but I told him it was no more
+than right that he should receive some help from his father.”
+
+“That is true enough. For nearly all the doctor’s money came to him
+through Carl’s mother.”
+
+“I am afraid Peter and his mother won’t give me a very cordial welcome
+after what has happened this morning. I wish I could see the doctor
+alone.”
+
+“So you can, for there he is coming up the street.”
+
+Gilbert looked in the direction indicated, and his glance fell on a
+thin, fragile-looking man, evidently an invalid, with a weak, undecided
+face, who was slowly approaching.
+
+The boy advanced to meet him, and, taking off his hat, asked politely:
+“Is this Dr. Crawford?”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.
+
+
+Dr. Crawford stopped short, and eyed Gilbert attentively.
+
+“I don’t know you,” he said, in a querulous tone.
+
+“I am a schoolmate of your son, Carl. My name is Gilbert Vance.”
+
+“If you have come to see my son you will be disappointed. He has treated
+me in a shameful manner. He left home yesterday morning, and I don’t
+know where he is.”
+
+“I can tell you, sir. He is staying--for a day or two--at my father’s
+house.”
+
+“Where is that?” asked Dr. Crawford, his manner showing that he was
+confused.
+
+“In Warren, thirteen miles from here.”
+
+“I know the town. What induced him to go to your house? Have you
+encouraged him to leave home?” inquired Dr. Crawford, with a look of
+displeasure.
+
+“No, sir. It was only by chance that I met him a mile from our home. I
+induced him to stay overnight.”
+
+“Did you bring me any message from him?” “No, sir, except that he is
+going to strike out for himself, as he thinks his home an unhappy one.”
+
+“That is his own fault. He has had enough to eat and enough to wear. He
+has had as comfortable a home as yourself.”
+
+“I don’t doubt that, but he complains that his stepmother is continually
+finding fault with him, and scolding him.”
+
+“He provokes her to do it. He is a headstrong, obstinate boy.”
+
+“He never had that reputation at school, sir. We all liked him.”
+
+“I suppose you mean to imply that I am in fault?” said the doctor,
+warmly.
+
+“I don’t think you know how badly Mrs. Crawford treats Carl, sir.”
+
+“Of course, of course. That is always said of a stepmother.”
+
+“Not always, sir. I have a stepmother myself, and no own mother could
+treat me better.”
+
+“You are probably a better boy.”
+
+“I can’t accept the compliment. I hope you’ll excuse me saying it, Dr.
+Crawford, but if my stepmother treated me as Carl says Mrs. Crawford
+treats him I wouldn’t stay in the house another day.”
+
+“Really, this is very annoying,” said Dr. Crawford, irritably. “Have you
+come here from Warren to say this?”
+
+“No, sir, not entirely.”
+
+“Perhaps Carl wants me to receive him back. I will do so if he promises
+to obey his stepmother.”
+
+“That he won’t do, I am sure.”
+
+“Then what is the object of your visit?”
+
+“To say that Carl wants and intends to earn his own living. But it is
+hard for a boy of his age, who has never worked, to earn enough at first
+to pay for his board and clothes. He asks, or, rather, I ask for him,
+that you will allow him a small sum, say three or four dollars a week,
+which is considerably less than he must cost you at home, for a time
+until he gets on his feet.”
+
+“I don’t know,” said Dr. Crawford, in a vacillating tone. “I don’t think
+Mrs. Crawford would approve this.”
+
+“It seems to me you are the one to decide, as Carl is your own son.
+Peter must cost you a good deal more.”
+
+“Do you know Peter?”
+
+“I have met him,” answered Gilbert, with a slight smile.
+
+“I don’t know what to say. You may be right. Peter does cost me more.”
+
+“And Carl is entitled to be treated as well as he.”
+
+“I think I ought to speak to Mrs. Crawford about it. And, by the way,
+I nearly forgot to say that she charges Carl with taking money from her
+bureau drawer before he went away. It was a large sum, too--twenty-five
+dollars.”
+
+“That is false!” exclaimed Gilbert, indignantly. “I am surprised that
+you should believe such a thing of your own son.”
+
+“Mrs. Crawford says she has proof,” said the doctor, hesitating.
+
+“Then what has he done with the money? I know that he has but
+thirty-seven cents with him at this time, and he only left home
+yesterday. If the money has really been taken, I think I know who took
+it.”
+
+“Who?”
+
+“Peter Cook. He looks mean enough for anything.”
+
+“What right have you to speak so of Peter?”
+
+“Because I caught him stoning a cat this morning. He would have killed
+the poor thing if I had not interfered. I consider that worse than
+taking money.”
+
+“I--I don’t know what to say. I can’t agree to anything till I have
+spoken with Mrs. Crawford. Did you say that Carl had but thirty seven
+cents?”
+
+“Yes, sir; I presume you don’t want him to starve?”
+
+“No, of course not. He is my son, though he has behaved badly. Here,
+give him that!” and Dr. Crawford drew a ten-dollar bill from his wallet,
+and handed it to Gilbert.
+
+“Thank you, sir. This money will be very useful. Besides, it will show
+Carl that his father is not wholly indifferent to him.”
+
+“Of course not. Who says that I am a bad father?” asked Dr. Crawford,
+peevishly.
+
+“I don’t think, sir, there would be any difficulty between you and Carl
+if you had not married again.”
+
+“Carl has no right to vex Mrs. Crawford. Besides, he can’t agree with
+Peter.”
+
+“Is that his fault or Peter’s?” asked Gilbert, significantly.
+
+“I am not acquainted with the circumstances, but Mrs. Crawford says that
+Carl is always bullying Peter.”
+
+“He never bullied anyone at school.”
+
+“Is there anything, else you want?”
+
+“Yes, sir; Carl only took away a little underclothing in a gripsack. He
+would like his woolen clothes put in his trunk, and to have it sent----”
+
+“Where?”
+
+“Perhaps it had better be sent to my house. There are one or two things
+in his room also that he asked me to get.”
+
+“Why didn’t he come himself?”
+
+“Because he thought it would be unpleasant for him to meet Mrs.
+Crawford. They would be sure to quarrel.”
+
+“Well, perhaps he is right,” said Dr. Crawford, with an air of relief.
+“About the allowance, I shall have to consult my wife. Will you come
+with me to the house?”
+
+“Yes, sir; I should like to have the matter settled to-day, so that Carl
+will know what to depend upon.”
+
+Gilbert rather dreaded the interview he was likely to have with Mrs.
+Crawford; but he was acting for Carl, and his feelings of friendship
+were strong.
+
+So he walked beside Dr. Crawford till they reached the tasteful dwelling
+occupied as a residence by Carl and his father.
+
+“How happy Carl could be here, if he had a stepmother like mine,”
+ Gilbert thought.
+
+They went up to the front door, which was opened for them by a servant.
+
+“Jane, is Mrs. Crawford in?” asked the doctor.
+
+“No, sir; not just now. She went to the village to do some shopping.”
+
+“Is Peter in?”
+
+“No, sir.”
+
+“Then you will have to wait till they return.”
+
+“Can’t I go up to Carl’s room and be packing his things?”
+
+“Yes, I think you may. I don’t think Mrs. Crawford would object.”
+
+“Good heavens! Hasn’t the man a mind of his own?” thought Gilbert.
+
+“Jane, you may show this young gentleman up to Master Carl’s room, and
+give him the key of his trunk. He is going to pack his clothes.”
+
+“When is Master Carl coming back?” asked Jane.
+
+“I--I don’t know. I think he will be away for a time.”
+
+“I wish it was Peter instead of him,” said Jane, in a low voice, only
+audible to Gilbert.
+
+She showed Gilbert the way upstairs, while the doctor went to his study.
+
+“Are you a friend of Master Carl’s?” asked Jane, as soon as they were
+alone.
+
+“Yes, Jane.”
+
+“And where is he?”
+
+“At my house.”
+
+“Is he goin’ to stay there?”
+
+“For a short time. He wants to go out into the world and make his own
+living.”
+
+“And no wonder--poor boy! It’s hard times he had here.”
+
+“Didn’t Mrs. Crawford treat him well?” asked Gilbert, with curiosity
+
+“Is it trate him well? She was a-jawin’ an’ a-jawin’ him from mornin’
+till night. Ugh, but she’s an ugly cr’atur’!”
+
+“How about Peter?”
+
+“He’s just as bad--the m’anest bye I iver set eyes on. It would do me
+good to see him flogged.”
+
+She chatted a little longer with Gilbert, helping him to find Carl’s
+clothes, when suddenly a shrill voice was heard calling her from below.
+
+“Shure, it’s the madam!” said Jane, shrugging her shoulders. “I expect
+she’s in a temper;” and she rose from her knees and hurried downstairs.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+CARL’S STEPMOTHER.
+
+
+Five minutes later, as Gilbert was closing the trunk, Jane reappeared.
+
+“The doctor and Mrs. Crawford would like to see you downstairs,” she
+said.
+
+Gilbert followed Jane into the library, where Dr. Crawford and his wife
+were seated. He looked with interest at the woman who had made home so
+disagreeable to Carl, and was instantly prejudiced against her. She was
+light complexioned, with very light-brown hair, cold, gray eyes, and a
+disagreeable expression which seemed natural to her.
+
+“My dear,” said the doctor, “this is the young man who has come from
+Carl.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford surveyed Gilbert with an expression by no means friendly.
+
+“What is your name?” she asked.
+
+“Gilbert Vance.”
+
+“Did Carl Crawford send you here?”
+
+“No; I volunteered to come.”
+
+“Did he tell you that he was disobedient and disrespectful to me?”
+
+“No; he told me that you treated him so badly that he was unwilling to
+live in the same house with you,” answered Gilbert, boldly.
+
+“Well, upon my word!” exclaimed Mrs. Crawford, fanning herself
+vigorously. “Dr. Crawford, did you hear that?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“And what do you think of it?”
+
+“Well, I think you may have been too hard upon Carl.”
+
+“Too hard? Why, then, did he not treat me respectfully? This boy seems
+inclined to be impertinent.”
+
+“I answered your questions, madam,” said Gilbert, coldly.
+
+“I suppose you side with your friend Carl?”
+
+“I certainly do.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford bit her lip.
+
+“What is the object of your coming? Does Carl wish to return?”
+
+“I thought Dr. Crawford might have told you.”
+
+“Carl wants his clothes sent to him,” said the doctor. “He only carried
+a few with him.”
+
+“I shall not consent to it. He deserves no favors at our hands.”
+
+This was too much even for Dr. Crawford.
+
+“You go too far, Mrs. Crawford,” he said. “I am sensible of the boy’s
+faults, but I certainly will not allow his clothes to be withheld from
+him.”
+
+“Oh, well! spoil him if you choose!” said the lady, sullenly. “Take his
+part against your wife!”
+
+“I have never done that, but I will not allow him to be defrauded of his
+clothes.”
+
+“I have no more to say,” said Mrs. Crawford, her eyes snapping. She was
+clearly mortified at her failure to carry her point.
+
+“Do you wish the trunk to be sent to your house?” asked the doctor.
+
+“Yes, sir; I have packed the clothes and locked the trunk.”
+
+“I should like to examine it before it goes,” put in Mrs. Crawford,
+spitefully.
+
+“Why?”
+
+“To make sure that nothing has been put in that does not belong to
+Carl.”
+
+“Do you mean to accuse me of stealing, madam?” demanded Gilbert,
+indignantly.
+
+Mrs. Crawford tossed her head.
+
+“I don’t know anything about you,” she replied.
+
+“Dr. Crawford, am I to open the trunk?” asked Gilbert.
+
+“No,” answered the doctor, with unwonted decision.
+
+“I hate that boy! He has twice subjected me to mortification,” thought
+Mrs. Crawford.
+
+“You know very well,” she said, turning to her husband, “that I have
+grounds for my request. I blush to mention it, but I have reason to
+believe that your son took a wallet containing twenty-five dollars from
+my bureau drawer.”
+
+“I deny it!” said Gilbert.
+
+“What do you know about it, I should like to ask?” sneered Mrs.
+Crawford.
+
+“I know that Carl is an honorable boy, incapable of theft, and at this
+moment has but thirty-seven cents in his possession.”
+
+“So far as you know.”
+
+“If the money has really disappeared, madam, you had better ask your own
+boy about it.”
+
+“This is insufferable!” exclaimed Mrs. Crawford, her light eyes emitting
+angry flashes. “Who dares to say that Peter took the wallet?” she went
+on, rising to her feet.
+
+There was an unexpected reply. Jane entered the room at this moment to
+ask a question.
+
+“I say so, ma’am,” she rejoined.
+
+“What?” ejaculated Mrs. Crawford, with startling emphasis.
+
+“I didn’t mean to say anything about it till I found you were charging
+it on Master Carl. I saw Peter open your bureau drawer, take out the
+wallet, and put it in his pocket.”
+
+“It’s a lie!” said Mrs. Crawford, hoarsely.
+
+“It’s the truth, though I suppose you don’t want to believe it. If you
+want to know what he did with the money ask him how much he paid for the
+gold ring he bought of the jeweler down at the village.”
+
+“You are a spy--a base, dishonorable spy!” cried Mrs. Crawford.
+
+“I won’t say what you are, ma’am, to bring false charges against Master
+Carl, and I wonder the doctor will believe them.”
+
+“Leave the house directly, you hussy!” shrieked Mrs. Crawford.
+
+“If I do, I wonder who’ll get the dinner?” remarked Jane, not at all
+disturbed.
+
+“I won’t stay here to be insulted,” said the angry lady. “Dr. Crawford,
+you might have spirit enough to defend your wife.”
+
+She flounced out of the room, not waiting for a reply, leaving the
+doctor dazed and flurried.
+
+“I hope, sir, you are convinced now that Carl did not take Mrs.
+Crawford’s money,” said Gilbert. “I told you it was probably Peter.”
+
+“Are you sure of what you said, Jane?” asked the doctor.
+
+“Yes, sir. I saw Peter take the wallet with my own eyes.”
+
+“It is his mother’s money, and they must settle it between them I am
+glad Carl did not take it. Really, this has been a very unpleasant
+scene.”
+
+“I am sorry for my part in it. Carl is my friend, and I feel that I
+ought to stand up for his rights,” remarked Gilbert.
+
+“Certainly, certainly, that is right. But you see how I am placed.”
+
+“I see that this is no place for Carl. If you will allow me, I will send
+an expressman for the trunk, and take it with me to the station.”
+
+“Yes, I see no objection. I--I would invite you to dinner, but Mrs.
+Crawford seems to be suffering from a nervous attack, and it might not
+be pleasant.”
+
+“I agree with you, sir.”
+
+Just then Peter entered the room, and looked at Gilbert with surprise
+and wrath, remembering his recent discomfiture at the hands of the young
+visitor.
+
+“My stepson, Peter,” announced Dr. Crawford.
+
+“Peter and I have met before,” said Gilbert, smiling.
+
+“What are you here for?” asked Peter, rudely.
+
+“Not to see you,” answered Gilbert, turning from him.
+
+“My mother’ll have something to say to you,” went on Peter,
+significantly.
+
+“She will have something to say to you,” retorted Gilbert. “She has
+found out who stole her money.”
+
+Peter’s face turned scarlet instantly, and he left the room hurriedly.
+
+“Perhaps I ought not to have said that, Dr Crawford,” added Gilbert,
+apologetically, “but I dislike that boy very much, and couldn’t help
+giving him as good as he sent.”
+
+“It is all very unpleasant,” responded Dr. Crawford, peevishly. “I don’t
+see why I can’t live in peace and tranquility.”
+
+“I won’t intrude upon you any longer,” said Gilbert, “if you will kindly
+tell me whether you will consent to make Carl a small weekly allowance.”
+
+“I can’t say now. I want time to think. Give me your address, and I will
+write to Carl in your care.”
+
+“Very well, sir.”
+
+Gilbert left the house and made arrangements to have Carl’s trunk called
+for. It accompanied him on the next train to Warren.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Mrs. CRAWFORD’S LETTER.
+
+
+“How did you like my stepmother?” asked Carl, when Gilbert returned in
+the afternoon.
+
+“She’s a daisy!” answered Gilbert, shrugging his shoulders. “I don’t
+think I ever saw a more disagreeable woman.”
+
+“Do you blame me for leaving home?”
+
+“I only wonder you have been able to stay so long. I had a long
+conversation with your father.”
+
+“Mrs. Crawford has made a different man of him. I should have no trouble
+in getting along with him if there was no one to come between us.”
+
+“He gave me this for you,” said Gilbert, producing the ten-dollar bill.
+
+“Did my stepmother know of his sending it?”
+
+“No; she was opposed to sending your trunk, but your father said
+emphatically you should have it.”
+
+“I am glad he showed that much spirit.”
+
+“I have some hopes that he will make you an allowance of a few dollars a
+week.”
+
+“That would make me all right, but I don’t expect it.”
+
+“You will probably hear from your father to-morrow or next day, so you
+will have to make yourself contented a little longer.”
+
+“I hope you are not very homesick, Mr. Crawford?” said Julia,
+coquettishly.
+
+“I would ask nothing better than to stay here permanently,” rejoined
+Carl, earnestly. “This is a real home. I have met with more kindness
+here than in six months at my own home.”
+
+“You have one staunch friend at home,” said Gilbert.
+
+“You don’t allude to Peter?”
+
+“So far as I can judge, he hates you like poison. I mean Jane.”
+
+“Yes, Jane is a real friend. She has been in the family for ten years.
+She was a favorite with my own mother, and feels an interest in me.”
+
+“By the way, your stepmother’s charge that you took a wallet containing
+money from her drawer has been disproved by Jane. She saw Peter
+abstracting the money, and so informed Mrs. Crawford.”
+
+“I am not at all surprised. Peter is mean enough to steal or do anything
+else. What did my stepmother say?”
+
+“She was very angry, and threatened to discharge Jane; but, as no one
+would be left to attend to the dinner, I presume she is likely to stay.”
+
+“I ought to be forming some plan,” said Carl, thoughtfully.
+
+“Wait till you hear from home. Julia will see that your time is well
+filled up till then. Dismiss all care, and enjoy yourself while you
+may.”
+
+This seemed to be sensible advice, and Carl followed it. In the evening
+some young people were invited in, and there was a round of amusements
+that made Carl forget that he was an exile from home, with very dubious
+prospects.
+
+“You are all spoiling me,” he said, as Gilbert and he went upstairs to
+bed. “I am beginning to understand the charms of home. To go out into
+the world from here will be like taking a cold shower bath.”
+
+“Never forget, Carl, that you will be welcome back, whenever you feel
+like coming,” said Gilbert, laying his band affectionately on Carl’s
+shoulder. “We all like you here.”
+
+“Thank you, old fellow! I appreciate the kindness I have received here;
+but I must strike out for myself.”
+
+“How do you feel about it, Carl?”
+
+“I hope for the best. I am young, strong and willing to work. There must
+be an opening for me somewhere.”
+
+The next morning, just after breakfast, a letter arrived for Carl,
+mailed at Edgewood Center.
+
+“Is it from your father?” asked Gilbert.
+
+“No; it is in the handwriting of my stepmother. I can guess from that
+that it contains no good news.”
+
+He opened the letter, and as he read it his face expressed disgust and
+annoyance.
+
+“Read it, Gilbert,” he said, handing him the open sheet.
+
+This was the missive:
+
+
+“CARL CRAWFORD:--AS your father has a nervous attack, brought on by
+your misconduct, he has authorized me to write to you. As you are but
+sixteen, he could send for you and have you forcibly brought back,
+but deems it better for you to follow your own course and suffer the
+punishment of your obstinate and perverse conduct. The boy whom you sent
+here proved a fitting messenger. He seems, if possible, to be even worse
+than yourself. He was very impertinent to me, and made a brutal and
+unprovoked attack on my poor boy, Peter, whose devotion to your father
+and myself forms an agreeable contrast to your studied disregard of our
+wishes.
+
+“Your friend had the assurance to ask for a weekly allowance for you
+while a voluntary exile from the home where you have been only too well
+treated. In other words, you want to be paid for your disobedience.
+Even if your father were weak enough to think of complying with this
+extraordinary request, I should do my best to dissuade him.”
+
+
+“Small doubt of that!” said Carl, bitterly.
+
+
+“In my sorrow for your waywardness, I am comforted by the thought that
+Peter is too good and conscientious ever to follow your example. While
+you are away, he will do his utmost to make up to your father for his
+disappointment in you. That you may grow wise in time, and turn
+at length from the error of your ways, is the earnest hope of your
+stepmother,
+
+“Anastasia Crawford.”
+
+
+“It makes me sick to read such a letter as that, Gilbert,” said Carl.
+“And to have that sneak and thief--as he turned out to be--Peter, set up
+as a model for me, is a little too much.”
+
+“I never knew there were such women in the world!” returned Gilbert.
+“I can understand your feelings perfectly, after my interview of
+yesterday.”
+
+“She thinks even worse of you than of me,” said Carl, with a faint
+smile.
+
+“I have no doubt Peter shares her sentiments. I didn’t make many friends
+in your family, it must be confessed.”
+
+“You did me a service, Gilbert, and I shall not soon forget it.”
+
+“Where did your stepmother come from?” asked Gilbert, thoughtfully.
+
+“I don’t know. My father met her at some summer resort. She was staying
+in the same boarding house, she and the angelic Peter. She lost no time
+in setting her cap for my father, who was doubtless reported to her as a
+man of property, and she succeeded in capturing him.”
+
+“I wonder at that. She doesn’t seem very fascinating.”
+
+“She made herself very agreeable to my father, and was even affectionate
+in her manner to me, though I couldn’t get to like her. The end was that
+she became Mrs. Crawford. Once installed in our house, she soon threw
+off the mask and showed herself in her true colors, a cold-hearted,
+selfish and disagreeable woman.”
+
+“I wonder your father doesn’t recognize her for what she is.”
+
+“She is very artful, and is politic enough to treat him well. She has
+lost no opportunity of prejudicing him against me. If he were not an
+invalid she would find her task more difficult.”
+
+“Did she have any property when your father married her?”
+
+“Not that I have been able to discover. She is scheming to have my
+father leave the lion’s share of his property to her and Peter. I dare
+say she will succeed.”
+
+“Let us hope your father will live till you are a young man, at least,
+and better able to cope with her.”
+
+“I earnestly hope so.”
+
+“Your father is not an old man.”
+
+“He is fifty-one, but he is not strong. I believe he has liver
+complaint. At any rate, I know that when, at my stepmother’s
+instigation, he applied to an insurance company to insure his life for
+her benefit, the application was rejected.”
+
+“You don’t know anything of Mrs. Crawford’s antecedents?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“What was her name before she married your father?”
+
+“She was a Mrs. Cook. That, as you know, is Peter’s name.”
+
+“Perhaps, in your travels, you may learn something of her history.”
+
+“I should like to do so.”
+
+“You won’t leave us to-morrow?”
+
+“I must go to-day. I know now that I must depend wholly upon my own
+exertions, and I must get to work as soon as possible.”
+
+“You will write to me, Carl?”
+
+“Yes, when I have anything agreeable to write.”
+
+“Let us hope that will be soon.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ENDS IN A TRAGEDY.
+
+
+Carl obtained permission to leave his trunk at the Vance mansion, merely
+taking out what he absolutely needed for a change.
+
+“When I am settled I will send for it,” he said. “Now I shouldn’t know
+what to do with it.”
+
+There were cordial good-bys, and Carl started once more on the tramp.
+He might, indeed, have traveled by rail, for he had ten dollars and
+thirty-seven cents; but it occurred to him that in walking he might meet
+with some one who would give him employment. Besides, he was not in a
+hurry to get on, nor had he any definite destination. The day was fine,
+there was a light breeze, and he experienced a hopeful exhilaration
+as he walked lightly on, with the world before him, and any number of
+possibilities in the way of fortunate adventures that might befall him.
+
+He had walked five miles, when, to the left, he saw an elderly man
+hard at work in a hay field. He was leaning on his rake, and looking
+perplexed and troubled. Carl paused to rest, and as he looked over the
+rail fence, attracted the attention of the farmer.
+
+“I say, young feller, where are you goin’?” he asked.
+
+“I don’t know--exactly.”
+
+“You don’t know where you are goin’?” repeated the farmer, in surprise.
+
+Carl laughed. “I am going out in the world to seek my fortune,” he said.
+
+“You be? Would you like a job?” asked the farmer, eagerly.
+
+“What sort of a job?”
+
+“I’d like to have you help me hayin’. My hired man is sick, and he’s
+left me in a hole. It’s goin’ to rain, and----”
+
+“Going to rain?” repeated Carl, in surprise, as he looked up at the
+nearly cloudless sky.
+
+“Yes. It don’t look like it, I know, but old Job Hagar say it’ll rain
+before night, and what he don’t know about the weather ain’t worth
+knowin’. I want to get the hay on this meadow into the barn, and then
+I’ll feel safe, rain or shine.”
+
+“And you want me to help you?”
+
+“Yes; you look strong and hardy.”
+
+“Yes, I am pretty strong,” said Carl, complacently.
+
+“Well, what do you say?”
+
+“All right. I’ll help you.”
+
+Carl gave a spring and cleared the fence, landing in the hay field,
+having first thrown his valise over.
+
+“You’re pretty spry,” said the farmer. “I couldn’t do that.”
+
+“No, you’re too heavy,” said Carl, smiling, as he noted the clumsy
+figure of his employer. “Now, what shall I do?”
+
+“Take that rake and rake up the hay. Then we’ll go over to the barn and
+get the hay wagon.”
+
+“Where is your barn?”
+
+The farmer pointed across the fields to a story-and-a-half farmhouse,
+and standing near it a good-sized barn, brown from want of paint and
+exposure to sun and rain. The buildings were perhaps twenty-five rods
+distant.
+
+“Are you used to hayin’?” asked the farmer.
+
+“Well, no, not exactly; though I’ve handled a rake before.”
+
+Carl’s experience, however, had been very limited. He had, to be sure,
+had a rake in his hand, but probably he had not worked more than ten
+minutes at it. However, raking is easily learned, and his want of
+experience was not detected. He started off with great enthusiasm, but
+after a while thought it best to adopt the more leisurely movements of
+the farmer. After two hours his hands began to blister, but still he
+kept on.
+
+“I have got to make my living by hard work,” he said to himself, “and it
+won’t do to let such a little thing as a blister interfere.”
+
+When he had been working a couple of hours, he began to feel hungry.
+His walk, and the work he had been doing, sharpened his appetite till
+he really felt uncomfortable. It was at this time--just twelve
+o’clock--that the farmer’s wife came to the front door and blew a fish
+horn so vigorously that it could probably have been heard half a mile.
+
+“The old woman’s got dinner ready,” said the farmer. “If you don’t mind
+takin’ your pay in victuals, you can go along home with me, and take a
+bite.”
+
+“I think I could take two or three, sir.”
+
+“Ho, ho! that’s a good joke! Money’s scarce, and I’d rather pay in
+victuals, if it’s all the same to you.”
+
+“Do you generally find people willing to work for their board?” asked
+Carl, who knew that he was being imposed upon.
+
+“Well, I might pay a leetle more. You work for me till sundown, and I’ll
+give you dinner and supper, and--fifteen cents.”
+
+Carl wanted to laugh. At this rate of compensation he felt that it would
+take a long time to make a fortune, but he was so hungry that he would
+have accepted board alone if it had been necessary.
+
+“I agree,” he said. “Shall I leave my rake here?”
+
+“Yes; it’ll be all right.”
+
+“I’ll take along my valise, for I can’t afford to run any risk of losing
+it.”
+
+“Jest as you say.”
+
+Five minutes brought them to the farmhouse.
+
+“Can I wash my hands?” asked Carl.
+
+“Yes, you can go right to the sink and wash in the tin basin. There’s a
+roll towel behind the door. Mis’ Perkins”--that was the way he addressed
+his wife--“this is a young chap that I’ve hired to help me hayin’. You
+can set a chair for him at the table.”
+
+“All right, Silas. He don’t look very old, though.”
+
+“No, ma’am. I ain’t twenty-one yet,” answered Carl, who was really
+sixteen.
+
+“I shouldn’t say you was. You ain’t no signs of a mustache.”
+
+“I keep it short, ma’am, in warm weather,” said Carl.
+
+“It don’t dull a razor any to cut it in cold weather, does it?” asked
+the farmer, chuckling at his joke.
+
+“Well, no, sir; I can’t say it does.”
+
+It was a boiled dinner that the farmer’s wife provided, corned beef and
+vegetables, but the plebeian meal seemed to Carl the best he ever ate.
+Afterwards there was apple pudding, to which he did equal justice.
+
+“I never knew work improved a fellow’s appetite so,” reflected the young
+traveler. “I never ate with so much relish at home.”
+
+After dinner they went back to the field and worked till the supper
+hour, five o’clock. By that time all the hay had been put into the barn.
+
+“We’ve done a good day’s work,” said the farmer, in a tone of
+satisfaction, “and only just in time. Do you see that dark cloud?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“In half an hour there’ll be rain, or I’m mistaken. Old Job Hagar is
+right after all.”
+
+The farmer proved a true prophet. In half an hour, while they were at
+the supper table, the rain began to come down in large drops--forming
+pools in the hollows of the ground, and drenching all exposed objects
+with the largesse of the heavens.
+
+“Where war you a-goin’ to-night?” asked the farmer.
+
+“I don’t know, sir.”
+
+“I was thinkin’ that I’d give you a night’s lodgin’ in place of the
+fifteen cents I agreed to pay you. Money’s very skeerce with me, and
+will be till I’ve sold off some of the crops.”
+
+“I shall be glad to make that arrangement,” said Carl, who had been
+considering how much the farmer would ask for lodging, for there seemed
+small chance of continuing his journey. Fifteen cents was a lower price
+than he had calculated on.
+
+“That’s a sensible idea!” said the farmer, rubbing his hands with
+satisfaction at the thought that he had secured valuable help at no
+money outlay whatever.
+
+The next morning Carl continued his tramp, refusing the offer of
+continued employment on the same terms. He was bent on pursuing his
+journey, though he did not know exactly where he would fetch up in the
+end.
+
+At twelve o’clock that day he found himself in the outskirts of a town,
+with the same uncomfortable appetite that he had felt the day before,
+but with no hotel or restaurant anywhere near. There was, however, a
+small house, the outer door of which stood conveniently open. Through
+the open window, Carl saw a table spread as if for dinner, and he
+thought it probable that he could arrange to become a boarder for a
+single meal. He knocked at the door, but no one came. He shouted out:
+“Is anybody at home?” and received no answer. He went to a small barn
+just outside and peered in, but no one was to be seen.
+
+What should he do? He was terribly hungry, and the sight of the food on
+the table was tantalizing.
+
+“I’ll go in, as the door is open,” he decided, “and sit down to the
+table and eat. Somebody will be along before I get through, and I’ll pay
+whatever is satisfactory, for eat I must.”
+
+He entered, seated himself, and ate heartily. Still no one appeared.
+
+“I don’t want to go off without paying,” thought Carl. “I’ll see if I
+can find somebody.”
+
+He opened the door into the kitchen, but it was deserted. Then he opened
+that of a small bedroom, and started back in terror and dismay.
+
+There suspended from a hook--a man of middle age was hanging, with his
+head bent forward, his eyes wide open, and his tongue protruding from
+his mouth!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+CARL FALLS UNDER SUSPICION.
+
+
+To a person of any age such a sight as that described at the close of
+the last chapter might well have proved startling. To a boy like Carl
+it was simply overwhelming. It so happened that he had but twice seen a
+dead person, and never a victim of violence. The peculiar circumstances
+increased the effect upon his mind.
+
+He placed his hand upon the man’s face, and found that he was still
+warm. He could have been dead but a short time.
+
+“What shall I do?” thought Carl, perplexed. “This is terrible!”
+
+Then it flashed upon him that as he was alone with the dead man
+suspicion might fall upon him as being concerned in what might be called
+a murder.
+
+“I had better leave here at once,” he reflected. “I shall have to go
+away without paying for my meal.”
+
+He started to leave the house, but had scarcely reached the door when
+two persons--a man and a woman--entered. Both looked at Carl with
+suspicion.
+
+“What are you doing here?” asked the man.
+
+“I beg your pardon,” answered Carl; “I was very hungry, and seeing
+no one about, took the liberty to sit down at the table and eat. I am
+willing to pay for my dinner if you will tell me how much it amounts
+to.”
+
+“Wasn’t my husband here?” asked the woman.
+
+“I--I am afraid something has happened to your husband,” faltered Carl.
+
+“What do you mean?”
+
+Carl silently pointed to the chamber door. The woman opened it, and
+uttered a loud shriek.
+
+“Look here, Walter!” she cried.
+
+Her companion quickly came to her side.
+
+“My husband is dead!” cried the woman; “basely murdered, and there,”
+ pointing fiercely to Carl, “there stands the murderer!”
+
+“Madam, you cannot believe this!” said Carl, naturally agitated.
+
+“What have you to say for yourself?” demanded the man, suspiciously.
+
+“I only just saw--your husband,” continued Carl, addressing himself to
+the woman. “I had finished my meal, when I began to search for some one
+whom I could pay, and so opened this door into the room beyond, when I
+saw--him hanging there!”
+
+“Don’t believe him, the red-handed murderer!” broke out the woman,
+fiercely. “He is probably a thief; he killed my poor husband, and then
+sat down like a cold-blooded villain that he is, and gorged himself.”
+
+Things began to look very serious for poor Carl.
+
+“Your husband is larger and stronger than myself,” he urged,
+desperately. “How could I overpower him?”
+
+“It looks reasonable, Maria,” said the man. “I don’t see how the boy
+could have killed Mr. Brown, or lifted him upon the hook, even if he did
+not resist.”
+
+“He murdered him, I tell you, he murdered him!” shrieked the woman, who
+seemed bereft of reason. “I call upon you to arrest him.”
+
+“I am not a constable, Maria.”
+
+“Then tie him so he cannot get away, and go for a constable. I wouldn’t
+feel safe with him in the house, unless he were tied fast. He might hang
+me!”
+
+Terrible as the circumstances were, Carl felt an impulse to laugh. It
+seemed absurd to hear himself talked of in this way.
+
+“Tie me if you like!” he said. “I am willing to wait here till some one
+comes who has a little common sense. Just remember that I am only a boy,
+and haven’t the strength of a full-grown man!”
+
+“The boy is right, Maria! It’s a foolish idea of yours.”
+
+“I call upon you to tie the villain!” insisted the woman.
+
+“Just as you say! Can you give me some rope?”
+
+From a drawer Mrs. Brown drew a quantity of strong cord, and the man
+proceeded to tie Carl’s hands.
+
+“Tie his feet, too, Walter!”
+
+“Even if you didn’t tie me, I would promise to remain here. I don’t want
+anybody to suspect me of such a thing,” put in Carl.
+
+“How artful he is!” said Mrs. Brown. “Tie him strong, Walter.”
+
+The two were left alone, Carl feeling decidedly uncomfortable. The
+newly-made widow laid her head upon the table and moaned, glancing
+occasionally at the body of her husband, as it still hung suspended from
+the hook.
+
+“Oh, William, I little expected to find you dead!” she groaned. “I only
+went to the store to buy a pound of salt, and when I come back, I find
+you cold and still, the victim of a young ruffian! How could you be so
+wicked?” she demanded fiercely of Carl.
+
+“I have told you that I had nothing to do with your husband’s death,
+madam.”
+
+“Who killed him, then?” she cried.
+
+“I don’t know. He must have committed suicide.”
+
+“Don’t think you are going to escape in that way. I won’t rest till I
+see you hung!”
+
+“I wish I had never entered the house,” thought Carl, uncomfortably.
+“I would rather have gone hungry for twenty four hours longer than find
+myself in such a position.”
+
+Half an hour passed. Then a sound of voices was heard outside, and half
+a dozen men entered, including besides the messenger, the constable and
+a physician.
+
+“Why was he not cut down?” asked the doctor, hastily. “There might have
+been a chance to resuscitate him.”
+
+“I didn’t think of it,” said the messenger. “Maria was so excited, and
+insisted that the boy murdered him.”
+
+“What boy?”
+
+Carl was pointed out.
+
+“That boy? What nonsense!” exclaimed Dr. Park. “Why, it would be more
+than you or I could do to overpower and hang a man weighing one hundred
+and seventy-five pounds.”
+
+“That’s what I thought, but Maria seemed crazed like.”
+
+“I tell you he did it! Are you going to let him go, the red-handed
+murderer?”
+
+“Loose the cord, and I will question the boy,” said Dr. Park, with an
+air of authority.
+
+Carl breathed a sigh of relief, when, freed from his bonds, he stood
+upright.
+
+“I’ll tell you all I know,” he said, “but it won’t throw any light upon
+the death.”
+
+Dr. Park listened attentively, and asked one or two questions.
+
+“Did you hear any noise when you were sitting at the table?” he
+inquired.
+
+“No, sir.”
+
+“Was the door closed?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“That of itself would probably prevent your hearing anything. Mrs.
+Brown, at what hour did you leave the house?”
+
+“At ten minutes of twelve.”
+
+“It is now five minutes of one. The deed must have been committed just
+after you left the house. Had you noticed anything out of the way in
+your--husband’s manner?”
+
+“No, sir, not much. He was always a silent man.”
+
+“Had anything happened to disturb him?”
+
+“He got a letter this morning. I don’t know what was in it.”
+
+“We had better search for it.”
+
+The body was taken down and laid on the bed. Dr. Park searched the
+pockets, and found a half sheet of note paper, on which these lines were
+written:
+
+
+“Maria:--I have made up my mind I can ive no longer. I have made a
+terrible discovery. When I married you, I thought my first wife, who
+deserted me four years ago, dead. I learn by a letter received this
+morning that she is still living in a town of Illinois. The only thing I
+can do is to free you both from my presence. When you come back from the
+store you will find me cold and dead. The little that I leave behind I
+give to you. If my first wife should come here, as she threatens, you
+can tell her so. Good-by.
+
+“William.”
+
+
+The reading of this letter made a sensation. Mrs. Brown went into
+hysterics, and there was a scene of confusion.
+
+“Do you think I can go?” Carl asked Dr. Park.
+
+“Yes. There is nothing to connect you with the sad event.”
+
+Carl gladly left the cottage, and it was only when he was a mile on his
+way that he remembered that he had not paid for his dinner, after all.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A PLAUSIBLE STRANGER.
+
+
+Three days later found Carl still on his travels. It was his custom
+to obtain his meals at a cheap hotel, or, if none were met with, at a
+farmhouse, and to secure lodgings where he could, and on as favorable
+terms as possible. He realized the need of economy, and felt that he was
+practicing it. He had changed his ten-dollar bill the first day, for a
+five and several ones. These last were now spent, and the five-dollar
+bill alone remained to him. He had earned nothing, though everywhere he
+had been on the lookout for a job.
+
+Toward the close of the last day he overtook a young man of twenty-five,
+who was traveling in the same direction.
+
+“Good-afternoon,” said the young man, sociably.
+
+“Good-afternoon, sir.”
+
+“Where are you bound, may I ask?”
+
+“To the next town.”
+
+“Fillmore?”
+
+“Yes, if that is the name.”
+
+“So am I. Why shouldn’t we travel together?”
+
+“I have no objection,” said Carl, who was glad of company.
+
+“Are you in any business?”
+
+“No, but I hope to find a place.”
+
+“Oh, a smart boy like you will soon find employment.”
+
+“I hope so, I am sure. I haven’t much money left, and it is necessary I
+should do something.”
+
+“Just so. I am a New York salesman, but just now I am on my
+vacation--taking a pedestrian tour with knapsack and staff, as you see.
+The beauty of it is that my salary runs on just as if I were at my post,
+and will nearly pay all my traveling expenses.”
+
+“You are in luck. Besides you have a good place to go back to. There
+isn’t any vacancy, is there? You couldn’t take on a boy?” asked Carl,
+eagerly.
+
+“Well, there might be a chance,” said the young man, slowly. “You
+haven’t any recommendations with you, have you?”
+
+“No; I have never been employed.”
+
+“It doesn’t matter. I will recommend you myself.”
+
+“You might be deceived in me,” said Carl, smiling.
+
+“I’ll take the risk of that. I know a reliable boy when I see him.”
+
+“Thank you. What is the name of your firm?”
+
+“F. Brandes & Co., commission merchants, Pearl Street. My own name is
+Chauncy Hubbard, at your service.”
+
+“I am Carl Crawford.”
+
+“That’s a good name. I predict that we shall be great chums, if I manage
+to get you a place in our establishment.”
+
+“Is Mr. Brandes a good man to work for?”
+
+“Yes, he is easy and good-natured. He is liberal to his clerks. What
+salary do you think I get?”
+
+“I couldn’t guess.”
+
+“Forty dollars a week, and I am only twenty-five. Went into the house at
+sixteen, and worked my way up.”
+
+“You have certainly done well,” said Carl, respectfully.
+
+“Well, I’m no slouch, if I do say it myself.”
+
+“I don’t wonder your income pays the expenses of your vacation trip.”
+
+“It ought to, that’s a fact, though I’m rather free handed and like to
+spend money. My prospects are pretty good in another direction. Old Fred
+Brandes has a handsome daughter, who thinks considerable of your humble
+servant.”
+
+“Do you think there is any chance of marrying her?” asked Carl, with
+interest.
+
+“I think my chance is pretty good, as the girl won’t look at anybody
+else.”
+
+“Is Mr. Brandes wealthy?”
+
+“Yes, the old man’s pretty well fixed, worth nearly half a million, I
+guess.”
+
+“Perhaps he will take you into the firm,” suggested Carl.
+
+“Very likely. That’s what I’m working for.”
+
+“At any rate, you ought to save something out of your salary.”
+
+“I ought, but I haven’t. The fact is, Carl,” said Chauncy Hubbard, in a
+burst of confidence, “I have a great mind to make a confession to you.”
+
+“I shall feel flattered, I am sure,” said Carl, politely.
+
+“I have one great fault--I gamble.”
+
+“Do you?” said Carl, rather startled, for he had been brought up very
+properly to have a horror of gambling.
+
+“Yes, I suppose it’s in my blood. My father was a very rich man at one
+time, but he lost nearly all his fortune at the gaming table.”
+
+“That ought to have been a warning to you, I should think.”
+
+“It ought, and may be yet, for I am still a young man.”
+
+“Mr. Hubbard,” said Carl, earnestly, “I feel rather diffident about
+advising you, for I am only a boy, but I should think you would give up
+such a dangerous habit.”
+
+“Say no more, Carl! You are a true friend. I will try to follow your
+advice. Give me your hand.”
+
+Carl did so, and felt a warm glow of pleasure at the thought that
+perhaps he had redeemed his companion from a fascinating vice.
+
+“I really wish I had a sensible boy like you to be my constant
+companion. I should feel safer.”
+
+“Do you really have such a passion for gambling, then?”
+
+“Yes; if at the hotel to-night I should see a party playing poker, I
+could not resist joining them. Odd, isn’t it?”
+
+“I am glad I have no such temptation.”
+
+“Yes, you are lucky. By the way, how much money have you about you?”
+
+“Five dollars.”
+
+“Then you can do me a favor. I have a ten-dollar bill, which I need to
+get me home. Now, I would like to have you keep a part of it for me till
+I go away in the morning. Give me your five, and I will hand you ten.
+Out of that you can pay my hotel bill and hand me the balance due me in
+the morning.”
+
+“If you really wish me to do so.”
+
+“Enough said. Here is the ten.”
+
+Carl took the bill, and gave Mr. Hubbard his five-dollar note.
+
+“You are placing considerable confidence in me,” he said.
+
+“I am, it is true, but I have no fear of being deceived. You are a boy
+who naturally inspires confidence.”
+
+Carl thought Mr. Chauncy Hubbard a very agreeable and sensible fellow,
+and he felt flattered to think that the young man had chosen him as a
+guardian, so to speak.
+
+“By the way, Carl, you haven’t told me,” said Hubbard, as they pursued
+their journey, “how a boy like yourself is forced to work his own way.”
+
+“I can tell you the reason very briefly--I have a stepmother.”
+
+“I understand. Is your father living?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“But he thinks more of the stepmother than of you?”
+
+“I am afraid he does.”
+
+“You have my sympathy, Carl. I will do all I can to help you. If you can
+only get a place in our establishment, you will be all right. Step by
+step you will rise, till you come to stand where I do.”
+
+“That would satisfy me. Has Mr. Brandes got another daughter?”
+
+“No, there is only one.”
+
+“Then I shall have to be content with the forty dollars a week. If I
+ever get it, I will save half.”
+
+“I wish I could.”
+
+“You can if you try. Why, you might have two thousand dollars saved up
+now, if you had only begun to save in time.”
+
+“I have lost more than that at the gaming table. You will think me very
+foolish.”
+
+“Yes, I do,” said Carl, frankly.
+
+“You are right. But here we are almost at the village.”
+
+“Is there a good hotel?”
+
+“Yes--the Fillmore. We will take adjoining rooms if you say so.”
+
+“Very well.”
+
+“And in the morning you will pay the bill?”
+
+“Certainly.”
+
+The two travelers had a good supper, and retired early, both being
+fatigued with the journey. It was not till eight o’clock the next
+morning that Carl opened his eyes. He dressed hastily, and went down to
+breakfast. He was rather surprised not to see his companion of the day
+before.
+
+“Has Mr. Hubbard come down yet?” he asked at the desk.
+
+“Yes; he took an early breakfast, and went off by the first train.”
+
+“That is strange. I was to pay his bill.”
+
+“He paid it himself.”
+
+Carl did not know what to make of this. Had Hubbard forgotten that
+he had five dollars belonging to him? Fortunately, Carl had his city
+address, and could refund the money in New York.
+
+“Very well! I will pay my own bill. How much is it?”
+
+“A dollar and a quarter.”
+
+Carl took the ten-dollar bill from his wallet and tendered it to the
+clerk.
+
+Instead of changing it at once, the clerk held it up to the light and
+examined it critically.
+
+“I can’t take that bill,” he said, abruptly.
+
+“Why not?”
+
+“Because it is counterfeit.”
+
+Carl turned pale, and the room seemed to whirl round. It was all the
+money he had.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE COUNTERFEIT BILL.
+
+
+“Are you sure it is counterfeit?” asked Carl, very much disturbed.
+
+“I am certain of it. I haven’t been handling bank bills for ten years
+without being able to tell good money from bad. I’ll trouble you for
+another bill.”
+
+“That’s all the money I have,” faltered Carl.
+
+“Look here, young man,” said the clerk, sternly, “you are trying a bold
+game, but it won’t succeed.”
+
+“I am trying no game at all,” said Carl, plucking up spirit. “I thought
+the bill was good.”
+
+“Where did you get it?”
+
+“From the man who came with me last evening--Mr. Hubbard.”
+
+“The money he gave me was good.”
+
+“What did he give you?”
+
+“A five-dollar bill.”
+
+“It was my five-dollar bill,” said Carl, bitterly.
+
+“Your story doesn’t seem very probable,” said the clerk, suspiciously.
+“How did he happen to get your money, and you his?”
+
+“He told me that he would get to gambling, and wished me to take money
+enough to pay his bill here. He handed me the ten-dollar bill which you
+say is bad, and I gave him five in return. I think now he only wanted to
+get good money for bad.”
+
+“Your story may be true, or it may not,” said the clerk, whose manner
+indicated incredulity. “That is nothing to me. All you have to do is to
+pay your hotel bill, and you can settle with Mr. Hubbard when you see
+him.”
+
+“But I have no other money,” said Carl, desperately.
+
+“Then I shall feel justified in ordering your arrest on a charge of
+passing, or trying to pass, counterfeit money.”
+
+“Don’t do that, sir! I will see that you are paid out of the first money
+I earn.”
+
+“You must think I am soft,” said the clerk, contemptuously. “I have seen
+persons of your stripe before. I dare say, if you were searched, more
+counterfeit money would be found in your pockets.”
+
+“Search me, then!” cried Carl, indignantly. “I am perfectly willing that
+you should.”
+
+“Haven’t you any relations who will pay your bill?”
+
+“I have no one to call upon,” answered Carl, soberly. “Couldn’t you let
+me work it out? I am ready to do any kind of work.”
+
+“Our list of workers is full,” said the clerk, coldly.
+
+Poor Carl! he felt that he was decidedly in a tight place. He had never
+before found himself unable to meet his bills, nor would he have been so
+placed now but for Hubbard’s rascality. A dollar and a quarter seems
+a small sum, but if you are absolutely penniless it might as well be
+a thousand. Suppose he should be arrested and the story get into the
+papers? How his stepmother would exult in the record of his disgrace!
+He could anticipate what she would say. Peter, too, would rejoice, and
+between them both his father would be persuaded that he was thoroughly
+unprincipled.
+
+“What have you got in your valise?” asked the clerk.
+
+“Only some underclothing. If there were anything of any value I would
+cheerfully leave it as security. Wait a minute, though,” he said, with a
+sudden thought. “Here is a gold pencil! It is worth five dollars; at any
+rate, it cost more than that. I can place that in your hands.”
+
+“Let me see it.”
+
+Carl handed the clerk a neat gold pencil, on which his name was
+inscribed. It was evidently of good quality, and found favor with the
+clerk.
+
+“I’ll give you a dollar and a quarter for the pencil,” he said, “and
+call it square.”
+
+“I wouldn’t like to sell it,” said Carl.
+
+“You won’t get any more for it.”
+
+“I wasn’t thinking of that; but it was given me by my mother, who is now
+dead. I would not like to part with anything that she gave me.”
+
+“You would prefer to get off scot-free, I suppose?” retorted the clerk,
+with a sneer.
+
+“No; I am willing to leave it in your hands, but I should like the
+privilege of redeeming it when I have the money.”
+
+“Very well,” said the clerk, who reflected that in all probability Carl
+would never come back for it. “I’ll take it on those conditions.”
+
+Carl passed over the pencil with a sigh. He didn’t like to part with it,
+even for a short time, but there seemed no help for it.
+
+“All right. I will mark you paid.”
+
+Carl left the hotel, satchel in hand, and as he passed out into the
+street, reflected with a sinking heart that he was now quite penniless.
+Where was he to get his dinner, and how was he to provide himself with a
+lodging that night? At present he was not hungry, having eaten a hearty
+breakfast at the hotel, but by one o’clock he would feel the need of
+food. He began to ask himself if, after all, he had not been unwise in
+leaving home, no matter how badly he had been treated by his stepmother.
+There, at least, he was certain of living comfortably. Now he was in
+danger of starvation, and on two occasions already he had incurred
+suspicion, once of being concerned in a murder, and just now of passing
+counterfeit money. Ought he to have submitted, and so avoided all these
+perils?
+
+“No!” he finally decided; “I won’t give up the ship yet. I am about as
+badly off as I can be; I am without a cent, and don’t know where my
+next meal is to come from. But my luck may turn--it must turn--it has
+turned!” he exclaimed with energy, as his wandering glance suddenly fell
+upon a silver quarter of a dollar, nearly covered up with the dust of
+the street. “That shall prove a good omen!”
+
+He stooped over and picked up the coin, which he put in his vest pocket.
+
+It was wonderful how the possession of this small sum of money restored
+his courage and raised his spirits. He was sure of a dinner now, at all
+events. It looked as if Providence was smiling on him.
+
+Two miles farther on Carl overtook a boy of about his own age trudging
+along the road with a rake over his shoulder. He wore overalls, and was
+evidently a farmer’s boy.
+
+“Good-day!” said Carl, pleasantly, noticing that the boy regarded him
+with interest.
+
+“Good-day!” returned the country lad, rather bashfully.
+
+“Can you tell me if there is any place near where I can buy some
+dinner?”
+
+“There ain’t no tavern, if that’s what you mean. I’m goin’ home to
+dinner myself.”
+
+“Where do you live?”
+
+“Over yonder.”
+
+He pointed to a farmhouse about a dozen rods away.
+
+“Do you think your mother would give me some dinner?”
+
+“I guess she would. Mam’s real accommodatin’.”
+
+“Will you ask her?”
+
+“Yes; just come along of me.”
+
+He turned into the yard, and followed a narrow path to the back door.
+
+“I’ll stay here while you ask,” said Carl.
+
+The boy entered the house, and came out after a brief absence.
+
+“Mam says you’re to come in,” he said.
+
+Carl, glad at heart, and feeling quite prepared to eat fifty cents’
+worth of dinner, followed the boy inside.
+
+A pleasant-looking, matronly woman, plainly but neatly attired, came
+forward to greet him.
+
+“Nat says you would like to get some dinner,” she said.
+
+“Yes,” answered Carl. “I hope you’ll excuse my applying to you, but your
+son tells me there is no hotel near by.”
+
+“The nearest one is three miles away from here.”
+
+“I don’t think I can hold out so long,” said Carl, smiling.
+
+“Sit right down with Nat,” said the farmer’s wife, hospitably. “Mr.
+Sweetser won’t be home for half an hour. We’ve got enough, such as it
+is.”
+
+Evidently Mrs. Sweetser was a good cook. The dinner consisted of boiled
+mutton, with several kinds of vegetables. A cup of tea and two kinds of
+pie followed.
+
+It was hard to tell which of the two boys did fuller justice to the
+meal. Nat had the usual appetite of a healthy farm boy, and Carl, in
+spite of his recent anxieties, and narrow escape from serious peril, did
+not allow himself to fall behind.
+
+“Your mother’s a fine cook!” said Carl, between two mouthfuls.
+
+“Ain’t she, though?” answered Nat, his mouth full of pie.
+
+When Carl rose from the table he feared that he had eaten more than his
+little stock of money would pay for.
+
+“How much will it be, Mrs. Sweetser?” he asked.
+
+“Oh, you’re quite welcome to all you’ve had,” said the good woman,
+cheerily. “It’s plain farmer’s fare.”
+
+“I never tasted a better dinner,” said Carl.
+
+Mrs. Sweetser seemed pleased with the compliment to her cooking.
+
+“Come again when you are passing this way,” she said. “You will always
+be welcome to a dinner.”
+
+Carl thanked her heartily, and pressed on his way. Two hours later, at
+a lonely point of the road, an ill-looking tramp, who had been reclining
+by the wayside, jumped up, and addressed him in a menacing tone:
+
+“Young feller, shell over all the money you have got, or I’ll hurt you!
+I’m hard up, and I won’t stand no nonsense.”
+
+Carl started and looked into the face of the tramp. It seemed to him
+that he had never seen a man more ill-favored, or villainous-looking.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE ARCHERY PRIZE.
+
+
+Situated as he was, it seemed, on second thought, rather a joke to Carl
+to be attacked by a robber. He had but twenty-five cents in good money
+about him, and that he had just picked up by the merest chance.
+
+“Do I look like a banker?” he asked, humorously. “Why do you want to rob
+a boy?”
+
+“The way you’re togged out, you must have something,” growled the tramp,
+“and I haven’t got a penny.”
+
+“Your business doesn’t seem to pay, then?”
+
+“Don’t you make fun of me, or I’ll wring your neck! Just hand over your
+money and be quick about it! I haven’t time to stand fooling here all
+day.”
+
+A bright idea came to Carl. He couldn’t spare the silver coin, which
+constituted all his available wealth, but he still had the counterfeit
+note.
+
+“You won’t take all my money, will you?” he said, earnestly.
+
+“How much have you got?” asked the tramp, pricking up his ears.
+
+Carl, with apparent reluctance, drew out the ten-dollar bill.
+
+The tramp’s face lighted up.
+
+“Is your name Vanderbilt?” he asked. “I didn’t expect to make such a
+haul.”
+
+“Can’t you give me back a dollar out of it? I don’t want to lose all I
+have.”
+
+“I haven’t got a cent. You’ll have to wait till we meet again. So long,
+boy! You’ve helped me out of a scrape.”
+
+“Or into one,” thought Carl.
+
+The tramp straightened up, buttoned his dilapidated coat, and walked off
+with the consciousness of being a capitalist.
+
+Carl watched him with a smile.
+
+“I hope I won’t meet him after he has discovered that the bill is a
+counterfeit,” he said to himself.
+
+He congratulated himself upon being still the possessor of twenty-five
+cents in silver. It was not much, but it seemed a great deal better than
+being penniless. A week before he would have thought it impossible
+that such a paltry sum would have made him feel comfortable, but he had
+passed through a great deal since then.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon he came to a field, in which something
+appeared to be going on. Some forty or fifty young persons, boys and
+girls, were walking about the grass, and seemed to be preparing for some
+interesting event.
+
+Carl stopped to rest and look on.
+
+“What’s going on here?” he asked of a boy who was sitting on the fence.
+
+“It’s a meeting of the athletic association,” said the boy.
+
+“What are they doing?”
+
+“They try for prizes in jumping, vaulting, archery and so on.”
+
+This interested Carl, who excelled in all manly exercises.
+
+“I suppose I may stay and look on?” he said, inquiringly.
+
+“Why, of course. Jump over the fence and I’ll go round with you.”
+
+It seemed pleasant to Carl to associate once more with boys of his own
+age. Thrown unexpectedly upon his own resources, he had almost forgotten
+that he was a boy. Face to face with a cold and unsympathizing world, he
+seemed to himself twenty-five at least.
+
+“Those who wish to compete for the archery prize will come forward,”
+ announced Robert Gardiner, a young man of nineteen, who, as Carl
+learned, was the president of the association. “You all understand the
+conditions. The entry fee to competitors is ten cents. The prize to the
+most successful archer is one dollar.”
+
+Several boys came forward and paid the entrance fee.
+
+“Would you like to compete?” asked Edward Downie, the boy whose
+acquaintance Carl had made.
+
+“I am an outsider,” said Carl. “I don’t belong to the association.”
+
+“I’ll speak to the president, if you like.”
+
+“I don’t want to intrude.”
+
+“It won’t be considered an intrusion. You pay the entrance fee and take
+your chances.”
+
+Edward went to the president and spoke to him in a low voice. The result
+was that he advanced to Carl, and said, courteously:
+
+“If you would like to enter into our games, you are quite at liberty to
+do so.”
+
+“Thank you,” responded Carl. “I have had a little practice in archery,
+and will enter my name for that prize.”
+
+He paid over his quarter and received back fifteen cents in change. It
+seemed rather an imprudent outlay, considering his small capital; but he
+had good hopes of carrying off the prize, and that would be a great lift
+for him. Seven boys entered besides Carl. The first was Victor Russell,
+a lad of fourteen, whose arrow went three feet above the mark.
+
+“The prize is mine if none of you do better than that,” laughed Victor,
+good-naturedly.
+
+“I hope not, for the credit of the club,” said the president. “Mr.
+Crawford, will you shoot next?”
+
+“I would prefer to be the last,” said Carl, modestly.
+
+“John Livermore, your turn now.”
+
+John came a little nearer than his predecessor, but did not distinguish
+himself.
+
+“If that is a specimen of the skill of the clubmen,” thought Carl, “my
+chance is a good one.”
+
+Next came Frank Stockton, whose arrow stuck only three inches from the
+center of the target.
+
+“Good for Fred!” cried Edward Downie. “Just wait till you see me shoot!”
+
+“Are you a dangerous rival?” asked Carl, smiling.
+
+“I can hit a barn door if I am only near enough,” replied Edward.
+
+“Edward Downie!” called the president.
+
+Edward took his bow and advanced to the proper place, bent it, and the
+arrow sped on its way.
+
+There was a murmur of surprise when his arrow struck only an inch to the
+right of the centre. No one was more amazed than Edward himself, for he
+was accounted far from skillful. It was indeed a lucky accident.
+
+“What do you say to that?” asked Edward, triumphantly.
+
+“I think the prize is yours. I had no idea you could shoot like that,”
+ said Carl.
+
+“Nor I,” rejoined Edward, laughing.
+
+“Carl Crawford!” called the president.
+
+Carl took his position, and bent his bow with the greatest care. He
+exercised unusual deliberation, for success meant more to him than to
+any of the others. A dollar to him in his present circumstances would
+be a small fortune, while the loss of even ten cents would be sensibly
+felt. His heart throbbed with excitement as he let the arrow speed on
+its mission.
+
+His unusual deliberation, and the fact that he was a stranger,
+excited strong interest, and all eyes followed the arrow with eager
+attentiveness.
+
+There was a sudden shout of irrepressible excitement.
+
+Carl’s arrow had struck the bull’s-eye and the prize was his.
+
+“Christopher!” exclaimed Edward Downie, “you’ve beaten me, after all!”
+
+“I’m almost sorry,” said Carl, apologetically, but the light in his eyes
+hardly bore out the statement.
+
+“Never mind. Everybody would have called it a fluke if I had won,”
+ said Edward. “I expect to get the prize for the long jump. I am good at
+that.”
+
+“So am I, but I won’t compete; I will leave it to you.”
+
+“No, no. I want to win fair.”
+
+Carl accordingly entered his name. He made the second best jump, but
+Edward’s exceeded his by a couple of inches, and the prize was adjudged
+to him.
+
+“I have my revenge,” he said, smiling. “I am glad I won, for it wouldn’t
+have been to the credit of the club to have an outsider carry off two
+prizes.”
+
+“I am perfectly satisfied,” said Carl; “I ought to be, for I did not
+expect to carry off any.”
+
+Carl decided not to compete for any other prize. He had invested twenty
+cents and got back a dollar, which left him a profit of eighty cents.
+This, with his original quarter, made him the possessor of a dollar and
+five cents.
+
+“My luck seems to have turned,” he said to himself, and the thought gave
+him fresh courage.
+
+It was five o’clock when the games were over, and Carl prepared to start
+again on his journey.
+
+“Where are you going to take supper?” asked Downie.
+
+“I--don’t--know.”
+
+“Come home with me. If you are in no hurry, you may as well stay
+overnight, and go on in the morning.”
+
+“Are you sure it won’t inconvenience you?”
+
+“Not at all.”
+
+“Then I’ll accept with thanks.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+AN ODD ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+After breakfast the next morning Carl started again on his way. His new
+friend, Edward Downie, accompanied him for a mile, having an errand at
+that distance.
+
+“I wish you good luck, Carl,” he said, earnestly. “When you come this
+way again, be sure to stop in and see me.”
+
+“I will certainly do so, but I hope I may find employment.”
+
+“At any rate,” thought Carl, as he resumed his journey alone, “I am
+better off than I was yesterday morning. Then I had but twenty-five
+cents; now I have a dollar.”
+
+This was satisfactory as far as it went, but Carl was sensible that he
+was making no progress in his plan of earning a living. He was simply
+living from hand to mouth, and but for good luck he would have had to go
+hungry, and perhaps have been obliged to sleep out doors. What he wanted
+was employment.
+
+It was about ten o’clock when, looking along the road, his curiosity was
+excited by a man of very unusual figure a few rods in advance of him.
+He looked no taller than a boy of ten; but his frame was large, his
+shoulders broad, and his arms were of unusual length. He might properly
+be called a dwarf.
+
+“I am glad I am not so small as that,” thought Carl. “I am richer
+than he in having a good figure. I should not like to excite attention
+wherever I go by being unusually large or unusually small.”
+
+Some boys would have felt inclined to laugh at the queer figure, but
+Carl had too much good feeling. His curiosity certainly was aroused, and
+he thought he would like to get acquainted with the little man, whose
+garments of fine texture showed that, though short in stature, he was
+probably long in purse. He didn’t quite know how to pave the way for an
+acquaintance, but circumstances favored him.
+
+The little man drew out a handkerchief from the side pocket of his
+overcoat. With it fluttered out a bank bill, which fell to the ground
+apparently unobserved by the owner.
+
+Carl hurried on, and, picking up the bill, said to the small stranger as
+he touched his arm: “Here is some money you just dropped, sir.”
+
+The little man turned round and smiled pleasantly.
+
+“Thank you. Are you sure it is mine?”
+
+“Yes, sir; it came out with your handkerchief.”
+
+“Let me see. So it is mine. I was very careless to put it loose in my
+pocket.”
+
+“You were rather careless, sir.”
+
+“Of what denomination is it?’
+
+“It is a two-dollar note.”
+
+“If you had been a poor boy,” said the little man, eying Carl keenly,
+“you might have been tempted to keep it. I might not have known.”
+
+Carl smiled.
+
+“What makes you think I am not a poor boy?” he said.
+
+“You are well dressed.”
+
+“That is true; but all the money I have is a dollar and five cents.”
+
+“You know where to get more? You have a good home?”
+
+“I had a home, but now I am thrown on my own exertions,” said Carl,
+soberly.
+
+“Dear me! That is bad! If I were better acquainted, I might ask more
+particularly how this happens. Are you an orphan?”
+
+“No, sir; my father is living.”
+
+“And your mother is dead?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Is your father a poor man?”
+
+“No, sir; he is moderately rich.”
+
+“Yet you have to fight your own way?”
+
+“Yes, sir. I have a stepmother.”
+
+“I see. Are you sure you are not unreasonably prejudiced against your
+stepmother? All stepmothers are not bad or unkind.”
+
+“I know that, sir.”
+
+“Yours is, I presume?”
+
+“You can judge for yourself.”
+
+Carl recited some incidents in his experience with his stepmother. The
+stranger listened with evident interest.
+
+“I am not in general in favor of boys leaving home except on extreme
+provocation,” he said, after a pause; “but in your case, as your father
+seems to take part against you, I think you may be justified, especially
+as, at your age, you have a fair chance of making your own living.”
+
+“I am glad you think that, sir. I have begun to wonder whether I have
+not acted rashly.”
+
+“In undertaking to support yourself?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“How old are you?”
+
+“Sixteen.”
+
+“At fourteen I was obliged to undertake what you have now before you.”
+
+“To support yourself?”
+
+“Yes; I was left an orphan at fourteen, with no money left me by my poor
+father, and no relatives who could help me.”
+
+“How did you make out, sir?” asked Carl, feeling very much interested.
+
+“I sold papers for a while--in Newark, New Jersey--then I got a place at
+three dollars a week, out of which I had to pay for board, lodging
+and clothes. Well, I won’t go through my history. I will only say that
+whatever I did I did as well as I could. I am now a man of about middle
+age, and I am moderately wealthy.”
+
+“I am very much encouraged by what you tell me, sir.”
+
+“Perhaps you don’t understand what a hard struggle I had. More than once
+I have had to go to bed hungry. Sometimes I have had to sleep out, but
+one mustn’t be afraid to rough it a little when he is young. I shouldn’t
+like to sleep out now, or go to bed without my supper,” and the little
+man laughed softly.
+
+“Yes, sir; I expect to rough it, but if I could only get a situation, at
+no matter what income, I should feel encouraged.”
+
+“You have earned no money yet?”
+
+“Yes, sir; I earned a dollar yesterday.”
+
+“At what kind of work?”
+
+“Archery.”
+
+The little man looked surprised.
+
+“Is that a business?” he asked, curiously.
+
+“I’ll explain how it was,” and Carl told about the contest.
+
+“So you hit the mark?” said the little man, significantly.
+
+Somehow, there was something in the little man’s tone that put new
+courage into Carl, and incited him to fresh effort.
+
+“I wonder, sir,” he said, after a pause, “that you should be walking,
+when you can well afford to ride.”
+
+The little man smiled.
+
+“It is by advice of my physician,” he said. “He tells me I am getting
+too stout, and ought to take more or less exercise in the open air. So I
+am trying to follow his advice.”
+
+“Are you in business near here, sir?”
+
+“At a large town six miles distant. I may not walk all the way there,
+but I have a place to call at near by, and thought I would avail myself
+of the good chance offered to take a little exercise. I feel repaid. I
+have made a pleasant acquaintance.”
+
+“Thank you, sir.”
+
+“There is my card,” and the little man took out a business card, reading
+thus:
+
+HENRY JENNINGS, FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, MILFORD.
+
+
+“I manufacture my furniture in the country,” he continued, “but I ship
+it by special arrangements to a house in New York in which I am also
+interested.”
+
+“Yes, sir, I see. Do you employ many persons in your establishment?”
+
+“About thirty.”
+
+“Do you think you could make room for me?”
+
+“Do you think you would like the business?”
+
+“I am prepared to like any business in which I can make a living.”
+
+“That is right. That is the way to look at it. Let me think.”
+
+For two minutes Mr. Jennings seemed to be plunged in thought. Then he
+turned and smiled encouragingly.
+
+“You can come home with me,” he said, “and I will consider the matter.”
+
+“Thank you, sir,” said Carl, gladly.
+
+“I have got to make a call at the next house, not on business, though.
+There is an old schoolmate lying there sick. I am afraid he is rather
+poor, too. You can walk on slowly, and I will overtake you in a few
+minutes.”
+
+“Thank you, sir.”
+
+“After walking half a mile, if I have not overtaken you, you may sit
+down under a tree and wait for me.”
+
+“All right, sir.”
+
+“Before I leave you I will tell you a secret.”
+
+“What is it, sir?”
+
+“The two dollars you picked up, I dropped on purpose.”
+
+“On purpose?” asked Carl, in amazement.
+
+“Yes; I wanted to try you, to see if you were honest.”
+
+“Then you had noticed me?”
+
+“Yes. I liked your appearance, but I wanted to test you.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+AN UNEQUAL CONTEST.
+
+
+Carl walked on slowly. He felt encouraged by the prospect of work, for
+he was sure that Mr. Jennings would make a place for him, if possible.
+
+“He is evidently a kind-hearted man,” Carl reflected. “Besides, he
+has been poor himself, and he can sympathize with me. The wages may be
+small, but I won’t mind that, if I only support myself economically,
+and get on.” To most boys brought up in comfort, not to say luxury, the
+prospect of working hard for small pay would not have seemed inviting.
+But Carl was essentially manly, and had sensible ideas about labor. It
+was no sacrifice or humiliation to him to become a working boy, for he
+had never considered himself superior to working boys, as many boys in
+his position would have done.
+
+He walked on in a leisurely manner, and at the end of ten minutes
+thought he had better sit down and wait for Mr. Jennings. But he was
+destined to receive a shock. There, under the tree which seemed to offer
+the most inviting shelter, reclined a figure only too well-known.
+
+It was the tramp who the day before had compelled him to surrender the
+ten-dollar bill.
+
+The ill-looking fellow glanced up, and when his gaze rested upon Carl,
+his face beamed with savage joy.
+
+“So it’s you, is it?” he said, rising from his seat.
+
+“Yes,” answered Carl, doubtfully.
+
+“Do you remember me?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“I have cause to remember you, my chicken. That was a mean trick you
+played upon me,” and he nodded his head significantly.
+
+“I should think it was you that played the trick on me.”
+
+“How do you make that out?” growled the tramp.
+
+“You took my money.”
+
+“So I did, and much good it did me.”
+
+Carl was silent.
+
+“You know why, don’t you?”
+
+Carl might have denied that he knew the character of the bill which was
+stolen from him, but I am glad to say that it would have come from him
+with a very ill grace, for he was accustomed to tell the truth under all
+circumstances.
+
+“You knew that the bill was counterfeit, didn’t you?” demanded the
+tramp, fiercely.
+
+“I was told so at the hotel where I offered it in payment for my bill.”
+
+“Yet you passed it on me!”
+
+“I didn’t pass it on you. You took it from me,” retorted Carl, with
+spirit.
+
+“That makes no difference.”
+
+“I think it does. I wouldn’t have offered it to anyone in payment of an
+honest bill.”
+
+“Humph! you thought because I was poor and unfortunate you could pass it
+off on me!”
+
+This seemed so grotesque that Carl found it difficult not to laugh.
+
+“Do you know it nearly got me into trouble?” went on the tramp.
+
+“How was that?”
+
+“I stopped at a baker’s shop to get a lunch. When I got through I
+offered the bill. The old Dutchman put on his spectacles, and he looked
+first at the bill, then at me. Then he threatened to have me arrested
+for passing bad money. I told him I’d go out in the back yard and settle
+it with him. I tell you, boy, I’d have knocked him out in one round, and
+he knew it, so he bade me be gone and never darken his door again. Where
+did you get it?”
+
+“It was passed on me by a man I was traveling with.”
+
+“How much other money have you got?” asked the tramp.
+
+“Very little.”
+
+“Give it to me, whatever it is.”
+
+This was a little too much for Carl’s patience.
+
+“I have no money to spare,” he said, shortly.
+
+“Say that over again!” said the tramp, menacingly.
+
+“If you don’t understand me, I will. I have no money to spare.”
+
+“You’ll spare it to me, I reckon.”
+
+“Look here,” said Carl, slowly backing. “You’ve robbed me of ten
+dollars. You’ll have to be satisfied with that.”
+
+“It was no good. It might have sent me to prison. If I was nicely
+dressed I might pass it, but when a chap like me offers a ten-dollar
+bill it’s sure to be looked at sharply. I haven’t a cent, and I’ll
+trouble you to hand over all you’ve got.”
+
+“Why don’t you work for a living? You are a strong, able-bodied man.”
+
+“You’ll find I am if you give me any more of your palaver.”
+
+Carl saw that the time of negotiation was past, and that active
+hostilities were about to commence. Accordingly he turned and ran, not
+forward, but in the reverse direction, hoping in this way to meet with
+Mr. Jennings.
+
+“Ah, that’s your game, is it?” growled the tramp. “You needn’t expect to
+escape, for I’ll overhaul you in two minutes.”
+
+So Carl ran, and his rough acquaintance ran after him.
+
+It could hardly be expected that a boy of sixteen, though stout and
+strong, could get away from a tall, powerful man like the tramp.
+
+Looking back over his shoulder, Carl saw that the tramp was but three
+feet behind, and almost able to lay his hand upon his shoulder.
+
+He dodged dexterously, and in trying to do the same the tramp nearly
+fell to the ground. Naturally, this did not sweeten his temper.
+
+“I’ll half murder you when I get hold of you,” he growled, in a tone
+that bodied ill for Carl.
+
+The latter began to pant, and felt that he could not hold out much
+longer. Should he surrender at discretion?
+
+“If some one would only come along,” was his inward aspiration. “This
+man will take my money and beat me, too.”
+
+As if in reply to his fervent prayer the small figure of Mr. Jennings
+appeared suddenly, rounding a curve in the road.
+
+“Save me, save me, Mr. Jennings!” cried Carl, running up to the little
+man for protection.
+
+“What is the matter? Who is this fellow?” asked Mr. Jennings, in a deep
+voice for so small a man.
+
+“That tramp wants to rob me.”
+
+“Don’t trouble yourself! He won’t do it,” said Jennings, calmly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+CARL ARRIVES IN MILFORD.
+
+
+The tramp stopped short, and eyed Carl’s small defender, first with
+curious surprise, and then with derision.
+
+“Out of my way, you midget!” he cried, “or ‘ll hurt you.”
+
+“Try it!” said the little man, showing no sign of fear.
+
+“Why, you’re no bigger than a kid. I can upset you with one finger.”
+
+He advanced contemptuously, and laid his hand on the shoulder of the
+dwarf. In an instant Jennings had swung his flail-like arms, and before
+the tramp understood what was happening he was lying flat on his back,
+as much to Carl’s amazement as his own.
+
+He leaped to his feet with an execration, and advanced again to the
+attack. To be upset by such a pigmy was the height of mortification.
+
+“I’m going to crush you, you mannikin!” he threatened.
+
+Jennings put himself on guard. Like many small men, he was very
+powerful, as his broad shoulders and sinewy arms would have made evident
+to a teacher of gymnastics. He clearly understood that this opponent was
+in deadly earnest, and he put out all the strength which he possessed.
+The result was that his large-framed antagonist went down once more,
+striking his head with a force that nearly stunned him.
+
+It so happened that at this juncture reinforcements arrived. A sheriff
+and his deputy drove up in an open buggy, and, on witnessing the
+encounter, halted their carriage and sprang to the ground.
+
+“What is the matter, Mr. Jennings?” asked the sheriff, respectfully, for
+the little man was a person of importance in that vicinity.
+
+“That gentleman is trying to extort a forced loan, Mr. Cunningham.”
+
+“Ha! a footpad?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+The sheriff sprang to the side of the tramp, who was trying to rise, and
+in a trice his wrists were confined by handcuffs.
+
+“I think I know you, Mike Frost,” he said. “You are up to your old
+tricks. When did you come out of Sing Sing?”
+
+“Three weeks since,” answered the tramp, sullenly.
+
+“They want you back there. Come along with me!”
+
+He was assisted into the buggy, and spent that night in the lockup.
+
+“Did he take anything from you, Carl?” asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+“No, sir; but I was in considerable danger. How strong you are!” he
+added, admiringly.
+
+“Strength isn’t always according to size!” said the little man, quietly.
+“Nature gave me a powerful, though small, frame, and I have increased my
+strength by gymnastic exercise.”
+
+Mr. Jennings did not show the least excitement after his desperate
+contest. He had attended to it as a matter of business, and when over he
+suffered it to pass out of his mind. He took out his watch and noted the
+time.
+
+“It is later than I thought,” he said. “I think I shall have to give up
+my plan of walking the rest of the way.”
+
+“Then I shall be left alone,” thought Carl regretfully.
+
+Just then a man overtook them in a carriage.
+
+He greeted Mr. Jennings respectfully.
+
+“Are you out for a long walk?” he said.
+
+“Yes, but I find time is passing too rapidly with me. Are you going to
+Milford?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Can you take two passengers?”
+
+“You and the boy?”
+
+“Yes; of course I will see that you don’t lose by it.”
+
+“I ought not to charge you anything, Mr. Jennings. Several times you
+have done me favors.”
+
+“And I hope to again, but this is business. If a dollar will pay you,
+the boy and I will ride with you.”
+
+“It will be so much gain, as I don’t go out of my way.”
+
+“You can take the back seat, Carl,” said Mr. Jennings. “I will sit with
+Mr. Leach.”
+
+They were soon seated and on their way.
+
+“Relative of yours, Mr. Jennings?” asked Leach, with a backward glance
+at Carl.
+
+Like most country folks, he was curious about people. Those who live in
+cities meet too many of their kind to feel an interest in strangers.
+
+“No; a young friend,” answered Jennings, briefly.
+
+“Goin’ to visit you?”
+
+“Yes, I think he will stay with me for a time.”
+
+Then the conversation touched upon Milford matters in which at present
+Carl was not interested.
+
+After his fatiguing walk our hero enjoyed the sensation of riding. The
+road was a pleasant one, the day was bright with sunshine and the
+air vocal with the songs of birds. For a time houses were met at
+rare intervals, but after a while it became evident that they were
+approaching a town of considerable size.
+
+“Is this Milford, Mr. Jennings?” asked Carl.
+
+“Yes,” answered the little man, turning with a pleasant smile.
+
+“How large is it?”
+
+“I think there are twelve thousand inhabitants. It is what Western
+people call a ‘right smart place.’ It has been my home for twenty years,
+and I am much attached to it.”
+
+“And it to you, Mr. Jennings,” put in the driver.
+
+“That is pleasant to hear,” said Jennings, with a smile.
+
+“It is true. There are few people here whom you have not befriended.”
+
+“That is what we are here for, is it not?”
+
+“I wish all were of your opinion. Why, Mr. Jennings, when we get a city
+charter I think I know who will be the first mayor.”
+
+“Not I, Mr. Leach. My own business is all I can well attend to. Thank
+you for your compliment, though. Carl, do you see yonder building?”
+
+He pointed to a three-story structure, a frame building, occupying a
+prominent position.
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“That is my manufactory. What do you think of it?”
+
+“I shouldn’t think a town of this size would require so large an
+establishment,” answered Carl.
+
+Mr. Jennings laughed.
+
+“You are right,” he said. “If I depended on Milford trade, a very small
+building would be sufficient. My trade is outside. I supply many dealers
+in New York City and at the West. My retail trade is small. If any of my
+neighbors want furniture they naturally come to me, and I favor them as
+to price out of friendly feeling, but I am a manufacturer and wholesale
+dealer.”
+
+“I see, sir.”
+
+“Shall I take you to your house, Mr. Jennings?” asked Leach.
+
+“Yes, if you please.”
+
+Leach drove on till he reached a two-story building of Quaker-like
+simplicity but with a large, pleasant yard in front, with here and there
+a bed of flowers. Here he stopped his horse.
+
+“We have reached our destination, Carl,” said Mr. Jennings. “You are
+active. Jump out and I will follow.”
+
+Carl needed no second invitation. He sprang from the carriage and went
+forward to help Mr. Jennings out.
+
+“No, thank you, Carl,” said the little man. “I am more active than you
+think. Here we are!”
+
+He descended nimbly to the ground, and, drawing a one-dollar bill from
+his pocket, handed it to the driver.
+
+“I don’t like to take it, Mr. Jennings,” said Mr. Leach.
+
+“Why not? The laborer is worthy of his hire. Now, Carl, let us go into
+the house.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Mr. JENNINGS AT HOME.
+
+
+Mr. Jennings did not need to open the door. He had scarcely set foot on
+the front step when it was opened from inside, and Carl found a fresh
+surprise in store for him. A woman, apparently six feet in height,
+stood on the threshold. Her figure was spare and ungainly, and her face
+singularly homely, but the absence of beauty was partially made up by a
+kindly expression. She looked with some surprise at Carl.
+
+“This is a young friend of mine, Hannah,” said her master. “Welcome him
+for my sake.”
+
+“I am glad to see you,” said Hannah, in a voice that was another
+amazement. It was deeper than that of most men.
+
+As she spoke, she held out a large masculine hand, which Carl took, as
+seemed to be expected.
+
+“Thank you,” said Carl.
+
+“What am I to call you?” asked Hannah.
+
+“Carl Crawford.”
+
+“That’s a strange name.”
+
+“It is not common, I believe.”
+
+“You two will get acquainted by and by,” said Mr. Jennings. “The most
+interesting question at present is, when will dinner be ready?”
+
+“In ten minutes,” answered Hannah, promptly.
+
+“Carl and I are both famished. We have had considerable exercise,”
+ here he nodded at Carl with a comical look, and Carl understood that he
+referred in part to his contest with the tramp.
+
+Hannah disappeared into the kitchen, and Mr. Jennings said: “Come
+upstairs, Carl. I will show you your room.”
+
+Up an old-fashioned stairway Carl followed his host, and the latter
+opened the door of a side room on the first landing. It was not large,
+but was neat and comfortable. There was a cottage bedstead, a washstand,
+a small bureau and a couple of chairs.
+
+“I hope you will come to feel at home here,” said Mr. Jennings, kindly.
+
+“Thank you, sir. I am sure I shall,” Carl responded, gratefully.
+
+“There are some nails to hang your clothing on,” went on Mr. Jennings,
+and then he stopped short, for it was clear that Carl’s small gripsack
+could not contain an extra suit, and he felt delicate at calling up in
+the boy’s mind the thought of his poverty.
+
+“Thank you, sir,” said Carl. “I left my trunk at the house of a friend,
+and if you should succeed in finding me a place, I will send for it.”
+
+“That is well!” returned Mr. Jennings, looking relieved. “Now I will
+leave you for a few moments. You will find water and towels, in case you
+wish to wash before dinner.”
+
+Carl was glad of the opportunity. He was particular about his personal
+appearance, and he felt hot and dusty. He bathed his face and hands,
+carefully dusted his suit, brushed his hair, and was ready to descend
+when he heard the tinkling of a small bell at the foot of the front
+stairs.
+
+He readily found his way into the neat dining-room at the rear of the
+parlor. Mr. Jennings sat at the head of the table, a little giant,
+diminutive in stature, but with broad shoulders, a large head, and a
+powerful frame. Opposite him sat Hannah, tall, stiff and upright as a
+grenadier. She formed a strange contrast to her employer.
+
+“I wonder what made him hire such a tall woman?” thought Carl. “Being so
+small himself, her size makes him look smaller.”
+
+There was a chair at one side, placed for Carl.
+
+“Sit down there, Carl,” said Mr. Jennings. “I won’t keep you waiting any
+longer than I can help. What have you given us to-day, Hannah?”
+
+“Roast beef,” answered Hannah in her deep tones.
+
+“There is nothing better.”
+
+The host cut off a liberal slice for Carl, and passed the plate to
+Hannah, who supplied potatoes, peas and squash. Carl’s mouth fairly
+watered as he watched the hospitable preparations for his refreshment.
+
+“I never trouble myself about what we are to have on the table,” said
+Mr. Jennings. “Hannah always sees to that. She’s knows just what I want.
+She is a capital cook, too, Hannah is.”
+
+Hannah looked pleased at this compliment.
+
+“You are easily pleased, master,” she said.
+
+“I should be hard to suit if I were not pleased with your cooking.
+You don’t know so well Carl’s taste, but if there is anything he likes
+particularly he can tell you.”
+
+“You are very kind, sir,” said Carl.
+
+“There are not many men who would treat a poor boy so considerately,” he
+thought. “He makes me an honored guest.”
+
+When dinner was over, Mr. Jennings invited Carl to accompany him on a
+walk. They passed along the principal street, nearly every person they
+met giving the little man a cordial greeting.
+
+“He seems to be very popular,” thought Carl.
+
+At length they reached the manufactory. Mr. Jennings went into the
+office, followed by Carl.
+
+A slender, dark-complexioned man, about thirty-five years of age, sat on
+a stool at a high desk. He was evidently the bookkeeper.
+
+“Any letters, Mr. Gibbon?” asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+“Yes, sir; here are four.”
+
+“Where are they from?”
+
+“From New York, Chicago, Pittsburg and New Haven.”
+
+“What do they relate to?”
+
+“Orders. I have handed them to Mr. Potter.”
+
+Potter, as Carl afterwards learned, was superintendent of the
+manufactory, and had full charge of practical details.
+
+“Is there anything requiring my personal attention?”
+
+“No, sir; I don’t think so.”
+
+“By the way, Mr. Gibbon, let me introduce you to a young friend of
+mine--Carl Crawford.”
+
+The bookkeeper rapidly scanned Carl’s face and figure. It seemed to Carl
+that the scrutiny was not a friendly one.
+
+“I am glad to see you,” said Mr. Gibbon, coldly.
+
+“Thank you, sir.”
+
+“By the way, Mr. Jennings,” said the bookkeeper, “I have a favor to ask
+of you.”
+
+“Go on, Mr. Gibbon,” rejoined his employer, in a cordial tone.
+
+“Two months since you gave my nephew, Leonard Craig, a place in the
+factory.”
+
+“Yes; I remember.”
+
+“I don’t think the work agrees with him.”
+
+“He seemed a strong, healthy boy.”
+
+“He has never been used to confinement, and it affects him
+unpleasantly.”
+
+“Does he wish to resign his place?”
+
+“I have been wondering whether you would not be willing to transfer him
+to the office. I could send him on errands, to the post office, and make
+him useful in various ways.”
+
+“I had not supposed an office boy was needed. Still, if you desire it, I
+will try your nephew in the place.”
+
+“Thank you, sir.”
+
+“I am bound to tell you, however, that his present place is a better
+one. He is learning a good trade, which, if he masters it, will always
+give him a livelihood. I learned a trade, and owe all I have to that.”
+
+“True, Mr. Jennings, but there are other ways of earning a living.”
+
+“Certainly.”
+
+“And I thought of giving Leonard evening instruction in bookkeeping.”
+
+“That alters the case. Good bookkeepers are always in demand. I have no
+objection to your trying the experiment.”
+
+“Thank you, sir.”
+
+“Have you mentioned the matter to your nephew?”
+
+“I just suggested that I would ask you, but could not say what answer
+you would give.”
+
+“It would have been better not to mention the matter at all till you
+could tell him definitely that he could change his place.”
+
+“I don’t know but you are right, sir. However, it is all right now.”
+
+“Now, Carl,” said Mr. Jennings, “I will take you into the workroom.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+CARL GETS A PLACE.
+
+
+“I suppose that is the bookkeeper,” said Carl.
+
+“Yes. He has been with me three years. He understands his business well.
+You heard what he said about his nephew?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“It is his sister’s son--a boy of about your own age. I think he is
+making a mistake in leaving the factory, and going into the office.
+He will have little to do, and that not of a character to give him
+knowledge of business.”
+
+“Still, if he takes lessons in bookkeeping----”
+
+Mr. Jennings smiled.
+
+“The boy will never make a bookkeeper,” he said. “His reason for
+desiring the change is because he is indolent. The world has no room for
+lazy people.”
+
+“I wonder, sir, that you have had a chance to find him out.”
+
+“Little things betray a boy’s nature, or a man’s, for that matter.
+When I have visited the workroom I have noticed Leonard, and formed my
+conclusions. He is not a boy whom I would select for my service, but I
+have taken him as a favor to his uncle. I presume he is without means,
+and it is desirable that he should pay his uncle something in return for
+the home which he gives him.”
+
+“How much do you pay him, sir, if it is not a secret?”
+
+“Oh, no; he receives five dollars a week to begin with. I will pay him
+the same in the office. And that reminds me; how would you like to have
+a situation in the factory? Would you like to take Leonard’s place?”
+
+“Yes, sir, if you think I would do.”
+
+“I feel quite sure of it. Have you ever done any manual labor?”
+
+“No, sir.”
+
+“I suppose you have always been to school.”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“You are a gentleman’s son,” proceeded Mr. Jennings, eying Carl
+attentively. “How will it suit you to become a working boy?”
+
+“I shall like it,” answered Carl, promptly.
+
+“Don’t be too sure! You can tell better after a week in the factory.
+Those in my employ work ten hours a day. Leonard Craig doesn’t like it.”
+
+“All I ask, Mr. Jennings, is that you give me a trial.”
+
+“That is fair,” responded the little man, looking pleased. “I will tell
+you now that, not knowing of any vacancy in the factory, I had intended
+to give you the place in the office which Mr. Gibbon has asked for his
+nephew. It would have been a good deal easier work.”
+
+“I shall be quite satisfied to take my place in the factory.”
+
+“Come in, then, and see your future scene of employment.”
+
+They entered a large room, occupying nearly an entire floor of the
+building. Part of the space was filled by machinery. The number employed
+Carl estimated roughly at twenty-five.
+
+Quite near the door was a boy, who bore some personal resemblance to the
+bookkeeper. Carl concluded that it must be Leonard Craig. The boy looked
+round as Mr. Jennings entered, and eyed Carl sharply.
+
+“How are you getting on, Leonard?” Mr. Jennings asked.
+
+“Pretty well, sir; but the machinery makes my head ache.”
+
+“Your uncle tells me that your employment does not agree with you.”
+
+“No, sir; I don’t think it does.”
+
+“He would like to have you in the office with him. Would you like it,
+also?”
+
+“Yes, sir,” answered Leonard, eagerly.
+
+“Very well. You may report for duty at the office to-morrow morning.
+This boy will take your place here.”
+
+Leonard eyed Carl curiously, not cordially.
+
+“I hope you’ll like it,” he said.
+
+“I think I shall.”
+
+“You two boys must get acquainted,” said Mr. Jennings. “Leonard, this is
+Carl Crawford.”
+
+“Glad to know you,” said Leonard, coldly.
+
+“I don’t think I shall like that boy,” thought Carl, as he followed Mr.
+Jennings to another part of the room.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+CARL ENTERS THE FACTORY.
+
+
+When they left the factory Mr. Jennings said, with a smile:
+
+“Now you are one of us, Carl. To-morrow you begin work.”
+
+“I am glad of it, sir.”
+
+“You don’t ask what salary you are to get.”
+
+“I am willing to leave that to you.”
+
+“Suppose we say two dollars a week and board--to begin with.”
+
+“That is better than I expected. But where am I to board?”
+
+“At my house, for the present, if that will suit you.”
+
+“I shall like it very much, if it won’t inconvenience you.”
+
+“Hannah is the one to be inconvenienced, if anyone. I had a little
+conversation with her while you were getting ready for dinner. She seems
+to have taken a liking for you, though she doesn’t like boys generally.
+As for me, it will make the home brighter to have a young person in it.
+Hannah and I are old-fashioned and quiet, and the neighbors don’t have
+much reason to complain of noise.”
+
+“No, sir; I should think not,” said Carl, with a smile.
+
+“There is one thing you must be prepared for, Carl,” said Mr. Jennings,
+after a pause.
+
+“What is that, sir?”
+
+“Your living in my house--I being your employer--may excite jealousy in
+some. I think I know of one who will be jealous.”
+
+“Leonard Craig?”
+
+“And his uncle. However, don’t borrow any trouble on that score. I hope
+you won’t take advantage of your position, and, thinking yourself a
+favorite, neglect your duties.”
+
+“I will not, sir.”
+
+“Business and friendship ought to be kept apart.”
+
+“That is right, sir.”
+
+“I am going back to the house, but you may like to take a walk about
+the village. You will feel interested in it, as it is to be your future
+home. By the way, it may be well for you to write for your trunk. You
+can order it sent to my house.”
+
+“All right, sir; I will do so.”
+
+He went to the post office, and, buying a postal card, wrote to his
+friend, Gilbert Vance, as follows:
+
+
+“Dear Gilbert:--Please send my trunk by express to me at Milford, care
+of Henry Jennings, Esq. He is my employer, and I live at his house. He
+is proprietor of a furniture factory. Will write further particulars
+soon.
+
+“Carl Crawford.”
+
+
+This postal carried welcome intelligence to Gilbert, who felt a
+brotherly interest in Carl. He responded by a letter of hearty
+congratulation, and forwarded the trunk as requested.
+
+Carl reported for duty the next morning, and, though a novice, soon
+showed that he was not without mechanical skill.
+
+At twelve o’clock all the factory hands had an hour off for dinner. As
+Carl passed into the street he found himself walking beside the boy whom
+he had succeeded--Leonard Craig.
+
+“Good-morning, Leonard,” said Carl, pleasantly.
+
+“Good-morning. Have you taken my place in the factory?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Do you think you shall like it?”
+
+“I think I shall, though, of course, it is rather early to form an
+opinion.”
+
+“I didn’t like it.”
+
+“Why not?”
+
+“I don’t want to grow up a workman. I think I am fit for something
+better.”
+
+“Mr. Jennings began as a factory hand.”
+
+“I suppose he had a taste for it. I haven’t.”
+
+“Then you like your present position better?”
+
+“Oh, yes; it’s more genteel. How much does Jennings pay you?”
+
+“Two dollars a week and board.”
+
+“How is that? Where do you board?”
+
+“With him.”
+
+“Oh!” said Leonard, his countenance changing. “So you are a favorite
+with the boss, are you?”
+
+“I don’t know. He gave me warning that he should be just as strict with
+me as if we were strangers.”
+
+“How long have you known him?”
+
+Carl smiled.
+
+“I met him for the first time yesterday,” he answered.
+
+“That’s very queer.”
+
+“Well, perhaps it is a little singular.”
+
+“Are you a poor boy?”
+
+“I have to earn my own living.”
+
+“I see. You will grow up a common workman.”
+
+“I shall try to rise above it. I am not ashamed of the position, but I
+am ambitious to rise.”
+
+“I am going to be a bookkeeper,” said Leonard. “My uncle is going to
+teach me. I would rather be a bookkeeper than a factory hand.”
+
+“Then you are right in preparing yourself for such a post.”
+
+Here the two boys separated, as they were to dine in different places.
+
+Leonard was pleased with his new position. He really had very little to
+do. Twice a day he went to the post office, once or twice to the bank,
+and there was an occasional errand besides. To Carl the idleness would
+have been insupportable, but Leonard was naturally indolent. He sat down
+in a chair by the window, and watched the people go by.
+
+The first afternoon he was in luck, for there was a dog fight in the
+street outside. He seized his hat, went out, and watched the canine
+warfare with the deepest interest.
+
+“I think I will buy you a system of bookkeeping,” said his uncle, “and
+you can study it in the office.”
+
+“Put it off till next week, Uncle Julius. I want to get rested from the
+factory work.”
+
+“It seems to me, Leonard, you were born lazy,” said his uncle, sharply.
+
+“I don’t care to work with my hands.”
+
+“Do you care to work at all?”
+
+“I should like to be a bookkeeper.”
+
+“Do you know that my work is harder and more exhausting than that of a
+workman in the factory?”
+
+“You don’t want to exchange with him, do you?” asked Leonard.
+
+“No.”
+
+“That’s where I agree with you.”
+
+Mr. Jennings took several weekly papers. Leonard was looking over the
+columns of one of them one day, when he saw the advertisement of a gift
+enterprise of a most attractive character. The first prize was a house
+and grounds valued at ten thousand dollars. Following were minor prizes,
+among them one thousand dollars in gold.
+
+Leonard’s fancy was captivated by the brilliant prospect of such a
+prize.
+
+“Price of tickets--only one dollar!” he read. “Think of getting a
+thousand dollars for one! Oh, if I could only be the lucky one!”
+
+He took out his purse, though he knew beforehand that his stock of cash
+consisted only of two dimes and a nickel.
+
+“I wonder if I could borrow a dollar of that boy Carl!” he deliberated.
+“I’ll speak to him about it.”
+
+This happened more than a week after Carl went to work in the factory.
+He had already received one week’s pay, and it remained untouched in his
+pocket.
+
+Leonard joined him in the street early in the evening, and accosted him
+graciously.
+
+“Where are you going?” he asked.
+
+“Nowhere in particular. I am out for a walk.”
+
+“So am I. Shall we walk together?”
+
+“If you like.”
+
+After talking on indifferent matters, Leonard said suddenly: “Oh, by the
+way, will you do me a favor?”
+
+“What is it?”
+
+“Lend me a dollar till next week.”
+
+In former days Carl would probably have granted the favor, but he
+realized the value of money now that he had to earn it by steady work.
+
+“I am afraid it won’t be convenient,” he answered.
+
+“Does that mean that you haven’t got it?” asked Leonard.
+
+“No, I have it, but I am expecting to use it.”
+
+“I wouldn’t mind paying you interest for it--say twenty-five cents,”
+ continued Leonard, who had set his heart on buying a ticket in the gift
+enterprise.
+
+“I would be ashamed to take such interest as that.”
+
+“But I have a chance of making a good deal more out of it myself.”
+
+“In what way?”
+
+“That is my secret.”
+
+“Why don’t you borrow it of your uncle?”
+
+“He would ask too many questions. However, I see that you’re a miser,
+and I won’t trouble you.”
+
+He left Carl in a huff and walked hastily away. He turned into a lane
+little traveled, and, after walking a few rods, came suddenly upon
+the prostrate body of a man, whose deep, breathing showed that he was
+stupefied by liquor. Leonard was not likely to feel any special interest
+in him, but one object did attract his attention. It was a wallet which
+had dropped out of the man’s pocket and was lying on the grass beside
+him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+LEONARD’S TEMPTATION.
+
+
+Leonard was not a thief, but the sight of the wallet tempted him, under
+the circumstances. He had set his heart on buying a ticket in the gift
+enterprise, and knew of no way of obtaining the requisite sum--except
+this. It was, indeed, a little shock to him to think of appropriating
+money not his own; yet who would know it? The owner of the wallet was
+drunk, and would be quite unconscious of his loss. Besides, if he didn’t
+take the wallet, some one else probably would, and appropriate the
+entire contents. It was an insidious suggestion, and Leonard somehow
+persuaded himself that since the money was sure to be taken, he might as
+well have the benefit of it as anyone else.
+
+So, after turning over the matter in his mind rapidly, he stooped down
+and picked up the wallet.
+
+The man did not move.
+
+Emboldened by his insensibility, Leonard cautiously opened the
+pocketbook, and his eyes glistened when he saw tucked away in one side,
+quite a thick roll of bills.
+
+“He won’t miss one bill,” thought Leonard. “Anyone else might take the
+whole wallet, but I wouldn’t do that. I wonder how much money there is
+in the roll.”
+
+He darted another glance at the prostrate form, but there seemed no
+danger of interruption. He took the roll in his hand, therefore, and a
+hasty scrutiny showed him that the bills ran from ones to tens. There
+must have been nearly a hundred dollars in all.
+
+“Suppose I take a five,” thought Leonard, whose cupidity increased with
+the sight of the money. “He won’t miss it, and it will be better in my
+hands than if spent for whiskey.”
+
+How specious are the arguments of those who seek an excuse for a wrong
+act that will put money in the purse!
+
+“Yes, I think I may venture to take a five, and, as I might not be able
+to change it right away, I will take a one to send for a ticket. Then I
+will put the wallet back in the man’s pocket.”
+
+So far, all went smoothly, and Leonard was proceeding to carry out his
+intention when, taking a precautionary look at the man on the ground, he
+was dumfounded by seeing his eyes wide open and fixed upon him.
+
+Leonard flushed painfully, like a criminal detected in a crime, and
+returned the look of inquiry by one of dismay.
+
+“What--you--doing?” inquired the victim of inebriety.
+
+“I--is this your wallet, sir?” stammered Leonard.
+
+“Course it is. What you got it for?”
+
+“I--I saw it on the ground, and was afraid some one would find it, and
+rob you,” said Leonard, fluently.
+
+“Somebody did find it,” rejoined the man, whose senses seemed coming
+back to him. “How much did you take?”
+
+“I? You don’t think I would take any of your money?” said Leonard, in
+virtuous surprise.
+
+“Looked like it! Can’t tell who to trust.”
+
+“I assure you, I had only just picked it up, and was going to put it
+back in your pocket, sir.”
+
+The man, drunk as he was, winked knowingly.
+
+“Smart boy!” he said. “You do it well, ol’ fella!”
+
+“But, sir, it is quite true, I assure you. I will count over the money
+before you. Do you know how much you had?”
+
+“Nev’ mind. Help me up!”
+
+Leonard stooped over and helped the drunkard to a sitting position.
+
+“Where am I? Where is hotel?”
+
+Leonard answered him.
+
+“Take me to hotel, and I’ll give you a dollar.”
+
+“Certainly, sir,” said Leonard, briskly. He was to get his dollar after
+all, and would not have to steal it. I am afraid he is not to be praised
+for his honesty, as it seemed to be a matter of necessity.
+
+“I wish he’d give me five dollars,” thought Leonard, but didn’t see his
+way clear to make the suggestion.
+
+He placed the man on his feet, and guided his steps to the road. As he
+walked along, the inebriate, whose gait was at first unsteady, recovered
+his equilibrium and required less help.
+
+“How long had you been lying there?” asked Leonard.
+
+“Don’t know. I was taken sick,” and the inebriate nodded knowingly at
+Leonard, who felt at liberty to laugh, too.
+
+“Do you ever get sick?”
+
+“Not that way,” answered Leonard.
+
+“Smart boy! Better off!”
+
+They reached the hotel, and Leonard engaged a room for his companion.
+
+“Has he got money?” asked the landlord, in a low voice.
+
+“Yes,” answered Leonard, “he has nearly a hundred dollars. I counted it
+myself.”
+
+“That’s all right, then,” said the landlord. “Here, James, show the
+gentleman up to No. 15.”
+
+“Come, too,” said the stranger to Leonard.
+
+The latter followed the more readily because he had not yet been paid
+his dollar.
+
+The door of No. 15 was opened, and the two entered.
+
+“I will stay with the gentleman a short time,” said Leonard to the boy.
+“If we want anything we will ring.”
+
+“All right, sir.”
+
+“What’s your name?” asked the inebriate, as he sank into a large
+armchair near the window.
+
+“Leonard Craig.”
+
+“Never heard the name before.”
+
+“What’s your name, sir?”
+
+“What you want to know for?” asked the other, cunningly.
+
+“The landlord will want to put it on his book.”
+
+“My name? Phil Stark.”
+
+“Philip Stark?”
+
+“Yes; who told you?”
+
+It will be seen that Mr. Stark was not yet quite himself.
+
+“You told me yourself.”
+
+“So I did--‘scuse me.”
+
+“Certainly, sir. By the way, you told me you would pay me a dollar for
+bringing you to the hotel.”
+
+“So I did. Take it,” and Philip Stark passed the wallet to Leonard.
+
+Leonard felt tempted to take a two-dollar bill instead of a one, as Mr.
+Stark would hardly notice the mistake. Still, he might ask to look at
+the bill, and that would be awkward. So the boy contented himself with
+the sum promised.
+
+“Thank you, sir,” he said, as he slipped the bill into his vest pocket.
+“Do you want some supper?”
+
+“No, I want to sleep.”
+
+“Then you had better lie down on the bed. Will you undress?”
+
+“No; too much trouble.”
+
+Mr. Stark rose from the armchair, and, lurching round to the bed, flung
+himself on it.
+
+“I suppose you don’t want me any longer,” said Leonard.
+
+“No. Come round to-morrer.”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+Leonard opened the door and left the room. He resolved to keep the
+appointment, and come round the next day. Who knew but some more of Mr.
+Stark’s money might come into his hands? Grown man as he was, he seemed
+to need a guardian, and Leonard was willing to act as such--for a
+consideration.
+
+“It’s been a queer adventure!” thought Leonard, as he slowly bent his
+steps towards his uncle’s house. “I’ve made a dollar out of it, anyway,
+and if he hadn’t happened to wake up just as he did I might have done
+better. However, it may turn out as well in the end.”
+
+“You are rather late, Leonard,” said his uncle, in a tone that betrayed
+some irritation. “I wanted to send you on an errand, and you are always
+out of the way at such a time.”
+
+“I’ll go now,” said Leonard, with unusual amiability. “I’ve had a little
+adventure.”
+
+“An adventure! What is it?” Mr. Gibbon asked, with curiosity.
+
+Leonard proceeded to give an account of his finding the inebriate in
+the meadow, and his guiding him to the hotel. It may readily be supposed
+that he said nothing of his attempt to appropriate a part of the
+contents of the wallet.
+
+“What was his name?” asked Gibbon, with languid curiosity.
+
+“Phil Stark, he calls himself.”
+
+A strange change came over the face of the bookkeeper. There was a
+frightened look in his eyes, and his color faded.
+
+“Phil Stark!” he repeated, in a startled tone.
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“What brings him here?” Gibbon asked himself nervously, but no words
+passed his lips.
+
+“Do you know the name?” asked Leonard, wonderingly.
+
+“I--have heard it before, but--no, I don’t think it is the same man.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AN ARTFUL SCHEME.
+
+
+“Does this Mr. Stark intend to remain long in the village!” inquired the
+bookkeeper, in a tone of assumed indifference.
+
+“He didn’t say anything on that point,” answered Leonard.
+
+“He did not say what business brought him here, I presume?”
+
+“No, he was hardly in condition to say much; he was pretty full,” said
+Leonard, with a laugh. “However, he wants me to call upon him to-morrow,
+and may tell me then.”
+
+“He wants you to call upon him?”
+
+“Yes, uncle.”
+
+“Are you going?”
+
+“Yes; why shouldn’t I?”
+
+“I see no reason,” said Gibbon, hesitating. Then, after a pause he
+added: “If you see the way clear, find out what brings him to Milford.”
+
+“Yes, uncle, I will.”
+
+“Uncle Julius seems a good deal interested in this man, considering that
+he is a stranger,” thought the boy.
+
+The bookkeeper was biting his nails, a habit he had when he was annoyed.
+“And, Leonard,” he added slowly, “don’t mention my name while you are
+speaking to Stark.”
+
+“No, sir, I won’t, if you don’t want me to,” answered Leonard, his face
+betraying unmistakable curiosity. His uncle noted this, and explained
+hurriedly: “It is possible that he may be a man whom I once met under
+disagreeable circumstances, and I would prefer not to meet him again.
+Should he learn that I was living here, he would be sure to want to
+renew the acquaintance.”
+
+“Yes, sir, I see. I don’t think he would want to borrow money, for he
+seems to be pretty well provided. I made a dollar out of him to-day, and
+that is one reason why I am willing to call on him again. I may strike
+him for another bill.”
+
+“There is no objection to that, provided you don’t talk to him too
+freely. I don’t think he will want to stay long in Milford.”
+
+“I wouldn’t if I had as much money as he probably has.”
+
+“Do you often meet the new boy?”
+
+“Carl Crawford?”
+
+“Yes; I see him on the street quite often.”
+
+“He lives with Mr. Jennings, I hear.”
+
+“So he tells me.”
+
+“It is rather strange. I didn’t suppose that Jennings would care to
+receive a boy in his house, or that tall grenadier of a housekeeper,
+either. I expect she rules the household.”
+
+“She could tuck him under her arm and walk off with him,” said Leonard,
+laughing.
+
+“The boy must be artful to have wormed his way into the favor of the
+strange pair. He seems to be a favorite.”
+
+“Yes, uncle, I think he is. However, I like my position better than
+his.”
+
+“He will learn his business from the beginning. I don’t know but it was
+a mistake for you to leave the factory.”
+
+“I am not at all sorry for it, uncle.”
+
+“Your position doesn’t amount to much.”
+
+“I am paid just as well as I was when I was in the factory.”
+
+“But you are learning nothing.”
+
+“You are going to teach me bookkeeping.”
+
+“Even that is not altogether a desirable business. A good bookkeeper can
+never expect to be in business for himself. He must be content with a
+salary all his life.”
+
+“You have done pretty well, uncle.”
+
+“But there is no chance of my becoming a rich man. I have to work hard
+for my money. And I haven’t been able to lay up much money yet. That
+reminds me? Leonard, I must impress upon you the fact that you have
+your own way to make. I have procured you a place, and I provide you a
+home----”
+
+“You take my wages,” said Leonard, bluntly.
+
+“A part of them, but on the whole, you are not self-supporting. You must
+look ahead, Leonard, and consider the future. When you are a young man
+you will want to earn an adequate income.”
+
+“Of course, I shall, uncle, but there is one other course.”
+
+“What is that?”
+
+“I may marry an heiress,” suggested Leonard, smiling.
+
+The bookkeeper winced.
+
+“I thought I was marrying an heiress when I married your aunt,” he
+said, “but within six months of our wedding day, her father made a bad
+failure, and actually had the assurance to ask me to give him a home
+under my roof.”
+
+“Did you do it?”
+
+“No; I told him it would not be convenient.”
+
+“What became of him?”
+
+“He got a small clerkship at ten dollars a week in the counting room of
+a mercantile friend, and filled it till one day last October, when he
+dropped dead of apoplexy. I made a great mistake when I married in not
+asking him to settle a definite sum on his daughter. It would have been
+so much saved from the wreck.”
+
+“Did aunt want him to come and live here?”
+
+“Yes, women are always unreasonable. She would have had me support the
+old man in idleness, but I am not one of that kind. Every tub should
+stand on its own bottom.”
+
+“I say so, too, uncle. Do you know whether this boy, Carl Crawford, has
+any father or mother?”
+
+“From a word Jennings let fall I infer that he has relatives, but is not
+on good terms with them. I have been a little afraid he might stand in
+your light.”
+
+“How so, uncle?”
+
+“Should there be any good opening for one of your age, I am afraid he
+would get it rather than you.”
+
+“I didn’t think of that,” said Leonard, jealously.
+
+“Living as he does with Mr. Jennings, he will naturally try to
+ingratiate himself with him, and stand first in his esteem.”
+
+“That is true. Is Mr. Jennings a rich man, do you think?”
+
+“Yes, I think he is. The factory and stock are worth considerable money,
+but I know he has other investments also. As one item he has over a
+thousand dollars in the Carterville Savings Bank. He has been very
+prudent, has met with no losses, and has put aside a great share of his
+profits every year.”
+
+“I wonder he don’t marry.”
+
+“Marriage doesn’t seem to be in his thoughts. Hannah makes him so
+comfortable that he will probably remain a bachelor to the end of his
+days.”
+
+“Perhaps he will leave his money to her.”
+
+“He is likely to live as long as she.”
+
+“She is a good deal longer than he,” said Leonard, with a laugh.
+
+The bookkeeper condescended to smile at this joke, though it was not
+very brilliant.
+
+“Before this boy Carl came,” he resumed thoughtfully, “I hoped he might
+take a fancy to you. He must die some time, and, having no near blood
+relative, I thought he might select as heir some boy like yourself, who
+might grow into his favor and get on his blind side.”
+
+“Is it too late now?” asked Leonard, eagerly.
+
+“Perhaps not, but the appearance of this new boy on the scene makes your
+chance a good deal smaller.”
+
+“I wish we could get rid of him,” said Leonard, frowning.
+
+“The only way is to injure him in the estimation of Mr. Jennings.”
+
+“I think I know of a way.”
+
+“Mention it.”
+
+“Here is an advertisement of a lottery,” said Leonard, whose plans, in
+view of what his uncle had said, had experienced a change.
+
+“Well?”
+
+“I will write to the manager in Carl’s name, inquiring about tickets,
+and, of course, he will answer to him, to the care of Mr. Jennings. This
+will lead to the suspicion that Carl is interested in such matters.”
+
+“It is a good idea. It will open the way to a loss of confidence on the
+part of Mr. Jennings.”
+
+“I will sit down at your desk and write at once.”
+
+Three days later Mr. Jennings handed a letter to Carl after they reached
+home in the evening.
+
+“A letter for you to my care,” he explained.
+
+Carl opened it in surprise, and read as follows:
+
+
+“Office Of Gift Enterprise.
+
+“Mr. Carl Crawford:--Your letter of inquiry is received. In reply
+we would say that we will send you six tickets for five dollars. By
+disposing of them among your friends at one dollar each, you will save
+the cost of your own. You had better remit at once.
+
+“Yours respectfully, Pitkins & Gamp,
+
+“Agents.”
+
+
+Carl looked the picture of astonishment when he read this letter.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+REVEALS A MYSTERY.
+
+
+“Please read this letter, Mr. Jennings,” said Carl.
+
+His employer took the letter from his hand, and ran his eye over it.
+
+“Do you wish to ask my advice about the investment?” he said, quietly.
+
+“No, sir. I wanted to know how such a letter came to be written to me.”
+
+“Didn’t you send a letter of inquiry there?”
+
+“No, sir, and I can’t understand how these men could have got hold of my
+name.”
+
+Mr. Jennings looked thoughtful.
+
+“Some one has probably written in your name,” he said, after a pause.
+
+“But who could have done so?”
+
+“If you will leave the letter in my hands, I may be able to obtain some
+information on that point.”
+
+“I shall be glad if you can, Mr. Jennings.”
+
+“Don’t mention to anyone having received such a letter, and if anyone
+broaches the subject, let me know who it is.”
+
+“Yes, sir, I will.”
+
+Mr. Jennings quietly put on his hat, and walked over to the post office.
+The postmaster, who also kept a general variety store, chanced to be
+alone.
+
+“Good-evening, Mr. Jennings,” he said, pleasantly. “What can I do for
+you?”
+
+“I want a little information, Mr. Sweetland, though it is doubtful if
+you can give it.”
+
+Mr. Sweetland assumed the attitude of attention.
+
+“Do you know if any letter has been posted from this office within a few
+days, addressed to Pitkins & Gamp, Syracuse, New York?”
+
+“Yes; two letters have been handed in bearing this address.”
+
+Mr. Jennings was surprised, for he had never thought of two letters.
+
+“Can you tell me who handed them in?” he asked.
+
+“Both were handed in by the same party.”
+
+“And that was----”
+
+“A boy in your employ.”
+
+Mr. Jennings looked grave. Was it possible that Carl was deceiving him?
+
+“The boy who lives at my house?” he asked, anxiously.
+
+“No; the boy who usually calls for the factory mail. The nephew of your
+bookkeeper I think his name is Leonard Craig.”
+
+“Ah, I see,” said Mr. Jennings, looking very much relieved. “And you say
+he deposited both letters?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Do you happen to remember if any other letter like this was received at
+the office?”
+
+Here he displayed the envelope of Carl’s letter.
+
+“Yes; one was received, addressed to the name of the one who deposited
+the first letters--Leonard Craig.”
+
+“Thank you, Mr. Sweetland. Your information has cleared up a mystery. Be
+kind enough not to mention the matter.”
+
+“I will bear your request in mind.”
+
+Mr. Jennings bought a supply of stamps, and then left the office.
+
+“Well, Carl,” he said, when he re-entered the house, “I have discovered
+who wrote in your name to Pitkins & Gamp.”
+
+“Who, sir?” asked Carl, with curiosity.
+
+“Leonard Craig.”
+
+“But what could induce him to do it?” said Carl, perplexed.
+
+“He thought that I would see the letter, and would be prejudiced against
+you if I discovered that you were investing in what is a species of
+lottery.”
+
+“Would you, sir?”
+
+“I should have thought you unwise, and I should have been reminded of
+a fellow workman who became so infatuated with lotteries that he stole
+money from his employer to enable him to continue his purchases of
+tickets. But for this unhappy passion he would have remained honest.”
+
+“Leonard must dislike me,” said Carl, thoughtfully.
+
+“He is jealous of you; I warned you he or some one else might become so.
+But the most curious circumstance is, he wrote a second letter in his
+own name. I suspect he has bought a ticket. I advise you to say nothing
+about the matter unless questioned.”
+
+“I won’t, sir.”
+
+The next day Carl met Leonard in the street.
+
+“By the way,” said Leonard, “you got a letter yesterday?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“I brought it to the factory with the rest of the mail.”
+
+“Thank you.”
+
+Leonard looked at him curiously.
+
+“He seems to be close-mouthed,” Leonard said to himself. “He has sent
+for a ticket, I’ll bet a hat, and don’t want me to find out. I wish I
+could draw the capital prize--I would not mind old Jennings finding out
+then.”
+
+“Do you ever hear from your--friends?” he asked a minute later.
+
+“Not often.”
+
+“I thought that letter might be from your home.”
+
+“No; it was a letter from Syracuse.”
+
+“I remember now, it was postmarked Syracuse. Have you friends there?”
+
+“None that I am aware of.”
+
+“Yet you receive letters from there?”
+
+“That was a business letter.”
+
+Carl was quietly amused at Leonard’s skillful questions, but was
+determined not to give him any light on the subject.
+
+Leonard tried another avenue of attack.
+
+“Oh, dear!” he sighed, “I wish I was rich.”
+
+“I shouldn’t mind being rich myself,” said Carl, with a smile.
+
+“I suppose old Jennings must have a lot of money.”
+
+“Mr. Jennings, I presume, is very well off,” responded Carl, emphasizing
+the title “Mr.”
+
+“If I had his money I wouldn’t live in such Quaker style.”
+
+“Would you have him give fashionable parties?” asked Carl, smiling.
+
+“Well, I don’t know that he would enjoy that; but I’ll tell you what
+I would do. I would buy a fast horse--a two-forty mare--and a bangup
+buggy, and I’d show the old farmers round here what fast driving is.
+Then I’d have a stylish house, and----”
+
+“I don’t believe you’d be content to live in Milford, Leonard.”
+
+“I don’t think I would, either, unless my business were here. I’d go to
+New York every few weeks and see life.”
+
+“You may be rich some time, so that you can carry out your wishes.”
+
+“Do you know any easy way of getting money?” asked Leonard, pointedly.
+
+“The easy ways are not generally the true ways. A man sometimes makes
+money by speculation, but he has to have some to begin with.”
+
+“I can’t get anything out of him,” thought Leonard. “Well,
+good-evening.”
+
+He crossed the street, and joined the man who has already been referred
+to as boarding at the hotel.
+
+Mr. Stark had now been several days in Milford. What brought him there,
+or what object he had in staying, Leonard had not yet ascertained. He
+generally spent part of his evenings with the stranger, and had once or
+twice received from him a small sum of money. Usually, however, he
+had met Mr. Stark in the billiard room, and played a game or two of
+billiards with him. Mr. Stark always paid for the use of the table, and
+that was naturally satisfactory to Leonard, who enjoyed amusement at the
+expense of others.
+
+Leonard, bearing in mind his uncle’s request, had not mentioned his name
+to Mr. Stark, and Stark, though he had walked about the village more or
+less, had not chanced to meet Mr. Gibbon.
+
+He had questioned Leonard, however, about Mr. Jennings, and whether he
+was supposed to be rich.
+
+Leonard had answered freely that everyone considered him so.
+
+“But he doesn’t know how to enjoy his money,” he added.
+
+“We should,” said Stark, jocularly.
+
+“You bet we would,” returned Leonard; and he was quite sincere in his
+boast, as we know from his conversation with Carl.
+
+“By the way,” said Stark, on this particular evening, “I never asked you
+about your family, Leonard. I suppose you live with your parents.”
+
+“No, sir. They are dead.”
+
+“Then whom do you live with?”
+
+“With my uncle,” answered Leonard, guardedly.
+
+“Is his name Craig?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“What then?”
+
+“I’ve got to tell him,” thought Leonard. “Well, I don’t suppose there
+will be much harm in it. My uncle is bookkeeper for Mr. Jennings,” he
+said, “and his name is Julius Gibbon.”
+
+Philip Stark wheeled round, and eyed Leonard in blank astonishment.
+
+“Your uncle is Julius Gibbon!” he exclaimed.
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Well, I’ll be blowed.”
+
+“Do you--know my uncle?” asked Leonard, hesitating.
+
+“I rather think I do. Take me round to the house. I want to see him.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+AN UNWELCOME GUEST.
+
+
+When Julius Gibbon saw the door open and Philip Stark enter the room
+where he was smoking his noon cigar, his heart quickened its pulsations
+and he turned pale.
+
+“How are you, old friend?” said Stark, boisterously. “Funny, isn’t it,
+that I should run across your nephew?”
+
+“Very strange!” ejaculated Gibbon, looking the reverse of joyous.
+
+“It’s a happy meeting, isn’t it? We used to see a good deal of each
+other,” and he laughed in a way that Gibbon was far from enjoying. “Now,
+I’ve come over to have a good, long chat with you. Leonard, I think
+we won’t keep you, as you wouldn’t be interested in our talk about old
+times.”
+
+“Yes, Leonard, you may leave us,” added his uncle.
+
+Leonard’s curiosity was excited, and he would have been glad to remain,
+but as there was no help for it, he went out.
+
+When they were alone, Stark drew up his chair close, and laid his hand
+familiarly on the bookkeeper’s knee.
+
+“I say, Gibbon, do you remember where we last met?”
+
+Gibbon shuddered slightly.
+
+“Yes,” he answered, feebly.
+
+“It was at Joliet--Joliet Penitentiary. Your time expired before mine.
+I envied you the six months’ advantage you had of me. When I came out I
+searched for you everywhere, but heard nothing.”
+
+“How did you know I was here?” asked the bookkeeper.
+
+“I didn’t know. I had no suspicion of it. Nor did I dream that Leonard,
+who was able to do me a little service, was your nephew. I say, he’s a
+chip of the old block, Gibbon,” and Stark laughed as if he enjoyed it.
+
+“What do you mean by that?”
+
+“I was lying in a field, overcome by liquor, an old weakness of mine,
+you know, and my wallet had slipped out of my pocket. I chanced to open
+my eyes, when I saw it in the hands of your promising nephew, ha! ha!”
+
+“He told me that.”
+
+“But he didn’t tell you that he was on the point of appropriating a part
+of the contents? I warrant you he didn’t tell you that.”
+
+“Did he acknowledge it? Perhaps you misjudged him.”
+
+“He didn’t acknowledge it in so many words, but I knew it by his change
+of color and confusion. Oh, I didn’t lay it up against him. We are very
+good friends. He comes honestly by it.”
+
+Gibbon looked very much annoyed, but there were reasons why he did not
+care to express his chagrin.
+
+“On my honor, it was an immense surprise to me,” proceeded Stark, “when
+I learned that my old friend Gibbon was a resident of Milford.”
+
+“I wish you had never found it out,” thought Gibbon, biting his lip.
+
+“No sooner did I hear it than I posted off at once to call on you.”
+
+“So I see.”
+
+Stark elevated his eyebrows, and looked amused. He saw that he was not a
+welcome visitor, but for that he cared little.
+
+“Haven’t you got on, though? Here I find you the trusted bookkeeper of
+an important business firm. Did you bring recommendations from your last
+place?” and he burst into a loud guffaw.
+
+“I wish you wouldn’t make such references,” snapped Gibbon. “They can do
+no good, and might do harm.”
+
+“Don’t be angry, my dear boy. I rejoice at your good fortune. Wish I was
+equally well fixed. You don’t ask how I am getting on.”
+
+“I hope you are prosperous,” said Gibbon, coldly.
+
+“I might be more so. Is there a place vacant in your office?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“And if there were, you might not recommend me, eh?”
+
+“There is no need to speak of that. There is no vacancy.”
+
+“Upon my word, I wish there were, as I am getting to the end of my
+tether. I may have money enough to last me four weeks longer, but no
+more.”
+
+“I don’t see how I can help you,” said Gibbon.
+
+“How much salary does Mr. Jennings pay you?”
+
+“A hundred dollars a month,” answered the bookkeeper, reluctantly.
+
+“Not bad, in a cheap place like this.”
+
+“It takes all I make to pay expenses.”
+
+“I remember--you have a wife. I have no such incumbrance.”
+
+“There is one question I would like to ask you,” said the bookkeeper.
+
+“Fire away, dear boy. Have you an extra cigar?”
+
+“Here is one.”
+
+“Thanks. Now I shall be comfortable. Go ahead with your question.”
+
+“What brought you to Milford? You didn’t know of my being here, you
+say.”
+
+“Neither did I. I came on my old business.”
+
+“What?”
+
+“I heard there was a rich manufacturer here--I allude to your respected
+employer. I thought I might manage to open his safe some dark night.”
+
+“No, no,” protested Gibbon in alarm. “Don’t think of it.”
+
+“Why not?” asked Stark, coolly.
+
+“Because,” answered Gibbon, in some agitation, “I might be suspected.”
+
+“Well, perhaps you might; but I have got to look out for number one. How
+do you expect me to live?”
+
+“Go somewhere else. There are plenty of other men as rich, and richer,
+where you would not be compromising an old friend.”
+
+“It’s because I have an old friend in the office that I have thought
+this would be my best opening.”
+
+“Surely, man, you don’t expect me to betray my employer, and join with
+you in robbing him?”
+
+“That’s just what I do expect. Don’t tell me you have grown virtuous,
+Gibbon. The tiger doesn’t lose his spots or the leopard his stripes.
+I tell you there’s a fine chance for us both. I’ll divide with you, if
+you’ll help me.”
+
+“But I’ve gone out of the business,” protested Gibbon.
+
+“I haven’t. Come, old boy, I can’t let any sentimental scruples
+interfere with so good a stroke of business.”
+
+“I won’t help you!” said Gibbon, angrily. “You only want to get me into
+trouble.”
+
+“You won’t help me?” said Stark, with slow deliberation.
+
+“No, I can’t honorably. Can’t you let me alone?”
+
+“Sorry to say, I can’t. If I was rich, I might; but as it is, it is
+quite necessary for me to raise some money somewhere. By all accounts,
+Jennings is rich, and can spare a small part of his accumulations for a
+good fellow that’s out of luck.”
+
+“You’d better give up the idea. It’s quite impossible.”
+
+“Is it?” asked Stark, with a wicked look. “Then do you know what I will
+do?”
+
+“What will you do?” asked Gibbon, nervously.
+
+“I will call on your employer, and tell him what I know of you.”
+
+“You wouldn’t do that?” said the bookkeeper, much agitated.
+
+“Why not? You turn your back upon an old friend. You bask in prosperity,
+and turn from him in his poverty. It’s the way of the world, no doubt;
+but Phil Stark generally gets even with those who don’t treat him well.”
+
+“Tell me what you want me to do,” said Gibbon, desperately.
+
+“Tell me first whether your safe contains much of value.”
+
+“We keep a line of deposit with the Milford Bank.”
+
+“Do you mean to say that nothing of value is left in the safe
+overnight?” asked Stark, disappointed.
+
+“There is a box of government bonds usually kept there,” the bookkeeper
+admitted, reluctantly.
+
+“Ah, that’s good!” returned Stark, rubbing his hands. “Do you know how
+much they amount to?”
+
+“I think there are about four thousand dollars.”
+
+“Good! We must have those bonds, Gibbon.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+MR. STARK IS RECOGNIZED.
+
+
+Phil Stark was resolved not to release his hold upon his old
+acquaintance. During the day he spent his time in lounging about the
+town, but in the evening he invariably fetched up at the bookkeeper’s
+modest home. His attentions were evidently not welcome to Mr. Gibbon,
+who daily grew more and more nervous and irritable, and had the
+appearance of a man whom something disquieted.
+
+Leonard watched the growing intimacy with curiosity. He was a sharp boy,
+and he felt convinced that there was something between his uncle and the
+stranger. There was no chance for him to overhear any conversation, for
+he was always sent out of the way when the two were closeted together.
+He still met Mr. Stark outside, and played billiards with him
+frequently. Once he tried to extract some information from Stark.
+
+“You’ve known my uncle a good while,” he said, in a tone of assumed
+indifference.
+
+“Yes, a good many years,” answered Stark, as he made a carom.
+
+“Were you in business together?”
+
+“Not exactly, but we may be some time,” returned Stark, with a
+significant smile.
+
+“Here?”
+
+“Well, that isn’t decided.”
+
+“Where did you first meet Uncle Julius?”
+
+“The kid’s growing curious,” said Stark to himself. “Does he think he
+can pull wool over the eyes of Phil Stark? If he does, he thinks a good
+deal too highly of himself. I will answer his questions to suit myself.”
+
+“Why don’t you ask your uncle that?”
+
+“I did,” said Leonard, “but he snapped me up, and told me to mind my own
+business. He is getting terribly cross lately.”
+
+“It’s his stomach, I presume,” said Stark, urbanely. “He is a confirmed
+dyspeptic--that’s what’s the matter with him. Now; I’ve got the
+digestion of an ox. Nothing ever troubles me, and the result is that I
+am as calm and good-natured as a May morning.”
+
+“Don’t you ever get riled, Mr. Stark?” asked Leonard, laughing.
+
+“Well, hardly ever. Sometimes when I am asked fool questions by one who
+seems to be prying into what is none of his business, I get wrathy, and
+when I’m roused look out!”
+
+He glanced meaningly at Leonard, and the boy understood that the words
+conveyed a warning and a menace.
+
+“Is anything the matter with you, Mr. Gibbon? Are you as well as usual?”
+ asked Mr. Jennings one morning. The little man was always considerate,
+and he had noticed the flurried and nervous manner of his bookkeeper.
+
+“No, sir; what makes you ask?” said Gibbon, apologetically.
+
+“Perhaps you need a vacation,” suggested Mr. Jennings.
+
+“Oh, no, I think not. Besides, I couldn’t be spared.”
+
+“I would keep the books myself for a week to favor you.”
+
+“You are very kind, but I won’t trouble you just yet. A little later on,
+if I feel more uncomfortable, I will avail myself of your kindness.”
+
+“Do so. I know that bookkeeping is a strain upon the mind, more so than
+physical labor.”
+
+There were special reasons why Mr. Gibbon did not dare to accept the
+vacation tendered him by his employer. He knew that Phil Stark would be
+furious, for it would interfere with his designs. He could not afford
+to offend this man, who held in his possession a secret affecting his
+reputation and good name.
+
+The presence of a stranger in a small town always attracts public
+attention, and many were curious about the rakish-looking man who had
+now for some time occupied a room at the hotel.
+
+Among others, Carl had several times seen him walking with Leonard Craig
+
+“Leonard,” he asked one day, “who is the gentleman I see you so often
+walking with?”
+
+“It’s a man that’s boarding at the hotel. I play billiards with him
+sometimes.”
+
+“He seems to like Milford.”
+
+“I don’t know. He’s over at our house every evening.”
+
+“Is he?” asked Carl, surprised.
+
+“Yes; he’s an old acquaintance of Uncle Julius. I don’t know where they
+met each other, for he won’t tell. He said he and uncle might go into
+business together some time. Between you and me, I think uncle would
+like to get rid of him. I know he doesn’t like him.”
+
+This set Carl to thinking, but something occurred soon afterwards that
+impressed him still more.
+
+Occasionally a customer of the house visited Milford, wishing to give a
+special order for some particular line of goods. About this time a Mr.
+Thorndike, from Chicago, came to Milford on this errand, and put up at
+the hotel. He had called at the factory during the day, and had some
+conversation with Mr. Jennings. After supper a doubt entered the mind of
+the manufacturer in regard to one point, and he said to Carl: “Carl, are
+you engaged this evening?”
+
+“No, sir.”
+
+“Will you carry a note for me to the hotel?”
+
+“Certainly, sir; I shall be glad to do so.”
+
+“Mr. Thorndike leaves in the morning, and I am not quite clear as to
+one of the specifications he gave me with his order. You noticed the
+gentleman who went through the factory with me?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“He is Mr. Thorndike. Please hand him this note, and if he wishes you to
+remain with him for company, you had better do so.”
+
+“I will, sir.”
+
+“Hannah,” said Mr. Jennings, as his messenger left with the note, “Carl
+is a pleasant addition to our little household?”
+
+“Yes, indeed he is,” responded Hannah, emphatically.
+
+“If he was twice the trouble I’d be glad to have him here.”
+
+“He is easy to get along with.”
+
+“Surely.”
+
+“Yet his stepmother drove him from his father’s house.”
+
+“She’s a wicked trollop, then!” said Hannah, in a deep, stern voice.
+“I’d like to get hold of her, I would.”
+
+“What would you do to her?” asked Mr. Jennings, smiling.
+
+“I’d give her a good shaking,” answered Hannah.
+
+“I believe you would, Hannah,” said Mr. Jennings, amused. “On the whole,
+I think she had better keep out of your clutches. Still, but for her we
+would never have met with Carl. What is his father’s loss is our gain.”
+
+“What a poor, weak man his father must be,” said Hannah, contemptuously,
+“to let a woman like her turn him against his own flesh and blood!”
+
+“I agree with you, Hannah. I hope some time he may see his mistake.”
+
+Carl kept on his way to the hotel. It was summer and Mr. Thorndike was
+sitting on the piazza smoking a cigar. To him Carl delivered the note.
+
+“It’s all right!” he said, rapidly glancing it over. “You may tell
+Mr. Jennings,” and here he gave an answer to the question asked in the
+letter.
+
+“Yes, sir, I will remember.”
+
+“Won’t you sit down and keep me company a little while?” asked
+Thorndike, who was sociably inclined.
+
+“Thank you, sir,” and Carl sat down in a chair beside him.
+
+“Will you have a cigar?”
+
+“No, thank you, sir. I don’t smoke.”
+
+“That is where you are sensible. I began to smoke at fourteen, and now I
+find it hard to break off. My doctor tells me it is hurting me, but the
+chains of habit are strong.”
+
+“All the more reason for forming good habits, sir.”
+
+“Spoken like a philosopher. Are you in the employ of my friend, Mr.
+Jennings?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Learning the business?”
+
+“That is my present intention.”
+
+“If you ever come out to Chicago, call on me, and if you are out of a
+place, I will give you one.”
+
+“Are you not a little rash, Mr. Thorndike, to offer me a place when you
+know so little of me?”
+
+“I trust a good deal to looks. I care more for them than for
+recommendations.”
+
+At that moment Phil Stark came out of the hotel, and passing them,
+stepped off the piazza into the street.
+
+Mr. Thorndike half rose from his seat, and looked after him.
+
+“Who is that?” he asked, in an exciting whisper.
+
+“A man named Stark, who is boarding at the hotel. Do you know him?”
+
+“Do I know him?” repeated Thorndike. “He is one of the most successful
+burglars in the West.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+PREPARING FOR THE BURGLAR.
+
+
+Carl stared at Mr. Thorndike in surprise and dismay.
+
+“A burglar!” he ejaculated.
+
+“Yes; I was present in the courtroom when he was convicted of robbing
+the Springfield bank. I sat there for three hours, and his face was
+impressed upon my memory. I saw him later on in the Joliet Penitentiary.
+I was visiting the institution and saw the prisoners file out into the
+yard. I recognized this man instantly. Do you know how long he has been
+here?”
+
+“For two weeks I should think.”
+
+“He has some dishonest scheme in his head, I have no doubt. Have you a
+bank in Milford?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“He may have some design upon that.”
+
+“He is very intimate with our bookkeeper, so his nephew tells me.”
+
+Mr. Thorndike looked startled.
+
+“Ha! I scent danger to my friend, Mr. Jennings. He ought to be
+apprised.”
+
+“He shall be, sir,” said Carl, firmly.
+
+“Will you see him to-night?”
+
+“Yes, sir; I am not only in his employ, but I live at his house.”
+
+“That is well.”
+
+“Perhaps I ought to go home at once.”
+
+“No attempt will be made to rob the office till late. It is scarcely
+eight o’clock. I don’t know, however, but I will walk around to the
+house with you, and tell your employer what I know. By the way, what
+sort of a man is the bookkeeper?”
+
+“I don’t know him very well, sir. He has a nephew in the office, who was
+transferred from the factory. I have taken his place.”
+
+“Do you think the bookkeeper would join in a plot to rob his employer?”
+
+“I don’t like him. To me he is always disagreeable, but I would not like
+to say that.”
+
+“How long has he been in the employ of Mr. Jennings?”
+
+“As long as two years, I should think.”
+
+“You say that this man is intimate with him?”
+
+“Leonard Craig--he is the nephew--says that Mr. Philip Stark is at his
+uncle’s house every evening.”
+
+“So he calls himself Philip Stark, does he?”
+
+“Isn’t that his name?”
+
+“I suppose it is one of his names. He was convicted under that name,
+and retains it here on account of its being so far from the place of his
+conviction. Whether it is his real name or not, I do not know. What is
+the name of your bookkeeper?”
+
+“Julius Gibbon.”
+
+“I don’t remember ever having heard it. Evidently there has been some
+past acquaintance between the two men, and that, I should say, is hardly
+a recommendation for Mr. Gibbon. Of course that alone is not enough to
+condemn him, but the intimacy is certainly a suspicious circumstance.”
+
+The two soon reached the house of Mr. Jennings, for the distance was
+only a quarter of a mile.
+
+Mr. Jennings seemed a little surprised, but gave a kindly welcome to
+his unexpected guest. It occurred to him that he might have come to give
+some extra order for goods.
+
+“You are surprised to see me,” said Thorndike. “I came on a very
+important matter.”
+
+A look of inquiry came over the face of Mr. Jennings.
+
+“There’s a thief in the village--a guest at the hotel--whom I recognize
+as one of the most expert burglars in the country.”
+
+“I think I know whom you mean, a man of moderate height, rather thick
+set, with small, black eyes and a slouch hat.”
+
+“Exactly.”
+
+“What can you tell me about him?”
+
+Mr. Thorndike repeated the statement he had already made to Carl.
+
+“Do you think our bank is in danger?” asked the manufacturer.
+
+“Perhaps so, but the chief danger threatens you.”
+
+Mr. Jennings looked surprised.
+
+“What makes you think so?”
+
+“Because this man appears to be very intimate with your bookkeeper.”
+
+“How do you know that?” asked the little man, quickly.
+
+“I refer you to Carl.”
+
+“Leonard Craig told me to-night that this man Stark spent every evening
+at his uncle’s house.”
+
+Mr. Jennings looked troubled.
+
+“I am sorry to hear this,” he said. “I dislike to lose confidence in any
+man whom I have trusted.”
+
+“Have you noticed anything unusual in the demeanor of your bookkeeper of
+late?” asked Thorndike.
+
+“Yes; he has appeared out of spirits and nervous.”
+
+“That would seem to indicate he is conspiring to rob you.”
+
+“This very day, noticing the change in him, I offered him a week’s
+vacation. He promptly declined to take it.”
+
+“Of course. It would conflict with the plans of his confederate. I don’t
+know the man, but I do know human nature, and I venture to predict that
+your safe will be opened within a week. Do you keep anything of value in
+it?”
+
+“There are my books, which are of great value to me.”
+
+“But not to a thief. Anything else?”
+
+“Yes; I have a tin box containing four thousand dollars in government
+bonds.”
+
+“Coupon or registered?”
+
+“Coupon.”
+
+“Nothing could be better--for a burglar. What on earth could induce you
+to keep the bonds in your own safe?”
+
+“To tell the truth, I considered them quite as safe there as in the
+bank. Banks are more likely to be robbed than private individuals.”
+
+“Circumstances alter cases. Does anyone know that you have the bonds in
+your safe?”
+
+“My bookkeeper is aware of it.”
+
+“Then, my friend, I caution you to remove the bonds from so unsafe a
+depository as soon as possible. Unless I am greatly mistaken, this man,
+Stark, has bought over your bookkeeper, and will have his aid in robbing
+you.”
+
+“What is your advice?”
+
+“To remove the bonds this very evening,” said Thorndike.
+
+“Do you think the danger so pressing?”
+
+“Of course I don’t know that an attempt will be made to-night, but it
+is quite possible. Should it be so, you would have an opportunity to
+realize that delays are dangerous.”
+
+“Should Mr. Gibbon find, on opening the safe to-morrow morning, that the
+box is gone, it may lead to an attack upon my house.”
+
+“I wish you to leave the box in the safe.”
+
+“But I understand that you advised me to remove it.”
+
+“Not the box, but the bonds. Listen to my plan. Cut out some newspaper
+slips of about the same bulk as the bonds, put them in place of the
+bonds in the box, and quietly transfer the bonds in your pocket to your
+own house. To-morrow you can place them in the bank. Should no burglary
+be attempted, let the box remain in the safe, just as if its contents
+were valuable.”
+
+“Your advice is good, and I will adopt it,” said Jennings, “and thank
+you for your valuable and friendly instruction.”
+
+“If agreeable to you I will accompany you to the office at once. The
+bonds cannot be removed too soon. Then if anyone sees us entering, it
+will be thought that you are showing me the factory. It will divert
+suspicion, even if we are seen by Stark or your bookkeeper.”
+
+“May I go, too?” asked Carl, eagerly.
+
+“Certainly,” said the manufacturer. “I know, Carl, that you are devoted
+to my interests. It is a comfort to know this, now that I have cause to
+suspect my bookkeeper.”
+
+It was only a little after nine. The night was moderately dark, and Carl
+was intrusted with a wax candle, which he put in his pocket for use in
+the office. They reached the factory without attracting attention, and
+entered by the office door.
+
+Mr. Jennings opened the safe--he and the bookkeeper alone knew the
+combination--and with some anxiety took out the tin box. It was possible
+that the contents had already been removed. But no! on opening it,
+the bonds were found intact. According to Mr. Thorndike’s advice, he
+transferred them to his pocket, and substituted folded paper. Then,
+replacing everything, the safe was once more locked, and the three left
+the office.
+
+Mr. Thorndike returned to the hotel, and Mr. Jennings to his house, but
+Carl asked permission to remain out a while longer.
+
+“It is on my mind that an attempt will be made to-night to rob the
+safe,” he said. “I want to watch near the factory to see if my suspicion
+is correct.”
+
+“Very well, Carl, but don’t stay out too long!” said his employer.
+
+“Suppose I see them entering the office, sir?”
+
+“Don’t interrupt them! They will find themselves badly fooled. Notice
+only if Mr. Gibbon is of the party. I must know whether my bookkeeper is
+to be trusted.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE BURGLARY.
+
+
+Carl seated himself behind a stone wall on the opposite side of the
+street from the factory. The building was on the outskirts of the
+village, though not more than half a mile from the post office, and
+there was very little travel in that direction during the evening. This
+made it more favorable for thieves, though up to the present time
+no burglarious attempt had been made on it. Indeed, Milford had been
+exceptionally fortunate in that respect. Neighboring towns had been
+visited, some of them several times, but Milford had escaped.
+
+The night was quite dark, but not what is called pitchy dark. As
+the eyes became accustomed to the obscurity, they were able to see
+a considerable distance. So it was with Carl. From his place of
+concealment he occasionally raised his head and looked across the way to
+the factory. An hour passed, and he grew tired. It didn’t look as if the
+attempt were to be made that night. Eleven o’clock pealed out from the
+spire of the Baptist Church, a quarter of a mile away. Carl counted the
+strokes, and when the last died into silence, he said to himself:
+
+“I will stay here about ten minutes longer. Then, if no one comes, I
+will give it up for tonight.”
+
+The time was nearly up when his quick ear caught a low murmur of voices.
+Instantly he was on the alert. Waiting till the sound came nearer, he
+ventured to raise his head for an instant above the top of the wall.
+
+His heart beat with excitement when he saw two figures approaching.
+Though it was so dark, he recognized them by their size and outlines.
+They were Julius Gibbon, the bookkeeper, and Phil Stark, the stranger
+staying at the hotel.
+
+Carl watched closely, raising his head for a few seconds at a time above
+the wall, ready to lower it should either glance in his direction. But
+neither of the men did so. Ignorant that they were suspected, it was the
+farthest possible from their thoughts that anyone would be on the watch.
+
+Presently they came so near that Carl could hear their voices.
+
+“I wish it was over,” murmured Gibbon, nervously.
+
+“Don’t worry,” said his companion. “There is no occasion for haste.
+Everybody in Milford is in bed and asleep, and we have several hours at
+our disposal.”
+
+“You must remember that my reputation is at stake. This night’s work may
+undo me.”
+
+“My friend, you can afford to take the chances. Haven’t I agreed to give
+you half the bonds?”
+
+“I shall be suspected, and shall be obliged to stand my ground, while
+you will disappear from the scene.”
+
+“Two thousand dollars will pay you for some inconvenience. I don’t see
+why you should be suspected. You will be supposed to be fast asleep
+on your virtuous couch, while some bad burglar is robbing your worthy
+employer. Of course you will be thunderstruck when in the morning the
+appalling discovery is made. I’ll tell you what will be a good dodge for
+you.”
+
+“Well?”
+
+“Offer a reward of a hundred dollars from your own purse for the
+discovery of the villain who has robbed the safe and abstracted the
+bonds.”
+
+Phil Stark burst out into a loud guffaw as he uttered these words.
+
+“Hush!” said Gibbon, timidly. “I thought I heard some one moving.”
+
+“What a timid fool you are!” muttered Stark, contemptuously. “If I had
+no more pluck, I’d hire myself out to herd cows.”
+
+“It’s a better business,” said Gibbon, bitterly.
+
+“Well, well, each to his taste! If you lose your place as bookkeeper,
+you might offer your services to some farmer. As for me, the danger,
+though there isn’t much, is just enough to make it exciting.”
+
+“I don’t care for any such excitement,” said Gibbon, dispiritedly. “Why
+couldn’t you have kept away and let me earn an honest living?”
+
+“Because I must live as well as you, my dear friend. When this little
+affair is over, you will thank me for helping you to a good thing.”
+
+Of course all this conversation did not take place within Carl’s
+hearing. While it was going on, the men had opened the office door and
+entered. Then, as Carl watched the window closely he saw a narrow gleam
+of light from a dark lantern illuminating the interior.
+
+“Now they are at the safe,” thought Carl.
+
+We, who are privileged, will enter the office and watch the proceedings.
+
+Gibbon had no difficulty in opening the safe, for he was acquainted with
+the combination. Stark thrust in his hand eagerly and drew out the box.
+
+“This is what we want,” he said, in a tone of satisfaction. “Have you a
+key that will open it?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“Then I shall have to take box and all.”
+
+“Let us get through as soon as possible,” said Gibbon, uneasily.
+
+“You can close the safe, if you want to. There is nothing else worth
+taking?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“Then we will evacuate the premises. Is there an old newspaper I can use
+to wrap up the box in? It might look suspicious if anyone should see it
+in our possession.”
+
+“Yes, here is one.”
+
+He handed a copy of a weekly paper to Phil Stark, who skillfully wrapped
+up the box, and placing it under his arm, went out of the office,
+leaving Gibbon to follow.
+
+“Where will you carry it?” asked Gibbon.
+
+“Somewhere out of sight where I can safely open it. I should have
+preferred to take the bonds, and leave the box in the safe. Then the
+bonds might not have been missed for a week or more.”
+
+“That would have been better.”
+
+That was the last that Carl heard. The two disappeared in the darkness,
+and Carl, raising himself from his place of concealment, stretched his
+cramped limbs and made the best of his way home. He thought no one would
+be up, but Mr. Jennings came out from the sitting-room, where he had
+flung himself on a lounge, and met Carl in the hall.
+
+“Well?” he said.
+
+“The safe has been robbed.”
+
+“Who did it?” asked the manufacturer, quickly.
+
+“The two we suspected.”
+
+“Did you see Mr. Gibbon, then?”
+
+“Yes; he was accompanied by Mr. Stark.”
+
+“You saw them enter the factory?”
+
+“Yes, sir; I was crouching behind the stone wall on the other side of
+the road.”
+
+“How long were they inside?”
+
+“Not over fifteen minutes--perhaps only ten.”
+
+“Mr. Gibbon knew the combination,” said Jennings, quietly. “There was no
+occasion to lose time in breaking open the safe. There is some advantage
+in having a friend inside. Did you see them go out?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Carrying the tin box with them?”
+
+“Yes, sir. Mr. Stark wrapped it in a newspaper after they got outside.”
+
+“But you saw the tin box?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Then, if necessary, you can testify to it. I thought it possible that
+Mr. Gibbon might have a key to open it.”
+
+“I overheard Stark regretting that he could not open it so as to
+abstract the bonds and leave the box in the safe. In that case, he said,
+it might be some time before the robbery was discovered.”
+
+“He will himself make an unpleasant discovery when he opens the box. I
+don’t think there is any call to pity him, do you, Carl?”
+
+“No, sir. I should like to be within sight when he opens it.”
+
+The manufacturer laughed quietly.
+
+“Yes,” he said; “if I could see it I should feel repaid for the loss of
+the box. Let it be a lesson for you, my boy. Those who seek to enrich
+themselves by unlawful means are likely in the end to meet with
+disappointment.”
+
+“Do you think I need the lesson?” asked Carl, smiling.
+
+“No, my lad. I am sure you don’t. But you do need a good night’s rest.
+Let us go to bed at once, and get what sleep we may. I won’t allow the
+burglary to keep me awake.”
+
+He laughed in high good humor, and Carl went up to his comfortable room,
+where he soon lost all remembrance of the exciting scene of which he had
+been a witness.
+
+Mr. Jennings went to the factory at the usual time the next morning.
+
+As he entered the office the bookkeeper approached him pale and excited.
+
+“Mr. Jennings,” he said, hurriedly, “I have bad news for you.”
+
+“What is it, Mr. Gibbon?”
+
+“When I opened the safe this morning, I discovered that the tin box had
+been stolen.”
+
+Mr. Jennings took the news quietly.
+
+“Have you any suspicion who took it?” he asked.
+
+“No, sir. I--I hope the loss is not a heavy one.”
+
+“I do not care to make the extent of the loss public. Were there any
+marks of violence? Was the safe broken open?”
+
+“No, sir.”
+
+“Singular; is it not?”
+
+“If you will allow me I will join in offering a reward for the discovery
+of the thief. I feel in a measure responsible.”
+
+“I will think of your offer, Mr. Gibbon.”
+
+“He suspects nothing,” thought Gibbon, with a sigh of relief.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+STARK’S DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+Philip Stark went back to the hotel with the tin box under his arm.
+He would like to have entered the hotel without notice, but this was
+impossible, for the landlord’s nephew was just closing up. Though not
+late for the city, it was very late for the country, and he looked
+surprised when Stark came in.
+
+“I am out late,” said Stark, with a smile.
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“That is, late for Milford. In the city I never go to bed before
+midnight.”
+
+“Have you been out walking?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“You found it rather dark, did you not?”
+
+“It is dark as a pocket.”
+
+“You couldn’t have found the walk a very pleasant one.”
+
+“You are right, my friend; but I didn’t walk for pleasure. The fact is,
+I am rather worried about a business matter. I have learned that I am
+threatened with a heavy loss--an unwise investment in the West--and I
+wanted time to think it over and decide how to act.”
+
+“I see,” answered the clerk, respectfully, for Stark’s words led him to
+think that his guest was a man of wealth.
+
+“I wish I was rich enough to be worried by such a cause,” he said,
+jokingly.
+
+“I wish you were. Some time I may be able to throw something in your
+way.”
+
+“Do you think it would pay me to go to the West?” asked the clerk,
+eagerly.
+
+“I think it quite likely--if you know some one out in that section.”
+
+“But I don’t know anyone.”
+
+“You know me,” said Stark, significantly.
+
+“Do you think you could help me to a place, Mr. Stark?”
+
+“I think I could. A month from now write to me Col. Philip Stark, at
+Denver, Colorado, and I will see if I can find an opening for you.”
+
+“You are very kind, Mr.--I mean Col. Stark,” said the clerk, gratefully.
+
+“Oh, never mind about the title,” returned Stark, smiling
+good-naturedly. “I only gave it to you just now, because everybody
+in Denver knows me as a colonel, and I am afraid a letter otherwise
+addressed would not reach me. By the way, I am sorry that I shall
+probably have to leave you to-morrow.”
+
+“So soon?”
+
+“Yes; it’s this tiresome business. I should not wonder if I might lose
+ten thousand dollars through the folly of my agent. I shall probably
+have to go out to right things.”
+
+“I couldn’t afford to lose ten thousand dollars,” said the young man,
+regarding the capitalist before him with deference.
+
+“No, I expect not. At your age I wasn’t worth ten thousand cents.
+Now--but that’s neither here nor there. Give me a light, please, and I
+will go up to bed.”
+
+“He was about to say how much he is worth now,” soliloquized the clerk.
+“I wish he had not stopped short. If I can’t be rich myself, I like to
+talk with a rich man. There’s hope for me, surely. He says that at my
+age he was not worth ten thousand cents. That is only a hundred dollars,
+and I am worth that. I must keep it to pay my expenses to Colorado, if
+he should send for me in a few weeks.”
+
+The young man had noticed with some curiosity the rather oddly-shaped
+bundle which Stark carried under his arm, but could not see his way
+clear to asking any questions about it. It seemed queer that Stark
+should have it with him while walking. Come to think of it, he
+remembered seeing him go out in the early evening, and he was quite
+confident that at that time he had no bundle with him. However, he was
+influenced only by a spirit of idle curiosity. He had no idea that
+the bundle was of any importance or value. The next day he changed his
+opinion on that subject.
+
+Phil Stark went up to his chamber, and setting the lamp on the bureau,
+first carefully locked the door, and then removed the paper from the tin
+box. He eyed it lovingly, and tried one by one the keys he had in his
+pocket, but none exactly fitted.
+
+As he was experimenting he thought with a smile of the night clerk from
+whom he had just parted.
+
+“Stark,” he soliloquized, addressing himself, “you are an old humbug.
+You have cleverly duped that unsophisticated young man downstairs. He
+looks upon you as a man of unbounded wealth, evidently, while, as a
+matter of fact, you are almost strapped. Let me see how much I have got
+left.”
+
+He took out his wallet, and counted out seven dollars and thirty-eight
+cents.
+
+“That can hardly be said to constitute wealth,” he reflected, “but it is
+all I have over and above the contents of this box. That makes all the
+difference. Gibbon is of opinion that there are four thousand dollars
+in bonds inside, and he expects me to give him half. Shall I do it? Not
+such a fool! I’ll give him fifteen hundred and keep the balance myself.
+That’ll pay him handsomely, and the rest will be a good nestegg for me.
+If Gibbon is only half shrewd he will pull the wool over the eyes of
+that midget of an employer, and retain his place and comfortable salary.
+There will be no evidence against him, and he can pose as an innocent
+man. Bah! what a lot of humbug there is in the world. Well, well, Stark,
+you have your share, no doubt. Otherwise how would you make a living?
+To-morrow I must clear out from Milford, and give it a wide berth in
+future. I suppose there will be a great hue-and-cry about the robbery
+of the safe. It will be just as well for me to be somewhere else. I have
+already given the clerk a good reason for my sudden departure. Confound
+it, it’s a great nuisance that I can’t open this box! I would like to
+know before I go to bed just how much boodle I have acquired. Then I can
+decide how much to give Gibbon. If I dared I’d keep the whole, but he
+might make trouble.”
+
+Phil Stark, or Col. Philip Stark, as he had given his name, had a large
+supply of keys, but none of them seemed to fit the tin box.
+
+“I am afraid I shall excite suspicion if I sit up any longer,” thought
+Stark. “I will go to bed and get up early in the morning. Then I may
+succeed better in opening this plaguy box.”
+
+He removed his clothing and got into bed. The evening had been rather
+an exciting one, but the excitement was a pleasurable one, for he had
+succeeded in the plan which he and the bookkeeper had so ingeniously
+formed and carried out, and here within reach was the rich reward
+after which they had striven. Mr. Stark was not troubled with a
+conscience--that he had got rid of years ago--and he was filled with
+a comfortable consciousness of having retrieved his fortunes when
+they were on the wane. So, in a short time he fell asleep, and slept
+peacefully. Toward morning, however, he had a disquieting dream. It
+seemed to him that he awoke suddenly from slumber and saw Gibbon
+leaving the room with the tin box under his arm. He awoke really with
+beads of perspiration upon his brow--awoke to see by the sun streaming
+in at his window that the morning was well advanced, and the tin box was
+still safe.
+
+“Thank Heaven, it was but a dream!” he murmured. “I must get up and try
+once more to open the box.”
+
+The keys had all been tried, and had proved not to fit. Mr. Stark was
+equal to the emergency. He took from his pocket a button hook and bent
+it so as to make a pick, and after a little experimenting succeeded in
+turning the lock. He lifted the lid eagerly, and with distended eyes
+prepared to gloat upon the stolen bonds. But over his face there came
+a startling change. The ashy blue hue of disappointment succeeded the
+glowing, hopeful look. He snatched at one of the folded slips of paper
+and opened it. Alas! it was valueless, mere waste paper. He sank into a
+chair in a limp, hopeless posture, quite overwhelmed. Then he sprang up
+suddenly, and his expression changed to one of fury and menace.
+
+“If Julius Gibbon has played this trick upon me,” he said, between his
+set teeth, “he shall repent it--bitterly!”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE.
+
+
+Philip Stark sat down to breakfast in a savage frame of mind. He wanted
+to be revenged upon Gibbon, whom he suspected of having deceived him by
+opening and appropriating the bonds, and then arranged to have him carry
+off the box filled with waste paper.
+
+He sat at the table but five minutes, for he had little or no appetite.
+
+From the breakfast room he went out on the piazza, and with corrugated
+brows smoked a cigar, but it failed to have the usual soothing effect.
+
+If he had known the truth he would have left Milford without delay, but
+he was far from suspecting that the deception practiced upon him had
+been arranged by the man whom he wanted to rob. While there seemed
+little inducement for him to stay in Milford, he was determined to seek
+the bookkeeper, and ascertain whether, as he suspected, his confederate
+had in his possession the bonds which he had been scheming for. If so,
+he would compel him by threats to disgorge the larger portion, and then
+leave town at once.
+
+But the problem was, how to see him. He felt that it would be
+venturesome to go round to the factory, as by this time the loss might
+have been discovered. If only the box had been left, the discovery might
+be deferred. Then a bright idea occurred to him. He must get the box out
+of his own possession, as its discovery would compromise him. Why could
+he not arrange to leave it somewhere on the premises of his confederate?
+
+He resolved upon the instant to carry out the idea. He went up to his
+room, wrapped the tin box in a paper, and walked round to the house of
+the bookkeeper. The coast seemed to be clear, as he supposed it would
+be. He slipped into the yard, and swiftly entered an outhouse. There was
+a large wooden chest, or box, which had once been used to store grain.
+Stark lifted the cover, dropped the box inside, and then, with a feeling
+of relief, walked out of the yard. But he had been observed. Mrs. Gibbon
+chanced to be looking out of a side window and saw him. She recognized
+him as the stranger who had been in the habit of spending recent
+evenings with her husband.
+
+“What can he want here at this time?” she asked herself.
+
+She deliberated whether she should go to the door and speak to Stark,
+but decided not to do so.
+
+“He will call at the door if he has anything to say,” she reflected.
+
+Phil Stark walked on till he reached the factory. He felt that he
+must see Julius Gibbon, and satisfy himself as to the meaning of the
+mysterious substitution of waste paper for bonds.
+
+When he reached a point where he could see into the office, he caught
+the eye of Leonard, who was sitting at the window. He beckoned for him
+to come out, and Leonard was glad to do so.
+
+“Where are you going?” asked the bookkeeper, observing the boy’s
+movement.
+
+“Mr. Stark is just across the street, and he beckoned for me.”
+
+Julius Gibbon flushed painfully, and he trembled with nervous agitation,
+for he feared something had happened.
+
+“Very well, go out, but don’t stay long.”
+
+Leonard crossed the street and walked up to Stark, who awaited him,
+looking grim and stern.
+
+“Your uncle is inside?” he asked.
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Tell him I wish to see him at once--on business of importance.”
+
+“He’s busy,” said Leonard. “‘He doesn’t leave the office in business
+hours.”
+
+“Tell him I must see him--do you hear? He’ll come fast enough.”
+
+“I wonder what it’s all about,” thought Leonard, whose curiosity was
+naturally excited.
+
+“Wait a minute!” said Stark, as he turned to go. “Is Jennings in?”
+
+“No, sir, he has gone over to the next town.”
+
+“Probably the box has not been missed, then,” thought Stark. “So much
+the better! I can find out how matters stand, and then leave town.”
+
+“Very well!” he said, aloud, “let your uncle understand that I must see
+him.”
+
+Leonard carried in the message. Gibbon made no objection, but took his
+hat and went out, leaving Leonard in charge of the office.
+
+“Well, what is it?” he asked, hurriedly, as he reached Stark. “Is--is
+the box all right?”
+
+“Look here, Gibbon,” said Stark, harshly, “have you been playing any of
+your infernal tricks upon me?”
+
+“I don’t know what you mean,” responded Gibbon, bewildered.
+
+Stark eyed him sharply, but the bookkeeper was evidently sincere.
+
+“Is there anything wrong?” continued the latter.
+
+“Do you mean to tell me you didn’t know that wretched box was filled
+with waste paper?”
+
+“You don’t mean it?” exclaimed Gibbon, in dismay.
+
+“Yes, I do. I didn’t open it till this morning, and in place of
+government bonds, I found only folded slips of newspaper.”
+
+By this time Gibbon was suspicious. Having no confidence in Stark, it
+occurred to him that it was a ruse to deprive him of his share of the
+bonds.
+
+“I don’t believe you,” he said. “You want to keep all the bonds for
+yourself, and cheat me out of my share.”
+
+“I wish to Heaven you were right. If there had been any bonds, I would
+have acted on the square. But somebody had removed them, and substituted
+paper. I suspected you.”
+
+“I am ready to swear that this has happened without my knowledge,” said
+Gibbon, earnestly.
+
+“How, then, could it have occurred?” asked Stark.
+
+“I don’t know, upon my honor. Where is the box?”
+
+“I--have disposed of it.”
+
+“You should have waited and opened it before me.”
+
+“I asked you if you had a key that would open it. I wanted to open it
+last evening in the office.”
+
+“True.”
+
+“You will see after a while that I was acting on the square. You can
+open it for yourself at your leisure.”
+
+“How can I? I don’t know where it is.”
+
+“Then I can enlighten you,” said Stark, maliciously. “When you go home,
+you will find it in a chest in your woodshed.”
+
+Gibbon turned pale.
+
+“You don’t mean to say you have carried it to my house?” he exclaimed,
+in dismay.
+
+“Yes, I do. I had no further use for it, and thought you had the best
+claim to it.”
+
+“But, good heavens! if it is found there I shall be suspected.”
+
+“Very probably,” answered Stark, coolly. “Take my advice and put it out
+of the way.”
+
+“How could you be so inconsiderate?”
+
+“Because I suspected you of playing me a trick.”
+
+“I swear to you, I didn’t.”
+
+“Then somebody has tricked both of us. Has Mr. Jennings discovered the
+disappearance of the box?”
+
+“Yes, I told him.”
+
+“When?”
+
+“When he came to the office.”
+
+“What did he say?”
+
+“He took the matter coolly. He didn’t say much.”
+
+“Where is he?”
+
+“Gone to Winchester on business.”
+
+“Look here! Do you think he suspects you?”
+
+“I am quite sure not. That is why I told him about the robbery.”
+
+“He might suspect me.”
+
+“He said nothing about suspecting anybody.”
+
+“Do you think he removed the bonds and substituted paper?”
+
+“I don’t think so.”
+
+“If this were the case we should both be in a serious plight. I think I
+had better get out of town. You will have to lend me ten dollars.”
+
+“I don’t see how I can, Stark.”
+
+“You must!” said Stark, sternly, “or I will reveal the whole thing.
+Remember, the box is on your premises.”
+
+“Heavens! what a quandary I am in,” said the bookkeeper, miserably.
+“That must be attended to at once. Why couldn’t you put it anywhere
+else?”
+
+“I told you that I wanted to be revenged upon you.”
+
+“I wish you had never come to Milford,” groaned the bookkeeper.
+
+“I wish I hadn’t myself, as things have turned out.”
+
+They prepared to start for Gibbon’s house, when Mr. Jennings drove
+up. With him were two tall muscular men, whom Stark and Gibbon eyed
+uneasily. The two strangers jumped out of the carriage and advanced
+toward the two confederates.
+
+“Arrest those men!” said Jennings, in a quiet tone. “I charge them with
+opening and robbing my safe last night about eleven o’clock.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+BROUGHT TO BAY.
+
+
+Phil Stark made an effort to get away, but the officer was too quick for
+him. In a trice he was handcuffed.
+
+“What is the meaning of this outrage?” demanded Stark, boldly.
+
+“I have already explained,” said the manufacturer, quietly.
+
+“You are quite on the wrong tack,” continued Stark, brazenly. “Mr.
+Gibbon was just informing me that the safe had been opened and robbed.
+It is the first I knew of it.”
+
+Julius Gibbon seemed quite prostrated by his arrest. He felt it
+necessary to say something, and followed the lead of his companion.
+
+“You will bear me witness, Mr. Jennings,” he said, “that I was the first
+to inform you of the robbery. If I had really committed the burglary, I
+should have taken care to escape during the night.”
+
+“I should be glad to believe in your innocence,” rejoined the
+manufacturer, “but I know more about this matter than you suppose.”
+
+“I won’t answer for Mr. Gibbon,” said Stark, who cared nothing for his
+confederate, if he could contrive to effect his own escape. “Of course
+he had opportunities, as bookkeeper, which an outsider could not have.”
+
+Gibbon eyed his companion in crime distrustfully. He saw that Stark was
+intending to throw him over.
+
+“I am entirely willing to have my room at the hotel searched,” continued
+Stark, gathering confidence. “If you find any traces of the stolen
+property there, you are welcome to make the most of them. I have no
+doubt Mr. Gibbon will make you the same offer in regard to his house.”
+
+Gibbon saw at once the trap which had been so craftily prepared for him.
+He knew that any search of his premises would result in the discovery
+of the tin box, and had no doubt that Stark would be ready to testify to
+any falsehood likely to fasten the guilt upon him. His anger was roused
+and he forgot his prudence.
+
+“You--scoundrel!” he hissed between his closed teeth.
+
+“You seem excited,” sneered Stark. “Is it possible that you object to
+the search?”
+
+“If the missing box is found on my premises,” said Gibbon, in a white
+heat, “it is because you have concealed it there.”
+
+Phil Stark shrugged his shoulders.
+
+“I think, gentlemen,” he said, “that settles it. I am afraid Mr Gibbon
+is guilty. I shall be glad to assist you to recover the stolen property.
+Did the box contain much that was of value?”
+
+“I must caution you both against saying anything that will compromise
+you,” said one of the officers.
+
+“I have nothing to conceal,” went on Stark, brazenly. “I am obliged to
+believe that this man committed the burglary. It is against me that I
+have been his companion for the last week or two, but I used to know
+him, and that will account for it.”
+
+The unhappy bookkeeper saw the coils closing around him.
+
+“I hope you will see your way to release me,” said Stark, addressing
+himself to Mr. Jennings. “I have just received information that my poor
+mother is lying dangerously sick in Cleveland, and I am anxious to start
+for her bedside to-day.”
+
+“Why did you come round here this morning?” asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+“To ask Mr. Gibbon to repay me ten dollars which he borrowed of me the
+other day,” returned Stark, glibly.
+
+“You--liar!” exclaimed Gibbon, angrily.
+
+“I am prepared for this man’s abuse,” said Stark. “I don’t mind
+admitting now that a few days since he invited me to join him in the
+robbery of the safe. I threatened to inform you of his plan, and he
+promised to give it up. I supposed he had done so, but it is clear to me
+now that he carried out his infamous scheme.”
+
+Mr. Jennings looked amused. He admired Stark’s brazen effrontery.
+
+“What have you to say to this charge, Mr. Gibbon?” he asked.
+
+“Only this, sir, that I was concerned in the burglary.”
+
+“He admits it!” said Stark, triumphantly.
+
+“But this man forced me to it. He threatened to write you some
+particulars of my past history which would probably have lost me my
+position if I did not agree to join him in the conspiracy. I was weak,
+and yielded. Now he is ready to betray me to save himself.”
+
+“Mr. Jennings,” said Stark, coldly, “you will know what importance to
+attach to the story of a self-confessed burglar. Gibbon, I hope you will
+see the error of your ways, and restore to your worthy employer the box
+of valuable property which you stole from his safe.”
+
+“This is insufferable!” cried the bookkeeper “You are a double-dyed
+traitor, Phil Stark. You were not only my accomplice, but you instigated
+the crime.”
+
+“You will find it hard to prove this,” sneered Stark. “Mr. Jennings, I
+demand my liberty. If you have any humanity you will not keep me from
+the bedside of my dying mother.” “I admire your audacity, Mr. Stark,”
+ observed the manufacturer, quietly. “Don’t suppose for a moment that I
+give the least credit to your statements.”
+
+“Thank you, sir,” said Gibbon. “I’m ready to accept the consequences of
+my act, but I don’t want that scoundrel and traitor to go free.”
+
+“You can’t prove anything against me,” said Stark, doggedly, “unless
+you accept the word of a self-confessed burglar, who is angry with me
+because I would not join him.”
+
+“All these protestations it would be better for you to keep till your
+trial begins, Mr. Stark,” said the manufacturer. “However, I think
+it only fair to tell you that I am better informed about you and your
+conspiracy than you imagine. Will you tell me where you were at eleven
+o’clock last evening?”
+
+“I was in my room at the hotel--no, I was taking a walk. I had received
+news of my mother’s illness, and I was so much disturbed and grieved
+that I could not remain indoors.”
+
+“You were seen to enter the office of this factory with Mr. Gibbon, and
+after ten minutes came out with the tin box under your arm.”
+
+“Who saw me?” demanded Stark, uneasily.
+
+Carl Crawford came forward and answered this question.
+
+“I did!” he said.
+
+“A likely story! You were in bed and asleep.”
+
+“You are mistaken. I was on watch behind the stone wall just opposite.
+If you want proof, I can repeat some of the conversation that passed
+between you and Mr. Gibbon.”
+
+Without waiting for the request, Carl rehearsed some of the talk already
+recorded in a previous chapter.
+
+Phil Stark began to see that things were getting serious for him, but he
+was game to the last.
+
+“I deny it,” he said, in a loud voice.
+
+“Do you also deny it, Mr. Gibbon?” asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+“No, sir; I admit it,” replied Gibbon, with a triumphant glance at his
+foiled confederate.
+
+“This is a conspiracy against an innocent man,” said Stark, scowling.
+“You want to screen your bookkeeper, if possible. No one has ever before
+charged me with crime.”
+
+“Then how does it happen, Mr. Stark, that you were confined at the
+Joliet penitentiary for a term of years?”
+
+“Did he tell you this?” snarled Stark, pointing to Gibbon.
+
+“No.”
+
+“Who then?”
+
+“A customer of mine from Chicago. He saw you at the hotel, and informed
+Carl last evening of your character. Carl, of course, brought the news
+to me. It was in consequence of this information that I myself removed
+the bonds from the box, early in the evening, and substituted strips of
+paper. Your enterprise, therefore, would have availed you little even if
+you had succeeded in getting off scot-free.”
+
+“I see the game is up,” said Stark, throwing off the mask. “It’s true
+that I have been in the Joliet penitentiary. It was there that I became
+acquainted with your bookkeeper,” he added, maliciously. “Let him deny
+it if he dare.”
+
+“I shall not deny it. It is true,” said Gibbon. “But I had resolved to
+live an honest life in future, and would have done so if this man had
+not pressed me into crime by his threats.”
+
+“I believe you, Mr. Gibbon,” said the manufacturer, gently, “and I will
+see that this is counted in your favor. And now, gentlemen, I think
+there is no occasion for further delay.”
+
+The two men were carried to the lockup and in due time were tried. Stark
+was sentenced to ten years’ imprisonment, Gibbon to five. At the end
+of two years, at the intercession of Mr. Jennings, he was pardoned,
+and furnished with money enough to go to Australia, where, his past
+character unknown, he was able to make an honest living, and gain a
+creditable position.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+AFTER A YEAR.
+
+
+Twelve months passed without any special incident. With Carl it was a
+period of steady and intelligent labor and progress. He had excellent
+mechanical talent, and made remarkable advancement. He was not content
+with attention to his own work, but was a careful observer of the work
+of others, so that in one year he learned as much of the business as
+most boys would have done in three.
+
+When the year was up, Mr. Jennings detained him after supper.
+
+“Do you remember what anniversary this is, Carl?” he asked, pleasantly.
+
+“Yes, sir; it is the anniversary of my going into the factory.”
+
+“Exactly. How are you satisfied with the year and its work?”
+
+“I have been contented and happy, Mr. Jennings; and I feel that I owe my
+happiness and content to you.”
+
+Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+
+“I am glad you say so,” he said, “but it is only fair to add that your
+own industry and intelligence have much to do with the satisfactory
+results of the year.”
+
+“Thank you, sir.”
+
+“The superintendent tells me that outside of your own work you have
+a general knowledge of the business which would make you a valuable
+assistant to himself in case he needed one.”
+
+Carl’s face glowed with pleasure.
+
+“I believe in being thorough,” he said, “and I am interested in every
+department of the business.”
+
+“Before you went into the factory you had not done any work.”
+
+“No, sir; I had attended school.”
+
+“It was not a bad preparation for business, but in some cases it gives a
+boy disinclination for manual labor.”
+
+“Yes; I wouldn’t care to work with my hands all my life.”
+
+“I don’t blame you for that. You have qualified yourself for something
+better. How much do I pay you?”
+
+“I began on two dollars a week and my board. At the end of six months
+you kindly advanced me to four dollars.”
+
+“I dare say you have found it none too much for your wants.”
+
+Carl smiled.
+
+“I have saved forty dollars out of it,” he answered.
+
+Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+
+“You have done admirably,” he said, warmly. “Forty dollars is not a
+large sum, but in laying it by you have formed a habit that will be
+of great service to you in after years. I propose to raise you to ten
+dollars a week.”
+
+“But, sir, shall I earn so much? You are very kind, but I am afraid you
+will be a loser by your liberality.”
+
+Mr. Jennings smiled.
+
+“You are partly right,” he said. “Your services at present are hardly
+worth the sum I have agreed to pay, that is, in the factory, but I shall
+probably impose upon you other duties of an important nature soon.”
+
+“If you do, sir, I will endeavor to meet your expectations.”
+
+“How would you like to take a journey Carl?”
+
+“Very much, sir.”
+
+“I think of sending you--to Chicago.”
+
+Carl, who had thought perhaps of a fifty-mile trip, looked amazed, but
+his delight was equal to his surprise. He had always wished to see the
+West, though Chicago can hardly be called a Western city now, since
+between it and the Pacific there is a broad belt of land two thousand
+miles in extent.
+
+“Do you think I am competent?” he asked, modestly.
+
+“I cannot say positively, but I think so,” answered Mr. Jennings.
+
+“Then I shall be delighted to go. Will it be very soon?”
+
+“Yes, very soon. I shall want you to start next Monday.”
+
+“I will be ready, sir.”
+
+“And I may as well explain what are to be your duties. I am, as you
+know, manufacturing a special line of chairs which I am desirous of
+introducing to the trade. I shall give you the names of men in my line
+in Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago, and it will be your duty to
+call upon them, explain the merits of the chair, and solicit orders. In
+other words, you will be a traveling salesman or drummer. I shall pay
+your traveling expenses, ten dollars a week, and, if your orders exceed
+a certain limit, I shall give you a commission on the surplus.”
+
+“Suppose I don’t reach that limit?”
+
+“I shall at all events feel that you have done your best. I will
+instruct you a little in your duties between now and the time of your
+departure. I should myself like to go in your stead, but I am needed
+here. There are, of course, others in my employ, older than yourself,
+whom I might send, but I have an idea that you will prove to be a good
+salesman.”
+
+“I will try to be, sir.”
+
+On Monday morning Carl left Milford, reached New York in two hours and
+a half and, in accordance with the directions of Mr. Jennings, engaged
+passage and a stateroom on one of the palatial night lines of Hudson
+River steamers to Albany. The boat was well filled with passengers, and
+a few persons were unable to procure staterooms.
+
+Carl, however, applied in time, and obtained an excellent room. He
+deposited his gripsack therein, and then took a seat on deck, meaning to
+enjoy as long as possible the delightful scenery for which the Hudson
+is celebrated. It was his first long journey, and for this reason Carl
+enjoyed it all the more. He could not but contrast his present position
+and prospects with those of a year ago, when, helpless and penniless, he
+left an unhappy home to make his own way.
+
+“What a delightful evening!” said a voice at his side.
+
+Turning, Carl saw sitting by him a young man of about thirty, dressed in
+somewhat pretentious style and wearing eyeglasses. He was tall and thin,
+and had sandy side whiskers.
+
+“Yes, it is a beautiful evening,” replied Carl, politely.
+
+“And the scenery is quite charming. Have you ever been all the way up
+the river?”
+
+“No, but I hope some day to take a day trip.”
+
+“Just so. I am not sure but I prefer the Rhine, with its romantic
+castles and vineclad hills.”
+
+“Have you visited Europe, then?” asked Carl.
+
+“Oh, yes, several times. I have a passion for traveling. Our family is
+wealthy, and I have been able to go where I pleased.”
+
+“That must be very pleasant.”
+
+“It is. My name is Stuyvesant--one of the old Dutch families.”
+
+Carl was not so much impressed, perhaps, as he should have been by this
+announcement, for he knew very little of fashionable life in New York.
+
+“You don’t look like a Dutchman,” he said, smiling.
+
+“I suppose you expected a figure like a beer keg,” rejoined Stuyvesant,
+laughing. “Some of my forefathers may have answered that description,
+but I am not built that way. Are you traveling far?”
+
+“I may go as far as Chicago.”
+
+“Is anyone with you?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“Perhaps you have friends in Chicago?”
+
+“Not that I am aware of. I am traveling on business.”
+
+“Indeed; you are rather young for a business man.”
+
+“I am sixteen.”
+
+“Well, that cannot exactly be called venerable.”
+
+“No, I suppose not.”
+
+“By the way, did you succeed in getting a stateroom?”
+
+“Yes, I have a very good one.”
+
+“You’re in luck, on my word. I was just too late. The man ahead of me
+took the last room.”
+
+“You can get a berth, I suppose.”
+
+“But that is so common. Really, I should not know how to travel without
+a stateroom. Have you anyone with you?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“If you will take me in I will pay the entire expense.”
+
+Carl hesitated. He preferred to be alone, but he was of an obliging
+disposition, and he knew that there were two berths in the stateroom.
+
+“If it will be an accommodation,” he said, “I will let you occupy the
+room with me, Mr. Stuyvesant.”
+
+“Will you, indeed! I shall esteem it a very great favor. Where is your
+room?”
+
+“I will show you.”
+
+Carl led the way to No. 17, followed by his new acquaintance. Mr.
+Stuyvesant seemed very much pleased, and insisted on paying for the room
+at once. Carl accepted half the regular charges, and so the bargain was
+made.
+
+At ten o’clock the two travelers retired to bed. Carl was tired and
+went to sleep at once. He slept through the night. When he awoke in
+the morning the boat was in dock. He heard voices in the cabin, and the
+noise of the transfer of baggage and freight to the wharf.
+
+“I have overslept myself,” he said, and jumped up, hurriedly. He looked
+into the upper berth, but his roommate was gone. Something else was
+gone, too--his valise, and a wallet which he had carried in the pocket
+of his trousers.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+THE LOST BANK BOOK.
+
+
+Carl was not long in concluding that he had been robbed by his roommate.
+It was hard to believe that a Stuyvesant--a representative of one of
+the old Dutch families of New Amsterdam--should have stooped to such
+a discreditable act. Carl was sharp enough, however, to doubt the
+genuineness of Mr. Stuyvesant’s claims to aristocratic lineage.
+Meanwhile he blamed himself for being so easily duped by an artful
+adventurer.
+
+To be sure, it was not as bad as it might be. His pocketbook only
+contained ten dollars in small bills. The balance of his money he had
+deposited for safe keeping in the inside pocket of his vest. This he had
+placed under his pillow, and so it had escaped the notice of the thief.
+
+The satchel contained a supply of shirts, underclothing, etc., and he
+was sorry to lose it. The articles were not expensive, but it would cost
+him from a dozen to fifteen dollars to replace them.
+
+Carl stepped to the door of his stateroom and called a servant who was
+standing near.
+
+“How long have we been at the pier?” he asked.
+
+“About twenty minutes, sir.”
+
+“Did you see my roommate go out?”
+
+“A tall young man in a light overcoat?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Yes, sir. I saw him.”
+
+“Did you notice whether he carried a valise in his hand?”
+
+“A gripsack? Yes, sir.”
+
+“A small one?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“It was mine.”
+
+“You don’t say so, sir! And such a respectable-lookin’ gemman, sir.”
+
+“He may have looked respectable, but he was a thief all the same.”
+
+“You don’t say? Did he take anything else, sir?”
+
+“He took my pocketbook.”
+
+“Well, well! He was a rascal, sure! But maybe it dropped on the floor.”
+
+Carl turned his attention to the carpet, but saw nothing of the lost
+pocketbook. He did find, however, a small book in a brown cover, which
+Stuyvesant had probably dropped. Picking it up, he discovered that it
+was a bank book on the Sixpenny Savings Bank of Albany, standing in the
+name of Rachel Norris, and numbered 17,310.
+
+“This is stolen property, too,” thought Carl. “I wonder if there is much
+in it.”
+
+Opening the book he saw that there were three entries, as follows:
+
+     1883. Jan. 23. Five hundred dollars.
+      “    June 10. Two hundred dollars.
+      “    Oct. 21. One hundred dollars.
+
+There was besides this interest credited to the amount of seventy-five
+dollars. The deposits, therefore, made a grand total of $875.
+
+No doubt Mr. Stuyvesant had stolen this book, but had not as yet found
+an opportunity of utilizing it.
+
+“What’s dat?” asked the colored servant.
+
+“A savings bank book. My roommate must have dropped it. It appears to
+belong to a lady named Rachel Norris. I wish I could get it to her.”
+
+“Is she an Albany lady, sir?”
+
+“I don’t know.”
+
+“You might look in the directory.”
+
+“So I will. It is a good idea.”
+
+“I hope the gemman didn’t take all your money, sir.”
+
+“No; he didn’t even take half of it. I only wish I had been awake when
+the boat got to the dock.”
+
+“I would have called you, sir, if you had asked me.”
+
+“I am not much used to traveling. I shall know better next time what to
+do.”
+
+The finding of the bank book partially consoled Carl for the loss of his
+pocketbook and gripsack. He was glad to be able to defeat Stuyvesant in
+one of his nefarious schemes, and to be the instrument of returning Miss
+Norris her savings bank book.
+
+When he left the boat he walked along till he reached a modest-looking
+hotel, where he thought the charges would be reasonable. He entered,
+and, going to the desk, asked if he could have a room.
+
+“Large or small?” inquired the clerk.
+
+“Small.”
+
+“No. 67. Will you go up now?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“Any baggage?”
+
+“No; I had it stolen on the boat.”
+
+The clerk looked a little suspicious.
+
+“We must require pay in advance, then,” he said.
+
+“Certainly,” answered Carl, pulling out a roll of bills. “I suppose you
+make special terms to commercial travelers?”
+
+“Are you a drummer?”
+
+“Yes. I represent Henry Jennings, of Milford, New York.”
+
+“All right, sir. Our usual rates are two dollars a day. To you they will
+be a dollar and a quarter.”
+
+“Very well; I will pay you for two days. Is breakfast ready?”
+
+“It is on the table, sir.”
+
+“Then I will go in at once. I will go to my room afterwards.”
+
+In spite of his loss, Carl had a hearty appetite, and did justice to the
+comfortable breakfast provided. He bought a morning paper, and ran his
+eye over the advertising columns. He had never before read an Albany
+paper, and wished to get an idea of the city in its business aspect. It
+occurred to him that there might be an advertisement of the lost bank
+book. But no such notice met his eyes.
+
+He went up to his room, which was small and plainly furnished, but
+looked comfortable. Going down again to the office, he looked into the
+Albany directory to see if he could find the name of Rachel Norris.
+
+There was a Rebecca Norris, who was put down as a dressmaker, but that
+was as near as he came to Rachel Norris.
+
+Then he set himself to looking over the other members of the Norris
+family. Finally he picked out Norris & Wade, furnishing goods, and
+decided to call at the store and inquire if they knew any lady named
+Rachel Norris. The prospect of gaining information in this way did not
+seem very promising, but no other course presented itself, and Carl
+determined to follow up the clew, slight as it was.
+
+Though unacquainted with Albany streets, he had little difficulty in
+finding the store of Norris & Wade. It was an establishment of good
+size, well supplied with attractive goods. A clerk came forward to wait
+upon Carl.
+
+“What can I show you?” he asked.
+
+“You may show me Mr. Norris, if you please,” responded Carl, with a
+smile.
+
+“He is in the office,” said the clerk, with an answering smile.
+
+Carl entered the office and saw Mr. Norris, a man of middle age,
+partially bald, with a genial, business-like manner.
+
+“Well, young man?” he said, looking at Carl inquiringly.
+
+“You must excuse me for troubling you, sir,” said Carl, who was afraid
+Mr. Norris would laugh at him, “but I thought you might direct me to
+Rachel Norris.”
+
+Mr. Norris looked surprised.
+
+“What do you want of Rachel Norris?” he asked, abruptly.
+
+“I have a little business with her,” answered Carl.
+
+“Of what nature?”
+
+“Excuse me, but I don’t care to mention it at present.”
+
+“Humph! you are very cautious for a young man, or rather boy.”
+
+“Isn’t that a good trait, sir?”
+
+“Good, but unusual. Are you a schoolboy?”
+
+“No, sir; I am a drummer.”
+
+Mr. Norris put on a pair of glasses and scrutinized Carl more closely.
+
+“I should like to see--just out of curiosity--the man that you travel
+for,” he said.
+
+“I will ask him to call whenever he visits Albany. There is his card.”
+
+Mr. Norris took it.
+
+“Why, bless my soul!” he exclaimed. “It is Henry Jennings, an old
+schoolmate of mine.”
+
+“And a good business man, even if he has sent out such a young drummer.”
+
+“I should say so. There must be something in you, or he wouldn’t have
+trusted you. How is Jennings?”
+
+“He is well, sir--well and prosperous.”
+
+“That is good news. Are you in his employ?”
+
+“Yes, sir. This is the first time I have traveled for him.”
+
+“How far are you going?”
+
+“As far as Chicago.”
+
+“I don’t see what you can have to do with Rachel Norris. However, I
+don’t mind telling you that she is my aunt, and--well, upon my soul!
+Here she is now.”
+
+And he ran hastily to greet a tall, thin lady, wearing a black shawl,
+who at that moment entered the office.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+AN ECCENTRIC WOMAN.
+
+
+Miss Norris dropped into a chair as if she were fatigued.
+
+“Well, Aunt Rachel, how are you feeling this morning?” asked her nephew.
+
+“Out of sorts,” was the laconic reply.
+
+“I am very sorry for that. I suppose there is reason for it.”
+
+“Yes; I’ve been robbed.”
+
+“Indeed!” said Mr. Norris. “Lost your purse? I wonder more ladies are
+not robbed, carrying their money as carelessly as they do.”
+
+“That isn’t it. I am always careful, as careful as any man.”
+
+“Still you got robbed.”
+
+“Yes, but of a bank book.”
+
+Here Carl became attentive. It was clear that he would not have to look
+any farther for the owner of the book he had found in his stateroom.
+
+“What kind of a bank book?” inquired Mr. Norris.
+
+“I had nearly a thousand dollars deposited in the Sixpenny Savings Bank.
+I called at the bank to make some inquiries about interest, and when I
+came out I presume some rascal followed me and stole the book----”
+
+“Have you any idea who took it?”
+
+“I got into the horse cars, near the bank; next to me sat a young man in
+a light overcoat. There was no one on the other side of me. I think he
+must have taken it.”
+
+“That was Stuyvesant,” said Carl to himself.
+
+“When did this happen, Aunt Rachel?”
+
+“Three days since.”
+
+“Why didn’t you do something about it before?”
+
+“I did. I advertised a reward of twenty-five dollars to anyone who would
+restore it to me.”
+
+“There was no occasion for that. By giving notice at the bank, they
+would give you a new book after a time.”
+
+“I preferred to recover the old one. Besides, I thought I would like to
+know what became of it.”
+
+“I can tell you, Miss Norris,” said Carl, who thought it time to speak.
+
+Hitherto Miss Norris had not seemed aware of Carl’s presence. She turned
+abruptly and surveyed him through her glasses.
+
+“Who are you?” she asked.
+
+This might seem rude, but it was only Miss Rachel’s way.
+
+“My name is Carl Crawford.”
+
+“Do I know you?”
+
+“No, Miss Norris, but I hope you will.”
+
+“Humph! that depends. You say you know what became of my bank book?”
+
+“Yes, Miss Norris.”
+
+“Well?”
+
+“It was taken by the young man who sat next to you.”
+
+“How do you know?”
+
+“He robbed me last night on the way from New York in a Hudson River
+steamboat.”
+
+“That doesn’t prove that he robbed me. I was robbed here in this city.”
+
+“What do you say to this?” asked Carl, displaying the bank book.
+
+“Bless me! That is my book. Where did you get it?”
+
+Carl told his story briefly, how, on discovering that he had been
+robbed, he explored the stateroom and found the bank book.
+
+“Well, well, I am astonished! And how did you know Mr. Norris was my
+nephew?”
+
+“I didn’t know. I didn’t know anything about him or you, but finding his
+name in the directory, I came here to ask if he knew any such person.”
+
+“You are a smart boy, and a good, honest one,” said Miss Norris. “You
+have earned the reward, and shall have it.”
+
+“I don’t want any reward, Miss Norris,” rejoined Carl. “I have had very
+little trouble in finding you.”
+
+“That is of no consequence. I offered the reward, and Rachel Norris is a
+woman of her word.”
+
+She thrust her hand into her pocket, and drew out a wallet, more
+suitable to a man’s use. Openings this, she took out three bills, two
+tens and a five, and extended them toward Carl.
+
+“I don’t think I ought to take this money, Miss Norris,” said Carl,
+reluctantly.
+
+“Did that rascal rob you, too?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Of how much?”
+
+“Ten dollars in money and some underclothing.”
+
+“Very well! This money will go toward making up your loss. You are not
+rich, I take it?”
+
+“Not yet.”
+
+“I am, and can afford to give you this money. There, take it.”
+
+“Thank you, Miss Norris.”
+
+“I want to ask one favor of you. If you ever come across that young man
+in the light overcoat, have him arrested, and let me know.”
+
+“I will, Miss Norris.”
+
+“Do you live in Albany?”
+
+Carl explained that he was traveling on business, and should leave the
+next day if he could get through.
+
+“How far are you going?”
+
+“To Chicago.”
+
+“Can you attend to some business for me there?”
+
+“Yes, if it won’t take too long a time.”
+
+“Good! Come round to my house to supper at six o’clock, and I will tell
+you about it. Henry, write my address on a piece of paper, and give it
+to this young man.”
+
+Henry Norris smiled, and did as his aunt requested.
+
+“You have considerable confidence in this young man?” he said.
+
+“I have.”
+
+“You may be mistaken.”
+
+“Rachel Norris is not often mistaken.”
+
+“I will accept your invitation with pleasure, Miss Norris,” said Carl,
+bowing politely. “Now, as I have some business to attend to, I will bid
+you both good-morning.”
+
+As Carl went out, Miss Norris said: “Henry, that is a remarkable boy.”
+
+“I think favorably of him myself. He is in the employ of an old
+schoolmate of mine, Henry Jennings, of Milford. By the way, what
+business are you going to put into his hands?”
+
+“A young man who has a shoe store on State Street has asked me for a
+loan of two thousand dollars to extend his business. His name is John
+French, and his mother was an old schoolmate of mine, though some
+years younger. Now I know nothing of him. If he is a sober, steady,
+industrious young man, I may comply with his request. This boy will
+investigate and report to me.”
+
+“And you will be guided by his report?”
+
+“Probably.”
+
+“Aunt Rachel, you are certainly very eccentric.”
+
+“I may be, but I am not often deceived.”
+
+“Well, I hope you won’t be this time. The boy seems to me a very good
+boy, but you can’t put an old head on young shoulders.”
+
+“Some boys have more sense than men twice their age.”
+
+“You don’t mean me, I hope, Aunt Rachel,” said Mr. Norris, smiling.
+
+“Indeed, I don’t. I shall not flatter you by speaking of you as only
+twice this boy’s age.”
+
+“I see, Aunt Rachel, there is no getting the better of you.”
+
+Meanwhile Carl was making business calls. He obtained a map of the city,
+and located the different firms on which he proposed to call. He had
+been furnished with a list by Mr. Jennings. He was everywhere pleasantly
+received--in some places with an expression of surprise at his
+youth--but when he began to talk he proved to be so well informed upon
+the subject of his call that any prejudice excited by his age quickly
+vanished. He had the satisfaction of securing several unexpectedly
+large orders for the chair, and transmitting them to Mr. Jennings by the
+afternoon mail.
+
+He got through his business at four o’clock, and rested for an hour
+or more at his hotel. Then he arranged his toilet, and set out for the
+residence of Miss Rachel Norris.
+
+It was rather a prim-looking, three-story house, such as might be
+supposed to belong to a maiden lady. He was ushered into a sitting-room
+on the second floor, where Miss Norris soon joined him.
+
+“I am glad to see you, my young friend,” she said, cordially. “You are
+in time.”
+
+“I always try to be, Miss Norris.”
+
+“It is a good way to begin.”
+
+Here a bell rang.
+
+“Supper is ready,” she said. “Follow me downstairs.”
+
+Carl followed the old lady to the rear room on the lower floor. A small
+table was set in the center of the apartment.
+
+“Take a seat opposite me,” said Miss Norris.
+
+There were two other chairs, one on each side--Carl wondered for whom
+they were set. No sooner were he and Miss Norris seated than two large
+cats approached the table, and jumped up, one into each chair. Carl
+looked to see them ordered away, but instead, Miss Norris nodded
+pleasantly, saying: “That’s right, Jane and Molly, you are punctual at
+meals.”
+
+The two cats eyed their mistress gravely, and began to purr contentedly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+CARL TAKES SUPPER WITH MISS NORRIS.
+
+
+“This is my family,” said Miss Norris, pointing to the cats.
+
+“I like cats,” said Carl.
+
+“Do you?” returned Miss Norris, looking pleased. “Most boys tease them.
+Do you see poor Molly’s ear? That wound came from a stone thrown by a
+bad boy.”
+
+“Many boys are cruel,” said Carl, “but I remember that my mother was
+very fond of cats, and I have always protected them from abuse.”
+
+As he spoke he stroked Molly, who purred an acknowledgment of his
+attention. This completed the conquest of Miss Norris, who inwardly
+decided that Carl was the finest boy she had ever met. After she had
+served Carl from the dishes on the table, she poured out two saucers of
+milk and set one before each cat, who, rising upon her hind legs, placed
+her forepaws on the table, and gravely partook of the refreshments
+provided. Jane and Molly were afterwards regaled with cold meat, and
+then, stretching themselves out on their chairs, closed their eyes in
+placid content.
+
+During the meal Miss Norris questioned Carl closely as to his home
+experiences. Having no reason for concealment Carl frankly related his
+troubles with his stepmother, eliciting expressions of sympathy and
+approval from his hostess.
+
+“Your stepmother must be an ugly creature?” she said.
+
+“I am afraid I am prejudiced against her,” said Carl, “but that is my
+opinion.”
+
+“Your father must be very weak to be influenced against his own son by
+such a woman.”
+
+Carl winced a little at this outspoken criticism, for he was attached to
+his father in spite of his unjust treatment.
+
+“My father is an invalid,” he said, apologetically, “and I think he
+yielded for the sake of peace.”
+
+“All the same, he ought not to do it,” said Miss Norris. “Do you ever
+expect to live at home again?”
+
+“Not while my stepmother is there,” answered Carl. “But I don’t know
+that I should care to do so under any circumstances, as I am now
+receiving a business training. I should like to make a little visit
+home,” he added, thoughtfully, “and perhaps I may do so after I
+return from Chicago. I shall have no favors to ask, and shall feel
+independent.”
+
+“If you ever need a home,” said Miss Norris, abruptly, “come here. You
+will be welcome.”
+
+“Thank you very much,” said Carl, gratefully. “It is all the more kind
+in you since you have known me so short a time.”
+
+“I have known you long enough to judge of you,” said the maiden lady.
+“And now if you won’t have anything more we will go into the next room
+and talk business.”
+
+Carl followed her into the adjoining room, and Miss Norris at once
+plunged into the subject. She handed him a business card bearing this
+inscription:
+
+JOHN FRENCH, BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBER GOODS, 42a State Street, CHICAGO.
+
+
+“This young man wants me to lend him two thousand dollars to extend his
+business,” she said. “He is the son of an old school friend, and I am
+willing to oblige him if he is a sober, steady and economical business
+man. I want you to find out whether this is the case and report to me.”
+
+“Won’t that be difficult?” asked Carl.
+
+“Are you afraid to undertake anything that is difficult?”
+
+“No,” answered Carl, with a smile. “I was only afraid I might not do the
+work satisfactorily.”
+
+“I shall give you no instructions,” said Miss Norris. “I shall trust to
+your good judgment. I will give you a letter to Mr. French, which you
+can use or not, as you think wise. Of course, I shall see that you are
+paid for your trouble.”
+
+“Thank you,” said Carl. “I hope my services may be worth compensation.”
+
+“I don’t know how you are situated as to money, but I can give you some
+in advance,” and the old lady opened her pocketbook.
+
+“No, thank you, Miss Norris; I shall not need it. I might have been
+short if you had not kindly paid me a reward for a slight service.”
+
+“Slight, indeed! If you had lost a bank book like mine you would be glad
+to get it back at such a price. If you will catch the rascal who stole
+it I will gladly pay you as much more.”
+
+“I wish I might for my own sake, but I am afraid it would be too late to
+recover my money and clothing.”
+
+At an early hour Carl left the house, promising to write to Miss Norris
+from Chicago.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A STARTLING DISCOVERY.
+
+
+“Well,” thought Carl, as he left the house where he had been so
+hospitably entertained, “I shall not lack for business. Miss Norris
+seems to have a great deal of confidence in me, considering that I am a
+stranger. I will take care that she does not repent it.”
+
+“Can you give a poor man enough money to buy a cheap meal?” asked a
+plaintive voice.
+
+Carl scanned the applicant for charity closely. He was a man of medium
+size, with a pair of small eyes, and a turnup nose. His dress was
+extremely shabby, and he had the appearance of one who was on bad terms
+with fortune. There was nothing striking about his appearance, yet Carl
+regarded him with surprise and wonder. Despite the difference in age, he
+bore a remarkable resemblance to his stepbrother, Peter Cook.
+
+“I haven’t eaten anything for twenty-four hours,” continued the tramp,
+as he may properly be called. “It’s a hard world to such as me, boy.”
+
+“I should judge so from your looks,” answered Carl.
+
+“Indeed you are right. I was born to ill luck.”
+
+Carl had some doubts about this. Those who represent themselves as born
+to ill luck can usually trace the ill luck to errors or shortcomings of
+their own. There are doubtless inequalities of fortune, but not as great
+as many like to represent. Of two boys who start alike one may succeed,
+and the other fail, but in nine cases out of ten the success or failure
+may be traced to a difference in the qualities of the boys.
+
+“Here is a quarter if that will do you any good,” said Carl.
+
+The man clutched at it with avidity.
+
+“Thank you. This will buy me a cup of coffee and a plate of meat, and
+will put new life into me.”
+
+He was about to hurry away, but Carl felt like questioning him further.
+The extraordinary resemblance between this man and his stepbrother led
+him to think it possible that there might be a relationship between
+them. Of his stepmother’s family he knew little or nothing. His father
+had married her on short acquaintance, and she was very reticent about
+her former life. His father was indolent, and had not troubled himself
+to make inquiries. He took her on her own representation as the widow of
+a merchant who had failed in business.
+
+On the impulse of the moment--an impulse which he could not
+explain--Carl asked abruptly--“Is your name Cook?”
+
+A look of surprise, almost of stupefaction, appeared on the man’s face.
+
+“Who told you my name?” he asked.
+
+“Then your name is Cook?”
+
+“What is your object in asking?” said the man, suspiciously.
+
+“I mean you no harm,” returned Carl, “but I have reasons for asking.”
+
+“Did you ever see me before?” asked the man.
+
+“No.”
+
+“Then what makes you think my name is Cook? It is not written on my
+face, is it?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“Then how----”
+
+Carl interrupted him.
+
+“I know a boy named Peter Cook,” he said, “who resembles you very
+strongly.”
+
+“You know Peter Cook--little Peter?” exclaimed the tramp.
+
+“Yes. Is he a relation of yours?”
+
+“I should think so!” responded Cook, emphatically. “He is my own
+son--that is, if he is a boy of about your age.”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Where is he? Is his mother alive?”
+
+“Your wife!” exclaimed Carl, overwhelmed at the thought.
+
+“She was my wife!” said Cook, “but while I was in California, some years
+since, she took possession of my small property, procured a divorce
+through an unprincipled lawyer, and I returned to find myself without
+wife, child or money. Wasn’t that a mean trick?”
+
+“I think it was.”
+
+“Can you tell me where she is?” asked Cook, eagerly.
+
+“Yes, I can.”
+
+“Where can I find my wife?” asked Cook, with much eagerness.
+
+Carl hesitated. He did not like his stepmother; he felt that she had
+treated him meanly, but he was not prepared to reveal her present
+residence till he knew what course Cook intended to pursue.
+
+“She is married again,” he said, watching Cook to see what effect this
+announcement might have upon him.
+
+“I have no objection, I am sure,” responded Cook, indifferently. “Did
+she marry well?”
+
+“She married a man in good circumstances.”
+
+“She would take good care of that.”
+
+“Then you don’t intend to reclaim her?”
+
+“How can I? She obtained a divorce, though by false representations.
+I am glad to be rid of her, but I want her to restore the two thousand
+dollars of which she robbed me. I left my property in her hands, but
+when she ceased to be my wife she had no right to take possession of it.
+I ought not to be surprised, however. It wasn’t the first theft she had
+committed.”
+
+“Can this be true?” asked Carl, excited.
+
+“Yes, I married her without knowing much of her antecedents. Two years
+after marriage I ascertained that she had served a year’s term of
+imprisonment for a theft of jewelry from a lady with whom she was living
+as housekeeper.”
+
+“Are you sure of this?”
+
+“Certainly. She was recognized by a friend of mine, who had been an
+official at the prison. When taxed with it by me she admitted it, but
+claimed that she was innocent. I succeeded in finding a narrative of the
+trial in an old file of papers, and came to the conclusion that she was
+justly convicted.”
+
+“What did you do?”
+
+“I proposed separation, but she begged me to keep the thing secret, and
+let ourselves remain the same as before. I agreed out of consideration
+for her, but had occasion to regret it. My business becoming slack, I
+decided to go to California in the hope of acquiring a competence. I was
+not fortunate there, and was barely able, after a year, to get home. I
+found that my wife had procured a divorce, and appropriated the little
+money I had left. Where she had gone, or where she had conveyed our son,
+I could not learn. You say you know where she is.”
+
+“I do.”
+
+“Will you tell me?”
+
+“Mr. Cook,” said Carl, after a pause for reflection, “I will tell you,
+but not just at present. I am on my way to Chicago on business. On my
+return I will stop here, and take you with me to the present home of
+your former wife. You will understand my interest in the matter when I
+tell you that she is now married to a relative of my own.”
+
+“I pity him whoever he is,” said Cook.
+
+“Yes, I think he is to be pitied,” said Carl, gravely; “but the
+revelation you will be able to make will enable him to insist upon a
+separation.”
+
+“The best thing he can do! How long before you return to Albany?”
+
+“A week or ten days.”
+
+“I don’t know how I am to live in the meantime,” said Cook, anxiously.
+“I am penniless, but for the money you have just given me.”
+
+“At what price can you obtain board?”
+
+“I know of a decent house where I can obtain board and a small room for
+five dollars a week.”
+
+“Here are twelve dollars. This will pay for two weeks’ board, and give
+you a small sum besides. What is the address?”
+
+Cook mentioned a number on a street by the river.
+
+Carl took it down in a notebook with which he had provided himself.
+
+“When I return to Albany,” he said, “I will call there at once.”
+
+“You won’t forget me?”
+
+“No; I shall be even more anxious to meet you than you will be to meet
+me. The one to whom your former wife is married is very near and dear to
+me, and I cannot bear to think that he has been so wronged and imposed
+upon!”
+
+“Very well, sir! I shall wait for you with confidence. If I can get back
+from my former wife the money she robbed me of, I can get on my feet
+again, and take a respectable position in society. It is very hard for a
+man dressed as I am to obtain any employment.”
+
+Looking at his shabby and ragged suit, Carl could readily believe this
+statement. If he had wished to employ anyone he would hardly have been
+tempted to engage a man so discreditable in appearance. “Be of good
+courage, Mr. Cook,” he said, kindly. “If your story is correct, and I
+believe it is, there are better days in store for you.”
+
+“Thank you for those words,” said Cook, earnestly. “They give me new
+hope.”
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+FROM ALBANY TO NIAGARA.
+
+
+Carl took the afternoon train on the following day for Buffalo. His
+thoughts were busy with the startling discovery he had made in regard
+to his stepmother. Though he had never liked her, he had been far from
+imagining that she was under the ban of the law. It made him angry
+to think that his father had been drawn into a marriage with such a
+woman--that the place of his idolized mother had been taken by one who
+had served a term at Sing Sing.
+
+Did Peter know of his mother’s past disgrace? he asked himself. Probably
+not, for it had come before his birth. He only wondered that the secret
+had never got out before. There must be many persons who had known
+her as a prisoner, and could identify her now. She had certainly been
+fortunate with the fear of discovery always haunting her. Carl could
+not understand how she could carry her head so high, and attempt to
+tyrannize over his father and himself.
+
+What the result would be when Dr. Crawford learned the antecedents
+of the woman whom he called wife Carl did not for a moment doubt. His
+father was a man of very strict ideas on the subject of honor, and good
+repute, and the discovery would lead him to turn from Mrs. Crawford in
+abhorrence. Moreover, he was strongly opposed to divorce, and Carl
+had heard him argue that a divorced person should not be permitted to
+remarry. Yet in ignorance he had married a divorced woman, who had been
+convicted of theft, and served a term of imprisonment. The discovery
+would be a great shock to him, and it would lead to a separation and
+restore the cordial relations between himself and his son.
+
+Not long after his settlement in Milford; Carl had written as follows to
+his father:
+
+
+“Dear Father:--Though I felt obliged to leave home for reasons which we
+both understand, I am sure that you will feel interested to know how I
+am getting along. I did not realize till I had started out how difficult
+it is for a boy, brought up like myself, to support himself when thrown
+upon his own exertions. A newsboy can generally earn enough money to
+maintain himself in the style to which he is accustomed, but I have had
+a comfortable and even luxurious home, and could hardly bring myself to
+live in a tenement house, or a very cheap boarding place. Yet I would
+rather do either than stay in a home made unpleasant by the persistent
+hostility of one member.
+
+“I will not take up your time by relating the incidents of the first two
+days after I left home. I came near getting into serious trouble through
+no fault of my own, but happily escaped. When I was nearly penniless
+I fell in with a prosperous manufacturer of furniture who has taken me
+into his employment. He gives me a home in his own house, and pays me
+two dollars a week besides. This is enough to support me economically,
+and I shall after a while receive better pay.
+
+“I am not in the office, but in the factory, and am learning the
+business practically, starting in at the bottom. I think I have a taste
+for it, and the superintendent tells me I am making remarkable progress.
+The time was when I would have hesitated to become a working boy, but I
+have quite got over such foolishness. Mr. Jennings, my employer, who is
+considered a rich man, began as I did, and I hope some day to occupy a
+position similar to his.
+
+“I trust you are quite well and happy, dear father. My only regret is,
+that I cannot see you occasionally. While my stepmother and Peter form
+part of your family, I feel that I can never live at home. They both
+dislike me, and I am afraid I return the feeling. If you are sick or
+need me, do not fail to send for me, for I can never forget that you are
+my father, as I am your affectionate son,
+
+“Carl.”
+
+
+This letter was handed to Dr. Crawford at the breakfast table. He
+colored and looked agitated when he opened the envelope, and Mrs.
+Crawford, who had a large share of curiosity, did not fail to notice
+this.
+
+“From whom is your letter, my dear?” she asked, in the soft tone which
+was habitual with her when she addressed her husband.
+
+“The handwriting is Carl’s,” answered Dr. Crawford, already devouring
+the letter eagerly.
+
+“Oh!” she answered, in a chilly tone. “I have been expecting you would
+hear from him. How much money does he send for?”
+
+“I have not finished the letter.” Dr. Crawford continued reading. When
+he had finished he laid it down beside his plate.
+
+“Well?” said his wife, interrogatively. “What does he have to say? Does
+he ask leave to come home?”
+
+“No; he is quite content where he is.”
+
+“And where is that?”
+
+“At Milford.”
+
+“That is not far away?”
+
+“No; not more than sixty miles.”
+
+“Does he ask for money?”
+
+“No; he is employed.”
+
+“Where?”
+
+“In a furniture factory.”
+
+“Oh, a factory boy.”
+
+“Yes; he is learning the business.”
+
+“He doesn’t seem to be very ambitious,” sneered Mrs. Crawford.
+
+“On the contrary, he is looking forward to being in business for himself
+some day.”
+
+“On your money--I understand.”
+
+“Really, Mrs. Crawford, you do the boy injustice. He hints nothing of
+the kind. He evidently means to raise himself gradually as his employer
+did before him. By the way, he has a home in his employer’s family. I
+think Mr. Jennings must have taken a fancy to Carl.”
+
+“I hope he will find him more agreeable than I did,” said Mrs. Crawford,
+sharply.
+
+“Are you quite sure that you always treated Carl considerately, my
+dear?”
+
+“I didn’t flatter or fondle him, if that is what you mean. I treated him
+as well as he could expect.”
+
+“Did you treat him as well as Peter, for example?”
+
+“No. There is a great difference between the two boys. Peter is always
+respectful and obliging, and doesn’t set up his will against mine. He
+never gives me a moment’s uneasiness.”
+
+“I hope you will continue to find him a comfort, my dear,” said Dr.
+Crawford, meekly.
+
+He looked across the table at the fat, expressionless face of his
+stepson, and he blamed himself because he could not entertain a warmer
+regard for Peter. Somehow he had a slight feeling of antipathy, which he
+tried to overcome.
+
+“No doubt he is a good boy, since his mother says so,” reflected the
+doctor, “but I don’t appreciate him. I will take care, however, that
+neither he nor his mother sees this.”
+
+When Peter heard his mother’s encomium upon him, he laughed in his
+sleeve.
+
+“I’ll remind ma of that when she scolds me,” he said to himself. “I’m
+glad Carl isn’t coming back. He was always interferin’ with me. Now,
+if ma and I play our cards right we’ll get all his father’s money. Ma
+thinks he won’t live long, I heard her say so the other day. Won’t it be
+jolly for ma and me to come into a fortune, and live just as we please!
+I hope ma will go to New York. It’s stupid here, but I s’pose we’ll have
+to stay for the present.”
+
+“Is Carl’s letter private?” asked Mrs. Crawford, after a pause.
+
+“I--I think he would rather I didn’t show it,” returned her husband,
+remembering the allusion made by Carl to his stepmother.
+
+“Oh, well, I am not curious,” said Mrs. Crawford, tossing her head.
+
+None the less, however, she resolved to see and read the letter, if she
+could get hold of it without her husband’s knowledge. He was so careless
+that she did not doubt soon to find it laid down somewhere. In this she
+proved correct. Before the day was over, she found Carl’s letter in her
+husband’s desk. She opened and read it eagerly with a running fire of
+comment.
+
+“‘Reasons which we both understand,’” she repeated, scornfully. “That is
+a covert attack upon me. Of course, I ought to expect that. So he had a
+hard time. Well, it served him right for conducting himself as he did.
+Ah, here is another hit at me--‘Yet I would rather do either than live
+in a home made unpleasant by the persistent hostility of one member.’
+He is trying to set his father against me. Well, he won’t succeed. I can
+twist Dr. Paul Crawford round my finger, luckily, and neither his son
+nor anyone else can diminish my influence over him.”
+
+She read on for some time till she reached this passage: “While my
+stepmother and Peter form a part of your family I can never live at
+home. They both dislike me, and I am afraid I return the feeling.”
+ “Thanks for the information,” she muttered. “I knew it before. This
+letter doesn’t make me feel any more friendly to you, Carl Crawford.
+I see that you are trying to ingratiate yourself with your father, and
+prejudice him against me and my poor Peter, but I think I can defeat
+your kind intentions.”
+
+She folded up the letter, and replaced it in her husband’s desk.
+
+“I wonder if my husband will answer Carl’s artful epistle,” she said to
+herself. “He can if he pleases. He is weak as water, and I will see that
+he goes no farther than words.”
+
+Dr. Crawford did answer Carl’s letter. This is his reply:
+
+
+“Dear Carl:--I am glad to hear that you are comfortably situated. I
+regret that you were so headstrong and unreasonable. It seems to me that
+you might, with a little effort, have got on with your stepmother. You
+could hardly expect her to treat you in the same way as her own son. He
+seems to be a good boy, but I own that I have never been able to become
+attached to him.”
+
+
+Carl read this part of the letter with satisfaction. He knew how mean
+and contemptible Peter was, and it would have gone to his heart to think
+that his father had transferred his affection to the boy he had so much
+reason to dislike.
+
+
+“I am glad you are pleased with your prospects. I think I could have
+done better for you had your relations with your stepmother been such as
+to make it pleasant for you to remain at home. You are right in thinking
+that I am interested in your welfare. I hope, my dear Carl, you will
+become a happy and prosperous man. I do not forget that you are my son,
+and I am still your affectionate father,
+
+“Paul Crawford.”
+
+
+Carl was glad to receive this letter. It showed him that his stepmother
+had not yet succeeded in alienating from him his father’s affection.
+
+But we must return to the point where we left Carl on his journey to
+Buffalo. He enjoyed his trip over the Central road during the hours of
+daylight. He determined on his return to make an all-day trip so that he
+might enjoy the scenery through which he now rode in the darkness.
+
+At Buffalo he had no other business except that of Mr. Jennings, and
+immediately after breakfast he began to make a tour of the furniture
+establishments. He met with excellent success, and had the satisfaction
+of sending home some large orders. In the evening he took train for
+Niagara, wishing to see the falls in the early morning, and resume his
+journey in the afternoon.
+
+He registered at the International Hotel on the American side. It
+was too late to do more than take an evening walk, and see the falls
+gleaming like silver through the darkness.
+
+“I will go to bed early,” thought Carl, “and get up at six o’clock.”
+
+He did go to bed early, but he was more fatigued than he supposed, and
+slept longer than he anticipated. It was eight o’clock before he came
+downstairs. Before going in to breakfast, he took a turn on the piazzas.
+Here he fell in with a sociable gentleman, much addicted to gossip.
+
+“Good-morning!” he said. “Have you seen the falls yet?”
+
+“I caught a glimpse of them last evening I am going to visit them after
+breakfast.”
+
+“There are a good many people staying here just now--some quite noted
+persons, too.”
+
+“Indeed!”
+
+“Yes, what do you say to an English lord?” and Carl’s new friend nodded
+with am important air, as if it reflected great credit on the hotel to
+have so important a guest.
+
+“Does he look different from anyone else?” asked Carl, smiling.
+
+“Well, to tell the truth, he isn’t much to look at,” said the other.
+“The gentleman who is with him looks more stylish. I thought he was the
+lord at first, but I afterwards learned that he was an American named
+Stuyvesant.”
+
+Carl started at the familiar name.
+
+“Is he tall and slender, with side whiskers, and does he wear
+eyeglasses?” he asked, eagerly.
+
+“Yes; you know him then?” said the other, in surprise.
+
+“Yes,” answered Carl, with a smile, “I am slightly acquainted with him.
+I am very anxious to meet him again.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+CARL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF AN ENGLISH LORD.
+
+
+“There they are now,” said the stranger, suddenly pointing out two
+persons walking slowly along the piazza. “The small man, in the rough
+suit, and mutton-chop whiskers, is Lord Bedford.”
+
+Carl eyed the British nobleman with some curiosity. Evidently Lord
+Bedford was no dude. His suit was of rough cloth and ill-fitting. He was
+barely five feet six inches in height, with features decidedly
+plain, but with an absence of pretension that was creditable to him,
+considering that he was really what he purported to be. Stuyvesant
+walked by his side, nearly a head taller, and of more distinguished
+bearing, though of plebeian extraction. His manner was exceedingly
+deferential, and he was praising England and everything English in a
+fulsome manner.
+
+“Yes, my lord,” Carl overheard him say, “I have often thought that
+society in England is far superior to our American society.”
+
+“Thanks, you are very kind,” drawled the nobleman, “but really I
+find things very decent in America, upon my word. I had been reading
+Dickens’s ‘Notes’ before I came over and I expected to find you very
+uncivilized, and--almost aboriginal; but I assure you I have met some
+very gentlemanly persons in America, some almost up to our English
+standard.”
+
+“Really, my lord, such a tribute from a man in your position is most
+gratifying. May I state this on your authority?”
+
+“Yes, I don’t mind, but I would rather not get into the papers, don’t
+you know. You are not a--reporter, I hope.”
+
+“I hope not,” said Mr. Stuyvesant, in a lofty tone. “I am a scion of
+one of the oldest families in New York. Of course I know that social
+position is a very different thing here from what it is in England. It
+must be a gratifying thing to reflect that you are a lord.”
+
+“Yes, I suppose so. I never thought much about it.”
+
+“I should like so much to be a lord. I care little for money.”
+
+“Then, by Jove, you are a remarkable man.”
+
+“In comparison with rank, I mean. I would rather be a lord with a
+thousand pounds a year than a rich merchant with ten times as much.”
+
+“You’ll find it very inconvenient being a lord on a thousand; you might
+as well be a beggar.”
+
+“I suppose, of course, high rank requires a large rent roll. In fact, a
+New York gentleman requires more than a trifle to support him. I can’t
+dress on less than two hundred pounds a year.”
+
+“Your American tailors are high-priced, then?”
+
+“Those that I employ; we have cheap tailors, of course, but I generally
+go to Bell.”
+
+Mr. Stuyvesant was posing as a gentleman of fashion. Carl, who followed
+at a little distance behind the pair, was much amused by his remarks,
+knowing what he did about him.
+
+“I think a little of going to England in a few months,” continued
+Stuyvesant.
+
+“Indeed! You must look me up,” said Bedford, carelessly.
+
+“I should, indeed, be delighted,” said Stuyvesant, effusively.
+
+“That is, if I am in England. I may be on the Continent, but you can
+inquire for me at my club--the Piccadilly.”
+
+“I shall esteem it a great honor, my lord. I have a penchant for good
+society. The lower orders are not attractive to me.”
+
+“They are sometimes more interesting,” said the Englishman; “but do you
+know, I am surprised to hear an American speak in this way. I thought
+you were all on a level here in a republic.”
+
+“Oh, my lord!” expostulated Stuyvesant, deprecatingly. “You don’t think
+I would associate with shopkeepers and common tradesmen?”
+
+“I don’t know. A cousin of mine is interested in a wine business in
+London. He is a younger son with a small fortune, and draws a very tidy
+income from his city business.”
+
+“But his name doesn’t appear on the sign, I infer.”
+
+“No, I think not. Then you are not in business, Mr. Stuyvesant?”
+
+“No; I inherited an income from my father. It isn’t as large as I could
+wish, and I have abstained from marrying because I could not maintain
+the mode of living to which I have been accustomed.”
+
+“You should marry a rich girl.”
+
+“True! I may do so, since your lordship recommends it. In fact, I have
+in view a young lady whose father was once lord mayor (I beg pardon,
+mayor) of New York. Her father is worth a million.”
+
+“Pounds?”
+
+“Well, no, dollars. I should have said two hundred thousand pounds.”
+
+“If the girl is willing, it may be a good plan.”
+
+“Thank you, my lord. Your advice is very kind.”
+
+“The young man seems on very good terms with Lord Bedford,” said Carl’s
+companion, whose name was Atwood, with a shade of envy in his voice.
+
+“Yes,” said Carl.
+
+“I wish he would introduce me,” went on Mr. Atwood.
+
+“I should prefer the introduction of a different man,” said Carl.
+
+“Why? He seems to move in good society.”
+
+“Without belonging to it.”
+
+“Then you know him?”
+
+“Better than I wish I did.”
+
+Atwood looked curious.
+
+“I will explain later,” said Carl; “now I must go in to breakfast.”
+
+“I will go with you.”
+
+Though Stuyvesant had glanced at Carl, he did not appear to recognize
+him, partly, no doubt, because he had no expectation of meeting the boy
+he had robbed, at Niagara. Besides, his time and attention were so much
+taken up by his aristocratic acquaintance that he had little notice for
+anyone else. Carl observed with mingled amusement and vexation that Mr.
+Stuyvesant wore a new necktie, which he had bought for himself in New
+York, and which had been in the stolen gripsack.
+
+“If I can find Lord Bedford alone I will put him on his guard,” thought
+Carl. “I shall spoil Mr. Stuyvesant’s plans.”
+
+After breakfast Carl prepared to go down to the falls.
+
+On the way he overtook Lord Bedford walking in the same direction, and,
+as it happened, without a companion. Carl quickened his pace, and as
+he caught up with him, he raised his hat, and said: “Lord Bedford, I
+believe.”
+
+“Yes,” answered the Englishman, inquiringly.
+
+“I must apologize for addressing a stranger, but I want to put you
+on your guard against a young man whom I saw walking with you on the
+piazza.”
+
+“Is he--what do you know of him?” asked Lord Bedford, laying aside his
+air of indifference.
+
+“I know that he is an adventurer and a thief. I made his acquaintance on
+a Hudson River steamer, and he walked off with my valise and a small sum
+of money.”
+
+“Is this true?” asked the Englishman, in amazement.
+
+“Quite true. He is wearing one of my neckties at this moment.”
+
+“The confounded cad!” ejaculated the Englishman, angrily. “I suppose he
+intended to rob me.”
+
+“I have no doubt of it. That is why I ventured to put you on your
+guard.”
+
+“I am a thousand times obliged to you. Why, the fellow told me he
+belonged to one of the best families in New York.”
+
+“If he does, he doesn’t do much credit to the family.”
+
+“Quite true! Why, he was praising everything English. He evidently
+wanted to gain my confidence.”
+
+“May I ask where you met him?” asked Carl.
+
+“On the train. He offered me a light. Before I knew it, he was chatting
+familiarly with me. But his game is spoiled. I will let him know that I
+see through him and his designs.” “Then my object is accomplished,”
+ said Carl. “Please excuse my want of ceremony.” He turned to leave, but
+Bedford called him back.
+
+“If you are going to the falls, remain with me,” he said. “We shall
+enjoy it better in company.”
+
+“With pleasure. Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford. I am traveling
+on business and don’t belong to one of the first families.”
+
+“I see you will suit me,” said the Englishman, smiling.
+
+Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless. “My lord,” he
+said, “I lost sight of you. If you will allow me I will join you.
+
+“Sir!” said the Englishman, in a freezing voice, “I have not the honor
+of knowing you.”
+
+Stuyvesant was overwhelmed.
+
+“I--I hope I have not offended you, my lord,” he said.
+
+“Sir, I have learned your character from this young man.”
+
+This called the attention of Stuyvesant to Carl. He flushed as he
+recognized him.
+
+“Mr. Stuyvesant,” said Carl, “I must trouble you to return the valise
+you took from my stateroom, and the pocketbook which you borrowed. My
+name is Carl Crawford, and my room is 71.”
+
+Stuyvesant turned away abruptly. He left the valise at the desk, but
+Carl never recovered his money.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+WHAT CARL LEARNED IN CHICAGO.
+
+
+As Carl walked back from the falls he met Mr. Atwood, who was surprised
+to find his young acquaintance on such intimate terms with Lord
+Bedford. He was about to pass with a bow, when Carl, who was
+good-natured, said: “Won’t you join us, Mr. Atwood? If Lord Bedford will
+permit, I should like to introduce you.”
+
+“Glad to know any friend of yours, Mr. Crawford,” said the Englishman,
+affably.
+
+“I feel honored by the introduction,” said Atwood, bowing profoundly.
+
+“I hope you are not a friend of Mr.--ah, Mr. Stuyvesant,” said the
+nobleman, “the person I was talking with this morning. Mr. Crawford
+tells me he is a--what do you call it?--a confidence man.”
+
+“I have no acquaintance with him, my lord. I saw him just now leaving
+the hotel.”
+
+“I am afraid he has gone away with my valise and money,” said Carl.
+
+“If you should be inconvenienced, Mr. Crawford,” said the nobleman, “my
+purse is at your disposal.”
+
+“Thank you very much, Lord Bedford,” said Carl, gratefully. “I am glad
+to say I am still fairly well provided with money.”
+
+“I was about to make you the same offer, Mr. Crawford,” said Atwood.
+
+“Thank you! I appreciate your kindness, even if I’m not obliged to avail
+myself of it.”
+
+Returning to the hotel, Lord Bedford ordered a carriage, and invited
+Atwood and Carl to accompany him on a drive. Mr. Atwood was in an
+ecstasy, and anticipated with proud satisfaction telling his family of
+his intimate friend, Lord Bedford, of England. The peer, though rather
+an ordinary-looking man, seemed to him a model of aristocratic beauty.
+It was a weakness on the part of Mr. Atwood, but an amiable one, and is
+shared by many who live under republican institutions.
+
+After dinner Carl felt obliged to resume his journey. He had found
+his visit to Niagara very agreeable, but his was a business and not a
+pleasure trip, and loyalty to his employer required him to cut it short.
+Lord Bedford shook his hand heartily at parting.
+
+“I hope we shall meet again, Mr. Crawford,” he said. “I expect, myself,
+to reach Chicago on Saturday, and shall be glad to have you call on me
+at the Palmer House.”
+
+“Thank you, my lord; I will certainly inquire for you there.”
+
+“He is a very good fellow, even if he is a lord,” thought Carl.
+
+Our young hero was a thorough American, and was disposed to think with
+Robert Burns, that
+
+    “The rank is but the guinea, stamp;
+    The man’s the gold for a’ that!”
+
+No incident worth recording befell Carl on his trip to Chicago. As a
+salesman he met with excellent success, and surprised Mr. Jennings by
+the size of his orders. He was led, on reaching Chicago, to register at
+the Sherman House, on Clark Street, one of the most reliable among the
+many houses for travelers offered by the great Western metropolis.
+
+On the second day he made it a point to find out the store of John
+French, hoping to acquire the information desired by Miss Norris.
+
+It was a store of good size, and apparently well stocked. Feeling the
+need of new footgear, Carl entered and asked to be shown some shoes. He
+was waited upon by a young clerk named Gray, with whom he struck up a
+pleasant acquaintance.
+
+“Do you live in Chicago?” asked Gray? sociably.
+
+“No; I am from New York State. I am here on business.”
+
+“Staying at a hotel?”
+
+“Yes, at the Sherman. If you are at leisure this evening I shall be glad
+to have you call on me. I am a stranger here, and likely to find the
+time hang heavy on my hands.”
+
+“I shall be free at six o’clock.”
+
+“Then come to supper with me.”
+
+“Thank you, I shall be glad to do so,” answered Gray, with alacrity.
+Living as he did at a cheap boarding house, the prospect of a supper at
+a first-class hotel was very attractive. He was a pleasant-faced young
+man of twenty, who had drifted to Chicago from his country home in
+Indiana, and found it hard to make both ends meet on a salary of nine
+dollars a week. His habits were good, his manner was attractive and
+won him popularity with customer’s, and with patience he was likely to
+succeed in the end.
+
+“I wish I could live like this every day,” he said, as he rose from a
+luxurious supper. “At present my finances won’t allow me to board at the
+Sherman.”
+
+“Nor would mine,” said Carl; “but I am allowed to spend money more
+freely when I am traveling.”
+
+“Are you acquainted in New York?” asked Gray.
+
+“I have little or no acquaintance in the city,” answered Carl.
+
+“I should be glad to get a position there.”
+
+“Are you not satisfied with your present place?”
+
+“I am afraid I shall not long keep it.”
+
+“Why not? Do you think you are in any danger of being discharged?”
+
+“It is not that. I am afraid Mr. French will be obliged to give up
+business.”
+
+“Why?” asked Carl, with keen interest.
+
+“I have reason to think he is embarrassed. I know that he has a good
+many bills out, some of which have been running a long time. If any
+pressure is brought to bear upon him, he may have to suspend.”
+
+Carl felt that he was obtaining important information. If Mr. French
+were in such a condition Miss Norris would be pretty sure to lose her
+money if she advanced it.
+
+“To what do you attribute Mr. French’s embarrassment?” he asked.
+
+“He lives expensively in a handsome house near Lincoln Park, and draws
+heavily upon the business for his living expenses. I think that explains
+it. I only wonder that he has been able to hold out so long.”
+
+“Perhaps if he were assisted he would be able to keep his head above
+water.”
+
+“He would need a good deal of assistance. You see that my place isn’t
+very secure, and I shall soon need to be looking up another.”
+
+“I don’t think I shall need to inquire any farther,” thought Carl. “It
+seems to me Miss Norris had better keep her money.”
+
+Before he retired he indited the following letter to his Albany
+employer:
+
+
+Miss Rachel Norris.
+
+“Dear Madam:--I have attended to your commission, and have to report
+that Mr. French appears to be involved in business embarrassments, and
+in great danger to bankruptcy. The loan he asks of you would no doubt be
+of service, but probably would not long delay the crash. If you wish to
+assist him, it would be better to allow him to fail, and then advance
+him the money to put him on his feet. I am told that his troubles come
+from living beyond his means.
+
+“Yours respectfully,
+
+“Carl Crawford.”
+
+
+By return mail Carl received the following note:
+
+
+“My Dear Young Friend:--Your report confirms the confidence I reposed in
+you. It is just the information I desired. I shall take your advice and
+refuse the loan. What other action I may take hereafter I cannot tell.
+When you return, should you stop in Albany, please call on me. If unable
+to do this, write me from Milford.
+
+“Your friend,
+
+“Rachel Norris.”
+
+
+Carl was detained for several days in Chicago. He chanced to meet his
+English friend, Lord Bedford, upon his arrival, and the nobleman, on
+learning where he was staying, also registered at the Sherman House. In
+his company Carl took a drive over the magnificent boulevard which is
+the pride of Chicago, and rose several degrees in the opinion of those
+guests who noticed his intimacy with the English guest.
+
+Carl had just completed his Chicago business when, on entering the
+hotel, he was surprised to see a neighbor of his father’s--Cyrus
+Robinson--a prominent business man of Edgewood Center. Carl was
+delighted, for he had not been home, or seen any home friends for over a
+year.
+
+“I am glad to see you, Mr. Robinson,” he said, offering his hand.
+
+“What! Carl Crawford!” exclaimed Robinson, in amazement. “How came you
+in Chicago? Your father did not tell me you were here.”
+
+“He does not know it. I am only here on a business visit. Tell me, Mr.
+Robinson, how is my father?”
+
+“I think, Carl, that he is not at all well. I am quite sure he misses
+you, and I don’t believe your stepmother’s influence over him is
+beneficial. Just before I came away I heard a rumor that troubled me. It
+is believed in Edgewood that she is trying to induce your father to make
+a will leaving all, or nearly all his property to her and her son.”
+
+“I don’t care so much for that, Mr. Robinson, as for my father’s
+health.”
+
+“Carl,” said Robinson, significantly, “if such a will is made I don’t
+believe your father will live long after it.”
+
+“You don’t mean that?” said Carl, horror-struck.
+
+“I think Mrs. Crawford, by artful means will worry your father to death.
+He is of a nervous temperament, and an unscrupulous woman can shorten
+his life without laying herself open to the law.”
+
+Carl’s face grew stern.
+
+“I will save my father,” he said, “and defeat my stepmother’s wicked
+schemes.”
+
+“I pray Heaven you can. There is no time to be lost.”
+
+“I shall lose no time, you may be sure. I shall be at Edgewood within a
+week.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+MAKING A WILL.
+
+
+In Edgewood Center events moved slowly. In Carl Crawford’s home dullness
+reigned supreme. He had been the life of the house, and his absence,
+though welcome to his stepmother, was seriously felt by his father, who
+day by day became thinner and weaker, while his step grew listless and
+his face seldom brightened with a smile. He was anxious to have Carl at
+home again, and the desire became so strong that he finally broached the
+subject.
+
+“My dear,” he said one day at the breakfast table, “I have been thinking
+of Carl considerably of late.”
+
+“Indeed!” said Mrs. Crawford, coldly.
+
+“I think I should like to have him at home once more.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford smiled ominously.
+
+“He is better off where he is,” she said, softly.
+
+“But he is my only son, and I never see him,” pleaded her husband.
+
+“You know very well, Dr. Crawford,” rejoined his wife, “that your son
+only made trouble in the house while he was here.”
+
+“Yet it seems hard that he should be driven from his father’s home, and
+forced to take refuge among strangers.”
+
+“I don’t know what you mean by his being driven from home,” said Mrs.
+Crawford, tossing her head. “He made himself disagreeable, and, not
+being able to have his own way, he took French leave.”
+
+“The house seems very lonely without him,” went on Dr. Crawford, who was
+too wise to get into an argument with his wife.
+
+“It certainly is more quiet. As for company, Peter is still here, and
+would at any time stay with you.”
+
+Peter did not relish this suggestion, and did not indorse it.
+
+“I should not care to confine him to the house,” said Dr. Crawford, as
+his glance rested on the plain and by no means agreeable face of his
+stepson.
+
+“I suppose I need not speak of myself. You know that you can always call
+upon me.”
+
+If Dr. Crawford had been warmly attached to his second wife, this
+proposal would have cheered him, but the time had gone by when he found
+any pleasure in her society. There was a feeling of almost repulsion
+which he tried to conceal, and he was obliged to acknowledge to himself
+that the presence of his wife gave him rather uneasiness than comfort.
+
+“Carl is very well off where he is,” resumed Mrs. Crawford. “He is
+filling a business position, humble, perhaps, but still one that gives
+him his living and keeps him out of mischief. Let well enough alone,
+doctor, and don’t interrupt his plans.”
+
+“I--I may be foolish,” said the doctor, hesitating, “but I have not been
+feeling as well as usual lately, and if anything should happen to me
+while Carl was absent I should die very unhappy.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford regarded her husband with uneasiness.
+
+“Do you mean that you think you are in any danger?” she asked.
+
+“I don’t know. I am not an old man, but, on the other hand, I am an
+invalid. My father died when he was only a year older than I am at
+present.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford drew out her handkerchief, and proceeded to wipe her
+tearless eyes.
+
+“You distress me beyond measure by your words, my dear husband. How can
+I think of your death without emotion? What should I do without you?”
+
+“My dear, you must expect to survive me. You are younger than I, and
+much stronger.”
+
+“Besides,” and Mrs. Crawford made an artful pause, “I hardly like to
+mention it, but Peter and I are poor, and by your death might be left to
+the cold mercies of the world.”
+
+“Surely I would not fail to provide for you.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford shook her head.
+
+“I am sure of your kind intentions, my husband,” she said, “but they
+will not avail unless you provide for me in your will.”
+
+“Yes, it’s only right that I should do so. As soon as I feel equal to
+the effort I will draw up a will.”
+
+“I hope you will, for I should not care to be dependent on Carl, who
+does not like me. I hope you will not think me mercenary, but to Peter
+and myself this is of vital importance.”
+
+“No, I don’t misjudge you. I ought to have thought of it before.”
+
+“I don’t care so much about myself,” said Mrs. Crawford, in a tone of
+self-sacrifice, “but I should not like to have Peter thrown upon the
+world without means.”
+
+“All that you say is wise and reasonable,” answered her husband,
+wearily. “I will attend to the matter to-morrow.”
+
+The next day Mrs. Crawford came into her husband’s presence with a sheet
+of legal cap.
+
+“My dear husband,” she said, in a soft, insinuating tone, “I wished to
+spare you trouble, and I have accordingly drawn up a will to submit to
+you, and receive your signature, if you approve it.”
+
+Dr. Crawford looked surprised.
+
+“Where did you learn to write a will?” he asked.
+
+“I used in my days of poverty to copy documents for a lawyer,” she
+replied. “In this way I became something of a lawyer myself.”
+
+“I see. Will you read what you have prepared?”
+
+Mrs. Crawford read the document in her hand. It provided in the proper
+legal phraseology for an equal division of the testator’s estate between
+the widow and Carl.
+
+“I didn’t know, of course, what provision you intended to make for me,”
+ she said, meekly. “Perhaps you do not care to leave me half the estate.”
+
+“Yes, that seems only fair. You do not mention Peter. I ought to do
+something for him.”
+
+“Your kindness touches me, my dear husband, but I shall be able to
+provide for him out of my liberal bequest. I do not wish to rob your
+son, Carl. I admit that I do not like him, but that shall not hinder me
+from being just.”
+
+Dr. Crawford was pleased with this unexpected concession from his wife.
+He felt that he should be more at ease if Carl’s future was assured.
+
+“Very well, my dear,” he said, cheerfully. “I approve of the will as you
+have drawn it up, and I will affix my signature at once.” “Then, shall I
+send for two of the neighbors to witness it?”
+
+“It will be well.”
+
+Two near neighbors were sent for and witnessed Dr. Crawford’s signature
+to the will.
+
+There was a strangely triumphant look in Mrs. Crawford’s eyes as she
+took the document after it had been duly executed.
+
+“You will let me keep this, doctor?” she asked. “It will be important
+for your son as well as myself, that it should be in safe hands.”
+
+“Yes; I shall be glad to have you do so. I rejoice that it is off my
+mind.”
+
+“You won’t think me mercenary, my dear husband, or indifferent to your
+life?”
+
+“No; why should I?”
+
+“Then I am satisfied.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford took the will, and carrying it upstairs, opened her trunk,
+removed the false bottom, and deposited under it the last will and
+testament of Dr. Paul Crawford.
+
+“At last!” she said to herself. “I am secure, and have compassed what I
+have labored for so long.”
+
+Dr. Crawford had not noticed that the will to which he affixed his
+signature was not the same that had been read to him. Mrs. Crawford had
+artfully substituted another paper of quite different tenor. By the will
+actually executed, the entire estate was left to Mrs. Crawford, who was
+left guardian of her son and Carl, and authorized to make such provision
+for each as she might deem suitable. This, of course, made Carl entirely
+dependent on a woman who hated him.
+
+“Now, Dr. Paul Crawford,” said Mrs. Crawford to herself, with a cold
+smile, “you may die as soon as you please. Peter and I are provided for.
+Your father died when a year older than you are now, you tell me. It is
+hardly likely that you will live to a greater age than he.”
+
+She called the next day on the family physician, and with apparent
+solicitude asked his opinion of Dr. Crawford’s health.
+
+“He is all I have,” she said, pathetically, “all except my dear Peter.
+Tell me what you think of his chances of continued life.”
+
+“Your husband,” replied the physician, “has one weak organ. It is his
+heart. He may live for fifteen or twenty years, but a sudden excitement
+might carry him off in a moment. The best thing you can do for him is to
+keep him tranquil and free from any sudden shock.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford listened attentively.
+
+“I will do my best,” she said, “since so much depends on it.”
+
+When she returned home it was with a settled purpose in her heart.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+PETER LETS OUT A SECRET.
+
+
+“Can you direct me to the house of Dr. Crawford?” asked a stranger.
+
+The inquiry was addressed to Peter Cook in front of the hotel in
+Edgewood Center.
+
+“Yes, sir; he is my stepfather!”
+
+“Indeed! I did not know that my old friend was married again. You say
+you are his stepson?”
+
+“Yes, sir.”
+
+“He has an own son, about your age, I should judge.”
+
+“That’s Carl! he is a little older than me.”
+
+“Is he at home?”
+
+“No,” answered Peter, pursing up his lips.
+
+“Is he absent at boarding school?”
+
+“No; he’s left home.”
+
+“Indeed!” ejaculated the stranger, in surprise. “How is that?”
+
+“He was awfully hard to get along with, and didn’t treat mother with
+any respect. He wanted to have his own way, and, of course, ma couldn’t
+stand that.”
+
+“I see,” returned the stranger, and he eyed Peter curiously. “What did
+his father say to his leaving home?” he asked.
+
+“Oh, he always does as ma wishes.”
+
+“Was Carl willing to leave home?”
+
+“Yes; he said he would rather go than obey ma.”
+
+“I suppose he receives an allowance from his father?”
+
+“No; he wanted one, but ma put her foot down and said he shouldn’t have
+one.”
+
+“Your mother seems to be a woman of considerable firmness.”
+
+“You bet, she’s firm. She don’t allow no boy to boss her.”
+
+“Really, this boy is a curiosity,” said Reuben Ashcroft to himself. “He
+doesn’t excel in the amiable and attractive qualities. He has a sort of
+brutal frankness which can’t keep a secret.”
+
+“How did you and Carl get along together?” he asked, aloud.
+
+“We didn’t get along at all. He wanted to boss me, and ma and I wouldn’t
+have it.”
+
+“So the upshot was that he had to leave the house and you remained?”
+
+“Yes, that’s the way of it,” said Peter, laughing.
+
+“And Carl was actually sent out to earn his own living without help of
+any kind from his father?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“What is he doing?” asked Ashcroft, in some excitement. “Good heavens!
+he may have suffered from hunger.”
+
+“Are you a friend of his?” asked Peter, sharply.
+
+“I am a friend of anyone who requires a friend.”
+
+“Carl is getting along well enough. He is at work in some factory in
+Milford, and gets a living.”
+
+“Hasn’t he been back since he first left home?”
+
+“No.”
+
+“How long ago is that?”
+
+“Oh, ‘bout a year,” answered Peter, carelessly.
+
+“How is Dr. Crawford? Is he in good health?”
+
+“He ain’t very well. Ma told me the other day she didn’t think he would
+live long. She got him to make a will the other day.”
+
+“Why, this seems to be a conspiracy!” thought Ashcroft. “I’d give
+something to see that will.”
+
+“I suppose he will provide for you and your mother handsomely?”
+
+“Yes; ma said she was to have control of the property. I guess Carl will
+have to stand round if he expects any favors.”
+
+“It is evident this boy can’t keep a secret,” thought Ashcroft. “All the
+better for me. I hope I am in time to defeat this woman’s schemes.”
+
+“There’s the house,” said Peter, pointing it out.
+
+“Do you think Dr. Crawford is at home?”
+
+“Oh, yes, he doesn’t go out much. Ma is away this afternoon. She’s at
+the sewing circle, I think.”
+
+“Thank you for serving as my guide,” said Ashcroft. “There’s a little
+acknowledgment which I hope will be of service to you.”
+
+He offered a half dollar to Peter, who accepted it joyfully and was
+profuse in his thanks.
+
+“Now, if you will be kind enough to tell the doctor that an old friend
+wishes to see him, I shall be still further obliged.”
+
+“Just follow me, then,” said Peter, and he led the way into the
+sitting-room.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+Dr. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK.
+
+
+After the first greetings, Reuben Ashcroft noticed with pain the fragile
+look of his friend.
+
+“Are you well?” he asked
+
+“I am not very strong,” said Dr. Crawford, smiling faintly, “but Mrs.
+Crawford takes good care of me.”
+
+“And Carl, too--he is no doubt a comfort to you?”
+
+Dr. Crawford flushed painfully.
+
+“Carl has been away from home for a year, he said, with an effort.
+
+“That is strange your own son, too! Is there anything unpleasant? You
+may confide in me, as I am the cousin of Carl’s mother.’
+
+“The fact is, Carl and Mrs. Crawford didn’t hit it off very well.”
+
+“And you took sides against your own son, said Ashcroft, indignantly.
+
+“I begin to think I was wrong, Reuben. You don’t know how I have missed
+the boy.
+
+“Yet you sent him out into the world without a penny.”
+
+“How do you know that?” asked Dr. Crawford quickly.
+
+“I had a little conversation with your stepson as I came to the house.
+He spoke very frankly and unreservedly about family affairs; He says you
+do whatever his mother tells you.”
+
+Dr. Crawford looked annoyed and blushed with shame.
+
+“Did he say that?” he asked.
+
+“Yes; he said his mother would not allow you to help Carl.”
+
+“He--misunderstood.”
+
+“Paul, I fear he understands the case only too well. I don’t want to
+pain you, but your wife is counting on your speedy death.”
+
+“I told her I didn’t think I should live long.”
+
+“And she got you to make a will?”
+
+“Yes; did Peter tell you that?”
+
+“He said his mother was to have control of the property, and Carl would
+get nothing if he didn’t act so as to please her.”
+
+“There is some mistake here. By my will--made yesterday--Carl is to
+have an equal share, and nothing is said about his being dependent on
+anyone.”
+
+“Who drew up the will?”
+
+“Mrs. Crawford.”
+
+“Did you read it?”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+Ashcroft looked puzzled.
+
+“I should like to read the will myself,” he said, after a pause. “Where
+is it now?”
+
+“Mrs. Crawford has charge of it.”
+
+Reuben Ashcroft remained silent, but his mind was busy.
+
+“That woman is a genius of craft,” he said to himself. “My poor friend
+is but a child in her hands. I did not know Paul would be so pitiably
+weak.”
+
+“How do you happen to be here in Edgewood, Reuben?” asked the doctor.
+
+“I had a little errand in the next town, and could not resist the
+temptation of visiting you.”
+
+“You can stay a day or two, can you not?”
+
+“I will, though I had not expected to do so.”
+
+“Mrs. Crawford is away this afternoon. She will be back presently, and
+then I will introduce you.”
+
+At five o’clock Mrs. Crawford returned, and her husband introduced her
+to his friend.
+
+Ashcroft fixed his eyes upon her searchingly.
+
+“Her face looks strangely familiar,” he said to himself. “Where can I
+have seen her?”
+
+Mrs. Crawford, like all persons who have a secret to conceal, was
+distrustful of strangers. She took an instant dislike to Reuben
+Ashcroft, and her greeting was exceedingly cold.
+
+“I have invited Mr. Ashcroft to make me a visit of two or three days, my
+dear,” said her husband. “He is a cousin to Carl’s mother.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford made no response, but kept her eyes fixed upon the carpet.
+She could not have shown more plainly that the invitation was not
+approved by her.
+
+“Madam does not want me here,” thought Ashcroft, as he fixed his gaze
+once more upon his friend’s wife. Again the face looked familiar, but he
+could not place it.
+
+“Have I not seen you before, Mrs. Crawford?” he asked, abruptly.
+
+“I don’t remember you,” she answered, slowly. “Probably I resemble some
+one you have met.”
+
+“Perhaps so,” answered Ashcroft, but he could not get rid of the
+conviction that somewhere and some time in the past he had met Mrs.
+Crawford, and under circumstances that had fixed her countenance in his
+memory.
+
+After supper Dr. Crawford said: “My dear, I have told our guest that I
+had, as a prudential measure, made my will. I wish you would get it, and
+let me read it to him.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford looked startled and annoyed.
+
+“Couldn’t you tell him the provisions of it?” she said.
+
+“Yes, but I should like to show him the document.”
+
+She turned and went upstairs. She was absent at least ten minutes. When
+she returned she was empty-handed.
+
+“I am sorry to say,” she remarked, with a forced laugh, “that I have
+laid away the will so carefully that I can’t find it.”
+
+Ashcroft fixed a searching look upon her, that evidently annoyed her.
+
+“I may be able to find it to-morrow,” she resumed.
+
+“I think you told me, Paul,” said Ashcroft, turning to Dr. Crawford,
+“that by the will your estate is divided equally between Carl and Mrs.
+Crawford.”
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“And nothing is said of any guardianship on the part of Mrs. Crawford?”
+
+“No; I think it would be better, Ashcroft, that you should be Carl’s
+guardian. A man can study his interests and control him better.”
+
+“I will accept the trust,” said Ashcroft, “though I hope it may be many
+years before the necessity arises.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford bit her lips, and darted an angry glance at the two
+friends. She foresaw that her plans were threatened with failure.
+
+The two men chatted throughout the evening, and Dr. Crawford had never
+of late seemed happier. It gave him new life and raised his spirits to
+chat over old times with his early friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+A MAN OF ENERGY.
+
+
+The next morning Ashcroft said to his host: “Paul, let us take a walk to
+the village.”
+
+Dr. Crawford put on his hat, and went out with his friend.
+
+“Now, Paul,” said Ashcroft, when they were some rods distant from the
+house, “is there a lawyer in Edgewood?”
+
+“Certainly, and a good one.”
+
+“Did he indite your will?”
+
+“No; Mrs. Crawford wrote it out. She was at one time copyist for a
+lawyer.”
+
+“Take my advice and have another drawn up to-day without mentioning the
+matter to her. She admits having mislaid the one made yesterday.”
+
+“It may be a good idea.”
+
+“Certainly, it is a prudent precaution. Then you will be sure that all
+is safe. I have, myself, executed a duplicate will. One I keep, the
+other I have deposited with my lawyer.”
+
+Ashcroft was a man of energy. He saw that Dr. Crawford, who was of a
+weak, vacillating temper, executed the will. He and another witnessed
+it, and the document was left with the lawyer.
+
+“You think I had better not mention the matter to Mrs. Crawford?” he
+said.
+
+“By no means--she might think it was a reflection upon her for
+carelessly mislaying the first.”
+
+“True,” and the doctor, who was fond of peace, consented to his friend’s
+plan.
+
+“By the way,” asked Ashcroft, “who was your wife what was her name, I
+mean--before her second marriage?”
+
+“She was a Mrs. Cook.”
+
+“Oh, I see,” said Ashcroft, and his face lighted up with surprise and
+intelligence.
+
+“What do you see?” inquired Dr. Crawford. “I thought your wife’s face
+was familiar. I met her once when she was Mrs. Cook.”
+
+“You knew her, then?”
+
+“No, I never exchanged a word with her till I met her under this roof.
+
+“How can I tell him that I first saw her when a visitor to the
+penitentiary among the female prisoners?” Ashcroft asked himself. “My
+poor friend would sink with mortification.”
+
+They were sitting in friendly chat after their return from their walk,
+when Mrs. Crawford burst into the room in evident excitement.
+
+“Husband,” she cried, “Peter has brought home a terrible report. He has
+heard from a person who has just come from Milford that Carl has been
+run over on the railroad and instantly killed!”
+
+Dr. Crawford turned pale, his features worked convulsively, and he put
+his hand to his heart, as he sank back in his chair, his face as pale as
+the dead.
+
+“Woman!” said Ashcroft, sternly, “I believe you have killed your
+husband!”
+
+“Oh, don’t say that! How could I be so imprudent?” said Mrs. Crawford,
+clasping her hands, and counterfeiting distress.
+
+Ashcroft set himself at once to save his friend from the result of the
+shock.
+
+“Leave the room!” he said, sternly, to Mrs. Crawford.
+
+“Why should I? I am his wife.”
+
+“And have sought to be his murderer. You know that he has heart disease.
+Mrs.--Cook, I know more about you than you suppose.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford’s color receded.
+
+“I don’t understand you,” she said. She had scarcely reached the door,
+when there was a sound of footsteps outside and Carl dashed into the
+room, nearly upsetting his stepmother.
+
+“You here?” she said, frigidly.
+
+“What is the matter with my father?” asked Carl.
+
+“Are you Carl?” said Ashcroft, quickly.
+
+“Yes.”
+
+“Your father has had a shock. I think I can soon bring him to.”
+
+A few minutes later Dr. Crawford opened his eyes.
+
+“Are you feeling better, Paul?” asked Ashcroft, anxiously.
+
+“Didn’t I hear something about Carl--something terrible?”
+
+“Carl is alive and well,” said he, soothingly.
+
+“Are you sure of that?” asked Dr. Crawford, in excitement.
+
+“Yes, I have the best evidence of it. Here is Carl himself.”
+
+Carl came forward and was clasped in his father’s arms.
+
+“Thank Heaven, you are alive,” he said.
+
+“Why should I not be?” asked Carl, bewildered, turning to Ashcroft.
+
+“Your stepmother had the--let me say imprudence, to tell your father
+that you had been killed on the railroad.”
+
+“Where could she have heard such a report?”
+
+“I am not sure that she heard it at all,” said Ashcroft, in a low voice.
+“She knew that your father had heart disease.”
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+At this moment Mrs. Crawford re-entered the room.
+
+“What brings you here?” she demanded, coolly, of Carl.
+
+“I came here because this is my father’s house, madam.”
+
+“You have behaved badly to me,” said Mrs. Crawford. “You have defied
+my authority, and brought sorrow and distress to your good father. I
+thought you would have the good sense to stay away.”
+
+“Do you indorse this, father?” asked Carl, turning to Dr. Crawford.
+
+“No!” answered his father, with unwonted energy. “My house will always
+be your home.”
+
+“You seem to have changed your mind, Dr. Crawford,” sneered his wife.
+
+“Where did you pick up the report of Carl’s being killed on the
+railroad?” asked the doctor, sternly.
+
+“Peter heard it in the village,” said Mrs. Crawford, carelessly.
+
+“Did it occur to you that the sudden news might injure your husband?”
+ asked Ashcroft.
+
+“I spoke too impulsively. I realize too late my imprudence,” said Mrs.
+Crawford, coolly. “Have you lost your place?” she asked, addressing
+Carl.
+
+“No. I have just returned from Chicago.”
+
+His stepmother looked surprised.
+
+“We have had a quiet time since you left us,” she said. “If you value
+your father’s health and peace of mind, you will not remain here.”
+
+“Is my presence also unwelcome?” asked Ashcroft.
+
+“You have not treated me with respect,” replied Mrs. Crawford. “If you
+are a gentleman, you will understand that under the circumstances it
+will be wise for you to take your departure.”
+
+“Leaving my old friend to your care?”
+
+“Yes, that will be best.”
+
+“Mr. Ashcroft, can I have a few minutes’ conversation with you?” asked
+Carl.
+
+“Certainly.”
+
+They left the room together, followed by an uneasy and suspicious glance
+from Mrs. Crawford.
+
+Carl hurriedly communicated to his father’s friend what he had learned
+about his stepmother.
+
+“Mr. Cook, Peter’s father, is just outside,” he said. “Shall I call him
+in?”
+
+“I think we had better do so, but arrange that the interview shall take
+place without your father’s knowledge. He must not be excited. Call him
+in, and then summon your stepmother.”
+
+“Mrs. Crawford,” said Carl, re-entering his father’s room, “Mr. Ashcroft
+would like to have a few words with you. Can you come out?”
+
+She followed Carl uneasily.
+
+“What is it you want with me, sir?” she asked, frigidly.
+
+“Let me introduce an old acquaintance of yours.”
+
+Mr. Cook, whom Mrs. Crawford had not at first observed, came forward.
+She drew back in dismay.
+
+“It is some time since we met, Lucy,” said Cook, quietly.
+
+“Do you come here to make trouble?” she muttered, hoarsely.
+
+“I come to ask for the property you took during my absence in
+California,” he said. “I don’t care to have you return to me----”
+
+“I obtained a divorce.”
+
+“Precisely; I don’t care to annul it. I am thankful that you are no
+longer my wife.”
+
+“I--I will see what I can do for you. Don’t go near my present husband.
+He is in poor health, and cannot bear a shock.”
+
+“Mrs. Crawford,” said Ashcroft, gravely, “if you have any idea of
+remaining here, in this house, give it up. I shall see that your
+husband’s eyes are opened to your real character.”
+
+“Sir, you heard this man say that he has no claim upon me.”
+
+“That may be, but I cannot permit my friend to harbor a woman whose
+record is as bad as yours.”
+
+“What do you mean?” she demanded, defiantly.
+
+“I mean that you have served a term in prison for larceny.”
+
+“It is false,” she said, with trembling lips.
+
+“It is true. I visited the prison during your term of confinement, and
+saw you there.”
+
+“I, too, can certify to it,” said Cook. “I learned it two years after my
+marriage. You will understand why I am glad of the divorce.”
+
+Mrs. Crawford was silent for a moment. She realized that the battle was
+lost.
+
+“Well,” she said, after a pause, “I am defeated. I thought my secret was
+safe, but I was mistaken. What do you propose to do with me?”
+
+“I will tell you this evening,” said Ashcroft. “One thing I can say
+now--you must not expect to remain in this house.”
+
+“I no longer care to do so.”
+
+A conference was held during the afternoon, Dr Crawford being told as
+much as was essential. It was arranged that Mrs. Crawford should have
+an allowance of four hundred dollars for herself and Peter if she would
+leave the house quietly, and never again annoy her husband. Mr. Cook
+offered to take Peter, but the latter preferred to remain with his
+mother. A private arrangement was made by which Dr. Crawford made up to
+Mr. Cook one-half of the sum stolen from him by his wife, and through
+the influence of Ashcroft, employment was found for him. He is no longer
+a tramp, but a man held in respect, and moderately prosperous.
+
+Carl is still in the employ of Mr. Jennings, and his father has removed
+to Milford, where he and his son can live together. Next September, on
+his twenty-first birthday, Carl will be admitted to a junior partnership
+in the business, his father furnishing the necessary capital. Carl’s
+stepmother is in Chicago, and her allowance is paid to her quarterly
+through a Chicago bank. She has considerable trouble with Peter, who
+has become less submissive as he grows older, and is unwilling to settle
+down to steady work. His prospects do not look very bright.
+
+Mr. Jennings and Hannah are as much attached as ever to Carl, and it
+is quite likely the manufacturer will make him his heir. Happy in the
+society of his son, Dr. Crawford is likely to live to a good old age, in
+spite of his weakness and tendency to heart disease, for happiness is a
+great aid to longevity.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Driven From Home, by Horatio Alger
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diff --git a/530-0.zip b/530-0.zip
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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+
+<!DOCTYPE html
+   PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+   "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" >
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" />
+    <title>
+      Driven from Home, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
+    .figleft   {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;}
+    .figright  {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
+    .pagenum   {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal;
+               margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%;
+               text-align: right;}
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+
+</style>
+  </head>
+  <body>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Driven From Home, by Horatio Alger
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Driven From Home
+       Carl Crawford's Experience
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: January 21, 2006 [EBook #530]
+Last Updated: January 9, 2019
+
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DRIVEN FROM HOME ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Keller and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      DRIVEN FROM HOME <br /> OR<br /> CARL CRAWFORD&rsquo;S EXPERIENCE
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Author of &ldquo;Erie Train Boy,&rdquo; &ldquo;Young Acrobat,&rdquo; &ldquo;Only an Irish Boy,&rdquo; &ldquo;Bound
+      to Rise,&rdquo; &ldquo;The Young Outlaw,&rdquo; &ldquo;Hector&rsquo;s Inheritance,&rdquo; etc.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <blockquote>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>DRIVEN FROM HOME</b></a>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I -- DRIVEN FROM HOME. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. -- A FRIEND WORTH HAVING. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. -- INTRODUCES PETER COOK. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. -- AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. -- CARL’S STEPMOTHER. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. -- MRS. CRAWFORD’S LETTER. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. -- ENDS IN A TRAGEDY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. -- CARL FALLS UNDER SUSPICION. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. -- A PLAUSIBLE STRANGER. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. -- THE COUNTERFEIT BILL. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. -- THE ARCHERY PRIZE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. -- AN ODD ACQUAINTANCE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. -- AN UNEQUAL CONTEST. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. -- CARL ARRIVES IN MILFORD. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. -- MR. JENNINGS AT HOME. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. -- CARL GETS A PLACE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. -- CARL ENTERS THE FACTORY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. -- LEONARD’S TEMPTATION.</a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. -- AN ARTFUL SCHEME. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. -- REVEALS A MYSTERY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. -- AN UNWELCOME GUEST. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. -- MR. STARK IS RECOGNIZED. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. -- PREPARING FOR THE BURGLAR. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. -- THE BURGLARY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. -- STARK’S DISAPPOINTMENT. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. -- A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. -- BROUGHT TO BAY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. -- AFTER A YEAR. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. -- THE LOST BANK BOOK. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. -- AN ECCENTRIC WOMAN. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. -- CARL TAKES SUPPER WITH MISS NORRIS. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. -- A STARTLING DISCOVERY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. -- FROM ALBANY TO NIAGARA. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. -- CARL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF AN ENGLISH LORD. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. -- WHAT CARL LEARNED IN CHICAGO. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. -- MAKING A WILL. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. -- PETER LETS OUT A SECRET. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. -- DR. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. -- A MAN OF ENERGY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. -- CONCLUSION. </a>
+      </p>
+
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+    </blockquote>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      A boy of sixteen, with a small gripsack in his hand, trudged along the
+      country road. He was of good height for his age, strongly built, and had a
+      frank, attractive face. He was naturally of a cheerful temperament, but at
+      present his face was grave, and not without a shade of anxiety. This can
+      hardly be a matter of surprise when we consider that he was thrown upon
+      his own resources, and that his available capital consisted of
+      thirty-seven cents in money, in addition to a good education and a rather
+      unusual amount of physical strength. These last two items were certainly
+      valuable, but they cannot always be exchanged for the necessaries and
+      comforts of life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For some time his steps had been lagging, and from time to time he had to
+      wipe the moisture from his brow with a fine linen handkerchief, which
+      latter seemed hardly compatible with his almost destitute condition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I hasten to introduce my hero, for such he is to be, as Carl Crawford, son
+      of Dr. Paul Crawford, of Edgewood Center. Why he had set out to conquer
+      fortune single-handed will soon appear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A few rods ahead Carl&rsquo;s attention was drawn to a wide-spreading oak tree,
+      with a carpet of verdure under its sturdy boughs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will rest here for a little while,&rdquo; he said to himself, and suiting the
+      action to the word, threw down his gripsack and flung himself on the turf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is refreshing,&rdquo; he murmured, as, lying upon his back, he looked up
+      through the leafy rifts to the sky above. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know when I have ever
+      been so tired. It&rsquo;s no joke walking a dozen miles under a hot sun, with a
+      heavy gripsack in your hand. It&rsquo;s a good introduction to a life of labor,
+      which I have reason to believe is before me. I wonder how I am coming out&mdash;at
+      the big or the little end of the horn?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He paused, and his face grew grave, for he understood well that for him
+      life had become a serious matter. In his absorption he did not observe the
+      rapid approach of a boy somewhat younger than himself, mounted on a
+      bicycle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy stopped short in surprise, and leaped from his iron steed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, Carl Crawford, is this you? Where in the world are you going with
+      that gripsack?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl looked up quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Going to seek my fortune,&rdquo; he answered, soberly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I hope you&rsquo;ll find it. Don&rsquo;t chaff, though, but tell the honest
+      truth.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have told you the truth, Gilbert.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      With a puzzled look, Gilbert, first leaning his bicycle against the tree,
+      seated himself on the ground by Carl&rsquo;s side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Has your father lost his property?&rdquo; he asked, abruptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Has he disinherited you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not exactly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you left home for good?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have left home&mdash;I hope for good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you quarreled with the governor?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hardly know what to say to that. There is a difference between us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He doesn&rsquo;t seem like a Roman father&mdash;one who rules his family with a
+      rod of iron.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he is quite the reverse. He hasn&rsquo;t backbone enough.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So it seemed to me when I saw him at the exhibition of the academy. You
+      ought to be able to get along with a father like that, Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I could but for one thing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have a stepmother!&rdquo; said Carl, with a significant glance at his
+      companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So have I, but she is the soul of kindness, and makes our home the
+      dearest place in the world.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are there such stepmothers? I shouldn&rsquo;t have judged so from my own
+      experience.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I love her as much as if she were my own mother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are lucky,&rdquo; said Carl, sighing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell me about yours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was married to my father five years ago. Up to the time of her
+      marriage I thought her amiable and sweet-tempered. But soon after the
+      wedding she threw off the mask, and made it clear that she disliked me.
+      One reason is that she has a son of her own about my age, a mean, sneaking
+      fellow, who is the apple of her eye. She has been jealous of me, and tried
+      to supplant me in the affection of my father, wishing Peter to be the
+      favored son.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How has she succeeded?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think my father feels any love for Peter, but through my
+      stepmother&rsquo;s influence he generally fares better than I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why wasn&rsquo;t he sent to school with you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because he is lazy and doesn&rsquo;t like study. Besides, his mother prefers to
+      have him at home. During my absence she worked upon my father, by telling
+      all sorts of malicious stories about me, till he became estranged from me,
+      and little by little Peter has usurped my place as the favorite.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why didn&rsquo;t you deny the stories?&rdquo; asked Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I did, but no credit was given to my denials. My stepmother was
+      continually poisoning my father&rsquo;s mind against me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you give her cause? Did you behave disrespectfully to her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Carl, warmly. &ldquo;I was prepared to give her a warm welcome,
+      and treat her as a friend, but my advances were so coldly received that my
+      heart was chilled.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Poor Carl! How long has this been so?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From the beginning&mdash;ever since Mrs. Crawford came into the house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are your relations with your step-brother&mdash;what&rsquo;s his name?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Peter Cook. I despise the boy, for he is mean, and tyrannical where he
+      dares to be.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think it would be safe for him to bully you, Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He tried it, and got a good thrashing. You can imagine what followed. He
+      ran, crying to his mother, and his version of the story was believed. I
+      was confined to my room for a week, and forced to live on bread and
+      water.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shouldn&rsquo;t think your father was a man to inflict such a punishment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t he&mdash;it was my stepmother. She insisted upon it, and he
+      yielded. I heard afterwards from one of the servants that he wanted me
+      released at the end of twenty-four hours, but she would not consent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long ago was this?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It happened when I was twelve.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Was it ever repeated?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, a month later; but the punishment lasted only for two days.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And you submitted to it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had to, but as soon as I was released I gave Peter such a flogging,
+      with the promise to repeat it, if I was ever punished in that manner
+      again, that the boy himself was panic-stricken, and objected to my being
+      imprisoned again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He must be a charming fellow!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You would think so if you should see him. He has small, insignificant
+      features, a turn-up nose, and an ugly scowl that appears whenever he is
+      out of humor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And yet your father likes him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think he does, though Peter, by his mother&rsquo;s orders, pays all
+      sorts of small attentions&mdash;bringing him his slippers, running on
+      errands, and so on, not because he likes it, but because he wants to
+      supplant me, as he has succeeded in doing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have finally broken away, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I couldn&rsquo;t stand it any longer. Home had become intolerable.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pardon the question, but hasn&rsquo;t your father got considerable property?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have every reason to think so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t your leaving home give your step-mother and Peter the inside track,
+      and lead, perhaps, to your disinheritance?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose so,&rdquo; answered Carl, wearily; &ldquo;but no matter what happens, I
+      can&rsquo;t bear to stay at home any longer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re badly fixed&mdash;that&rsquo;s a fact!&rdquo; said Gilbert, in a tone of
+      sympathy. &ldquo;What are your plans?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. I haven&rsquo;t had time to think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert wrinkled up his forehead and set about trying to form some plans
+      for Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be hard for you to support yourself,&rdquo; he said, after a pause;
+      &ldquo;that is, without help.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is no one to help me. I expect no help.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought your father might be induced to give you an allowance, so that
+      with what you can earn, you may get along comfortably.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think father would be willing to do this, but my stepmother would
+      prevent him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then she has a great deal of influence over him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, she can twist him round her little finger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t understand it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You see, father is an invalid, and is very nervous. If he were in perfect
+      health he would have more force of character and firmness. He is under the
+      impression that he has heart disease, and it makes him timid and
+      vacillating.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Still he ought to do something for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose he ought. Still, Gilbert, I think I can earn my living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can you do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I have a fair education. I could be an entry clerk, or a salesman
+      in some store, or, if the worst came to the worst, I could work on a farm.
+      I believe farmers give boys who work for them their board and clothes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think the clothes would suit you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am pretty well supplied with clothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert looked significantly at the gripsack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you carry it all in there?&rdquo; he asked, doubtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl laughed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, no,&rdquo; he answered. &ldquo;I have a trunkful of clothes at home, though.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why didn&rsquo;t you bring them with you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would if I were an elephant. Being only a boy, I would find it
+      burdensome carrying a trunk with me. The gripsack is all I can very well
+      manage.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I tell you what,&rdquo; said Gilbert. &ldquo;Come round to our house and stay
+      overnight. We live only a mile from here, you know. The folks will be glad
+      to see you, and while you are there I will go to your house, see the
+      governor, and arrange for an allowance for you that will make you
+      comparatively independent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Gilbert; but I don&rsquo;t feel like asking favors from those who
+      have ill-treated me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor would I&mdash;of strangers; but Dr. Crawford is your father. It isn&rsquo;t
+      right that Peter, your stepbrother, should be supported in ease and
+      luxury, while you, the real son, should be subjected to privation and
+      want.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know but you are right,&rdquo; admitted Carl, slowly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course I am right. Now, will you make me your minister
+      plenipotentiary, armed with full powers?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I believe I will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s right. That shows you are a boy of sense. Now, as you are subject
+      to my directions, just get on that bicycle and I will carry your gripsack,
+      and we will seek Vance Villa, as we call it when we want to be high-toned,
+      by the most direct route.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, no, Gilbert; I will carry my own gripsack. I won&rsquo;t burden you with
+      it,&rdquo; said Carl, rising from his recumbent position.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, Carl, how far have you walked with it this morning?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;About twelve miles.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, of course, you&rsquo;re tired, and require rest. Just jump on that
+      bicycle, and I&rsquo;ll take the gripsack. If you have carried it twelve miles,
+      I can surely carry it one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, Gilbert.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why shouldn&rsquo;t I be?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But it is imposing up on your good nature.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      But Gilbert had turned his head in a backward direction, and nodded in a
+      satisfied way as he saw a light, open buggy rapidly approaching.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s my sister in that carriage,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;She comes in good time. I
+      will put you and your gripsack in with her, and I&rsquo;ll take to my bicycle
+      again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your sister may not like such an arrangement.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t she though! She&rsquo;s very fond of beaux, and she will receive you very
+      graciously.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You make me feel bashful, Gilbert.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t be long. Julia will chat away to you as if she&rsquo;d known you for
+      fifty years.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was very young fifty years ago,&rdquo; said Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hi, there, Jule!&rdquo; called Gilbert, waving his hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Julia Vance stopped the horse, and looked inquiringly and rather
+      admiringly at Carl, who was a boy of fine appearance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me introduce you to my friend and schoolmate, Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took off his hat politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am very glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; said Julia,
+      demurely; &ldquo;I have often heard Gilbert speak of you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope he said nothing bad about me, Miss Vance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may be sure he didn&rsquo;t. If he should now&mdash;I wouldn&rsquo;t believe
+      him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve made a favorable impression, Carl,&rdquo; said Gilbert, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am naturally prejudiced against boys&mdash;having such a brother,&rdquo; said
+      Julia; &ldquo;but it is not fair to judge all boys by him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is outrageous injustice!&rdquo; said Gilbert; &ldquo;but then, sisters seldom
+      appreciate their brothers.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Some other fellows&rsquo; sisters may,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They do, they do!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you ever see such a vain, conceited boy, Mr. Crawford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course you know him better than I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come, Carl; it&rsquo;s too bad for you, too, to join against me. However, I
+      will forget and forgive. Jule, my friend, Carl, has accepted my invitation
+      to make us a visit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am very glad, I am sure,&rdquo; said Julia, sincerely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I want you to take him in, bag and baggage, and convey him to our
+      palace, while I speed thither on my wheel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To be sure I will, and with great pleasure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t you get out and assist him into the carriage, Jule?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; said Carl; &ldquo;but though I am somewhat old and quite infirm, I
+      think I can get in without troubling your sister. Are you sure, Miss
+      Vance, you won&rsquo;t be incommoded by my gripsack?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not at all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I will accept your kind offer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      In a trice Carl was seated next to Julia, with his valise at his feet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t you drive, Mr. Crawford?&rdquo; said the young lady.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t let me take the reins from you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think it looks well for a lady to drive when a gentleman is
+      sitting beside her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was glad to take the reins, for he liked driving.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now for a race!&rdquo; said Gilbert, who was mounted on his bicycle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right!&rdquo; replied Carl. &ldquo;Look out for us!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They started, and the two kept neck and neck till they entered the
+      driveway leading up to a handsome country mansion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl followed them into the house, and was cordially received by Mr. and
+      Mrs. Vance, who were very kind and hospitable, and were favorably
+      impressed by the gentlemanly appearance of their son&rsquo;s friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Half an hour later dinner was announced, and Carl, having removed the
+      stains of travel in his schoolmate&rsquo;s room, descended to the dining-room,
+      and, it must be confessed, did ample justice to the bounteous repast
+      spread before him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the afternoon Julia, Gilbert and he played tennis, and had a trial at
+      archery. The hours glided away very rapidly, and six o&rsquo;clock came before
+      they were aware.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gilbert,&rdquo; said Carl, as they were preparing for tea, &ldquo;you have a charming
+      home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have a nice house, too, Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True; but it isn&rsquo;t a home&mdash;to me. There is no love there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That makes a great difference.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I had a father and mother like yours I should be happy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must stay here till day after tomorrow, and I will devote to-morrow
+      to a visit in your interest to your home. I will beard the lion in his den&mdash;that
+      is, your stepmother. Do you consent?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I consent; but it won&rsquo;t do any good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We will see.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      INTRODUCES PETER COOK.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert took the morning train to the town of Edgewood Center, the
+      residence of the Crawfords. He had been there before, and knew that Carl&rsquo;s
+      home was nearly a mile distant from the station. Though there was a hack
+      in waiting, he preferred to walk, as it would give him a chance to think
+      over what he proposed to say to Dr. Crawford in Carl&rsquo;s behalf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was within a quarter of a mile of his destination when his attention
+      was drawn to a boy of about his own age, who was amusing himself and a
+      smaller companion by firing stones at a cat that had taken refuge in a
+      tree. Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect, and the poor cat
+      moaned in affright, but did not dare to come down from her perch, as this
+      would put her in the power of her assailant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That must be Carl&rsquo;s stepbrother, Peter,&rdquo; Gilbert decided, as he noted the
+      boy&rsquo;s mean face and turn-up nose. &ldquo;Stoning cats seems to be his idea of
+      amusement. I shall take the liberty of interfering.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hit her, Simon,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Doesn&rsquo;t she look seared?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must have hurt her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I expect I did. I&rsquo;ll take a bigger stone next time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He suited the action to the word, and picked up a rock which, should it
+      hit the poor cat, would in all probability kill her, and prepared to fire.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put down that rock!&rdquo; said Gilbert, indignantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who are you?&rdquo; he demanded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No matter who I am. Put down that rock!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What business is it of yours?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall make it my business to protect that cat from your cruelty.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter, who was a natural coward, took courage from having a companion to
+      back him up, and retorted: &ldquo;You&rsquo;d better clear out of here, or I may fire
+      at you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do it if you dare!&rdquo; said Gilbert, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter concluded that it would be wiser not to carry out his threat, but
+      was resolved to keep to his original purpose. He raised his arm again, and
+      took aim; but Gilbert rushed in, and striking his arm forcibly, compelled
+      him to drop it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you mean by that, you loafer?&rdquo; demanded Peter, his eyes blazing
+      with anger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To stop your fun, if that&rsquo;s what you call it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve a good mind to give you a thrashing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert put himself in a position of defense.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sail in, if you want to!&rdquo; he responded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Help me, Simon!&rdquo; said Peter. &ldquo;You grab his legs, and I&rsquo;ll upset him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Simon, who, though younger, was braver than Peter, without hesitation
+      followed directions. He threw himself on the ground and grasped Gilbert by
+      the legs, while Peter, doubling up his fists, made a rush at his enemy.
+      But Gilbert, swiftly eluding Simon, struck out with his right arm, and
+      Peter, unprepared for so forcible a defense, tumbled over on his back, and
+      Simon ran to his assistance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert put himself on guard, expecting a second attack; but Peter
+      apparently thought it wiser to fight with his tongue.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You rascal!&rdquo; he shrieked, almost foaming at the mouth; &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll have you
+      arrested.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What for?&rdquo; asked Gilbert, coolly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For flying at me like a&mdash;a tiger, and trying to kill me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert laughed at this curious version of things.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought it was you who flew at me,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What business had you to interfere with me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do it again unless you give up firing stones at the cat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do it as long as I like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She&rsquo;s gone!&rdquo; said Simon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boys looked up into the tree, and could see nothing of puss. She had
+      taken the opportunity, when her assailant was otherwise occupied, to make
+      good her escape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad of it!&rdquo; said Gilbert. &ldquo;Good-morning, boys! When we meet again, I
+      hope you will be more creditably employed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t get off so easy, you loafer,&rdquo; said Peter, who saw the village
+      constable approaching. &ldquo;Here, Mr. Rogers, I want you to arrest this boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Constable Rogers, who was a stout, broad-shouldered man, nearly six feet
+      in height, turned from one to the other, and asked: &ldquo;What has he done?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He knocked me over. I want him arrested for assault and battery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And what did you do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I? I didn&rsquo;t do anything.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is rather strange. Young man, what is your name?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gilbert Vance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t live in this town?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I live in Warren.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What made you attack Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because he flew at me, and I had to defend myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this so, Simon? You saw all that happened.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ye&mdash;es,&rdquo; admitted Simon, unwillingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That puts a different face on the matter. I don&rsquo;t see how I can arrest
+      this boy. He had a right to defend himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He came up and abused me&mdash;the loafer,&rdquo; said Peter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That was the reason you went at him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you anything to say?&rdquo; asked the constable, addressing Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; when I came up I saw this boy firing stones at a cat, who had
+      taken refuge in that tree over there. He had just hit her, and had picked
+      up a larger stone to fire when I ordered him to drop it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was no business of yours,&rdquo; muttered Peter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I made it my business, and will again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did the cat have a white spot on her forehead?&rdquo; asked the constable.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And was mouse colored?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, it&rsquo;s my little girl&rsquo;s cat. She would be heartbroken if the cat were
+      seriously hurt. You young rascal!&rdquo; he continued, turning suddenly upon
+      Peter, and shaking him vigorously. &ldquo;Let me catch you at this business
+      again, and I&rsquo;ll give you such a warming that you&rsquo;ll never want to touch
+      another cat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me go!&rdquo; cried the terrified boy. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know it was your cat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It would have been just as bad if it had been somebody else&rsquo;s cat. I&rsquo;ve a
+      great mind to put you in the lockup.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, don&rsquo;t, please don&rsquo;t, Mr. Rogers!&rdquo; implored Peter, quite
+      panic-stricken.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you promise never to stone another cat?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then go about your business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter lost no time, but scuttled up the street with his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am much obliged to you for protecting Flora&rsquo;s cat,&rdquo; then said the
+      constable to Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are quite welcome, sir. I won&rsquo;t see any animal abused if I can help
+      it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wasn&rsquo;t that boy Peter Cook?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. Don&rsquo;t you know him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; but I know his stepbrother, Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A different sort of boy! Have you come to visit him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he is visiting me. In fact, he has left home, because he could not
+      stand his step-mother&rsquo;s ill-treatment, and I have come to see his father
+      in his behalf.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has had an uncomfortable home. Dr. Crawford is an invalid, and very
+      much under the influence of his wife, who seems to have a spite against
+      Carl, and is devoted to that young cub to whom you have given a lesson.
+      Does Carl want to come back?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he wants to strike out for himself, but I told him it was no more
+      than right that he should receive some help from his father.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is true enough. For nearly all the doctor&rsquo;s money came to him
+      through Carl&rsquo;s mother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid Peter and his mother won&rsquo;t give me a very cordial welcome
+      after what has happened this morning. I wish I could see the doctor
+      alone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So you can, for there he is coming up the street.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert looked in the direction indicated, and his glance fell on a thin,
+      fragile-looking man, evidently an invalid, with a weak, undecided face,
+      who was slowly approaching.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy advanced to meet him, and, taking off his hat, asked politely: &ldquo;Is
+      this Dr. Crawford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford stopped short, and eyed Gilbert attentively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know you,&rdquo; he said, in a querulous tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am a schoolmate of your son, Carl. My name is Gilbert Vance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you have come to see my son you will be disappointed. He has treated
+      me in a shameful manner. He left home yesterday morning, and I don&rsquo;t know
+      where he is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can tell you, sir. He is staying&mdash;for a day or two&mdash;at my
+      father&rsquo;s house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is that?&rdquo; asked Dr. Crawford, his manner showing that he was
+      confused.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In Warren, thirteen miles from here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know the town. What induced him to go to your house? Have you
+      encouraged him to leave home?&rdquo; inquired Dr. Crawford, with a look of
+      displeasure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. It was only by chance that I met him a mile from our home. I
+      induced him to stay overnight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you bring me any message from him?&rdquo; &ldquo;No, sir, except that he is going
+      to strike out for himself, as he thinks his home an unhappy one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is his own fault. He has had enough to eat and enough to wear. He
+      has had as comfortable a home as yourself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t doubt that, but he complains that his stepmother is continually
+      finding fault with him, and scolding him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He provokes her to do it. He is a headstrong, obstinate boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He never had that reputation at school, sir. We all liked him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you mean to imply that I am in fault?&rdquo; said the doctor, warmly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think you know how badly Mrs. Crawford treats Carl, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course, of course. That is always said of a stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not always, sir. I have a stepmother myself, and no own mother could
+      treat me better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are probably a better boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t accept the compliment. I hope you&rsquo;ll excuse me saying it, Dr.
+      Crawford, but if my stepmother treated me as Carl says Mrs. Crawford
+      treats him I wouldn&rsquo;t stay in the house another day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, this is very annoying,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, irritably. &ldquo;Have you
+      come here from Warren to say this?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, not entirely.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps Carl wants me to receive him back. I will do so if he promises to
+      obey his stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That he won&rsquo;t do, I am sure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then what is the object of your visit?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To say that Carl wants and intends to earn his own living. But it is hard
+      for a boy of his age, who has never worked, to earn enough at first to pay
+      for his board and clothes. He asks, or, rather, I ask for him, that you
+      will allow him a small sum, say three or four dollars a week, which is
+      considerably less than he must cost you at home, for a time until he gets
+      on his feet.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, in a vacillating tone. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think
+      Mrs. Crawford would approve this.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It seems to me you are the one to decide, as Carl is your own son. Peter
+      must cost you a good deal more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have met him,&rdquo; answered Gilbert, with a slight smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what to say. You may be right. Peter does cost me more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And Carl is entitled to be treated as well as he.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I ought to speak to Mrs. Crawford about it. And, by the way, I
+      nearly forgot to say that she charges Carl with taking money from her
+      bureau drawer before he went away. It was a large sum, too&mdash;twenty-five
+      dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is false!&rdquo; exclaimed Gilbert, indignantly. &ldquo;I am surprised that you
+      should believe such a thing of your own son.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford says she has proof,&rdquo; said the doctor, hesitating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then what has he done with the money? I know that he has but thirty-seven
+      cents with him at this time, and he only left home yesterday. If the money
+      has really been taken, I think I know who took it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Peter Cook. He looks mean enough for anything.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What right have you to speak so of Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because I caught him stoning a cat this morning. He would have killed the
+      poor thing if I had not interfered. I consider that worse than taking
+      money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I don&rsquo;t know what to say. I can&rsquo;t agree to anything till I have
+      spoken with Mrs. Crawford. Did you say that Carl had but thirty seven
+      cents?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I presume you don&rsquo;t want him to starve?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, of course not. He is my son, though he has behaved badly. Here, give
+      him that!&rdquo; and Dr. Crawford drew a ten-dollar bill from his wallet, and
+      handed it to Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir. This money will be very useful. Besides, it will show
+      Carl that his father is not wholly indifferent to him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course not. Who says that I am a bad father?&rdquo; asked Dr. Crawford,
+      peevishly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think, sir, there would be any difficulty between you and Carl if
+      you had not married again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl has no right to vex Mrs. Crawford. Besides, he can&rsquo;t agree with
+      Peter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is that his fault or Peter&rsquo;s?&rdquo; asked Gilbert, significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not acquainted with the circumstances, but Mrs. Crawford says that
+      Carl is always bullying Peter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He never bullied anyone at school.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there anything, else you want?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; Carl only took away a little underclothing in a gripsack. He
+      would like his woolen clothes put in his trunk, and to have it sent&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps it had better be sent to my house. There are one or two things in
+      his room also that he asked me to get.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why didn&rsquo;t he come himself?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because he thought it would be unpleasant for him to meet Mrs. Crawford.
+      They would be sure to quarrel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, perhaps he is right,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, with an air of relief.
+      &ldquo;About the allowance, I shall have to consult my wife. Will you come with
+      me to the house?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I should like to have the matter settled to-day, so that Carl
+      will know what to depend upon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert rather dreaded the interview he was likely to have with Mrs.
+      Crawford; but he was acting for Carl, and his feelings of friendship were
+      strong.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So he walked beside Dr. Crawford till they reached the tasteful dwelling
+      occupied as a residence by Carl and his father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How happy Carl could be here, if he had a stepmother like mine,&rdquo; Gilbert
+      thought.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They went up to the front door, which was opened for them by a servant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jane, is Mrs. Crawford in?&rdquo; asked the doctor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; not just now. She went to the village to do some shopping.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is Peter in?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you will have to wait till they return.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t I go up to Carl&rsquo;s room and be packing his things?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think you may. I don&rsquo;t think Mrs. Crawford would object.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good heavens! Hasn&rsquo;t the man a mind of his own?&rdquo; thought Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jane, you may show this young gentleman up to Master Carl&rsquo;s room, and
+      give him the key of his trunk. He is going to pack his clothes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When is Master Carl coming back?&rdquo; asked Jane.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I don&rsquo;t know. I think he will be away for a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish it was Peter instead of him,&rdquo; said Jane, in a low voice, only
+      audible to Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She showed Gilbert the way upstairs, while the doctor went to his study.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a friend of Master Carl&rsquo;s?&rdquo; asked Jane, as soon as they were
+      alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Jane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And where is he?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At my house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he goin&rsquo; to stay there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For a short time. He wants to go out into the world and make his own
+      living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And no wonder&mdash;poor boy! It&rsquo;s hard times he had here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t Mrs. Crawford treat him well?&rdquo; asked Gilbert, with curiosity
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is it trate him well? She was a-jawin&rsquo; an&rsquo; a-jawin&rsquo; him from mornin&rsquo; till
+      night. Ugh, but she&rsquo;s an ugly cr&rsquo;atur&rsquo;!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How about Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&rsquo;s just as bad&mdash;the m&rsquo;anest bye I iver set eyes on. It would do me
+      good to see him flogged.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She chatted a little longer with Gilbert, helping him to find Carl&rsquo;s
+      clothes, when suddenly a shrill voice was heard calling her from below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shure, it&rsquo;s the madam!&rdquo; said Jane, shrugging her shoulders. &ldquo;I expect
+      she&rsquo;s in a temper;&rdquo; and she rose from her knees and hurried downstairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL&rsquo;S STEPMOTHER.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Five minutes later, as Gilbert was closing the trunk, Jane reappeared.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The doctor and Mrs. Crawford would like to see you downstairs,&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert followed Jane into the library, where Dr. Crawford and his wife
+      were seated. He looked with interest at the woman who had made home so
+      disagreeable to Carl, and was instantly prejudiced against her. She was
+      light complexioned, with very light-brown hair, cold, gray eyes, and a
+      disagreeable expression which seemed natural to her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear,&rdquo; said the doctor, &ldquo;this is the young man who has come from
+      Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford surveyed Gilbert with an expression by no means friendly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is your name?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gilbert Vance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did Carl Crawford send you here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I volunteered to come.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he tell you that he was disobedient and disrespectful to me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he told me that you treated him so badly that he was unwilling to
+      live in the same house with you,&rdquo; answered Gilbert, boldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, upon my word!&rdquo; exclaimed Mrs. Crawford, fanning herself vigorously.
+      &ldquo;Dr. Crawford, did you hear that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And what do you think of it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I think you may have been too hard upon Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Too hard? Why, then, did he not treat me respectfully? This boy seems
+      inclined to be impertinent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I answered your questions, madam,&rdquo; said Gilbert, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you side with your friend Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I certainly do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford bit her lip.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the object of your coming? Does Carl wish to return?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought Dr. Crawford might have told you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl wants his clothes sent to him,&rdquo; said the doctor. &ldquo;He only carried a
+      few with him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall not consent to it. He deserves no favors at our hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This was too much even for Dr. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You go too far, Mrs. Crawford,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I am sensible of the boy&rsquo;s
+      faults, but I certainly will not allow his clothes to be withheld from
+      him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, well! spoil him if you choose!&rdquo; said the lady, sullenly. &ldquo;Take his
+      part against your wife!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have never done that, but I will not allow him to be defrauded of his
+      clothes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no more to say,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, her eyes snapping. She was
+      clearly mortified at her failure to carry her point.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you wish the trunk to be sent to your house?&rdquo; asked the doctor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I have packed the clothes and locked the trunk.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to examine it before it goes,&rdquo; put in Mrs. Crawford,
+      spitefully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To make sure that nothing has been put in that does not belong to Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean to accuse me of stealing, madam?&rdquo; demanded Gilbert,
+      indignantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford tossed her head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know anything about you,&rdquo; she replied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dr. Crawford, am I to open the trunk?&rdquo; asked Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered the doctor, with unwonted decision.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hate that boy! He has twice subjected me to mortification,&rdquo; thought
+      Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know very well,&rdquo; she said, turning to her husband, &ldquo;that I have
+      grounds for my request. I blush to mention it, but I have reason to
+      believe that your son took a wallet containing twenty-five dollars from my
+      bureau drawer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I deny it!&rdquo; said Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you know about it, I should like to ask?&rdquo; sneered Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know that Carl is an honorable boy, incapable of theft, and at this
+      moment has but thirty-seven cents in his possession.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So far as you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If the money has really disappeared, madam, you had better ask your own
+      boy about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is insufferable!&rdquo; exclaimed Mrs. Crawford, her light eyes emitting
+      angry flashes. &ldquo;Who dares to say that Peter took the wallet?&rdquo; she went on,
+      rising to her feet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was an unexpected reply. Jane entered the room at this moment to ask
+      a question.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say so, ma&rsquo;am,&rdquo; she rejoined.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What?&rdquo; ejaculated Mrs. Crawford, with startling emphasis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t mean to say anything about it till I found you were charging it
+      on Master Carl. I saw Peter open your bureau drawer, take out the wallet,
+      and put it in his pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a lie!&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, hoarsely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the truth, though I suppose you don&rsquo;t want to believe it. If you
+      want to know what he did with the money ask him how much he paid for the
+      gold ring he bought of the jeweler down at the village.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are a spy&mdash;a base, dishonorable spy!&rdquo; cried Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t say what you are, ma&rsquo;am, to bring false charges against Master
+      Carl, and I wonder the doctor will believe them.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leave the house directly, you hussy!&rdquo; shrieked Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I do, I wonder who&rsquo;ll get the dinner?&rdquo; remarked Jane, not at all
+      disturbed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t stay here to be insulted,&rdquo; said the angry lady. &ldquo;Dr. Crawford,
+      you might have spirit enough to defend your wife.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She flounced out of the room, not waiting for a reply, leaving the doctor
+      dazed and flurried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope, sir, you are convinced now that Carl did not take Mrs. Crawford&rsquo;s
+      money,&rdquo; said Gilbert. &ldquo;I told you it was probably Peter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure of what you said, Jane?&rdquo; asked the doctor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. I saw Peter take the wallet with my own eyes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is his mother&rsquo;s money, and they must settle it between them I am glad
+      Carl did not take it. Really, this has been a very unpleasant scene.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sorry for my part in it. Carl is my friend, and I feel that I ought
+      to stand up for his rights,&rdquo; remarked Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, certainly, that is right. But you see how I am placed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see that this is no place for Carl. If you will allow me, I will send
+      an expressman for the trunk, and take it with me to the station.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I see no objection. I&mdash;I would invite you to dinner, but Mrs.
+      Crawford seems to be suffering from a nervous attack, and it might not be
+      pleasant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I agree with you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Just then Peter entered the room, and looked at Gilbert with surprise and
+      wrath, remembering his recent discomfiture at the hands of the young
+      visitor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My stepson, Peter,&rdquo; announced Dr. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Peter and I have met before,&rdquo; said Gilbert, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are you here for?&rdquo; asked Peter, rudely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not to see you,&rdquo; answered Gilbert, turning from him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My mother&rsquo;ll have something to say to you,&rdquo; went on Peter, significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She will have something to say to you,&rdquo; retorted Gilbert. &ldquo;She has found
+      out who stole her money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter&rsquo;s face turned scarlet instantly, and he left the room hurriedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps I ought not to have said that, Dr Crawford,&rdquo; added Gilbert,
+      apologetically, &ldquo;but I dislike that boy very much, and couldn&rsquo;t help
+      giving him as good as he sent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is all very unpleasant,&rdquo; responded Dr. Crawford, peevishly. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t
+      see why I can&rsquo;t live in peace and tranquility.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t intrude upon you any longer,&rdquo; said Gilbert, &ldquo;if you will kindly
+      tell me whether you will consent to make Carl a small weekly allowance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t say now. I want time to think. Give me your address, and I will
+      write to Carl in your care.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert left the house and made arrangements to have Carl&rsquo;s trunk called
+      for. It accompanied him on the next train to Warren.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      Mrs. CRAWFORD&rsquo;S LETTER.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you like my stepmother?&rdquo; asked Carl, when Gilbert returned in the
+      afternoon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She&rsquo;s a daisy!&rdquo; answered Gilbert, shrugging his shoulders. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think
+      I ever saw a more disagreeable woman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you blame me for leaving home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I only wonder you have been able to stay so long. I had a long
+      conversation with your father.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford has made a different man of him. I should have no trouble
+      in getting along with him if there was no one to come between us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He gave me this for you,&rdquo; said Gilbert, producing the ten-dollar bill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did my stepmother know of his sending it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; she was opposed to sending your trunk, but your father said
+      emphatically you should have it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad he showed that much spirit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have some hopes that he will make you an allowance of a few dollars a
+      week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That would make me all right, but I don&rsquo;t expect it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will probably hear from your father to-morrow or next day, so you
+      will have to make yourself contented a little longer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you are not very homesick, Mr. Crawford?&rdquo; said Julia,
+      coquettishly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would ask nothing better than to stay here permanently,&rdquo; rejoined Carl,
+      earnestly. &ldquo;This is a real home. I have met with more kindness here than
+      in six months at my own home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have one staunch friend at home,&rdquo; said Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t allude to Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So far as I can judge, he hates you like poison. I mean Jane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Jane is a real friend. She has been in the family for ten years. She
+      was a favorite with my own mother, and feels an interest in me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, your stepmother&rsquo;s charge that you took a wallet containing
+      money from her drawer has been disproved by Jane. She saw Peter
+      abstracting the money, and so informed Mrs. Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not at all surprised. Peter is mean enough to steal or do anything
+      else. What did my stepmother say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was very angry, and threatened to discharge Jane; but, as no one
+      would be left to attend to the dinner, I presume she is likely to stay.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I ought to be forming some plan,&rdquo; said Carl, thoughtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait till you hear from home. Julia will see that your time is well
+      filled up till then. Dismiss all care, and enjoy yourself while you may.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This seemed to be sensible advice, and Carl followed it. In the evening
+      some young people were invited in, and there was a round of amusements
+      that made Carl forget that he was an exile from home, with very dubious
+      prospects.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are all spoiling me,&rdquo; he said, as Gilbert and he went upstairs to
+      bed. &ldquo;I am beginning to understand the charms of home. To go out into the
+      world from here will be like taking a cold shower bath.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Never forget, Carl, that you will be welcome back, whenever you feel like
+      coming,&rdquo; said Gilbert, laying his band affectionately on Carl&rsquo;s shoulder.
+      &ldquo;We all like you here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, old fellow! I appreciate the kindness I have received here;
+      but I must strike out for myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you feel about it, Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope for the best. I am young, strong and willing to work. There must
+      be an opening for me somewhere.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next morning, just after breakfast, a letter arrived for Carl, mailed
+      at Edgewood Center.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is it from your father?&rdquo; asked Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; it is in the handwriting of my stepmother. I can guess from that that
+      it contains no good news.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He opened the letter, and as he read it his face expressed disgust and
+      annoyance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Read it, Gilbert,&rdquo; he said, handing him the open sheet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was the missive:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;CARL CRAWFORD:&mdash;AS your father has a nervous attack, brought on by
+      your misconduct, he has authorized me to write to you. As you are but
+      sixteen, he could send for you and have you forcibly brought back, but
+      deems it better for you to follow your own course and suffer the
+      punishment of your obstinate and perverse conduct. The boy whom you sent
+      here proved a fitting messenger. He seems, if possible, to be even worse
+      than yourself. He was very impertinent to me, and made a brutal and
+      unprovoked attack on my poor boy, Peter, whose devotion to your father and
+      myself forms an agreeable contrast to your studied disregard of our
+      wishes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your friend had the assurance to ask for a weekly allowance for you while
+      a voluntary exile from the home where you have been only too well treated.
+      In other words, you want to be paid for your disobedience. Even if your
+      father were weak enough to think of complying with this extraordinary
+      request, I should do my best to dissuade him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Small doubt of that!&rdquo; said Carl, bitterly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In my sorrow for your waywardness, I am comforted by the thought that
+      Peter is too good and conscientious ever to follow your example. While you
+      are away, he will do his utmost to make up to your father for his
+      disappointment in you. That you may grow wise in time, and turn at length
+      from the error of your ways, is the earnest hope of your stepmother,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Anastasia Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It makes me sick to read such a letter as that, Gilbert,&rdquo; said Carl. &ldquo;And
+      to have that sneak and thief&mdash;as he turned out to be&mdash;Peter, set
+      up as a model for me, is a little too much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I never knew there were such women in the world!&rdquo; returned Gilbert. &ldquo;I
+      can understand your feelings perfectly, after my interview of yesterday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She thinks even worse of you than of me,&rdquo; said Carl, with a faint smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no doubt Peter shares her sentiments. I didn&rsquo;t make many friends
+      in your family, it must be confessed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You did me a service, Gilbert, and I shall not soon forget it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did your stepmother come from?&rdquo; asked Gilbert, thoughtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. My father met her at some summer resort. She was staying in
+      the same boarding house, she and the angelic Peter. She lost no time in
+      setting her cap for my father, who was doubtless reported to her as a man
+      of property, and she succeeded in capturing him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder at that. She doesn&rsquo;t seem very fascinating.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She made herself very agreeable to my father, and was even affectionate
+      in her manner to me, though I couldn&rsquo;t get to like her. The end was that
+      she became Mrs. Crawford. Once installed in our house, she soon threw off
+      the mask and showed herself in her true colors, a cold-hearted, selfish
+      and disagreeable woman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder your father doesn&rsquo;t recognize her for what she is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She is very artful, and is politic enough to treat him well. She has lost
+      no opportunity of prejudicing him against me. If he were not an invalid
+      she would find her task more difficult.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did she have any property when your father married her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not that I have been able to discover. She is scheming to have my father
+      leave the lion&rsquo;s share of his property to her and Peter. I dare say she
+      will succeed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us hope your father will live till you are a young man, at least, and
+      better able to cope with her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I earnestly hope so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your father is not an old man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is fifty-one, but he is not strong. I believe he has liver complaint.
+      At any rate, I know that when, at my stepmother&rsquo;s instigation, he applied
+      to an insurance company to insure his life for her benefit, the
+      application was rejected.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t know anything of Mrs. Crawford&rsquo;s antecedents?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What was her name before she married your father?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was a Mrs. Cook. That, as you know, is Peter&rsquo;s name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps, in your travels, you may learn something of her history.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t leave us to-morrow?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I must go to-day. I know now that I must depend wholly upon my own
+      exertions, and I must get to work as soon as possible.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will write to me, Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, when I have anything agreeable to write.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us hope that will be soon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      ENDS IN A TRAGEDY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl obtained permission to leave his trunk at the Vance mansion, merely
+      taking out what he absolutely needed for a change.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When I am settled I will send for it,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Now I shouldn&rsquo;t know
+      what to do with it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      There were cordial good-bys, and Carl started once more on the tramp. He
+      might, indeed, have traveled by rail, for he had ten dollars and
+      thirty-seven cents; but it occurred to him that in walking he might meet
+      with some one who would give him employment. Besides, he was not in a
+      hurry to get on, nor had he any definite destination. The day was fine,
+      there was a light breeze, and he experienced a hopeful exhilaration as he
+      walked lightly on, with the world before him, and any number of
+      possibilities in the way of fortunate adventures that might befall him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had walked five miles, when, to the left, he saw an elderly man hard at
+      work in a hay field. He was leaning on his rake, and looking perplexed and
+      troubled. Carl paused to rest, and as he looked over the rail fence,
+      attracted the attention of the farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say, young feller, where are you goin&rsquo;?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know&mdash;exactly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t know where you are goin&rsquo;?&rdquo; repeated the farmer, in surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl laughed. &ldquo;I am going out in the world to seek my fortune,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You be? Would you like a job?&rdquo; asked the farmer, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What sort of a job?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;d like to have you help me hayin&rsquo;. My hired man is sick, and he&rsquo;s left
+      me in a hole. It&rsquo;s goin&rsquo; to rain, and&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Going to rain?&rdquo; repeated Carl, in surprise, as he looked up at the nearly
+      cloudless sky.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. It don&rsquo;t look like it, I know, but old Job Hagar say it&rsquo;ll rain
+      before night, and what he don&rsquo;t know about the weather ain&rsquo;t worth
+      knowin&rsquo;. I want to get the hay on this meadow into the barn, and then I&rsquo;ll
+      feel safe, rain or shine.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And you want me to help you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; you look strong and hardy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I am pretty strong,&rdquo; said Carl, complacently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, what do you say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right. I&rsquo;ll help you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl gave a spring and cleared the fence, landing in the hay field, having
+      first thrown his valise over.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re pretty spry,&rdquo; said the farmer. &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t do that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, you&rsquo;re too heavy,&rdquo; said Carl, smiling, as he noted the clumsy figure
+      of his employer. &ldquo;Now, what shall I do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take that rake and rake up the hay. Then we&rsquo;ll go over to the barn and
+      get the hay wagon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is your barn?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The farmer pointed across the fields to a story-and-a-half farmhouse, and
+      standing near it a good-sized barn, brown from want of paint and exposure
+      to sun and rain. The buildings were perhaps twenty-five rods distant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you used to hayin&rsquo;?&rdquo; asked the farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, no, not exactly; though I&rsquo;ve handled a rake before.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl&rsquo;s experience, however, had been very limited. He had, to be sure, had
+      a rake in his hand, but probably he had not worked more than ten minutes
+      at it. However, raking is easily learned, and his want of experience was
+      not detected. He started off with great enthusiasm, but after a while
+      thought it best to adopt the more leisurely movements of the farmer. After
+      two hours his hands began to blister, but still he kept on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have got to make my living by hard work,&rdquo; he said to himself, &ldquo;and it
+      won&rsquo;t do to let such a little thing as a blister interfere.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When he had been working a couple of hours, he began to feel hungry. His
+      walk, and the work he had been doing, sharpened his appetite till he
+      really felt uncomfortable. It was at this time&mdash;just twelve o&rsquo;clock&mdash;that
+      the farmer&rsquo;s wife came to the front door and blew a fish horn so
+      vigorously that it could probably have been heard half a mile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The old woman&rsquo;s got dinner ready,&rdquo; said the farmer. &ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t mind
+      takin&rsquo; your pay in victuals, you can go along home with me, and take a
+      bite.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I could take two or three, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ho, ho! that&rsquo;s a good joke! Money&rsquo;s scarce, and I&rsquo;d rather pay in
+      victuals, if it&rsquo;s all the same to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you generally find people willing to work for their board?&rdquo; asked
+      Carl, who knew that he was being imposed upon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I might pay a leetle more. You work for me till sundown, and I&rsquo;ll
+      give you dinner and supper, and&mdash;fifteen cents.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl wanted to laugh. At this rate of compensation he felt that it would
+      take a long time to make a fortune, but he was so hungry that he would
+      have accepted board alone if it had been necessary.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I agree,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Shall I leave my rake here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; it&rsquo;ll be all right.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll take along my valise, for I can&rsquo;t afford to run any risk of losing
+      it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jest as you say.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Five minutes brought them to the farmhouse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can I wash my hands?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, you can go right to the sink and wash in the tin basin. There&rsquo;s a
+      roll towel behind the door. Mis&rsquo; Perkins&rdquo;&mdash;that was the way he
+      addressed his wife&mdash;&ldquo;this is a young chap that I&rsquo;ve hired to help me
+      hayin&rsquo;. You can set a chair for him at the table.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, Silas. He don&rsquo;t look very old, though.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, ma&rsquo;am. I ain&rsquo;t twenty-one yet,&rdquo; answered Carl, who was really
+      sixteen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shouldn&rsquo;t say you was. You ain&rsquo;t no signs of a mustache.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I keep it short, ma&rsquo;am, in warm weather,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It don&rsquo;t dull a razor any to cut it in cold weather, does it?&rdquo; asked the
+      farmer, chuckling at his joke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, no, sir; I can&rsquo;t say it does.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a boiled dinner that the farmer&rsquo;s wife provided, corned beef and
+      vegetables, but the plebeian meal seemed to Carl the best he ever ate.
+      Afterwards there was apple pudding, to which he did equal justice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I never knew work improved a fellow&rsquo;s appetite so,&rdquo; reflected the young
+      traveler. &ldquo;I never ate with so much relish at home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After dinner they went back to the field and worked till the supper hour,
+      five o&rsquo;clock. By that time all the hay had been put into the barn.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve done a good day&rsquo;s work,&rdquo; said the farmer, in a tone of
+      satisfaction, &ldquo;and only just in time. Do you see that dark cloud?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In half an hour there&rsquo;ll be rain, or I&rsquo;m mistaken. Old Job Hagar is right
+      after all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The farmer proved a true prophet. In half an hour, while they were at the
+      supper table, the rain began to come down in large drops&mdash;forming
+      pools in the hollows of the ground, and drenching all exposed objects with
+      the largesse of the heavens.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where war you a-goin&rsquo; to-night?&rdquo; asked the farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was thinkin&rsquo; that I&rsquo;d give you a night&rsquo;s lodgin&rsquo; in place of the
+      fifteen cents I agreed to pay you. Money&rsquo;s very skeerce with me, and will
+      be till I&rsquo;ve sold off some of the crops.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be glad to make that arrangement,&rdquo; said Carl, who had been
+      considering how much the farmer would ask for lodging, for there seemed
+      small chance of continuing his journey. Fifteen cents was a lower price
+      than he had calculated on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s a sensible idea!&rdquo; said the farmer, rubbing his hands with
+      satisfaction at the thought that he had secured valuable help at no money
+      outlay whatever.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next morning Carl continued his tramp, refusing the offer of continued
+      employment on the same terms. He was bent on pursuing his journey, though
+      he did not know exactly where he would fetch up in the end.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At twelve o&rsquo;clock that day he found himself in the outskirts of a town,
+      with the same uncomfortable appetite that he had felt the day before, but
+      with no hotel or restaurant anywhere near. There was, however, a small
+      house, the outer door of which stood conveniently open. Through the open
+      window, Carl saw a table spread as if for dinner, and he thought it
+      probable that he could arrange to become a boarder for a single meal. He
+      knocked at the door, but no one came. He shouted out: &ldquo;Is anybody at
+      home?&rdquo; and received no answer. He went to a small barn just outside and
+      peered in, but no one was to be seen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What should he do? He was terribly hungry, and the sight of the food on
+      the table was tantalizing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go in, as the door is open,&rdquo; he decided, &ldquo;and sit down to the table
+      and eat. Somebody will be along before I get through, and I&rsquo;ll pay
+      whatever is satisfactory, for eat I must.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He entered, seated himself, and ate heartily. Still no one appeared.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to go off without paying,&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll see if I can
+      find somebody.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He opened the door into the kitchen, but it was deserted. Then he opened
+      that of a small bedroom, and started back in terror and dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There suspended from a hook&mdash;a man of middle age was hanging, with
+      his head bent forward, his eyes wide open, and his tongue protruding from
+      his mouth!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL FALLS UNDER SUSPICION.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      To a person of any age such a sight as that described at the close of the
+      last chapter might well have proved startling. To a boy like Carl it was
+      simply overwhelming. It so happened that he had but twice seen a dead
+      person, and never a victim of violence. The peculiar circumstances
+      increased the effect upon his mind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He placed his hand upon the man&rsquo;s face, and found that he was still warm.
+      He could have been dead but a short time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What shall I do?&rdquo; thought Carl, perplexed. &ldquo;This is terrible!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Then it flashed upon him that as he was alone with the dead man suspicion
+      might fall upon him as being concerned in what might be called a murder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had better leave here at once,&rdquo; he reflected. &ldquo;I shall have to go away
+      without paying for my meal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He started to leave the house, but had scarcely reached the door when two
+      persons&mdash;a man and a woman&mdash;entered. Both looked at Carl with
+      suspicion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are you doing here?&rdquo; asked the man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I beg your pardon,&rdquo; answered Carl; &ldquo;I was very hungry, and seeing no one
+      about, took the liberty to sit down at the table and eat. I am willing to
+      pay for my dinner if you will tell me how much it amounts to.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wasn&rsquo;t my husband here?&rdquo; asked the woman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I am afraid something has happened to your husband,&rdquo; faltered
+      Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you mean?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl silently pointed to the chamber door. The woman opened it, and
+      uttered a loud shriek.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, Walter!&rdquo; she cried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Her companion quickly came to her side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My husband is dead!&rdquo; cried the woman; &ldquo;basely murdered, and there,&rdquo;
+       pointing fiercely to Carl, &ldquo;there stands the murderer!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Madam, you cannot believe this!&rdquo; said Carl, naturally agitated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What have you to say for yourself?&rdquo; demanded the man, suspiciously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I only just saw&mdash;your husband,&rdquo; continued Carl, addressing himself
+      to the woman. &ldquo;I had finished my meal, when I began to search for some one
+      whom I could pay, and so opened this door into the room beyond, when I saw&mdash;him
+      hanging there!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t believe him, the red-handed murderer!&rdquo; broke out the woman,
+      fiercely. &ldquo;He is probably a thief; he killed my poor husband, and then sat
+      down like a cold-blooded villain that he is, and gorged himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Things began to look very serious for poor Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your husband is larger and stronger than myself,&rdquo; he urged, desperately.
+      &ldquo;How could I overpower him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It looks reasonable, Maria,&rdquo; said the man. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how the boy could
+      have killed Mr. Brown, or lifted him upon the hook, even if he did not
+      resist.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He murdered him, I tell you, he murdered him!&rdquo; shrieked the woman, who
+      seemed bereft of reason. &ldquo;I call upon you to arrest him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not a constable, Maria.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then tie him so he cannot get away, and go for a constable. I wouldn&rsquo;t
+      feel safe with him in the house, unless he were tied fast. He might hang
+      me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Terrible as the circumstances were, Carl felt an impulse to laugh. It
+      seemed absurd to hear himself talked of in this way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tie me if you like!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I am willing to wait here till some one
+      comes who has a little common sense. Just remember that I am only a boy,
+      and haven&rsquo;t the strength of a full-grown man!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy is right, Maria! It&rsquo;s a foolish idea of yours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I call upon you to tie the villain!&rdquo; insisted the woman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just as you say! Can you give me some rope?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      From a drawer Mrs. Brown drew a quantity of strong cord, and the man
+      proceeded to tie Carl&rsquo;s hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tie his feet, too, Walter!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Even if you didn&rsquo;t tie me, I would promise to remain here. I don&rsquo;t want
+      anybody to suspect me of such a thing,&rdquo; put in Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How artful he is!&rdquo; said Mrs. Brown. &ldquo;Tie him strong, Walter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two were left alone, Carl feeling decidedly uncomfortable. The
+      newly-made widow laid her head upon the table and moaned, glancing
+      occasionally at the body of her husband, as it still hung suspended from
+      the hook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, William, I little expected to find you dead!&rdquo; she groaned. &ldquo;I only
+      went to the store to buy a pound of salt, and when I come back, I find you
+      cold and still, the victim of a young ruffian! How could you be so
+      wicked?&rdquo; she demanded fiercely of Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have told you that I had nothing to do with your husband&rsquo;s death,
+      madam.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who killed him, then?&rdquo; she cried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. He must have committed suicide.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t think you are going to escape in that way. I won&rsquo;t rest till I see
+      you hung!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I had never entered the house,&rdquo; thought Carl, uncomfortably. &ldquo;I
+      would rather have gone hungry for twenty four hours longer than find
+      myself in such a position.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Half an hour passed. Then a sound of voices was heard outside, and half a
+      dozen men entered, including besides the messenger, the constable and a
+      physician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why was he not cut down?&rdquo; asked the doctor, hastily. &ldquo;There might have
+      been a chance to resuscitate him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t think of it,&rdquo; said the messenger. &ldquo;Maria was so excited, and
+      insisted that the boy murdered him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was pointed out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That boy? What nonsense!&rdquo; exclaimed Dr. Park. &ldquo;Why, it would be more than
+      you or I could do to overpower and hang a man weighing one hundred and
+      seventy-five pounds.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s what I thought, but Maria seemed crazed like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I tell you he did it! Are you going to let him go, the red-handed
+      murderer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Loose the cord, and I will question the boy,&rdquo; said Dr. Park, with an air
+      of authority.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl breathed a sigh of relief, when, freed from his bonds, he stood
+      upright.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll tell you all I know,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but it won&rsquo;t throw any light upon
+      the death.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Park listened attentively, and asked one or two questions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you hear any noise when you were sitting at the table?&rdquo; he inquired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Was the door closed?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That of itself would probably prevent your hearing anything. Mrs. Brown,
+      at what hour did you leave the house?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At ten minutes of twelve.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is now five minutes of one. The deed must have been committed just
+      after you left the house. Had you noticed anything out of the way in your&mdash;husband&rsquo;s
+      manner?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, not much. He was always a silent man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Had anything happened to disturb him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He got a letter this morning. I don&rsquo;t know what was in it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We had better search for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The body was taken down and laid on the bed. Dr. Park searched the
+      pockets, and found a half sheet of note paper, on which these lines were
+      written:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Maria:&mdash;I have made up my mind I can ive no longer. I have made a
+      terrible discovery. When I married you, I thought my first wife, who
+      deserted me four years ago, dead. I learn by a letter received this
+      morning that she is still living in a town of Illinois. The only thing I
+      can do is to free you both from my presence. When you come back from the
+      store you will find me cold and dead. The little that I leave behind I
+      give to you. If my first wife should come here, as she threatens, you can
+      tell her so. Good-by.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;William.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The reading of this letter made a sensation. Mrs. Brown went into
+      hysterics, and there was a scene of confusion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think I can go?&rdquo; Carl asked Dr. Park.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. There is nothing to connect you with the sad event.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl gladly left the cottage, and it was only when he was a mile on his
+      way that he remembered that he had not paid for his dinner, after all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A PLAUSIBLE STRANGER.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Three days later found Carl still on his travels. It was his custom to
+      obtain his meals at a cheap hotel, or, if none were met with, at a
+      farmhouse, and to secure lodgings where he could, and on as favorable
+      terms as possible. He realized the need of economy, and felt that he was
+      practicing it. He had changed his ten-dollar bill the first day, for a
+      five and several ones. These last were now spent, and the five-dollar bill
+      alone remained to him. He had earned nothing, though everywhere he had
+      been on the lookout for a job.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Toward the close of the last day he overtook a young man of twenty-five,
+      who was traveling in the same direction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-afternoon,&rdquo; said the young man, sociably.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-afternoon, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you bound, may I ask?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To the next town.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Fillmore?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, if that is the name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I. Why shouldn&rsquo;t we travel together?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no objection,&rdquo; said Carl, who was glad of company.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you in any business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, but I hope to find a place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, a smart boy like you will soon find employment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope so, I am sure. I haven&rsquo;t much money left, and it is necessary I
+      should do something.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just so. I am a New York salesman, but just now I am on my vacation&mdash;taking
+      a pedestrian tour with knapsack and staff, as you see. The beauty of it is
+      that my salary runs on just as if I were at my post, and will nearly pay
+      all my traveling expenses.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are in luck. Besides you have a good place to go back to. There isn&rsquo;t
+      any vacancy, is there? You couldn&rsquo;t take on a boy?&rdquo; asked Carl, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, there might be a chance,&rdquo; said the young man, slowly. &ldquo;You haven&rsquo;t
+      any recommendations with you, have you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I have never been employed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t matter. I will recommend you myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You might be deceived in me,&rdquo; said Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll take the risk of that. I know a reliable boy when I see him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you. What is the name of your firm?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;F. Brandes &amp; Co., commission merchants, Pearl Street. My own name is
+      Chauncy Hubbard, at your service.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s a good name. I predict that we shall be great chums, if I manage
+      to get you a place in our establishment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is Mr. Brandes a good man to work for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, he is easy and good-natured. He is liberal to his clerks. What
+      salary do you think I get?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t guess.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Forty dollars a week, and I am only twenty-five. Went into the house at
+      sixteen, and worked my way up.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have certainly done well,&rdquo; said Carl, respectfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I&rsquo;m no slouch, if I do say it myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t wonder your income pays the expenses of your vacation trip.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It ought to, that&rsquo;s a fact, though I&rsquo;m rather free handed and like to
+      spend money. My prospects are pretty good in another direction. Old Fred
+      Brandes has a handsome daughter, who thinks considerable of your humble
+      servant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think there is any chance of marrying her?&rdquo; asked Carl, with
+      interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think my chance is pretty good, as the girl won&rsquo;t look at anybody
+      else.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is Mr. Brandes wealthy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, the old man&rsquo;s pretty well fixed, worth nearly half a million, I
+      guess.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps he will take you into the firm,&rdquo; suggested Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very likely. That&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;m working for.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At any rate, you ought to save something out of your salary.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I ought, but I haven&rsquo;t. The fact is, Carl,&rdquo; said Chauncy Hubbard, in a
+      burst of confidence, &ldquo;I have a great mind to make a confession to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall feel flattered, I am sure,&rdquo; said Carl, politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have one great fault&mdash;I gamble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you?&rdquo; said Carl, rather startled, for he had been brought up very
+      properly to have a horror of gambling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I suppose it&rsquo;s in my blood. My father was a very rich man at one
+      time, but he lost nearly all his fortune at the gaming table.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That ought to have been a warning to you, I should think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It ought, and may be yet, for I am still a young man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Hubbard,&rdquo; said Carl, earnestly, &ldquo;I feel rather diffident about
+      advising you, for I am only a boy, but I should think you would give up
+      such a dangerous habit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Say no more, Carl! You are a true friend. I will try to follow your
+      advice. Give me your hand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl did so, and felt a warm glow of pleasure at the thought that perhaps
+      he had redeemed his companion from a fascinating vice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I really wish I had a sensible boy like you to be my constant companion.
+      I should feel safer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you really have such a passion for gambling, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; if at the hotel to-night I should see a party playing poker, I could
+      not resist joining them. Odd, isn&rsquo;t it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad I have no such temptation.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, you are lucky. By the way, how much money have you about you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Five dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you can do me a favor. I have a ten-dollar bill, which I need to get
+      me home. Now, I would like to have you keep a part of it for me till I go
+      away in the morning. Give me your five, and I will hand you ten. Out of
+      that you can pay my hotel bill and hand me the balance due me in the
+      morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you really wish me to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Enough said. Here is the ten.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took the bill, and gave Mr. Hubbard his five-dollar note.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are placing considerable confidence in me,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am, it is true, but I have no fear of being deceived. You are a boy who
+      naturally inspires confidence.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl thought Mr. Chauncy Hubbard a very agreeable and sensible fellow, and
+      he felt flattered to think that the young man had chosen him as a
+      guardian, so to speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Carl, you haven&rsquo;t told me,&rdquo; said Hubbard, as they pursued
+      their journey, &ldquo;how a boy like yourself is forced to work his own way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can tell you the reason very briefly&mdash;I have a stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I understand. Is your father living?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he thinks more of the stepmother than of you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid he does.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have my sympathy, Carl. I will do all I can to help you. If you can
+      only get a place in our establishment, you will be all right. Step by step
+      you will rise, till you come to stand where I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That would satisfy me. Has Mr. Brandes got another daughter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, there is only one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall have to be content with the forty dollars a week. If I ever
+      get it, I will save half.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I could.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can if you try. Why, you might have two thousand dollars saved up
+      now, if you had only begun to save in time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have lost more than that at the gaming table. You will think me very
+      foolish.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I do,&rdquo; said Carl, frankly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right. But here we are almost at the village.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there a good hotel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes&mdash;the Fillmore. We will take adjoining rooms if you say so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And in the morning you will pay the bill?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two travelers had a good supper, and retired early, both being
+      fatigued with the journey. It was not till eight o&rsquo;clock the next morning
+      that Carl opened his eyes. He dressed hastily, and went down to breakfast.
+      He was rather surprised not to see his companion of the day before.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Has Mr. Hubbard come down yet?&rdquo; he asked at the desk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he took an early breakfast, and went off by the first train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is strange. I was to pay his bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He paid it himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl did not know what to make of this. Had Hubbard forgotten that he had
+      five dollars belonging to him? Fortunately, Carl had his city address, and
+      could refund the money in New York.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well! I will pay my own bill. How much is it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A dollar and a quarter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took the ten-dollar bill from his wallet and tendered it to the
+      clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Instead of changing it at once, the clerk held it up to the light and
+      examined it critically.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t take that bill,&rdquo; he said, abruptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because it is counterfeit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl turned pale, and the room seemed to whirl round. It was all the money
+      he had.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER X.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      THE COUNTERFEIT BILL.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure it is counterfeit?&rdquo; asked Carl, very much disturbed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am certain of it. I haven&rsquo;t been handling bank bills for ten years
+      without being able to tell good money from bad. I&rsquo;ll trouble you for
+      another bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s all the money I have,&rdquo; faltered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, young man,&rdquo; said the clerk, sternly, &ldquo;you are trying a bold
+      game, but it won&rsquo;t succeed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am trying no game at all,&rdquo; said Carl, plucking up spirit. &ldquo;I thought
+      the bill was good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did you get it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From the man who came with me last evening&mdash;Mr. Hubbard.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The money he gave me was good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What did he give you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A five-dollar bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was my five-dollar bill,&rdquo; said Carl, bitterly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your story doesn&rsquo;t seem very probable,&rdquo; said the clerk, suspiciously.
+      &ldquo;How did he happen to get your money, and you his?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He told me that he would get to gambling, and wished me to take money
+      enough to pay his bill here. He handed me the ten-dollar bill which you
+      say is bad, and I gave him five in return. I think now he only wanted to
+      get good money for bad.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your story may be true, or it may not,&rdquo; said the clerk, whose manner
+      indicated incredulity. &ldquo;That is nothing to me. All you have to do is to
+      pay your hotel bill, and you can settle with Mr. Hubbard when you see
+      him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I have no other money,&rdquo; said Carl, desperately.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall feel justified in ordering your arrest on a charge of
+      passing, or trying to pass, counterfeit money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t do that, sir! I will see that you are paid out of the first money I
+      earn.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must think I am soft,&rdquo; said the clerk, contemptuously. &ldquo;I have seen
+      persons of your stripe before. I dare say, if you were searched, more
+      counterfeit money would be found in your pockets.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Search me, then!&rdquo; cried Carl, indignantly. &ldquo;I am perfectly willing that
+      you should.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Haven&rsquo;t you any relations who will pay your bill?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no one to call upon,&rdquo; answered Carl, soberly. &ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t you let me
+      work it out? I am ready to do any kind of work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Our list of workers is full,&rdquo; said the clerk, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Poor Carl! he felt that he was decidedly in a tight place. He had never
+      before found himself unable to meet his bills, nor would he have been so
+      placed now but for Hubbard&rsquo;s rascality. A dollar and a quarter seems a
+      small sum, but if you are absolutely penniless it might as well be a
+      thousand. Suppose he should be arrested and the story get into the papers?
+      How his stepmother would exult in the record of his disgrace! He could
+      anticipate what she would say. Peter, too, would rejoice, and between them
+      both his father would be persuaded that he was thoroughly unprincipled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What have you got in your valise?&rdquo; asked the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Only some underclothing. If there were anything of any value I would
+      cheerfully leave it as security. Wait a minute, though,&rdquo; he said, with a
+      sudden thought. &ldquo;Here is a gold pencil! It is worth five dollars; at any
+      rate, it cost more than that. I can place that in your hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me see it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl handed the clerk a neat gold pencil, on which his name was inscribed.
+      It was evidently of good quality, and found favor with the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll give you a dollar and a quarter for the pencil,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and call
+      it square.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t like to sell it,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t get any more for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t thinking of that; but it was given me by my mother, who is now
+      dead. I would not like to part with anything that she gave me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You would prefer to get off scot-free, I suppose?&rdquo; retorted the clerk,
+      with a sneer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I am willing to leave it in your hands, but I should like the
+      privilege of redeeming it when I have the money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well,&rdquo; said the clerk, who reflected that in all probability Carl
+      would never come back for it. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll take it on those conditions.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl passed over the pencil with a sigh. He didn&rsquo;t like to part with it,
+      even for a short time, but there seemed no help for it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right. I will mark you paid.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl left the hotel, satchel in hand, and as he passed out into the
+      street, reflected with a sinking heart that he was now quite penniless.
+      Where was he to get his dinner, and how was he to provide himself with a
+      lodging that night? At present he was not hungry, having eaten a hearty
+      breakfast at the hotel, but by one o&rsquo;clock he would feel the need of food.
+      He began to ask himself if, after all, he had not been unwise in leaving
+      home, no matter how badly he had been treated by his stepmother. There, at
+      least, he was certain of living comfortably. Now he was in danger of
+      starvation, and on two occasions already he had incurred suspicion, once
+      of being concerned in a murder, and just now of passing counterfeit money.
+      Ought he to have submitted, and so avoided all these perils?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No!&rdquo; he finally decided; &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t give up the ship yet. I am about as
+      badly off as I can be; I am without a cent, and don&rsquo;t know where my next
+      meal is to come from. But my luck may turn&mdash;it must turn&mdash;it has
+      turned!&rdquo; he exclaimed with energy, as his wandering glance suddenly fell
+      upon a silver quarter of a dollar, nearly covered up with the dust of the
+      street. &ldquo;That shall prove a good omen!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He stooped over and picked up the coin, which he put in his vest pocket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was wonderful how the possession of this small sum of money restored
+      his courage and raised his spirits. He was sure of a dinner now, at all
+      events. It looked as if Providence was smiling on him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two miles farther on Carl overtook a boy of about his own age trudging
+      along the road with a rake over his shoulder. He wore overalls, and was
+      evidently a farmer&rsquo;s boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-day!&rdquo; said Carl, pleasantly, noticing that the boy regarded him with
+      interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-day!&rdquo; returned the country lad, rather bashfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you tell me if there is any place near where I can buy some dinner?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There ain&rsquo;t no tavern, if that&rsquo;s what you mean. I&rsquo;m goin&rsquo; home to dinner
+      myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where do you live?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Over yonder.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He pointed to a farmhouse about a dozen rods away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think your mother would give me some dinner?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I guess she would. Mam&rsquo;s real accommodatin&rsquo;.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you ask her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; just come along of me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He turned into the yard, and followed a narrow path to the back door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll stay here while you ask,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy entered the house, and came out after a brief absence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mam says you&rsquo;re to come in,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl, glad at heart, and feeling quite prepared to eat fifty cents&rsquo; worth
+      of dinner, followed the boy inside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A pleasant-looking, matronly woman, plainly but neatly attired, came
+      forward to greet him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nat says you would like to get some dinner,&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Carl. &ldquo;I hope you&rsquo;ll excuse my applying to you, but your
+      son tells me there is no hotel near by.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The nearest one is three miles away from here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I can hold out so long,&rdquo; said Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sit right down with Nat,&rdquo; said the farmer&rsquo;s wife, hospitably. &ldquo;Mr.
+      Sweetser won&rsquo;t be home for half an hour. We&rsquo;ve got enough, such as it is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Evidently Mrs. Sweetser was a good cook. The dinner consisted of boiled
+      mutton, with several kinds of vegetables. A cup of tea and two kinds of
+      pie followed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was hard to tell which of the two boys did fuller justice to the meal.
+      Nat had the usual appetite of a healthy farm boy, and Carl, in spite of
+      his recent anxieties, and narrow escape from serious peril, did not allow
+      himself to fall behind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your mother&rsquo;s a fine cook!&rdquo; said Carl, between two mouthfuls.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ain&rsquo;t she, though?&rdquo; answered Nat, his mouth full of pie.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Carl rose from the table he feared that he had eaten more than his
+      little stock of money would pay for.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much will it be, Mrs. Sweetser?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, you&rsquo;re quite welcome to all you&rsquo;ve had,&rdquo; said the good woman,
+      cheerily. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s plain farmer&rsquo;s fare.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I never tasted a better dinner,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Sweetser seemed pleased with the compliment to her cooking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come again when you are passing this way,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;You will always be
+      welcome to a dinner.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl thanked her heartily, and pressed on his way. Two hours later, at a
+      lonely point of the road, an ill-looking tramp, who had been reclining by
+      the wayside, jumped up, and addressed him in a menacing tone:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Young feller, shell over all the money you have got, or I&rsquo;ll hurt you!
+      I&rsquo;m hard up, and I won&rsquo;t stand no nonsense.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl started and looked into the face of the tramp. It seemed to him that
+      he had never seen a man more ill-favored, or villainous-looking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      THE ARCHERY PRIZE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Situated as he was, it seemed, on second thought, rather a joke to Carl to
+      be attacked by a robber. He had but twenty-five cents in good money about
+      him, and that he had just picked up by the merest chance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do I look like a banker?&rdquo; he asked, humorously. &ldquo;Why do you want to rob a
+      boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The way you&rsquo;re togged out, you must have something,&rdquo; growled the tramp,
+      &ldquo;and I haven&rsquo;t got a penny.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your business doesn&rsquo;t seem to pay, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you make fun of me, or I&rsquo;ll wring your neck! Just hand over your
+      money and be quick about it! I haven&rsquo;t time to stand fooling here all
+      day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A bright idea came to Carl. He couldn&rsquo;t spare the silver coin, which
+      constituted all his available wealth, but he still had the counterfeit
+      note.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t take all my money, will you?&rdquo; he said, earnestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much have you got?&rdquo; asked the tramp, pricking up his ears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl, with apparent reluctance, drew out the ten-dollar bill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tramp&rsquo;s face lighted up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is your name Vanderbilt?&rdquo; he asked. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t expect to make such a
+      haul.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t you give me back a dollar out of it? I don&rsquo;t want to lose all I
+      have.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t got a cent. You&rsquo;ll have to wait till we meet again. So long,
+      boy! You&rsquo;ve helped me out of a scrape.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Or into one,&rdquo; thought Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tramp straightened up, buttoned his dilapidated coat, and walked off
+      with the consciousness of being a capitalist.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl watched him with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope I won&rsquo;t meet him after he has discovered that the bill is a
+      counterfeit,&rdquo; he said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He congratulated himself upon being still the possessor of twenty-five
+      cents in silver. It was not much, but it seemed a great deal better than
+      being penniless. A week before he would have thought it impossible that
+      such a paltry sum would have made him feel comfortable, but he had passed
+      through a great deal since then.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About the middle of the afternoon he came to a field, in which something
+      appeared to be going on. Some forty or fifty young persons, boys and
+      girls, were walking about the grass, and seemed to be preparing for some
+      interesting event.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl stopped to rest and look on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s going on here?&rdquo; he asked of a boy who was sitting on the fence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a meeting of the athletic association,&rdquo; said the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are they doing?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They try for prizes in jumping, vaulting, archery and so on.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This interested Carl, who excelled in all manly exercises.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose I may stay and look on?&rdquo; he said, inquiringly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, of course. Jump over the fence and I&rsquo;ll go round with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It seemed pleasant to Carl to associate once more with boys of his own
+      age. Thrown unexpectedly upon his own resources, he had almost forgotten
+      that he was a boy. Face to face with a cold and unsympathizing world, he
+      seemed to himself twenty-five at least.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Those who wish to compete for the archery prize will come forward,&rdquo;
+       announced Robert Gardiner, a young man of nineteen, who, as Carl learned,
+      was the president of the association. &ldquo;You all understand the conditions.
+      The entry fee to competitors is ten cents. The prize to the most
+      successful archer is one dollar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Several boys came forward and paid the entrance fee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would you like to compete?&rdquo; asked Edward Downie, the boy whose
+      acquaintance Carl had made.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am an outsider,&rdquo; said Carl. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t belong to the association.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll speak to the president, if you like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to intrude.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It won&rsquo;t be considered an intrusion. You pay the entrance fee and take
+      your chances.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Edward went to the president and spoke to him in a low voice. The result
+      was that he advanced to Carl, and said, courteously:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you would like to enter into our games, you are quite at liberty to do
+      so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; responded Carl. &ldquo;I have had a little practice in archery, and
+      will enter my name for that prize.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He paid over his quarter and received back fifteen cents in change. It
+      seemed rather an imprudent outlay, considering his small capital; but he
+      had good hopes of carrying off the prize, and that would be a great lift
+      for him. Seven boys entered besides Carl. The first was Victor Russell, a
+      lad of fourteen, whose arrow went three feet above the mark.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The prize is mine if none of you do better than that,&rdquo; laughed Victor,
+      good-naturedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope not, for the credit of the club,&rdquo; said the president. &ldquo;Mr.
+      Crawford, will you shoot next?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would prefer to be the last,&rdquo; said Carl, modestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;John Livermore, your turn now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John came a little nearer than his predecessor, but did not distinguish
+      himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If that is a specimen of the skill of the clubmen,&rdquo; thought Carl, &ldquo;my
+      chance is a good one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Next came Frank Stockton, whose arrow stuck only three inches from the
+      center of the target.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good for Fred!&rdquo; cried Edward Downie. &ldquo;Just wait till you see me shoot!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a dangerous rival?&rdquo; asked Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can hit a barn door if I am only near enough,&rdquo; replied Edward.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Edward Downie!&rdquo; called the president.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edward took his bow and advanced to the proper place, bent it, and the
+      arrow sped on its way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a murmur of surprise when his arrow struck only an inch to the
+      right of the centre. No one was more amazed than Edward himself, for he
+      was accounted far from skillful. It was indeed a lucky accident.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you say to that?&rdquo; asked Edward, triumphantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think the prize is yours. I had no idea you could shoot like that,&rdquo;
+       said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor I,&rdquo; rejoined Edward, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford!&rdquo; called the president.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took his position, and bent his bow with the greatest care. He
+      exercised unusual deliberation, for success meant more to him than to any
+      of the others. A dollar to him in his present circumstances would be a
+      small fortune, while the loss of even ten cents would be sensibly felt.
+      His heart throbbed with excitement as he let the arrow speed on its
+      mission.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His unusual deliberation, and the fact that he was a stranger, excited
+      strong interest, and all eyes followed the arrow with eager attentiveness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a sudden shout of irrepressible excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl&rsquo;s arrow had struck the bull&rsquo;s-eye and the prize was his.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Christopher!&rdquo; exclaimed Edward Downie, &ldquo;you&rsquo;ve beaten me, after all!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m almost sorry,&rdquo; said Carl, apologetically, but the light in his eyes
+      hardly bore out the statement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Never mind. Everybody would have called it a fluke if I had won,&rdquo; said
+      Edward. &ldquo;I expect to get the prize for the long jump. I am good at that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I, but I won&rsquo;t compete; I will leave it to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, no. I want to win fair.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl accordingly entered his name. He made the second best jump, but
+      Edward&rsquo;s exceeded his by a couple of inches, and the prize was adjudged to
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have my revenge,&rdquo; he said, smiling. &ldquo;I am glad I won, for it wouldn&rsquo;t
+      have been to the credit of the club to have an outsider carry off two
+      prizes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am perfectly satisfied,&rdquo; said Carl; &ldquo;I ought to be, for I did not
+      expect to carry off any.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl decided not to compete for any other prize. He had invested twenty
+      cents and got back a dollar, which left him a profit of eighty cents.
+      This, with his original quarter, made him the possessor of a dollar and
+      five cents.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My luck seems to have turned,&rdquo; he said to himself, and the thought gave
+      him fresh courage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was five o&rsquo;clock when the games were over, and Carl prepared to start
+      again on his journey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you going to take supper?&rdquo; asked Downie.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;don&rsquo;t&mdash;know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come home with me. If you are in no hurry, you may as well stay
+      overnight, and go on in the morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure it won&rsquo;t inconvenience you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not at all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I&rsquo;ll accept with thanks.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN ODD ACQUAINTANCE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      After breakfast the next morning Carl started again on his way. His new
+      friend, Edward Downie, accompanied him for a mile, having an errand at
+      that distance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you good luck, Carl,&rdquo; he said, earnestly. &ldquo;When you come this way
+      again, be sure to stop in and see me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will certainly do so, but I hope I may find employment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At any rate,&rdquo; thought Carl, as he resumed his journey alone, &ldquo;I am better
+      off than I was yesterday morning. Then I had but twenty-five cents; now I
+      have a dollar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This was satisfactory as far as it went, but Carl was sensible that he was
+      making no progress in his plan of earning a living. He was simply living
+      from hand to mouth, and but for good luck he would have had to go hungry,
+      and perhaps have been obliged to sleep out doors. What he wanted was
+      employment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was about ten o&rsquo;clock when, looking along the road, his curiosity was
+      excited by a man of very unusual figure a few rods in advance of him. He
+      looked no taller than a boy of ten; but his frame was large, his shoulders
+      broad, and his arms were of unusual length. He might properly be called a
+      dwarf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad I am not so small as that,&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;I am richer than he
+      in having a good figure. I should not like to excite attention wherever I
+      go by being unusually large or unusually small.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Some boys would have felt inclined to laugh at the queer figure, but Carl
+      had too much good feeling. His curiosity certainly was aroused, and he
+      thought he would like to get acquainted with the little man, whose
+      garments of fine texture showed that, though short in stature, he was
+      probably long in purse. He didn&rsquo;t quite know how to pave the way for an
+      acquaintance, but circumstances favored him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little man drew out a handkerchief from the side pocket of his
+      overcoat. With it fluttered out a bank bill, which fell to the ground
+      apparently unobserved by the owner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl hurried on, and, picking up the bill, said to the small stranger as
+      he touched his arm: &ldquo;Here is some money you just dropped, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The little man turned round and smiled pleasantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you. Are you sure it is mine?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; it came out with your handkerchief.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me see. So it is mine. I was very careless to put it loose in my
+      pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were rather careless, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of what denomination is it?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is a two-dollar note.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you had been a poor boy,&rdquo; said the little man, eying Carl keenly, &ldquo;you
+      might have been tempted to keep it. I might not have known.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What makes you think I am not a poor boy?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are well dressed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is true; but all the money I have is a dollar and five cents.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know where to get more? You have a good home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had a home, but now I am thrown on my own exertions,&rdquo; said Carl,
+      soberly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear me! That is bad! If I were better acquainted, I might ask more
+      particularly how this happens. Are you an orphan?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; my father is living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And your mother is dead?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is your father a poor man?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; he is moderately rich.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet you have to fight your own way?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. I have a stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see. Are you sure you are not unreasonably prejudiced against your
+      stepmother? All stepmothers are not bad or unkind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know that, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yours is, I presume?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can judge for yourself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl recited some incidents in his experience with his stepmother. The
+      stranger listened with evident interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not in general in favor of boys leaving home except on extreme
+      provocation,&rdquo; he said, after a pause; &ldquo;but in your case, as your father
+      seems to take part against you, I think you may be justified, especially
+      as, at your age, you have a fair chance of making your own living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you think that, sir. I have begun to wonder whether I have not
+      acted rashly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In undertaking to support yourself?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How old are you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sixteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At fourteen I was obliged to undertake what you have now before you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To support yourself?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I was left an orphan at fourteen, with no money left me by my poor
+      father, and no relatives who could help me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you make out, sir?&rdquo; asked Carl, feeling very much interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I sold papers for a while&mdash;in Newark, New Jersey&mdash;then I got a
+      place at three dollars a week, out of which I had to pay for board,
+      lodging and clothes. Well, I won&rsquo;t go through my history. I will only say
+      that whatever I did I did as well as I could. I am now a man of about
+      middle age, and I am moderately wealthy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am very much encouraged by what you tell me, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you don&rsquo;t understand what a hard struggle I had. More than once I
+      have had to go to bed hungry. Sometimes I have had to sleep out, but one
+      mustn&rsquo;t be afraid to rough it a little when he is young. I shouldn&rsquo;t like
+      to sleep out now, or go to bed without my supper,&rdquo; and the little man
+      laughed softly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I expect to rough it, but if I could only get a situation, at
+      no matter what income, I should feel encouraged.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have earned no money yet?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I earned a dollar yesterday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At what kind of work?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Archery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The little man looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is that a business?&rdquo; he asked, curiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll explain how it was,&rdquo; and Carl told about the contest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So you hit the mark?&rdquo; said the little man, significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Somehow, there was something in the little man&rsquo;s tone that put new courage
+      into Carl, and incited him to fresh effort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder, sir,&rdquo; he said, after a pause, &ldquo;that you should be walking, when
+      you can well afford to ride.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The little man smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is by advice of my physician,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;He tells me I am getting too
+      stout, and ought to take more or less exercise in the open air. So I am
+      trying to follow his advice.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you in business near here, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At a large town six miles distant. I may not walk all the way there, but
+      I have a place to call at near by, and thought I would avail myself of the
+      good chance offered to take a little exercise. I feel repaid. I have made
+      a pleasant acquaintance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is my card,&rdquo; and the little man took out a business card, reading
+      thus:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      HENRY JENNINGS, FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, MILFORD.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I manufacture my furniture in the country,&rdquo; he continued, &ldquo;but I ship it
+      by special arrangements to a house in New York in which I am also
+      interested.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, I see. Do you employ many persons in your establishment?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;About thirty.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think you could make room for me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think you would like the business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am prepared to like any business in which I can make a living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is right. That is the way to look at it. Let me think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      For two minutes Mr. Jennings seemed to be plunged in thought. Then he
+      turned and smiled encouragingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can come home with me,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and I will consider the matter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; said Carl, gladly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have got to make a call at the next house, not on business, though.
+      There is an old schoolmate lying there sick. I am afraid he is rather
+      poor, too. You can walk on slowly, and I will overtake you in a few
+      minutes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;After walking half a mile, if I have not overtaken you, you may sit down
+      under a tree and wait for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Before I leave you I will tell you a secret.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The two dollars you picked up, I dropped on purpose.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On purpose?&rdquo; asked Carl, in amazement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I wanted to try you, to see if you were honest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you had noticed me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. I liked your appearance, but I wanted to test you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN UNEQUAL CONTEST.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl walked on slowly. He felt encouraged by the prospect of work, for he
+      was sure that Mr. Jennings would make a place for him, if possible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is evidently a kind-hearted man,&rdquo; Carl reflected. &ldquo;Besides, he has
+      been poor himself, and he can sympathize with me. The wages may be small,
+      but I won&rsquo;t mind that, if I only support myself economically, and get on.&rdquo;
+       To most boys brought up in comfort, not to say luxury, the prospect of
+      working hard for small pay would not have seemed inviting. But Carl was
+      essentially manly, and had sensible ideas about labor. It was no sacrifice
+      or humiliation to him to become a working boy, for he had never considered
+      himself superior to working boys, as many boys in his position would have
+      done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He walked on in a leisurely manner, and at the end of ten minutes thought
+      he had better sit down and wait for Mr. Jennings. But he was destined to
+      receive a shock. There, under the tree which seemed to offer the most
+      inviting shelter, reclined a figure only too well-known.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the tramp who the day before had compelled him to surrender the
+      ten-dollar bill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ill-looking fellow glanced up, and when his gaze rested upon Carl, his
+      face beamed with savage joy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So it&rsquo;s you, is it?&rdquo; he said, rising from his seat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Carl, doubtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you remember me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have cause to remember you, my chicken. That was a mean trick you
+      played upon me,&rdquo; and he nodded his head significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should think it was you that played the trick on me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you make that out?&rdquo; growled the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You took my money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I did, and much good it did me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was silent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know why, don&rsquo;t you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl might have denied that he knew the character of the bill which was
+      stolen from him, but I am glad to say that it would have come from him
+      with a very ill grace, for he was accustomed to tell the truth under all
+      circumstances.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You knew that the bill was counterfeit, didn&rsquo;t you?&rdquo; demanded the tramp,
+      fiercely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was told so at the hotel where I offered it in payment for my bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet you passed it on me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t pass it on you. You took it from me,&rdquo; retorted Carl, with
+      spirit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That makes no difference.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think it does. I wouldn&rsquo;t have offered it to anyone in payment of an
+      honest bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Humph! you thought because I was poor and unfortunate you could pass it
+      off on me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This seemed so grotesque that Carl found it difficult not to laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know it nearly got me into trouble?&rdquo; went on the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How was that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I stopped at a baker&rsquo;s shop to get a lunch. When I got through I offered
+      the bill. The old Dutchman put on his spectacles, and he looked first at
+      the bill, then at me. Then he threatened to have me arrested for passing
+      bad money. I told him I&rsquo;d go out in the back yard and settle it with him.
+      I tell you, boy, I&rsquo;d have knocked him out in one round, and he knew it, so
+      he bade me be gone and never darken his door again. Where did you get it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was passed on me by a man I was traveling with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much other money have you got?&rdquo; asked the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very little.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Give it to me, whatever it is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This was a little too much for Carl&rsquo;s patience.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no money to spare,&rdquo; he said, shortly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Say that over again!&rdquo; said the tramp, menacingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t understand me, I will. I have no money to spare.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll spare it to me, I reckon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here,&rdquo; said Carl, slowly backing. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve robbed me of ten dollars.
+      You&rsquo;ll have to be satisfied with that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was no good. It might have sent me to prison. If I was nicely dressed
+      I might pass it, but when a chap like me offers a ten-dollar bill it&rsquo;s
+      sure to be looked at sharply. I haven&rsquo;t a cent, and I&rsquo;ll trouble you to
+      hand over all you&rsquo;ve got.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t you work for a living? You are a strong, able-bodied man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll find I am if you give me any more of your palaver.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl saw that the time of negotiation was past, and that active
+      hostilities were about to commence. Accordingly he turned and ran, not
+      forward, but in the reverse direction, hoping in this way to meet with Mr.
+      Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ah, that&rsquo;s your game, is it?&rdquo; growled the tramp. &ldquo;You needn&rsquo;t expect to
+      escape, for I&rsquo;ll overhaul you in two minutes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So Carl ran, and his rough acquaintance ran after him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It could hardly be expected that a boy of sixteen, though stout and
+      strong, could get away from a tall, powerful man like the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Looking back over his shoulder, Carl saw that the tramp was but three feet
+      behind, and almost able to lay his hand upon his shoulder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He dodged dexterously, and in trying to do the same the tramp nearly fell
+      to the ground. Naturally, this did not sweeten his temper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll half murder you when I get hold of you,&rdquo; he growled, in a tone that
+      bodied ill for Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The latter began to pant, and felt that he could not hold out much longer.
+      Should he surrender at discretion?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If some one would only come along,&rdquo; was his inward aspiration. &ldquo;This man
+      will take my money and beat me, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As if in reply to his fervent prayer the small figure of Mr. Jennings
+      appeared suddenly, rounding a curve in the road.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Save me, save me, Mr. Jennings!&rdquo; cried Carl, running up to the little man
+      for protection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the matter? Who is this fellow?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings, in a deep
+      voice for so small a man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That tramp wants to rob me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t trouble yourself! He won&rsquo;t do it,&rdquo; said Jennings, calmly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL ARRIVES IN MILFORD.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The tramp stopped short, and eyed Carl&rsquo;s small defender, first with
+      curious surprise, and then with derision.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Out of my way, you midget!&rdquo; he cried, &ldquo;or &lsquo;ll hurt you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Try it!&rdquo; said the little man, showing no sign of fear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, you&rsquo;re no bigger than a kid. I can upset you with one finger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He advanced contemptuously, and laid his hand on the shoulder of the
+      dwarf. In an instant Jennings had swung his flail-like arms, and before
+      the tramp understood what was happening he was lying flat on his back, as
+      much to Carl&rsquo;s amazement as his own.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He leaped to his feet with an execration, and advanced again to the
+      attack. To be upset by such a pigmy was the height of mortification.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m going to crush you, you mannikin!&rdquo; he threatened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jennings put himself on guard. Like many small men, he was very powerful,
+      as his broad shoulders and sinewy arms would have made evident to a
+      teacher of gymnastics. He clearly understood that this opponent was in
+      deadly earnest, and he put out all the strength which he possessed. The
+      result was that his large-framed antagonist went down once more, striking
+      his head with a force that nearly stunned him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It so happened that at this juncture reinforcements arrived. A sheriff and
+      his deputy drove up in an open buggy, and, on witnessing the encounter,
+      halted their carriage and sprang to the ground.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the matter, Mr. Jennings?&rdquo; asked the sheriff, respectfully, for
+      the little man was a person of importance in that vicinity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That gentleman is trying to extort a forced loan, Mr. Cunningham.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ha! a footpad?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sheriff sprang to the side of the tramp, who was trying to rise, and
+      in a trice his wrists were confined by handcuffs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I know you, Mike Frost,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You are up to your old tricks.
+      When did you come out of Sing Sing?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Three weeks since,&rdquo; answered the tramp, sullenly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They want you back there. Come along with me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He was assisted into the buggy, and spent that night in the lockup.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he take anything from you, Carl?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; but I was in considerable danger. How strong you are!&rdquo; he added,
+      admiringly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Strength isn&rsquo;t always according to size!&rdquo; said the little man, quietly.
+      &ldquo;Nature gave me a powerful, though small, frame, and I have increased my
+      strength by gymnastic exercise.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings did not show the least excitement after his desperate
+      contest. He had attended to it as a matter of business, and when over he
+      suffered it to pass out of his mind. He took out his watch and noted the
+      time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is later than I thought,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I think I shall have to give up my
+      plan of walking the rest of the way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall be left alone,&rdquo; thought Carl regretfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just then a man overtook them in a carriage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He greeted Mr. Jennings respectfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you out for a long walk?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but I find time is passing too rapidly with me. Are you going to
+      Milford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you take two passengers?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You and the boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; of course I will see that you don&rsquo;t lose by it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I ought not to charge you anything, Mr. Jennings. Several times you have
+      done me favors.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I hope to again, but this is business. If a dollar will pay you, the
+      boy and I will ride with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be so much gain, as I don&rsquo;t go out of my way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can take the back seat, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;I will sit with
+      Mr. Leach.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They were soon seated and on their way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Relative of yours, Mr. Jennings?&rdquo; asked Leach, with a backward glance at
+      Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Like most country folks, he was curious about people. Those who live in
+      cities meet too many of their kind to feel an interest in strangers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; a young friend,&rdquo; answered Jennings, briefly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Goin&rsquo; to visit you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think he will stay with me for a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the conversation touched upon Milford matters in which at present
+      Carl was not interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After his fatiguing walk our hero enjoyed the sensation of riding. The
+      road was a pleasant one, the day was bright with sunshine and the air
+      vocal with the songs of birds. For a time houses were met at rare
+      intervals, but after a while it became evident that they were approaching
+      a town of considerable size.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this Milford, Mr. Jennings?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered the little man, turning with a pleasant smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How large is it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think there are twelve thousand inhabitants. It is what Western people
+      call a &lsquo;right smart place.&rsquo; It has been my home for twenty years, and I am
+      much attached to it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And it to you, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; put in the driver.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is pleasant to hear,&rdquo; said Jennings, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is true. There are few people here whom you have not befriended.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is what we are here for, is it not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish all were of your opinion. Why, Mr. Jennings, when we get a city
+      charter I think I know who will be the first mayor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not I, Mr. Leach. My own business is all I can well attend to. Thank you
+      for your compliment, though. Carl, do you see yonder building?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He pointed to a three-story structure, a frame building, occupying a
+      prominent position.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my manufactory. What do you think of it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shouldn&rsquo;t think a town of this size would require so large an
+      establishment,&rdquo; answered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings laughed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If I depended on Milford trade, a very small
+      building would be sufficient. My trade is outside. I supply many dealers
+      in New York City and at the West. My retail trade is small. If any of my
+      neighbors want furniture they naturally come to me, and I favor them as to
+      price out of friendly feeling, but I am a manufacturer and wholesale
+      dealer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall I take you to your house, Mr. Jennings?&rdquo; asked Leach.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, if you please.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leach drove on till he reached a two-story building of Quaker-like
+      simplicity but with a large, pleasant yard in front, with here and there a
+      bed of flowers. Here he stopped his horse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We have reached our destination, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;You are
+      active. Jump out and I will follow.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl needed no second invitation. He sprang from the carriage and went
+      forward to help Mr. Jennings out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, thank you, Carl,&rdquo; said the little man. &ldquo;I am more active than you
+      think. Here we are!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He descended nimbly to the ground, and, drawing a one-dollar bill from his
+      pocket, handed it to the driver.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t like to take it, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; said Mr. Leach.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not? The laborer is worthy of his hire. Now, Carl, let us go into the
+      house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      Mr. JENNINGS AT HOME.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings did not need to open the door. He had scarcely set foot on
+      the front step when it was opened from inside, and Carl found a fresh
+      surprise in store for him. A woman, apparently six feet in height, stood
+      on the threshold. Her figure was spare and ungainly, and her face
+      singularly homely, but the absence of beauty was partially made up by a
+      kindly expression. She looked with some surprise at Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is a young friend of mine, Hannah,&rdquo; said her master. &ldquo;Welcome him
+      for my sake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see you,&rdquo; said Hannah, in a voice that was another
+      amazement. It was deeper than that of most men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As she spoke, she held out a large masculine hand, which Carl took, as
+      seemed to be expected.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What am I to call you?&rdquo; asked Hannah.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s a strange name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is not common, I believe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You two will get acquainted by and by,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;The most
+      interesting question at present is, when will dinner be ready?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In ten minutes,&rdquo; answered Hannah, promptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl and I are both famished. We have had considerable exercise,&rdquo; here he
+      nodded at Carl with a comical look, and Carl understood that he referred
+      in part to his contest with the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hannah disappeared into the kitchen, and Mr. Jennings said: &ldquo;Come
+      upstairs, Carl. I will show you your room.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Up an old-fashioned stairway Carl followed his host, and the latter opened
+      the door of a side room on the first landing. It was not large, but was
+      neat and comfortable. There was a cottage bedstead, a washstand, a small
+      bureau and a couple of chairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you will come to feel at home here,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, kindly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir. I am sure I shall,&rdquo; Carl responded, gratefully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are some nails to hang your clothing on,&rdquo; went on Mr. Jennings, and
+      then he stopped short, for it was clear that Carl&rsquo;s small gripsack could
+      not contain an extra suit, and he felt delicate at calling up in the boy&rsquo;s
+      mind the thought of his poverty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; said Carl. &ldquo;I left my trunk at the house of a friend,
+      and if you should succeed in finding me a place, I will send for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is well!&rdquo; returned Mr. Jennings, looking relieved. &ldquo;Now I will leave
+      you for a few moments. You will find water and towels, in case you wish to
+      wash before dinner.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was glad of the opportunity. He was particular about his personal
+      appearance, and he felt hot and dusty. He bathed his face and hands,
+      carefully dusted his suit, brushed his hair, and was ready to descend when
+      he heard the tinkling of a small bell at the foot of the front stairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He readily found his way into the neat dining-room at the rear of the
+      parlor. Mr. Jennings sat at the head of the table, a little giant,
+      diminutive in stature, but with broad shoulders, a large head, and a
+      powerful frame. Opposite him sat Hannah, tall, stiff and upright as a
+      grenadier. She formed a strange contrast to her employer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder what made him hire such a tall woman?&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;Being so
+      small himself, her size makes him look smaller.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a chair at one side, placed for Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sit down there, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t keep you waiting any
+      longer than I can help. What have you given us to-day, Hannah?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Roast beef,&rdquo; answered Hannah in her deep tones.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is nothing better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The host cut off a liberal slice for Carl, and passed the plate to Hannah,
+      who supplied potatoes, peas and squash. Carl&rsquo;s mouth fairly watered as he
+      watched the hospitable preparations for his refreshment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I never trouble myself about what we are to have on the table,&rdquo; said Mr.
+      Jennings. &ldquo;Hannah always sees to that. She&rsquo;s knows just what I want. She
+      is a capital cook, too, Hannah is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Hannah looked pleased at this compliment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are easily pleased, master,&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should be hard to suit if I were not pleased with your cooking. You
+      don&rsquo;t know so well Carl&rsquo;s taste, but if there is anything he likes
+      particularly he can tell you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, sir,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are not many men who would treat a poor boy so considerately,&rdquo; he
+      thought. &ldquo;He makes me an honored guest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When dinner was over, Mr. Jennings invited Carl to accompany him on a
+      walk. They passed along the principal street, nearly every person they met
+      giving the little man a cordial greeting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems to be very popular,&rdquo; thought Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length they reached the manufactory. Mr. Jennings went into the office,
+      followed by Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A slender, dark-complexioned man, about thirty-five years of age, sat on a
+      stool at a high desk. He was evidently the bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Any letters, Mr. Gibbon?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; here are four.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are they from?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From New York, Chicago, Pittsburg and New Haven.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do they relate to?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Orders. I have handed them to Mr. Potter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Potter, as Carl afterwards learned, was superintendent of the manufactory,
+      and had full charge of practical details.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there anything requiring my personal attention?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I don&rsquo;t think so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Mr. Gibbon, let me introduce you to a young friend of mine&mdash;Carl
+      Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The bookkeeper rapidly scanned Carl&rsquo;s face and figure. It seemed to Carl
+      that the scrutiny was not a friendly one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see you,&rdquo; said Mr. Gibbon, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; said the bookkeeper, &ldquo;I have a favor to ask of
+      you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Go on, Mr. Gibbon,&rdquo; rejoined his employer, in a cordial tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Two months since you gave my nephew, Leonard Craig, a place in the
+      factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I remember.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think the work agrees with him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seemed a strong, healthy boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has never been used to confinement, and it affects him unpleasantly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does he wish to resign his place?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have been wondering whether you would not be willing to transfer him to
+      the office. I could send him on errands, to the post office, and make him
+      useful in various ways.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had not supposed an office boy was needed. Still, if you desire it, I
+      will try your nephew in the place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am bound to tell you, however, that his present place is a better one.
+      He is learning a good trade, which, if he masters it, will always give him
+      a livelihood. I learned a trade, and owe all I have to that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True, Mr. Jennings, but there are other ways of earning a living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I thought of giving Leonard evening instruction in bookkeeping.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That alters the case. Good bookkeepers are always in demand. I have no
+      objection to your trying the experiment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you mentioned the matter to your nephew?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I just suggested that I would ask you, but could not say what answer you
+      would give.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It would have been better not to mention the matter at all till you could
+      tell him definitely that he could change his place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know but you are right, sir. However, it is all right now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, &ldquo;I will take you into the workroom.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL GETS A PLACE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose that is the bookkeeper,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. He has been with me three years. He understands his business well.
+      You heard what he said about his nephew?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is his sister&rsquo;s son&mdash;a boy of about your own age. I think he is
+      making a mistake in leaving the factory, and going into the office. He
+      will have little to do, and that not of a character to give him knowledge
+      of business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Still, if he takes lessons in bookkeeping&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy will never make a bookkeeper,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;His reason for desiring
+      the change is because he is indolent. The world has no room for lazy
+      people.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder, sir, that you have had a chance to find him out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Little things betray a boy&rsquo;s nature, or a man&rsquo;s, for that matter. When I
+      have visited the workroom I have noticed Leonard, and formed my
+      conclusions. He is not a boy whom I would select for my service, but I
+      have taken him as a favor to his uncle. I presume he is without means, and
+      it is desirable that he should pay his uncle something in return for the
+      home which he gives him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much do you pay him, sir, if it is not a secret?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, no; he receives five dollars a week to begin with. I will pay him the
+      same in the office. And that reminds me; how would you like to have a
+      situation in the factory? Would you like to take Leonard&rsquo;s place?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, if you think I would do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I feel quite sure of it. Have you ever done any manual labor?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you have always been to school.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are a gentleman&rsquo;s son,&rdquo; proceeded Mr. Jennings, eying Carl
+      attentively. &ldquo;How will it suit you to become a working boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall like it,&rdquo; answered Carl, promptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be too sure! You can tell better after a week in the factory. Those
+      in my employ work ten hours a day. Leonard Craig doesn&rsquo;t like it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All I ask, Mr. Jennings, is that you give me a trial.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is fair,&rdquo; responded the little man, looking pleased. &ldquo;I will tell
+      you now that, not knowing of any vacancy in the factory, I had intended to
+      give you the place in the office which Mr. Gibbon has asked for his
+      nephew. It would have been a good deal easier work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be quite satisfied to take my place in the factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come in, then, and see your future scene of employment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They entered a large room, occupying nearly an entire floor of the
+      building. Part of the space was filled by machinery. The number employed
+      Carl estimated roughly at twenty-five.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quite near the door was a boy, who bore some personal resemblance to the
+      bookkeeper. Carl concluded that it must be Leonard Craig. The boy looked
+      round as Mr. Jennings entered, and eyed Carl sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How are you getting on, Leonard?&rdquo; Mr. Jennings asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pretty well, sir; but the machinery makes my head ache.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your uncle tells me that your employment does not agree with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I don&rsquo;t think it does.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He would like to have you in the office with him. Would you like it,
+      also?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir,&rdquo; answered Leonard, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well. You may report for duty at the office to-morrow morning. This
+      boy will take your place here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard eyed Carl curiously, not cordially.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you&rsquo;ll like it,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I shall.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You two boys must get acquainted,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;Leonard, this is
+      Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Glad to know you,&rdquo; said Leonard, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I shall like that boy,&rdquo; thought Carl, as he followed Mr.
+      Jennings to another part of the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL ENTERS THE FACTORY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      When they left the factory Mr. Jennings said, with a smile:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now you are one of us, Carl. To-morrow you begin work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad of it, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t ask what salary you are to get.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am willing to leave that to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose we say two dollars a week and board&mdash;to begin with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is better than I expected. But where am I to board?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At my house, for the present, if that will suit you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall like it very much, if it won&rsquo;t inconvenience you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hannah is the one to be inconvenienced, if anyone. I had a little
+      conversation with her while you were getting ready for dinner. She seems
+      to have taken a liking for you, though she doesn&rsquo;t like boys generally. As
+      for me, it will make the home brighter to have a young person in it.
+      Hannah and I are old-fashioned and quiet, and the neighbors don&rsquo;t have
+      much reason to complain of noise.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I should think not,&rdquo; said Carl, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is one thing you must be prepared for, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings,
+      after a pause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your living in my house&mdash;I being your employer&mdash;may excite
+      jealousy in some. I think I know of one who will be jealous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And his uncle. However, don&rsquo;t borrow any trouble on that score. I hope
+      you won&rsquo;t take advantage of your position, and, thinking yourself a
+      favorite, neglect your duties.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will not, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Business and friendship ought to be kept apart.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is right, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am going back to the house, but you may like to take a walk about the
+      village. You will feel interested in it, as it is to be your future home.
+      By the way, it may be well for you to write for your trunk. You can order
+      it sent to my house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, sir; I will do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He went to the post office, and, buying a postal card, wrote to his
+      friend, Gilbert Vance, as follows:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear Gilbert:&mdash;Please send my trunk by express to me at Milford,
+      care of Henry Jennings, Esq. He is my employer, and I live at his house.
+      He is proprietor of a furniture factory. Will write further particulars
+      soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This postal carried welcome intelligence to Gilbert, who felt a brotherly
+      interest in Carl. He responded by a letter of hearty congratulation, and
+      forwarded the trunk as requested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl reported for duty the next morning, and, though a novice, soon showed
+      that he was not without mechanical skill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At twelve o&rsquo;clock all the factory hands had an hour off for dinner. As
+      Carl passed into the street he found himself walking beside the boy whom
+      he had succeeded&mdash;Leonard Craig.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning, Leonard,&rdquo; said Carl, pleasantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning. Have you taken my place in the factory?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think you shall like it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I shall, though, of course, it is rather early to form an
+      opinion.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t like it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to grow up a workman. I think I am fit for something
+      better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Jennings began as a factory hand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose he had a taste for it. I haven&rsquo;t.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you like your present position better?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, yes; it&rsquo;s more genteel. How much does Jennings pay you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Two dollars a week and board.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How is that? Where do you board?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;With him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh!&rdquo; said Leonard, his countenance changing. &ldquo;So you are a favorite with
+      the boss, are you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. He gave me warning that he should be just as strict with me
+      as if we were strangers.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long have you known him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I met him for the first time yesterday,&rdquo; he answered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s very queer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, perhaps it is a little singular.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a poor boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have to earn my own living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see. You will grow up a common workman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall try to rise above it. I am not ashamed of the position, but I am
+      ambitious to rise.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am going to be a bookkeeper,&rdquo; said Leonard. &ldquo;My uncle is going to teach
+      me. I would rather be a bookkeeper than a factory hand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you are right in preparing yourself for such a post.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Here the two boys separated, as they were to dine in different places.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard was pleased with his new position. He really had very little to
+      do. Twice a day he went to the post office, once or twice to the bank, and
+      there was an occasional errand besides. To Carl the idleness would have
+      been insupportable, but Leonard was naturally indolent. He sat down in a
+      chair by the window, and watched the people go by.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The first afternoon he was in luck, for there was a dog fight in the
+      street outside. He seized his hat, went out, and watched the canine
+      warfare with the deepest interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I will buy you a system of bookkeeping,&rdquo; said his uncle, &ldquo;and you
+      can study it in the office.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put it off till next week, Uncle Julius. I want to get rested from the
+      factory work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It seems to me, Leonard, you were born lazy,&rdquo; said his uncle, sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care to work with my hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you care to work at all?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to be a bookkeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know that my work is harder and more exhausting than that of a
+      workman in the factory?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t want to exchange with him, do you?&rdquo; asked Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s where I agree with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings took several weekly papers. Leonard was looking over the
+      columns of one of them one day, when he saw the advertisement of a gift
+      enterprise of a most attractive character. The first prize was a house and
+      grounds valued at ten thousand dollars. Following were minor prizes, among
+      them one thousand dollars in gold.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard&rsquo;s fancy was captivated by the brilliant prospect of such a prize.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Price of tickets&mdash;only one dollar!&rdquo; he read. &ldquo;Think of getting a
+      thousand dollars for one! Oh, if I could only be the lucky one!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He took out his purse, though he knew beforehand that his stock of cash
+      consisted only of two dimes and a nickel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder if I could borrow a dollar of that boy Carl!&rdquo; he deliberated.
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll speak to him about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This happened more than a week after Carl went to work in the factory. He
+      had already received one week&rsquo;s pay, and it remained untouched in his
+      pocket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard joined him in the street early in the evening, and accosted him
+      graciously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you going?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nowhere in particular. I am out for a walk.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I. Shall we walk together?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After talking on indifferent matters, Leonard said suddenly: &ldquo;Oh, by the
+      way, will you do me a favor?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Lend me a dollar till next week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      In former days Carl would probably have granted the favor, but he realized
+      the value of money now that he had to earn it by steady work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid it won&rsquo;t be convenient,&rdquo; he answered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does that mean that you haven&rsquo;t got it?&rdquo; asked Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I have it, but I am expecting to use it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t mind paying you interest for it&mdash;say twenty-five cents,&rdquo;
+       continued Leonard, who had set his heart on buying a ticket in the gift
+      enterprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would be ashamed to take such interest as that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I have a chance of making a good deal more out of it myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In what way?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my secret.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t you borrow it of your uncle?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He would ask too many questions. However, I see that you&rsquo;re a miser, and
+      I won&rsquo;t trouble you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He left Carl in a huff and walked hastily away. He turned into a lane
+      little traveled, and, after walking a few rods, came suddenly upon the
+      prostrate body of a man, whose deep, breathing showed that he was
+      stupefied by liquor. Leonard was not likely to feel any special interest
+      in him, but one object did attract his attention. It was a wallet which
+      had dropped out of the man&rsquo;s pocket and was lying on the grass beside him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      LEONARD&rsquo;S TEMPTATION.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Leonard was not a thief, but the sight of the wallet tempted him, under
+      the circumstances. He had set his heart on buying a ticket in the gift
+      enterprise, and knew of no way of obtaining the requisite sum&mdash;except
+      this. It was, indeed, a little shock to him to think of appropriating
+      money not his own; yet who would know it? The owner of the wallet was
+      drunk, and would be quite unconscious of his loss. Besides, if he didn&rsquo;t
+      take the wallet, some one else probably would, and appropriate the entire
+      contents. It was an insidious suggestion, and Leonard somehow persuaded
+      himself that since the money was sure to be taken, he might as well have
+      the benefit of it as anyone else.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So, after turning over the matter in his mind rapidly, he stooped down and
+      picked up the wallet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The man did not move.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Emboldened by his insensibility, Leonard cautiously opened the pocketbook,
+      and his eyes glistened when he saw tucked away in one side, quite a thick
+      roll of bills.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He won&rsquo;t miss one bill,&rdquo; thought Leonard. &ldquo;Anyone else might take the
+      whole wallet, but I wouldn&rsquo;t do that. I wonder how much money there is in
+      the roll.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He darted another glance at the prostrate form, but there seemed no danger
+      of interruption. He took the roll in his hand, therefore, and a hasty
+      scrutiny showed him that the bills ran from ones to tens. There must have
+      been nearly a hundred dollars in all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose I take a five,&rdquo; thought Leonard, whose cupidity increased with
+      the sight of the money. &ldquo;He won&rsquo;t miss it, and it will be better in my
+      hands than if spent for whiskey.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      How specious are the arguments of those who seek an excuse for a wrong act
+      that will put money in the purse!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think I may venture to take a five, and, as I might not be able to
+      change it right away, I will take a one to send for a ticket. Then I will
+      put the wallet back in the man&rsquo;s pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So far, all went smoothly, and Leonard was proceeding to carry out his
+      intention when, taking a precautionary look at the man on the ground, he
+      was dumfounded by seeing his eyes wide open and fixed upon him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard flushed painfully, like a criminal detected in a crime, and
+      returned the look of inquiry by one of dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&mdash;you&mdash;doing?&rdquo; inquired the victim of inebriety.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;is this your wallet, sir?&rdquo; stammered Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Course it is. What you got it for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I saw it on the ground, and was afraid some one would find it,
+      and rob you,&rdquo; said Leonard, fluently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Somebody did find it,&rdquo; rejoined the man, whose senses seemed coming back
+      to him. &ldquo;How much did you take?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I? You don&rsquo;t think I would take any of your money?&rdquo; said Leonard, in
+      virtuous surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Looked like it! Can&rsquo;t tell who to trust.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I assure you, I had only just picked it up, and was going to put it back
+      in your pocket, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The man, drunk as he was, winked knowingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Smart boy!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You do it well, ol&rsquo; fella!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But, sir, it is quite true, I assure you. I will count over the money
+      before you. Do you know how much you had?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nev&rsquo; mind. Help me up!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard stooped over and helped the drunkard to a sitting position.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where am I? Where is hotel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard answered him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take me to hotel, and I&rsquo;ll give you a dollar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, sir,&rdquo; said Leonard, briskly. He was to get his dollar after
+      all, and would not have to steal it. I am afraid he is not to be praised
+      for his honesty, as it seemed to be a matter of necessity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish he&rsquo;d give me five dollars,&rdquo; thought Leonard, but didn&rsquo;t see his
+      way clear to make the suggestion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He placed the man on his feet, and guided his steps to the road. As he
+      walked along, the inebriate, whose gait was at first unsteady, recovered
+      his equilibrium and required less help.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long had you been lying there?&rdquo; asked Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t know. I was taken sick,&rdquo; and the inebriate nodded knowingly at
+      Leonard, who felt at liberty to laugh, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you ever get sick?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not that way,&rdquo; answered Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Smart boy! Better off!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They reached the hotel, and Leonard engaged a room for his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Has he got money?&rdquo; asked the landlord, in a low voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Leonard, &ldquo;he has nearly a hundred dollars. I counted it
+      myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s all right, then,&rdquo; said the landlord. &ldquo;Here, James, show the
+      gentleman up to No. 15.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come, too,&rdquo; said the stranger to Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The latter followed the more readily because he had not yet been paid his
+      dollar.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The door of No. 15 was opened, and the two entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will stay with the gentleman a short time,&rdquo; said Leonard to the boy.
+      &ldquo;If we want anything we will ring.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s your name?&rdquo; asked the inebriate, as he sank into a large armchair
+      near the window.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Never heard the name before.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s your name, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What you want to know for?&rdquo; asked the other, cunningly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The landlord will want to put it on his book.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My name? Phil Stark.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Philip Stark?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; who told you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It will be seen that Mr. Stark was not yet quite himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You told me yourself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I did&mdash;&lsquo;scuse me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, sir. By the way, you told me you would pay me a dollar for
+      bringing you to the hotel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I did. Take it,&rdquo; and Philip Stark passed the wallet to Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard felt tempted to take a two-dollar bill instead of a one, as Mr.
+      Stark would hardly notice the mistake. Still, he might ask to look at the
+      bill, and that would be awkward. So the boy contented himself with the sum
+      promised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; he said, as he slipped the bill into his vest pocket.
+      &ldquo;Do you want some supper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I want to sleep.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you had better lie down on the bed. Will you undress?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; too much trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stark rose from the armchair, and, lurching round to the bed, flung
+      himself on it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you don&rsquo;t want me any longer,&rdquo; said Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. Come round to-morrer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard opened the door and left the room. He resolved to keep the
+      appointment, and come round the next day. Who knew but some more of Mr.
+      Stark&rsquo;s money might come into his hands? Grown man as he was, he seemed to
+      need a guardian, and Leonard was willing to act as such&mdash;for a
+      consideration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been a queer adventure!&rdquo; thought Leonard, as he slowly bent his
+      steps towards his uncle&rsquo;s house. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve made a dollar out of it, anyway,
+      and if he hadn&rsquo;t happened to wake up just as he did I might have done
+      better. However, it may turn out as well in the end.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are rather late, Leonard,&rdquo; said his uncle, in a tone that betrayed
+      some irritation. &ldquo;I wanted to send you on an errand, and you are always
+      out of the way at such a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go now,&rdquo; said Leonard, with unusual amiability. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had a little
+      adventure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;An adventure! What is it?&rdquo; Mr. Gibbon asked, with curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard proceeded to give an account of his finding the inebriate in the
+      meadow, and his guiding him to the hotel. It may readily be supposed that
+      he said nothing of his attempt to appropriate a part of the contents of
+      the wallet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What was his name?&rdquo; asked Gibbon, with languid curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Phil Stark, he calls himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A strange change came over the face of the bookkeeper. There was a
+      frightened look in his eyes, and his color faded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Phil Stark!&rdquo; he repeated, in a startled tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What brings him here?&rdquo; Gibbon asked himself nervously, but no words
+      passed his lips.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know the name?&rdquo; asked Leonard, wonderingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;have heard it before, but&mdash;no, I don&rsquo;t think it is the same
+      man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN ARTFUL SCHEME.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does this Mr. Stark intend to remain long in the village!&rdquo; inquired the
+      bookkeeper, in a tone of assumed indifference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He didn&rsquo;t say anything on that point,&rdquo; answered Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He did not say what business brought him here, I presume?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, he was hardly in condition to say much; he was pretty full,&rdquo; said
+      Leonard, with a laugh. &ldquo;However, he wants me to call upon him to-morrow,
+      and may tell me then.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He wants you to call upon him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, uncle.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; why shouldn&rsquo;t I?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see no reason,&rdquo; said Gibbon, hesitating. Then, after a pause he added:
+      &ldquo;If you see the way clear, find out what brings him to Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, uncle, I will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Uncle Julius seems a good deal interested in this man, considering that
+      he is a stranger,&rdquo; thought the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bookkeeper was biting his nails, a habit he had when he was annoyed.
+      &ldquo;And, Leonard,&rdquo; he added slowly, &ldquo;don&rsquo;t mention my name while you are
+      speaking to Stark.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, I won&rsquo;t, if you don&rsquo;t want me to,&rdquo; answered Leonard, his face
+      betraying unmistakable curiosity. His uncle noted this, and explained
+      hurriedly: &ldquo;It is possible that he may be a man whom I once met under
+      disagreeable circumstances, and I would prefer not to meet him again.
+      Should he learn that I was living here, he would be sure to want to renew
+      the acquaintance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, I see. I don&rsquo;t think he would want to borrow money, for he
+      seems to be pretty well provided. I made a dollar out of him to-day, and
+      that is one reason why I am willing to call on him again. I may strike him
+      for another bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is no objection to that, provided you don&rsquo;t talk to him too freely.
+      I don&rsquo;t think he will want to stay long in Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t if I had as much money as he probably has.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you often meet the new boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I see him on the street quite often.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He lives with Mr. Jennings, I hear.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So he tells me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is rather strange. I didn&rsquo;t suppose that Jennings would care to
+      receive a boy in his house, or that tall grenadier of a housekeeper,
+      either. I expect she rules the household.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She could tuck him under her arm and walk off with him,&rdquo; said Leonard,
+      laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy must be artful to have wormed his way into the favor of the
+      strange pair. He seems to be a favorite.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, uncle, I think he is. However, I like my position better than his.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He will learn his business from the beginning. I don&rsquo;t know but it was a
+      mistake for you to leave the factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not at all sorry for it, uncle.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your position doesn&rsquo;t amount to much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am paid just as well as I was when I was in the factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But you are learning nothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are going to teach me bookkeeping.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Even that is not altogether a desirable business. A good bookkeeper can
+      never expect to be in business for himself. He must be content with a
+      salary all his life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have done pretty well, uncle.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But there is no chance of my becoming a rich man. I have to work hard for
+      my money. And I haven&rsquo;t been able to lay up much money yet. That reminds
+      me? Leonard, I must impress upon you the fact that you have your own way
+      to make. I have procured you a place, and I provide you a home&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You take my wages,&rdquo; said Leonard, bluntly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A part of them, but on the whole, you are not self-supporting. You must
+      look ahead, Leonard, and consider the future. When you are a young man you
+      will want to earn an adequate income.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course, I shall, uncle, but there is one other course.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may marry an heiress,&rdquo; suggested Leonard, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bookkeeper winced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought I was marrying an heiress when I married your aunt,&rdquo; he said,
+      &ldquo;but within six months of our wedding day, her father made a bad failure,
+      and actually had the assurance to ask me to give him a home under my
+      roof.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you do it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I told him it would not be convenient.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What became of him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He got a small clerkship at ten dollars a week in the counting room of a
+      mercantile friend, and filled it till one day last October, when he
+      dropped dead of apoplexy. I made a great mistake when I married in not
+      asking him to settle a definite sum on his daughter. It would have been so
+      much saved from the wreck.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did aunt want him to come and live here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, women are always unreasonable. She would have had me support the old
+      man in idleness, but I am not one of that kind. Every tub should stand on
+      its own bottom.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say so, too, uncle. Do you know whether this boy, Carl Crawford, has
+      any father or mother?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From a word Jennings let fall I infer that he has relatives, but is not
+      on good terms with them. I have been a little afraid he might stand in
+      your light.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How so, uncle?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Should there be any good opening for one of your age, I am afraid he
+      would get it rather than you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t think of that,&rdquo; said Leonard, jealously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Living as he does with Mr. Jennings, he will naturally try to ingratiate
+      himself with him, and stand first in his esteem.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is true. Is Mr. Jennings a rich man, do you think?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think he is. The factory and stock are worth considerable money,
+      but I know he has other investments also. As one item he has over a
+      thousand dollars in the Carterville Savings Bank. He has been very
+      prudent, has met with no losses, and has put aside a great share of his
+      profits every year.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder he don&rsquo;t marry.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Marriage doesn&rsquo;t seem to be in his thoughts. Hannah makes him so
+      comfortable that he will probably remain a bachelor to the end of his
+      days.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps he will leave his money to her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is likely to live as long as she.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She is a good deal longer than he,&rdquo; said Leonard, with a laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bookkeeper condescended to smile at this joke, though it was not very
+      brilliant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Before this boy Carl came,&rdquo; he resumed thoughtfully, &ldquo;I hoped he might
+      take a fancy to you. He must die some time, and, having no near blood
+      relative, I thought he might select as heir some boy like yourself, who
+      might grow into his favor and get on his blind side.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is it too late now?&rdquo; asked Leonard, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps not, but the appearance of this new boy on the scene makes your
+      chance a good deal smaller.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish we could get rid of him,&rdquo; said Leonard, frowning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The only way is to injure him in the estimation of Mr. Jennings.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I know of a way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mention it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here is an advertisement of a lottery,&rdquo; said Leonard, whose plans, in
+      view of what his uncle had said, had experienced a change.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will write to the manager in Carl&rsquo;s name, inquiring about tickets, and,
+      of course, he will answer to him, to the care of Mr. Jennings. This will
+      lead to the suspicion that Carl is interested in such matters.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is a good idea. It will open the way to a loss of confidence on the
+      part of Mr. Jennings.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will sit down at your desk and write at once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Three days later Mr. Jennings handed a letter to Carl after they reached
+      home in the evening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A letter for you to my care,&rdquo; he explained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl opened it in surprise, and read as follows:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Office Of Gift Enterprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Carl Crawford:&mdash;Your letter of inquiry is received. In reply we
+      would say that we will send you six tickets for five dollars. By disposing
+      of them among your friends at one dollar each, you will save the cost of
+      your own. You had better remit at once.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yours respectfully, Pitkins &amp; Gamp,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Agents.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl looked the picture of astonishment when he read this letter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      REVEALS A MYSTERY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Please read this letter, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His employer took the letter from his hand, and ran his eye over it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you wish to ask my advice about the investment?&rdquo; he said, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. I wanted to know how such a letter came to be written to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t you send a letter of inquiry there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, and I can&rsquo;t understand how these men could have got hold of my
+      name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked thoughtful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Some one has probably written in your name,&rdquo; he said, after a pause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But who could have done so?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you will leave the letter in my hands, I may be able to obtain some
+      information on that point.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be glad if you can, Mr. Jennings.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t mention to anyone having received such a letter, and if anyone
+      broaches the subject, let me know who it is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, I will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings quietly put on his hat, and walked over to the post office.
+      The postmaster, who also kept a general variety store, chanced to be
+      alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-evening, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; he said, pleasantly. &ldquo;What can I do for
+      you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I want a little information, Mr. Sweetland, though it is doubtful if you
+      can give it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Sweetland assumed the attitude of attention.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know if any letter has been posted from this office within a few
+      days, addressed to Pitkins &amp; Gamp, Syracuse, New York?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; two letters have been handed in bearing this address.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings was surprised, for he had never thought of two letters.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you tell me who handed them in?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Both were handed in by the same party.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And that was&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A boy in your employ.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked grave. Was it possible that Carl was deceiving him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy who lives at my house?&rdquo; he asked, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; the boy who usually calls for the factory mail. The nephew of your
+      bookkeeper I think his name is Leonard Craig.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ah, I see,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, looking very much relieved. &ldquo;And you say
+      he deposited both letters?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you happen to remember if any other letter like this was received at
+      the office?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Here he displayed the envelope of Carl&rsquo;s letter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; one was received, addressed to the name of the one who deposited the
+      first letters&mdash;Leonard Craig.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Sweetland. Your information has cleared up a mystery. Be
+      kind enough not to mention the matter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will bear your request in mind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings bought a supply of stamps, and then left the office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, Carl,&rdquo; he said, when he re-entered the house, &ldquo;I have discovered
+      who wrote in your name to Pitkins &amp; Gamp.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who, sir?&rdquo; asked Carl, with curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But what could induce him to do it?&rdquo; said Carl, perplexed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He thought that I would see the letter, and would be prejudiced against
+      you if I discovered that you were investing in what is a species of
+      lottery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would you, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should have thought you unwise, and I should have been reminded of a
+      fellow workman who became so infatuated with lotteries that he stole money
+      from his employer to enable him to continue his purchases of tickets. But
+      for this unhappy passion he would have remained honest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard must dislike me,&rdquo; said Carl, thoughtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is jealous of you; I warned you he or some one else might become so.
+      But the most curious circumstance is, he wrote a second letter in his own
+      name. I suspect he has bought a ticket. I advise you to say nothing about
+      the matter unless questioned.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day Carl met Leonard in the street.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way,&rdquo; said Leonard, &ldquo;you got a letter yesterday?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I brought it to the factory with the rest of the mail.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard looked at him curiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems to be close-mouthed,&rdquo; Leonard said to himself. &ldquo;He has sent for
+      a ticket, I&rsquo;ll bet a hat, and don&rsquo;t want me to find out. I wish I could
+      draw the capital prize&mdash;I would not mind old Jennings finding out
+      then.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you ever hear from your&mdash;friends?&rdquo; he asked a minute later.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not often.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought that letter might be from your home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; it was a letter from Syracuse.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I remember now, it was postmarked Syracuse. Have you friends there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;None that I am aware of.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet you receive letters from there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That was a business letter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was quietly amused at Leonard&rsquo;s skillful questions, but was
+      determined not to give him any light on the subject.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard tried another avenue of attack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, dear!&rdquo; he sighed, &ldquo;I wish I was rich.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shouldn&rsquo;t mind being rich myself,&rdquo; said Carl, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose old Jennings must have a lot of money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Jennings, I presume, is very well off,&rdquo; responded Carl, emphasizing
+      the title &ldquo;Mr.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I had his money I wouldn&rsquo;t live in such Quaker style.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would you have him give fashionable parties?&rdquo; asked Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I don&rsquo;t know that he would enjoy that; but I&rsquo;ll tell you what I
+      would do. I would buy a fast horse&mdash;a two-forty mare&mdash;and a
+      bangup buggy, and I&rsquo;d show the old farmers round here what fast driving
+      is. Then I&rsquo;d have a stylish house, and&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t believe you&rsquo;d be content to live in Milford, Leonard.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I would, either, unless my business were here. I&rsquo;d go to
+      New York every few weeks and see life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may be rich some time, so that you can carry out your wishes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know any easy way of getting money?&rdquo; asked Leonard, pointedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The easy ways are not generally the true ways. A man sometimes makes
+      money by speculation, but he has to have some to begin with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t get anything out of him,&rdquo; thought Leonard. &ldquo;Well, good-evening.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He crossed the street, and joined the man who has already been referred to
+      as boarding at the hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stark had now been several days in Milford. What brought him there, or
+      what object he had in staying, Leonard had not yet ascertained. He
+      generally spent part of his evenings with the stranger, and had once or
+      twice received from him a small sum of money. Usually, however, he had met
+      Mr. Stark in the billiard room, and played a game or two of billiards with
+      him. Mr. Stark always paid for the use of the table, and that was
+      naturally satisfactory to Leonard, who enjoyed amusement at the expense of
+      others.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard, bearing in mind his uncle&rsquo;s request, had not mentioned his name
+      to Mr. Stark, and Stark, though he had walked about the village more or
+      less, had not chanced to meet Mr. Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had questioned Leonard, however, about Mr. Jennings, and whether he was
+      supposed to be rich.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard had answered freely that everyone considered him so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he doesn&rsquo;t know how to enjoy his money,&rdquo; he added.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We should,&rdquo; said Stark, jocularly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You bet we would,&rdquo; returned Leonard; and he was quite sincere in his
+      boast, as we know from his conversation with Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way,&rdquo; said Stark, on this particular evening, &ldquo;I never asked you
+      about your family, Leonard. I suppose you live with your parents.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. They are dead.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then whom do you live with?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;With my uncle,&rdquo; answered Leonard, guardedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is his name Craig?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got to tell him,&rdquo; thought Leonard. &ldquo;Well, I don&rsquo;t suppose there will
+      be much harm in it. My uncle is bookkeeper for Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; he said,
+      &ldquo;and his name is Julius Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Philip Stark wheeled round, and eyed Leonard in blank astonishment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your uncle is Julius Gibbon!&rdquo; he exclaimed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I&rsquo;ll be blowed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you&mdash;know my uncle?&rdquo; asked Leonard, hesitating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I rather think I do. Take me round to the house. I want to see him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN UNWELCOME GUEST.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      When Julius Gibbon saw the door open and Philip Stark enter the room where
+      he was smoking his noon cigar, his heart quickened its pulsations and he
+      turned pale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How are you, old friend?&rdquo; said Stark, boisterously. &ldquo;Funny, isn&rsquo;t it,
+      that I should run across your nephew?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very strange!&rdquo; ejaculated Gibbon, looking the reverse of joyous.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a happy meeting, isn&rsquo;t it? We used to see a good deal of each
+      other,&rdquo; and he laughed in a way that Gibbon was far from enjoying. &ldquo;Now,
+      I&rsquo;ve come over to have a good, long chat with you. Leonard, I think we
+      won&rsquo;t keep you, as you wouldn&rsquo;t be interested in our talk about old
+      times.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Leonard, you may leave us,&rdquo; added his uncle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard&rsquo;s curiosity was excited, and he would have been glad to remain,
+      but as there was no help for it, he went out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they were alone, Stark drew up his chair close, and laid his hand
+      familiarly on the bookkeeper&rsquo;s knee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say, Gibbon, do you remember where we last met?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon shuddered slightly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; he answered, feebly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was at Joliet&mdash;Joliet Penitentiary. Your time expired before
+      mine. I envied you the six months&rsquo; advantage you had of me. When I came
+      out I searched for you everywhere, but heard nothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you know I was here?&rdquo; asked the bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know. I had no suspicion of it. Nor did I dream that Leonard,
+      who was able to do me a little service, was your nephew. I say, he&rsquo;s a
+      chip of the old block, Gibbon,&rdquo; and Stark laughed as if he enjoyed it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you mean by that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was lying in a field, overcome by liquor, an old weakness of mine, you
+      know, and my wallet had slipped out of my pocket. I chanced to open my
+      eyes, when I saw it in the hands of your promising nephew, ha! ha!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He told me that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he didn&rsquo;t tell you that he was on the point of appropriating a part
+      of the contents? I warrant you he didn&rsquo;t tell you that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he acknowledge it? Perhaps you misjudged him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He didn&rsquo;t acknowledge it in so many words, but I knew it by his change of
+      color and confusion. Oh, I didn&rsquo;t lay it up against him. We are very good
+      friends. He comes honestly by it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon looked very much annoyed, but there were reasons why he did not
+      care to express his chagrin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On my honor, it was an immense surprise to me,&rdquo; proceeded Stark, &ldquo;when I
+      learned that my old friend Gibbon was a resident of Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you had never found it out,&rdquo; thought Gibbon, biting his lip.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No sooner did I hear it than I posted off at once to call on you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I see.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Stark elevated his eyebrows, and looked amused. He saw that he was not a
+      welcome visitor, but for that he cared little.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Haven&rsquo;t you got on, though? Here I find you the trusted bookkeeper of an
+      important business firm. Did you bring recommendations from your last
+      place?&rdquo; and he burst into a loud guffaw.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you wouldn&rsquo;t make such references,&rdquo; snapped Gibbon. &ldquo;They can do
+      no good, and might do harm.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be angry, my dear boy. I rejoice at your good fortune. Wish I was
+      equally well fixed. You don&rsquo;t ask how I am getting on.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you are prosperous,&rdquo; said Gibbon, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I might be more so. Is there a place vacant in your office?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And if there were, you might not recommend me, eh?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is no need to speak of that. There is no vacancy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Upon my word, I wish there were, as I am getting to the end of my tether.
+      I may have money enough to last me four weeks longer, but no more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how I can help you,&rdquo; said Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much salary does Mr. Jennings pay you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A hundred dollars a month,&rdquo; answered the bookkeeper, reluctantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not bad, in a cheap place like this.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It takes all I make to pay expenses.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I remember&mdash;you have a wife. I have no such incumbrance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is one question I would like to ask you,&rdquo; said the bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Fire away, dear boy. Have you an extra cigar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here is one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thanks. Now I shall be comfortable. Go ahead with your question.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What brought you to Milford? You didn&rsquo;t know of my being here, you say.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Neither did I. I came on my old business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I heard there was a rich manufacturer here&mdash;I allude to your
+      respected employer. I thought I might manage to open his safe some dark
+      night.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, no,&rdquo; protested Gibbon in alarm. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t think of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo; asked Stark, coolly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because,&rdquo; answered Gibbon, in some agitation, &ldquo;I might be suspected.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, perhaps you might; but I have got to look out for number one. How
+      do you expect me to live?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Go somewhere else. There are plenty of other men as rich, and richer,
+      where you would not be compromising an old friend.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s because I have an old friend in the office that I have thought this
+      would be my best opening.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Surely, man, you don&rsquo;t expect me to betray my employer, and join with you
+      in robbing him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s just what I do expect. Don&rsquo;t tell me you have grown virtuous,
+      Gibbon. The tiger doesn&rsquo;t lose his spots or the leopard his stripes. I
+      tell you there&rsquo;s a fine chance for us both. I&rsquo;ll divide with you, if
+      you&rsquo;ll help me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I&rsquo;ve gone out of the business,&rdquo; protested Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t. Come, old boy, I can&rsquo;t let any sentimental scruples interfere
+      with so good a stroke of business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t help you!&rdquo; said Gibbon, angrily. &ldquo;You only want to get me into
+      trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t help me?&rdquo; said Stark, with slow deliberation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I can&rsquo;t honorably. Can&rsquo;t you let me alone?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sorry to say, I can&rsquo;t. If I was rich, I might; but as it is, it is quite
+      necessary for me to raise some money somewhere. By all accounts, Jennings
+      is rich, and can spare a small part of his accumulations for a good fellow
+      that&rsquo;s out of luck.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;d better give up the idea. It&rsquo;s quite impossible.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is it?&rdquo; asked Stark, with a wicked look. &ldquo;Then do you know what I will
+      do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What will you do?&rdquo; asked Gibbon, nervously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will call on your employer, and tell him what I know of you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You wouldn&rsquo;t do that?&rdquo; said the bookkeeper, much agitated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not? You turn your back upon an old friend. You bask in prosperity,
+      and turn from him in his poverty. It&rsquo;s the way of the world, no doubt; but
+      Phil Stark generally gets even with those who don&rsquo;t treat him well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell me what you want me to do,&rdquo; said Gibbon, desperately.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell me first whether your safe contains much of value.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We keep a line of deposit with the Milford Bank.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean to say that nothing of value is left in the safe overnight?&rdquo;
+       asked Stark, disappointed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is a box of government bonds usually kept there,&rdquo; the bookkeeper
+      admitted, reluctantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ah, that&rsquo;s good!&rdquo; returned Stark, rubbing his hands. &ldquo;Do you know how
+      much they amount to?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think there are about four thousand dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good! We must have those bonds, Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      MR. STARK IS RECOGNIZED.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark was resolved not to release his hold upon his old acquaintance.
+      During the day he spent his time in lounging about the town, but in the
+      evening he invariably fetched up at the bookkeeper&rsquo;s modest home. His
+      attentions were evidently not welcome to Mr. Gibbon, who daily grew more
+      and more nervous and irritable, and had the appearance of a man whom
+      something disquieted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard watched the growing intimacy with curiosity. He was a sharp boy,
+      and he felt convinced that there was something between his uncle and the
+      stranger. There was no chance for him to overhear any conversation, for he
+      was always sent out of the way when the two were closeted together. He
+      still met Mr. Stark outside, and played billiards with him frequently.
+      Once he tried to extract some information from Stark.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve known my uncle a good while,&rdquo; he said, in a tone of assumed
+      indifference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, a good many years,&rdquo; answered Stark, as he made a carom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Were you in business together?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not exactly, but we may be some time,&rdquo; returned Stark, with a significant
+      smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, that isn&rsquo;t decided.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did you first meet Uncle Julius?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The kid&rsquo;s growing curious,&rdquo; said Stark to himself. &ldquo;Does he think he can
+      pull wool over the eyes of Phil Stark? If he does, he thinks a good deal
+      too highly of himself. I will answer his questions to suit myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t you ask your uncle that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I did,&rdquo; said Leonard, &ldquo;but he snapped me up, and told me to mind my own
+      business. He is getting terribly cross lately.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s his stomach, I presume,&rdquo; said Stark, urbanely. &ldquo;He is a confirmed
+      dyspeptic&mdash;that&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s the matter with him. Now; I&rsquo;ve got the
+      digestion of an ox. Nothing ever troubles me, and the result is that I am
+      as calm and good-natured as a May morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you ever get riled, Mr. Stark?&rdquo; asked Leonard, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, hardly ever. Sometimes when I am asked fool questions by one who
+      seems to be prying into what is none of his business, I get wrathy, and
+      when I&rsquo;m roused look out!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He glanced meaningly at Leonard, and the boy understood that the words
+      conveyed a warning and a menace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is anything the matter with you, Mr. Gibbon? Are you as well as usual?&rdquo;
+       asked Mr. Jennings one morning. The little man was always considerate, and
+      he had noticed the flurried and nervous manner of his bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; what makes you ask?&rdquo; said Gibbon, apologetically.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you need a vacation,&rdquo; suggested Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, no, I think not. Besides, I couldn&rsquo;t be spared.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would keep the books myself for a week to favor you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, but I won&rsquo;t trouble you just yet. A little later on,
+      if I feel more uncomfortable, I will avail myself of your kindness.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do so. I know that bookkeeping is a strain upon the mind, more so than
+      physical labor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      There were special reasons why Mr. Gibbon did not dare to accept the
+      vacation tendered him by his employer. He knew that Phil Stark would be
+      furious, for it would interfere with his designs. He could not afford to
+      offend this man, who held in his possession a secret affecting his
+      reputation and good name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The presence of a stranger in a small town always attracts public
+      attention, and many were curious about the rakish-looking man who had now
+      for some time occupied a room at the hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Among others, Carl had several times seen him walking with Leonard Craig
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard,&rdquo; he asked one day, &ldquo;who is the gentleman I see you so often
+      walking with?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a man that&rsquo;s boarding at the hotel. I play billiards with him
+      sometimes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems to like Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. He&rsquo;s over at our house every evening.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he?&rdquo; asked Carl, surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he&rsquo;s an old acquaintance of Uncle Julius. I don&rsquo;t know where they
+      met each other, for he won&rsquo;t tell. He said he and uncle might go into
+      business together some time. Between you and me, I think uncle would like
+      to get rid of him. I know he doesn&rsquo;t like him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This set Carl to thinking, but something occurred soon afterwards that
+      impressed him still more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Occasionally a customer of the house visited Milford, wishing to give a
+      special order for some particular line of goods. About this time a Mr.
+      Thorndike, from Chicago, came to Milford on this errand, and put up at the
+      hotel. He had called at the factory during the day, and had some
+      conversation with Mr. Jennings. After supper a doubt entered the mind of
+      the manufacturer in regard to one point, and he said to Carl: &ldquo;Carl, are
+      you engaged this evening?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you carry a note for me to the hotel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, sir; I shall be glad to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Thorndike leaves in the morning, and I am not quite clear as to one
+      of the specifications he gave me with his order. You noticed the gentleman
+      who went through the factory with me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is Mr. Thorndike. Please hand him this note, and if he wishes you to
+      remain with him for company, you had better do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hannah,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, as his messenger left with the note, &ldquo;Carl is
+      a pleasant addition to our little household?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, indeed he is,&rdquo; responded Hannah, emphatically.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he was twice the trouble I&rsquo;d be glad to have him here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is easy to get along with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Surely.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet his stepmother drove him from his father&rsquo;s house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She&rsquo;s a wicked trollop, then!&rdquo; said Hannah, in a deep, stern voice. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d
+      like to get hold of her, I would.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What would you do to her?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;d give her a good shaking,&rdquo; answered Hannah.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I believe you would, Hannah,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, amused. &ldquo;On the whole, I
+      think she had better keep out of your clutches. Still, but for her we
+      would never have met with Carl. What is his father&rsquo;s loss is our gain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What a poor, weak man his father must be,&rdquo; said Hannah, contemptuously,
+      &ldquo;to let a woman like her turn him against his own flesh and blood!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I agree with you, Hannah. I hope some time he may see his mistake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl kept on his way to the hotel. It was summer and Mr. Thorndike was
+      sitting on the piazza smoking a cigar. To him Carl delivered the note.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s all right!&rdquo; he said, rapidly glancing it over. &ldquo;You may tell Mr.
+      Jennings,&rdquo; and here he gave an answer to the question asked in the letter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, I will remember.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t you sit down and keep me company a little while?&rdquo; asked Thorndike,
+      who was sociably inclined.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; and Carl sat down in a chair beside him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you have a cigar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, thank you, sir. I don&rsquo;t smoke.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is where you are sensible. I began to smoke at fourteen, and now I
+      find it hard to break off. My doctor tells me it is hurting me, but the
+      chains of habit are strong.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All the more reason for forming good habits, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Spoken like a philosopher. Are you in the employ of my friend, Mr.
+      Jennings?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Learning the business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my present intention.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you ever come out to Chicago, call on me, and if you are out of a
+      place, I will give you one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you not a little rash, Mr. Thorndike, to offer me a place when you
+      know so little of me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I trust a good deal to looks. I care more for them than for
+      recommendations.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At that moment Phil Stark came out of the hotel, and passing them, stepped
+      off the piazza into the street.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Thorndike half rose from his seat, and looked after him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who is that?&rdquo; he asked, in an exciting whisper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A man named Stark, who is boarding at the hotel. Do you know him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do I know him?&rdquo; repeated Thorndike. &ldquo;He is one of the most successful
+      burglars in the West.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      PREPARING FOR THE BURGLAR.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl stared at Mr. Thorndike in surprise and dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A burglar!&rdquo; he ejaculated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I was present in the courtroom when he was convicted of robbing the
+      Springfield bank. I sat there for three hours, and his face was impressed
+      upon my memory. I saw him later on in the Joliet Penitentiary. I was
+      visiting the institution and saw the prisoners file out into the yard. I
+      recognized this man instantly. Do you know how long he has been here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For two weeks I should think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has some dishonest scheme in his head, I have no doubt. Have you a
+      bank in Milford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He may have some design upon that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is very intimate with our bookkeeper, so his nephew tells me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Thorndike looked startled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ha! I scent danger to my friend, Mr. Jennings. He ought to be apprised.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He shall be, sir,&rdquo; said Carl, firmly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you see him to-night?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I am not only in his employ, but I live at his house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps I ought to go home at once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No attempt will be made to rob the office till late. It is scarcely eight
+      o&rsquo;clock. I don&rsquo;t know, however, but I will walk around to the house with
+      you, and tell your employer what I know. By the way, what sort of a man is
+      the bookkeeper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know him very well, sir. He has a nephew in the office, who was
+      transferred from the factory. I have taken his place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think the bookkeeper would join in a plot to rob his employer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t like him. To me he is always disagreeable, but I would not like
+      to say that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long has he been in the employ of Mr. Jennings?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;As long as two years, I should think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You say that this man is intimate with him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig&mdash;he is the nephew&mdash;says that Mr. Philip Stark is
+      at his uncle&rsquo;s house every evening.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So he calls himself Philip Stark, does he?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Isn&rsquo;t that his name?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose it is one of his names. He was convicted under that name, and
+      retains it here on account of its being so far from the place of his
+      conviction. Whether it is his real name or not, I do not know. What is the
+      name of your bookkeeper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Julius Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t remember ever having heard it. Evidently there has been some past
+      acquaintance between the two men, and that, I should say, is hardly a
+      recommendation for Mr. Gibbon. Of course that alone is not enough to
+      condemn him, but the intimacy is certainly a suspicious circumstance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two soon reached the house of Mr. Jennings, for the distance was only
+      a quarter of a mile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings seemed a little surprised, but gave a kindly welcome to his
+      unexpected guest. It occurred to him that he might have come to give some
+      extra order for goods.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are surprised to see me,&rdquo; said Thorndike. &ldquo;I came on a very important
+      matter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A look of inquiry came over the face of Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a thief in the village&mdash;a guest at the hotel&mdash;whom I
+      recognize as one of the most expert burglars in the country.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I know whom you mean, a man of moderate height, rather thick set,
+      with small, black eyes and a slouch hat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Exactly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can you tell me about him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Thorndike repeated the statement he had already made to Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think our bank is in danger?&rdquo; asked the manufacturer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps so, but the chief danger threatens you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What makes you think so?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because this man appears to be very intimate with your bookkeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you know that?&rdquo; asked the little man, quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I refer you to Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig told me to-night that this man Stark spent every evening at
+      his uncle&rsquo;s house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked troubled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sorry to hear this,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I dislike to lose confidence in any
+      man whom I have trusted.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you noticed anything unusual in the demeanor of your bookkeeper of
+      late?&rdquo; asked Thorndike.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he has appeared out of spirits and nervous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That would seem to indicate he is conspiring to rob you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This very day, noticing the change in him, I offered him a week&rsquo;s
+      vacation. He promptly declined to take it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course. It would conflict with the plans of his confederate. I don&rsquo;t
+      know the man, but I do know human nature, and I venture to predict that
+      your safe will be opened within a week. Do you keep anything of value in
+      it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are my books, which are of great value to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But not to a thief. Anything else?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I have a tin box containing four thousand dollars in government
+      bonds.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Coupon or registered?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Coupon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nothing could be better&mdash;for a burglar. What on earth could induce
+      you to keep the bonds in your own safe?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To tell the truth, I considered them quite as safe there as in the bank.
+      Banks are more likely to be robbed than private individuals.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Circumstances alter cases. Does anyone know that you have the bonds in
+      your safe?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My bookkeeper is aware of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, my friend, I caution you to remove the bonds from so unsafe a
+      depository as soon as possible. Unless I am greatly mistaken, this man,
+      Stark, has bought over your bookkeeper, and will have his aid in robbing
+      you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is your advice?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To remove the bonds this very evening,&rdquo; said Thorndike.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think the danger so pressing?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course I don&rsquo;t know that an attempt will be made to-night, but it is
+      quite possible. Should it be so, you would have an opportunity to realize
+      that delays are dangerous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Should Mr. Gibbon find, on opening the safe to-morrow morning, that the
+      box is gone, it may lead to an attack upon my house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you to leave the box in the safe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I understand that you advised me to remove it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not the box, but the bonds. Listen to my plan. Cut out some newspaper
+      slips of about the same bulk as the bonds, put them in place of the bonds
+      in the box, and quietly transfer the bonds in your pocket to your own
+      house. To-morrow you can place them in the bank. Should no burglary be
+      attempted, let the box remain in the safe, just as if its contents were
+      valuable.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your advice is good, and I will adopt it,&rdquo; said Jennings, &ldquo;and thank you
+      for your valuable and friendly instruction.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If agreeable to you I will accompany you to the office at once. The bonds
+      cannot be removed too soon. Then if anyone sees us entering, it will be
+      thought that you are showing me the factory. It will divert suspicion,
+      even if we are seen by Stark or your bookkeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I go, too?&rdquo; asked Carl, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly,&rdquo; said the manufacturer. &ldquo;I know, Carl, that you are devoted to
+      my interests. It is a comfort to know this, now that I have cause to
+      suspect my bookkeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was only a little after nine. The night was moderately dark, and Carl
+      was intrusted with a wax candle, which he put in his pocket for use in the
+      office. They reached the factory without attracting attention, and entered
+      by the office door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings opened the safe&mdash;he and the bookkeeper alone knew the
+      combination&mdash;and with some anxiety took out the tin box. It was
+      possible that the contents had already been removed. But no! on opening
+      it, the bonds were found intact. According to Mr. Thorndike&rsquo;s advice, he
+      transferred them to his pocket, and substituted folded paper. Then,
+      replacing everything, the safe was once more locked, and the three left
+      the office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Thorndike returned to the hotel, and Mr. Jennings to his house, but
+      Carl asked permission to remain out a while longer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is on my mind that an attempt will be made to-night to rob the safe,&rdquo;
+       he said. &ldquo;I want to watch near the factory to see if my suspicion is
+      correct.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, Carl, but don&rsquo;t stay out too long!&rdquo; said his employer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose I see them entering the office, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t interrupt them! They will find themselves badly fooled. Notice only
+      if Mr. Gibbon is of the party. I must know whether my bookkeeper is to be
+      trusted.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXIV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      THE BURGLARY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl seated himself behind a stone wall on the opposite side of the street
+      from the factory. The building was on the outskirts of the village, though
+      not more than half a mile from the post office, and there was very little
+      travel in that direction during the evening. This made it more favorable
+      for thieves, though up to the present time no burglarious attempt had been
+      made on it. Indeed, Milford had been exceptionally fortunate in that
+      respect. Neighboring towns had been visited, some of them several times,
+      but Milford had escaped.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night was quite dark, but not what is called pitchy dark. As the eyes
+      became accustomed to the obscurity, they were able to see a considerable
+      distance. So it was with Carl. From his place of concealment he
+      occasionally raised his head and looked across the way to the factory. An
+      hour passed, and he grew tired. It didn&rsquo;t look as if the attempt were to
+      be made that night. Eleven o&rsquo;clock pealed out from the spire of the
+      Baptist Church, a quarter of a mile away. Carl counted the strokes, and
+      when the last died into silence, he said to himself:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will stay here about ten minutes longer. Then, if no one comes, I will
+      give it up for tonight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The time was nearly up when his quick ear caught a low murmur of voices.
+      Instantly he was on the alert. Waiting till the sound came nearer, he
+      ventured to raise his head for an instant above the top of the wall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His heart beat with excitement when he saw two figures approaching. Though
+      it was so dark, he recognized them by their size and outlines. They were
+      Julius Gibbon, the bookkeeper, and Phil Stark, the stranger staying at the
+      hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl watched closely, raising his head for a few seconds at a time above
+      the wall, ready to lower it should either glance in his direction. But
+      neither of the men did so. Ignorant that they were suspected, it was the
+      farthest possible from their thoughts that anyone would be on the watch.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently they came so near that Carl could hear their voices.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish it was over,&rdquo; murmured Gibbon, nervously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t worry,&rdquo; said his companion. &ldquo;There is no occasion for haste.
+      Everybody in Milford is in bed and asleep, and we have several hours at
+      our disposal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must remember that my reputation is at stake. This night&rsquo;s work may
+      undo me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My friend, you can afford to take the chances. Haven&rsquo;t I agreed to give
+      you half the bonds?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be suspected, and shall be obliged to stand my ground, while you
+      will disappear from the scene.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Two thousand dollars will pay you for some inconvenience. I don&rsquo;t see why
+      you should be suspected. You will be supposed to be fast asleep on your
+      virtuous couch, while some bad burglar is robbing your worthy employer. Of
+      course you will be thunderstruck when in the morning the appalling
+      discovery is made. I&rsquo;ll tell you what will be a good dodge for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Offer a reward of a hundred dollars from your own purse for the discovery
+      of the villain who has robbed the safe and abstracted the bonds.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark burst out into a loud guffaw as he uttered these words.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hush!&rdquo; said Gibbon, timidly. &ldquo;I thought I heard some one moving.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What a timid fool you are!&rdquo; muttered Stark, contemptuously. &ldquo;If I had no
+      more pluck, I&rsquo;d hire myself out to herd cows.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a better business,&rdquo; said Gibbon, bitterly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, well, each to his taste! If you lose your place as bookkeeper, you
+      might offer your services to some farmer. As for me, the danger, though
+      there isn&rsquo;t much, is just enough to make it exciting.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care for any such excitement,&rdquo; said Gibbon, dispiritedly. &ldquo;Why
+      couldn&rsquo;t you have kept away and let me earn an honest living?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because I must live as well as you, my dear friend. When this little
+      affair is over, you will thank me for helping you to a good thing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Of course all this conversation did not take place within Carl&rsquo;s hearing.
+      While it was going on, the men had opened the office door and entered.
+      Then, as Carl watched the window closely he saw a narrow gleam of light
+      from a dark lantern illuminating the interior.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now they are at the safe,&rdquo; thought Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We, who are privileged, will enter the office and watch the proceedings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon had no difficulty in opening the safe, for he was acquainted with
+      the combination. Stark thrust in his hand eagerly and drew out the box.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is what we want,&rdquo; he said, in a tone of satisfaction. &ldquo;Have you a
+      key that will open it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall have to take box and all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us get through as soon as possible,&rdquo; said Gibbon, uneasily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can close the safe, if you want to. There is nothing else worth
+      taking?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then we will evacuate the premises. Is there an old newspaper I can use
+      to wrap up the box in? It might look suspicious if anyone should see it in
+      our possession.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, here is one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He handed a copy of a weekly paper to Phil Stark, who skillfully wrapped
+      up the box, and placing it under his arm, went out of the office, leaving
+      Gibbon to follow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where will you carry it?&rdquo; asked Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Somewhere out of sight where I can safely open it. I should have
+      preferred to take the bonds, and leave the box in the safe. Then the bonds
+      might not have been missed for a week or more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That would have been better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      That was the last that Carl heard. The two disappeared in the darkness,
+      and Carl, raising himself from his place of concealment, stretched his
+      cramped limbs and made the best of his way home. He thought no one would
+      be up, but Mr. Jennings came out from the sitting-room, where he had flung
+      himself on a lounge, and met Carl in the hall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The safe has been robbed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who did it?&rdquo; asked the manufacturer, quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The two we suspected.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you see Mr. Gibbon, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he was accompanied by Mr. Stark.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You saw them enter the factory?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I was crouching behind the stone wall on the other side of the
+      road.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long were they inside?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not over fifteen minutes&mdash;perhaps only ten.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Gibbon knew the combination,&rdquo; said Jennings, quietly. &ldquo;There was no
+      occasion to lose time in breaking open the safe. There is some advantage
+      in having a friend inside. Did you see them go out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carrying the tin box with them?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. Mr. Stark wrapped it in a newspaper after they got outside.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But you saw the tin box?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, if necessary, you can testify to it. I thought it possible that Mr.
+      Gibbon might have a key to open it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I overheard Stark regretting that he could not open it so as to abstract
+      the bonds and leave the box in the safe. In that case, he said, it might
+      be some time before the robbery was discovered.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He will himself make an unpleasant discovery when he opens the box. I
+      don&rsquo;t think there is any call to pity him, do you, Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. I should like to be within sight when he opens it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The manufacturer laughed quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; he said; &ldquo;if I could see it I should feel repaid for the loss of
+      the box. Let it be a lesson for you, my boy. Those who seek to enrich
+      themselves by unlawful means are likely in the end to meet with
+      disappointment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think I need the lesson?&rdquo; asked Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, my lad. I am sure you don&rsquo;t. But you do need a good night&rsquo;s rest. Let
+      us go to bed at once, and get what sleep we may. I won&rsquo;t allow the
+      burglary to keep me awake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He laughed in high good humor, and Carl went up to his comfortable room,
+      where he soon lost all remembrance of the exciting scene of which he had
+      been a witness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings went to the factory at the usual time the next morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he entered the office the bookkeeper approached him pale and excited.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; he said, hurriedly, &ldquo;I have bad news for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it, Mr. Gibbon?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When I opened the safe this morning, I discovered that the tin box had
+      been stolen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings took the news quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you any suspicion who took it?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. I&mdash;I hope the loss is not a heavy one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I do not care to make the extent of the loss public. Were there any marks
+      of violence? Was the safe broken open?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Singular; is it not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you will allow me I will join in offering a reward for the discovery
+      of the thief. I feel in a measure responsible.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will think of your offer, Mr. Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He suspects nothing,&rdquo; thought Gibbon, with a sigh of relief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      STARK&rsquo;S DISAPPOINTMENT.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Philip Stark went back to the hotel with the tin box under his arm. He
+      would like to have entered the hotel without notice, but this was
+      impossible, for the landlord&rsquo;s nephew was just closing up. Though not late
+      for the city, it was very late for the country, and he looked surprised
+      when Stark came in.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am out late,&rdquo; said Stark, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is, late for Milford. In the city I never go to bed before
+      midnight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you been out walking?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You found it rather dark, did you not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is dark as a pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You couldn&rsquo;t have found the walk a very pleasant one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right, my friend; but I didn&rsquo;t walk for pleasure. The fact is, I
+      am rather worried about a business matter. I have learned that I am
+      threatened with a heavy loss&mdash;an unwise investment in the West&mdash;and
+      I wanted time to think it over and decide how to act.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see,&rdquo; answered the clerk, respectfully, for Stark&rsquo;s words led him to
+      think that his guest was a man of wealth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I was rich enough to be worried by such a cause,&rdquo; he said,
+      jokingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you were. Some time I may be able to throw something in your way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think it would pay me to go to the West?&rdquo; asked the clerk,
+      eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think it quite likely&mdash;if you know some one out in that section.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I don&rsquo;t know anyone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know me,&rdquo; said Stark, significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think you could help me to a place, Mr. Stark?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I could. A month from now write to me Col. Philip Stark, at
+      Denver, Colorado, and I will see if I can find an opening for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, Mr.&mdash;I mean Col. Stark,&rdquo; said the clerk,
+      gratefully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, never mind about the title,&rdquo; returned Stark, smiling good-naturedly.
+      &ldquo;I only gave it to you just now, because everybody in Denver knows me as a
+      colonel, and I am afraid a letter otherwise addressed would not reach me.
+      By the way, I am sorry that I shall probably have to leave you to-morrow.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So soon?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; it&rsquo;s this tiresome business. I should not wonder if I might lose ten
+      thousand dollars through the folly of my agent. I shall probably have to
+      go out to right things.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t afford to lose ten thousand dollars,&rdquo; said the young man,
+      regarding the capitalist before him with deference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I expect not. At your age I wasn&rsquo;t worth ten thousand cents. Now&mdash;but
+      that&rsquo;s neither here nor there. Give me a light, please, and I will go up
+      to bed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He was about to say how much he is worth now,&rdquo; soliloquized the clerk. &ldquo;I
+      wish he had not stopped short. If I can&rsquo;t be rich myself, I like to talk
+      with a rich man. There&rsquo;s hope for me, surely. He says that at my age he
+      was not worth ten thousand cents. That is only a hundred dollars, and I am
+      worth that. I must keep it to pay my expenses to Colorado, if he should
+      send for me in a few weeks.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The young man had noticed with some curiosity the rather oddly-shaped
+      bundle which Stark carried under his arm, but could not see his way clear
+      to asking any questions about it. It seemed queer that Stark should have
+      it with him while walking. Come to think of it, he remembered seeing him
+      go out in the early evening, and he was quite confident that at that time
+      he had no bundle with him. However, he was influenced only by a spirit of
+      idle curiosity. He had no idea that the bundle was of any importance or
+      value. The next day he changed his opinion on that subject.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark went up to his chamber, and setting the lamp on the bureau,
+      first carefully locked the door, and then removed the paper from the tin
+      box. He eyed it lovingly, and tried one by one the keys he had in his
+      pocket, but none exactly fitted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he was experimenting he thought with a smile of the night clerk from
+      whom he had just parted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Stark,&rdquo; he soliloquized, addressing himself, &ldquo;you are an old humbug. You
+      have cleverly duped that unsophisticated young man downstairs. He looks
+      upon you as a man of unbounded wealth, evidently, while, as a matter of
+      fact, you are almost strapped. Let me see how much I have got left.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He took out his wallet, and counted out seven dollars and thirty-eight
+      cents.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That can hardly be said to constitute wealth,&rdquo; he reflected, &ldquo;but it is
+      all I have over and above the contents of this box. That makes all the
+      difference. Gibbon is of opinion that there are four thousand dollars in
+      bonds inside, and he expects me to give him half. Shall I do it? Not such
+      a fool! I&rsquo;ll give him fifteen hundred and keep the balance myself. That&rsquo;ll
+      pay him handsomely, and the rest will be a good nestegg for me. If Gibbon
+      is only half shrewd he will pull the wool over the eyes of that midget of
+      an employer, and retain his place and comfortable salary. There will be no
+      evidence against him, and he can pose as an innocent man. Bah! what a lot
+      of humbug there is in the world. Well, well, Stark, you have your share,
+      no doubt. Otherwise how would you make a living? To-morrow I must clear
+      out from Milford, and give it a wide berth in future. I suppose there will
+      be a great hue-and-cry about the robbery of the safe. It will be just as
+      well for me to be somewhere else. I have already given the clerk a good
+      reason for my sudden departure. Confound it, it&rsquo;s a great nuisance that I
+      can&rsquo;t open this box! I would like to know before I go to bed just how much
+      boodle I have acquired. Then I can decide how much to give Gibbon. If I
+      dared I&rsquo;d keep the whole, but he might make trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark, or Col. Philip Stark, as he had given his name, had a large
+      supply of keys, but none of them seemed to fit the tin box.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I shall excite suspicion if I sit up any longer,&rdquo; thought
+      Stark. &ldquo;I will go to bed and get up early in the morning. Then I may
+      succeed better in opening this plaguy box.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He removed his clothing and got into bed. The evening had been rather an
+      exciting one, but the excitement was a pleasurable one, for he had
+      succeeded in the plan which he and the bookkeeper had so ingeniously
+      formed and carried out, and here within reach was the rich reward after
+      which they had striven. Mr. Stark was not troubled with a conscience&mdash;that
+      he had got rid of years ago&mdash;and he was filled with a comfortable
+      consciousness of having retrieved his fortunes when they were on the wane.
+      So, in a short time he fell asleep, and slept peacefully. Toward morning,
+      however, he had a disquieting dream. It seemed to him that he awoke
+      suddenly from slumber and saw Gibbon leaving the room with the tin box
+      under his arm. He awoke really with beads of perspiration upon his brow&mdash;awoke
+      to see by the sun streaming in at his window that the morning was well
+      advanced, and the tin box was still safe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank Heaven, it was but a dream!&rdquo; he murmured. &ldquo;I must get up and try
+      once more to open the box.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The keys had all been tried, and had proved not to fit. Mr. Stark was
+      equal to the emergency. He took from his pocket a button hook and bent it
+      so as to make a pick, and after a little experimenting succeeded in
+      turning the lock. He lifted the lid eagerly, and with distended eyes
+      prepared to gloat upon the stolen bonds. But over his face there came a
+      startling change. The ashy blue hue of disappointment succeeded the
+      glowing, hopeful look. He snatched at one of the folded slips of paper and
+      opened it. Alas! it was valueless, mere waste paper. He sank into a chair
+      in a limp, hopeless posture, quite overwhelmed. Then he sprang up
+      suddenly, and his expression changed to one of fury and menace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If Julius Gibbon has played this trick upon me,&rdquo; he said, between his set
+      teeth, &ldquo;he shall repent it&mdash;bitterly!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXVI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Philip Stark sat down to breakfast in a savage frame of mind. He wanted to
+      be revenged upon Gibbon, whom he suspected of having deceived him by
+      opening and appropriating the bonds, and then arranged to have him carry
+      off the box filled with waste paper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He sat at the table but five minutes, for he had little or no appetite.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the breakfast room he went out on the piazza, and with corrugated
+      brows smoked a cigar, but it failed to have the usual soothing effect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      If he had known the truth he would have left Milford without delay, but he
+      was far from suspecting that the deception practiced upon him had been
+      arranged by the man whom he wanted to rob. While there seemed little
+      inducement for him to stay in Milford, he was determined to seek the
+      bookkeeper, and ascertain whether, as he suspected, his confederate had in
+      his possession the bonds which he had been scheming for. If so, he would
+      compel him by threats to disgorge the larger portion, and then leave town
+      at once.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the problem was, how to see him. He felt that it would be venturesome
+      to go round to the factory, as by this time the loss might have been
+      discovered. If only the box had been left, the discovery might be
+      deferred. Then a bright idea occurred to him. He must get the box out of
+      his own possession, as its discovery would compromise him. Why could he
+      not arrange to leave it somewhere on the premises of his confederate?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He resolved upon the instant to carry out the idea. He went up to his
+      room, wrapped the tin box in a paper, and walked round to the house of the
+      bookkeeper. The coast seemed to be clear, as he supposed it would be. He
+      slipped into the yard, and swiftly entered an outhouse. There was a large
+      wooden chest, or box, which had once been used to store grain. Stark
+      lifted the cover, dropped the box inside, and then, with a feeling of
+      relief, walked out of the yard. But he had been observed. Mrs. Gibbon
+      chanced to be looking out of a side window and saw him. She recognized him
+      as the stranger who had been in the habit of spending recent evenings with
+      her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can he want here at this time?&rdquo; she asked herself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She deliberated whether she should go to the door and speak to Stark, but
+      decided not to do so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He will call at the door if he has anything to say,&rdquo; she reflected.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark walked on till he reached the factory. He felt that he must see
+      Julius Gibbon, and satisfy himself as to the meaning of the mysterious
+      substitution of waste paper for bonds.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he reached a point where he could see into the office, he caught the
+      eye of Leonard, who was sitting at the window. He beckoned for him to come
+      out, and Leonard was glad to do so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you going?&rdquo; asked the bookkeeper, observing the boy&rsquo;s movement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Stark is just across the street, and he beckoned for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Julius Gibbon flushed painfully, and he trembled with nervous agitation,
+      for he feared something had happened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, go out, but don&rsquo;t stay long.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard crossed the street and walked up to Stark, who awaited him,
+      looking grim and stern.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your uncle is inside?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell him I wish to see him at once&mdash;on business of importance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&rsquo;s busy,&rdquo; said Leonard. &ldquo;&lsquo;He doesn&rsquo;t leave the office in business
+      hours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell him I must see him&mdash;do you hear? He&rsquo;ll come fast enough.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder what it&rsquo;s all about,&rdquo; thought Leonard, whose curiosity was
+      naturally excited.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait a minute!&rdquo; said Stark, as he turned to go. &ldquo;Is Jennings in?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, he has gone over to the next town.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Probably the box has not been missed, then,&rdquo; thought Stark. &ldquo;So much the
+      better! I can find out how matters stand, and then leave town.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well!&rdquo; he said, aloud, &ldquo;let your uncle understand that I must see
+      him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard carried in the message. Gibbon made no objection, but took his hat
+      and went out, leaving Leonard in charge of the office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, what is it?&rdquo; he asked, hurriedly, as he reached Stark. &ldquo;Is&mdash;is
+      the box all right?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, Gibbon,&rdquo; said Stark, harshly, &ldquo;have you been playing any of
+      your infernal tricks upon me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what you mean,&rdquo; responded Gibbon, bewildered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Stark eyed him sharply, but the bookkeeper was evidently sincere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there anything wrong?&rdquo; continued the latter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean to tell me you didn&rsquo;t know that wretched box was filled with
+      waste paper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean it?&rdquo; exclaimed Gibbon, in dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I do. I didn&rsquo;t open it till this morning, and in place of government
+      bonds, I found only folded slips of newspaper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By this time Gibbon was suspicious. Having no confidence in Stark, it
+      occurred to him that it was a ruse to deprive him of his share of the
+      bonds.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t believe you,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You want to keep all the bonds for
+      yourself, and cheat me out of my share.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish to Heaven you were right. If there had been any bonds, I would
+      have acted on the square. But somebody had removed them, and substituted
+      paper. I suspected you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am ready to swear that this has happened without my knowledge,&rdquo; said
+      Gibbon, earnestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How, then, could it have occurred?&rdquo; asked Stark.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know, upon my honor. Where is the box?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;have disposed of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You should have waited and opened it before me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I asked you if you had a key that would open it. I wanted to open it last
+      evening in the office.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will see after a while that I was acting on the square. You can open
+      it for yourself at your leisure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How can I? I don&rsquo;t know where it is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I can enlighten you,&rdquo; said Stark, maliciously. &ldquo;When you go home,
+      you will find it in a chest in your woodshed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon turned pale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean to say you have carried it to my house?&rdquo; he exclaimed, in
+      dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I do. I had no further use for it, and thought you had the best
+      claim to it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But, good heavens! if it is found there I shall be suspected.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very probably,&rdquo; answered Stark, coolly. &ldquo;Take my advice and put it out of
+      the way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How could you be so inconsiderate?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because I suspected you of playing me a trick.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I swear to you, I didn&rsquo;t.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then somebody has tricked both of us. Has Mr. Jennings discovered the
+      disappearance of the box?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I told him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When he came to the office.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What did he say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He took the matter coolly. He didn&rsquo;t say much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is he?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gone to Winchester on business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here! Do you think he suspects you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am quite sure not. That is why I told him about the robbery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He might suspect me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He said nothing about suspecting anybody.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think he removed the bonds and substituted paper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If this were the case we should both be in a serious plight. I think I
+      had better get out of town. You will have to lend me ten dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how I can, Stark.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must!&rdquo; said Stark, sternly, &ldquo;or I will reveal the whole thing.
+      Remember, the box is on your premises.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Heavens! what a quandary I am in,&rdquo; said the bookkeeper, miserably. &ldquo;That
+      must be attended to at once. Why couldn&rsquo;t you put it anywhere else?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I told you that I wanted to be revenged upon you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you had never come to Milford,&rdquo; groaned the bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I hadn&rsquo;t myself, as things have turned out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They prepared to start for Gibbon&rsquo;s house, when Mr. Jennings drove up.
+      With him were two tall muscular men, whom Stark and Gibbon eyed uneasily.
+      The two strangers jumped out of the carriage and advanced toward the two
+      confederates.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Arrest those men!&rdquo; said Jennings, in a quiet tone. &ldquo;I charge them with
+      opening and robbing my safe last night about eleven o&rsquo;clock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXVII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      BROUGHT TO BAY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark made an effort to get away, but the officer was too quick for
+      him. In a trice he was handcuffed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the meaning of this outrage?&rdquo; demanded Stark, boldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have already explained,&rdquo; said the manufacturer, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are quite on the wrong tack,&rdquo; continued Stark, brazenly. &ldquo;Mr. Gibbon
+      was just informing me that the safe had been opened and robbed. It is the
+      first I knew of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Julius Gibbon seemed quite prostrated by his arrest. He felt it necessary
+      to say something, and followed the lead of his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will bear me witness, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;that I was the first
+      to inform you of the robbery. If I had really committed the burglary, I
+      should have taken care to escape during the night.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should be glad to believe in your innocence,&rdquo; rejoined the
+      manufacturer, &ldquo;but I know more about this matter than you suppose.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t answer for Mr. Gibbon,&rdquo; said Stark, who cared nothing for his
+      confederate, if he could contrive to effect his own escape. &ldquo;Of course he
+      had opportunities, as bookkeeper, which an outsider could not have.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon eyed his companion in crime distrustfully. He saw that Stark was
+      intending to throw him over.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am entirely willing to have my room at the hotel searched,&rdquo; continued
+      Stark, gathering confidence. &ldquo;If you find any traces of the stolen
+      property there, you are welcome to make the most of them. I have no doubt
+      Mr. Gibbon will make you the same offer in regard to his house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon saw at once the trap which had been so craftily prepared for him.
+      He knew that any search of his premises would result in the discovery of
+      the tin box, and had no doubt that Stark would be ready to testify to any
+      falsehood likely to fasten the guilt upon him. His anger was roused and he
+      forgot his prudence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&mdash;scoundrel!&rdquo; he hissed between his closed teeth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You seem excited,&rdquo; sneered Stark. &ldquo;Is it possible that you object to the
+      search?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If the missing box is found on my premises,&rdquo; said Gibbon, in a white
+      heat, &ldquo;it is because you have concealed it there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark shrugged his shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think, gentlemen,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;that settles it. I am afraid Mr Gibbon is
+      guilty. I shall be glad to assist you to recover the stolen property. Did
+      the box contain much that was of value?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I must caution you both against saying anything that will compromise
+      you,&rdquo; said one of the officers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have nothing to conceal,&rdquo; went on Stark, brazenly. &ldquo;I am obliged to
+      believe that this man committed the burglary. It is against me that I have
+      been his companion for the last week or two, but I used to know him, and
+      that will account for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The unhappy bookkeeper saw the coils closing around him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you will see your way to release me,&rdquo; said Stark, addressing
+      himself to Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;I have just received information that my poor
+      mother is lying dangerously sick in Cleveland, and I am anxious to start
+      for her bedside to-day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why did you come round here this morning?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To ask Mr. Gibbon to repay me ten dollars which he borrowed of me the
+      other day,&rdquo; returned Stark, glibly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&mdash;liar!&rdquo; exclaimed Gibbon, angrily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am prepared for this man&rsquo;s abuse,&rdquo; said Stark. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t mind admitting
+      now that a few days since he invited me to join him in the robbery of the
+      safe. I threatened to inform you of his plan, and he promised to give it
+      up. I supposed he had done so, but it is clear to me now that he carried
+      out his infamous scheme.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked amused. He admired Stark&rsquo;s brazen effrontery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What have you to say to this charge, Mr. Gibbon?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Only this, sir, that I was concerned in the burglary.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He admits it!&rdquo; said Stark, triumphantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But this man forced me to it. He threatened to write you some particulars
+      of my past history which would probably have lost me my position if I did
+      not agree to join him in the conspiracy. I was weak, and yielded. Now he
+      is ready to betray me to save himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; said Stark, coldly, &ldquo;you will know what importance to
+      attach to the story of a self-confessed burglar. Gibbon, I hope you will
+      see the error of your ways, and restore to your worthy employer the box of
+      valuable property which you stole from his safe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is insufferable!&rdquo; cried the bookkeeper &ldquo;You are a double-dyed
+      traitor, Phil Stark. You were not only my accomplice, but you instigated
+      the crime.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will find it hard to prove this,&rdquo; sneered Stark. &ldquo;Mr. Jennings, I
+      demand my liberty. If you have any humanity you will not keep me from the
+      bedside of my dying mother.&rdquo; &ldquo;I admire your audacity, Mr. Stark,&rdquo; observed
+      the manufacturer, quietly. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t suppose for a moment that I give the
+      least credit to your statements.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; said Gibbon. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m ready to accept the consequences of my
+      act, but I don&rsquo;t want that scoundrel and traitor to go free.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t prove anything against me,&rdquo; said Stark, doggedly, &ldquo;unless you
+      accept the word of a self-confessed burglar, who is angry with me because
+      I would not join him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All these protestations it would be better for you to keep till your
+      trial begins, Mr. Stark,&rdquo; said the manufacturer. &ldquo;However, I think it only
+      fair to tell you that I am better informed about you and your conspiracy
+      than you imagine. Will you tell me where you were at eleven o&rsquo;clock last
+      evening?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was in my room at the hotel&mdash;no, I was taking a walk. I had
+      received news of my mother&rsquo;s illness, and I was so much disturbed and
+      grieved that I could not remain indoors.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were seen to enter the office of this factory with Mr. Gibbon, and
+      after ten minutes came out with the tin box under your arm.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who saw me?&rdquo; demanded Stark, uneasily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl Crawford came forward and answered this question.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I did!&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A likely story! You were in bed and asleep.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are mistaken. I was on watch behind the stone wall just opposite. If
+      you want proof, I can repeat some of the conversation that passed between
+      you and Mr. Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Without waiting for the request, Carl rehearsed some of the talk already
+      recorded in a previous chapter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark began to see that things were getting serious for him, but he
+      was game to the last.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I deny it,&rdquo; he said, in a loud voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you also deny it, Mr. Gibbon?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I admit it,&rdquo; replied Gibbon, with a triumphant glance at his
+      foiled confederate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is a conspiracy against an innocent man,&rdquo; said Stark, scowling. &ldquo;You
+      want to screen your bookkeeper, if possible. No one has ever before
+      charged me with crime.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then how does it happen, Mr. Stark, that you were confined at the Joliet
+      penitentiary for a term of years?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he tell you this?&rdquo; snarled Stark, pointing to Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A customer of mine from Chicago. He saw you at the hotel, and informed
+      Carl last evening of your character. Carl, of course, brought the news to
+      me. It was in consequence of this information that I myself removed the
+      bonds from the box, early in the evening, and substituted strips of paper.
+      Your enterprise, therefore, would have availed you little even if you had
+      succeeded in getting off scot-free.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see the game is up,&rdquo; said Stark, throwing off the mask. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s true that
+      I have been in the Joliet penitentiary. It was there that I became
+      acquainted with your bookkeeper,&rdquo; he added, maliciously. &ldquo;Let him deny it
+      if he dare.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall not deny it. It is true,&rdquo; said Gibbon. &ldquo;But I had resolved to
+      live an honest life in future, and would have done so if this man had not
+      pressed me into crime by his threats.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I believe you, Mr. Gibbon,&rdquo; said the manufacturer, gently, &ldquo;and I will
+      see that this is counted in your favor. And now, gentlemen, I think there
+      is no occasion for further delay.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two men were carried to the lockup and in due time were tried. Stark
+      was sentenced to ten years&rsquo; imprisonment, Gibbon to five. At the end of
+      two years, at the intercession of Mr. Jennings, he was pardoned, and
+      furnished with money enough to go to Australia, where, his past character
+      unknown, he was able to make an honest living, and gain a creditable
+      position.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXVIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AFTER A YEAR.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Twelve months passed without any special incident. With Carl it was a
+      period of steady and intelligent labor and progress. He had excellent
+      mechanical talent, and made remarkable advancement. He was not content
+      with attention to his own work, but was a careful observer of the work of
+      others, so that in one year he learned as much of the business as most
+      boys would have done in three.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the year was up, Mr. Jennings detained him after supper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you remember what anniversary this is, Carl?&rdquo; he asked, pleasantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; it is the anniversary of my going into the factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Exactly. How are you satisfied with the year and its work?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have been contented and happy, Mr. Jennings; and I feel that I owe my
+      happiness and content to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you say so,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but it is only fair to add that your own
+      industry and intelligence have much to do with the satisfactory results of
+      the year.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The superintendent tells me that outside of your own work you have a
+      general knowledge of the business which would make you a valuable
+      assistant to himself in case he needed one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl&rsquo;s face glowed with pleasure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I believe in being thorough,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and I am interested in every
+      department of the business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Before you went into the factory you had not done any work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I had attended school.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was not a bad preparation for business, but in some cases it gives a
+      boy disinclination for manual labor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I wouldn&rsquo;t care to work with my hands all my life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t blame you for that. You have qualified yourself for something
+      better. How much do I pay you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I began on two dollars a week and my board. At the end of six months you
+      kindly advanced me to four dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I dare say you have found it none too much for your wants.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have saved forty dollars out of it,&rdquo; he answered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have done admirably,&rdquo; he said, warmly. &ldquo;Forty dollars is not a large
+      sum, but in laying it by you have formed a habit that will be of great
+      service to you in after years. I propose to raise you to ten dollars a
+      week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But, sir, shall I earn so much? You are very kind, but I am afraid you
+      will be a loser by your liberality.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are partly right,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Your services at present are hardly
+      worth the sum I have agreed to pay, that is, in the factory, but I shall
+      probably impose upon you other duties of an important nature soon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you do, sir, I will endeavor to meet your expectations.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How would you like to take a journey Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very much, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think of sending you&mdash;to Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl, who had thought perhaps of a fifty-mile trip, looked amazed, but his
+      delight was equal to his surprise. He had always wished to see the West,
+      though Chicago can hardly be called a Western city now, since between it
+      and the Pacific there is a broad belt of land two thousand miles in
+      extent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think I am competent?&rdquo; he asked, modestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I cannot say positively, but I think so,&rdquo; answered Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall be delighted to go. Will it be very soon?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, very soon. I shall want you to start next Monday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will be ready, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I may as well explain what are to be your duties. I am, as you know,
+      manufacturing a special line of chairs which I am desirous of introducing
+      to the trade. I shall give you the names of men in my line in Albany,
+      Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago, and it will be your duty to call upon
+      them, explain the merits of the chair, and solicit orders. In other words,
+      you will be a traveling salesman or drummer. I shall pay your traveling
+      expenses, ten dollars a week, and, if your orders exceed a certain limit,
+      I shall give you a commission on the surplus.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose I don&rsquo;t reach that limit?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall at all events feel that you have done your best. I will instruct
+      you a little in your duties between now and the time of your departure. I
+      should myself like to go in your stead, but I am needed here. There are,
+      of course, others in my employ, older than yourself, whom I might send,
+      but I have an idea that you will prove to be a good salesman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will try to be, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      On Monday morning Carl left Milford, reached New York in two hours and a
+      half and, in accordance with the directions of Mr. Jennings, engaged
+      passage and a stateroom on one of the palatial night lines of Hudson River
+      steamers to Albany. The boat was well filled with passengers, and a few
+      persons were unable to procure staterooms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl, however, applied in time, and obtained an excellent room. He
+      deposited his gripsack therein, and then took a seat on deck, meaning to
+      enjoy as long as possible the delightful scenery for which the Hudson is
+      celebrated. It was his first long journey, and for this reason Carl
+      enjoyed it all the more. He could not but contrast his present position
+      and prospects with those of a year ago, when, helpless and penniless, he
+      left an unhappy home to make his own way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What a delightful evening!&rdquo; said a voice at his side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Turning, Carl saw sitting by him a young man of about thirty, dressed in
+      somewhat pretentious style and wearing eyeglasses. He was tall and thin,
+      and had sandy side whiskers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, it is a beautiful evening,&rdquo; replied Carl, politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And the scenery is quite charming. Have you ever been all the way up the
+      river?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, but I hope some day to take a day trip.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just so. I am not sure but I prefer the Rhine, with its romantic castles
+      and vineclad hills.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you visited Europe, then?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, yes, several times. I have a passion for traveling. Our family is
+      wealthy, and I have been able to go where I pleased.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That must be very pleasant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is. My name is Stuyvesant&mdash;one of the old Dutch families.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was not so much impressed, perhaps, as he should have been by this
+      announcement, for he knew very little of fashionable life in New York.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t look like a Dutchman,&rdquo; he said, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you expected a figure like a beer keg,&rdquo; rejoined Stuyvesant,
+      laughing. &ldquo;Some of my forefathers may have answered that description, but
+      I am not built that way. Are you traveling far?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may go as far as Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is anyone with you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you have friends in Chicago?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not that I am aware of. I am traveling on business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed; you are rather young for a business man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sixteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, that cannot exactly be called venerable.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I suppose not.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, did you succeed in getting a stateroom?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I have a very good one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re in luck, on my word. I was just too late. The man ahead of me took
+      the last room.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can get a berth, I suppose.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But that is so common. Really, I should not know how to travel without a
+      stateroom. Have you anyone with you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you will take me in I will pay the entire expense.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl hesitated. He preferred to be alone, but he was of an obliging
+      disposition, and he knew that there were two berths in the stateroom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If it will be an accommodation,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;I will let you occupy the room
+      with me, Mr. Stuyvesant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you, indeed! I shall esteem it a very great favor. Where is your
+      room?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will show you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl led the way to No. 17, followed by his new acquaintance. Mr.
+      Stuyvesant seemed very much pleased, and insisted on paying for the room
+      at once. Carl accepted half the regular charges, and so the bargain was
+      made.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At ten o&rsquo;clock the two travelers retired to bed. Carl was tired and went
+      to sleep at once. He slept through the night. When he awoke in the morning
+      the boat was in dock. He heard voices in the cabin, and the noise of the
+      transfer of baggage and freight to the wharf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have overslept myself,&rdquo; he said, and jumped up, hurriedly. He looked
+      into the upper berth, but his roommate was gone. Something else was gone,
+      too&mdash;his valise, and a wallet which he had carried in the pocket of
+      his trousers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXIX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      THE LOST BANK BOOK.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl was not long in concluding that he had been robbed by his roommate.
+      It was hard to believe that a Stuyvesant&mdash;a representative of one of
+      the old Dutch families of New Amsterdam&mdash;should have stooped to such
+      a discreditable act. Carl was sharp enough, however, to doubt the
+      genuineness of Mr. Stuyvesant&rsquo;s claims to aristocratic lineage. Meanwhile
+      he blamed himself for being so easily duped by an artful adventurer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To be sure, it was not as bad as it might be. His pocketbook only
+      contained ten dollars in small bills. The balance of his money he had
+      deposited for safe keeping in the inside pocket of his vest. This he had
+      placed under his pillow, and so it had escaped the notice of the thief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The satchel contained a supply of shirts, underclothing, etc., and he was
+      sorry to lose it. The articles were not expensive, but it would cost him
+      from a dozen to fifteen dollars to replace them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl stepped to the door of his stateroom and called a servant who was
+      standing near.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long have we been at the pier?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;About twenty minutes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you see my roommate go out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A tall young man in a light overcoat?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. I saw him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you notice whether he carried a valise in his hand?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A gripsack? Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A small one?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was mine.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say so, sir! And such a respectable-lookin&rsquo; gemman, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He may have looked respectable, but he was a thief all the same.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say? Did he take anything else, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He took my pocketbook.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, well! He was a rascal, sure! But maybe it dropped on the floor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl turned his attention to the carpet, but saw nothing of the lost
+      pocketbook. He did find, however, a small book in a brown cover, which
+      Stuyvesant had probably dropped. Picking it up, he discovered that it was
+      a bank book on the Sixpenny Savings Bank of Albany, standing in the name
+      of Rachel Norris, and numbered 17,310.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is stolen property, too,&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;I wonder if there is much
+      in it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+Opening the book he saw that there were three entries, as follows:
+
+     1883. Jan. 23. Five hundred dollars.
+      &ldquo;    June 10. Two hundred dollars.
+      &ldquo;    Oct. 21. One hundred dollars.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      There was besides this interest credited to the amount of seventy-five
+      dollars. The deposits, therefore, made a grand total of $875.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No doubt Mr. Stuyvesant had stolen this book, but had not as yet found an
+      opportunity of utilizing it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s dat?&rdquo; asked the colored servant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A savings bank book. My roommate must have dropped it. It appears to
+      belong to a lady named Rachel Norris. I wish I could get it to her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is she an Albany lady, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You might look in the directory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I will. It is a good idea.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope the gemman didn&rsquo;t take all your money, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he didn&rsquo;t even take half of it. I only wish I had been awake when the
+      boat got to the dock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would have called you, sir, if you had asked me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not much used to traveling. I shall know better next time what to
+      do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The finding of the bank book partially consoled Carl for the loss of his
+      pocketbook and gripsack. He was glad to be able to defeat Stuyvesant in
+      one of his nefarious schemes, and to be the instrument of returning Miss
+      Norris her savings bank book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he left the boat he walked along till he reached a modest-looking
+      hotel, where he thought the charges would be reasonable. He entered, and,
+      going to the desk, asked if he could have a room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Large or small?&rdquo; inquired the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Small.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. 67. Will you go up now?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Any baggage?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I had it stolen on the boat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The clerk looked a little suspicious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must require pay in advance, then,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly,&rdquo; answered Carl, pulling out a roll of bills. &ldquo;I suppose you
+      make special terms to commercial travelers?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a drummer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. I represent Henry Jennings, of Milford, New York.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, sir. Our usual rates are two dollars a day. To you they will
+      be a dollar and a quarter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well; I will pay you for two days. Is breakfast ready?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is on the table, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I will go in at once. I will go to my room afterwards.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      In spite of his loss, Carl had a hearty appetite, and did justice to the
+      comfortable breakfast provided. He bought a morning paper, and ran his eye
+      over the advertising columns. He had never before read an Albany paper,
+      and wished to get an idea of the city in its business aspect. It occurred
+      to him that there might be an advertisement of the lost bank book. But no
+      such notice met his eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He went up to his room, which was small and plainly furnished, but looked
+      comfortable. Going down again to the office, he looked into the Albany
+      directory to see if he could find the name of Rachel Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a Rebecca Norris, who was put down as a dressmaker, but that was
+      as near as he came to Rachel Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he set himself to looking over the other members of the Norris
+      family. Finally he picked out Norris &amp; Wade, furnishing goods, and
+      decided to call at the store and inquire if they knew any lady named
+      Rachel Norris. The prospect of gaining information in this way did not
+      seem very promising, but no other course presented itself, and Carl
+      determined to follow up the clew, slight as it was.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Though unacquainted with Albany streets, he had little difficulty in
+      finding the store of Norris &amp; Wade. It was an establishment of good
+      size, well supplied with attractive goods. A clerk came forward to wait
+      upon Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can I show you?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may show me Mr. Norris, if you please,&rdquo; responded Carl, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is in the office,&rdquo; said the clerk, with an answering smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl entered the office and saw Mr. Norris, a man of middle age, partially
+      bald, with a genial, business-like manner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, young man?&rdquo; he said, looking at Carl inquiringly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must excuse me for troubling you, sir,&rdquo; said Carl, who was afraid Mr.
+      Norris would laugh at him, &ldquo;but I thought you might direct me to Rachel
+      Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Norris looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you want of Rachel Norris?&rdquo; he asked, abruptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have a little business with her,&rdquo; answered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of what nature?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Excuse me, but I don&rsquo;t care to mention it at present.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Humph! you are very cautious for a young man, or rather boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Isn&rsquo;t that a good trait, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good, but unusual. Are you a schoolboy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I am a drummer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Norris put on a pair of glasses and scrutinized Carl more closely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to see&mdash;just out of curiosity&mdash;the man that you
+      travel for,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will ask him to call whenever he visits Albany. There is his card.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Norris took it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, bless my soul!&rdquo; he exclaimed. &ldquo;It is Henry Jennings, an old
+      schoolmate of mine.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And a good business man, even if he has sent out such a young drummer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should say so. There must be something in you, or he wouldn&rsquo;t have
+      trusted you. How is Jennings?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is well, sir&mdash;well and prosperous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is good news. Are you in his employ?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. This is the first time I have traveled for him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How far are you going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;As far as Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see what you can have to do with Rachel Norris. However, I don&rsquo;t
+      mind telling you that she is my aunt, and&mdash;well, upon my soul! Here
+      she is now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      And he ran hastily to greet a tall, thin lady, wearing a black shawl, who
+      at that moment entered the office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN ECCENTRIC WOMAN.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Miss Norris dropped into a chair as if she were fatigued.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, Aunt Rachel, how are you feeling this morning?&rdquo; asked her nephew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Out of sorts,&rdquo; was the laconic reply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am very sorry for that. I suppose there is reason for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I&rsquo;ve been robbed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; said Mr. Norris. &ldquo;Lost your purse? I wonder more ladies are not
+      robbed, carrying their money as carelessly as they do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That isn&rsquo;t it. I am always careful, as careful as any man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Still you got robbed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but of a bank book.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Here Carl became attentive. It was clear that he would not have to look
+      any farther for the owner of the book he had found in his stateroom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What kind of a bank book?&rdquo; inquired Mr. Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had nearly a thousand dollars deposited in the Sixpenny Savings Bank. I
+      called at the bank to make some inquiries about interest, and when I came
+      out I presume some rascal followed me and stole the book&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you any idea who took it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I got into the horse cars, near the bank; next to me sat a young man in a
+      light overcoat. There was no one on the other side of me. I think he must
+      have taken it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That was Stuyvesant,&rdquo; said Carl to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When did this happen, Aunt Rachel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Three days since.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why didn&rsquo;t you do something about it before?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I did. I advertised a reward of twenty-five dollars to anyone who would
+      restore it to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There was no occasion for that. By giving notice at the bank, they would
+      give you a new book after a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I preferred to recover the old one. Besides, I thought I would like to
+      know what became of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can tell you, Miss Norris,&rdquo; said Carl, who thought it time to speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hitherto Miss Norris had not seemed aware of Carl&rsquo;s presence. She turned
+      abruptly and surveyed him through her glasses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who are you?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This might seem rude, but it was only Miss Rachel&rsquo;s way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My name is Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do I know you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, Miss Norris, but I hope you will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Humph! that depends. You say you know what became of my bank book?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Miss Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was taken by the young man who sat next to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you know?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He robbed me last night on the way from New York in a Hudson River
+      steamboat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That doesn&rsquo;t prove that he robbed me. I was robbed here in this city.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you say to this?&rdquo; asked Carl, displaying the bank book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Bless me! That is my book. Where did you get it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl told his story briefly, how, on discovering that he had been robbed,
+      he explored the stateroom and found the bank book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, well, I am astonished! And how did you know Mr. Norris was my
+      nephew?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know. I didn&rsquo;t know anything about him or you, but finding his
+      name in the directory, I came here to ask if he knew any such person.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are a smart boy, and a good, honest one,&rdquo; said Miss Norris. &ldquo;You have
+      earned the reward, and shall have it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want any reward, Miss Norris,&rdquo; rejoined Carl. &ldquo;I have had very
+      little trouble in finding you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is of no consequence. I offered the reward, and Rachel Norris is a
+      woman of her word.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She thrust her hand into her pocket, and drew out a wallet, more suitable
+      to a man&rsquo;s use. Openings this, she took out three bills, two tens and a
+      five, and extended them toward Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I ought to take this money, Miss Norris,&rdquo; said Carl,
+      reluctantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did that rascal rob you, too?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of how much?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ten dollars in money and some underclothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well! This money will go toward making up your loss. You are not
+      rich, I take it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not yet.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am, and can afford to give you this money. There, take it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Miss Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I want to ask one favor of you. If you ever come across that young man in
+      the light overcoat, have him arrested, and let me know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will, Miss Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you live in Albany?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl explained that he was traveling on business, and should leave the
+      next day if he could get through.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How far are you going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you attend to some business for me there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, if it won&rsquo;t take too long a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good! Come round to my house to supper at six o&rsquo;clock, and I will tell
+      you about it. Henry, write my address on a piece of paper, and give it to
+      this young man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Henry Norris smiled, and did as his aunt requested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have considerable confidence in this young man?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may be mistaken.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Rachel Norris is not often mistaken.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will accept your invitation with pleasure, Miss Norris,&rdquo; said Carl,
+      bowing politely. &ldquo;Now, as I have some business to attend to, I will bid
+      you both good-morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As Carl went out, Miss Norris said: &ldquo;Henry, that is a remarkable boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think favorably of him myself. He is in the employ of an old schoolmate
+      of mine, Henry Jennings, of Milford. By the way, what business are you
+      going to put into his hands?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A young man who has a shoe store on State Street has asked me for a loan
+      of two thousand dollars to extend his business. His name is John French,
+      and his mother was an old schoolmate of mine, though some years younger.
+      Now I know nothing of him. If he is a sober, steady, industrious young
+      man, I may comply with his request. This boy will investigate and report
+      to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And you will be guided by his report?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Probably.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Aunt Rachel, you are certainly very eccentric.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may be, but I am not often deceived.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I hope you won&rsquo;t be this time. The boy seems to me a very good boy,
+      but you can&rsquo;t put an old head on young shoulders.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Some boys have more sense than men twice their age.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean me, I hope, Aunt Rachel,&rdquo; said Mr. Norris, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed, I don&rsquo;t. I shall not flatter you by speaking of you as only twice
+      this boy&rsquo;s age.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see, Aunt Rachel, there is no getting the better of you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Carl was making business calls. He obtained a map of the city,
+      and located the different firms on which he proposed to call. He had been
+      furnished with a list by Mr. Jennings. He was everywhere pleasantly
+      received&mdash;in some places with an expression of surprise at his youth&mdash;but
+      when he began to talk he proved to be so well informed upon the subject of
+      his call that any prejudice excited by his age quickly vanished. He had
+      the satisfaction of securing several unexpectedly large orders for the
+      chair, and transmitting them to Mr. Jennings by the afternoon mail.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He got through his business at four o&rsquo;clock, and rested for an hour or
+      more at his hotel. Then he arranged his toilet, and set out for the
+      residence of Miss Rachel Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was rather a prim-looking, three-story house, such as might be supposed
+      to belong to a maiden lady. He was ushered into a sitting-room on the
+      second floor, where Miss Norris soon joined him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see you, my young friend,&rdquo; she said, cordially. &ldquo;You are in
+      time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I always try to be, Miss Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is a good way to begin.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Here a bell rang.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Supper is ready,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Follow me downstairs.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl followed the old lady to the rear room on the lower floor. A small
+      table was set in the center of the apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take a seat opposite me,&rdquo; said Miss Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There were two other chairs, one on each side&mdash;Carl wondered for whom
+      they were set. No sooner were he and Miss Norris seated than two large
+      cats approached the table, and jumped up, one into each chair. Carl looked
+      to see them ordered away, but instead, Miss Norris nodded pleasantly,
+      saying: &ldquo;That&rsquo;s right, Jane and Molly, you are punctual at meals.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two cats eyed their mistress gravely, and began to purr contentedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL TAKES SUPPER WITH MISS NORRIS.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is my family,&rdquo; said Miss Norris, pointing to the cats.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I like cats,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you?&rdquo; returned Miss Norris, looking pleased. &ldquo;Most boys tease them. Do
+      you see poor Molly&rsquo;s ear? That wound came from a stone thrown by a bad
+      boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Many boys are cruel,&rdquo; said Carl, &ldquo;but I remember that my mother was very
+      fond of cats, and I have always protected them from abuse.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As he spoke he stroked Molly, who purred an acknowledgment of his
+      attention. This completed the conquest of Miss Norris, who inwardly
+      decided that Carl was the finest boy she had ever met. After she had
+      served Carl from the dishes on the table, she poured out two saucers of
+      milk and set one before each cat, who, rising upon her hind legs, placed
+      her forepaws on the table, and gravely partook of the refreshments
+      provided. Jane and Molly were afterwards regaled with cold meat, and then,
+      stretching themselves out on their chairs, closed their eyes in placid
+      content.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the meal Miss Norris questioned Carl closely as to his home
+      experiences. Having no reason for concealment Carl frankly related his
+      troubles with his stepmother, eliciting expressions of sympathy and
+      approval from his hostess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your stepmother must be an ugly creature?&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I am prejudiced against her,&rdquo; said Carl, &ldquo;but that is my
+      opinion.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your father must be very weak to be influenced against his own son by
+      such a woman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl winced a little at this outspoken criticism, for he was attached to
+      his father in spite of his unjust treatment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My father is an invalid,&rdquo; he said, apologetically, &ldquo;and I think he
+      yielded for the sake of peace.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All the same, he ought not to do it,&rdquo; said Miss Norris. &ldquo;Do you ever
+      expect to live at home again?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not while my stepmother is there,&rdquo; answered Carl. &ldquo;But I don&rsquo;t know that
+      I should care to do so under any circumstances, as I am now receiving a
+      business training. I should like to make a little visit home,&rdquo; he added,
+      thoughtfully, &ldquo;and perhaps I may do so after I return from Chicago. I
+      shall have no favors to ask, and shall feel independent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you ever need a home,&rdquo; said Miss Norris, abruptly, &ldquo;come here. You
+      will be welcome.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you very much,&rdquo; said Carl, gratefully. &ldquo;It is all the more kind in
+      you since you have known me so short a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have known you long enough to judge of you,&rdquo; said the maiden lady. &ldquo;And
+      now if you won&rsquo;t have anything more we will go into the next room and talk
+      business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl followed her into the adjoining room, and Miss Norris at once plunged
+      into the subject. She handed him a business card bearing this inscription:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      JOHN FRENCH, BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBER GOODS, 42a State Street, CHICAGO.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This young man wants me to lend him two thousand dollars to extend his
+      business,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;He is the son of an old school friend, and I am
+      willing to oblige him if he is a sober, steady and economical business
+      man. I want you to find out whether this is the case and report to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t that be difficult?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you afraid to undertake anything that is difficult?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Carl, with a smile. &ldquo;I was only afraid I might not do the
+      work satisfactorily.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall give you no instructions,&rdquo; said Miss Norris. &ldquo;I shall trust to
+      your good judgment. I will give you a letter to Mr. French, which you can
+      use or not, as you think wise. Of course, I shall see that you are paid
+      for your trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; said Carl. &ldquo;I hope my services may be worth compensation.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know how you are situated as to money, but I can give you some in
+      advance,&rdquo; and the old lady opened her pocketbook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, thank you, Miss Norris; I shall not need it. I might have been short
+      if you had not kindly paid me a reward for a slight service.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Slight, indeed! If you had lost a bank book like mine you would be glad
+      to get it back at such a price. If you will catch the rascal who stole it
+      I will gladly pay you as much more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I might for my own sake, but I am afraid it would be too late to
+      recover my money and clothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At an early hour Carl left the house, promising to write to Miss Norris
+      from Chicago.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A STARTLING DISCOVERY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well,&rdquo; thought Carl, as he left the house where he had been so hospitably
+      entertained, &ldquo;I shall not lack for business. Miss Norris seems to have a
+      great deal of confidence in me, considering that I am a stranger. I will
+      take care that she does not repent it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you give a poor man enough money to buy a cheap meal?&rdquo; asked a
+      plaintive voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl scanned the applicant for charity closely. He was a man of medium
+      size, with a pair of small eyes, and a turnup nose. His dress was
+      extremely shabby, and he had the appearance of one who was on bad terms
+      with fortune. There was nothing striking about his appearance, yet Carl
+      regarded him with surprise and wonder. Despite the difference in age, he
+      bore a remarkable resemblance to his stepbrother, Peter Cook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t eaten anything for twenty-four hours,&rdquo; continued the tramp, as
+      he may properly be called. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a hard world to such as me, boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should judge so from your looks,&rdquo; answered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed you are right. I was born to ill luck.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl had some doubts about this. Those who represent themselves as born to
+      ill luck can usually trace the ill luck to errors or shortcomings of their
+      own. There are doubtless inequalities of fortune, but not as great as many
+      like to represent. Of two boys who start alike one may succeed, and the
+      other fail, but in nine cases out of ten the success or failure may be
+      traced to a difference in the qualities of the boys.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here is a quarter if that will do you any good,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The man clutched at it with avidity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you. This will buy me a cup of coffee and a plate of meat, and will
+      put new life into me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He was about to hurry away, but Carl felt like questioning him further.
+      The extraordinary resemblance between this man and his stepbrother led him
+      to think it possible that there might be a relationship between them. Of
+      his stepmother&rsquo;s family he knew little or nothing. His father had married
+      her on short acquaintance, and she was very reticent about her former
+      life. His father was indolent, and had not troubled himself to make
+      inquiries. He took her on her own representation as the widow of a
+      merchant who had failed in business.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the impulse of the moment&mdash;an impulse which he could not explain&mdash;Carl
+      asked abruptly&mdash;&ldquo;Is your name Cook?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A look of surprise, almost of stupefaction, appeared on the man&rsquo;s face.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who told you my name?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then your name is Cook?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is your object in asking?&rdquo; said the man, suspiciously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean you no harm,&rdquo; returned Carl, &ldquo;but I have reasons for asking.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you ever see me before?&rdquo; asked the man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then what makes you think my name is Cook? It is not written on my face,
+      is it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then how&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl interrupted him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know a boy named Peter Cook,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;who resembles you very
+      strongly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know Peter Cook&mdash;little Peter?&rdquo; exclaimed the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. Is he a relation of yours?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should think so!&rdquo; responded Cook, emphatically. &ldquo;He is my own son&mdash;that
+      is, if he is a boy of about your age.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is he? Is his mother alive?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your wife!&rdquo; exclaimed Carl, overwhelmed at the thought.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was my wife!&rdquo; said Cook, &ldquo;but while I was in California, some years
+      since, she took possession of my small property, procured a divorce
+      through an unprincipled lawyer, and I returned to find myself without
+      wife, child or money. Wasn&rsquo;t that a mean trick?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think it was.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you tell me where she is?&rdquo; asked Cook, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I can.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where can I find my wife?&rdquo; asked Cook, with much eagerness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl hesitated. He did not like his stepmother; he felt that she had
+      treated him meanly, but he was not prepared to reveal her present
+      residence till he knew what course Cook intended to pursue.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She is married again,&rdquo; he said, watching Cook to see what effect this
+      announcement might have upon him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no objection, I am sure,&rdquo; responded Cook, indifferently. &ldquo;Did she
+      marry well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She married a man in good circumstances.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She would take good care of that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you don&rsquo;t intend to reclaim her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How can I? She obtained a divorce, though by false representations. I am
+      glad to be rid of her, but I want her to restore the two thousand dollars
+      of which she robbed me. I left my property in her hands, but when she
+      ceased to be my wife she had no right to take possession of it. I ought
+      not to be surprised, however. It wasn&rsquo;t the first theft she had
+      committed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can this be true?&rdquo; asked Carl, excited.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I married her without knowing much of her antecedents. Two years
+      after marriage I ascertained that she had served a year&rsquo;s term of
+      imprisonment for a theft of jewelry from a lady with whom she was living
+      as housekeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure of this?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly. She was recognized by a friend of mine, who had been an
+      official at the prison. When taxed with it by me she admitted it, but
+      claimed that she was innocent. I succeeded in finding a narrative of the
+      trial in an old file of papers, and came to the conclusion that she was
+      justly convicted.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What did you do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I proposed separation, but she begged me to keep the thing secret, and
+      let ourselves remain the same as before. I agreed out of consideration for
+      her, but had occasion to regret it. My business becoming slack, I decided
+      to go to California in the hope of acquiring a competence. I was not
+      fortunate there, and was barely able, after a year, to get home. I found
+      that my wife had procured a divorce, and appropriated the little money I
+      had left. Where she had gone, or where she had conveyed our son, I could
+      not learn. You say you know where she is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you tell me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Cook,&rdquo; said Carl, after a pause for reflection, &ldquo;I will tell you, but
+      not just at present. I am on my way to Chicago on business. On my return I
+      will stop here, and take you with me to the present home of your former
+      wife. You will understand my interest in the matter when I tell you that
+      she is now married to a relative of my own.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I pity him whoever he is,&rdquo; said Cook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think he is to be pitied,&rdquo; said Carl, gravely; &ldquo;but the revelation
+      you will be able to make will enable him to insist upon a separation.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The best thing he can do! How long before you return to Albany?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A week or ten days.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know how I am to live in the meantime,&rdquo; said Cook, anxiously. &ldquo;I
+      am penniless, but for the money you have just given me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At what price can you obtain board?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know of a decent house where I can obtain board and a small room for
+      five dollars a week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here are twelve dollars. This will pay for two weeks&rsquo; board, and give you
+      a small sum besides. What is the address?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Cook mentioned a number on a street by the river.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took it down in a notebook with which he had provided himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When I return to Albany,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;I will call there at once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t forget me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I shall be even more anxious to meet you than you will be to meet me.
+      The one to whom your former wife is married is very near and dear to me,
+      and I cannot bear to think that he has been so wronged and imposed upon!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir! I shall wait for you with confidence. If I can get back
+      from my former wife the money she robbed me of, I can get on my feet
+      again, and take a respectable position in society. It is very hard for a
+      man dressed as I am to obtain any employment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Looking at his shabby and ragged suit, Carl could readily believe this
+      statement. If he had wished to employ anyone he would hardly have been
+      tempted to engage a man so discreditable in appearance. &ldquo;Be of good
+      courage, Mr. Cook,&rdquo; he said, kindly. &ldquo;If your story is correct, and I
+      believe it is, there are better days in store for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you for those words,&rdquo; said Cook, earnestly. &ldquo;They give me new
+      hope.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      FROM ALBANY TO NIAGARA.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl took the afternoon train on the following day for Buffalo. His
+      thoughts were busy with the startling discovery he had made in regard to
+      his stepmother. Though he had never liked her, he had been far from
+      imagining that she was under the ban of the law. It made him angry to
+      think that his father had been drawn into a marriage with such a woman&mdash;that
+      the place of his idolized mother had been taken by one who had served a
+      term at Sing Sing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Did Peter know of his mother&rsquo;s past disgrace? he asked himself. Probably
+      not, for it had come before his birth. He only wondered that the secret
+      had never got out before. There must be many persons who had known her as
+      a prisoner, and could identify her now. She had certainly been fortunate
+      with the fear of discovery always haunting her. Carl could not understand
+      how she could carry her head so high, and attempt to tyrannize over his
+      father and himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What the result would be when Dr. Crawford learned the antecedents of the
+      woman whom he called wife Carl did not for a moment doubt. His father was
+      a man of very strict ideas on the subject of honor, and good repute, and
+      the discovery would lead him to turn from Mrs. Crawford in abhorrence.
+      Moreover, he was strongly opposed to divorce, and Carl had heard him argue
+      that a divorced person should not be permitted to remarry. Yet in
+      ignorance he had married a divorced woman, who had been convicted of
+      theft, and served a term of imprisonment. The discovery would be a great
+      shock to him, and it would lead to a separation and restore the cordial
+      relations between himself and his son.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not long after his settlement in Milford; Carl had written as follows to
+      his father:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear Father:&mdash;Though I felt obliged to leave home for reasons which
+      we both understand, I am sure that you will feel interested to know how I
+      am getting along. I did not realize till I had started out how difficult
+      it is for a boy, brought up like myself, to support himself when thrown
+      upon his own exertions. A newsboy can generally earn enough money to
+      maintain himself in the style to which he is accustomed, but I have had a
+      comfortable and even luxurious home, and could hardly bring myself to live
+      in a tenement house, or a very cheap boarding place. Yet I would rather do
+      either than stay in a home made unpleasant by the persistent hostility of
+      one member.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will not take up your time by relating the incidents of the first two
+      days after I left home. I came near getting into serious trouble through
+      no fault of my own, but happily escaped. When I was nearly penniless I
+      fell in with a prosperous manufacturer of furniture who has taken me into
+      his employment. He gives me a home in his own house, and pays me two
+      dollars a week besides. This is enough to support me economically, and I
+      shall after a while receive better pay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not in the office, but in the factory, and am learning the business
+      practically, starting in at the bottom. I think I have a taste for it, and
+      the superintendent tells me I am making remarkable progress. The time was
+      when I would have hesitated to become a working boy, but I have quite got
+      over such foolishness. Mr. Jennings, my employer, who is considered a rich
+      man, began as I did, and I hope some day to occupy a position similar to
+      his.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I trust you are quite well and happy, dear father. My only regret is,
+      that I cannot see you occasionally. While my stepmother and Peter form
+      part of your family, I feel that I can never live at home. They both
+      dislike me, and I am afraid I return the feeling. If you are sick or need
+      me, do not fail to send for me, for I can never forget that you are my
+      father, as I am your affectionate son,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This letter was handed to Dr. Crawford at the breakfast table. He colored
+      and looked agitated when he opened the envelope, and Mrs. Crawford, who
+      had a large share of curiosity, did not fail to notice this.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From whom is your letter, my dear?&rdquo; she asked, in the soft tone which was
+      habitual with her when she addressed her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The handwriting is Carl&rsquo;s,&rdquo; answered Dr. Crawford, already devouring the
+      letter eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh!&rdquo; she answered, in a chilly tone. &ldquo;I have been expecting you would
+      hear from him. How much money does he send for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have not finished the letter.&rdquo; Dr. Crawford continued reading. When he
+      had finished he laid it down beside his plate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo; said his wife, interrogatively. &ldquo;What does he have to say? Does he
+      ask leave to come home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he is quite content where he is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And where is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is not far away?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; not more than sixty miles.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does he ask for money?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he is employed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In a furniture factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, a factory boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he is learning the business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He doesn&rsquo;t seem to be very ambitious,&rdquo; sneered Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On the contrary, he is looking forward to being in business for himself
+      some day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On your money&mdash;I understand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, Mrs. Crawford, you do the boy injustice. He hints nothing of the
+      kind. He evidently means to raise himself gradually as his employer did
+      before him. By the way, he has a home in his employer&rsquo;s family. I think
+      Mr. Jennings must have taken a fancy to Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope he will find him more agreeable than I did,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford,
+      sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you quite sure that you always treated Carl considerately, my dear?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t flatter or fondle him, if that is what you mean. I treated him
+      as well as he could expect.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you treat him as well as Peter, for example?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. There is a great difference between the two boys. Peter is always
+      respectful and obliging, and doesn&rsquo;t set up his will against mine. He
+      never gives me a moment&rsquo;s uneasiness.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you will continue to find him a comfort, my dear,&rdquo; said Dr.
+      Crawford, meekly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He looked across the table at the fat, expressionless face of his stepson,
+      and he blamed himself because he could not entertain a warmer regard for
+      Peter. Somehow he had a slight feeling of antipathy, which he tried to
+      overcome.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No doubt he is a good boy, since his mother says so,&rdquo; reflected the
+      doctor, &ldquo;but I don&rsquo;t appreciate him. I will take care, however, that
+      neither he nor his mother sees this.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When Peter heard his mother&rsquo;s encomium upon him, he laughed in his sleeve.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll remind ma of that when she scolds me,&rdquo; he said to himself. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad
+      Carl isn&rsquo;t coming back. He was always interferin&rsquo; with me. Now, if ma and
+      I play our cards right we&rsquo;ll get all his father&rsquo;s money. Ma thinks he
+      won&rsquo;t live long, I heard her say so the other day. Won&rsquo;t it be jolly for
+      ma and me to come into a fortune, and live just as we please! I hope ma
+      will go to New York. It&rsquo;s stupid here, but I s&rsquo;pose we&rsquo;ll have to stay for
+      the present.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is Carl&rsquo;s letter private?&rdquo; asked Mrs. Crawford, after a pause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I think he would rather I didn&rsquo;t show it,&rdquo; returned her husband,
+      remembering the allusion made by Carl to his stepmother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, well, I am not curious,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, tossing her head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      None the less, however, she resolved to see and read the letter, if she
+      could get hold of it without her husband&rsquo;s knowledge. He was so careless
+      that she did not doubt soon to find it laid down somewhere. In this she
+      proved correct. Before the day was over, she found Carl&rsquo;s letter in her
+      husband&rsquo;s desk. She opened and read it eagerly with a running fire of
+      comment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;Reasons which we both understand,&rsquo;&rdquo; she repeated, scornfully. &ldquo;That is a
+      covert attack upon me. Of course, I ought to expect that. So he had a hard
+      time. Well, it served him right for conducting himself as he did. Ah, here
+      is another hit at me&mdash;&lsquo;Yet I would rather do either than live in a
+      home made unpleasant by the persistent hostility of one member.&rsquo; He is
+      trying to set his father against me. Well, he won&rsquo;t succeed. I can twist
+      Dr. Paul Crawford round my finger, luckily, and neither his son nor anyone
+      else can diminish my influence over him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She read on for some time till she reached this passage: &ldquo;While my
+      stepmother and Peter form a part of your family I can never live at home.
+      They both dislike me, and I am afraid I return the feeling.&rdquo; &ldquo;Thanks for
+      the information,&rdquo; she muttered. &ldquo;I knew it before. This letter doesn&rsquo;t
+      make me feel any more friendly to you, Carl Crawford. I see that you are
+      trying to ingratiate yourself with your father, and prejudice him against
+      me and my poor Peter, but I think I can defeat your kind intentions.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She folded up the letter, and replaced it in her husband&rsquo;s desk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder if my husband will answer Carl&rsquo;s artful epistle,&rdquo; she said to
+      herself. &ldquo;He can if he pleases. He is weak as water, and I will see that
+      he goes no farther than words.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford did answer Carl&rsquo;s letter. This is his reply:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear Carl:&mdash;I am glad to hear that you are comfortably situated. I
+      regret that you were so headstrong and unreasonable. It seems to me that
+      you might, with a little effort, have got on with your stepmother. You
+      could hardly expect her to treat you in the same way as her own son. He
+      seems to be a good boy, but I own that I have never been able to become
+      attached to him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl read this part of the letter with satisfaction. He knew how mean and
+      contemptible Peter was, and it would have gone to his heart to think that
+      his father had transferred his affection to the boy he had so much reason
+      to dislike.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you are pleased with your prospects. I think I could have done
+      better for you had your relations with your stepmother been such as to
+      make it pleasant for you to remain at home. You are right in thinking that
+      I am interested in your welfare. I hope, my dear Carl, you will become a
+      happy and prosperous man. I do not forget that you are my son, and I am
+      still your affectionate father,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Paul Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was glad to receive this letter. It showed him that his stepmother
+      had not yet succeeded in alienating from him his father&rsquo;s affection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But we must return to the point where we left Carl on his journey to
+      Buffalo. He enjoyed his trip over the Central road during the hours of
+      daylight. He determined on his return to make an all-day trip so that he
+      might enjoy the scenery through which he now rode in the darkness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At Buffalo he had no other business except that of Mr. Jennings, and
+      immediately after breakfast he began to make a tour of the furniture
+      establishments. He met with excellent success, and had the satisfaction of
+      sending home some large orders. In the evening he took train for Niagara,
+      wishing to see the falls in the early morning, and resume his journey in
+      the afternoon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He registered at the International Hotel on the American side. It was too
+      late to do more than take an evening walk, and see the falls gleaming like
+      silver through the darkness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will go to bed early,&rdquo; thought Carl, &ldquo;and get up at six o&rsquo;clock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He did go to bed early, but he was more fatigued than he supposed, and
+      slept longer than he anticipated. It was eight o&rsquo;clock before he came
+      downstairs. Before going in to breakfast, he took a turn on the piazzas.
+      Here he fell in with a sociable gentleman, much addicted to gossip.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Have you seen the falls yet?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I caught a glimpse of them last evening I am going to visit them after
+      breakfast.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are a good many people staying here just now&mdash;some quite noted
+      persons, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, what do you say to an English lord?&rdquo; and Carl&rsquo;s new friend nodded
+      with am important air, as if it reflected great credit on the hotel to
+      have so important a guest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does he look different from anyone else?&rdquo; asked Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, to tell the truth, he isn&rsquo;t much to look at,&rdquo; said the other. &ldquo;The
+      gentleman who is with him looks more stylish. I thought he was the lord at
+      first, but I afterwards learned that he was an American named Stuyvesant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl started at the familiar name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he tall and slender, with side whiskers, and does he wear eyeglasses?&rdquo;
+       he asked, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; you know him then?&rdquo; said the other, in surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Carl, with a smile, &ldquo;I am slightly acquainted with him. I
+      am very anxious to meet him again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXIV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF AN ENGLISH LORD.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There they are now,&rdquo; said the stranger, suddenly pointing out two persons
+      walking slowly along the piazza. &ldquo;The small man, in the rough suit, and
+      mutton-chop whiskers, is Lord Bedford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl eyed the British nobleman with some curiosity. Evidently Lord Bedford
+      was no dude. His suit was of rough cloth and ill-fitting. He was barely
+      five feet six inches in height, with features decidedly plain, but with an
+      absence of pretension that was creditable to him, considering that he was
+      really what he purported to be. Stuyvesant walked by his side, nearly a
+      head taller, and of more distinguished bearing, though of plebeian
+      extraction. His manner was exceedingly deferential, and he was praising
+      England and everything English in a fulsome manner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, my lord,&rdquo; Carl overheard him say, &ldquo;I have often thought that society
+      in England is far superior to our American society.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thanks, you are very kind,&rdquo; drawled the nobleman, &ldquo;but really I find
+      things very decent in America, upon my word. I had been reading Dickens&rsquo;s
+      &lsquo;Notes&rsquo; before I came over and I expected to find you very uncivilized,
+      and&mdash;almost aboriginal; but I assure you I have met some very
+      gentlemanly persons in America, some almost up to our English standard.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, my lord, such a tribute from a man in your position is most
+      gratifying. May I state this on your authority?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I don&rsquo;t mind, but I would rather not get into the papers, don&rsquo;t you
+      know. You are not a&mdash;reporter, I hope.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope not,&rdquo; said Mr. Stuyvesant, in a lofty tone. &ldquo;I am a scion of one
+      of the oldest families in New York. Of course I know that social position
+      is a very different thing here from what it is in England. It must be a
+      gratifying thing to reflect that you are a lord.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I suppose so. I never thought much about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like so much to be a lord. I care little for money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, by Jove, you are a remarkable man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In comparison with rank, I mean. I would rather be a lord with a thousand
+      pounds a year than a rich merchant with ten times as much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll find it very inconvenient being a lord on a thousand; you might as
+      well be a beggar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose, of course, high rank requires a large rent roll. In fact, a
+      New York gentleman requires more than a trifle to support him. I can&rsquo;t
+      dress on less than two hundred pounds a year.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your American tailors are high-priced, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Those that I employ; we have cheap tailors, of course, but I generally go
+      to Bell.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stuyvesant was posing as a gentleman of fashion. Carl, who followed at
+      a little distance behind the pair, was much amused by his remarks, knowing
+      what he did about him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think a little of going to England in a few months,&rdquo; continued
+      Stuyvesant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed! You must look me up,&rdquo; said Bedford, carelessly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should, indeed, be delighted,&rdquo; said Stuyvesant, effusively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is, if I am in England. I may be on the Continent, but you can
+      inquire for me at my club&mdash;the Piccadilly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall esteem it a great honor, my lord. I have a penchant for good
+      society. The lower orders are not attractive to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They are sometimes more interesting,&rdquo; said the Englishman; &ldquo;but do you
+      know, I am surprised to hear an American speak in this way. I thought you
+      were all on a level here in a republic.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, my lord!&rdquo; expostulated Stuyvesant, deprecatingly. &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t think I
+      would associate with shopkeepers and common tradesmen?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. A cousin of mine is interested in a wine business in
+      London. He is a younger son with a small fortune, and draws a very tidy
+      income from his city business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But his name doesn&rsquo;t appear on the sign, I infer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I think not. Then you are not in business, Mr. Stuyvesant?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I inherited an income from my father. It isn&rsquo;t as large as I could
+      wish, and I have abstained from marrying because I could not maintain the
+      mode of living to which I have been accustomed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You should marry a rich girl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True! I may do so, since your lordship recommends it. In fact, I have in
+      view a young lady whose father was once lord mayor (I beg pardon, mayor)
+      of New York. Her father is worth a million.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pounds?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, no, dollars. I should have said two hundred thousand pounds.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If the girl is willing, it may be a good plan.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, my lord. Your advice is very kind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The young man seems on very good terms with Lord Bedford,&rdquo; said Carl&rsquo;s
+      companion, whose name was Atwood, with a shade of envy in his voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish he would introduce me,&rdquo; went on Mr. Atwood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should prefer the introduction of a different man,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why? He seems to move in good society.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Without belonging to it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you know him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Better than I wish I did.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Atwood looked curious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will explain later,&rdquo; said Carl; &ldquo;now I must go in to breakfast.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will go with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Though Stuyvesant had glanced at Carl, he did not appear to recognize him,
+      partly, no doubt, because he had no expectation of meeting the boy he had
+      robbed, at Niagara. Besides, his time and attention were so much taken up
+      by his aristocratic acquaintance that he had little notice for anyone
+      else. Carl observed with mingled amusement and vexation that Mr.
+      Stuyvesant wore a new necktie, which he had bought for himself in New
+      York, and which had been in the stolen gripsack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I can find Lord Bedford alone I will put him on his guard,&rdquo; thought
+      Carl. &ldquo;I shall spoil Mr. Stuyvesant&rsquo;s plans.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After breakfast Carl prepared to go down to the falls.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the way he overtook Lord Bedford walking in the same direction, and, as
+      it happened, without a companion. Carl quickened his pace, and as he
+      caught up with him, he raised his hat, and said: &ldquo;Lord Bedford, I
+      believe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered the Englishman, inquiringly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I must apologize for addressing a stranger, but I want to put you on your
+      guard against a young man whom I saw walking with you on the piazza.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he&mdash;what do you know of him?&rdquo; asked Lord Bedford, laying aside
+      his air of indifference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know that he is an adventurer and a thief. I made his acquaintance on a
+      Hudson River steamer, and he walked off with my valise and a small sum of
+      money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this true?&rdquo; asked the Englishman, in amazement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Quite true. He is wearing one of my neckties at this moment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The confounded cad!&rdquo; ejaculated the Englishman, angrily. &ldquo;I suppose he
+      intended to rob me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no doubt of it. That is why I ventured to put you on your guard.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am a thousand times obliged to you. Why, the fellow told me he belonged
+      to one of the best families in New York.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he does, he doesn&rsquo;t do much credit to the family.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Quite true! Why, he was praising everything English. He evidently wanted
+      to gain my confidence.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I ask where you met him?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On the train. He offered me a light. Before I knew it, he was chatting
+      familiarly with me. But his game is spoiled. I will let him know that I
+      see through him and his designs.&rdquo; &ldquo;Then my object is accomplished,&rdquo; said
+      Carl. &ldquo;Please excuse my want of ceremony.&rdquo; He turned to leave, but Bedford
+      called him back.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you are going to the falls, remain with me,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We shall enjoy
+      it better in company.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;With pleasure. Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford. I am traveling
+      on business and don&rsquo;t belong to one of the first families.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see you will suit me,&rdquo; said the Englishman, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless. &ldquo;My lord,&rdquo; he said,
+      &ldquo;I lost sight of you. If you will allow me I will join you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sir!&rdquo; said the Englishman, in a freezing voice, &ldquo;I have not the honor of
+      knowing you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Stuyvesant was overwhelmed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I hope I have not offended you, my lord,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sir, I have learned your character from this young man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This called the attention of Stuyvesant to Carl. He flushed as he
+      recognized him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Stuyvesant,&rdquo; said Carl, &ldquo;I must trouble you to return the valise you
+      took from my stateroom, and the pocketbook which you borrowed. My name is
+      Carl Crawford, and my room is 71.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Stuyvesant turned away abruptly. He left the valise at the desk, but Carl
+      never recovered his money.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      WHAT CARL LEARNED IN CHICAGO.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      As Carl walked back from the falls he met Mr. Atwood, who was surprised to
+      find his young acquaintance on such intimate terms with Lord Bedford. He
+      was about to pass with a bow, when Carl, who was good-natured, said:
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t you join us, Mr. Atwood? If Lord Bedford will permit, I should like
+      to introduce you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Glad to know any friend of yours, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; said the Englishman,
+      affably.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I feel honored by the introduction,&rdquo; said Atwood, bowing profoundly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you are not a friend of Mr.&mdash;ah, Mr. Stuyvesant,&rdquo; said the
+      nobleman, &ldquo;the person I was talking with this morning. Mr. Crawford tells
+      me he is a&mdash;what do you call it?&mdash;a confidence man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no acquaintance with him, my lord. I saw him just now leaving the
+      hotel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid he has gone away with my valise and money,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you should be inconvenienced, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; said the nobleman, &ldquo;my
+      purse is at your disposal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you very much, Lord Bedford,&rdquo; said Carl, gratefully. &ldquo;I am glad to
+      say I am still fairly well provided with money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was about to make you the same offer, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; said Atwood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you! I appreciate your kindness, even if I&rsquo;m not obliged to avail
+      myself of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Returning to the hotel, Lord Bedford ordered a carriage, and invited
+      Atwood and Carl to accompany him on a drive. Mr. Atwood was in an ecstasy,
+      and anticipated with proud satisfaction telling his family of his intimate
+      friend, Lord Bedford, of England. The peer, though rather an
+      ordinary-looking man, seemed to him a model of aristocratic beauty. It was
+      a weakness on the part of Mr. Atwood, but an amiable one, and is shared by
+      many who live under republican institutions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After dinner Carl felt obliged to resume his journey. He had found his
+      visit to Niagara very agreeable, but his was a business and not a pleasure
+      trip, and loyalty to his employer required him to cut it short. Lord
+      Bedford shook his hand heartily at parting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope we shall meet again, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I expect, myself, to
+      reach Chicago on Saturday, and shall be glad to have you call on me at the
+      Palmer House.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, my lord; I will certainly inquire for you there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is a very good fellow, even if he is a lord,&rdquo; thought Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our young hero was a thorough American, and was disposed to think with
+      Robert Burns, that
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+    &ldquo;The rank is but the guinea, stamp;
+    The man&rsquo;s the gold for a&rsquo; that!&rdquo;
+ </pre>
+    <p>
+      No incident worth recording befell Carl on his trip to Chicago. As a
+      salesman he met with excellent success, and surprised Mr. Jennings by the
+      size of his orders. He was led, on reaching Chicago, to register at the
+      Sherman House, on Clark Street, one of the most reliable among the many
+      houses for travelers offered by the great Western metropolis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the second day he made it a point to find out the store of John French,
+      hoping to acquire the information desired by Miss Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a store of good size, and apparently well stocked. Feeling the need
+      of new footgear, Carl entered and asked to be shown some shoes. He was
+      waited upon by a young clerk named Gray, with whom he struck up a pleasant
+      acquaintance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you live in Chicago?&rdquo; asked Gray? sociably.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I am from New York State. I am here on business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Staying at a hotel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, at the Sherman. If you are at leisure this evening I shall be glad
+      to have you call on me. I am a stranger here, and likely to find the time
+      hang heavy on my hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be free at six o&rsquo;clock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then come to supper with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, I shall be glad to do so,&rdquo; answered Gray, with alacrity.
+      Living as he did at a cheap boarding house, the prospect of a supper at a
+      first-class hotel was very attractive. He was a pleasant-faced young man
+      of twenty, who had drifted to Chicago from his country home in Indiana,
+      and found it hard to make both ends meet on a salary of nine dollars a
+      week. His habits were good, his manner was attractive and won him
+      popularity with customer&rsquo;s, and with patience he was likely to succeed in
+      the end.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I could live like this every day,&rdquo; he said, as he rose from a
+      luxurious supper. &ldquo;At present my finances won&rsquo;t allow me to board at the
+      Sherman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor would mine,&rdquo; said Carl; &ldquo;but I am allowed to spend money more freely
+      when I am traveling.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you acquainted in New York?&rdquo; asked Gray.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have little or no acquaintance in the city,&rdquo; answered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should be glad to get a position there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you not satisfied with your present place?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I shall not long keep it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not? Do you think you are in any danger of being discharged?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is not that. I am afraid Mr. French will be obliged to give up
+      business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why?&rdquo; asked Carl, with keen interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have reason to think he is embarrassed. I know that he has a good many
+      bills out, some of which have been running a long time. If any pressure is
+      brought to bear upon him, he may have to suspend.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl felt that he was obtaining important information. If Mr. French were
+      in such a condition Miss Norris would be pretty sure to lose her money if
+      she advanced it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To what do you attribute Mr. French&rsquo;s embarrassment?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He lives expensively in a handsome house near Lincoln Park, and draws
+      heavily upon the business for his living expenses. I think that explains
+      it. I only wonder that he has been able to hold out so long.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps if he were assisted he would be able to keep his head above
+      water.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He would need a good deal of assistance. You see that my place isn&rsquo;t very
+      secure, and I shall soon need to be looking up another.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I shall need to inquire any farther,&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;It
+      seems to me Miss Norris had better keep her money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Before he retired he indited the following letter to his Albany employer:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miss Rachel Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear Madam:&mdash;I have attended to your commission, and have to report
+      that Mr. French appears to be involved in business embarrassments, and in
+      great danger to bankruptcy. The loan he asks of you would no doubt be of
+      service, but probably would not long delay the crash. If you wish to
+      assist him, it would be better to allow him to fail, and then advance him
+      the money to put him on his feet. I am told that his troubles come from
+      living beyond his means.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yours respectfully,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By return mail Carl received the following note:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My Dear Young Friend:&mdash;Your report confirms the confidence I reposed
+      in you. It is just the information I desired. I shall take your advice and
+      refuse the loan. What other action I may take hereafter I cannot tell.
+      When you return, should you stop in Albany, please call on me. If unable
+      to do this, write me from Milford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your friend,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Rachel Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was detained for several days in Chicago. He chanced to meet his
+      English friend, Lord Bedford, upon his arrival, and the nobleman, on
+      learning where he was staying, also registered at the Sherman House. In
+      his company Carl took a drive over the magnificent boulevard which is the
+      pride of Chicago, and rose several degrees in the opinion of those guests
+      who noticed his intimacy with the English guest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl had just completed his Chicago business when, on entering the hotel,
+      he was surprised to see a neighbor of his father&rsquo;s&mdash;Cyrus Robinson&mdash;a
+      prominent business man of Edgewood Center. Carl was delighted, for he had
+      not been home, or seen any home friends for over a year.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see you, Mr. Robinson,&rdquo; he said, offering his hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What! Carl Crawford!&rdquo; exclaimed Robinson, in amazement. &ldquo;How came you in
+      Chicago? Your father did not tell me you were here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He does not know it. I am only here on a business visit. Tell me, Mr.
+      Robinson, how is my father?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think, Carl, that he is not at all well. I am quite sure he misses you,
+      and I don&rsquo;t believe your stepmother&rsquo;s influence over him is beneficial.
+      Just before I came away I heard a rumor that troubled me. It is believed
+      in Edgewood that she is trying to induce your father to make a will
+      leaving all, or nearly all his property to her and her son.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care so much for that, Mr. Robinson, as for my father&rsquo;s health.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl,&rdquo; said Robinson, significantly, &ldquo;if such a will is made I don&rsquo;t
+      believe your father will live long after it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean that?&rdquo; said Carl, horror-struck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think Mrs. Crawford, by artful means will worry your father to death.
+      He is of a nervous temperament, and an unscrupulous woman can shorten his
+      life without laying herself open to the law.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl&rsquo;s face grew stern.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will save my father,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and defeat my stepmother&rsquo;s wicked
+      schemes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I pray Heaven you can. There is no time to be lost.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall lose no time, you may be sure. I shall be at Edgewood within a
+      week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXVI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      MAKING A WILL.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      In Edgewood Center events moved slowly. In Carl Crawford&rsquo;s home dullness
+      reigned supreme. He had been the life of the house, and his absence,
+      though welcome to his stepmother, was seriously felt by his father, who
+      day by day became thinner and weaker, while his step grew listless and his
+      face seldom brightened with a smile. He was anxious to have Carl at home
+      again, and the desire became so strong that he finally broached the
+      subject.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear,&rdquo; he said one day at the breakfast table, &ldquo;I have been thinking
+      of Carl considerably of late.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I should like to have him at home once more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford smiled ominously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is better off where he is,&rdquo; she said, softly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he is my only son, and I never see him,&rdquo; pleaded her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know very well, Dr. Crawford,&rdquo; rejoined his wife, &ldquo;that your son only
+      made trouble in the house while he was here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet it seems hard that he should be driven from his father&rsquo;s home, and
+      forced to take refuge among strangers.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what you mean by his being driven from home,&rdquo; said Mrs.
+      Crawford, tossing her head. &ldquo;He made himself disagreeable, and, not being
+      able to have his own way, he took French leave.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The house seems very lonely without him,&rdquo; went on Dr. Crawford, who was
+      too wise to get into an argument with his wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It certainly is more quiet. As for company, Peter is still here, and
+      would at any time stay with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter did not relish this suggestion, and did not indorse it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should not care to confine him to the house,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, as his
+      glance rested on the plain and by no means agreeable face of his stepson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose I need not speak of myself. You know that you can always call
+      upon me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      If Dr. Crawford had been warmly attached to his second wife, this proposal
+      would have cheered him, but the time had gone by when he found any
+      pleasure in her society. There was a feeling of almost repulsion which he
+      tried to conceal, and he was obliged to acknowledge to himself that the
+      presence of his wife gave him rather uneasiness than comfort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl is very well off where he is,&rdquo; resumed Mrs. Crawford. &ldquo;He is filling
+      a business position, humble, perhaps, but still one that gives him his
+      living and keeps him out of mischief. Let well enough alone, doctor, and
+      don&rsquo;t interrupt his plans.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I may be foolish,&rdquo; said the doctor, hesitating, &ldquo;but I have not
+      been feeling as well as usual lately, and if anything should happen to me
+      while Carl was absent I should die very unhappy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford regarded her husband with uneasiness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean that you think you are in any danger?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. I am not an old man, but, on the other hand, I am an
+      invalid. My father died when he was only a year older than I am at
+      present.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford drew out her handkerchief, and proceeded to wipe her
+      tearless eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You distress me beyond measure by your words, my dear husband. How can I
+      think of your death without emotion? What should I do without you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear, you must expect to survive me. You are younger than I, and much
+      stronger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Besides,&rdquo; and Mrs. Crawford made an artful pause, &ldquo;I hardly like to
+      mention it, but Peter and I are poor, and by your death might be left to
+      the cold mercies of the world.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Surely I would not fail to provide for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford shook her head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sure of your kind intentions, my husband,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;but they will
+      not avail unless you provide for me in your will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, it&rsquo;s only right that I should do so. As soon as I feel equal to the
+      effort I will draw up a will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you will, for I should not care to be dependent on Carl, who does
+      not like me. I hope you will not think me mercenary, but to Peter and
+      myself this is of vital importance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I don&rsquo;t misjudge you. I ought to have thought of it before.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care so much about myself,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, in a tone of
+      self-sacrifice, &ldquo;but I should not like to have Peter thrown upon the world
+      without means.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All that you say is wise and reasonable,&rdquo; answered her husband, wearily.
+      &ldquo;I will attend to the matter to-morrow.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day Mrs. Crawford came into her husband&rsquo;s presence with a sheet
+      of legal cap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear husband,&rdquo; she said, in a soft, insinuating tone, &ldquo;I wished to
+      spare you trouble, and I have accordingly drawn up a will to submit to
+      you, and receive your signature, if you approve it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did you learn to write a will?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I used in my days of poverty to copy documents for a lawyer,&rdquo; she
+      replied. &ldquo;In this way I became something of a lawyer myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see. Will you read what you have prepared?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford read the document in her hand. It provided in the proper
+      legal phraseology for an equal division of the testator&rsquo;s estate between
+      the widow and Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know, of course, what provision you intended to make for me,&rdquo;
+       she said, meekly. &ldquo;Perhaps you do not care to leave me half the estate.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, that seems only fair. You do not mention Peter. I ought to do
+      something for him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your kindness touches me, my dear husband, but I shall be able to provide
+      for him out of my liberal bequest. I do not wish to rob your son, Carl. I
+      admit that I do not like him, but that shall not hinder me from being
+      just.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford was pleased with this unexpected concession from his wife. He
+      felt that he should be more at ease if Carl&rsquo;s future was assured.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, my dear,&rdquo; he said, cheerfully. &ldquo;I approve of the will as you
+      have drawn it up, and I will affix my signature at once.&rdquo; &ldquo;Then, shall I
+      send for two of the neighbors to witness it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Two near neighbors were sent for and witnessed Dr. Crawford&rsquo;s signature to
+      the will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a strangely triumphant look in Mrs. Crawford&rsquo;s eyes as she took
+      the document after it had been duly executed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will let me keep this, doctor?&rdquo; she asked. &ldquo;It will be important for
+      your son as well as myself, that it should be in safe hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I shall be glad to have you do so. I rejoice that it is off my
+      mind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t think me mercenary, my dear husband, or indifferent to your
+      life?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; why should I?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I am satisfied.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford took the will, and carrying it upstairs, opened her trunk,
+      removed the false bottom, and deposited under it the last will and
+      testament of Dr. Paul Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At last!&rdquo; she said to herself. &ldquo;I am secure, and have compassed what I
+      have labored for so long.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford had not noticed that the will to which he affixed his
+      signature was not the same that had been read to him. Mrs. Crawford had
+      artfully substituted another paper of quite different tenor. By the will
+      actually executed, the entire estate was left to Mrs. Crawford, who was
+      left guardian of her son and Carl, and authorized to make such provision
+      for each as she might deem suitable. This, of course, made Carl entirely
+      dependent on a woman who hated him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, Dr. Paul Crawford,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford to herself, with a cold
+      smile, &ldquo;you may die as soon as you please. Peter and I are provided for.
+      Your father died when a year older than you are now, you tell me. It is
+      hardly likely that you will live to a greater age than he.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She called the next day on the family physician, and with apparent
+      solicitude asked his opinion of Dr. Crawford&rsquo;s health.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is all I have,&rdquo; she said, pathetically, &ldquo;all except my dear Peter.
+      Tell me what you think of his chances of continued life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your husband,&rdquo; replied the physician, &ldquo;has one weak organ. It is his
+      heart. He may live for fifteen or twenty years, but a sudden excitement
+      might carry him off in a moment. The best thing you can do for him is to
+      keep him tranquil and free from any sudden shock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford listened attentively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will do my best,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;since so much depends on it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When she returned home it was with a settled purpose in her heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXVII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      PETER LETS OUT A SECRET.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you direct me to the house of Dr. Crawford?&rdquo; asked a stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The inquiry was addressed to Peter Cook in front of the hotel in Edgewood
+      Center.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; he is my stepfather!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed! I did not know that my old friend was married again. You say you
+      are his stepson?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has an own son, about your age, I should judge.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s Carl! he is a little older than me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he at home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Peter, pursing up his lips.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he absent at boarding school?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he&rsquo;s left home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; ejaculated the stranger, in surprise. &ldquo;How is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He was awfully hard to get along with, and didn&rsquo;t treat mother with any
+      respect. He wanted to have his own way, and, of course, ma couldn&rsquo;t stand
+      that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see,&rdquo; returned the stranger, and he eyed Peter curiously. &ldquo;What did his
+      father say to his leaving home?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, he always does as ma wishes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Was Carl willing to leave home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he said he would rather go than obey ma.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose he receives an allowance from his father?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he wanted one, but ma put her foot down and said he shouldn&rsquo;t have
+      one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your mother seems to be a woman of considerable firmness.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You bet, she&rsquo;s firm. She don&rsquo;t allow no boy to boss her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, this boy is a curiosity,&rdquo; said Reuben Ashcroft to himself. &ldquo;He
+      doesn&rsquo;t excel in the amiable and attractive qualities. He has a sort of
+      brutal frankness which can&rsquo;t keep a secret.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you and Carl get along together?&rdquo; he asked, aloud.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t get along at all. He wanted to boss me, and ma and I wouldn&rsquo;t
+      have it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So the upshot was that he had to leave the house and you remained?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, that&rsquo;s the way of it,&rdquo; said Peter, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And Carl was actually sent out to earn his own living without help of any
+      kind from his father?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is he doing?&rdquo; asked Ashcroft, in some excitement. &ldquo;Good heavens! he
+      may have suffered from hunger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a friend of his?&rdquo; asked Peter, sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am a friend of anyone who requires a friend.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl is getting along well enough. He is at work in some factory in
+      Milford, and gets a living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hasn&rsquo;t he been back since he first left home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long ago is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, &lsquo;bout a year,&rdquo; answered Peter, carelessly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How is Dr. Crawford? Is he in good health?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He ain&rsquo;t very well. Ma told me the other day she didn&rsquo;t think he would
+      live long. She got him to make a will the other day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, this seems to be a conspiracy!&rdquo; thought Ashcroft. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d give
+      something to see that will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose he will provide for you and your mother handsomely?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; ma said she was to have control of the property. I guess Carl will
+      have to stand round if he expects any favors.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is evident this boy can&rsquo;t keep a secret,&rdquo; thought Ashcroft. &ldquo;All the
+      better for me. I hope I am in time to defeat this woman&rsquo;s schemes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s the house,&rdquo; said Peter, pointing it out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think Dr. Crawford is at home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, yes, he doesn&rsquo;t go out much. Ma is away this afternoon. She&rsquo;s at the
+      sewing circle, I think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you for serving as my guide,&rdquo; said Ashcroft. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a little
+      acknowledgment which I hope will be of service to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He offered a half dollar to Peter, who accepted it joyfully and was
+      profuse in his thanks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, if you will be kind enough to tell the doctor that an old friend
+      wishes to see him, I shall be still further obliged.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just follow me, then,&rdquo; said Peter, and he led the way into the
+      sitting-room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      Dr. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      After the first greetings, Reuben Ashcroft noticed with pain the fragile
+      look of his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you well?&rdquo; he asked
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not very strong,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, smiling faintly, &ldquo;but Mrs.
+      Crawford takes good care of me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And Carl, too&mdash;he is no doubt a comfort to you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford flushed painfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl has been away from home for a year, he said, with an effort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is strange your own son, too! Is there anything unpleasant? You may
+      confide in me, as I am the cousin of Carl&rsquo;s mother.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The fact is, Carl and Mrs. Crawford didn&rsquo;t hit it off very well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And you took sides against your own son, said Ashcroft, indignantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I begin to think I was wrong, Reuben. You don&rsquo;t know how I have missed
+      the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet you sent him out into the world without a penny.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you know that?&rdquo; asked Dr. Crawford quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had a little conversation with your stepson as I came to the house. He
+      spoke very frankly and unreservedly about family affairs; He says you do
+      whatever his mother tells you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford looked annoyed and blushed with shame.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he say that?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he said his mother would not allow you to help Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&mdash;misunderstood.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Paul, I fear he understands the case only too well. I don&rsquo;t want to pain
+      you, but your wife is counting on your speedy death.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I told her I didn&rsquo;t think I should live long.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And she got you to make a will?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; did Peter tell you that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He said his mother was to have control of the property, and Carl would
+      get nothing if he didn&rsquo;t act so as to please her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is some mistake here. By my will&mdash;made yesterday&mdash;Carl is
+      to have an equal share, and nothing is said about his being dependent on
+      anyone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who drew up the will?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you read it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft looked puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to read the will myself,&rdquo; he said, after a pause. &ldquo;Where is
+      it now?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford has charge of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Reuben Ashcroft remained silent, but his mind was busy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That woman is a genius of craft,&rdquo; he said to himself. &ldquo;My poor friend is
+      but a child in her hands. I did not know Paul would be so pitiably weak.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you happen to be here in Edgewood, Reuben?&rdquo; asked the doctor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had a little errand in the next town, and could not resist the
+      temptation of visiting you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can stay a day or two, can you not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will, though I had not expected to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford is away this afternoon. She will be back presently, and
+      then I will introduce you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At five o&rsquo;clock Mrs. Crawford returned, and her husband introduced her to
+      his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft fixed his eyes upon her searchingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Her face looks strangely familiar,&rdquo; he said to himself. &ldquo;Where can I have
+      seen her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford, like all persons who have a secret to conceal, was
+      distrustful of strangers. She took an instant dislike to Reuben Ashcroft,
+      and her greeting was exceedingly cold.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have invited Mr. Ashcroft to make me a visit of two or three days, my
+      dear,&rdquo; said her husband. &ldquo;He is a cousin to Carl&rsquo;s mother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford made no response, but kept her eyes fixed upon the carpet.
+      She could not have shown more plainly that the invitation was not approved
+      by her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Madam does not want me here,&rdquo; thought Ashcroft, as he fixed his gaze once
+      more upon his friend&rsquo;s wife. Again the face looked familiar, but he could
+      not place it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have I not seen you before, Mrs. Crawford?&rdquo; he asked, abruptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t remember you,&rdquo; she answered, slowly. &ldquo;Probably I resemble some
+      one you have met.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps so,&rdquo; answered Ashcroft, but he could not get rid of the
+      conviction that somewhere and some time in the past he had met Mrs.
+      Crawford, and under circumstances that had fixed her countenance in his
+      memory.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After supper Dr. Crawford said: &ldquo;My dear, I have told our guest that I
+      had, as a prudential measure, made my will. I wish you would get it, and
+      let me read it to him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford looked startled and annoyed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t you tell him the provisions of it?&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but I should like to show him the document.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She turned and went upstairs. She was absent at least ten minutes. When
+      she returned she was empty-handed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sorry to say,&rdquo; she remarked, with a forced laugh, &ldquo;that I have laid
+      away the will so carefully that I can&rsquo;t find it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft fixed a searching look upon her, that evidently annoyed her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may be able to find it to-morrow,&rdquo; she resumed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think you told me, Paul,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, turning to Dr. Crawford, &ldquo;that
+      by the will your estate is divided equally between Carl and Mrs.
+      Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And nothing is said of any guardianship on the part of Mrs. Crawford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I think it would be better, Ashcroft, that you should be Carl&rsquo;s
+      guardian. A man can study his interests and control him better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will accept the trust,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, &ldquo;though I hope it may be many
+      years before the necessity arises.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford bit her lips, and darted an angry glance at the two friends.
+      She foresaw that her plans were threatened with failure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two men chatted throughout the evening, and Dr. Crawford had never of
+      late seemed happier. It gave him new life and raised his spirits to chat
+      over old times with his early friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXIX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A MAN OF ENERGY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The next morning Ashcroft said to his host: &ldquo;Paul, let us take a walk to
+      the village.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford put on his hat, and went out with his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, Paul,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, when they were some rods distant from the
+      house, &ldquo;is there a lawyer in Edgewood?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, and a good one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he indite your will?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; Mrs. Crawford wrote it out. She was at one time copyist for a
+      lawyer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take my advice and have another drawn up to-day without mentioning the
+      matter to her. She admits having mislaid the one made yesterday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It may be a good idea.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, it is a prudent precaution. Then you will be sure that all is
+      safe. I have, myself, executed a duplicate will. One I keep, the other I
+      have deposited with my lawyer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft was a man of energy. He saw that Dr. Crawford, who was of a weak,
+      vacillating temper, executed the will. He and another witnessed it, and
+      the document was left with the lawyer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You think I had better not mention the matter to Mrs. Crawford?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By no means&mdash;she might think it was a reflection upon her for
+      carelessly mislaying the first.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True,&rdquo; and the doctor, who was fond of peace, consented to his friend&rsquo;s
+      plan.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way,&rdquo; asked Ashcroft, &ldquo;who was your wife what was her name, I mean&mdash;before
+      her second marriage?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was a Mrs. Cook.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, I see,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, and his face lighted up with surprise and
+      intelligence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you see?&rdquo; inquired Dr. Crawford. &ldquo;I thought your wife&rsquo;s face was
+      familiar. I met her once when she was Mrs. Cook.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You knew her, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I never exchanged a word with her till I met her under this roof.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How can I tell him that I first saw her when a visitor to the
+      penitentiary among the female prisoners?&rdquo; Ashcroft asked himself. &ldquo;My poor
+      friend would sink with mortification.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They were sitting in friendly chat after their return from their walk,
+      when Mrs. Crawford burst into the room in evident excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Husband,&rdquo; she cried, &ldquo;Peter has brought home a terrible report. He has
+      heard from a person who has just come from Milford that Carl has been run
+      over on the railroad and instantly killed!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford turned pale, his features worked convulsively, and he put his
+      hand to his heart, as he sank back in his chair, his face as pale as the
+      dead.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Woman!&rdquo; said Ashcroft, sternly, &ldquo;I believe you have killed your husband!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, don&rsquo;t say that! How could I be so imprudent?&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford,
+      clasping her hands, and counterfeiting distress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft set himself at once to save his friend from the result of the
+      shock.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leave the room!&rdquo; he said, sternly, to Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why should I? I am his wife.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And have sought to be his murderer. You know that he has heart disease.
+      Mrs.&mdash;Cook, I know more about you than you suppose.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford&rsquo;s color receded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t understand you,&rdquo; she said. She had scarcely reached the door,
+      when there was a sound of footsteps outside and Carl dashed into the room,
+      nearly upsetting his stepmother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You here?&rdquo; she said, frigidly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the matter with my father?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you Carl?&rdquo; said Ashcroft, quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your father has had a shock. I think I can soon bring him to.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A few minutes later Dr. Crawford opened his eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you feeling better, Paul?&rdquo; asked Ashcroft, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t I hear something about Carl&mdash;something terrible?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl is alive and well,&rdquo; said he, soothingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure of that?&rdquo; asked Dr. Crawford, in excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I have the best evidence of it. Here is Carl himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl came forward and was clasped in his father&rsquo;s arms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank Heaven, you are alive,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why should I not be?&rdquo; asked Carl, bewildered, turning to Ashcroft.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your stepmother had the&mdash;let me say imprudence, to tell your father
+      that you had been killed on the railroad.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where could she have heard such a report?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not sure that she heard it at all,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, in a low voice.
+      &ldquo;She knew that your father had heart disease.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XL.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_CONC" id="link2H_CONC">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CONCLUSION.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      At this moment Mrs. Crawford re-entered the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What brings you here?&rdquo; she demanded, coolly, of Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I came here because this is my father&rsquo;s house, madam.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have behaved badly to me,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford. &ldquo;You have defied my
+      authority, and brought sorrow and distress to your good father. I thought
+      you would have the good sense to stay away.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you indorse this, father?&rdquo; asked Carl, turning to Dr. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No!&rdquo; answered his father, with unwonted energy. &ldquo;My house will always be
+      your home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You seem to have changed your mind, Dr. Crawford,&rdquo; sneered his wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did you pick up the report of Carl&rsquo;s being killed on the railroad?&rdquo;
+       asked the doctor, sternly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Peter heard it in the village,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, carelessly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did it occur to you that the sudden news might injure your husband?&rdquo;
+       asked Ashcroft.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I spoke too impulsively. I realize too late my imprudence,&rdquo; said Mrs.
+      Crawford, coolly. &ldquo;Have you lost your place?&rdquo; she asked, addressing Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. I have just returned from Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      His stepmother looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We have had a quiet time since you left us,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;If you value your
+      father&rsquo;s health and peace of mind, you will not remain here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is my presence also unwelcome?&rdquo; asked Ashcroft.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have not treated me with respect,&rdquo; replied Mrs. Crawford. &ldquo;If you are
+      a gentleman, you will understand that under the circumstances it will be
+      wise for you to take your departure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leaving my old friend to your care?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, that will be best.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Ashcroft, can I have a few minutes&rsquo; conversation with you?&rdquo; asked
+      Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They left the room together, followed by an uneasy and suspicious glance
+      from Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl hurriedly communicated to his father&rsquo;s friend what he had learned
+      about his stepmother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Cook, Peter&rsquo;s father, is just outside,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Shall I call him
+      in?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think we had better do so, but arrange that the interview shall take
+      place without your father&rsquo;s knowledge. He must not be excited. Call him
+      in, and then summon your stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford,&rdquo; said Carl, re-entering his father&rsquo;s room, &ldquo;Mr. Ashcroft
+      would like to have a few words with you. Can you come out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She followed Carl uneasily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it you want with me, sir?&rdquo; she asked, frigidly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me introduce an old acquaintance of yours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Cook, whom Mrs. Crawford had not at first observed, came forward. She
+      drew back in dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is some time since we met, Lucy,&rdquo; said Cook, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you come here to make trouble?&rdquo; she muttered, hoarsely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I come to ask for the property you took during my absence in California,&rdquo;
+       he said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care to have you return to me&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I obtained a divorce.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Precisely; I don&rsquo;t care to annul it. I am thankful that you are no longer
+      my wife.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I will see what I can do for you. Don&rsquo;t go near my present
+      husband. He is in poor health, and cannot bear a shock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, gravely, &ldquo;if you have any idea of
+      remaining here, in this house, give it up. I shall see that your husband&rsquo;s
+      eyes are opened to your real character.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sir, you heard this man say that he has no claim upon me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That may be, but I cannot permit my friend to harbor a woman whose record
+      is as bad as yours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you mean?&rdquo; she demanded, defiantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean that you have served a term in prison for larceny.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is false,&rdquo; she said, with trembling lips.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is true. I visited the prison during your term of confinement, and saw
+      you there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I, too, can certify to it,&rdquo; said Cook. &ldquo;I learned it two years after my
+      marriage. You will understand why I am glad of the divorce.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford was silent for a moment. She realized that the battle was
+      lost.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well,&rdquo; she said, after a pause, &ldquo;I am defeated. I thought my secret was
+      safe, but I was mistaken. What do you propose to do with me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will tell you this evening,&rdquo; said Ashcroft. &ldquo;One thing I can say now&mdash;you
+      must not expect to remain in this house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I no longer care to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A conference was held during the afternoon, Dr Crawford being told as much
+      as was essential. It was arranged that Mrs. Crawford should have an
+      allowance of four hundred dollars for herself and Peter if she would leave
+      the house quietly, and never again annoy her husband. Mr. Cook offered to
+      take Peter, but the latter preferred to remain with his mother. A private
+      arrangement was made by which Dr. Crawford made up to Mr. Cook one-half of
+      the sum stolen from him by his wife, and through the influence of
+      Ashcroft, employment was found for him. He is no longer a tramp, but a man
+      held in respect, and moderately prosperous.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl is still in the employ of Mr. Jennings, and his father has removed to
+      Milford, where he and his son can live together. Next September, on his
+      twenty-first birthday, Carl will be admitted to a junior partnership in
+      the business, his father furnishing the necessary capital. Carl&rsquo;s
+      stepmother is in Chicago, and her allowance is paid to her quarterly
+      through a Chicago bank. She has considerable trouble with Peter, who has
+      become less submissive as he grows older, and is unwilling to settle down
+      to steady work. His prospects do not look very bright.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings and Hannah are as much attached as ever to Carl, and it is
+      quite likely the manufacturer will make him his heir. Happy in the society
+      of his son, Dr. Crawford is likely to live to a good old age, in spite of
+      his weakness and tendency to heart disease, for happiness is a great aid
+      to longevity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+
+
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+  </body>
+</html>
diff --git a/530.txt b/530.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..62de946
--- /dev/null
+++ b/530.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,8885 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Driven From Home, by Horatio Alger
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Driven From Home
+       Carl Crawford's Experience
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: January 21, 2006 [EBook #530]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DRIVEN FROM HOME ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Keller and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+
+DRIVEN FROM HOME
+
+OR
+
+CARL CRAWFORD'S EXPERIENCE
+
+
+BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+
+Author of "Erie Train Boy," "Young Acrobat," "Only an Irish Boy," "Bound
+to Rise," "The Young Outlaw," "Hector's Inheritance," etc.
+
+
+
+
+
+DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+
+
+A boy of sixteen, with a small gripsack in his hand, trudged along the
+country road. He was of good height for his age, strongly built, and had
+a frank, attractive face. He was naturally of a cheerful temperament,
+but at present his face was grave, and not without a shade of anxiety.
+This can hardly be a matter of surprise when we consider that he was
+thrown upon his own resources, and that his available capital consisted
+of thirty-seven cents in money, in addition to a good education and a
+rather unusual amount of physical strength. These last two items
+were certainly valuable, but they cannot always be exchanged for the
+necessaries and comforts of life.
+
+For some time his steps had been lagging, and from time to time he had
+to wipe the moisture from his brow with a fine linen handkerchief, which
+latter seemed hardly compatible with his almost destitute condition.
+
+I hasten to introduce my hero, for such he is to be, as Carl Crawford,
+son of Dr. Paul Crawford, of Edgewood Center. Why he had set out to
+conquer fortune single-handed will soon appear.
+
+A few rods ahead Carl's attention was drawn to a wide-spreading oak
+tree, with a carpet of verdure under its sturdy boughs.
+
+"I will rest here for a little while," he said to himself, and suiting
+the action to the word, threw down his gripsack and flung himself on the
+turf.
+
+"This is refreshing," he murmured, as, lying upon his back, he looked up
+through the leafy rifts to the sky above. "I don't know when I have ever
+been so tired. It's no joke walking a dozen miles under a hot sun, with
+a heavy gripsack in your hand. It's a good introduction to a life of
+labor, which I have reason to believe is before me. I wonder how I am
+coming out--at the big or the little end of the horn?"
+
+He paused, and his face grew grave, for he understood well that for him
+life had become a serious matter. In his absorption he did not observe
+the rapid approach of a boy somewhat younger than himself, mounted on a
+bicycle.
+
+The boy stopped short in surprise, and leaped from his iron steed.
+
+"Why, Carl Crawford, is this you? Where in the world are you going with
+that gripsack?"
+
+Carl looked up quickly.
+
+"Going to seek my fortune," he answered, soberly.
+
+"Well, I hope you'll find it. Don't chaff, though, but tell the honest
+truth."
+
+"I have told you the truth, Gilbert."
+
+With a puzzled look, Gilbert, first leaning his bicycle against the
+tree, seated himself on the ground by Carl's side.
+
+"Has your father lost his property?" he asked, abruptly.
+
+"No."
+
+"Has he disinherited you?"
+
+"Not exactly."
+
+"Have you left home for good?"
+
+"I have left home--I hope for good."
+
+"Have you quarreled with the governor?"
+
+"I hardly know what to say to that. There is a difference between us."
+
+"He doesn't seem like a Roman father--one who rules his family with a
+rod of iron."
+
+"No; he is quite the reverse. He hasn't backbone enough."
+
+"So it seemed to me when I saw him at the exhibition of the academy. You
+ought to be able to get along with a father like that, Carl."
+
+"So I could but for one thing."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I have a stepmother!" said Carl, with a significant glance at his
+companion.
+
+"So have I, but she is the soul of kindness, and makes our home the
+dearest place in the world."
+
+"Are there such stepmothers? I shouldn't have judged so from my own
+experience."
+
+"I think I love her as much as if she were my own mother."
+
+"You are lucky," said Carl, sighing.
+
+"Tell me about yours."
+
+"She was married to my father five years ago. Up to the time of her
+marriage I thought her amiable and sweet-tempered. But soon after the
+wedding she threw off the mask, and made it clear that she disliked
+me. One reason is that she has a son of her own about my age, a mean,
+sneaking fellow, who is the apple of her eye. She has been jealous of
+me, and tried to supplant me in the affection of my father, wishing
+Peter to be the favored son."
+
+"How has she succeeded?"
+
+"I don't think my father feels any love for Peter, but through my
+stepmother's influence he generally fares better than I do."
+
+"Why wasn't he sent to school with you?"
+
+"Because he is lazy and doesn't like study. Besides, his mother prefers
+to have him at home. During my absence she worked upon my father,
+by telling all sorts of malicious stories about me, till he became
+estranged from me, and little by little Peter has usurped my place as
+the favorite."
+
+"Why didn't you deny the stories?" asked Gilbert.
+
+"I did, but no credit was given to my denials. My stepmother was
+continually poisoning my father's mind against me."
+
+"Did you give her cause? Did you behave disrespectfully to her?"
+
+"No," answered Carl, warmly. "I was prepared to give her a warm welcome,
+and treat her as a friend, but my advances were so coldly received that
+my heart was chilled."
+
+"Poor Carl! How long has this been so?"
+
+"From the beginning--ever since Mrs. Crawford came into the house."
+
+"What are your relations with your step-brother--what's his name?"
+
+"Peter Cook. I despise the boy, for he is mean, and tyrannical where he
+dares to be."
+
+"I don't think it would be safe for him to bully you, Carl."
+
+"He tried it, and got a good thrashing. You can imagine what followed.
+He ran, crying to his mother, and his version of the story was believed.
+I was confined to my room for a week, and forced to live on bread and
+water."
+
+"I shouldn't think your father was a man to inflict such a punishment."
+
+"It wasn't he--it was my stepmother. She insisted upon it, and he
+yielded. I heard afterwards from one of the servants that he wanted me
+released at the end of twenty-four hours, but she would not consent."
+
+"How long ago was this?"
+
+"It happened when I was twelve."
+
+"Was it ever repeated?"
+
+"Yes, a month later; but the punishment lasted only for two days."
+
+"And you submitted to it?"
+
+"I had to, but as soon as I was released I gave Peter such a flogging,
+with the promise to repeat it, if I was ever punished in that manner
+again, that the boy himself was panic-stricken, and objected to my being
+imprisoned again."
+
+"He must be a charming fellow!"
+
+"You would think so if you should see him. He has small, insignificant
+features, a turn-up nose, and an ugly scowl that appears whenever he is
+out of humor."
+
+"And yet your father likes him?"
+
+"I don't think he does, though Peter, by his mother's orders, pays
+all sorts of small attentions--bringing him his slippers, running on
+errands, and so on, not because he likes it, but because he wants to
+supplant me, as he has succeeded in doing."
+
+"You have finally broken away, then?"
+
+"Yes; I couldn't stand it any longer. Home had become intolerable."
+
+"Pardon the question, but hasn't your father got considerable property?"
+
+"I have every reason to think so."
+
+"Won't your leaving home give your step-mother and Peter the inside
+track, and lead, perhaps, to your disinheritance?"
+
+"I suppose so," answered Carl, wearily; "but no matter what happens, I
+can't bear to stay at home any longer."
+
+"You're badly fixed--that's a fact!" said Gilbert, in a tone of
+sympathy. "What are your plans?"
+
+"I don't know. I haven't had time to think."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.
+
+
+Gilbert wrinkled up his forehead and set about trying to form some plans
+for Carl.
+
+"It will be hard for you to support yourself," he said, after a pause;
+"that is, without help."
+
+"There is no one to help me. I expect no help."
+
+"I thought your father might be induced to give you an allowance, so
+that with what you can earn, you may get along comfortably."
+
+"I think father would be willing to do this, but my stepmother would
+prevent him."
+
+"Then she has a great deal of influence over him?"
+
+"Yes, she can twist him round her little finger."
+
+"I can't understand it."
+
+"You see, father is an invalid, and is very nervous. If he were in
+perfect health he would have more force of character and firmness. He is
+under the impression that he has heart disease, and it makes him timid
+and vacillating."
+
+"Still he ought to do something for you."
+
+"I suppose he ought. Still, Gilbert, I think I can earn my living."
+
+"What can you do?"
+
+"Well, I have a fair education. I could be an entry clerk, or a salesman
+in some store, or, if the worst came to the worst, I could work on a
+farm. I believe farmers give boys who work for them their board and
+clothes."
+
+"I don't think the clothes would suit you."
+
+"I am pretty well supplied with clothing."
+
+Gilbert looked significantly at the gripsack.
+
+"Do you carry it all in there?" he asked, doubtfully.
+
+Carl laughed.
+
+"Well, no," he answered. "I have a trunkful of clothes at home, though."
+
+"Why didn't you bring them with you?"
+
+"I would if I were an elephant. Being only a boy, I would find it
+burdensome carrying a trunk with me. The gripsack is all I can very well
+manage."
+
+"I tell you what," said Gilbert. "Come round to our house and stay
+overnight. We live only a mile from here, you know. The folks will be
+glad to see you, and while you are there I will go to your house, see
+the governor, and arrange for an allowance for you that will make you
+comparatively independent."
+
+"Thank you, Gilbert; but I don't feel like asking favors from those who
+have ill-treated me."
+
+"Nor would I--of strangers; but Dr. Crawford is your father. It isn't
+right that Peter, your stepbrother, should be supported in ease and
+luxury, while you, the real son, should be subjected to privation and
+want."
+
+"I don't know but you are right," admitted Carl, slowly.
+
+"Of course I am right. Now, will you make me your minister
+plenipotentiary, armed with full powers?"
+
+"Yes, I believe I will."
+
+"That's right. That shows you are a boy of sense. Now, as you are
+subject to my directions, just get on that bicycle and I will carry your
+gripsack, and we will seek Vance Villa, as we call it when we want to be
+high-toned, by the most direct route."
+
+"No, no, Gilbert; I will carry my own gripsack. I won't burden you with
+it," said Carl, rising from his recumbent position.
+
+"Look here, Carl, how far have you walked with it this morning?"
+
+"About twelve miles."
+
+"Then, of course, you're tired, and require rest. Just jump on that
+bicycle, and I'll take the gripsack. If you have carried it twelve
+miles, I can surely carry it one."
+
+"You are very kind, Gilbert."
+
+"Why shouldn't I be?"
+
+"But it is imposing up on your good nature."
+
+But Gilbert had turned his head in a backward direction, and nodded in a
+satisfied way as he saw a light, open buggy rapidly approaching.
+
+"There's my sister in that carriage," he said. "She comes in good
+time. I will put you and your gripsack in with her, and I'll take to my
+bicycle again."
+
+"Your sister may not like such an arrangement."
+
+"Won't she though! She's very fond of beaux, and she will receive you
+very graciously."
+
+"You make me feel bashful, Gilbert."
+
+"You won't be long. Julia will chat away to you as if she'd known you
+for fifty years."
+
+"I was very young fifty years ago," said Carl, smiling.
+
+"Hi, there, Jule!" called Gilbert, waving his hand.
+
+Julia Vance stopped the horse, and looked inquiringly and rather
+admiringly at Carl, who was a boy of fine appearance.
+
+"Let me introduce you to my friend and schoolmate, Carl Crawford."
+
+Carl took off his hat politely.
+
+"I am very glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Crawford," said Julia,
+demurely; "I have often heard Gilbert speak of you."
+
+"I hope he said nothing bad about me, Miss Vance."
+
+"You may be sure he didn't. If he should now--I wouldn't believe him."
+
+"You've made a favorable impression, Carl," said Gilbert, smiling.
+
+"I am naturally prejudiced against boys--having such a brother," said
+Julia; "but it is not fair to judge all boys by him."
+
+"That is outrageous injustice!" said Gilbert; "but then, sisters seldom
+appreciate their brothers."
+
+"Some other fellows' sisters may," said Carl.
+
+"They do, they do!"
+
+"Did you ever see such a vain, conceited boy, Mr. Crawford?"
+
+"Of course you know him better than I do."
+
+"Come, Carl; it's too bad for you, too, to join against me. However,
+I will forget and forgive. Jule, my friend, Carl, has accepted my
+invitation to make us a visit."
+
+"I am very glad, I am sure," said Julia, sincerely.
+
+"And I want you to take him in, bag and baggage, and convey him to our
+palace, while I speed thither on my wheel."
+
+"To be sure I will, and with great pleasure."
+
+"Can't you get out and assist him into the carriage, Jule?"
+
+"Thank you," said Carl; "but though I am somewhat old and quite infirm,
+I think I can get in without troubling your sister. Are you sure, Miss
+Vance, you won't be incommoded by my gripsack?"
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"Then I will accept your kind offer."
+
+In a trice Carl was seated next to Julia, with his valise at his feet.
+
+"Won't you drive, Mr. Crawford?" said the young lady.
+
+"Don't let me take the reins from you."
+
+"I don't think it looks well for a lady to drive when a gentleman is
+sitting beside her."
+
+Carl was glad to take the reins, for he liked driving.
+
+"Now for a race!" said Gilbert, who was mounted on his bicycle.
+
+"All right!" replied Carl. "Look out for us!"
+
+They started, and the two kept neck and neck till they entered the
+driveway leading up to a handsome country mansion.
+
+Carl followed them into the house, and was cordially received by Mr.
+and Mrs. Vance, who were very kind and hospitable, and were favorably
+impressed by the gentlemanly appearance of their son's friend.
+
+Half an hour later dinner was announced, and Carl, having removed the
+stains of travel in his schoolmate's room, descended to the dining-room,
+and, it must be confessed, did ample justice to the bounteous repast
+spread before him.
+
+In the afternoon Julia, Gilbert and he played tennis, and had a trial at
+archery. The hours glided away very rapidly, and six o'clock came before
+they were aware.
+
+"Gilbert," said Carl, as they were preparing for tea, "you have a
+charming home."
+
+"You have a nice house, too, Carl."
+
+"True; but it isn't a home--to me. There is no love there."
+
+"That makes a great difference."
+
+"If I had a father and mother like yours I should be happy."
+
+"You must stay here till day after tomorrow, and I will devote to-morrow
+to a visit in your interest to your home. I will beard the lion in his
+den--that is, your stepmother. Do you consent?"
+
+"Yes, I consent; but it won't do any good."
+
+"We will see."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+INTRODUCES PETER COOK.
+
+
+Gilbert took the morning train to the town of Edgewood Center, the
+residence of the Crawfords. He had been there before, and knew that
+Carl's home was nearly a mile distant from the station. Though there was
+a hack in waiting, he preferred to walk, as it would give him a chance
+to think over what he proposed to say to Dr. Crawford in Carl's behalf.
+
+He was within a quarter of a mile of his destination when his attention
+was drawn to a boy of about his own age, who was amusing himself and a
+smaller companion by firing stones at a cat that had taken refuge in
+a tree. Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect, and the poor cat
+moaned in affright, but did not dare to come down from her perch, as
+this would put her in the power of her assailant.
+
+"That must be Carl's stepbrother, Peter," Gilbert decided, as he noted
+the boy's mean face and turn-up nose. "Stoning cats seems to be his idea
+of amusement. I shall take the liberty of interfering."
+
+Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.
+
+"I hit her, Simon," he said. "Doesn't she look seared?"
+
+"You must have hurt her."
+
+"I expect I did. I'll take a bigger stone next time."
+
+He suited the action to the word, and picked up a rock which, should
+it hit the poor cat, would in all probability kill her, and prepared to
+fire.
+
+"Put down that rock!" said Gilbert, indignantly.
+
+Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.
+
+"Who are you?" he demanded.
+
+"No matter who I am. Put down that rock!"
+
+"What business is it of yours?"
+
+"I shall make it my business to protect that cat from your cruelty."
+
+Peter, who was a natural coward, took courage from having a companion
+to back him up, and retorted: "You'd better clear out of here, or I may
+fire at you."
+
+"Do it if you dare!" said Gilbert, quietly.
+
+Peter concluded that it would be wiser not to carry out his threat, but
+was resolved to keep to his original purpose. He raised his arm again,
+and took aim; but Gilbert rushed in, and striking his arm forcibly,
+compelled him to drop it.
+
+"What do you mean by that, you loafer?" demanded Peter, his eyes blazing
+with anger.
+
+"To stop your fun, if that's what you call it."
+
+"I've a good mind to give you a thrashing."
+
+Gilbert put himself in a position of defense.
+
+"Sail in, if you want to!" he responded.
+
+"Help me, Simon!" said Peter. "You grab his legs, and I'll upset him."
+
+Simon, who, though younger, was braver than Peter, without hesitation
+followed directions. He threw himself on the ground and grasped Gilbert
+by the legs, while Peter, doubling up his fists, made a rush at his
+enemy. But Gilbert, swiftly eluding Simon, struck out with his right
+arm, and Peter, unprepared for so forcible a defense, tumbled over on
+his back, and Simon ran to his assistance.
+
+Gilbert put himself on guard, expecting a second attack; but Peter
+apparently thought it wiser to fight with his tongue.
+
+"You rascal!" he shrieked, almost foaming at the mouth; "I'll have you
+arrested."
+
+"What for?" asked Gilbert, coolly.
+
+"For flying at me like a--a tiger, and trying to kill me."
+
+Gilbert laughed at this curious version of things.
+
+"I thought it was you who flew at me," he said.
+
+"What business had you to interfere with me?"
+
+"I'll do it again unless you give up firing stones at the cat."
+
+"I'll do it as long as I like."
+
+"She's gone!" said Simon.
+
+The boys looked up into the tree, and could see nothing of puss. She
+had taken the opportunity, when her assailant was otherwise occupied, to
+make good her escape.
+
+"I'm glad of it!" said Gilbert. "Good-morning, boys! When we meet again,
+I hope you will be more creditably employed."
+
+"You don't get off so easy, you loafer," said Peter, who saw the village
+constable approaching. "Here, Mr. Rogers, I want you to arrest this
+boy."
+
+Constable Rogers, who was a stout, broad-shouldered man, nearly six feet
+in height, turned from one to the other, and asked: "What has he done?"
+
+"He knocked me over. I want him arrested for assault and battery."
+
+"And what did you do?"
+
+"I? I didn't do anything."
+
+"That is rather strange. Young man, what is your name?"
+
+"Gilbert Vance."
+
+"You don't live in this town?"
+
+"No; I live in Warren."
+
+"What made you attack Peter?"
+
+"Because he flew at me, and I had to defend myself."
+
+"Is this so, Simon? You saw all that happened."
+
+"Ye--es," admitted Simon, unwillingly.
+
+"That puts a different face on the matter. I don't see how I can arrest
+this boy. He had a right to defend himself."
+
+"He came up and abused me--the loafer," said Peter.
+
+"That was the reason you went at him?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you anything to say?" asked the constable, addressing Gilbert.
+
+"Yes, sir; when I came up I saw this boy firing stones at a cat, who
+had taken refuge in that tree over there. He had just hit her, and had
+picked up a larger stone to fire when I ordered him to drop it."
+
+"It was no business of yours," muttered Peter.
+
+"I made it my business, and will again."
+
+"Did the cat have a white spot on her forehead?" asked the constable.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And was mouse colored?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Why, it's my little girl's cat. She would be heartbroken if the cat
+were seriously hurt. You young rascal!" he continued, turning suddenly
+upon Peter, and shaking him vigorously. "Let me catch you at this
+business again, and I'll give you such a warming that you'll never want
+to touch another cat."
+
+"Let me go!" cried the terrified boy. "I didn't know it was your cat."
+
+"It would have been just as bad if it had been somebody else's cat. I've
+a great mind to put you in the lockup."
+
+"Oh, don't, please don't, Mr. Rogers!" implored Peter, quite
+panic-stricken.
+
+"Will you promise never to stone another cat?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then go about your business."
+
+Peter lost no time, but scuttled up the street with his companion.
+
+"I am much obliged to you for protecting Flora's cat," then said the
+constable to Gilbert.
+
+"You are quite welcome, sir. I won't see any animal abused if I can help
+it."
+
+"You are right there."
+
+"Wasn't that boy Peter Cook?"
+
+"Yes. Don't you know him?"
+
+"No; but I know his stepbrother, Carl."
+
+"A different sort of boy! Have you come to visit him?"
+
+"No; he is visiting me. In fact, he has left home, because he could not
+stand his step-mother's ill-treatment, and I have come to see his father
+in his behalf."
+
+"He has had an uncomfortable home. Dr. Crawford is an invalid, and very
+much under the influence of his wife, who seems to have a spite against
+Carl, and is devoted to that young cub to whom you have given a lesson.
+Does Carl want to come back?"
+
+"No; he wants to strike out for himself, but I told him it was no more
+than right that he should receive some help from his father."
+
+"That is true enough. For nearly all the doctor's money came to him
+through Carl's mother."
+
+"I am afraid Peter and his mother won't give me a very cordial welcome
+after what has happened this morning. I wish I could see the doctor
+alone."
+
+"So you can, for there he is coming up the street."
+
+Gilbert looked in the direction indicated, and his glance fell on a
+thin, fragile-looking man, evidently an invalid, with a weak, undecided
+face, who was slowly approaching.
+
+The boy advanced to meet him, and, taking off his hat, asked politely:
+"Is this Dr. Crawford?"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.
+
+
+Dr. Crawford stopped short, and eyed Gilbert attentively.
+
+"I don't know you," he said, in a querulous tone.
+
+"I am a schoolmate of your son, Carl. My name is Gilbert Vance."
+
+"If you have come to see my son you will be disappointed. He has treated
+me in a shameful manner. He left home yesterday morning, and I don't
+know where he is."
+
+"I can tell you, sir. He is staying--for a day or two--at my father's
+house."
+
+"Where is that?" asked Dr. Crawford, his manner showing that he was
+confused.
+
+"In Warren, thirteen miles from here."
+
+"I know the town. What induced him to go to your house? Have you
+encouraged him to leave home?" inquired Dr. Crawford, with a look of
+displeasure.
+
+"No, sir. It was only by chance that I met him a mile from our home. I
+induced him to stay overnight."
+
+"Did you bring me any message from him?" "No, sir, except that he is
+going to strike out for himself, as he thinks his home an unhappy one."
+
+"That is his own fault. He has had enough to eat and enough to wear. He
+has had as comfortable a home as yourself."
+
+"I don't doubt that, but he complains that his stepmother is continually
+finding fault with him, and scolding him."
+
+"He provokes her to do it. He is a headstrong, obstinate boy."
+
+"He never had that reputation at school, sir. We all liked him."
+
+"I suppose you mean to imply that I am in fault?" said the doctor,
+warmly.
+
+"I don't think you know how badly Mrs. Crawford treats Carl, sir."
+
+"Of course, of course. That is always said of a stepmother."
+
+"Not always, sir. I have a stepmother myself, and no own mother could
+treat me better."
+
+"You are probably a better boy."
+
+"I can't accept the compliment. I hope you'll excuse me saying it, Dr.
+Crawford, but if my stepmother treated me as Carl says Mrs. Crawford
+treats him I wouldn't stay in the house another day."
+
+"Really, this is very annoying," said Dr. Crawford, irritably. "Have you
+come here from Warren to say this?"
+
+"No, sir, not entirely."
+
+"Perhaps Carl wants me to receive him back. I will do so if he promises
+to obey his stepmother."
+
+"That he won't do, I am sure."
+
+"Then what is the object of your visit?"
+
+"To say that Carl wants and intends to earn his own living. But it is
+hard for a boy of his age, who has never worked, to earn enough at first
+to pay for his board and clothes. He asks, or, rather, I ask for him,
+that you will allow him a small sum, say three or four dollars a week,
+which is considerably less than he must cost you at home, for a time
+until he gets on his feet."
+
+"I don't know," said Dr. Crawford, in a vacillating tone. "I don't think
+Mrs. Crawford would approve this."
+
+"It seems to me you are the one to decide, as Carl is your own son.
+Peter must cost you a good deal more."
+
+"Do you know Peter?"
+
+"I have met him," answered Gilbert, with a slight smile.
+
+"I don't know what to say. You may be right. Peter does cost me more."
+
+"And Carl is entitled to be treated as well as he."
+
+"I think I ought to speak to Mrs. Crawford about it. And, by the way,
+I nearly forgot to say that she charges Carl with taking money from her
+bureau drawer before he went away. It was a large sum, too--twenty-five
+dollars."
+
+"That is false!" exclaimed Gilbert, indignantly. "I am surprised that
+you should believe such a thing of your own son."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford says she has proof," said the doctor, hesitating.
+
+"Then what has he done with the money? I know that he has but
+thirty-seven cents with him at this time, and he only left home
+yesterday. If the money has really been taken, I think I know who took
+it."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Peter Cook. He looks mean enough for anything."
+
+"What right have you to speak so of Peter?"
+
+"Because I caught him stoning a cat this morning. He would have killed
+the poor thing if I had not interfered. I consider that worse than
+taking money."
+
+"I--I don't know what to say. I can't agree to anything till I have
+spoken with Mrs. Crawford. Did you say that Carl had but thirty seven
+cents?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I presume you don't want him to starve?"
+
+"No, of course not. He is my son, though he has behaved badly. Here,
+give him that!" and Dr. Crawford drew a ten-dollar bill from his wallet,
+and handed it to Gilbert.
+
+"Thank you, sir. This money will be very useful. Besides, it will show
+Carl that his father is not wholly indifferent to him."
+
+"Of course not. Who says that I am a bad father?" asked Dr. Crawford,
+peevishly.
+
+"I don't think, sir, there would be any difficulty between you and Carl
+if you had not married again."
+
+"Carl has no right to vex Mrs. Crawford. Besides, he can't agree with
+Peter."
+
+"Is that his fault or Peter's?" asked Gilbert, significantly.
+
+"I am not acquainted with the circumstances, but Mrs. Crawford says that
+Carl is always bullying Peter."
+
+"He never bullied anyone at school."
+
+"Is there anything, else you want?"
+
+"Yes, sir; Carl only took away a little underclothing in a gripsack. He
+would like his woolen clothes put in his trunk, and to have it sent----"
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Perhaps it had better be sent to my house. There are one or two things
+in his room also that he asked me to get."
+
+"Why didn't he come himself?"
+
+"Because he thought it would be unpleasant for him to meet Mrs.
+Crawford. They would be sure to quarrel."
+
+"Well, perhaps he is right," said Dr. Crawford, with an air of relief.
+"About the allowance, I shall have to consult my wife. Will you come
+with me to the house?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I should like to have the matter settled to-day, so that Carl
+will know what to depend upon."
+
+Gilbert rather dreaded the interview he was likely to have with Mrs.
+Crawford; but he was acting for Carl, and his feelings of friendship
+were strong.
+
+So he walked beside Dr. Crawford till they reached the tasteful dwelling
+occupied as a residence by Carl and his father.
+
+"How happy Carl could be here, if he had a stepmother like mine,"
+Gilbert thought.
+
+They went up to the front door, which was opened for them by a servant.
+
+"Jane, is Mrs. Crawford in?" asked the doctor.
+
+"No, sir; not just now. She went to the village to do some shopping."
+
+"Is Peter in?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Then you will have to wait till they return."
+
+"Can't I go up to Carl's room and be packing his things?"
+
+"Yes, I think you may. I don't think Mrs. Crawford would object."
+
+"Good heavens! Hasn't the man a mind of his own?" thought Gilbert.
+
+"Jane, you may show this young gentleman up to Master Carl's room, and
+give him the key of his trunk. He is going to pack his clothes."
+
+"When is Master Carl coming back?" asked Jane.
+
+"I--I don't know. I think he will be away for a time."
+
+"I wish it was Peter instead of him," said Jane, in a low voice, only
+audible to Gilbert.
+
+She showed Gilbert the way upstairs, while the doctor went to his study.
+
+"Are you a friend of Master Carl's?" asked Jane, as soon as they were
+alone.
+
+"Yes, Jane."
+
+"And where is he?"
+
+"At my house."
+
+"Is he goin' to stay there?"
+
+"For a short time. He wants to go out into the world and make his own
+living."
+
+"And no wonder--poor boy! It's hard times he had here."
+
+"Didn't Mrs. Crawford treat him well?" asked Gilbert, with curiosity
+
+"Is it trate him well? She was a-jawin' an' a-jawin' him from mornin'
+till night. Ugh, but she's an ugly cr'atur'!"
+
+"How about Peter?"
+
+"He's just as bad--the m'anest bye I iver set eyes on. It would do me
+good to see him flogged."
+
+She chatted a little longer with Gilbert, helping him to find Carl's
+clothes, when suddenly a shrill voice was heard calling her from below.
+
+"Shure, it's the madam!" said Jane, shrugging her shoulders. "I expect
+she's in a temper;" and she rose from her knees and hurried downstairs.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+CARL'S STEPMOTHER.
+
+
+Five minutes later, as Gilbert was closing the trunk, Jane reappeared.
+
+"The doctor and Mrs. Crawford would like to see you downstairs," she
+said.
+
+Gilbert followed Jane into the library, where Dr. Crawford and his wife
+were seated. He looked with interest at the woman who had made home so
+disagreeable to Carl, and was instantly prejudiced against her. She was
+light complexioned, with very light-brown hair, cold, gray eyes, and a
+disagreeable expression which seemed natural to her.
+
+"My dear," said the doctor, "this is the young man who has come from
+Carl."
+
+Mrs. Crawford surveyed Gilbert with an expression by no means friendly.
+
+"What is your name?" she asked.
+
+"Gilbert Vance."
+
+"Did Carl Crawford send you here?"
+
+"No; I volunteered to come."
+
+"Did he tell you that he was disobedient and disrespectful to me?"
+
+"No; he told me that you treated him so badly that he was unwilling to
+live in the same house with you," answered Gilbert, boldly.
+
+"Well, upon my word!" exclaimed Mrs. Crawford, fanning herself
+vigorously. "Dr. Crawford, did you hear that?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And what do you think of it?"
+
+"Well, I think you may have been too hard upon Carl."
+
+"Too hard? Why, then, did he not treat me respectfully? This boy seems
+inclined to be impertinent."
+
+"I answered your questions, madam," said Gilbert, coldly.
+
+"I suppose you side with your friend Carl?"
+
+"I certainly do."
+
+Mrs. Crawford bit her lip.
+
+"What is the object of your coming? Does Carl wish to return?"
+
+"I thought Dr. Crawford might have told you."
+
+"Carl wants his clothes sent to him," said the doctor. "He only carried
+a few with him."
+
+"I shall not consent to it. He deserves no favors at our hands."
+
+This was too much even for Dr. Crawford.
+
+"You go too far, Mrs. Crawford," he said. "I am sensible of the boy's
+faults, but I certainly will not allow his clothes to be withheld from
+him."
+
+"Oh, well! spoil him if you choose!" said the lady, sullenly. "Take his
+part against your wife!"
+
+"I have never done that, but I will not allow him to be defrauded of his
+clothes."
+
+"I have no more to say," said Mrs. Crawford, her eyes snapping. She was
+clearly mortified at her failure to carry her point.
+
+"Do you wish the trunk to be sent to your house?" asked the doctor.
+
+"Yes, sir; I have packed the clothes and locked the trunk."
+
+"I should like to examine it before it goes," put in Mrs. Crawford,
+spitefully.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"To make sure that nothing has been put in that does not belong to
+Carl."
+
+"Do you mean to accuse me of stealing, madam?" demanded Gilbert,
+indignantly.
+
+Mrs. Crawford tossed her head.
+
+"I don't know anything about you," she replied.
+
+"Dr. Crawford, am I to open the trunk?" asked Gilbert.
+
+"No," answered the doctor, with unwonted decision.
+
+"I hate that boy! He has twice subjected me to mortification," thought
+Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"You know very well," she said, turning to her husband, "that I have
+grounds for my request. I blush to mention it, but I have reason to
+believe that your son took a wallet containing twenty-five dollars from
+my bureau drawer."
+
+"I deny it!" said Gilbert.
+
+"What do you know about it, I should like to ask?" sneered Mrs.
+Crawford.
+
+"I know that Carl is an honorable boy, incapable of theft, and at this
+moment has but thirty-seven cents in his possession."
+
+"So far as you know."
+
+"If the money has really disappeared, madam, you had better ask your own
+boy about it."
+
+"This is insufferable!" exclaimed Mrs. Crawford, her light eyes emitting
+angry flashes. "Who dares to say that Peter took the wallet?" she went
+on, rising to her feet.
+
+There was an unexpected reply. Jane entered the room at this moment to
+ask a question.
+
+"I say so, ma'am," she rejoined.
+
+"What?" ejaculated Mrs. Crawford, with startling emphasis.
+
+"I didn't mean to say anything about it till I found you were charging
+it on Master Carl. I saw Peter open your bureau drawer, take out the
+wallet, and put it in his pocket."
+
+"It's a lie!" said Mrs. Crawford, hoarsely.
+
+"It's the truth, though I suppose you don't want to believe it. If you
+want to know what he did with the money ask him how much he paid for the
+gold ring he bought of the jeweler down at the village."
+
+"You are a spy--a base, dishonorable spy!" cried Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"I won't say what you are, ma'am, to bring false charges against Master
+Carl, and I wonder the doctor will believe them."
+
+"Leave the house directly, you hussy!" shrieked Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"If I do, I wonder who'll get the dinner?" remarked Jane, not at all
+disturbed.
+
+"I won't stay here to be insulted," said the angry lady. "Dr. Crawford,
+you might have spirit enough to defend your wife."
+
+She flounced out of the room, not waiting for a reply, leaving the
+doctor dazed and flurried.
+
+"I hope, sir, you are convinced now that Carl did not take Mrs.
+Crawford's money," said Gilbert. "I told you it was probably Peter."
+
+"Are you sure of what you said, Jane?" asked the doctor.
+
+"Yes, sir. I saw Peter take the wallet with my own eyes."
+
+"It is his mother's money, and they must settle it between them I am
+glad Carl did not take it. Really, this has been a very unpleasant
+scene."
+
+"I am sorry for my part in it. Carl is my friend, and I feel that I
+ought to stand up for his rights," remarked Gilbert.
+
+"Certainly, certainly, that is right. But you see how I am placed."
+
+"I see that this is no place for Carl. If you will allow me, I will send
+an expressman for the trunk, and take it with me to the station."
+
+"Yes, I see no objection. I--I would invite you to dinner, but Mrs.
+Crawford seems to be suffering from a nervous attack, and it might not
+be pleasant."
+
+"I agree with you, sir."
+
+Just then Peter entered the room, and looked at Gilbert with surprise
+and wrath, remembering his recent discomfiture at the hands of the young
+visitor.
+
+"My stepson, Peter," announced Dr. Crawford.
+
+"Peter and I have met before," said Gilbert, smiling.
+
+"What are you here for?" asked Peter, rudely.
+
+"Not to see you," answered Gilbert, turning from him.
+
+"My mother'll have something to say to you," went on Peter,
+significantly.
+
+"She will have something to say to you," retorted Gilbert. "She has
+found out who stole her money."
+
+Peter's face turned scarlet instantly, and he left the room hurriedly.
+
+"Perhaps I ought not to have said that, Dr Crawford," added Gilbert,
+apologetically, "but I dislike that boy very much, and couldn't help
+giving him as good as he sent."
+
+"It is all very unpleasant," responded Dr. Crawford, peevishly. "I don't
+see why I can't live in peace and tranquility."
+
+"I won't intrude upon you any longer," said Gilbert, "if you will kindly
+tell me whether you will consent to make Carl a small weekly allowance."
+
+"I can't say now. I want time to think. Give me your address, and I will
+write to Carl in your care."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+Gilbert left the house and made arrangements to have Carl's trunk called
+for. It accompanied him on the next train to Warren.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Mrs. CRAWFORD'S LETTER.
+
+
+"How did you like my stepmother?" asked Carl, when Gilbert returned in
+the afternoon.
+
+"She's a daisy!" answered Gilbert, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't
+think I ever saw a more disagreeable woman."
+
+"Do you blame me for leaving home?"
+
+"I only wonder you have been able to stay so long. I had a long
+conversation with your father."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford has made a different man of him. I should have no trouble
+in getting along with him if there was no one to come between us."
+
+"He gave me this for you," said Gilbert, producing the ten-dollar bill.
+
+"Did my stepmother know of his sending it?"
+
+"No; she was opposed to sending your trunk, but your father said
+emphatically you should have it."
+
+"I am glad he showed that much spirit."
+
+"I have some hopes that he will make you an allowance of a few dollars a
+week."
+
+"That would make me all right, but I don't expect it."
+
+"You will probably hear from your father to-morrow or next day, so you
+will have to make yourself contented a little longer."
+
+"I hope you are not very homesick, Mr. Crawford?" said Julia,
+coquettishly.
+
+"I would ask nothing better than to stay here permanently," rejoined
+Carl, earnestly. "This is a real home. I have met with more kindness
+here than in six months at my own home."
+
+"You have one staunch friend at home," said Gilbert.
+
+"You don't allude to Peter?"
+
+"So far as I can judge, he hates you like poison. I mean Jane."
+
+"Yes, Jane is a real friend. She has been in the family for ten years.
+She was a favorite with my own mother, and feels an interest in me."
+
+"By the way, your stepmother's charge that you took a wallet containing
+money from her drawer has been disproved by Jane. She saw Peter
+abstracting the money, and so informed Mrs. Crawford."
+
+"I am not at all surprised. Peter is mean enough to steal or do anything
+else. What did my stepmother say?"
+
+"She was very angry, and threatened to discharge Jane; but, as no one
+would be left to attend to the dinner, I presume she is likely to stay."
+
+"I ought to be forming some plan," said Carl, thoughtfully.
+
+"Wait till you hear from home. Julia will see that your time is well
+filled up till then. Dismiss all care, and enjoy yourself while you
+may."
+
+This seemed to be sensible advice, and Carl followed it. In the evening
+some young people were invited in, and there was a round of amusements
+that made Carl forget that he was an exile from home, with very dubious
+prospects.
+
+"You are all spoiling me," he said, as Gilbert and he went upstairs to
+bed. "I am beginning to understand the charms of home. To go out into
+the world from here will be like taking a cold shower bath."
+
+"Never forget, Carl, that you will be welcome back, whenever you feel
+like coming," said Gilbert, laying his band affectionately on Carl's
+shoulder. "We all like you here."
+
+"Thank you, old fellow! I appreciate the kindness I have received here;
+but I must strike out for myself."
+
+"How do you feel about it, Carl?"
+
+"I hope for the best. I am young, strong and willing to work. There must
+be an opening for me somewhere."
+
+The next morning, just after breakfast, a letter arrived for Carl,
+mailed at Edgewood Center.
+
+"Is it from your father?" asked Gilbert.
+
+"No; it is in the handwriting of my stepmother. I can guess from that
+that it contains no good news."
+
+He opened the letter, and as he read it his face expressed disgust and
+annoyance.
+
+"Read it, Gilbert," he said, handing him the open sheet.
+
+This was the missive:
+
+
+"CARL CRAWFORD:--AS your father has a nervous attack, brought on by
+your misconduct, he has authorized me to write to you. As you are but
+sixteen, he could send for you and have you forcibly brought back,
+but deems it better for you to follow your own course and suffer the
+punishment of your obstinate and perverse conduct. The boy whom you sent
+here proved a fitting messenger. He seems, if possible, to be even worse
+than yourself. He was very impertinent to me, and made a brutal and
+unprovoked attack on my poor boy, Peter, whose devotion to your father
+and myself forms an agreeable contrast to your studied disregard of our
+wishes.
+
+"Your friend had the assurance to ask for a weekly allowance for you
+while a voluntary exile from the home where you have been only too well
+treated. In other words, you want to be paid for your disobedience.
+Even if your father were weak enough to think of complying with this
+extraordinary request, I should do my best to dissuade him."
+
+
+"Small doubt of that!" said Carl, bitterly.
+
+
+"In my sorrow for your waywardness, I am comforted by the thought that
+Peter is too good and conscientious ever to follow your example. While
+you are away, he will do his utmost to make up to your father for his
+disappointment in you. That you may grow wise in time, and turn
+at length from the error of your ways, is the earnest hope of your
+stepmother,
+
+"Anastasia Crawford."
+
+
+"It makes me sick to read such a letter as that, Gilbert," said Carl.
+"And to have that sneak and thief--as he turned out to be--Peter, set up
+as a model for me, is a little too much."
+
+"I never knew there were such women in the world!" returned Gilbert.
+"I can understand your feelings perfectly, after my interview of
+yesterday."
+
+"She thinks even worse of you than of me," said Carl, with a faint
+smile.
+
+"I have no doubt Peter shares her sentiments. I didn't make many friends
+in your family, it must be confessed."
+
+"You did me a service, Gilbert, and I shall not soon forget it."
+
+"Where did your stepmother come from?" asked Gilbert, thoughtfully.
+
+"I don't know. My father met her at some summer resort. She was staying
+in the same boarding house, she and the angelic Peter. She lost no time
+in setting her cap for my father, who was doubtless reported to her as a
+man of property, and she succeeded in capturing him."
+
+"I wonder at that. She doesn't seem very fascinating."
+
+"She made herself very agreeable to my father, and was even affectionate
+in her manner to me, though I couldn't get to like her. The end was that
+she became Mrs. Crawford. Once installed in our house, she soon threw
+off the mask and showed herself in her true colors, a cold-hearted,
+selfish and disagreeable woman."
+
+"I wonder your father doesn't recognize her for what she is."
+
+"She is very artful, and is politic enough to treat him well. She has
+lost no opportunity of prejudicing him against me. If he were not an
+invalid she would find her task more difficult."
+
+"Did she have any property when your father married her?"
+
+"Not that I have been able to discover. She is scheming to have my
+father leave the lion's share of his property to her and Peter. I dare
+say she will succeed."
+
+"Let us hope your father will live till you are a young man, at least,
+and better able to cope with her."
+
+"I earnestly hope so."
+
+"Your father is not an old man."
+
+"He is fifty-one, but he is not strong. I believe he has liver
+complaint. At any rate, I know that when, at my stepmother's
+instigation, he applied to an insurance company to insure his life for
+her benefit, the application was rejected."
+
+"You don't know anything of Mrs. Crawford's antecedents?"
+
+"No."
+
+"What was her name before she married your father?"
+
+"She was a Mrs. Cook. That, as you know, is Peter's name."
+
+"Perhaps, in your travels, you may learn something of her history."
+
+"I should like to do so."
+
+"You won't leave us to-morrow?"
+
+"I must go to-day. I know now that I must depend wholly upon my own
+exertions, and I must get to work as soon as possible."
+
+"You will write to me, Carl?"
+
+"Yes, when I have anything agreeable to write."
+
+"Let us hope that will be soon."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ENDS IN A TRAGEDY.
+
+
+Carl obtained permission to leave his trunk at the Vance mansion, merely
+taking out what he absolutely needed for a change.
+
+"When I am settled I will send for it," he said. "Now I shouldn't know
+what to do with it."
+
+There were cordial good-bys, and Carl started once more on the tramp.
+He might, indeed, have traveled by rail, for he had ten dollars and
+thirty-seven cents; but it occurred to him that in walking he might meet
+with some one who would give him employment. Besides, he was not in a
+hurry to get on, nor had he any definite destination. The day was fine,
+there was a light breeze, and he experienced a hopeful exhilaration
+as he walked lightly on, with the world before him, and any number of
+possibilities in the way of fortunate adventures that might befall him.
+
+He had walked five miles, when, to the left, he saw an elderly man
+hard at work in a hay field. He was leaning on his rake, and looking
+perplexed and troubled. Carl paused to rest, and as he looked over the
+rail fence, attracted the attention of the farmer.
+
+"I say, young feller, where are you goin'?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know--exactly."
+
+"You don't know where you are goin'?" repeated the farmer, in surprise.
+
+Carl laughed. "I am going out in the world to seek my fortune," he said.
+
+"You be? Would you like a job?" asked the farmer, eagerly.
+
+"What sort of a job?"
+
+"I'd like to have you help me hayin'. My hired man is sick, and he's
+left me in a hole. It's goin' to rain, and----"
+
+"Going to rain?" repeated Carl, in surprise, as he looked up at the
+nearly cloudless sky.
+
+"Yes. It don't look like it, I know, but old Job Hagar say it'll rain
+before night, and what he don't know about the weather ain't worth
+knowin'. I want to get the hay on this meadow into the barn, and then
+I'll feel safe, rain or shine."
+
+"And you want me to help you?"
+
+"Yes; you look strong and hardy."
+
+"Yes, I am pretty strong," said Carl, complacently.
+
+"Well, what do you say?"
+
+"All right. I'll help you."
+
+Carl gave a spring and cleared the fence, landing in the hay field,
+having first thrown his valise over.
+
+"You're pretty spry," said the farmer. "I couldn't do that."
+
+"No, you're too heavy," said Carl, smiling, as he noted the clumsy
+figure of his employer. "Now, what shall I do?"
+
+"Take that rake and rake up the hay. Then we'll go over to the barn and
+get the hay wagon."
+
+"Where is your barn?"
+
+The farmer pointed across the fields to a story-and-a-half farmhouse,
+and standing near it a good-sized barn, brown from want of paint and
+exposure to sun and rain. The buildings were perhaps twenty-five rods
+distant.
+
+"Are you used to hayin'?" asked the farmer.
+
+"Well, no, not exactly; though I've handled a rake before."
+
+Carl's experience, however, had been very limited. He had, to be sure,
+had a rake in his hand, but probably he had not worked more than ten
+minutes at it. However, raking is easily learned, and his want of
+experience was not detected. He started off with great enthusiasm, but
+after a while thought it best to adopt the more leisurely movements of
+the farmer. After two hours his hands began to blister, but still he
+kept on.
+
+"I have got to make my living by hard work," he said to himself, "and it
+won't do to let such a little thing as a blister interfere."
+
+When he had been working a couple of hours, he began to feel hungry.
+His walk, and the work he had been doing, sharpened his appetite till
+he really felt uncomfortable. It was at this time--just twelve
+o'clock--that the farmer's wife came to the front door and blew a fish
+horn so vigorously that it could probably have been heard half a mile.
+
+"The old woman's got dinner ready," said the farmer. "If you don't mind
+takin' your pay in victuals, you can go along home with me, and take a
+bite."
+
+"I think I could take two or three, sir."
+
+"Ho, ho! that's a good joke! Money's scarce, and I'd rather pay in
+victuals, if it's all the same to you."
+
+"Do you generally find people willing to work for their board?" asked
+Carl, who knew that he was being imposed upon.
+
+"Well, I might pay a leetle more. You work for me till sundown, and I'll
+give you dinner and supper, and--fifteen cents."
+
+Carl wanted to laugh. At this rate of compensation he felt that it would
+take a long time to make a fortune, but he was so hungry that he would
+have accepted board alone if it had been necessary.
+
+"I agree," he said. "Shall I leave my rake here?"
+
+"Yes; it'll be all right."
+
+"I'll take along my valise, for I can't afford to run any risk of losing
+it."
+
+"Jest as you say."
+
+Five minutes brought them to the farmhouse.
+
+"Can I wash my hands?" asked Carl.
+
+"Yes, you can go right to the sink and wash in the tin basin. There's a
+roll towel behind the door. Mis' Perkins"--that was the way he addressed
+his wife--"this is a young chap that I've hired to help me hayin'. You
+can set a chair for him at the table."
+
+"All right, Silas. He don't look very old, though."
+
+"No, ma'am. I ain't twenty-one yet," answered Carl, who was really
+sixteen.
+
+"I shouldn't say you was. You ain't no signs of a mustache."
+
+"I keep it short, ma'am, in warm weather," said Carl.
+
+"It don't dull a razor any to cut it in cold weather, does it?" asked
+the farmer, chuckling at his joke.
+
+"Well, no, sir; I can't say it does."
+
+It was a boiled dinner that the farmer's wife provided, corned beef and
+vegetables, but the plebeian meal seemed to Carl the best he ever ate.
+Afterwards there was apple pudding, to which he did equal justice.
+
+"I never knew work improved a fellow's appetite so," reflected the young
+traveler. "I never ate with so much relish at home."
+
+After dinner they went back to the field and worked till the supper
+hour, five o'clock. By that time all the hay had been put into the barn.
+
+"We've done a good day's work," said the farmer, in a tone of
+satisfaction, "and only just in time. Do you see that dark cloud?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"In half an hour there'll be rain, or I'm mistaken. Old Job Hagar is
+right after all."
+
+The farmer proved a true prophet. In half an hour, while they were at
+the supper table, the rain began to come down in large drops--forming
+pools in the hollows of the ground, and drenching all exposed objects
+with the largesse of the heavens.
+
+"Where war you a-goin' to-night?" asked the farmer.
+
+"I don't know, sir."
+
+"I was thinkin' that I'd give you a night's lodgin' in place of the
+fifteen cents I agreed to pay you. Money's very skeerce with me, and
+will be till I've sold off some of the crops."
+
+"I shall be glad to make that arrangement," said Carl, who had been
+considering how much the farmer would ask for lodging, for there seemed
+small chance of continuing his journey. Fifteen cents was a lower price
+than he had calculated on.
+
+"That's a sensible idea!" said the farmer, rubbing his hands with
+satisfaction at the thought that he had secured valuable help at no
+money outlay whatever.
+
+The next morning Carl continued his tramp, refusing the offer of
+continued employment on the same terms. He was bent on pursuing his
+journey, though he did not know exactly where he would fetch up in the
+end.
+
+At twelve o'clock that day he found himself in the outskirts of a town,
+with the same uncomfortable appetite that he had felt the day before,
+but with no hotel or restaurant anywhere near. There was, however, a
+small house, the outer door of which stood conveniently open. Through
+the open window, Carl saw a table spread as if for dinner, and he
+thought it probable that he could arrange to become a boarder for a
+single meal. He knocked at the door, but no one came. He shouted out:
+"Is anybody at home?" and received no answer. He went to a small barn
+just outside and peered in, but no one was to be seen.
+
+What should he do? He was terribly hungry, and the sight of the food on
+the table was tantalizing.
+
+"I'll go in, as the door is open," he decided, "and sit down to the
+table and eat. Somebody will be along before I get through, and I'll pay
+whatever is satisfactory, for eat I must."
+
+He entered, seated himself, and ate heartily. Still no one appeared.
+
+"I don't want to go off without paying," thought Carl. "I'll see if I
+can find somebody."
+
+He opened the door into the kitchen, but it was deserted. Then he opened
+that of a small bedroom, and started back in terror and dismay.
+
+There suspended from a hook--a man of middle age was hanging, with his
+head bent forward, his eyes wide open, and his tongue protruding from
+his mouth!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+CARL FALLS UNDER SUSPICION.
+
+
+To a person of any age such a sight as that described at the close of
+the last chapter might well have proved startling. To a boy like Carl
+it was simply overwhelming. It so happened that he had but twice seen a
+dead person, and never a victim of violence. The peculiar circumstances
+increased the effect upon his mind.
+
+He placed his hand upon the man's face, and found that he was still
+warm. He could have been dead but a short time.
+
+"What shall I do?" thought Carl, perplexed. "This is terrible!"
+
+Then it flashed upon him that as he was alone with the dead man
+suspicion might fall upon him as being concerned in what might be called
+a murder.
+
+"I had better leave here at once," he reflected. "I shall have to go
+away without paying for my meal."
+
+He started to leave the house, but had scarcely reached the door when
+two persons--a man and a woman--entered. Both looked at Carl with
+suspicion.
+
+"What are you doing here?" asked the man.
+
+"I beg your pardon," answered Carl; "I was very hungry, and seeing
+no one about, took the liberty to sit down at the table and eat. I am
+willing to pay for my dinner if you will tell me how much it amounts
+to."
+
+"Wasn't my husband here?" asked the woman.
+
+"I--I am afraid something has happened to your husband," faltered Carl.
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+Carl silently pointed to the chamber door. The woman opened it, and
+uttered a loud shriek.
+
+"Look here, Walter!" she cried.
+
+Her companion quickly came to her side.
+
+"My husband is dead!" cried the woman; "basely murdered, and there,"
+pointing fiercely to Carl, "there stands the murderer!"
+
+"Madam, you cannot believe this!" said Carl, naturally agitated.
+
+"What have you to say for yourself?" demanded the man, suspiciously.
+
+"I only just saw--your husband," continued Carl, addressing himself to
+the woman. "I had finished my meal, when I began to search for some one
+whom I could pay, and so opened this door into the room beyond, when I
+saw--him hanging there!"
+
+"Don't believe him, the red-handed murderer!" broke out the woman,
+fiercely. "He is probably a thief; he killed my poor husband, and then
+sat down like a cold-blooded villain that he is, and gorged himself."
+
+Things began to look very serious for poor Carl.
+
+"Your husband is larger and stronger than myself," he urged,
+desperately. "How could I overpower him?"
+
+"It looks reasonable, Maria," said the man. "I don't see how the boy
+could have killed Mr. Brown, or lifted him upon the hook, even if he did
+not resist."
+
+"He murdered him, I tell you, he murdered him!" shrieked the woman, who
+seemed bereft of reason. "I call upon you to arrest him."
+
+"I am not a constable, Maria."
+
+"Then tie him so he cannot get away, and go for a constable. I wouldn't
+feel safe with him in the house, unless he were tied fast. He might hang
+me!"
+
+Terrible as the circumstances were, Carl felt an impulse to laugh. It
+seemed absurd to hear himself talked of in this way.
+
+"Tie me if you like!" he said. "I am willing to wait here till some one
+comes who has a little common sense. Just remember that I am only a boy,
+and haven't the strength of a full-grown man!"
+
+"The boy is right, Maria! It's a foolish idea of yours."
+
+"I call upon you to tie the villain!" insisted the woman.
+
+"Just as you say! Can you give me some rope?"
+
+From a drawer Mrs. Brown drew a quantity of strong cord, and the man
+proceeded to tie Carl's hands.
+
+"Tie his feet, too, Walter!"
+
+"Even if you didn't tie me, I would promise to remain here. I don't want
+anybody to suspect me of such a thing," put in Carl.
+
+"How artful he is!" said Mrs. Brown. "Tie him strong, Walter."
+
+The two were left alone, Carl feeling decidedly uncomfortable. The
+newly-made widow laid her head upon the table and moaned, glancing
+occasionally at the body of her husband, as it still hung suspended from
+the hook.
+
+"Oh, William, I little expected to find you dead!" she groaned. "I only
+went to the store to buy a pound of salt, and when I come back, I find
+you cold and still, the victim of a young ruffian! How could you be so
+wicked?" she demanded fiercely of Carl.
+
+"I have told you that I had nothing to do with your husband's death,
+madam."
+
+"Who killed him, then?" she cried.
+
+"I don't know. He must have committed suicide."
+
+"Don't think you are going to escape in that way. I won't rest till I
+see you hung!"
+
+"I wish I had never entered the house," thought Carl, uncomfortably.
+"I would rather have gone hungry for twenty four hours longer than find
+myself in such a position."
+
+Half an hour passed. Then a sound of voices was heard outside, and half
+a dozen men entered, including besides the messenger, the constable and
+a physician.
+
+"Why was he not cut down?" asked the doctor, hastily. "There might have
+been a chance to resuscitate him."
+
+"I didn't think of it," said the messenger. "Maria was so excited, and
+insisted that the boy murdered him."
+
+"What boy?"
+
+Carl was pointed out.
+
+"That boy? What nonsense!" exclaimed Dr. Park. "Why, it would be more
+than you or I could do to overpower and hang a man weighing one hundred
+and seventy-five pounds."
+
+"That's what I thought, but Maria seemed crazed like."
+
+"I tell you he did it! Are you going to let him go, the red-handed
+murderer?"
+
+"Loose the cord, and I will question the boy," said Dr. Park, with an
+air of authority.
+
+Carl breathed a sigh of relief, when, freed from his bonds, he stood
+upright.
+
+"I'll tell you all I know," he said, "but it won't throw any light upon
+the death."
+
+Dr. Park listened attentively, and asked one or two questions.
+
+"Did you hear any noise when you were sitting at the table?" he
+inquired.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Was the door closed?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That of itself would probably prevent your hearing anything. Mrs.
+Brown, at what hour did you leave the house?"
+
+"At ten minutes of twelve."
+
+"It is now five minutes of one. The deed must have been committed just
+after you left the house. Had you noticed anything out of the way in
+your--husband's manner?"
+
+"No, sir, not much. He was always a silent man."
+
+"Had anything happened to disturb him?"
+
+"He got a letter this morning. I don't know what was in it."
+
+"We had better search for it."
+
+The body was taken down and laid on the bed. Dr. Park searched the
+pockets, and found a half sheet of note paper, on which these lines were
+written:
+
+
+"Maria:--I have made up my mind I can ive no longer. I have made a
+terrible discovery. When I married you, I thought my first wife, who
+deserted me four years ago, dead. I learn by a letter received this
+morning that she is still living in a town of Illinois. The only thing I
+can do is to free you both from my presence. When you come back from the
+store you will find me cold and dead. The little that I leave behind I
+give to you. If my first wife should come here, as she threatens, you
+can tell her so. Good-by.
+
+"William."
+
+
+The reading of this letter made a sensation. Mrs. Brown went into
+hysterics, and there was a scene of confusion.
+
+"Do you think I can go?" Carl asked Dr. Park.
+
+"Yes. There is nothing to connect you with the sad event."
+
+Carl gladly left the cottage, and it was only when he was a mile on his
+way that he remembered that he had not paid for his dinner, after all.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A PLAUSIBLE STRANGER.
+
+
+Three days later found Carl still on his travels. It was his custom
+to obtain his meals at a cheap hotel, or, if none were met with, at a
+farmhouse, and to secure lodgings where he could, and on as favorable
+terms as possible. He realized the need of economy, and felt that he was
+practicing it. He had changed his ten-dollar bill the first day, for a
+five and several ones. These last were now spent, and the five-dollar
+bill alone remained to him. He had earned nothing, though everywhere he
+had been on the lookout for a job.
+
+Toward the close of the last day he overtook a young man of twenty-five,
+who was traveling in the same direction.
+
+"Good-afternoon," said the young man, sociably.
+
+"Good-afternoon, sir."
+
+"Where are you bound, may I ask?"
+
+"To the next town."
+
+"Fillmore?"
+
+"Yes, if that is the name."
+
+"So am I. Why shouldn't we travel together?"
+
+"I have no objection," said Carl, who was glad of company.
+
+"Are you in any business?"
+
+"No, but I hope to find a place."
+
+"Oh, a smart boy like you will soon find employment."
+
+"I hope so, I am sure. I haven't much money left, and it is necessary I
+should do something."
+
+"Just so. I am a New York salesman, but just now I am on my
+vacation--taking a pedestrian tour with knapsack and staff, as you see.
+The beauty of it is that my salary runs on just as if I were at my post,
+and will nearly pay all my traveling expenses."
+
+"You are in luck. Besides you have a good place to go back to. There
+isn't any vacancy, is there? You couldn't take on a boy?" asked Carl,
+eagerly.
+
+"Well, there might be a chance," said the young man, slowly. "You
+haven't any recommendations with you, have you?"
+
+"No; I have never been employed."
+
+"It doesn't matter. I will recommend you myself."
+
+"You might be deceived in me," said Carl, smiling.
+
+"I'll take the risk of that. I know a reliable boy when I see him."
+
+"Thank you. What is the name of your firm?"
+
+"F. Brandes & Co., commission merchants, Pearl Street. My own name is
+Chauncy Hubbard, at your service."
+
+"I am Carl Crawford."
+
+"That's a good name. I predict that we shall be great chums, if I manage
+to get you a place in our establishment."
+
+"Is Mr. Brandes a good man to work for?"
+
+"Yes, he is easy and good-natured. He is liberal to his clerks. What
+salary do you think I get?"
+
+"I couldn't guess."
+
+"Forty dollars a week, and I am only twenty-five. Went into the house at
+sixteen, and worked my way up."
+
+"You have certainly done well," said Carl, respectfully.
+
+"Well, I'm no slouch, if I do say it myself."
+
+"I don't wonder your income pays the expenses of your vacation trip."
+
+"It ought to, that's a fact, though I'm rather free handed and like to
+spend money. My prospects are pretty good in another direction. Old Fred
+Brandes has a handsome daughter, who thinks considerable of your humble
+servant."
+
+"Do you think there is any chance of marrying her?" asked Carl, with
+interest.
+
+"I think my chance is pretty good, as the girl won't look at anybody
+else."
+
+"Is Mr. Brandes wealthy?"
+
+"Yes, the old man's pretty well fixed, worth nearly half a million, I
+guess."
+
+"Perhaps he will take you into the firm," suggested Carl.
+
+"Very likely. That's what I'm working for."
+
+"At any rate, you ought to save something out of your salary."
+
+"I ought, but I haven't. The fact is, Carl," said Chauncy Hubbard, in a
+burst of confidence, "I have a great mind to make a confession to you."
+
+"I shall feel flattered, I am sure," said Carl, politely.
+
+"I have one great fault--I gamble."
+
+"Do you?" said Carl, rather startled, for he had been brought up very
+properly to have a horror of gambling.
+
+"Yes, I suppose it's in my blood. My father was a very rich man at one
+time, but he lost nearly all his fortune at the gaming table."
+
+"That ought to have been a warning to you, I should think."
+
+"It ought, and may be yet, for I am still a young man."
+
+"Mr. Hubbard," said Carl, earnestly, "I feel rather diffident about
+advising you, for I am only a boy, but I should think you would give up
+such a dangerous habit."
+
+"Say no more, Carl! You are a true friend. I will try to follow your
+advice. Give me your hand."
+
+Carl did so, and felt a warm glow of pleasure at the thought that
+perhaps he had redeemed his companion from a fascinating vice.
+
+"I really wish I had a sensible boy like you to be my constant
+companion. I should feel safer."
+
+"Do you really have such a passion for gambling, then?"
+
+"Yes; if at the hotel to-night I should see a party playing poker, I
+could not resist joining them. Odd, isn't it?"
+
+"I am glad I have no such temptation."
+
+"Yes, you are lucky. By the way, how much money have you about you?"
+
+"Five dollars."
+
+"Then you can do me a favor. I have a ten-dollar bill, which I need to
+get me home. Now, I would like to have you keep a part of it for me till
+I go away in the morning. Give me your five, and I will hand you ten.
+Out of that you can pay my hotel bill and hand me the balance due me in
+the morning."
+
+"If you really wish me to do so."
+
+"Enough said. Here is the ten."
+
+Carl took the bill, and gave Mr. Hubbard his five-dollar note.
+
+"You are placing considerable confidence in me," he said.
+
+"I am, it is true, but I have no fear of being deceived. You are a boy
+who naturally inspires confidence."
+
+Carl thought Mr. Chauncy Hubbard a very agreeable and sensible fellow,
+and he felt flattered to think that the young man had chosen him as a
+guardian, so to speak.
+
+"By the way, Carl, you haven't told me," said Hubbard, as they pursued
+their journey, "how a boy like yourself is forced to work his own way."
+
+"I can tell you the reason very briefly--I have a stepmother."
+
+"I understand. Is your father living?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But he thinks more of the stepmother than of you?"
+
+"I am afraid he does."
+
+"You have my sympathy, Carl. I will do all I can to help you. If you can
+only get a place in our establishment, you will be all right. Step by
+step you will rise, till you come to stand where I do."
+
+"That would satisfy me. Has Mr. Brandes got another daughter?"
+
+"No, there is only one."
+
+"Then I shall have to be content with the forty dollars a week. If I
+ever get it, I will save half."
+
+"I wish I could."
+
+"You can if you try. Why, you might have two thousand dollars saved up
+now, if you had only begun to save in time."
+
+"I have lost more than that at the gaming table. You will think me very
+foolish."
+
+"Yes, I do," said Carl, frankly.
+
+"You are right. But here we are almost at the village."
+
+"Is there a good hotel?"
+
+"Yes--the Fillmore. We will take adjoining rooms if you say so."
+
+"Very well."
+
+"And in the morning you will pay the bill?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+The two travelers had a good supper, and retired early, both being
+fatigued with the journey. It was not till eight o'clock the next
+morning that Carl opened his eyes. He dressed hastily, and went down to
+breakfast. He was rather surprised not to see his companion of the day
+before.
+
+"Has Mr. Hubbard come down yet?" he asked at the desk.
+
+"Yes; he took an early breakfast, and went off by the first train."
+
+"That is strange. I was to pay his bill."
+
+"He paid it himself."
+
+Carl did not know what to make of this. Had Hubbard forgotten that
+he had five dollars belonging to him? Fortunately, Carl had his city
+address, and could refund the money in New York.
+
+"Very well! I will pay my own bill. How much is it?"
+
+"A dollar and a quarter."
+
+Carl took the ten-dollar bill from his wallet and tendered it to the
+clerk.
+
+Instead of changing it at once, the clerk held it up to the light and
+examined it critically.
+
+"I can't take that bill," he said, abruptly.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because it is counterfeit."
+
+Carl turned pale, and the room seemed to whirl round. It was all the
+money he had.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE COUNTERFEIT BILL.
+
+
+"Are you sure it is counterfeit?" asked Carl, very much disturbed.
+
+"I am certain of it. I haven't been handling bank bills for ten years
+without being able to tell good money from bad. I'll trouble you for
+another bill."
+
+"That's all the money I have," faltered Carl.
+
+"Look here, young man," said the clerk, sternly, "you are trying a bold
+game, but it won't succeed."
+
+"I am trying no game at all," said Carl, plucking up spirit. "I thought
+the bill was good."
+
+"Where did you get it?"
+
+"From the man who came with me last evening--Mr. Hubbard."
+
+"The money he gave me was good."
+
+"What did he give you?"
+
+"A five-dollar bill."
+
+"It was my five-dollar bill," said Carl, bitterly.
+
+"Your story doesn't seem very probable," said the clerk, suspiciously.
+"How did he happen to get your money, and you his?"
+
+"He told me that he would get to gambling, and wished me to take money
+enough to pay his bill here. He handed me the ten-dollar bill which you
+say is bad, and I gave him five in return. I think now he only wanted to
+get good money for bad."
+
+"Your story may be true, or it may not," said the clerk, whose manner
+indicated incredulity. "That is nothing to me. All you have to do is to
+pay your hotel bill, and you can settle with Mr. Hubbard when you see
+him."
+
+"But I have no other money," said Carl, desperately.
+
+"Then I shall feel justified in ordering your arrest on a charge of
+passing, or trying to pass, counterfeit money."
+
+"Don't do that, sir! I will see that you are paid out of the first money
+I earn."
+
+"You must think I am soft," said the clerk, contemptuously. "I have seen
+persons of your stripe before. I dare say, if you were searched, more
+counterfeit money would be found in your pockets."
+
+"Search me, then!" cried Carl, indignantly. "I am perfectly willing that
+you should."
+
+"Haven't you any relations who will pay your bill?"
+
+"I have no one to call upon," answered Carl, soberly. "Couldn't you let
+me work it out? I am ready to do any kind of work."
+
+"Our list of workers is full," said the clerk, coldly.
+
+Poor Carl! he felt that he was decidedly in a tight place. He had never
+before found himself unable to meet his bills, nor would he have been so
+placed now but for Hubbard's rascality. A dollar and a quarter seems
+a small sum, but if you are absolutely penniless it might as well be
+a thousand. Suppose he should be arrested and the story get into the
+papers? How his stepmother would exult in the record of his disgrace!
+He could anticipate what she would say. Peter, too, would rejoice, and
+between them both his father would be persuaded that he was thoroughly
+unprincipled.
+
+"What have you got in your valise?" asked the clerk.
+
+"Only some underclothing. If there were anything of any value I would
+cheerfully leave it as security. Wait a minute, though," he said, with a
+sudden thought. "Here is a gold pencil! It is worth five dollars; at any
+rate, it cost more than that. I can place that in your hands."
+
+"Let me see it."
+
+Carl handed the clerk a neat gold pencil, on which his name was
+inscribed. It was evidently of good quality, and found favor with the
+clerk.
+
+"I'll give you a dollar and a quarter for the pencil," he said, "and
+call it square."
+
+"I wouldn't like to sell it," said Carl.
+
+"You won't get any more for it."
+
+"I wasn't thinking of that; but it was given me by my mother, who is now
+dead. I would not like to part with anything that she gave me."
+
+"You would prefer to get off scot-free, I suppose?" retorted the clerk,
+with a sneer.
+
+"No; I am willing to leave it in your hands, but I should like the
+privilege of redeeming it when I have the money."
+
+"Very well," said the clerk, who reflected that in all probability Carl
+would never come back for it. "I'll take it on those conditions."
+
+Carl passed over the pencil with a sigh. He didn't like to part with it,
+even for a short time, but there seemed no help for it.
+
+"All right. I will mark you paid."
+
+Carl left the hotel, satchel in hand, and as he passed out into the
+street, reflected with a sinking heart that he was now quite penniless.
+Where was he to get his dinner, and how was he to provide himself with a
+lodging that night? At present he was not hungry, having eaten a hearty
+breakfast at the hotel, but by one o'clock he would feel the need of
+food. He began to ask himself if, after all, he had not been unwise in
+leaving home, no matter how badly he had been treated by his stepmother.
+There, at least, he was certain of living comfortably. Now he was in
+danger of starvation, and on two occasions already he had incurred
+suspicion, once of being concerned in a murder, and just now of passing
+counterfeit money. Ought he to have submitted, and so avoided all these
+perils?
+
+"No!" he finally decided; "I won't give up the ship yet. I am about as
+badly off as I can be; I am without a cent, and don't know where my
+next meal is to come from. But my luck may turn--it must turn--it has
+turned!" he exclaimed with energy, as his wandering glance suddenly fell
+upon a silver quarter of a dollar, nearly covered up with the dust of
+the street. "That shall prove a good omen!"
+
+He stooped over and picked up the coin, which he put in his vest pocket.
+
+It was wonderful how the possession of this small sum of money restored
+his courage and raised his spirits. He was sure of a dinner now, at all
+events. It looked as if Providence was smiling on him.
+
+Two miles farther on Carl overtook a boy of about his own age trudging
+along the road with a rake over his shoulder. He wore overalls, and was
+evidently a farmer's boy.
+
+"Good-day!" said Carl, pleasantly, noticing that the boy regarded him
+with interest.
+
+"Good-day!" returned the country lad, rather bashfully.
+
+"Can you tell me if there is any place near where I can buy some
+dinner?"
+
+"There ain't no tavern, if that's what you mean. I'm goin' home to
+dinner myself."
+
+"Where do you live?"
+
+"Over yonder."
+
+He pointed to a farmhouse about a dozen rods away.
+
+"Do you think your mother would give me some dinner?"
+
+"I guess she would. Mam's real accommodatin'."
+
+"Will you ask her?"
+
+"Yes; just come along of me."
+
+He turned into the yard, and followed a narrow path to the back door.
+
+"I'll stay here while you ask," said Carl.
+
+The boy entered the house, and came out after a brief absence.
+
+"Mam says you're to come in," he said.
+
+Carl, glad at heart, and feeling quite prepared to eat fifty cents'
+worth of dinner, followed the boy inside.
+
+A pleasant-looking, matronly woman, plainly but neatly attired, came
+forward to greet him.
+
+"Nat says you would like to get some dinner," she said.
+
+"Yes," answered Carl. "I hope you'll excuse my applying to you, but your
+son tells me there is no hotel near by."
+
+"The nearest one is three miles away from here."
+
+"I don't think I can hold out so long," said Carl, smiling.
+
+"Sit right down with Nat," said the farmer's wife, hospitably. "Mr.
+Sweetser won't be home for half an hour. We've got enough, such as it
+is."
+
+Evidently Mrs. Sweetser was a good cook. The dinner consisted of boiled
+mutton, with several kinds of vegetables. A cup of tea and two kinds of
+pie followed.
+
+It was hard to tell which of the two boys did fuller justice to the
+meal. Nat had the usual appetite of a healthy farm boy, and Carl, in
+spite of his recent anxieties, and narrow escape from serious peril, did
+not allow himself to fall behind.
+
+"Your mother's a fine cook!" said Carl, between two mouthfuls.
+
+"Ain't she, though?" answered Nat, his mouth full of pie.
+
+When Carl rose from the table he feared that he had eaten more than his
+little stock of money would pay for.
+
+"How much will it be, Mrs. Sweetser?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, you're quite welcome to all you've had," said the good woman,
+cheerily. "It's plain farmer's fare."
+
+"I never tasted a better dinner," said Carl.
+
+Mrs. Sweetser seemed pleased with the compliment to her cooking.
+
+"Come again when you are passing this way," she said. "You will always
+be welcome to a dinner."
+
+Carl thanked her heartily, and pressed on his way. Two hours later, at
+a lonely point of the road, an ill-looking tramp, who had been reclining
+by the wayside, jumped up, and addressed him in a menacing tone:
+
+"Young feller, shell over all the money you have got, or I'll hurt you!
+I'm hard up, and I won't stand no nonsense."
+
+Carl started and looked into the face of the tramp. It seemed to him
+that he had never seen a man more ill-favored, or villainous-looking.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE ARCHERY PRIZE.
+
+
+Situated as he was, it seemed, on second thought, rather a joke to Carl
+to be attacked by a robber. He had but twenty-five cents in good money
+about him, and that he had just picked up by the merest chance.
+
+"Do I look like a banker?" he asked, humorously. "Why do you want to rob
+a boy?"
+
+"The way you're togged out, you must have something," growled the tramp,
+"and I haven't got a penny."
+
+"Your business doesn't seem to pay, then?"
+
+"Don't you make fun of me, or I'll wring your neck! Just hand over your
+money and be quick about it! I haven't time to stand fooling here all
+day."
+
+A bright idea came to Carl. He couldn't spare the silver coin, which
+constituted all his available wealth, but he still had the counterfeit
+note.
+
+"You won't take all my money, will you?" he said, earnestly.
+
+"How much have you got?" asked the tramp, pricking up his ears.
+
+Carl, with apparent reluctance, drew out the ten-dollar bill.
+
+The tramp's face lighted up.
+
+"Is your name Vanderbilt?" he asked. "I didn't expect to make such a
+haul."
+
+"Can't you give me back a dollar out of it? I don't want to lose all I
+have."
+
+"I haven't got a cent. You'll have to wait till we meet again. So long,
+boy! You've helped me out of a scrape."
+
+"Or into one," thought Carl.
+
+The tramp straightened up, buttoned his dilapidated coat, and walked off
+with the consciousness of being a capitalist.
+
+Carl watched him with a smile.
+
+"I hope I won't meet him after he has discovered that the bill is a
+counterfeit," he said to himself.
+
+He congratulated himself upon being still the possessor of twenty-five
+cents in silver. It was not much, but it seemed a great deal better than
+being penniless. A week before he would have thought it impossible
+that such a paltry sum would have made him feel comfortable, but he had
+passed through a great deal since then.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon he came to a field, in which something
+appeared to be going on. Some forty or fifty young persons, boys and
+girls, were walking about the grass, and seemed to be preparing for some
+interesting event.
+
+Carl stopped to rest and look on.
+
+"What's going on here?" he asked of a boy who was sitting on the fence.
+
+"It's a meeting of the athletic association," said the boy.
+
+"What are they doing?"
+
+"They try for prizes in jumping, vaulting, archery and so on."
+
+This interested Carl, who excelled in all manly exercises.
+
+"I suppose I may stay and look on?" he said, inquiringly.
+
+"Why, of course. Jump over the fence and I'll go round with you."
+
+It seemed pleasant to Carl to associate once more with boys of his own
+age. Thrown unexpectedly upon his own resources, he had almost forgotten
+that he was a boy. Face to face with a cold and unsympathizing world, he
+seemed to himself twenty-five at least.
+
+"Those who wish to compete for the archery prize will come forward,"
+announced Robert Gardiner, a young man of nineteen, who, as Carl
+learned, was the president of the association. "You all understand the
+conditions. The entry fee to competitors is ten cents. The prize to the
+most successful archer is one dollar."
+
+Several boys came forward and paid the entrance fee.
+
+"Would you like to compete?" asked Edward Downie, the boy whose
+acquaintance Carl had made.
+
+"I am an outsider," said Carl. "I don't belong to the association."
+
+"I'll speak to the president, if you like."
+
+"I don't want to intrude."
+
+"It won't be considered an intrusion. You pay the entrance fee and take
+your chances."
+
+Edward went to the president and spoke to him in a low voice. The result
+was that he advanced to Carl, and said, courteously:
+
+"If you would like to enter into our games, you are quite at liberty to
+do so."
+
+"Thank you," responded Carl. "I have had a little practice in archery,
+and will enter my name for that prize."
+
+He paid over his quarter and received back fifteen cents in change. It
+seemed rather an imprudent outlay, considering his small capital; but he
+had good hopes of carrying off the prize, and that would be a great lift
+for him. Seven boys entered besides Carl. The first was Victor Russell,
+a lad of fourteen, whose arrow went three feet above the mark.
+
+"The prize is mine if none of you do better than that," laughed Victor,
+good-naturedly.
+
+"I hope not, for the credit of the club," said the president. "Mr.
+Crawford, will you shoot next?"
+
+"I would prefer to be the last," said Carl, modestly.
+
+"John Livermore, your turn now."
+
+John came a little nearer than his predecessor, but did not distinguish
+himself.
+
+"If that is a specimen of the skill of the clubmen," thought Carl, "my
+chance is a good one."
+
+Next came Frank Stockton, whose arrow stuck only three inches from the
+center of the target.
+
+"Good for Fred!" cried Edward Downie. "Just wait till you see me shoot!"
+
+"Are you a dangerous rival?" asked Carl, smiling.
+
+"I can hit a barn door if I am only near enough," replied Edward.
+
+"Edward Downie!" called the president.
+
+Edward took his bow and advanced to the proper place, bent it, and the
+arrow sped on its way.
+
+There was a murmur of surprise when his arrow struck only an inch to the
+right of the centre. No one was more amazed than Edward himself, for he
+was accounted far from skillful. It was indeed a lucky accident.
+
+"What do you say to that?" asked Edward, triumphantly.
+
+"I think the prize is yours. I had no idea you could shoot like that,"
+said Carl.
+
+"Nor I," rejoined Edward, laughing.
+
+"Carl Crawford!" called the president.
+
+Carl took his position, and bent his bow with the greatest care. He
+exercised unusual deliberation, for success meant more to him than to
+any of the others. A dollar to him in his present circumstances would
+be a small fortune, while the loss of even ten cents would be sensibly
+felt. His heart throbbed with excitement as he let the arrow speed on
+its mission.
+
+His unusual deliberation, and the fact that he was a stranger,
+excited strong interest, and all eyes followed the arrow with eager
+attentiveness.
+
+There was a sudden shout of irrepressible excitement.
+
+Carl's arrow had struck the bull's-eye and the prize was his.
+
+"Christopher!" exclaimed Edward Downie, "you've beaten me, after all!"
+
+"I'm almost sorry," said Carl, apologetically, but the light in his eyes
+hardly bore out the statement.
+
+"Never mind. Everybody would have called it a fluke if I had won,"
+said Edward. "I expect to get the prize for the long jump. I am good at
+that."
+
+"So am I, but I won't compete; I will leave it to you."
+
+"No, no. I want to win fair."
+
+Carl accordingly entered his name. He made the second best jump, but
+Edward's exceeded his by a couple of inches, and the prize was adjudged
+to him.
+
+"I have my revenge," he said, smiling. "I am glad I won, for it wouldn't
+have been to the credit of the club to have an outsider carry off two
+prizes."
+
+"I am perfectly satisfied," said Carl; "I ought to be, for I did not
+expect to carry off any."
+
+Carl decided not to compete for any other prize. He had invested twenty
+cents and got back a dollar, which left him a profit of eighty cents.
+This, with his original quarter, made him the possessor of a dollar and
+five cents.
+
+"My luck seems to have turned," he said to himself, and the thought gave
+him fresh courage.
+
+It was five o'clock when the games were over, and Carl prepared to start
+again on his journey.
+
+"Where are you going to take supper?" asked Downie.
+
+"I--don't--know."
+
+"Come home with me. If you are in no hurry, you may as well stay
+overnight, and go on in the morning."
+
+"Are you sure it won't inconvenience you?"
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"Then I'll accept with thanks."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+AN ODD ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+After breakfast the next morning Carl started again on his way. His new
+friend, Edward Downie, accompanied him for a mile, having an errand at
+that distance.
+
+"I wish you good luck, Carl," he said, earnestly. "When you come this
+way again, be sure to stop in and see me."
+
+"I will certainly do so, but I hope I may find employment."
+
+"At any rate," thought Carl, as he resumed his journey alone, "I am
+better off than I was yesterday morning. Then I had but twenty-five
+cents; now I have a dollar."
+
+This was satisfactory as far as it went, but Carl was sensible that he
+was making no progress in his plan of earning a living. He was simply
+living from hand to mouth, and but for good luck he would have had to go
+hungry, and perhaps have been obliged to sleep out doors. What he wanted
+was employment.
+
+It was about ten o'clock when, looking along the road, his curiosity was
+excited by a man of very unusual figure a few rods in advance of him.
+He looked no taller than a boy of ten; but his frame was large, his
+shoulders broad, and his arms were of unusual length. He might properly
+be called a dwarf.
+
+"I am glad I am not so small as that," thought Carl. "I am richer
+than he in having a good figure. I should not like to excite attention
+wherever I go by being unusually large or unusually small."
+
+Some boys would have felt inclined to laugh at the queer figure, but
+Carl had too much good feeling. His curiosity certainly was aroused, and
+he thought he would like to get acquainted with the little man, whose
+garments of fine texture showed that, though short in stature, he was
+probably long in purse. He didn't quite know how to pave the way for an
+acquaintance, but circumstances favored him.
+
+The little man drew out a handkerchief from the side pocket of his
+overcoat. With it fluttered out a bank bill, which fell to the ground
+apparently unobserved by the owner.
+
+Carl hurried on, and, picking up the bill, said to the small stranger as
+he touched his arm: "Here is some money you just dropped, sir."
+
+The little man turned round and smiled pleasantly.
+
+"Thank you. Are you sure it is mine?"
+
+"Yes, sir; it came out with your handkerchief."
+
+"Let me see. So it is mine. I was very careless to put it loose in my
+pocket."
+
+"You were rather careless, sir."
+
+"Of what denomination is it?'
+
+"It is a two-dollar note."
+
+"If you had been a poor boy," said the little man, eying Carl keenly,
+"you might have been tempted to keep it. I might not have known."
+
+Carl smiled.
+
+"What makes you think I am not a poor boy?" he said.
+
+"You are well dressed."
+
+"That is true; but all the money I have is a dollar and five cents."
+
+"You know where to get more? You have a good home?"
+
+"I had a home, but now I am thrown on my own exertions," said Carl,
+soberly.
+
+"Dear me! That is bad! If I were better acquainted, I might ask more
+particularly how this happens. Are you an orphan?"
+
+"No, sir; my father is living."
+
+"And your mother is dead?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Is your father a poor man?"
+
+"No, sir; he is moderately rich."
+
+"Yet you have to fight your own way?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I have a stepmother."
+
+"I see. Are you sure you are not unreasonably prejudiced against your
+stepmother? All stepmothers are not bad or unkind."
+
+"I know that, sir."
+
+"Yours is, I presume?"
+
+"You can judge for yourself."
+
+Carl recited some incidents in his experience with his stepmother. The
+stranger listened with evident interest.
+
+"I am not in general in favor of boys leaving home except on extreme
+provocation," he said, after a pause; "but in your case, as your father
+seems to take part against you, I think you may be justified, especially
+as, at your age, you have a fair chance of making your own living."
+
+"I am glad you think that, sir. I have begun to wonder whether I have
+not acted rashly."
+
+"In undertaking to support yourself?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"How old are you?"
+
+"Sixteen."
+
+"At fourteen I was obliged to undertake what you have now before you."
+
+"To support yourself?"
+
+"Yes; I was left an orphan at fourteen, with no money left me by my poor
+father, and no relatives who could help me."
+
+"How did you make out, sir?" asked Carl, feeling very much interested.
+
+"I sold papers for a while--in Newark, New Jersey--then I got a place at
+three dollars a week, out of which I had to pay for board, lodging
+and clothes. Well, I won't go through my history. I will only say that
+whatever I did I did as well as I could. I am now a man of about middle
+age, and I am moderately wealthy."
+
+"I am very much encouraged by what you tell me, sir."
+
+"Perhaps you don't understand what a hard struggle I had. More than once
+I have had to go to bed hungry. Sometimes I have had to sleep out, but
+one mustn't be afraid to rough it a little when he is young. I shouldn't
+like to sleep out now, or go to bed without my supper," and the little
+man laughed softly.
+
+"Yes, sir; I expect to rough it, but if I could only get a situation, at
+no matter what income, I should feel encouraged."
+
+"You have earned no money yet?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I earned a dollar yesterday."
+
+"At what kind of work?"
+
+"Archery."
+
+The little man looked surprised.
+
+"Is that a business?" he asked, curiously.
+
+"I'll explain how it was," and Carl told about the contest.
+
+"So you hit the mark?" said the little man, significantly.
+
+Somehow, there was something in the little man's tone that put new
+courage into Carl, and incited him to fresh effort.
+
+"I wonder, sir," he said, after a pause, "that you should be walking,
+when you can well afford to ride."
+
+The little man smiled.
+
+"It is by advice of my physician," he said. "He tells me I am getting
+too stout, and ought to take more or less exercise in the open air. So I
+am trying to follow his advice."
+
+"Are you in business near here, sir?"
+
+"At a large town six miles distant. I may not walk all the way there,
+but I have a place to call at near by, and thought I would avail myself
+of the good chance offered to take a little exercise. I feel repaid. I
+have made a pleasant acquaintance."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"There is my card," and the little man took out a business card, reading
+thus:
+
+HENRY JENNINGS, FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, MILFORD.
+
+
+"I manufacture my furniture in the country," he continued, "but I ship
+it by special arrangements to a house in New York in which I am also
+interested."
+
+"Yes, sir, I see. Do you employ many persons in your establishment?"
+
+"About thirty."
+
+"Do you think you could make room for me?"
+
+"Do you think you would like the business?"
+
+"I am prepared to like any business in which I can make a living."
+
+"That is right. That is the way to look at it. Let me think."
+
+For two minutes Mr. Jennings seemed to be plunged in thought. Then he
+turned and smiled encouragingly.
+
+"You can come home with me," he said, "and I will consider the matter."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Carl, gladly.
+
+"I have got to make a call at the next house, not on business, though.
+There is an old schoolmate lying there sick. I am afraid he is rather
+poor, too. You can walk on slowly, and I will overtake you in a few
+minutes."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"After walking half a mile, if I have not overtaken you, you may sit
+down under a tree and wait for me."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+"Before I leave you I will tell you a secret."
+
+"What is it, sir?"
+
+"The two dollars you picked up, I dropped on purpose."
+
+"On purpose?" asked Carl, in amazement.
+
+"Yes; I wanted to try you, to see if you were honest."
+
+"Then you had noticed me?"
+
+"Yes. I liked your appearance, but I wanted to test you."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+AN UNEQUAL CONTEST.
+
+
+Carl walked on slowly. He felt encouraged by the prospect of work, for
+he was sure that Mr. Jennings would make a place for him, if possible.
+
+"He is evidently a kind-hearted man," Carl reflected. "Besides, he
+has been poor himself, and he can sympathize with me. The wages may be
+small, but I won't mind that, if I only support myself economically,
+and get on." To most boys brought up in comfort, not to say luxury, the
+prospect of working hard for small pay would not have seemed inviting.
+But Carl was essentially manly, and had sensible ideas about labor. It
+was no sacrifice or humiliation to him to become a working boy, for he
+had never considered himself superior to working boys, as many boys in
+his position would have done.
+
+He walked on in a leisurely manner, and at the end of ten minutes
+thought he had better sit down and wait for Mr. Jennings. But he was
+destined to receive a shock. There, under the tree which seemed to offer
+the most inviting shelter, reclined a figure only too well-known.
+
+It was the tramp who the day before had compelled him to surrender the
+ten-dollar bill.
+
+The ill-looking fellow glanced up, and when his gaze rested upon Carl,
+his face beamed with savage joy.
+
+"So it's you, is it?" he said, rising from his seat.
+
+"Yes," answered Carl, doubtfully.
+
+"Do you remember me?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I have cause to remember you, my chicken. That was a mean trick you
+played upon me," and he nodded his head significantly.
+
+"I should think it was you that played the trick on me."
+
+"How do you make that out?" growled the tramp.
+
+"You took my money."
+
+"So I did, and much good it did me."
+
+Carl was silent.
+
+"You know why, don't you?"
+
+Carl might have denied that he knew the character of the bill which was
+stolen from him, but I am glad to say that it would have come from him
+with a very ill grace, for he was accustomed to tell the truth under all
+circumstances.
+
+"You knew that the bill was counterfeit, didn't you?" demanded the
+tramp, fiercely.
+
+"I was told so at the hotel where I offered it in payment for my bill."
+
+"Yet you passed it on me!"
+
+"I didn't pass it on you. You took it from me," retorted Carl, with
+spirit.
+
+"That makes no difference."
+
+"I think it does. I wouldn't have offered it to anyone in payment of an
+honest bill."
+
+"Humph! you thought because I was poor and unfortunate you could pass it
+off on me!"
+
+This seemed so grotesque that Carl found it difficult not to laugh.
+
+"Do you know it nearly got me into trouble?" went on the tramp.
+
+"How was that?"
+
+"I stopped at a baker's shop to get a lunch. When I got through I
+offered the bill. The old Dutchman put on his spectacles, and he looked
+first at the bill, then at me. Then he threatened to have me arrested
+for passing bad money. I told him I'd go out in the back yard and settle
+it with him. I tell you, boy, I'd have knocked him out in one round, and
+he knew it, so he bade me be gone and never darken his door again. Where
+did you get it?"
+
+"It was passed on me by a man I was traveling with."
+
+"How much other money have you got?" asked the tramp.
+
+"Very little."
+
+"Give it to me, whatever it is."
+
+This was a little too much for Carl's patience.
+
+"I have no money to spare," he said, shortly.
+
+"Say that over again!" said the tramp, menacingly.
+
+"If you don't understand me, I will. I have no money to spare."
+
+"You'll spare it to me, I reckon."
+
+"Look here," said Carl, slowly backing. "You've robbed me of ten
+dollars. You'll have to be satisfied with that."
+
+"It was no good. It might have sent me to prison. If I was nicely
+dressed I might pass it, but when a chap like me offers a ten-dollar
+bill it's sure to be looked at sharply. I haven't a cent, and I'll
+trouble you to hand over all you've got."
+
+"Why don't you work for a living? You are a strong, able-bodied man."
+
+"You'll find I am if you give me any more of your palaver."
+
+Carl saw that the time of negotiation was past, and that active
+hostilities were about to commence. Accordingly he turned and ran, not
+forward, but in the reverse direction, hoping in this way to meet with
+Mr. Jennings.
+
+"Ah, that's your game, is it?" growled the tramp. "You needn't expect to
+escape, for I'll overhaul you in two minutes."
+
+So Carl ran, and his rough acquaintance ran after him.
+
+It could hardly be expected that a boy of sixteen, though stout and
+strong, could get away from a tall, powerful man like the tramp.
+
+Looking back over his shoulder, Carl saw that the tramp was but three
+feet behind, and almost able to lay his hand upon his shoulder.
+
+He dodged dexterously, and in trying to do the same the tramp nearly
+fell to the ground. Naturally, this did not sweeten his temper.
+
+"I'll half murder you when I get hold of you," he growled, in a tone
+that bodied ill for Carl.
+
+The latter began to pant, and felt that he could not hold out much
+longer. Should he surrender at discretion?
+
+"If some one would only come along," was his inward aspiration. "This
+man will take my money and beat me, too."
+
+As if in reply to his fervent prayer the small figure of Mr. Jennings
+appeared suddenly, rounding a curve in the road.
+
+"Save me, save me, Mr. Jennings!" cried Carl, running up to the little
+man for protection.
+
+"What is the matter? Who is this fellow?" asked Mr. Jennings, in a deep
+voice for so small a man.
+
+"That tramp wants to rob me."
+
+"Don't trouble yourself! He won't do it," said Jennings, calmly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+CARL ARRIVES IN MILFORD.
+
+
+The tramp stopped short, and eyed Carl's small defender, first with
+curious surprise, and then with derision.
+
+"Out of my way, you midget!" he cried, "or 'll hurt you."
+
+"Try it!" said the little man, showing no sign of fear.
+
+"Why, you're no bigger than a kid. I can upset you with one finger."
+
+He advanced contemptuously, and laid his hand on the shoulder of the
+dwarf. In an instant Jennings had swung his flail-like arms, and before
+the tramp understood what was happening he was lying flat on his back,
+as much to Carl's amazement as his own.
+
+He leaped to his feet with an execration, and advanced again to the
+attack. To be upset by such a pigmy was the height of mortification.
+
+"I'm going to crush you, you mannikin!" he threatened.
+
+Jennings put himself on guard. Like many small men, he was very
+powerful, as his broad shoulders and sinewy arms would have made evident
+to a teacher of gymnastics. He clearly understood that this opponent was
+in deadly earnest, and he put out all the strength which he possessed.
+The result was that his large-framed antagonist went down once more,
+striking his head with a force that nearly stunned him.
+
+It so happened that at this juncture reinforcements arrived. A sheriff
+and his deputy drove up in an open buggy, and, on witnessing the
+encounter, halted their carriage and sprang to the ground.
+
+"What is the matter, Mr. Jennings?" asked the sheriff, respectfully, for
+the little man was a person of importance in that vicinity.
+
+"That gentleman is trying to extort a forced loan, Mr. Cunningham."
+
+"Ha! a footpad?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+The sheriff sprang to the side of the tramp, who was trying to rise, and
+in a trice his wrists were confined by handcuffs.
+
+"I think I know you, Mike Frost," he said. "You are up to your old
+tricks. When did you come out of Sing Sing?"
+
+"Three weeks since," answered the tramp, sullenly.
+
+"They want you back there. Come along with me!"
+
+He was assisted into the buggy, and spent that night in the lockup.
+
+"Did he take anything from you, Carl?" asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+"No, sir; but I was in considerable danger. How strong you are!" he
+added, admiringly.
+
+"Strength isn't always according to size!" said the little man, quietly.
+"Nature gave me a powerful, though small, frame, and I have increased my
+strength by gymnastic exercise."
+
+Mr. Jennings did not show the least excitement after his desperate
+contest. He had attended to it as a matter of business, and when over he
+suffered it to pass out of his mind. He took out his watch and noted the
+time.
+
+"It is later than I thought," he said. "I think I shall have to give up
+my plan of walking the rest of the way."
+
+"Then I shall be left alone," thought Carl regretfully.
+
+Just then a man overtook them in a carriage.
+
+He greeted Mr. Jennings respectfully.
+
+"Are you out for a long walk?" he said.
+
+"Yes, but I find time is passing too rapidly with me. Are you going to
+Milford?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Can you take two passengers?"
+
+"You and the boy?"
+
+"Yes; of course I will see that you don't lose by it."
+
+"I ought not to charge you anything, Mr. Jennings. Several times you
+have done me favors."
+
+"And I hope to again, but this is business. If a dollar will pay you,
+the boy and I will ride with you."
+
+"It will be so much gain, as I don't go out of my way."
+
+"You can take the back seat, Carl," said Mr. Jennings. "I will sit with
+Mr. Leach."
+
+They were soon seated and on their way.
+
+"Relative of yours, Mr. Jennings?" asked Leach, with a backward glance
+at Carl.
+
+Like most country folks, he was curious about people. Those who live in
+cities meet too many of their kind to feel an interest in strangers.
+
+"No; a young friend," answered Jennings, briefly.
+
+"Goin' to visit you?"
+
+"Yes, I think he will stay with me for a time."
+
+Then the conversation touched upon Milford matters in which at present
+Carl was not interested.
+
+After his fatiguing walk our hero enjoyed the sensation of riding. The
+road was a pleasant one, the day was bright with sunshine and the
+air vocal with the songs of birds. For a time houses were met at
+rare intervals, but after a while it became evident that they were
+approaching a town of considerable size.
+
+"Is this Milford, Mr. Jennings?" asked Carl.
+
+"Yes," answered the little man, turning with a pleasant smile.
+
+"How large is it?"
+
+"I think there are twelve thousand inhabitants. It is what Western
+people call a 'right smart place.' It has been my home for twenty years,
+and I am much attached to it."
+
+"And it to you, Mr. Jennings," put in the driver.
+
+"That is pleasant to hear," said Jennings, with a smile.
+
+"It is true. There are few people here whom you have not befriended."
+
+"That is what we are here for, is it not?"
+
+"I wish all were of your opinion. Why, Mr. Jennings, when we get a city
+charter I think I know who will be the first mayor."
+
+"Not I, Mr. Leach. My own business is all I can well attend to. Thank
+you for your compliment, though. Carl, do you see yonder building?"
+
+He pointed to a three-story structure, a frame building, occupying a
+prominent position.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That is my manufactory. What do you think of it?"
+
+"I shouldn't think a town of this size would require so large an
+establishment," answered Carl.
+
+Mr. Jennings laughed.
+
+"You are right," he said. "If I depended on Milford trade, a very small
+building would be sufficient. My trade is outside. I supply many dealers
+in New York City and at the West. My retail trade is small. If any of my
+neighbors want furniture they naturally come to me, and I favor them as
+to price out of friendly feeling, but I am a manufacturer and wholesale
+dealer."
+
+"I see, sir."
+
+"Shall I take you to your house, Mr. Jennings?" asked Leach.
+
+"Yes, if you please."
+
+Leach drove on till he reached a two-story building of Quaker-like
+simplicity but with a large, pleasant yard in front, with here and there
+a bed of flowers. Here he stopped his horse.
+
+"We have reached our destination, Carl," said Mr. Jennings. "You are
+active. Jump out and I will follow."
+
+Carl needed no second invitation. He sprang from the carriage and went
+forward to help Mr. Jennings out.
+
+"No, thank you, Carl," said the little man. "I am more active than you
+think. Here we are!"
+
+He descended nimbly to the ground, and, drawing a one-dollar bill from
+his pocket, handed it to the driver.
+
+"I don't like to take it, Mr. Jennings," said Mr. Leach.
+
+"Why not? The laborer is worthy of his hire. Now, Carl, let us go into
+the house."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Mr. JENNINGS AT HOME.
+
+
+Mr. Jennings did not need to open the door. He had scarcely set foot on
+the front step when it was opened from inside, and Carl found a fresh
+surprise in store for him. A woman, apparently six feet in height,
+stood on the threshold. Her figure was spare and ungainly, and her face
+singularly homely, but the absence of beauty was partially made up by a
+kindly expression. She looked with some surprise at Carl.
+
+"This is a young friend of mine, Hannah," said her master. "Welcome him
+for my sake."
+
+"I am glad to see you," said Hannah, in a voice that was another
+amazement. It was deeper than that of most men.
+
+As she spoke, she held out a large masculine hand, which Carl took, as
+seemed to be expected.
+
+"Thank you," said Carl.
+
+"What am I to call you?" asked Hannah.
+
+"Carl Crawford."
+
+"That's a strange name."
+
+"It is not common, I believe."
+
+"You two will get acquainted by and by," said Mr. Jennings. "The most
+interesting question at present is, when will dinner be ready?"
+
+"In ten minutes," answered Hannah, promptly.
+
+"Carl and I are both famished. We have had considerable exercise,"
+here he nodded at Carl with a comical look, and Carl understood that he
+referred in part to his contest with the tramp.
+
+Hannah disappeared into the kitchen, and Mr. Jennings said: "Come
+upstairs, Carl. I will show you your room."
+
+Up an old-fashioned stairway Carl followed his host, and the latter
+opened the door of a side room on the first landing. It was not large,
+but was neat and comfortable. There was a cottage bedstead, a washstand,
+a small bureau and a couple of chairs.
+
+"I hope you will come to feel at home here," said Mr. Jennings, kindly.
+
+"Thank you, sir. I am sure I shall," Carl responded, gratefully.
+
+"There are some nails to hang your clothing on," went on Mr. Jennings,
+and then he stopped short, for it was clear that Carl's small gripsack
+could not contain an extra suit, and he felt delicate at calling up in
+the boy's mind the thought of his poverty.
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Carl. "I left my trunk at the house of a friend,
+and if you should succeed in finding me a place, I will send for it."
+
+"That is well!" returned Mr. Jennings, looking relieved. "Now I will
+leave you for a few moments. You will find water and towels, in case you
+wish to wash before dinner."
+
+Carl was glad of the opportunity. He was particular about his personal
+appearance, and he felt hot and dusty. He bathed his face and hands,
+carefully dusted his suit, brushed his hair, and was ready to descend
+when he heard the tinkling of a small bell at the foot of the front
+stairs.
+
+He readily found his way into the neat dining-room at the rear of the
+parlor. Mr. Jennings sat at the head of the table, a little giant,
+diminutive in stature, but with broad shoulders, a large head, and a
+powerful frame. Opposite him sat Hannah, tall, stiff and upright as a
+grenadier. She formed a strange contrast to her employer.
+
+"I wonder what made him hire such a tall woman?" thought Carl. "Being so
+small himself, her size makes him look smaller."
+
+There was a chair at one side, placed for Carl.
+
+"Sit down there, Carl," said Mr. Jennings. "I won't keep you waiting any
+longer than I can help. What have you given us to-day, Hannah?"
+
+"Roast beef," answered Hannah in her deep tones.
+
+"There is nothing better."
+
+The host cut off a liberal slice for Carl, and passed the plate to
+Hannah, who supplied potatoes, peas and squash. Carl's mouth fairly
+watered as he watched the hospitable preparations for his refreshment.
+
+"I never trouble myself about what we are to have on the table," said
+Mr. Jennings. "Hannah always sees to that. She's knows just what I want.
+She is a capital cook, too, Hannah is."
+
+Hannah looked pleased at this compliment.
+
+"You are easily pleased, master," she said.
+
+"I should be hard to suit if I were not pleased with your cooking.
+You don't know so well Carl's taste, but if there is anything he likes
+particularly he can tell you."
+
+"You are very kind, sir," said Carl.
+
+"There are not many men who would treat a poor boy so considerately," he
+thought. "He makes me an honored guest."
+
+When dinner was over, Mr. Jennings invited Carl to accompany him on a
+walk. They passed along the principal street, nearly every person they
+met giving the little man a cordial greeting.
+
+"He seems to be very popular," thought Carl.
+
+At length they reached the manufactory. Mr. Jennings went into the
+office, followed by Carl.
+
+A slender, dark-complexioned man, about thirty-five years of age, sat on
+a stool at a high desk. He was evidently the bookkeeper.
+
+"Any letters, Mr. Gibbon?" asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+"Yes, sir; here are four."
+
+"Where are they from?"
+
+"From New York, Chicago, Pittsburg and New Haven."
+
+"What do they relate to?"
+
+"Orders. I have handed them to Mr. Potter."
+
+Potter, as Carl afterwards learned, was superintendent of the
+manufactory, and had full charge of practical details.
+
+"Is there anything requiring my personal attention?"
+
+"No, sir; I don't think so."
+
+"By the way, Mr. Gibbon, let me introduce you to a young friend of
+mine--Carl Crawford."
+
+The bookkeeper rapidly scanned Carl's face and figure. It seemed to Carl
+that the scrutiny was not a friendly one.
+
+"I am glad to see you," said Mr. Gibbon, coldly.
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"By the way, Mr. Jennings," said the bookkeeper, "I have a favor to ask
+of you."
+
+"Go on, Mr. Gibbon," rejoined his employer, in a cordial tone.
+
+"Two months since you gave my nephew, Leonard Craig, a place in the
+factory."
+
+"Yes; I remember."
+
+"I don't think the work agrees with him."
+
+"He seemed a strong, healthy boy."
+
+"He has never been used to confinement, and it affects him
+unpleasantly."
+
+"Does he wish to resign his place?"
+
+"I have been wondering whether you would not be willing to transfer him
+to the office. I could send him on errands, to the post office, and make
+him useful in various ways."
+
+"I had not supposed an office boy was needed. Still, if you desire it, I
+will try your nephew in the place."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"I am bound to tell you, however, that his present place is a better
+one. He is learning a good trade, which, if he masters it, will always
+give him a livelihood. I learned a trade, and owe all I have to that."
+
+"True, Mr. Jennings, but there are other ways of earning a living."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"And I thought of giving Leonard evening instruction in bookkeeping."
+
+"That alters the case. Good bookkeepers are always in demand. I have no
+objection to your trying the experiment."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"Have you mentioned the matter to your nephew?"
+
+"I just suggested that I would ask you, but could not say what answer
+you would give."
+
+"It would have been better not to mention the matter at all till you
+could tell him definitely that he could change his place."
+
+"I don't know but you are right, sir. However, it is all right now."
+
+"Now, Carl," said Mr. Jennings, "I will take you into the workroom."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+CARL GETS A PLACE.
+
+
+"I suppose that is the bookkeeper," said Carl.
+
+"Yes. He has been with me three years. He understands his business well.
+You heard what he said about his nephew?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"It is his sister's son--a boy of about your own age. I think he is
+making a mistake in leaving the factory, and going into the office.
+He will have little to do, and that not of a character to give him
+knowledge of business."
+
+"Still, if he takes lessons in bookkeeping----"
+
+Mr. Jennings smiled.
+
+"The boy will never make a bookkeeper," he said. "His reason for
+desiring the change is because he is indolent. The world has no room for
+lazy people."
+
+"I wonder, sir, that you have had a chance to find him out."
+
+"Little things betray a boy's nature, or a man's, for that matter.
+When I have visited the workroom I have noticed Leonard, and formed my
+conclusions. He is not a boy whom I would select for my service, but I
+have taken him as a favor to his uncle. I presume he is without means,
+and it is desirable that he should pay his uncle something in return for
+the home which he gives him."
+
+"How much do you pay him, sir, if it is not a secret?"
+
+"Oh, no; he receives five dollars a week to begin with. I will pay him
+the same in the office. And that reminds me; how would you like to have
+a situation in the factory? Would you like to take Leonard's place?"
+
+"Yes, sir, if you think I would do."
+
+"I feel quite sure of it. Have you ever done any manual labor?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I suppose you have always been to school."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You are a gentleman's son," proceeded Mr. Jennings, eying Carl
+attentively. "How will it suit you to become a working boy?"
+
+"I shall like it," answered Carl, promptly.
+
+"Don't be too sure! You can tell better after a week in the factory.
+Those in my employ work ten hours a day. Leonard Craig doesn't like it."
+
+"All I ask, Mr. Jennings, is that you give me a trial."
+
+"That is fair," responded the little man, looking pleased. "I will tell
+you now that, not knowing of any vacancy in the factory, I had intended
+to give you the place in the office which Mr. Gibbon has asked for his
+nephew. It would have been a good deal easier work."
+
+"I shall be quite satisfied to take my place in the factory."
+
+"Come in, then, and see your future scene of employment."
+
+They entered a large room, occupying nearly an entire floor of the
+building. Part of the space was filled by machinery. The number employed
+Carl estimated roughly at twenty-five.
+
+Quite near the door was a boy, who bore some personal resemblance to the
+bookkeeper. Carl concluded that it must be Leonard Craig. The boy looked
+round as Mr. Jennings entered, and eyed Carl sharply.
+
+"How are you getting on, Leonard?" Mr. Jennings asked.
+
+"Pretty well, sir; but the machinery makes my head ache."
+
+"Your uncle tells me that your employment does not agree with you."
+
+"No, sir; I don't think it does."
+
+"He would like to have you in the office with him. Would you like it,
+also?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Leonard, eagerly.
+
+"Very well. You may report for duty at the office to-morrow morning.
+This boy will take your place here."
+
+Leonard eyed Carl curiously, not cordially.
+
+"I hope you'll like it," he said.
+
+"I think I shall."
+
+"You two boys must get acquainted," said Mr. Jennings. "Leonard, this is
+Carl Crawford."
+
+"Glad to know you," said Leonard, coldly.
+
+"I don't think I shall like that boy," thought Carl, as he followed Mr.
+Jennings to another part of the room.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+CARL ENTERS THE FACTORY.
+
+
+When they left the factory Mr. Jennings said, with a smile:
+
+"Now you are one of us, Carl. To-morrow you begin work."
+
+"I am glad of it, sir."
+
+"You don't ask what salary you are to get."
+
+"I am willing to leave that to you."
+
+"Suppose we say two dollars a week and board--to begin with."
+
+"That is better than I expected. But where am I to board?"
+
+"At my house, for the present, if that will suit you."
+
+"I shall like it very much, if it won't inconvenience you."
+
+"Hannah is the one to be inconvenienced, if anyone. I had a little
+conversation with her while you were getting ready for dinner. She seems
+to have taken a liking for you, though she doesn't like boys generally.
+As for me, it will make the home brighter to have a young person in it.
+Hannah and I are old-fashioned and quiet, and the neighbors don't have
+much reason to complain of noise."
+
+"No, sir; I should think not," said Carl, with a smile.
+
+"There is one thing you must be prepared for, Carl," said Mr. Jennings,
+after a pause.
+
+"What is that, sir?"
+
+"Your living in my house--I being your employer--may excite jealousy in
+some. I think I know of one who will be jealous."
+
+"Leonard Craig?"
+
+"And his uncle. However, don't borrow any trouble on that score. I hope
+you won't take advantage of your position, and, thinking yourself a
+favorite, neglect your duties."
+
+"I will not, sir."
+
+"Business and friendship ought to be kept apart."
+
+"That is right, sir."
+
+"I am going back to the house, but you may like to take a walk about
+the village. You will feel interested in it, as it is to be your future
+home. By the way, it may be well for you to write for your trunk. You
+can order it sent to my house."
+
+"All right, sir; I will do so."
+
+He went to the post office, and, buying a postal card, wrote to his
+friend, Gilbert Vance, as follows:
+
+
+"Dear Gilbert:--Please send my trunk by express to me at Milford, care
+of Henry Jennings, Esq. He is my employer, and I live at his house. He
+is proprietor of a furniture factory. Will write further particulars
+soon.
+
+"Carl Crawford."
+
+
+This postal carried welcome intelligence to Gilbert, who felt a
+brotherly interest in Carl. He responded by a letter of hearty
+congratulation, and forwarded the trunk as requested.
+
+Carl reported for duty the next morning, and, though a novice, soon
+showed that he was not without mechanical skill.
+
+At twelve o'clock all the factory hands had an hour off for dinner. As
+Carl passed into the street he found himself walking beside the boy whom
+he had succeeded--Leonard Craig.
+
+"Good-morning, Leonard," said Carl, pleasantly.
+
+"Good-morning. Have you taken my place in the factory?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do you think you shall like it?"
+
+"I think I shall, though, of course, it is rather early to form an
+opinion."
+
+"I didn't like it."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I don't want to grow up a workman. I think I am fit for something
+better."
+
+"Mr. Jennings began as a factory hand."
+
+"I suppose he had a taste for it. I haven't."
+
+"Then you like your present position better?"
+
+"Oh, yes; it's more genteel. How much does Jennings pay you?"
+
+"Two dollars a week and board."
+
+"How is that? Where do you board?"
+
+"With him."
+
+"Oh!" said Leonard, his countenance changing. "So you are a favorite
+with the boss, are you?"
+
+"I don't know. He gave me warning that he should be just as strict with
+me as if we were strangers."
+
+"How long have you known him?"
+
+Carl smiled.
+
+"I met him for the first time yesterday," he answered.
+
+"That's very queer."
+
+"Well, perhaps it is a little singular."
+
+"Are you a poor boy?"
+
+"I have to earn my own living."
+
+"I see. You will grow up a common workman."
+
+"I shall try to rise above it. I am not ashamed of the position, but I
+am ambitious to rise."
+
+"I am going to be a bookkeeper," said Leonard. "My uncle is going to
+teach me. I would rather be a bookkeeper than a factory hand."
+
+"Then you are right in preparing yourself for such a post."
+
+Here the two boys separated, as they were to dine in different places.
+
+Leonard was pleased with his new position. He really had very little to
+do. Twice a day he went to the post office, once or twice to the bank,
+and there was an occasional errand besides. To Carl the idleness would
+have been insupportable, but Leonard was naturally indolent. He sat down
+in a chair by the window, and watched the people go by.
+
+The first afternoon he was in luck, for there was a dog fight in the
+street outside. He seized his hat, went out, and watched the canine
+warfare with the deepest interest.
+
+"I think I will buy you a system of bookkeeping," said his uncle, "and
+you can study it in the office."
+
+"Put it off till next week, Uncle Julius. I want to get rested from the
+factory work."
+
+"It seems to me, Leonard, you were born lazy," said his uncle, sharply.
+
+"I don't care to work with my hands."
+
+"Do you care to work at all?"
+
+"I should like to be a bookkeeper."
+
+"Do you know that my work is harder and more exhausting than that of a
+workman in the factory?"
+
+"You don't want to exchange with him, do you?" asked Leonard.
+
+"No."
+
+"That's where I agree with you."
+
+Mr. Jennings took several weekly papers. Leonard was looking over the
+columns of one of them one day, when he saw the advertisement of a gift
+enterprise of a most attractive character. The first prize was a house
+and grounds valued at ten thousand dollars. Following were minor prizes,
+among them one thousand dollars in gold.
+
+Leonard's fancy was captivated by the brilliant prospect of such a
+prize.
+
+"Price of tickets--only one dollar!" he read. "Think of getting a
+thousand dollars for one! Oh, if I could only be the lucky one!"
+
+He took out his purse, though he knew beforehand that his stock of cash
+consisted only of two dimes and a nickel.
+
+"I wonder if I could borrow a dollar of that boy Carl!" he deliberated.
+"I'll speak to him about it."
+
+This happened more than a week after Carl went to work in the factory.
+He had already received one week's pay, and it remained untouched in his
+pocket.
+
+Leonard joined him in the street early in the evening, and accosted him
+graciously.
+
+"Where are you going?" he asked.
+
+"Nowhere in particular. I am out for a walk."
+
+"So am I. Shall we walk together?"
+
+"If you like."
+
+After talking on indifferent matters, Leonard said suddenly: "Oh, by the
+way, will you do me a favor?"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Lend me a dollar till next week."
+
+In former days Carl would probably have granted the favor, but he
+realized the value of money now that he had to earn it by steady work.
+
+"I am afraid it won't be convenient," he answered.
+
+"Does that mean that you haven't got it?" asked Leonard.
+
+"No, I have it, but I am expecting to use it."
+
+"I wouldn't mind paying you interest for it--say twenty-five cents,"
+continued Leonard, who had set his heart on buying a ticket in the gift
+enterprise.
+
+"I would be ashamed to take such interest as that."
+
+"But I have a chance of making a good deal more out of it myself."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"That is my secret."
+
+"Why don't you borrow it of your uncle?"
+
+"He would ask too many questions. However, I see that you're a miser,
+and I won't trouble you."
+
+He left Carl in a huff and walked hastily away. He turned into a lane
+little traveled, and, after walking a few rods, came suddenly upon
+the prostrate body of a man, whose deep, breathing showed that he was
+stupefied by liquor. Leonard was not likely to feel any special interest
+in him, but one object did attract his attention. It was a wallet which
+had dropped out of the man's pocket and was lying on the grass beside
+him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+LEONARD'S TEMPTATION.
+
+
+Leonard was not a thief, but the sight of the wallet tempted him, under
+the circumstances. He had set his heart on buying a ticket in the gift
+enterprise, and knew of no way of obtaining the requisite sum--except
+this. It was, indeed, a little shock to him to think of appropriating
+money not his own; yet who would know it? The owner of the wallet was
+drunk, and would be quite unconscious of his loss. Besides, if he didn't
+take the wallet, some one else probably would, and appropriate the
+entire contents. It was an insidious suggestion, and Leonard somehow
+persuaded himself that since the money was sure to be taken, he might as
+well have the benefit of it as anyone else.
+
+So, after turning over the matter in his mind rapidly, he stooped down
+and picked up the wallet.
+
+The man did not move.
+
+Emboldened by his insensibility, Leonard cautiously opened the
+pocketbook, and his eyes glistened when he saw tucked away in one side,
+quite a thick roll of bills.
+
+"He won't miss one bill," thought Leonard. "Anyone else might take the
+whole wallet, but I wouldn't do that. I wonder how much money there is
+in the roll."
+
+He darted another glance at the prostrate form, but there seemed no
+danger of interruption. He took the roll in his hand, therefore, and a
+hasty scrutiny showed him that the bills ran from ones to tens. There
+must have been nearly a hundred dollars in all.
+
+"Suppose I take a five," thought Leonard, whose cupidity increased with
+the sight of the money. "He won't miss it, and it will be better in my
+hands than if spent for whiskey."
+
+How specious are the arguments of those who seek an excuse for a wrong
+act that will put money in the purse!
+
+"Yes, I think I may venture to take a five, and, as I might not be able
+to change it right away, I will take a one to send for a ticket. Then I
+will put the wallet back in the man's pocket."
+
+So far, all went smoothly, and Leonard was proceeding to carry out his
+intention when, taking a precautionary look at the man on the ground, he
+was dumfounded by seeing his eyes wide open and fixed upon him.
+
+Leonard flushed painfully, like a criminal detected in a crime, and
+returned the look of inquiry by one of dismay.
+
+"What--you--doing?" inquired the victim of inebriety.
+
+"I--is this your wallet, sir?" stammered Leonard.
+
+"Course it is. What you got it for?"
+
+"I--I saw it on the ground, and was afraid some one would find it, and
+rob you," said Leonard, fluently.
+
+"Somebody did find it," rejoined the man, whose senses seemed coming
+back to him. "How much did you take?"
+
+"I? You don't think I would take any of your money?" said Leonard, in
+virtuous surprise.
+
+"Looked like it! Can't tell who to trust."
+
+"I assure you, I had only just picked it up, and was going to put it
+back in your pocket, sir."
+
+The man, drunk as he was, winked knowingly.
+
+"Smart boy!" he said. "You do it well, ol' fella!"
+
+"But, sir, it is quite true, I assure you. I will count over the money
+before you. Do you know how much you had?"
+
+"Nev' mind. Help me up!"
+
+Leonard stooped over and helped the drunkard to a sitting position.
+
+"Where am I? Where is hotel?"
+
+Leonard answered him.
+
+"Take me to hotel, and I'll give you a dollar."
+
+"Certainly, sir," said Leonard, briskly. He was to get his dollar after
+all, and would not have to steal it. I am afraid he is not to be praised
+for his honesty, as it seemed to be a matter of necessity.
+
+"I wish he'd give me five dollars," thought Leonard, but didn't see his
+way clear to make the suggestion.
+
+He placed the man on his feet, and guided his steps to the road. As he
+walked along, the inebriate, whose gait was at first unsteady, recovered
+his equilibrium and required less help.
+
+"How long had you been lying there?" asked Leonard.
+
+"Don't know. I was taken sick," and the inebriate nodded knowingly at
+Leonard, who felt at liberty to laugh, too.
+
+"Do you ever get sick?"
+
+"Not that way," answered Leonard.
+
+"Smart boy! Better off!"
+
+They reached the hotel, and Leonard engaged a room for his companion.
+
+"Has he got money?" asked the landlord, in a low voice.
+
+"Yes," answered Leonard, "he has nearly a hundred dollars. I counted it
+myself."
+
+"That's all right, then," said the landlord. "Here, James, show the
+gentleman up to No. 15."
+
+"Come, too," said the stranger to Leonard.
+
+The latter followed the more readily because he had not yet been paid
+his dollar.
+
+The door of No. 15 was opened, and the two entered.
+
+"I will stay with the gentleman a short time," said Leonard to the boy.
+"If we want anything we will ring."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+"What's your name?" asked the inebriate, as he sank into a large
+armchair near the window.
+
+"Leonard Craig."
+
+"Never heard the name before."
+
+"What's your name, sir?"
+
+"What you want to know for?" asked the other, cunningly.
+
+"The landlord will want to put it on his book."
+
+"My name? Phil Stark."
+
+"Philip Stark?"
+
+"Yes; who told you?"
+
+It will be seen that Mr. Stark was not yet quite himself.
+
+"You told me yourself."
+
+"So I did--'scuse me."
+
+"Certainly, sir. By the way, you told me you would pay me a dollar for
+bringing you to the hotel."
+
+"So I did. Take it," and Philip Stark passed the wallet to Leonard.
+
+Leonard felt tempted to take a two-dollar bill instead of a one, as Mr.
+Stark would hardly notice the mistake. Still, he might ask to look at
+the bill, and that would be awkward. So the boy contented himself with
+the sum promised.
+
+"Thank you, sir," he said, as he slipped the bill into his vest pocket.
+"Do you want some supper?"
+
+"No, I want to sleep."
+
+"Then you had better lie down on the bed. Will you undress?"
+
+"No; too much trouble."
+
+Mr. Stark rose from the armchair, and, lurching round to the bed, flung
+himself on it.
+
+"I suppose you don't want me any longer," said Leonard.
+
+"No. Come round to-morrer."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Leonard opened the door and left the room. He resolved to keep the
+appointment, and come round the next day. Who knew but some more of Mr.
+Stark's money might come into his hands? Grown man as he was, he seemed
+to need a guardian, and Leonard was willing to act as such--for a
+consideration.
+
+"It's been a queer adventure!" thought Leonard, as he slowly bent his
+steps towards his uncle's house. "I've made a dollar out of it, anyway,
+and if he hadn't happened to wake up just as he did I might have done
+better. However, it may turn out as well in the end."
+
+"You are rather late, Leonard," said his uncle, in a tone that betrayed
+some irritation. "I wanted to send you on an errand, and you are always
+out of the way at such a time."
+
+"I'll go now," said Leonard, with unusual amiability. "I've had a little
+adventure."
+
+"An adventure! What is it?" Mr. Gibbon asked, with curiosity.
+
+Leonard proceeded to give an account of his finding the inebriate in
+the meadow, and his guiding him to the hotel. It may readily be supposed
+that he said nothing of his attempt to appropriate a part of the
+contents of the wallet.
+
+"What was his name?" asked Gibbon, with languid curiosity.
+
+"Phil Stark, he calls himself."
+
+A strange change came over the face of the bookkeeper. There was a
+frightened look in his eyes, and his color faded.
+
+"Phil Stark!" he repeated, in a startled tone.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"What brings him here?" Gibbon asked himself nervously, but no words
+passed his lips.
+
+"Do you know the name?" asked Leonard, wonderingly.
+
+"I--have heard it before, but--no, I don't think it is the same man."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AN ARTFUL SCHEME.
+
+
+"Does this Mr. Stark intend to remain long in the village!" inquired the
+bookkeeper, in a tone of assumed indifference.
+
+"He didn't say anything on that point," answered Leonard.
+
+"He did not say what business brought him here, I presume?"
+
+"No, he was hardly in condition to say much; he was pretty full," said
+Leonard, with a laugh. "However, he wants me to call upon him to-morrow,
+and may tell me then."
+
+"He wants you to call upon him?"
+
+"Yes, uncle."
+
+"Are you going?"
+
+"Yes; why shouldn't I?"
+
+"I see no reason," said Gibbon, hesitating. Then, after a pause he
+added: "If you see the way clear, find out what brings him to Milford."
+
+"Yes, uncle, I will."
+
+"Uncle Julius seems a good deal interested in this man, considering that
+he is a stranger," thought the boy.
+
+The bookkeeper was biting his nails, a habit he had when he was annoyed.
+"And, Leonard," he added slowly, "don't mention my name while you are
+speaking to Stark."
+
+"No, sir, I won't, if you don't want me to," answered Leonard, his face
+betraying unmistakable curiosity. His uncle noted this, and explained
+hurriedly: "It is possible that he may be a man whom I once met under
+disagreeable circumstances, and I would prefer not to meet him again.
+Should he learn that I was living here, he would be sure to want to
+renew the acquaintance."
+
+"Yes, sir, I see. I don't think he would want to borrow money, for he
+seems to be pretty well provided. I made a dollar out of him to-day, and
+that is one reason why I am willing to call on him again. I may strike
+him for another bill."
+
+"There is no objection to that, provided you don't talk to him too
+freely. I don't think he will want to stay long in Milford."
+
+"I wouldn't if I had as much money as he probably has."
+
+"Do you often meet the new boy?"
+
+"Carl Crawford?"
+
+"Yes; I see him on the street quite often."
+
+"He lives with Mr. Jennings, I hear."
+
+"So he tells me."
+
+"It is rather strange. I didn't suppose that Jennings would care to
+receive a boy in his house, or that tall grenadier of a housekeeper,
+either. I expect she rules the household."
+
+"She could tuck him under her arm and walk off with him," said Leonard,
+laughing.
+
+"The boy must be artful to have wormed his way into the favor of the
+strange pair. He seems to be a favorite."
+
+"Yes, uncle, I think he is. However, I like my position better than
+his."
+
+"He will learn his business from the beginning. I don't know but it was
+a mistake for you to leave the factory."
+
+"I am not at all sorry for it, uncle."
+
+"Your position doesn't amount to much."
+
+"I am paid just as well as I was when I was in the factory."
+
+"But you are learning nothing."
+
+"You are going to teach me bookkeeping."
+
+"Even that is not altogether a desirable business. A good bookkeeper can
+never expect to be in business for himself. He must be content with a
+salary all his life."
+
+"You have done pretty well, uncle."
+
+"But there is no chance of my becoming a rich man. I have to work hard
+for my money. And I haven't been able to lay up much money yet. That
+reminds me? Leonard, I must impress upon you the fact that you have
+your own way to make. I have procured you a place, and I provide you a
+home----"
+
+"You take my wages," said Leonard, bluntly.
+
+"A part of them, but on the whole, you are not self-supporting. You must
+look ahead, Leonard, and consider the future. When you are a young man
+you will want to earn an adequate income."
+
+"Of course, I shall, uncle, but there is one other course."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I may marry an heiress," suggested Leonard, smiling.
+
+The bookkeeper winced.
+
+"I thought I was marrying an heiress when I married your aunt," he
+said, "but within six months of our wedding day, her father made a bad
+failure, and actually had the assurance to ask me to give him a home
+under my roof."
+
+"Did you do it?"
+
+"No; I told him it would not be convenient."
+
+"What became of him?"
+
+"He got a small clerkship at ten dollars a week in the counting room of
+a mercantile friend, and filled it till one day last October, when he
+dropped dead of apoplexy. I made a great mistake when I married in not
+asking him to settle a definite sum on his daughter. It would have been
+so much saved from the wreck."
+
+"Did aunt want him to come and live here?"
+
+"Yes, women are always unreasonable. She would have had me support the
+old man in idleness, but I am not one of that kind. Every tub should
+stand on its own bottom."
+
+"I say so, too, uncle. Do you know whether this boy, Carl Crawford, has
+any father or mother?"
+
+"From a word Jennings let fall I infer that he has relatives, but is not
+on good terms with them. I have been a little afraid he might stand in
+your light."
+
+"How so, uncle?"
+
+"Should there be any good opening for one of your age, I am afraid he
+would get it rather than you."
+
+"I didn't think of that," said Leonard, jealously.
+
+"Living as he does with Mr. Jennings, he will naturally try to
+ingratiate himself with him, and stand first in his esteem."
+
+"That is true. Is Mr. Jennings a rich man, do you think?"
+
+"Yes, I think he is. The factory and stock are worth considerable money,
+but I know he has other investments also. As one item he has over a
+thousand dollars in the Carterville Savings Bank. He has been very
+prudent, has met with no losses, and has put aside a great share of his
+profits every year."
+
+"I wonder he don't marry."
+
+"Marriage doesn't seem to be in his thoughts. Hannah makes him so
+comfortable that he will probably remain a bachelor to the end of his
+days."
+
+"Perhaps he will leave his money to her."
+
+"He is likely to live as long as she."
+
+"She is a good deal longer than he," said Leonard, with a laugh.
+
+The bookkeeper condescended to smile at this joke, though it was not
+very brilliant.
+
+"Before this boy Carl came," he resumed thoughtfully, "I hoped he might
+take a fancy to you. He must die some time, and, having no near blood
+relative, I thought he might select as heir some boy like yourself, who
+might grow into his favor and get on his blind side."
+
+"Is it too late now?" asked Leonard, eagerly.
+
+"Perhaps not, but the appearance of this new boy on the scene makes your
+chance a good deal smaller."
+
+"I wish we could get rid of him," said Leonard, frowning.
+
+"The only way is to injure him in the estimation of Mr. Jennings."
+
+"I think I know of a way."
+
+"Mention it."
+
+"Here is an advertisement of a lottery," said Leonard, whose plans, in
+view of what his uncle had said, had experienced a change.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I will write to the manager in Carl's name, inquiring about tickets,
+and, of course, he will answer to him, to the care of Mr. Jennings. This
+will lead to the suspicion that Carl is interested in such matters."
+
+"It is a good idea. It will open the way to a loss of confidence on the
+part of Mr. Jennings."
+
+"I will sit down at your desk and write at once."
+
+Three days later Mr. Jennings handed a letter to Carl after they reached
+home in the evening.
+
+"A letter for you to my care," he explained.
+
+Carl opened it in surprise, and read as follows:
+
+
+"Office Of Gift Enterprise.
+
+"Mr. Carl Crawford:--Your letter of inquiry is received. In reply
+we would say that we will send you six tickets for five dollars. By
+disposing of them among your friends at one dollar each, you will save
+the cost of your own. You had better remit at once.
+
+"Yours respectfully, Pitkins & Gamp,
+
+"Agents."
+
+
+Carl looked the picture of astonishment when he read this letter.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+REVEALS A MYSTERY.
+
+
+"Please read this letter, Mr. Jennings," said Carl.
+
+His employer took the letter from his hand, and ran his eye over it.
+
+"Do you wish to ask my advice about the investment?" he said, quietly.
+
+"No, sir. I wanted to know how such a letter came to be written to me."
+
+"Didn't you send a letter of inquiry there?"
+
+"No, sir, and I can't understand how these men could have got hold of my
+name."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked thoughtful.
+
+"Some one has probably written in your name," he said, after a pause.
+
+"But who could have done so?"
+
+"If you will leave the letter in my hands, I may be able to obtain some
+information on that point."
+
+"I shall be glad if you can, Mr. Jennings."
+
+"Don't mention to anyone having received such a letter, and if anyone
+broaches the subject, let me know who it is."
+
+"Yes, sir, I will."
+
+Mr. Jennings quietly put on his hat, and walked over to the post office.
+The postmaster, who also kept a general variety store, chanced to be
+alone.
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Jennings," he said, pleasantly. "What can I do for
+you?"
+
+"I want a little information, Mr. Sweetland, though it is doubtful if
+you can give it."
+
+Mr. Sweetland assumed the attitude of attention.
+
+"Do you know if any letter has been posted from this office within a few
+days, addressed to Pitkins & Gamp, Syracuse, New York?"
+
+"Yes; two letters have been handed in bearing this address."
+
+Mr. Jennings was surprised, for he had never thought of two letters.
+
+"Can you tell me who handed them in?" he asked.
+
+"Both were handed in by the same party."
+
+"And that was----"
+
+"A boy in your employ."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked grave. Was it possible that Carl was deceiving him?
+
+"The boy who lives at my house?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"No; the boy who usually calls for the factory mail. The nephew of your
+bookkeeper I think his name is Leonard Craig."
+
+"Ah, I see," said Mr. Jennings, looking very much relieved. "And you say
+he deposited both letters?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Do you happen to remember if any other letter like this was received at
+the office?"
+
+Here he displayed the envelope of Carl's letter.
+
+"Yes; one was received, addressed to the name of the one who deposited
+the first letters--Leonard Craig."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Sweetland. Your information has cleared up a mystery. Be
+kind enough not to mention the matter."
+
+"I will bear your request in mind."
+
+Mr. Jennings bought a supply of stamps, and then left the office.
+
+"Well, Carl," he said, when he re-entered the house, "I have discovered
+who wrote in your name to Pitkins & Gamp."
+
+"Who, sir?" asked Carl, with curiosity.
+
+"Leonard Craig."
+
+"But what could induce him to do it?" said Carl, perplexed.
+
+"He thought that I would see the letter, and would be prejudiced against
+you if I discovered that you were investing in what is a species of
+lottery."
+
+"Would you, sir?"
+
+"I should have thought you unwise, and I should have been reminded of
+a fellow workman who became so infatuated with lotteries that he stole
+money from his employer to enable him to continue his purchases of
+tickets. But for this unhappy passion he would have remained honest."
+
+"Leonard must dislike me," said Carl, thoughtfully.
+
+"He is jealous of you; I warned you he or some one else might become so.
+But the most curious circumstance is, he wrote a second letter in his
+own name. I suspect he has bought a ticket. I advise you to say nothing
+about the matter unless questioned."
+
+"I won't, sir."
+
+The next day Carl met Leonard in the street.
+
+"By the way," said Leonard, "you got a letter yesterday?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I brought it to the factory with the rest of the mail."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+Leonard looked at him curiously.
+
+"He seems to be close-mouthed," Leonard said to himself. "He has sent
+for a ticket, I'll bet a hat, and don't want me to find out. I wish I
+could draw the capital prize--I would not mind old Jennings finding out
+then."
+
+"Do you ever hear from your--friends?" he asked a minute later.
+
+"Not often."
+
+"I thought that letter might be from your home."
+
+"No; it was a letter from Syracuse."
+
+"I remember now, it was postmarked Syracuse. Have you friends there?"
+
+"None that I am aware of."
+
+"Yet you receive letters from there?"
+
+"That was a business letter."
+
+Carl was quietly amused at Leonard's skillful questions, but was
+determined not to give him any light on the subject.
+
+Leonard tried another avenue of attack.
+
+"Oh, dear!" he sighed, "I wish I was rich."
+
+"I shouldn't mind being rich myself," said Carl, with a smile.
+
+"I suppose old Jennings must have a lot of money."
+
+"Mr. Jennings, I presume, is very well off," responded Carl, emphasizing
+the title "Mr."
+
+"If I had his money I wouldn't live in such Quaker style."
+
+"Would you have him give fashionable parties?" asked Carl, smiling.
+
+"Well, I don't know that he would enjoy that; but I'll tell you what
+I would do. I would buy a fast horse--a two-forty mare--and a bangup
+buggy, and I'd show the old farmers round here what fast driving is.
+Then I'd have a stylish house, and----"
+
+"I don't believe you'd be content to live in Milford, Leonard."
+
+"I don't think I would, either, unless my business were here. I'd go to
+New York every few weeks and see life."
+
+"You may be rich some time, so that you can carry out your wishes."
+
+"Do you know any easy way of getting money?" asked Leonard, pointedly.
+
+"The easy ways are not generally the true ways. A man sometimes makes
+money by speculation, but he has to have some to begin with."
+
+"I can't get anything out of him," thought Leonard. "Well,
+good-evening."
+
+He crossed the street, and joined the man who has already been referred
+to as boarding at the hotel.
+
+Mr. Stark had now been several days in Milford. What brought him there,
+or what object he had in staying, Leonard had not yet ascertained. He
+generally spent part of his evenings with the stranger, and had once or
+twice received from him a small sum of money. Usually, however, he
+had met Mr. Stark in the billiard room, and played a game or two of
+billiards with him. Mr. Stark always paid for the use of the table, and
+that was naturally satisfactory to Leonard, who enjoyed amusement at the
+expense of others.
+
+Leonard, bearing in mind his uncle's request, had not mentioned his name
+to Mr. Stark, and Stark, though he had walked about the village more or
+less, had not chanced to meet Mr. Gibbon.
+
+He had questioned Leonard, however, about Mr. Jennings, and whether he
+was supposed to be rich.
+
+Leonard had answered freely that everyone considered him so.
+
+"But he doesn't know how to enjoy his money," he added.
+
+"We should," said Stark, jocularly.
+
+"You bet we would," returned Leonard; and he was quite sincere in his
+boast, as we know from his conversation with Carl.
+
+"By the way," said Stark, on this particular evening, "I never asked you
+about your family, Leonard. I suppose you live with your parents."
+
+"No, sir. They are dead."
+
+"Then whom do you live with?"
+
+"With my uncle," answered Leonard, guardedly.
+
+"Is his name Craig?"
+
+"No."
+
+"What then?"
+
+"I've got to tell him," thought Leonard. "Well, I don't suppose there
+will be much harm in it. My uncle is bookkeeper for Mr. Jennings," he
+said, "and his name is Julius Gibbon."
+
+Philip Stark wheeled round, and eyed Leonard in blank astonishment.
+
+"Your uncle is Julius Gibbon!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, I'll be blowed."
+
+"Do you--know my uncle?" asked Leonard, hesitating.
+
+"I rather think I do. Take me round to the house. I want to see him."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+AN UNWELCOME GUEST.
+
+
+When Julius Gibbon saw the door open and Philip Stark enter the room
+where he was smoking his noon cigar, his heart quickened its pulsations
+and he turned pale.
+
+"How are you, old friend?" said Stark, boisterously. "Funny, isn't it,
+that I should run across your nephew?"
+
+"Very strange!" ejaculated Gibbon, looking the reverse of joyous.
+
+"It's a happy meeting, isn't it? We used to see a good deal of each
+other," and he laughed in a way that Gibbon was far from enjoying. "Now,
+I've come over to have a good, long chat with you. Leonard, I think
+we won't keep you, as you wouldn't be interested in our talk about old
+times."
+
+"Yes, Leonard, you may leave us," added his uncle.
+
+Leonard's curiosity was excited, and he would have been glad to remain,
+but as there was no help for it, he went out.
+
+When they were alone, Stark drew up his chair close, and laid his hand
+familiarly on the bookkeeper's knee.
+
+"I say, Gibbon, do you remember where we last met?"
+
+Gibbon shuddered slightly.
+
+"Yes," he answered, feebly.
+
+"It was at Joliet--Joliet Penitentiary. Your time expired before mine.
+I envied you the six months' advantage you had of me. When I came out I
+searched for you everywhere, but heard nothing."
+
+"How did you know I was here?" asked the bookkeeper.
+
+"I didn't know. I had no suspicion of it. Nor did I dream that Leonard,
+who was able to do me a little service, was your nephew. I say, he's a
+chip of the old block, Gibbon," and Stark laughed as if he enjoyed it.
+
+"What do you mean by that?"
+
+"I was lying in a field, overcome by liquor, an old weakness of mine,
+you know, and my wallet had slipped out of my pocket. I chanced to open
+my eyes, when I saw it in the hands of your promising nephew, ha! ha!"
+
+"He told me that."
+
+"But he didn't tell you that he was on the point of appropriating a part
+of the contents? I warrant you he didn't tell you that."
+
+"Did he acknowledge it? Perhaps you misjudged him."
+
+"He didn't acknowledge it in so many words, but I knew it by his change
+of color and confusion. Oh, I didn't lay it up against him. We are very
+good friends. He comes honestly by it."
+
+Gibbon looked very much annoyed, but there were reasons why he did not
+care to express his chagrin.
+
+"On my honor, it was an immense surprise to me," proceeded Stark, "when
+I learned that my old friend Gibbon was a resident of Milford."
+
+"I wish you had never found it out," thought Gibbon, biting his lip.
+
+"No sooner did I hear it than I posted off at once to call on you."
+
+"So I see."
+
+Stark elevated his eyebrows, and looked amused. He saw that he was not a
+welcome visitor, but for that he cared little.
+
+"Haven't you got on, though? Here I find you the trusted bookkeeper of
+an important business firm. Did you bring recommendations from your last
+place?" and he burst into a loud guffaw.
+
+"I wish you wouldn't make such references," snapped Gibbon. "They can do
+no good, and might do harm."
+
+"Don't be angry, my dear boy. I rejoice at your good fortune. Wish I was
+equally well fixed. You don't ask how I am getting on."
+
+"I hope you are prosperous," said Gibbon, coldly.
+
+"I might be more so. Is there a place vacant in your office?"
+
+"No."
+
+"And if there were, you might not recommend me, eh?"
+
+"There is no need to speak of that. There is no vacancy."
+
+"Upon my word, I wish there were, as I am getting to the end of my
+tether. I may have money enough to last me four weeks longer, but no
+more."
+
+"I don't see how I can help you," said Gibbon.
+
+"How much salary does Mr. Jennings pay you?"
+
+"A hundred dollars a month," answered the bookkeeper, reluctantly.
+
+"Not bad, in a cheap place like this."
+
+"It takes all I make to pay expenses."
+
+"I remember--you have a wife. I have no such incumbrance."
+
+"There is one question I would like to ask you," said the bookkeeper.
+
+"Fire away, dear boy. Have you an extra cigar?"
+
+"Here is one."
+
+"Thanks. Now I shall be comfortable. Go ahead with your question."
+
+"What brought you to Milford? You didn't know of my being here, you
+say."
+
+"Neither did I. I came on my old business."
+
+"What?"
+
+"I heard there was a rich manufacturer here--I allude to your respected
+employer. I thought I might manage to open his safe some dark night."
+
+"No, no," protested Gibbon in alarm. "Don't think of it."
+
+"Why not?" asked Stark, coolly.
+
+"Because," answered Gibbon, in some agitation, "I might be suspected."
+
+"Well, perhaps you might; but I have got to look out for number one. How
+do you expect me to live?"
+
+"Go somewhere else. There are plenty of other men as rich, and richer,
+where you would not be compromising an old friend."
+
+"It's because I have an old friend in the office that I have thought
+this would be my best opening."
+
+"Surely, man, you don't expect me to betray my employer, and join with
+you in robbing him?"
+
+"That's just what I do expect. Don't tell me you have grown virtuous,
+Gibbon. The tiger doesn't lose his spots or the leopard his stripes.
+I tell you there's a fine chance for us both. I'll divide with you, if
+you'll help me."
+
+"But I've gone out of the business," protested Gibbon.
+
+"I haven't. Come, old boy, I can't let any sentimental scruples
+interfere with so good a stroke of business."
+
+"I won't help you!" said Gibbon, angrily. "You only want to get me into
+trouble."
+
+"You won't help me?" said Stark, with slow deliberation.
+
+"No, I can't honorably. Can't you let me alone?"
+
+"Sorry to say, I can't. If I was rich, I might; but as it is, it is
+quite necessary for me to raise some money somewhere. By all accounts,
+Jennings is rich, and can spare a small part of his accumulations for a
+good fellow that's out of luck."
+
+"You'd better give up the idea. It's quite impossible."
+
+"Is it?" asked Stark, with a wicked look. "Then do you know what I will
+do?"
+
+"What will you do?" asked Gibbon, nervously.
+
+"I will call on your employer, and tell him what I know of you."
+
+"You wouldn't do that?" said the bookkeeper, much agitated.
+
+"Why not? You turn your back upon an old friend. You bask in prosperity,
+and turn from him in his poverty. It's the way of the world, no doubt;
+but Phil Stark generally gets even with those who don't treat him well."
+
+"Tell me what you want me to do," said Gibbon, desperately.
+
+"Tell me first whether your safe contains much of value."
+
+"We keep a line of deposit with the Milford Bank."
+
+"Do you mean to say that nothing of value is left in the safe
+overnight?" asked Stark, disappointed.
+
+"There is a box of government bonds usually kept there," the bookkeeper
+admitted, reluctantly.
+
+"Ah, that's good!" returned Stark, rubbing his hands. "Do you know how
+much they amount to?"
+
+"I think there are about four thousand dollars."
+
+"Good! We must have those bonds, Gibbon."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+MR. STARK IS RECOGNIZED.
+
+
+Phil Stark was resolved not to release his hold upon his old
+acquaintance. During the day he spent his time in lounging about the
+town, but in the evening he invariably fetched up at the bookkeeper's
+modest home. His attentions were evidently not welcome to Mr. Gibbon,
+who daily grew more and more nervous and irritable, and had the
+appearance of a man whom something disquieted.
+
+Leonard watched the growing intimacy with curiosity. He was a sharp boy,
+and he felt convinced that there was something between his uncle and the
+stranger. There was no chance for him to overhear any conversation, for
+he was always sent out of the way when the two were closeted together.
+He still met Mr. Stark outside, and played billiards with him
+frequently. Once he tried to extract some information from Stark.
+
+"You've known my uncle a good while," he said, in a tone of assumed
+indifference.
+
+"Yes, a good many years," answered Stark, as he made a carom.
+
+"Were you in business together?"
+
+"Not exactly, but we may be some time," returned Stark, with a
+significant smile.
+
+"Here?"
+
+"Well, that isn't decided."
+
+"Where did you first meet Uncle Julius?"
+
+"The kid's growing curious," said Stark to himself. "Does he think he
+can pull wool over the eyes of Phil Stark? If he does, he thinks a good
+deal too highly of himself. I will answer his questions to suit myself."
+
+"Why don't you ask your uncle that?"
+
+"I did," said Leonard, "but he snapped me up, and told me to mind my own
+business. He is getting terribly cross lately."
+
+"It's his stomach, I presume," said Stark, urbanely. "He is a confirmed
+dyspeptic--that's what's the matter with him. Now; I've got the
+digestion of an ox. Nothing ever troubles me, and the result is that I
+am as calm and good-natured as a May morning."
+
+"Don't you ever get riled, Mr. Stark?" asked Leonard, laughing.
+
+"Well, hardly ever. Sometimes when I am asked fool questions by one who
+seems to be prying into what is none of his business, I get wrathy, and
+when I'm roused look out!"
+
+He glanced meaningly at Leonard, and the boy understood that the words
+conveyed a warning and a menace.
+
+"Is anything the matter with you, Mr. Gibbon? Are you as well as usual?"
+asked Mr. Jennings one morning. The little man was always considerate,
+and he had noticed the flurried and nervous manner of his bookkeeper.
+
+"No, sir; what makes you ask?" said Gibbon, apologetically.
+
+"Perhaps you need a vacation," suggested Mr. Jennings.
+
+"Oh, no, I think not. Besides, I couldn't be spared."
+
+"I would keep the books myself for a week to favor you."
+
+"You are very kind, but I won't trouble you just yet. A little later on,
+if I feel more uncomfortable, I will avail myself of your kindness."
+
+"Do so. I know that bookkeeping is a strain upon the mind, more so than
+physical labor."
+
+There were special reasons why Mr. Gibbon did not dare to accept the
+vacation tendered him by his employer. He knew that Phil Stark would be
+furious, for it would interfere with his designs. He could not afford
+to offend this man, who held in his possession a secret affecting his
+reputation and good name.
+
+The presence of a stranger in a small town always attracts public
+attention, and many were curious about the rakish-looking man who had
+now for some time occupied a room at the hotel.
+
+Among others, Carl had several times seen him walking with Leonard Craig
+
+"Leonard," he asked one day, "who is the gentleman I see you so often
+walking with?"
+
+"It's a man that's boarding at the hotel. I play billiards with him
+sometimes."
+
+"He seems to like Milford."
+
+"I don't know. He's over at our house every evening."
+
+"Is he?" asked Carl, surprised.
+
+"Yes; he's an old acquaintance of Uncle Julius. I don't know where they
+met each other, for he won't tell. He said he and uncle might go into
+business together some time. Between you and me, I think uncle would
+like to get rid of him. I know he doesn't like him."
+
+This set Carl to thinking, but something occurred soon afterwards that
+impressed him still more.
+
+Occasionally a customer of the house visited Milford, wishing to give a
+special order for some particular line of goods. About this time a Mr.
+Thorndike, from Chicago, came to Milford on this errand, and put up at
+the hotel. He had called at the factory during the day, and had some
+conversation with Mr. Jennings. After supper a doubt entered the mind of
+the manufacturer in regard to one point, and he said to Carl: "Carl, are
+you engaged this evening?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Will you carry a note for me to the hotel?"
+
+"Certainly, sir; I shall be glad to do so."
+
+"Mr. Thorndike leaves in the morning, and I am not quite clear as to
+one of the specifications he gave me with his order. You noticed the
+gentleman who went through the factory with me?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He is Mr. Thorndike. Please hand him this note, and if he wishes you to
+remain with him for company, you had better do so."
+
+"I will, sir."
+
+"Hannah," said Mr. Jennings, as his messenger left with the note, "Carl
+is a pleasant addition to our little household?"
+
+"Yes, indeed he is," responded Hannah, emphatically.
+
+"If he was twice the trouble I'd be glad to have him here."
+
+"He is easy to get along with."
+
+"Surely."
+
+"Yet his stepmother drove him from his father's house."
+
+"She's a wicked trollop, then!" said Hannah, in a deep, stern voice.
+"I'd like to get hold of her, I would."
+
+"What would you do to her?" asked Mr. Jennings, smiling.
+
+"I'd give her a good shaking," answered Hannah.
+
+"I believe you would, Hannah," said Mr. Jennings, amused. "On the whole,
+I think she had better keep out of your clutches. Still, but for her we
+would never have met with Carl. What is his father's loss is our gain."
+
+"What a poor, weak man his father must be," said Hannah, contemptuously,
+"to let a woman like her turn him against his own flesh and blood!"
+
+"I agree with you, Hannah. I hope some time he may see his mistake."
+
+Carl kept on his way to the hotel. It was summer and Mr. Thorndike was
+sitting on the piazza smoking a cigar. To him Carl delivered the note.
+
+"It's all right!" he said, rapidly glancing it over. "You may tell
+Mr. Jennings," and here he gave an answer to the question asked in the
+letter.
+
+"Yes, sir, I will remember."
+
+"Won't you sit down and keep me company a little while?" asked
+Thorndike, who was sociably inclined.
+
+"Thank you, sir," and Carl sat down in a chair beside him.
+
+"Will you have a cigar?"
+
+"No, thank you, sir. I don't smoke."
+
+"That is where you are sensible. I began to smoke at fourteen, and now I
+find it hard to break off. My doctor tells me it is hurting me, but the
+chains of habit are strong."
+
+"All the more reason for forming good habits, sir."
+
+"Spoken like a philosopher. Are you in the employ of my friend, Mr.
+Jennings?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Learning the business?"
+
+"That is my present intention."
+
+"If you ever come out to Chicago, call on me, and if you are out of a
+place, I will give you one."
+
+"Are you not a little rash, Mr. Thorndike, to offer me a place when you
+know so little of me?"
+
+"I trust a good deal to looks. I care more for them than for
+recommendations."
+
+At that moment Phil Stark came out of the hotel, and passing them,
+stepped off the piazza into the street.
+
+Mr. Thorndike half rose from his seat, and looked after him.
+
+"Who is that?" he asked, in an exciting whisper.
+
+"A man named Stark, who is boarding at the hotel. Do you know him?"
+
+"Do I know him?" repeated Thorndike. "He is one of the most successful
+burglars in the West."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+PREPARING FOR THE BURGLAR.
+
+
+Carl stared at Mr. Thorndike in surprise and dismay.
+
+"A burglar!" he ejaculated.
+
+"Yes; I was present in the courtroom when he was convicted of robbing
+the Springfield bank. I sat there for three hours, and his face was
+impressed upon my memory. I saw him later on in the Joliet Penitentiary.
+I was visiting the institution and saw the prisoners file out into the
+yard. I recognized this man instantly. Do you know how long he has been
+here?"
+
+"For two weeks I should think."
+
+"He has some dishonest scheme in his head, I have no doubt. Have you a
+bank in Milford?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"He may have some design upon that."
+
+"He is very intimate with our bookkeeper, so his nephew tells me."
+
+Mr. Thorndike looked startled.
+
+"Ha! I scent danger to my friend, Mr. Jennings. He ought to be
+apprised."
+
+"He shall be, sir," said Carl, firmly.
+
+"Will you see him to-night?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I am not only in his employ, but I live at his house."
+
+"That is well."
+
+"Perhaps I ought to go home at once."
+
+"No attempt will be made to rob the office till late. It is scarcely
+eight o'clock. I don't know, however, but I will walk around to the
+house with you, and tell your employer what I know. By the way, what
+sort of a man is the bookkeeper?"
+
+"I don't know him very well, sir. He has a nephew in the office, who was
+transferred from the factory. I have taken his place."
+
+"Do you think the bookkeeper would join in a plot to rob his employer?"
+
+"I don't like him. To me he is always disagreeable, but I would not like
+to say that."
+
+"How long has he been in the employ of Mr. Jennings?"
+
+"As long as two years, I should think."
+
+"You say that this man is intimate with him?"
+
+"Leonard Craig--he is the nephew--says that Mr. Philip Stark is at his
+uncle's house every evening."
+
+"So he calls himself Philip Stark, does he?"
+
+"Isn't that his name?"
+
+"I suppose it is one of his names. He was convicted under that name,
+and retains it here on account of its being so far from the place of his
+conviction. Whether it is his real name or not, I do not know. What is
+the name of your bookkeeper?"
+
+"Julius Gibbon."
+
+"I don't remember ever having heard it. Evidently there has been some
+past acquaintance between the two men, and that, I should say, is hardly
+a recommendation for Mr. Gibbon. Of course that alone is not enough to
+condemn him, but the intimacy is certainly a suspicious circumstance."
+
+The two soon reached the house of Mr. Jennings, for the distance was
+only a quarter of a mile.
+
+Mr. Jennings seemed a little surprised, but gave a kindly welcome to
+his unexpected guest. It occurred to him that he might have come to give
+some extra order for goods.
+
+"You are surprised to see me," said Thorndike. "I came on a very
+important matter."
+
+A look of inquiry came over the face of Mr. Jennings.
+
+"There's a thief in the village--a guest at the hotel--whom I recognize
+as one of the most expert burglars in the country."
+
+"I think I know whom you mean, a man of moderate height, rather thick
+set, with small, black eyes and a slouch hat."
+
+"Exactly."
+
+"What can you tell me about him?"
+
+Mr. Thorndike repeated the statement he had already made to Carl.
+
+"Do you think our bank is in danger?" asked the manufacturer.
+
+"Perhaps so, but the chief danger threatens you."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked surprised.
+
+"What makes you think so?"
+
+"Because this man appears to be very intimate with your bookkeeper."
+
+"How do you know that?" asked the little man, quickly.
+
+"I refer you to Carl."
+
+"Leonard Craig told me to-night that this man Stark spent every evening
+at his uncle's house."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked troubled.
+
+"I am sorry to hear this," he said. "I dislike to lose confidence in any
+man whom I have trusted."
+
+"Have you noticed anything unusual in the demeanor of your bookkeeper of
+late?" asked Thorndike.
+
+"Yes; he has appeared out of spirits and nervous."
+
+"That would seem to indicate he is conspiring to rob you."
+
+"This very day, noticing the change in him, I offered him a week's
+vacation. He promptly declined to take it."
+
+"Of course. It would conflict with the plans of his confederate. I don't
+know the man, but I do know human nature, and I venture to predict that
+your safe will be opened within a week. Do you keep anything of value in
+it?"
+
+"There are my books, which are of great value to me."
+
+"But not to a thief. Anything else?"
+
+"Yes; I have a tin box containing four thousand dollars in government
+bonds."
+
+"Coupon or registered?"
+
+"Coupon."
+
+"Nothing could be better--for a burglar. What on earth could induce you
+to keep the bonds in your own safe?"
+
+"To tell the truth, I considered them quite as safe there as in the
+bank. Banks are more likely to be robbed than private individuals."
+
+"Circumstances alter cases. Does anyone know that you have the bonds in
+your safe?"
+
+"My bookkeeper is aware of it."
+
+"Then, my friend, I caution you to remove the bonds from so unsafe a
+depository as soon as possible. Unless I am greatly mistaken, this man,
+Stark, has bought over your bookkeeper, and will have his aid in robbing
+you."
+
+"What is your advice?"
+
+"To remove the bonds this very evening," said Thorndike.
+
+"Do you think the danger so pressing?"
+
+"Of course I don't know that an attempt will be made to-night, but it
+is quite possible. Should it be so, you would have an opportunity to
+realize that delays are dangerous."
+
+"Should Mr. Gibbon find, on opening the safe to-morrow morning, that the
+box is gone, it may lead to an attack upon my house."
+
+"I wish you to leave the box in the safe."
+
+"But I understand that you advised me to remove it."
+
+"Not the box, but the bonds. Listen to my plan. Cut out some newspaper
+slips of about the same bulk as the bonds, put them in place of the
+bonds in the box, and quietly transfer the bonds in your pocket to your
+own house. To-morrow you can place them in the bank. Should no burglary
+be attempted, let the box remain in the safe, just as if its contents
+were valuable."
+
+"Your advice is good, and I will adopt it," said Jennings, "and thank
+you for your valuable and friendly instruction."
+
+"If agreeable to you I will accompany you to the office at once. The
+bonds cannot be removed too soon. Then if anyone sees us entering, it
+will be thought that you are showing me the factory. It will divert
+suspicion, even if we are seen by Stark or your bookkeeper."
+
+"May I go, too?" asked Carl, eagerly.
+
+"Certainly," said the manufacturer. "I know, Carl, that you are devoted
+to my interests. It is a comfort to know this, now that I have cause to
+suspect my bookkeeper."
+
+It was only a little after nine. The night was moderately dark, and Carl
+was intrusted with a wax candle, which he put in his pocket for use in
+the office. They reached the factory without attracting attention, and
+entered by the office door.
+
+Mr. Jennings opened the safe--he and the bookkeeper alone knew the
+combination--and with some anxiety took out the tin box. It was possible
+that the contents had already been removed. But no! on opening it,
+the bonds were found intact. According to Mr. Thorndike's advice, he
+transferred them to his pocket, and substituted folded paper. Then,
+replacing everything, the safe was once more locked, and the three left
+the office.
+
+Mr. Thorndike returned to the hotel, and Mr. Jennings to his house, but
+Carl asked permission to remain out a while longer.
+
+"It is on my mind that an attempt will be made to-night to rob the
+safe," he said. "I want to watch near the factory to see if my suspicion
+is correct."
+
+"Very well, Carl, but don't stay out too long!" said his employer.
+
+"Suppose I see them entering the office, sir?"
+
+"Don't interrupt them! They will find themselves badly fooled. Notice
+only if Mr. Gibbon is of the party. I must know whether my bookkeeper is
+to be trusted."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE BURGLARY.
+
+
+Carl seated himself behind a stone wall on the opposite side of the
+street from the factory. The building was on the outskirts of the
+village, though not more than half a mile from the post office, and
+there was very little travel in that direction during the evening. This
+made it more favorable for thieves, though up to the present time
+no burglarious attempt had been made on it. Indeed, Milford had been
+exceptionally fortunate in that respect. Neighboring towns had been
+visited, some of them several times, but Milford had escaped.
+
+The night was quite dark, but not what is called pitchy dark. As
+the eyes became accustomed to the obscurity, they were able to see
+a considerable distance. So it was with Carl. From his place of
+concealment he occasionally raised his head and looked across the way to
+the factory. An hour passed, and he grew tired. It didn't look as if the
+attempt were to be made that night. Eleven o'clock pealed out from the
+spire of the Baptist Church, a quarter of a mile away. Carl counted the
+strokes, and when the last died into silence, he said to himself:
+
+"I will stay here about ten minutes longer. Then, if no one comes, I
+will give it up for tonight."
+
+The time was nearly up when his quick ear caught a low murmur of voices.
+Instantly he was on the alert. Waiting till the sound came nearer, he
+ventured to raise his head for an instant above the top of the wall.
+
+His heart beat with excitement when he saw two figures approaching.
+Though it was so dark, he recognized them by their size and outlines.
+They were Julius Gibbon, the bookkeeper, and Phil Stark, the stranger
+staying at the hotel.
+
+Carl watched closely, raising his head for a few seconds at a time above
+the wall, ready to lower it should either glance in his direction. But
+neither of the men did so. Ignorant that they were suspected, it was the
+farthest possible from their thoughts that anyone would be on the watch.
+
+Presently they came so near that Carl could hear their voices.
+
+"I wish it was over," murmured Gibbon, nervously.
+
+"Don't worry," said his companion. "There is no occasion for haste.
+Everybody in Milford is in bed and asleep, and we have several hours at
+our disposal."
+
+"You must remember that my reputation is at stake. This night's work may
+undo me."
+
+"My friend, you can afford to take the chances. Haven't I agreed to give
+you half the bonds?"
+
+"I shall be suspected, and shall be obliged to stand my ground, while
+you will disappear from the scene."
+
+"Two thousand dollars will pay you for some inconvenience. I don't see
+why you should be suspected. You will be supposed to be fast asleep
+on your virtuous couch, while some bad burglar is robbing your worthy
+employer. Of course you will be thunderstruck when in the morning the
+appalling discovery is made. I'll tell you what will be a good dodge for
+you."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Offer a reward of a hundred dollars from your own purse for the
+discovery of the villain who has robbed the safe and abstracted the
+bonds."
+
+Phil Stark burst out into a loud guffaw as he uttered these words.
+
+"Hush!" said Gibbon, timidly. "I thought I heard some one moving."
+
+"What a timid fool you are!" muttered Stark, contemptuously. "If I had
+no more pluck, I'd hire myself out to herd cows."
+
+"It's a better business," said Gibbon, bitterly.
+
+"Well, well, each to his taste! If you lose your place as bookkeeper,
+you might offer your services to some farmer. As for me, the danger,
+though there isn't much, is just enough to make it exciting."
+
+"I don't care for any such excitement," said Gibbon, dispiritedly. "Why
+couldn't you have kept away and let me earn an honest living?"
+
+"Because I must live as well as you, my dear friend. When this little
+affair is over, you will thank me for helping you to a good thing."
+
+Of course all this conversation did not take place within Carl's
+hearing. While it was going on, the men had opened the office door and
+entered. Then, as Carl watched the window closely he saw a narrow gleam
+of light from a dark lantern illuminating the interior.
+
+"Now they are at the safe," thought Carl.
+
+We, who are privileged, will enter the office and watch the proceedings.
+
+Gibbon had no difficulty in opening the safe, for he was acquainted with
+the combination. Stark thrust in his hand eagerly and drew out the box.
+
+"This is what we want," he said, in a tone of satisfaction. "Have you a
+key that will open it?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I shall have to take box and all."
+
+"Let us get through as soon as possible," said Gibbon, uneasily.
+
+"You can close the safe, if you want to. There is nothing else worth
+taking?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then we will evacuate the premises. Is there an old newspaper I can use
+to wrap up the box in? It might look suspicious if anyone should see it
+in our possession."
+
+"Yes, here is one."
+
+He handed a copy of a weekly paper to Phil Stark, who skillfully wrapped
+up the box, and placing it under his arm, went out of the office,
+leaving Gibbon to follow.
+
+"Where will you carry it?" asked Gibbon.
+
+"Somewhere out of sight where I can safely open it. I should have
+preferred to take the bonds, and leave the box in the safe. Then the
+bonds might not have been missed for a week or more."
+
+"That would have been better."
+
+That was the last that Carl heard. The two disappeared in the darkness,
+and Carl, raising himself from his place of concealment, stretched his
+cramped limbs and made the best of his way home. He thought no one would
+be up, but Mr. Jennings came out from the sitting-room, where he had
+flung himself on a lounge, and met Carl in the hall.
+
+"Well?" he said.
+
+"The safe has been robbed."
+
+"Who did it?" asked the manufacturer, quickly.
+
+"The two we suspected."
+
+"Did you see Mr. Gibbon, then?"
+
+"Yes; he was accompanied by Mr. Stark."
+
+"You saw them enter the factory?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I was crouching behind the stone wall on the other side of
+the road."
+
+"How long were they inside?"
+
+"Not over fifteen minutes--perhaps only ten."
+
+"Mr. Gibbon knew the combination," said Jennings, quietly. "There was no
+occasion to lose time in breaking open the safe. There is some advantage
+in having a friend inside. Did you see them go out?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Carrying the tin box with them?"
+
+"Yes, sir. Mr. Stark wrapped it in a newspaper after they got outside."
+
+"But you saw the tin box?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then, if necessary, you can testify to it. I thought it possible that
+Mr. Gibbon might have a key to open it."
+
+"I overheard Stark regretting that he could not open it so as to
+abstract the bonds and leave the box in the safe. In that case, he said,
+it might be some time before the robbery was discovered."
+
+"He will himself make an unpleasant discovery when he opens the box. I
+don't think there is any call to pity him, do you, Carl?"
+
+"No, sir. I should like to be within sight when he opens it."
+
+The manufacturer laughed quietly.
+
+"Yes," he said; "if I could see it I should feel repaid for the loss of
+the box. Let it be a lesson for you, my boy. Those who seek to enrich
+themselves by unlawful means are likely in the end to meet with
+disappointment."
+
+"Do you think I need the lesson?" asked Carl, smiling.
+
+"No, my lad. I am sure you don't. But you do need a good night's rest.
+Let us go to bed at once, and get what sleep we may. I won't allow the
+burglary to keep me awake."
+
+He laughed in high good humor, and Carl went up to his comfortable room,
+where he soon lost all remembrance of the exciting scene of which he had
+been a witness.
+
+Mr. Jennings went to the factory at the usual time the next morning.
+
+As he entered the office the bookkeeper approached him pale and excited.
+
+"Mr. Jennings," he said, hurriedly, "I have bad news for you."
+
+"What is it, Mr. Gibbon?"
+
+"When I opened the safe this morning, I discovered that the tin box had
+been stolen."
+
+Mr. Jennings took the news quietly.
+
+"Have you any suspicion who took it?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir. I--I hope the loss is not a heavy one."
+
+"I do not care to make the extent of the loss public. Were there any
+marks of violence? Was the safe broken open?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Singular; is it not?"
+
+"If you will allow me I will join in offering a reward for the discovery
+of the thief. I feel in a measure responsible."
+
+"I will think of your offer, Mr. Gibbon."
+
+"He suspects nothing," thought Gibbon, with a sigh of relief.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+STARK'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+Philip Stark went back to the hotel with the tin box under his arm.
+He would like to have entered the hotel without notice, but this was
+impossible, for the landlord's nephew was just closing up. Though not
+late for the city, it was very late for the country, and he looked
+surprised when Stark came in.
+
+"I am out late," said Stark, with a smile.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That is, late for Milford. In the city I never go to bed before
+midnight."
+
+"Have you been out walking?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You found it rather dark, did you not?"
+
+"It is dark as a pocket."
+
+"You couldn't have found the walk a very pleasant one."
+
+"You are right, my friend; but I didn't walk for pleasure. The fact is,
+I am rather worried about a business matter. I have learned that I am
+threatened with a heavy loss--an unwise investment in the West--and I
+wanted time to think it over and decide how to act."
+
+"I see," answered the clerk, respectfully, for Stark's words led him to
+think that his guest was a man of wealth.
+
+"I wish I was rich enough to be worried by such a cause," he said,
+jokingly.
+
+"I wish you were. Some time I may be able to throw something in your
+way."
+
+"Do you think it would pay me to go to the West?" asked the clerk,
+eagerly.
+
+"I think it quite likely--if you know some one out in that section."
+
+"But I don't know anyone."
+
+"You know me," said Stark, significantly.
+
+"Do you think you could help me to a place, Mr. Stark?"
+
+"I think I could. A month from now write to me Col. Philip Stark, at
+Denver, Colorado, and I will see if I can find an opening for you."
+
+"You are very kind, Mr.--I mean Col. Stark," said the clerk, gratefully.
+
+"Oh, never mind about the title," returned Stark, smiling
+good-naturedly. "I only gave it to you just now, because everybody
+in Denver knows me as a colonel, and I am afraid a letter otherwise
+addressed would not reach me. By the way, I am sorry that I shall
+probably have to leave you to-morrow."
+
+"So soon?"
+
+"Yes; it's this tiresome business. I should not wonder if I might lose
+ten thousand dollars through the folly of my agent. I shall probably
+have to go out to right things."
+
+"I couldn't afford to lose ten thousand dollars," said the young man,
+regarding the capitalist before him with deference.
+
+"No, I expect not. At your age I wasn't worth ten thousand cents.
+Now--but that's neither here nor there. Give me a light, please, and I
+will go up to bed."
+
+"He was about to say how much he is worth now," soliloquized the clerk.
+"I wish he had not stopped short. If I can't be rich myself, I like to
+talk with a rich man. There's hope for me, surely. He says that at my
+age he was not worth ten thousand cents. That is only a hundred dollars,
+and I am worth that. I must keep it to pay my expenses to Colorado, if
+he should send for me in a few weeks."
+
+The young man had noticed with some curiosity the rather oddly-shaped
+bundle which Stark carried under his arm, but could not see his way
+clear to asking any questions about it. It seemed queer that Stark
+should have it with him while walking. Come to think of it, he
+remembered seeing him go out in the early evening, and he was quite
+confident that at that time he had no bundle with him. However, he was
+influenced only by a spirit of idle curiosity. He had no idea that
+the bundle was of any importance or value. The next day he changed his
+opinion on that subject.
+
+Phil Stark went up to his chamber, and setting the lamp on the bureau,
+first carefully locked the door, and then removed the paper from the tin
+box. He eyed it lovingly, and tried one by one the keys he had in his
+pocket, but none exactly fitted.
+
+As he was experimenting he thought with a smile of the night clerk from
+whom he had just parted.
+
+"Stark," he soliloquized, addressing himself, "you are an old humbug.
+You have cleverly duped that unsophisticated young man downstairs. He
+looks upon you as a man of unbounded wealth, evidently, while, as a
+matter of fact, you are almost strapped. Let me see how much I have got
+left."
+
+He took out his wallet, and counted out seven dollars and thirty-eight
+cents.
+
+"That can hardly be said to constitute wealth," he reflected, "but it is
+all I have over and above the contents of this box. That makes all the
+difference. Gibbon is of opinion that there are four thousand dollars
+in bonds inside, and he expects me to give him half. Shall I do it? Not
+such a fool! I'll give him fifteen hundred and keep the balance myself.
+That'll pay him handsomely, and the rest will be a good nestegg for me.
+If Gibbon is only half shrewd he will pull the wool over the eyes of
+that midget of an employer, and retain his place and comfortable salary.
+There will be no evidence against him, and he can pose as an innocent
+man. Bah! what a lot of humbug there is in the world. Well, well, Stark,
+you have your share, no doubt. Otherwise how would you make a living?
+To-morrow I must clear out from Milford, and give it a wide berth in
+future. I suppose there will be a great hue-and-cry about the robbery
+of the safe. It will be just as well for me to be somewhere else. I have
+already given the clerk a good reason for my sudden departure. Confound
+it, it's a great nuisance that I can't open this box! I would like to
+know before I go to bed just how much boodle I have acquired. Then I can
+decide how much to give Gibbon. If I dared I'd keep the whole, but he
+might make trouble."
+
+Phil Stark, or Col. Philip Stark, as he had given his name, had a large
+supply of keys, but none of them seemed to fit the tin box.
+
+"I am afraid I shall excite suspicion if I sit up any longer," thought
+Stark. "I will go to bed and get up early in the morning. Then I may
+succeed better in opening this plaguy box."
+
+He removed his clothing and got into bed. The evening had been rather
+an exciting one, but the excitement was a pleasurable one, for he had
+succeeded in the plan which he and the bookkeeper had so ingeniously
+formed and carried out, and here within reach was the rich reward
+after which they had striven. Mr. Stark was not troubled with a
+conscience--that he had got rid of years ago--and he was filled with
+a comfortable consciousness of having retrieved his fortunes when
+they were on the wane. So, in a short time he fell asleep, and slept
+peacefully. Toward morning, however, he had a disquieting dream. It
+seemed to him that he awoke suddenly from slumber and saw Gibbon
+leaving the room with the tin box under his arm. He awoke really with
+beads of perspiration upon his brow--awoke to see by the sun streaming
+in at his window that the morning was well advanced, and the tin box was
+still safe.
+
+"Thank Heaven, it was but a dream!" he murmured. "I must get up and try
+once more to open the box."
+
+The keys had all been tried, and had proved not to fit. Mr. Stark was
+equal to the emergency. He took from his pocket a button hook and bent
+it so as to make a pick, and after a little experimenting succeeded in
+turning the lock. He lifted the lid eagerly, and with distended eyes
+prepared to gloat upon the stolen bonds. But over his face there came
+a startling change. The ashy blue hue of disappointment succeeded the
+glowing, hopeful look. He snatched at one of the folded slips of paper
+and opened it. Alas! it was valueless, mere waste paper. He sank into a
+chair in a limp, hopeless posture, quite overwhelmed. Then he sprang up
+suddenly, and his expression changed to one of fury and menace.
+
+"If Julius Gibbon has played this trick upon me," he said, between his
+set teeth, "he shall repent it--bitterly!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE.
+
+
+Philip Stark sat down to breakfast in a savage frame of mind. He wanted
+to be revenged upon Gibbon, whom he suspected of having deceived him by
+opening and appropriating the bonds, and then arranged to have him carry
+off the box filled with waste paper.
+
+He sat at the table but five minutes, for he had little or no appetite.
+
+From the breakfast room he went out on the piazza, and with corrugated
+brows smoked a cigar, but it failed to have the usual soothing effect.
+
+If he had known the truth he would have left Milford without delay, but
+he was far from suspecting that the deception practiced upon him had
+been arranged by the man whom he wanted to rob. While there seemed
+little inducement for him to stay in Milford, he was determined to seek
+the bookkeeper, and ascertain whether, as he suspected, his confederate
+had in his possession the bonds which he had been scheming for. If so,
+he would compel him by threats to disgorge the larger portion, and then
+leave town at once.
+
+But the problem was, how to see him. He felt that it would be
+venturesome to go round to the factory, as by this time the loss might
+have been discovered. If only the box had been left, the discovery might
+be deferred. Then a bright idea occurred to him. He must get the box out
+of his own possession, as its discovery would compromise him. Why could
+he not arrange to leave it somewhere on the premises of his confederate?
+
+He resolved upon the instant to carry out the idea. He went up to his
+room, wrapped the tin box in a paper, and walked round to the house of
+the bookkeeper. The coast seemed to be clear, as he supposed it would
+be. He slipped into the yard, and swiftly entered an outhouse. There was
+a large wooden chest, or box, which had once been used to store grain.
+Stark lifted the cover, dropped the box inside, and then, with a feeling
+of relief, walked out of the yard. But he had been observed. Mrs. Gibbon
+chanced to be looking out of a side window and saw him. She recognized
+him as the stranger who had been in the habit of spending recent
+evenings with her husband.
+
+"What can he want here at this time?" she asked herself.
+
+She deliberated whether she should go to the door and speak to Stark,
+but decided not to do so.
+
+"He will call at the door if he has anything to say," she reflected.
+
+Phil Stark walked on till he reached the factory. He felt that he
+must see Julius Gibbon, and satisfy himself as to the meaning of the
+mysterious substitution of waste paper for bonds.
+
+When he reached a point where he could see into the office, he caught
+the eye of Leonard, who was sitting at the window. He beckoned for him
+to come out, and Leonard was glad to do so.
+
+"Where are you going?" asked the bookkeeper, observing the boy's
+movement.
+
+"Mr. Stark is just across the street, and he beckoned for me."
+
+Julius Gibbon flushed painfully, and he trembled with nervous agitation,
+for he feared something had happened.
+
+"Very well, go out, but don't stay long."
+
+Leonard crossed the street and walked up to Stark, who awaited him,
+looking grim and stern.
+
+"Your uncle is inside?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Tell him I wish to see him at once--on business of importance."
+
+"He's busy," said Leonard. "'He doesn't leave the office in business
+hours."
+
+"Tell him I must see him--do you hear? He'll come fast enough."
+
+"I wonder what it's all about," thought Leonard, whose curiosity was
+naturally excited.
+
+"Wait a minute!" said Stark, as he turned to go. "Is Jennings in?"
+
+"No, sir, he has gone over to the next town."
+
+"Probably the box has not been missed, then," thought Stark. "So much
+the better! I can find out how matters stand, and then leave town."
+
+"Very well!" he said, aloud, "let your uncle understand that I must see
+him."
+
+Leonard carried in the message. Gibbon made no objection, but took his
+hat and went out, leaving Leonard in charge of the office.
+
+"Well, what is it?" he asked, hurriedly, as he reached Stark. "Is--is
+the box all right?"
+
+"Look here, Gibbon," said Stark, harshly, "have you been playing any of
+your infernal tricks upon me?"
+
+"I don't know what you mean," responded Gibbon, bewildered.
+
+Stark eyed him sharply, but the bookkeeper was evidently sincere.
+
+"Is there anything wrong?" continued the latter.
+
+"Do you mean to tell me you didn't know that wretched box was filled
+with waste paper?"
+
+"You don't mean it?" exclaimed Gibbon, in dismay.
+
+"Yes, I do. I didn't open it till this morning, and in place of
+government bonds, I found only folded slips of newspaper."
+
+By this time Gibbon was suspicious. Having no confidence in Stark, it
+occurred to him that it was a ruse to deprive him of his share of the
+bonds.
+
+"I don't believe you," he said. "You want to keep all the bonds for
+yourself, and cheat me out of my share."
+
+"I wish to Heaven you were right. If there had been any bonds, I would
+have acted on the square. But somebody had removed them, and substituted
+paper. I suspected you."
+
+"I am ready to swear that this has happened without my knowledge," said
+Gibbon, earnestly.
+
+"How, then, could it have occurred?" asked Stark.
+
+"I don't know, upon my honor. Where is the box?"
+
+"I--have disposed of it."
+
+"You should have waited and opened it before me."
+
+"I asked you if you had a key that would open it. I wanted to open it
+last evening in the office."
+
+"True."
+
+"You will see after a while that I was acting on the square. You can
+open it for yourself at your leisure."
+
+"How can I? I don't know where it is."
+
+"Then I can enlighten you," said Stark, maliciously. "When you go home,
+you will find it in a chest in your woodshed."
+
+Gibbon turned pale.
+
+"You don't mean to say you have carried it to my house?" he exclaimed,
+in dismay.
+
+"Yes, I do. I had no further use for it, and thought you had the best
+claim to it."
+
+"But, good heavens! if it is found there I shall be suspected."
+
+"Very probably," answered Stark, coolly. "Take my advice and put it out
+of the way."
+
+"How could you be so inconsiderate?"
+
+"Because I suspected you of playing me a trick."
+
+"I swear to you, I didn't."
+
+"Then somebody has tricked both of us. Has Mr. Jennings discovered the
+disappearance of the box?"
+
+"Yes, I told him."
+
+"When?"
+
+"When he came to the office."
+
+"What did he say?"
+
+"He took the matter coolly. He didn't say much."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Gone to Winchester on business."
+
+"Look here! Do you think he suspects you?"
+
+"I am quite sure not. That is why I told him about the robbery."
+
+"He might suspect me."
+
+"He said nothing about suspecting anybody."
+
+"Do you think he removed the bonds and substituted paper?"
+
+"I don't think so."
+
+"If this were the case we should both be in a serious plight. I think I
+had better get out of town. You will have to lend me ten dollars."
+
+"I don't see how I can, Stark."
+
+"You must!" said Stark, sternly, "or I will reveal the whole thing.
+Remember, the box is on your premises."
+
+"Heavens! what a quandary I am in," said the bookkeeper, miserably.
+"That must be attended to at once. Why couldn't you put it anywhere
+else?"
+
+"I told you that I wanted to be revenged upon you."
+
+"I wish you had never come to Milford," groaned the bookkeeper.
+
+"I wish I hadn't myself, as things have turned out."
+
+They prepared to start for Gibbon's house, when Mr. Jennings drove
+up. With him were two tall muscular men, whom Stark and Gibbon eyed
+uneasily. The two strangers jumped out of the carriage and advanced
+toward the two confederates.
+
+"Arrest those men!" said Jennings, in a quiet tone. "I charge them with
+opening and robbing my safe last night about eleven o'clock."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+BROUGHT TO BAY.
+
+
+Phil Stark made an effort to get away, but the officer was too quick for
+him. In a trice he was handcuffed.
+
+"What is the meaning of this outrage?" demanded Stark, boldly.
+
+"I have already explained," said the manufacturer, quietly.
+
+"You are quite on the wrong tack," continued Stark, brazenly. "Mr.
+Gibbon was just informing me that the safe had been opened and robbed.
+It is the first I knew of it."
+
+Julius Gibbon seemed quite prostrated by his arrest. He felt it
+necessary to say something, and followed the lead of his companion.
+
+"You will bear me witness, Mr. Jennings," he said, "that I was the first
+to inform you of the robbery. If I had really committed the burglary, I
+should have taken care to escape during the night."
+
+"I should be glad to believe in your innocence," rejoined the
+manufacturer, "but I know more about this matter than you suppose."
+
+"I won't answer for Mr. Gibbon," said Stark, who cared nothing for his
+confederate, if he could contrive to effect his own escape. "Of course
+he had opportunities, as bookkeeper, which an outsider could not have."
+
+Gibbon eyed his companion in crime distrustfully. He saw that Stark was
+intending to throw him over.
+
+"I am entirely willing to have my room at the hotel searched," continued
+Stark, gathering confidence. "If you find any traces of the stolen
+property there, you are welcome to make the most of them. I have no
+doubt Mr. Gibbon will make you the same offer in regard to his house."
+
+Gibbon saw at once the trap which had been so craftily prepared for him.
+He knew that any search of his premises would result in the discovery
+of the tin box, and had no doubt that Stark would be ready to testify to
+any falsehood likely to fasten the guilt upon him. His anger was roused
+and he forgot his prudence.
+
+"You--scoundrel!" he hissed between his closed teeth.
+
+"You seem excited," sneered Stark. "Is it possible that you object to
+the search?"
+
+"If the missing box is found on my premises," said Gibbon, in a white
+heat, "it is because you have concealed it there."
+
+Phil Stark shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I think, gentlemen," he said, "that settles it. I am afraid Mr Gibbon
+is guilty. I shall be glad to assist you to recover the stolen property.
+Did the box contain much that was of value?"
+
+"I must caution you both against saying anything that will compromise
+you," said one of the officers.
+
+"I have nothing to conceal," went on Stark, brazenly. "I am obliged to
+believe that this man committed the burglary. It is against me that I
+have been his companion for the last week or two, but I used to know
+him, and that will account for it."
+
+The unhappy bookkeeper saw the coils closing around him.
+
+"I hope you will see your way to release me," said Stark, addressing
+himself to Mr. Jennings. "I have just received information that my poor
+mother is lying dangerously sick in Cleveland, and I am anxious to start
+for her bedside to-day."
+
+"Why did you come round here this morning?" asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+"To ask Mr. Gibbon to repay me ten dollars which he borrowed of me the
+other day," returned Stark, glibly.
+
+"You--liar!" exclaimed Gibbon, angrily.
+
+"I am prepared for this man's abuse," said Stark. "I don't mind
+admitting now that a few days since he invited me to join him in the
+robbery of the safe. I threatened to inform you of his plan, and he
+promised to give it up. I supposed he had done so, but it is clear to me
+now that he carried out his infamous scheme."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked amused. He admired Stark's brazen effrontery.
+
+"What have you to say to this charge, Mr. Gibbon?" he asked.
+
+"Only this, sir, that I was concerned in the burglary."
+
+"He admits it!" said Stark, triumphantly.
+
+"But this man forced me to it. He threatened to write you some
+particulars of my past history which would probably have lost me my
+position if I did not agree to join him in the conspiracy. I was weak,
+and yielded. Now he is ready to betray me to save himself."
+
+"Mr. Jennings," said Stark, coldly, "you will know what importance to
+attach to the story of a self-confessed burglar. Gibbon, I hope you will
+see the error of your ways, and restore to your worthy employer the box
+of valuable property which you stole from his safe."
+
+"This is insufferable!" cried the bookkeeper "You are a double-dyed
+traitor, Phil Stark. You were not only my accomplice, but you instigated
+the crime."
+
+"You will find it hard to prove this," sneered Stark. "Mr. Jennings, I
+demand my liberty. If you have any humanity you will not keep me from
+the bedside of my dying mother." "I admire your audacity, Mr. Stark,"
+observed the manufacturer, quietly. "Don't suppose for a moment that I
+give the least credit to your statements."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Gibbon. "I'm ready to accept the consequences of
+my act, but I don't want that scoundrel and traitor to go free."
+
+"You can't prove anything against me," said Stark, doggedly, "unless
+you accept the word of a self-confessed burglar, who is angry with me
+because I would not join him."
+
+"All these protestations it would be better for you to keep till your
+trial begins, Mr. Stark," said the manufacturer. "However, I think
+it only fair to tell you that I am better informed about you and your
+conspiracy than you imagine. Will you tell me where you were at eleven
+o'clock last evening?"
+
+"I was in my room at the hotel--no, I was taking a walk. I had received
+news of my mother's illness, and I was so much disturbed and grieved
+that I could not remain indoors."
+
+"You were seen to enter the office of this factory with Mr. Gibbon, and
+after ten minutes came out with the tin box under your arm."
+
+"Who saw me?" demanded Stark, uneasily.
+
+Carl Crawford came forward and answered this question.
+
+"I did!" he said.
+
+"A likely story! You were in bed and asleep."
+
+"You are mistaken. I was on watch behind the stone wall just opposite.
+If you want proof, I can repeat some of the conversation that passed
+between you and Mr. Gibbon."
+
+Without waiting for the request, Carl rehearsed some of the talk already
+recorded in a previous chapter.
+
+Phil Stark began to see that things were getting serious for him, but he
+was game to the last.
+
+"I deny it," he said, in a loud voice.
+
+"Do you also deny it, Mr. Gibbon?" asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+"No, sir; I admit it," replied Gibbon, with a triumphant glance at his
+foiled confederate.
+
+"This is a conspiracy against an innocent man," said Stark, scowling.
+"You want to screen your bookkeeper, if possible. No one has ever before
+charged me with crime."
+
+"Then how does it happen, Mr. Stark, that you were confined at the
+Joliet penitentiary for a term of years?"
+
+"Did he tell you this?" snarled Stark, pointing to Gibbon.
+
+"No."
+
+"Who then?"
+
+"A customer of mine from Chicago. He saw you at the hotel, and informed
+Carl last evening of your character. Carl, of course, brought the news
+to me. It was in consequence of this information that I myself removed
+the bonds from the box, early in the evening, and substituted strips of
+paper. Your enterprise, therefore, would have availed you little even if
+you had succeeded in getting off scot-free."
+
+"I see the game is up," said Stark, throwing off the mask. "It's true
+that I have been in the Joliet penitentiary. It was there that I became
+acquainted with your bookkeeper," he added, maliciously. "Let him deny
+it if he dare."
+
+"I shall not deny it. It is true," said Gibbon. "But I had resolved to
+live an honest life in future, and would have done so if this man had
+not pressed me into crime by his threats."
+
+"I believe you, Mr. Gibbon," said the manufacturer, gently, "and I will
+see that this is counted in your favor. And now, gentlemen, I think
+there is no occasion for further delay."
+
+The two men were carried to the lockup and in due time were tried. Stark
+was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, Gibbon to five. At the end
+of two years, at the intercession of Mr. Jennings, he was pardoned,
+and furnished with money enough to go to Australia, where, his past
+character unknown, he was able to make an honest living, and gain a
+creditable position.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+AFTER A YEAR.
+
+
+Twelve months passed without any special incident. With Carl it was a
+period of steady and intelligent labor and progress. He had excellent
+mechanical talent, and made remarkable advancement. He was not content
+with attention to his own work, but was a careful observer of the work
+of others, so that in one year he learned as much of the business as
+most boys would have done in three.
+
+When the year was up, Mr. Jennings detained him after supper.
+
+"Do you remember what anniversary this is, Carl?" he asked, pleasantly.
+
+"Yes, sir; it is the anniversary of my going into the factory."
+
+"Exactly. How are you satisfied with the year and its work?"
+
+"I have been contented and happy, Mr. Jennings; and I feel that I owe my
+happiness and content to you."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+
+"I am glad you say so," he said, "but it is only fair to add that your
+own industry and intelligence have much to do with the satisfactory
+results of the year."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"The superintendent tells me that outside of your own work you have
+a general knowledge of the business which would make you a valuable
+assistant to himself in case he needed one."
+
+Carl's face glowed with pleasure.
+
+"I believe in being thorough," he said, "and I am interested in every
+department of the business."
+
+"Before you went into the factory you had not done any work."
+
+"No, sir; I had attended school."
+
+"It was not a bad preparation for business, but in some cases it gives a
+boy disinclination for manual labor."
+
+"Yes; I wouldn't care to work with my hands all my life."
+
+"I don't blame you for that. You have qualified yourself for something
+better. How much do I pay you?"
+
+"I began on two dollars a week and my board. At the end of six months
+you kindly advanced me to four dollars."
+
+"I dare say you have found it none too much for your wants."
+
+Carl smiled.
+
+"I have saved forty dollars out of it," he answered.
+
+Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+
+"You have done admirably," he said, warmly. "Forty dollars is not a
+large sum, but in laying it by you have formed a habit that will be
+of great service to you in after years. I propose to raise you to ten
+dollars a week."
+
+"But, sir, shall I earn so much? You are very kind, but I am afraid you
+will be a loser by your liberality."
+
+Mr. Jennings smiled.
+
+"You are partly right," he said. "Your services at present are hardly
+worth the sum I have agreed to pay, that is, in the factory, but I shall
+probably impose upon you other duties of an important nature soon."
+
+"If you do, sir, I will endeavor to meet your expectations."
+
+"How would you like to take a journey Carl?"
+
+"Very much, sir."
+
+"I think of sending you--to Chicago."
+
+Carl, who had thought perhaps of a fifty-mile trip, looked amazed, but
+his delight was equal to his surprise. He had always wished to see the
+West, though Chicago can hardly be called a Western city now, since
+between it and the Pacific there is a broad belt of land two thousand
+miles in extent.
+
+"Do you think I am competent?" he asked, modestly.
+
+"I cannot say positively, but I think so," answered Mr. Jennings.
+
+"Then I shall be delighted to go. Will it be very soon?"
+
+"Yes, very soon. I shall want you to start next Monday."
+
+"I will be ready, sir."
+
+"And I may as well explain what are to be your duties. I am, as you
+know, manufacturing a special line of chairs which I am desirous of
+introducing to the trade. I shall give you the names of men in my line
+in Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago, and it will be your duty to
+call upon them, explain the merits of the chair, and solicit orders. In
+other words, you will be a traveling salesman or drummer. I shall pay
+your traveling expenses, ten dollars a week, and, if your orders exceed
+a certain limit, I shall give you a commission on the surplus."
+
+"Suppose I don't reach that limit?"
+
+"I shall at all events feel that you have done your best. I will
+instruct you a little in your duties between now and the time of your
+departure. I should myself like to go in your stead, but I am needed
+here. There are, of course, others in my employ, older than yourself,
+whom I might send, but I have an idea that you will prove to be a good
+salesman."
+
+"I will try to be, sir."
+
+On Monday morning Carl left Milford, reached New York in two hours and
+a half and, in accordance with the directions of Mr. Jennings, engaged
+passage and a stateroom on one of the palatial night lines of Hudson
+River steamers to Albany. The boat was well filled with passengers, and
+a few persons were unable to procure staterooms.
+
+Carl, however, applied in time, and obtained an excellent room. He
+deposited his gripsack therein, and then took a seat on deck, meaning to
+enjoy as long as possible the delightful scenery for which the Hudson
+is celebrated. It was his first long journey, and for this reason Carl
+enjoyed it all the more. He could not but contrast his present position
+and prospects with those of a year ago, when, helpless and penniless, he
+left an unhappy home to make his own way.
+
+"What a delightful evening!" said a voice at his side.
+
+Turning, Carl saw sitting by him a young man of about thirty, dressed in
+somewhat pretentious style and wearing eyeglasses. He was tall and thin,
+and had sandy side whiskers.
+
+"Yes, it is a beautiful evening," replied Carl, politely.
+
+"And the scenery is quite charming. Have you ever been all the way up
+the river?"
+
+"No, but I hope some day to take a day trip."
+
+"Just so. I am not sure but I prefer the Rhine, with its romantic
+castles and vineclad hills."
+
+"Have you visited Europe, then?" asked Carl.
+
+"Oh, yes, several times. I have a passion for traveling. Our family is
+wealthy, and I have been able to go where I pleased."
+
+"That must be very pleasant."
+
+"It is. My name is Stuyvesant--one of the old Dutch families."
+
+Carl was not so much impressed, perhaps, as he should have been by this
+announcement, for he knew very little of fashionable life in New York.
+
+"You don't look like a Dutchman," he said, smiling.
+
+"I suppose you expected a figure like a beer keg," rejoined Stuyvesant,
+laughing. "Some of my forefathers may have answered that description,
+but I am not built that way. Are you traveling far?"
+
+"I may go as far as Chicago."
+
+"Is anyone with you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Perhaps you have friends in Chicago?"
+
+"Not that I am aware of. I am traveling on business."
+
+"Indeed; you are rather young for a business man."
+
+"I am sixteen."
+
+"Well, that cannot exactly be called venerable."
+
+"No, I suppose not."
+
+"By the way, did you succeed in getting a stateroom?"
+
+"Yes, I have a very good one."
+
+"You're in luck, on my word. I was just too late. The man ahead of me
+took the last room."
+
+"You can get a berth, I suppose."
+
+"But that is so common. Really, I should not know how to travel without
+a stateroom. Have you anyone with you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"If you will take me in I will pay the entire expense."
+
+Carl hesitated. He preferred to be alone, but he was of an obliging
+disposition, and he knew that there were two berths in the stateroom.
+
+"If it will be an accommodation," he said, "I will let you occupy the
+room with me, Mr. Stuyvesant."
+
+"Will you, indeed! I shall esteem it a very great favor. Where is your
+room?"
+
+"I will show you."
+
+Carl led the way to No. 17, followed by his new acquaintance. Mr.
+Stuyvesant seemed very much pleased, and insisted on paying for the room
+at once. Carl accepted half the regular charges, and so the bargain was
+made.
+
+At ten o'clock the two travelers retired to bed. Carl was tired and
+went to sleep at once. He slept through the night. When he awoke in
+the morning the boat was in dock. He heard voices in the cabin, and the
+noise of the transfer of baggage and freight to the wharf.
+
+"I have overslept myself," he said, and jumped up, hurriedly. He looked
+into the upper berth, but his roommate was gone. Something else was
+gone, too--his valise, and a wallet which he had carried in the pocket
+of his trousers.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+THE LOST BANK BOOK.
+
+
+Carl was not long in concluding that he had been robbed by his roommate.
+It was hard to believe that a Stuyvesant--a representative of one of
+the old Dutch families of New Amsterdam--should have stooped to such
+a discreditable act. Carl was sharp enough, however, to doubt the
+genuineness of Mr. Stuyvesant's claims to aristocratic lineage.
+Meanwhile he blamed himself for being so easily duped by an artful
+adventurer.
+
+To be sure, it was not as bad as it might be. His pocketbook only
+contained ten dollars in small bills. The balance of his money he had
+deposited for safe keeping in the inside pocket of his vest. This he had
+placed under his pillow, and so it had escaped the notice of the thief.
+
+The satchel contained a supply of shirts, underclothing, etc., and he
+was sorry to lose it. The articles were not expensive, but it would cost
+him from a dozen to fifteen dollars to replace them.
+
+Carl stepped to the door of his stateroom and called a servant who was
+standing near.
+
+"How long have we been at the pier?" he asked.
+
+"About twenty minutes, sir."
+
+"Did you see my roommate go out?"
+
+"A tall young man in a light overcoat?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Yes, sir. I saw him."
+
+"Did you notice whether he carried a valise in his hand?"
+
+"A gripsack? Yes, sir."
+
+"A small one?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"It was mine."
+
+"You don't say so, sir! And such a respectable-lookin' gemman, sir."
+
+"He may have looked respectable, but he was a thief all the same."
+
+"You don't say? Did he take anything else, sir?"
+
+"He took my pocketbook."
+
+"Well, well! He was a rascal, sure! But maybe it dropped on the floor."
+
+Carl turned his attention to the carpet, but saw nothing of the lost
+pocketbook. He did find, however, a small book in a brown cover, which
+Stuyvesant had probably dropped. Picking it up, he discovered that it
+was a bank book on the Sixpenny Savings Bank of Albany, standing in the
+name of Rachel Norris, and numbered 17,310.
+
+"This is stolen property, too," thought Carl. "I wonder if there is much
+in it."
+
+Opening the book he saw that there were three entries, as follows:
+
+     1883. Jan. 23. Five hundred dollars.
+      "    June 10. Two hundred dollars.
+      "    Oct. 21. One hundred dollars.
+
+There was besides this interest credited to the amount of seventy-five
+dollars. The deposits, therefore, made a grand total of $875.
+
+No doubt Mr. Stuyvesant had stolen this book, but had not as yet found
+an opportunity of utilizing it.
+
+"What's dat?" asked the colored servant.
+
+"A savings bank book. My roommate must have dropped it. It appears to
+belong to a lady named Rachel Norris. I wish I could get it to her."
+
+"Is she an Albany lady, sir?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"You might look in the directory."
+
+"So I will. It is a good idea."
+
+"I hope the gemman didn't take all your money, sir."
+
+"No; he didn't even take half of it. I only wish I had been awake when
+the boat got to the dock."
+
+"I would have called you, sir, if you had asked me."
+
+"I am not much used to traveling. I shall know better next time what to
+do."
+
+The finding of the bank book partially consoled Carl for the loss of his
+pocketbook and gripsack. He was glad to be able to defeat Stuyvesant in
+one of his nefarious schemes, and to be the instrument of returning Miss
+Norris her savings bank book.
+
+When he left the boat he walked along till he reached a modest-looking
+hotel, where he thought the charges would be reasonable. He entered,
+and, going to the desk, asked if he could have a room.
+
+"Large or small?" inquired the clerk.
+
+"Small."
+
+"No. 67. Will you go up now?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Any baggage?"
+
+"No; I had it stolen on the boat."
+
+The clerk looked a little suspicious.
+
+"We must require pay in advance, then," he said.
+
+"Certainly," answered Carl, pulling out a roll of bills. "I suppose you
+make special terms to commercial travelers?"
+
+"Are you a drummer?"
+
+"Yes. I represent Henry Jennings, of Milford, New York."
+
+"All right, sir. Our usual rates are two dollars a day. To you they will
+be a dollar and a quarter."
+
+"Very well; I will pay you for two days. Is breakfast ready?"
+
+"It is on the table, sir."
+
+"Then I will go in at once. I will go to my room afterwards."
+
+In spite of his loss, Carl had a hearty appetite, and did justice to the
+comfortable breakfast provided. He bought a morning paper, and ran his
+eye over the advertising columns. He had never before read an Albany
+paper, and wished to get an idea of the city in its business aspect. It
+occurred to him that there might be an advertisement of the lost bank
+book. But no such notice met his eyes.
+
+He went up to his room, which was small and plainly furnished, but
+looked comfortable. Going down again to the office, he looked into the
+Albany directory to see if he could find the name of Rachel Norris.
+
+There was a Rebecca Norris, who was put down as a dressmaker, but that
+was as near as he came to Rachel Norris.
+
+Then he set himself to looking over the other members of the Norris
+family. Finally he picked out Norris & Wade, furnishing goods, and
+decided to call at the store and inquire if they knew any lady named
+Rachel Norris. The prospect of gaining information in this way did not
+seem very promising, but no other course presented itself, and Carl
+determined to follow up the clew, slight as it was.
+
+Though unacquainted with Albany streets, he had little difficulty in
+finding the store of Norris & Wade. It was an establishment of good
+size, well supplied with attractive goods. A clerk came forward to wait
+upon Carl.
+
+"What can I show you?" he asked.
+
+"You may show me Mr. Norris, if you please," responded Carl, with a
+smile.
+
+"He is in the office," said the clerk, with an answering smile.
+
+Carl entered the office and saw Mr. Norris, a man of middle age,
+partially bald, with a genial, business-like manner.
+
+"Well, young man?" he said, looking at Carl inquiringly.
+
+"You must excuse me for troubling you, sir," said Carl, who was afraid
+Mr. Norris would laugh at him, "but I thought you might direct me to
+Rachel Norris."
+
+Mr. Norris looked surprised.
+
+"What do you want of Rachel Norris?" he asked, abruptly.
+
+"I have a little business with her," answered Carl.
+
+"Of what nature?"
+
+"Excuse me, but I don't care to mention it at present."
+
+"Humph! you are very cautious for a young man, or rather boy."
+
+"Isn't that a good trait, sir?"
+
+"Good, but unusual. Are you a schoolboy?"
+
+"No, sir; I am a drummer."
+
+Mr. Norris put on a pair of glasses and scrutinized Carl more closely.
+
+"I should like to see--just out of curiosity--the man that you travel
+for," he said.
+
+"I will ask him to call whenever he visits Albany. There is his card."
+
+Mr. Norris took it.
+
+"Why, bless my soul!" he exclaimed. "It is Henry Jennings, an old
+schoolmate of mine."
+
+"And a good business man, even if he has sent out such a young drummer."
+
+"I should say so. There must be something in you, or he wouldn't have
+trusted you. How is Jennings?"
+
+"He is well, sir--well and prosperous."
+
+"That is good news. Are you in his employ?"
+
+"Yes, sir. This is the first time I have traveled for him."
+
+"How far are you going?"
+
+"As far as Chicago."
+
+"I don't see what you can have to do with Rachel Norris. However, I
+don't mind telling you that she is my aunt, and--well, upon my soul!
+Here she is now."
+
+And he ran hastily to greet a tall, thin lady, wearing a black shawl,
+who at that moment entered the office.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+AN ECCENTRIC WOMAN.
+
+
+Miss Norris dropped into a chair as if she were fatigued.
+
+"Well, Aunt Rachel, how are you feeling this morning?" asked her nephew.
+
+"Out of sorts," was the laconic reply.
+
+"I am very sorry for that. I suppose there is reason for it."
+
+"Yes; I've been robbed."
+
+"Indeed!" said Mr. Norris. "Lost your purse? I wonder more ladies are
+not robbed, carrying their money as carelessly as they do."
+
+"That isn't it. I am always careful, as careful as any man."
+
+"Still you got robbed."
+
+"Yes, but of a bank book."
+
+Here Carl became attentive. It was clear that he would not have to look
+any farther for the owner of the book he had found in his stateroom.
+
+"What kind of a bank book?" inquired Mr. Norris.
+
+"I had nearly a thousand dollars deposited in the Sixpenny Savings Bank.
+I called at the bank to make some inquiries about interest, and when I
+came out I presume some rascal followed me and stole the book----"
+
+"Have you any idea who took it?"
+
+"I got into the horse cars, near the bank; next to me sat a young man in
+a light overcoat. There was no one on the other side of me. I think he
+must have taken it."
+
+"That was Stuyvesant," said Carl to himself.
+
+"When did this happen, Aunt Rachel?"
+
+"Three days since."
+
+"Why didn't you do something about it before?"
+
+"I did. I advertised a reward of twenty-five dollars to anyone who would
+restore it to me."
+
+"There was no occasion for that. By giving notice at the bank, they
+would give you a new book after a time."
+
+"I preferred to recover the old one. Besides, I thought I would like to
+know what became of it."
+
+"I can tell you, Miss Norris," said Carl, who thought it time to speak.
+
+Hitherto Miss Norris had not seemed aware of Carl's presence. She turned
+abruptly and surveyed him through her glasses.
+
+"Who are you?" she asked.
+
+This might seem rude, but it was only Miss Rachel's way.
+
+"My name is Carl Crawford."
+
+"Do I know you?"
+
+"No, Miss Norris, but I hope you will."
+
+"Humph! that depends. You say you know what became of my bank book?"
+
+"Yes, Miss Norris."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"It was taken by the young man who sat next to you."
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"He robbed me last night on the way from New York in a Hudson River
+steamboat."
+
+"That doesn't prove that he robbed me. I was robbed here in this city."
+
+"What do you say to this?" asked Carl, displaying the bank book.
+
+"Bless me! That is my book. Where did you get it?"
+
+Carl told his story briefly, how, on discovering that he had been
+robbed, he explored the stateroom and found the bank book.
+
+"Well, well, I am astonished! And how did you know Mr. Norris was my
+nephew?"
+
+"I didn't know. I didn't know anything about him or you, but finding his
+name in the directory, I came here to ask if he knew any such person."
+
+"You are a smart boy, and a good, honest one," said Miss Norris. "You
+have earned the reward, and shall have it."
+
+"I don't want any reward, Miss Norris," rejoined Carl. "I have had very
+little trouble in finding you."
+
+"That is of no consequence. I offered the reward, and Rachel Norris is a
+woman of her word."
+
+She thrust her hand into her pocket, and drew out a wallet, more
+suitable to a man's use. Openings this, she took out three bills, two
+tens and a five, and extended them toward Carl.
+
+"I don't think I ought to take this money, Miss Norris," said Carl,
+reluctantly.
+
+"Did that rascal rob you, too?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Of how much?"
+
+"Ten dollars in money and some underclothing."
+
+"Very well! This money will go toward making up your loss. You are not
+rich, I take it?"
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"I am, and can afford to give you this money. There, take it."
+
+"Thank you, Miss Norris."
+
+"I want to ask one favor of you. If you ever come across that young man
+in the light overcoat, have him arrested, and let me know."
+
+"I will, Miss Norris."
+
+"Do you live in Albany?"
+
+Carl explained that he was traveling on business, and should leave the
+next day if he could get through.
+
+"How far are you going?"
+
+"To Chicago."
+
+"Can you attend to some business for me there?"
+
+"Yes, if it won't take too long a time."
+
+"Good! Come round to my house to supper at six o'clock, and I will tell
+you about it. Henry, write my address on a piece of paper, and give it
+to this young man."
+
+Henry Norris smiled, and did as his aunt requested.
+
+"You have considerable confidence in this young man?" he said.
+
+"I have."
+
+"You may be mistaken."
+
+"Rachel Norris is not often mistaken."
+
+"I will accept your invitation with pleasure, Miss Norris," said Carl,
+bowing politely. "Now, as I have some business to attend to, I will bid
+you both good-morning."
+
+As Carl went out, Miss Norris said: "Henry, that is a remarkable boy."
+
+"I think favorably of him myself. He is in the employ of an old
+schoolmate of mine, Henry Jennings, of Milford. By the way, what
+business are you going to put into his hands?"
+
+"A young man who has a shoe store on State Street has asked me for a
+loan of two thousand dollars to extend his business. His name is John
+French, and his mother was an old schoolmate of mine, though some
+years younger. Now I know nothing of him. If he is a sober, steady,
+industrious young man, I may comply with his request. This boy will
+investigate and report to me."
+
+"And you will be guided by his report?"
+
+"Probably."
+
+"Aunt Rachel, you are certainly very eccentric."
+
+"I may be, but I am not often deceived."
+
+"Well, I hope you won't be this time. The boy seems to me a very good
+boy, but you can't put an old head on young shoulders."
+
+"Some boys have more sense than men twice their age."
+
+"You don't mean me, I hope, Aunt Rachel," said Mr. Norris, smiling.
+
+"Indeed, I don't. I shall not flatter you by speaking of you as only
+twice this boy's age."
+
+"I see, Aunt Rachel, there is no getting the better of you."
+
+Meanwhile Carl was making business calls. He obtained a map of the city,
+and located the different firms on which he proposed to call. He had
+been furnished with a list by Mr. Jennings. He was everywhere pleasantly
+received--in some places with an expression of surprise at his
+youth--but when he began to talk he proved to be so well informed upon
+the subject of his call that any prejudice excited by his age quickly
+vanished. He had the satisfaction of securing several unexpectedly
+large orders for the chair, and transmitting them to Mr. Jennings by the
+afternoon mail.
+
+He got through his business at four o'clock, and rested for an hour
+or more at his hotel. Then he arranged his toilet, and set out for the
+residence of Miss Rachel Norris.
+
+It was rather a prim-looking, three-story house, such as might be
+supposed to belong to a maiden lady. He was ushered into a sitting-room
+on the second floor, where Miss Norris soon joined him.
+
+"I am glad to see you, my young friend," she said, cordially. "You are
+in time."
+
+"I always try to be, Miss Norris."
+
+"It is a good way to begin."
+
+Here a bell rang.
+
+"Supper is ready," she said. "Follow me downstairs."
+
+Carl followed the old lady to the rear room on the lower floor. A small
+table was set in the center of the apartment.
+
+"Take a seat opposite me," said Miss Norris.
+
+There were two other chairs, one on each side--Carl wondered for whom
+they were set. No sooner were he and Miss Norris seated than two large
+cats approached the table, and jumped up, one into each chair. Carl
+looked to see them ordered away, but instead, Miss Norris nodded
+pleasantly, saying: "That's right, Jane and Molly, you are punctual at
+meals."
+
+The two cats eyed their mistress gravely, and began to purr contentedly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+CARL TAKES SUPPER WITH MISS NORRIS.
+
+
+"This is my family," said Miss Norris, pointing to the cats.
+
+"I like cats," said Carl.
+
+"Do you?" returned Miss Norris, looking pleased. "Most boys tease them.
+Do you see poor Molly's ear? That wound came from a stone thrown by a
+bad boy."
+
+"Many boys are cruel," said Carl, "but I remember that my mother was
+very fond of cats, and I have always protected them from abuse."
+
+As he spoke he stroked Molly, who purred an acknowledgment of his
+attention. This completed the conquest of Miss Norris, who inwardly
+decided that Carl was the finest boy she had ever met. After she had
+served Carl from the dishes on the table, she poured out two saucers of
+milk and set one before each cat, who, rising upon her hind legs, placed
+her forepaws on the table, and gravely partook of the refreshments
+provided. Jane and Molly were afterwards regaled with cold meat, and
+then, stretching themselves out on their chairs, closed their eyes in
+placid content.
+
+During the meal Miss Norris questioned Carl closely as to his home
+experiences. Having no reason for concealment Carl frankly related his
+troubles with his stepmother, eliciting expressions of sympathy and
+approval from his hostess.
+
+"Your stepmother must be an ugly creature?" she said.
+
+"I am afraid I am prejudiced against her," said Carl, "but that is my
+opinion."
+
+"Your father must be very weak to be influenced against his own son by
+such a woman."
+
+Carl winced a little at this outspoken criticism, for he was attached to
+his father in spite of his unjust treatment.
+
+"My father is an invalid," he said, apologetically, "and I think he
+yielded for the sake of peace."
+
+"All the same, he ought not to do it," said Miss Norris. "Do you ever
+expect to live at home again?"
+
+"Not while my stepmother is there," answered Carl. "But I don't know
+that I should care to do so under any circumstances, as I am now
+receiving a business training. I should like to make a little visit
+home," he added, thoughtfully, "and perhaps I may do so after I
+return from Chicago. I shall have no favors to ask, and shall feel
+independent."
+
+"If you ever need a home," said Miss Norris, abruptly, "come here. You
+will be welcome."
+
+"Thank you very much," said Carl, gratefully. "It is all the more kind
+in you since you have known me so short a time."
+
+"I have known you long enough to judge of you," said the maiden lady.
+"And now if you won't have anything more we will go into the next room
+and talk business."
+
+Carl followed her into the adjoining room, and Miss Norris at once
+plunged into the subject. She handed him a business card bearing this
+inscription:
+
+JOHN FRENCH, BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBER GOODS, 42a State Street, CHICAGO.
+
+
+"This young man wants me to lend him two thousand dollars to extend his
+business," she said. "He is the son of an old school friend, and I am
+willing to oblige him if he is a sober, steady and economical business
+man. I want you to find out whether this is the case and report to me."
+
+"Won't that be difficult?" asked Carl.
+
+"Are you afraid to undertake anything that is difficult?"
+
+"No," answered Carl, with a smile. "I was only afraid I might not do the
+work satisfactorily."
+
+"I shall give you no instructions," said Miss Norris. "I shall trust to
+your good judgment. I will give you a letter to Mr. French, which you
+can use or not, as you think wise. Of course, I shall see that you are
+paid for your trouble."
+
+"Thank you," said Carl. "I hope my services may be worth compensation."
+
+"I don't know how you are situated as to money, but I can give you some
+in advance," and the old lady opened her pocketbook.
+
+"No, thank you, Miss Norris; I shall not need it. I might have been
+short if you had not kindly paid me a reward for a slight service."
+
+"Slight, indeed! If you had lost a bank book like mine you would be glad
+to get it back at such a price. If you will catch the rascal who stole
+it I will gladly pay you as much more."
+
+"I wish I might for my own sake, but I am afraid it would be too late to
+recover my money and clothing."
+
+At an early hour Carl left the house, promising to write to Miss Norris
+from Chicago.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A STARTLING DISCOVERY.
+
+
+"Well," thought Carl, as he left the house where he had been so
+hospitably entertained, "I shall not lack for business. Miss Norris
+seems to have a great deal of confidence in me, considering that I am a
+stranger. I will take care that she does not repent it."
+
+"Can you give a poor man enough money to buy a cheap meal?" asked a
+plaintive voice.
+
+Carl scanned the applicant for charity closely. He was a man of medium
+size, with a pair of small eyes, and a turnup nose. His dress was
+extremely shabby, and he had the appearance of one who was on bad terms
+with fortune. There was nothing striking about his appearance, yet Carl
+regarded him with surprise and wonder. Despite the difference in age, he
+bore a remarkable resemblance to his stepbrother, Peter Cook.
+
+"I haven't eaten anything for twenty-four hours," continued the tramp,
+as he may properly be called. "It's a hard world to such as me, boy."
+
+"I should judge so from your looks," answered Carl.
+
+"Indeed you are right. I was born to ill luck."
+
+Carl had some doubts about this. Those who represent themselves as born
+to ill luck can usually trace the ill luck to errors or shortcomings of
+their own. There are doubtless inequalities of fortune, but not as great
+as many like to represent. Of two boys who start alike one may succeed,
+and the other fail, but in nine cases out of ten the success or failure
+may be traced to a difference in the qualities of the boys.
+
+"Here is a quarter if that will do you any good," said Carl.
+
+The man clutched at it with avidity.
+
+"Thank you. This will buy me a cup of coffee and a plate of meat, and
+will put new life into me."
+
+He was about to hurry away, but Carl felt like questioning him further.
+The extraordinary resemblance between this man and his stepbrother led
+him to think it possible that there might be a relationship between
+them. Of his stepmother's family he knew little or nothing. His father
+had married her on short acquaintance, and she was very reticent about
+her former life. His father was indolent, and had not troubled himself
+to make inquiries. He took her on her own representation as the widow of
+a merchant who had failed in business.
+
+On the impulse of the moment--an impulse which he could not
+explain--Carl asked abruptly--"Is your name Cook?"
+
+A look of surprise, almost of stupefaction, appeared on the man's face.
+
+"Who told you my name?" he asked.
+
+"Then your name is Cook?"
+
+"What is your object in asking?" said the man, suspiciously.
+
+"I mean you no harm," returned Carl, "but I have reasons for asking."
+
+"Did you ever see me before?" asked the man.
+
+"No."
+
+"Then what makes you think my name is Cook? It is not written on my
+face, is it?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then how----"
+
+Carl interrupted him.
+
+"I know a boy named Peter Cook," he said, "who resembles you very
+strongly."
+
+"You know Peter Cook--little Peter?" exclaimed the tramp.
+
+"Yes. Is he a relation of yours?"
+
+"I should think so!" responded Cook, emphatically. "He is my own
+son--that is, if he is a boy of about your age."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where is he? Is his mother alive?"
+
+"Your wife!" exclaimed Carl, overwhelmed at the thought.
+
+"She was my wife!" said Cook, "but while I was in California, some years
+since, she took possession of my small property, procured a divorce
+through an unprincipled lawyer, and I returned to find myself without
+wife, child or money. Wasn't that a mean trick?"
+
+"I think it was."
+
+"Can you tell me where she is?" asked Cook, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, I can."
+
+"Where can I find my wife?" asked Cook, with much eagerness.
+
+Carl hesitated. He did not like his stepmother; he felt that she had
+treated him meanly, but he was not prepared to reveal her present
+residence till he knew what course Cook intended to pursue.
+
+"She is married again," he said, watching Cook to see what effect this
+announcement might have upon him.
+
+"I have no objection, I am sure," responded Cook, indifferently. "Did
+she marry well?"
+
+"She married a man in good circumstances."
+
+"She would take good care of that."
+
+"Then you don't intend to reclaim her?"
+
+"How can I? She obtained a divorce, though by false representations.
+I am glad to be rid of her, but I want her to restore the two thousand
+dollars of which she robbed me. I left my property in her hands, but
+when she ceased to be my wife she had no right to take possession of it.
+I ought not to be surprised, however. It wasn't the first theft she had
+committed."
+
+"Can this be true?" asked Carl, excited.
+
+"Yes, I married her without knowing much of her antecedents. Two years
+after marriage I ascertained that she had served a year's term of
+imprisonment for a theft of jewelry from a lady with whom she was living
+as housekeeper."
+
+"Are you sure of this?"
+
+"Certainly. She was recognized by a friend of mine, who had been an
+official at the prison. When taxed with it by me she admitted it, but
+claimed that she was innocent. I succeeded in finding a narrative of the
+trial in an old file of papers, and came to the conclusion that she was
+justly convicted."
+
+"What did you do?"
+
+"I proposed separation, but she begged me to keep the thing secret, and
+let ourselves remain the same as before. I agreed out of consideration
+for her, but had occasion to regret it. My business becoming slack, I
+decided to go to California in the hope of acquiring a competence. I was
+not fortunate there, and was barely able, after a year, to get home. I
+found that my wife had procured a divorce, and appropriated the little
+money I had left. Where she had gone, or where she had conveyed our son,
+I could not learn. You say you know where she is."
+
+"I do."
+
+"Will you tell me?"
+
+"Mr. Cook," said Carl, after a pause for reflection, "I will tell you,
+but not just at present. I am on my way to Chicago on business. On my
+return I will stop here, and take you with me to the present home of
+your former wife. You will understand my interest in the matter when I
+tell you that she is now married to a relative of my own."
+
+"I pity him whoever he is," said Cook.
+
+"Yes, I think he is to be pitied," said Carl, gravely; "but the
+revelation you will be able to make will enable him to insist upon a
+separation."
+
+"The best thing he can do! How long before you return to Albany?"
+
+"A week or ten days."
+
+"I don't know how I am to live in the meantime," said Cook, anxiously.
+"I am penniless, but for the money you have just given me."
+
+"At what price can you obtain board?"
+
+"I know of a decent house where I can obtain board and a small room for
+five dollars a week."
+
+"Here are twelve dollars. This will pay for two weeks' board, and give
+you a small sum besides. What is the address?"
+
+Cook mentioned a number on a street by the river.
+
+Carl took it down in a notebook with which he had provided himself.
+
+"When I return to Albany," he said, "I will call there at once."
+
+"You won't forget me?"
+
+"No; I shall be even more anxious to meet you than you will be to meet
+me. The one to whom your former wife is married is very near and dear to
+me, and I cannot bear to think that he has been so wronged and imposed
+upon!"
+
+"Very well, sir! I shall wait for you with confidence. If I can get back
+from my former wife the money she robbed me of, I can get on my feet
+again, and take a respectable position in society. It is very hard for a
+man dressed as I am to obtain any employment."
+
+Looking at his shabby and ragged suit, Carl could readily believe this
+statement. If he had wished to employ anyone he would hardly have been
+tempted to engage a man so discreditable in appearance. "Be of good
+courage, Mr. Cook," he said, kindly. "If your story is correct, and I
+believe it is, there are better days in store for you."
+
+"Thank you for those words," said Cook, earnestly. "They give me new
+hope."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+FROM ALBANY TO NIAGARA.
+
+
+Carl took the afternoon train on the following day for Buffalo. His
+thoughts were busy with the startling discovery he had made in regard
+to his stepmother. Though he had never liked her, he had been far from
+imagining that she was under the ban of the law. It made him angry
+to think that his father had been drawn into a marriage with such a
+woman--that the place of his idolized mother had been taken by one who
+had served a term at Sing Sing.
+
+Did Peter know of his mother's past disgrace? he asked himself. Probably
+not, for it had come before his birth. He only wondered that the secret
+had never got out before. There must be many persons who had known
+her as a prisoner, and could identify her now. She had certainly been
+fortunate with the fear of discovery always haunting her. Carl could
+not understand how she could carry her head so high, and attempt to
+tyrannize over his father and himself.
+
+What the result would be when Dr. Crawford learned the antecedents
+of the woman whom he called wife Carl did not for a moment doubt. His
+father was a man of very strict ideas on the subject of honor, and good
+repute, and the discovery would lead him to turn from Mrs. Crawford in
+abhorrence. Moreover, he was strongly opposed to divorce, and Carl
+had heard him argue that a divorced person should not be permitted to
+remarry. Yet in ignorance he had married a divorced woman, who had been
+convicted of theft, and served a term of imprisonment. The discovery
+would be a great shock to him, and it would lead to a separation and
+restore the cordial relations between himself and his son.
+
+Not long after his settlement in Milford; Carl had written as follows to
+his father:
+
+
+"Dear Father:--Though I felt obliged to leave home for reasons which we
+both understand, I am sure that you will feel interested to know how I
+am getting along. I did not realize till I had started out how difficult
+it is for a boy, brought up like myself, to support himself when thrown
+upon his own exertions. A newsboy can generally earn enough money to
+maintain himself in the style to which he is accustomed, but I have had
+a comfortable and even luxurious home, and could hardly bring myself to
+live in a tenement house, or a very cheap boarding place. Yet I would
+rather do either than stay in a home made unpleasant by the persistent
+hostility of one member.
+
+"I will not take up your time by relating the incidents of the first two
+days after I left home. I came near getting into serious trouble through
+no fault of my own, but happily escaped. When I was nearly penniless
+I fell in with a prosperous manufacturer of furniture who has taken me
+into his employment. He gives me a home in his own house, and pays me
+two dollars a week besides. This is enough to support me economically,
+and I shall after a while receive better pay.
+
+"I am not in the office, but in the factory, and am learning the
+business practically, starting in at the bottom. I think I have a taste
+for it, and the superintendent tells me I am making remarkable progress.
+The time was when I would have hesitated to become a working boy, but I
+have quite got over such foolishness. Mr. Jennings, my employer, who is
+considered a rich man, began as I did, and I hope some day to occupy a
+position similar to his.
+
+"I trust you are quite well and happy, dear father. My only regret is,
+that I cannot see you occasionally. While my stepmother and Peter form
+part of your family, I feel that I can never live at home. They both
+dislike me, and I am afraid I return the feeling. If you are sick or
+need me, do not fail to send for me, for I can never forget that you are
+my father, as I am your affectionate son,
+
+"Carl."
+
+
+This letter was handed to Dr. Crawford at the breakfast table. He
+colored and looked agitated when he opened the envelope, and Mrs.
+Crawford, who had a large share of curiosity, did not fail to notice
+this.
+
+"From whom is your letter, my dear?" she asked, in the soft tone which
+was habitual with her when she addressed her husband.
+
+"The handwriting is Carl's," answered Dr. Crawford, already devouring
+the letter eagerly.
+
+"Oh!" she answered, in a chilly tone. "I have been expecting you would
+hear from him. How much money does he send for?"
+
+"I have not finished the letter." Dr. Crawford continued reading. When
+he had finished he laid it down beside his plate.
+
+"Well?" said his wife, interrogatively. "What does he have to say? Does
+he ask leave to come home?"
+
+"No; he is quite content where he is."
+
+"And where is that?"
+
+"At Milford."
+
+"That is not far away?"
+
+"No; not more than sixty miles."
+
+"Does he ask for money?"
+
+"No; he is employed."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"In a furniture factory."
+
+"Oh, a factory boy."
+
+"Yes; he is learning the business."
+
+"He doesn't seem to be very ambitious," sneered Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"On the contrary, he is looking forward to being in business for himself
+some day."
+
+"On your money--I understand."
+
+"Really, Mrs. Crawford, you do the boy injustice. He hints nothing of
+the kind. He evidently means to raise himself gradually as his employer
+did before him. By the way, he has a home in his employer's family. I
+think Mr. Jennings must have taken a fancy to Carl."
+
+"I hope he will find him more agreeable than I did," said Mrs. Crawford,
+sharply.
+
+"Are you quite sure that you always treated Carl considerately, my
+dear?"
+
+"I didn't flatter or fondle him, if that is what you mean. I treated him
+as well as he could expect."
+
+"Did you treat him as well as Peter, for example?"
+
+"No. There is a great difference between the two boys. Peter is always
+respectful and obliging, and doesn't set up his will against mine. He
+never gives me a moment's uneasiness."
+
+"I hope you will continue to find him a comfort, my dear," said Dr.
+Crawford, meekly.
+
+He looked across the table at the fat, expressionless face of his
+stepson, and he blamed himself because he could not entertain a warmer
+regard for Peter. Somehow he had a slight feeling of antipathy, which he
+tried to overcome.
+
+"No doubt he is a good boy, since his mother says so," reflected the
+doctor, "but I don't appreciate him. I will take care, however, that
+neither he nor his mother sees this."
+
+When Peter heard his mother's encomium upon him, he laughed in his
+sleeve.
+
+"I'll remind ma of that when she scolds me," he said to himself. "I'm
+glad Carl isn't coming back. He was always interferin' with me. Now,
+if ma and I play our cards right we'll get all his father's money. Ma
+thinks he won't live long, I heard her say so the other day. Won't it be
+jolly for ma and me to come into a fortune, and live just as we please!
+I hope ma will go to New York. It's stupid here, but I s'pose we'll have
+to stay for the present."
+
+"Is Carl's letter private?" asked Mrs. Crawford, after a pause.
+
+"I--I think he would rather I didn't show it," returned her husband,
+remembering the allusion made by Carl to his stepmother.
+
+"Oh, well, I am not curious," said Mrs. Crawford, tossing her head.
+
+None the less, however, she resolved to see and read the letter, if she
+could get hold of it without her husband's knowledge. He was so careless
+that she did not doubt soon to find it laid down somewhere. In this she
+proved correct. Before the day was over, she found Carl's letter in her
+husband's desk. She opened and read it eagerly with a running fire of
+comment.
+
+"'Reasons which we both understand,'" she repeated, scornfully. "That is
+a covert attack upon me. Of course, I ought to expect that. So he had a
+hard time. Well, it served him right for conducting himself as he did.
+Ah, here is another hit at me--'Yet I would rather do either than live
+in a home made unpleasant by the persistent hostility of one member.'
+He is trying to set his father against me. Well, he won't succeed. I can
+twist Dr. Paul Crawford round my finger, luckily, and neither his son
+nor anyone else can diminish my influence over him."
+
+She read on for some time till she reached this passage: "While my
+stepmother and Peter form a part of your family I can never live at
+home. They both dislike me, and I am afraid I return the feeling."
+"Thanks for the information," she muttered. "I knew it before. This
+letter doesn't make me feel any more friendly to you, Carl Crawford.
+I see that you are trying to ingratiate yourself with your father, and
+prejudice him against me and my poor Peter, but I think I can defeat
+your kind intentions."
+
+She folded up the letter, and replaced it in her husband's desk.
+
+"I wonder if my husband will answer Carl's artful epistle," she said to
+herself. "He can if he pleases. He is weak as water, and I will see that
+he goes no farther than words."
+
+Dr. Crawford did answer Carl's letter. This is his reply:
+
+
+"Dear Carl:--I am glad to hear that you are comfortably situated. I
+regret that you were so headstrong and unreasonable. It seems to me that
+you might, with a little effort, have got on with your stepmother. You
+could hardly expect her to treat you in the same way as her own son. He
+seems to be a good boy, but I own that I have never been able to become
+attached to him."
+
+
+Carl read this part of the letter with satisfaction. He knew how mean
+and contemptible Peter was, and it would have gone to his heart to think
+that his father had transferred his affection to the boy he had so much
+reason to dislike.
+
+
+"I am glad you are pleased with your prospects. I think I could have
+done better for you had your relations with your stepmother been such as
+to make it pleasant for you to remain at home. You are right in thinking
+that I am interested in your welfare. I hope, my dear Carl, you will
+become a happy and prosperous man. I do not forget that you are my son,
+and I am still your affectionate father,
+
+"Paul Crawford."
+
+
+Carl was glad to receive this letter. It showed him that his stepmother
+had not yet succeeded in alienating from him his father's affection.
+
+But we must return to the point where we left Carl on his journey to
+Buffalo. He enjoyed his trip over the Central road during the hours of
+daylight. He determined on his return to make an all-day trip so that he
+might enjoy the scenery through which he now rode in the darkness.
+
+At Buffalo he had no other business except that of Mr. Jennings, and
+immediately after breakfast he began to make a tour of the furniture
+establishments. He met with excellent success, and had the satisfaction
+of sending home some large orders. In the evening he took train for
+Niagara, wishing to see the falls in the early morning, and resume his
+journey in the afternoon.
+
+He registered at the International Hotel on the American side. It
+was too late to do more than take an evening walk, and see the falls
+gleaming like silver through the darkness.
+
+"I will go to bed early," thought Carl, "and get up at six o'clock."
+
+He did go to bed early, but he was more fatigued than he supposed, and
+slept longer than he anticipated. It was eight o'clock before he came
+downstairs. Before going in to breakfast, he took a turn on the piazzas.
+Here he fell in with a sociable gentleman, much addicted to gossip.
+
+"Good-morning!" he said. "Have you seen the falls yet?"
+
+"I caught a glimpse of them last evening I am going to visit them after
+breakfast."
+
+"There are a good many people staying here just now--some quite noted
+persons, too."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"Yes, what do you say to an English lord?" and Carl's new friend nodded
+with am important air, as if it reflected great credit on the hotel to
+have so important a guest.
+
+"Does he look different from anyone else?" asked Carl, smiling.
+
+"Well, to tell the truth, he isn't much to look at," said the other.
+"The gentleman who is with him looks more stylish. I thought he was the
+lord at first, but I afterwards learned that he was an American named
+Stuyvesant."
+
+Carl started at the familiar name.
+
+"Is he tall and slender, with side whiskers, and does he wear
+eyeglasses?" he asked, eagerly.
+
+"Yes; you know him then?" said the other, in surprise.
+
+"Yes," answered Carl, with a smile, "I am slightly acquainted with him.
+I am very anxious to meet him again."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+CARL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF AN ENGLISH LORD.
+
+
+"There they are now," said the stranger, suddenly pointing out two
+persons walking slowly along the piazza. "The small man, in the rough
+suit, and mutton-chop whiskers, is Lord Bedford."
+
+Carl eyed the British nobleman with some curiosity. Evidently Lord
+Bedford was no dude. His suit was of rough cloth and ill-fitting. He was
+barely five feet six inches in height, with features decidedly
+plain, but with an absence of pretension that was creditable to him,
+considering that he was really what he purported to be. Stuyvesant
+walked by his side, nearly a head taller, and of more distinguished
+bearing, though of plebeian extraction. His manner was exceedingly
+deferential, and he was praising England and everything English in a
+fulsome manner.
+
+"Yes, my lord," Carl overheard him say, "I have often thought that
+society in England is far superior to our American society."
+
+"Thanks, you are very kind," drawled the nobleman, "but really I
+find things very decent in America, upon my word. I had been reading
+Dickens's 'Notes' before I came over and I expected to find you very
+uncivilized, and--almost aboriginal; but I assure you I have met some
+very gentlemanly persons in America, some almost up to our English
+standard."
+
+"Really, my lord, such a tribute from a man in your position is most
+gratifying. May I state this on your authority?"
+
+"Yes, I don't mind, but I would rather not get into the papers, don't
+you know. You are not a--reporter, I hope."
+
+"I hope not," said Mr. Stuyvesant, in a lofty tone. "I am a scion of
+one of the oldest families in New York. Of course I know that social
+position is a very different thing here from what it is in England. It
+must be a gratifying thing to reflect that you are a lord."
+
+"Yes, I suppose so. I never thought much about it."
+
+"I should like so much to be a lord. I care little for money."
+
+"Then, by Jove, you are a remarkable man."
+
+"In comparison with rank, I mean. I would rather be a lord with a
+thousand pounds a year than a rich merchant with ten times as much."
+
+"You'll find it very inconvenient being a lord on a thousand; you might
+as well be a beggar."
+
+"I suppose, of course, high rank requires a large rent roll. In fact, a
+New York gentleman requires more than a trifle to support him. I can't
+dress on less than two hundred pounds a year."
+
+"Your American tailors are high-priced, then?"
+
+"Those that I employ; we have cheap tailors, of course, but I generally
+go to Bell."
+
+Mr. Stuyvesant was posing as a gentleman of fashion. Carl, who followed
+at a little distance behind the pair, was much amused by his remarks,
+knowing what he did about him.
+
+"I think a little of going to England in a few months," continued
+Stuyvesant.
+
+"Indeed! You must look me up," said Bedford, carelessly.
+
+"I should, indeed, be delighted," said Stuyvesant, effusively.
+
+"That is, if I am in England. I may be on the Continent, but you can
+inquire for me at my club--the Piccadilly."
+
+"I shall esteem it a great honor, my lord. I have a penchant for good
+society. The lower orders are not attractive to me."
+
+"They are sometimes more interesting," said the Englishman; "but do you
+know, I am surprised to hear an American speak in this way. I thought
+you were all on a level here in a republic."
+
+"Oh, my lord!" expostulated Stuyvesant, deprecatingly. "You don't think
+I would associate with shopkeepers and common tradesmen?"
+
+"I don't know. A cousin of mine is interested in a wine business in
+London. He is a younger son with a small fortune, and draws a very tidy
+income from his city business."
+
+"But his name doesn't appear on the sign, I infer."
+
+"No, I think not. Then you are not in business, Mr. Stuyvesant?"
+
+"No; I inherited an income from my father. It isn't as large as I could
+wish, and I have abstained from marrying because I could not maintain
+the mode of living to which I have been accustomed."
+
+"You should marry a rich girl."
+
+"True! I may do so, since your lordship recommends it. In fact, I have
+in view a young lady whose father was once lord mayor (I beg pardon,
+mayor) of New York. Her father is worth a million."
+
+"Pounds?"
+
+"Well, no, dollars. I should have said two hundred thousand pounds."
+
+"If the girl is willing, it may be a good plan."
+
+"Thank you, my lord. Your advice is very kind."
+
+"The young man seems on very good terms with Lord Bedford," said Carl's
+companion, whose name was Atwood, with a shade of envy in his voice.
+
+"Yes," said Carl.
+
+"I wish he would introduce me," went on Mr. Atwood.
+
+"I should prefer the introduction of a different man," said Carl.
+
+"Why? He seems to move in good society."
+
+"Without belonging to it."
+
+"Then you know him?"
+
+"Better than I wish I did."
+
+Atwood looked curious.
+
+"I will explain later," said Carl; "now I must go in to breakfast."
+
+"I will go with you."
+
+Though Stuyvesant had glanced at Carl, he did not appear to recognize
+him, partly, no doubt, because he had no expectation of meeting the boy
+he had robbed, at Niagara. Besides, his time and attention were so much
+taken up by his aristocratic acquaintance that he had little notice for
+anyone else. Carl observed with mingled amusement and vexation that Mr.
+Stuyvesant wore a new necktie, which he had bought for himself in New
+York, and which had been in the stolen gripsack.
+
+"If I can find Lord Bedford alone I will put him on his guard," thought
+Carl. "I shall spoil Mr. Stuyvesant's plans."
+
+After breakfast Carl prepared to go down to the falls.
+
+On the way he overtook Lord Bedford walking in the same direction, and,
+as it happened, without a companion. Carl quickened his pace, and as
+he caught up with him, he raised his hat, and said: "Lord Bedford, I
+believe."
+
+"Yes," answered the Englishman, inquiringly.
+
+"I must apologize for addressing a stranger, but I want to put you
+on your guard against a young man whom I saw walking with you on the
+piazza."
+
+"Is he--what do you know of him?" asked Lord Bedford, laying aside his
+air of indifference.
+
+"I know that he is an adventurer and a thief. I made his acquaintance on
+a Hudson River steamer, and he walked off with my valise and a small sum
+of money."
+
+"Is this true?" asked the Englishman, in amazement.
+
+"Quite true. He is wearing one of my neckties at this moment."
+
+"The confounded cad!" ejaculated the Englishman, angrily. "I suppose he
+intended to rob me."
+
+"I have no doubt of it. That is why I ventured to put you on your
+guard."
+
+"I am a thousand times obliged to you. Why, the fellow told me he
+belonged to one of the best families in New York."
+
+"If he does, he doesn't do much credit to the family."
+
+"Quite true! Why, he was praising everything English. He evidently
+wanted to gain my confidence."
+
+"May I ask where you met him?" asked Carl.
+
+"On the train. He offered me a light. Before I knew it, he was chatting
+familiarly with me. But his game is spoiled. I will let him know that I
+see through him and his designs." "Then my object is accomplished,"
+said Carl. "Please excuse my want of ceremony." He turned to leave, but
+Bedford called him back.
+
+"If you are going to the falls, remain with me," he said. "We shall
+enjoy it better in company."
+
+"With pleasure. Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford. I am traveling
+on business and don't belong to one of the first families."
+
+"I see you will suit me," said the Englishman, smiling.
+
+Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless. "My lord," he
+said, "I lost sight of you. If you will allow me I will join you.
+
+"Sir!" said the Englishman, in a freezing voice, "I have not the honor
+of knowing you."
+
+Stuyvesant was overwhelmed.
+
+"I--I hope I have not offended you, my lord," he said.
+
+"Sir, I have learned your character from this young man."
+
+This called the attention of Stuyvesant to Carl. He flushed as he
+recognized him.
+
+"Mr. Stuyvesant," said Carl, "I must trouble you to return the valise
+you took from my stateroom, and the pocketbook which you borrowed. My
+name is Carl Crawford, and my room is 71."
+
+Stuyvesant turned away abruptly. He left the valise at the desk, but
+Carl never recovered his money.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+WHAT CARL LEARNED IN CHICAGO.
+
+
+As Carl walked back from the falls he met Mr. Atwood, who was surprised
+to find his young acquaintance on such intimate terms with Lord
+Bedford. He was about to pass with a bow, when Carl, who was
+good-natured, said: "Won't you join us, Mr. Atwood? If Lord Bedford will
+permit, I should like to introduce you."
+
+"Glad to know any friend of yours, Mr. Crawford," said the Englishman,
+affably.
+
+"I feel honored by the introduction," said Atwood, bowing profoundly.
+
+"I hope you are not a friend of Mr.--ah, Mr. Stuyvesant," said the
+nobleman, "the person I was talking with this morning. Mr. Crawford
+tells me he is a--what do you call it?--a confidence man."
+
+"I have no acquaintance with him, my lord. I saw him just now leaving
+the hotel."
+
+"I am afraid he has gone away with my valise and money," said Carl.
+
+"If you should be inconvenienced, Mr. Crawford," said the nobleman, "my
+purse is at your disposal."
+
+"Thank you very much, Lord Bedford," said Carl, gratefully. "I am glad
+to say I am still fairly well provided with money."
+
+"I was about to make you the same offer, Mr. Crawford," said Atwood.
+
+"Thank you! I appreciate your kindness, even if I'm not obliged to avail
+myself of it."
+
+Returning to the hotel, Lord Bedford ordered a carriage, and invited
+Atwood and Carl to accompany him on a drive. Mr. Atwood was in an
+ecstasy, and anticipated with proud satisfaction telling his family of
+his intimate friend, Lord Bedford, of England. The peer, though rather
+an ordinary-looking man, seemed to him a model of aristocratic beauty.
+It was a weakness on the part of Mr. Atwood, but an amiable one, and is
+shared by many who live under republican institutions.
+
+After dinner Carl felt obliged to resume his journey. He had found
+his visit to Niagara very agreeable, but his was a business and not a
+pleasure trip, and loyalty to his employer required him to cut it short.
+Lord Bedford shook his hand heartily at parting.
+
+"I hope we shall meet again, Mr. Crawford," he said. "I expect, myself,
+to reach Chicago on Saturday, and shall be glad to have you call on me
+at the Palmer House."
+
+"Thank you, my lord; I will certainly inquire for you there."
+
+"He is a very good fellow, even if he is a lord," thought Carl.
+
+Our young hero was a thorough American, and was disposed to think with
+Robert Burns, that
+
+    "The rank is but the guinea, stamp;
+    The man's the gold for a' that!"
+
+No incident worth recording befell Carl on his trip to Chicago. As a
+salesman he met with excellent success, and surprised Mr. Jennings by
+the size of his orders. He was led, on reaching Chicago, to register at
+the Sherman House, on Clark Street, one of the most reliable among the
+many houses for travelers offered by the great Western metropolis.
+
+On the second day he made it a point to find out the store of John
+French, hoping to acquire the information desired by Miss Norris.
+
+It was a store of good size, and apparently well stocked. Feeling the
+need of new footgear, Carl entered and asked to be shown some shoes. He
+was waited upon by a young clerk named Gray, with whom he struck up a
+pleasant acquaintance.
+
+"Do you live in Chicago?" asked Gray? sociably.
+
+"No; I am from New York State. I am here on business."
+
+"Staying at a hotel?"
+
+"Yes, at the Sherman. If you are at leisure this evening I shall be glad
+to have you call on me. I am a stranger here, and likely to find the
+time hang heavy on my hands."
+
+"I shall be free at six o'clock."
+
+"Then come to supper with me."
+
+"Thank you, I shall be glad to do so," answered Gray, with alacrity.
+Living as he did at a cheap boarding house, the prospect of a supper at
+a first-class hotel was very attractive. He was a pleasant-faced young
+man of twenty, who had drifted to Chicago from his country home in
+Indiana, and found it hard to make both ends meet on a salary of nine
+dollars a week. His habits were good, his manner was attractive and
+won him popularity with customer's, and with patience he was likely to
+succeed in the end.
+
+"I wish I could live like this every day," he said, as he rose from a
+luxurious supper. "At present my finances won't allow me to board at the
+Sherman."
+
+"Nor would mine," said Carl; "but I am allowed to spend money more
+freely when I am traveling."
+
+"Are you acquainted in New York?" asked Gray.
+
+"I have little or no acquaintance in the city," answered Carl.
+
+"I should be glad to get a position there."
+
+"Are you not satisfied with your present place?"
+
+"I am afraid I shall not long keep it."
+
+"Why not? Do you think you are in any danger of being discharged?"
+
+"It is not that. I am afraid Mr. French will be obliged to give up
+business."
+
+"Why?" asked Carl, with keen interest.
+
+"I have reason to think he is embarrassed. I know that he has a good
+many bills out, some of which have been running a long time. If any
+pressure is brought to bear upon him, he may have to suspend."
+
+Carl felt that he was obtaining important information. If Mr. French
+were in such a condition Miss Norris would be pretty sure to lose her
+money if she advanced it.
+
+"To what do you attribute Mr. French's embarrassment?" he asked.
+
+"He lives expensively in a handsome house near Lincoln Park, and draws
+heavily upon the business for his living expenses. I think that explains
+it. I only wonder that he has been able to hold out so long."
+
+"Perhaps if he were assisted he would be able to keep his head above
+water."
+
+"He would need a good deal of assistance. You see that my place isn't
+very secure, and I shall soon need to be looking up another."
+
+"I don't think I shall need to inquire any farther," thought Carl. "It
+seems to me Miss Norris had better keep her money."
+
+Before he retired he indited the following letter to his Albany
+employer:
+
+
+Miss Rachel Norris.
+
+"Dear Madam:--I have attended to your commission, and have to report
+that Mr. French appears to be involved in business embarrassments, and
+in great danger to bankruptcy. The loan he asks of you would no doubt be
+of service, but probably would not long delay the crash. If you wish to
+assist him, it would be better to allow him to fail, and then advance
+him the money to put him on his feet. I am told that his troubles come
+from living beyond his means.
+
+"Yours respectfully,
+
+"Carl Crawford."
+
+
+By return mail Carl received the following note:
+
+
+"My Dear Young Friend:--Your report confirms the confidence I reposed in
+you. It is just the information I desired. I shall take your advice and
+refuse the loan. What other action I may take hereafter I cannot tell.
+When you return, should you stop in Albany, please call on me. If unable
+to do this, write me from Milford.
+
+"Your friend,
+
+"Rachel Norris."
+
+
+Carl was detained for several days in Chicago. He chanced to meet his
+English friend, Lord Bedford, upon his arrival, and the nobleman, on
+learning where he was staying, also registered at the Sherman House. In
+his company Carl took a drive over the magnificent boulevard which is
+the pride of Chicago, and rose several degrees in the opinion of those
+guests who noticed his intimacy with the English guest.
+
+Carl had just completed his Chicago business when, on entering the
+hotel, he was surprised to see a neighbor of his father's--Cyrus
+Robinson--a prominent business man of Edgewood Center. Carl was
+delighted, for he had not been home, or seen any home friends for over a
+year.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Robinson," he said, offering his hand.
+
+"What! Carl Crawford!" exclaimed Robinson, in amazement. "How came you
+in Chicago? Your father did not tell me you were here."
+
+"He does not know it. I am only here on a business visit. Tell me, Mr.
+Robinson, how is my father?"
+
+"I think, Carl, that he is not at all well. I am quite sure he misses
+you, and I don't believe your stepmother's influence over him is
+beneficial. Just before I came away I heard a rumor that troubled me. It
+is believed in Edgewood that she is trying to induce your father to make
+a will leaving all, or nearly all his property to her and her son."
+
+"I don't care so much for that, Mr. Robinson, as for my father's
+health."
+
+"Carl," said Robinson, significantly, "if such a will is made I don't
+believe your father will live long after it."
+
+"You don't mean that?" said Carl, horror-struck.
+
+"I think Mrs. Crawford, by artful means will worry your father to death.
+He is of a nervous temperament, and an unscrupulous woman can shorten
+his life without laying herself open to the law."
+
+Carl's face grew stern.
+
+"I will save my father," he said, "and defeat my stepmother's wicked
+schemes."
+
+"I pray Heaven you can. There is no time to be lost."
+
+"I shall lose no time, you may be sure. I shall be at Edgewood within a
+week."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+MAKING A WILL.
+
+
+In Edgewood Center events moved slowly. In Carl Crawford's home dullness
+reigned supreme. He had been the life of the house, and his absence,
+though welcome to his stepmother, was seriously felt by his father, who
+day by day became thinner and weaker, while his step grew listless and
+his face seldom brightened with a smile. He was anxious to have Carl at
+home again, and the desire became so strong that he finally broached the
+subject.
+
+"My dear," he said one day at the breakfast table, "I have been thinking
+of Carl considerably of late."
+
+"Indeed!" said Mrs. Crawford, coldly.
+
+"I think I should like to have him at home once more."
+
+Mrs. Crawford smiled ominously.
+
+"He is better off where he is," she said, softly.
+
+"But he is my only son, and I never see him," pleaded her husband.
+
+"You know very well, Dr. Crawford," rejoined his wife, "that your son
+only made trouble in the house while he was here."
+
+"Yet it seems hard that he should be driven from his father's home, and
+forced to take refuge among strangers."
+
+"I don't know what you mean by his being driven from home," said Mrs.
+Crawford, tossing her head. "He made himself disagreeable, and, not
+being able to have his own way, he took French leave."
+
+"The house seems very lonely without him," went on Dr. Crawford, who was
+too wise to get into an argument with his wife.
+
+"It certainly is more quiet. As for company, Peter is still here, and
+would at any time stay with you."
+
+Peter did not relish this suggestion, and did not indorse it.
+
+"I should not care to confine him to the house," said Dr. Crawford, as
+his glance rested on the plain and by no means agreeable face of his
+stepson.
+
+"I suppose I need not speak of myself. You know that you can always call
+upon me."
+
+If Dr. Crawford had been warmly attached to his second wife, this
+proposal would have cheered him, but the time had gone by when he found
+any pleasure in her society. There was a feeling of almost repulsion
+which he tried to conceal, and he was obliged to acknowledge to himself
+that the presence of his wife gave him rather uneasiness than comfort.
+
+"Carl is very well off where he is," resumed Mrs. Crawford. "He is
+filling a business position, humble, perhaps, but still one that gives
+him his living and keeps him out of mischief. Let well enough alone,
+doctor, and don't interrupt his plans."
+
+"I--I may be foolish," said the doctor, hesitating, "but I have not been
+feeling as well as usual lately, and if anything should happen to me
+while Carl was absent I should die very unhappy."
+
+Mrs. Crawford regarded her husband with uneasiness.
+
+"Do you mean that you think you are in any danger?" she asked.
+
+"I don't know. I am not an old man, but, on the other hand, I am an
+invalid. My father died when he was only a year older than I am at
+present."
+
+Mrs. Crawford drew out her handkerchief, and proceeded to wipe her
+tearless eyes.
+
+"You distress me beyond measure by your words, my dear husband. How can
+I think of your death without emotion? What should I do without you?"
+
+"My dear, you must expect to survive me. You are younger than I, and
+much stronger."
+
+"Besides," and Mrs. Crawford made an artful pause, "I hardly like to
+mention it, but Peter and I are poor, and by your death might be left to
+the cold mercies of the world."
+
+"Surely I would not fail to provide for you."
+
+Mrs. Crawford shook her head.
+
+"I am sure of your kind intentions, my husband," she said, "but they
+will not avail unless you provide for me in your will."
+
+"Yes, it's only right that I should do so. As soon as I feel equal to
+the effort I will draw up a will."
+
+"I hope you will, for I should not care to be dependent on Carl, who
+does not like me. I hope you will not think me mercenary, but to Peter
+and myself this is of vital importance."
+
+"No, I don't misjudge you. I ought to have thought of it before."
+
+"I don't care so much about myself," said Mrs. Crawford, in a tone of
+self-sacrifice, "but I should not like to have Peter thrown upon the
+world without means."
+
+"All that you say is wise and reasonable," answered her husband,
+wearily. "I will attend to the matter to-morrow."
+
+The next day Mrs. Crawford came into her husband's presence with a sheet
+of legal cap.
+
+"My dear husband," she said, in a soft, insinuating tone, "I wished to
+spare you trouble, and I have accordingly drawn up a will to submit to
+you, and receive your signature, if you approve it."
+
+Dr. Crawford looked surprised.
+
+"Where did you learn to write a will?" he asked.
+
+"I used in my days of poverty to copy documents for a lawyer," she
+replied. "In this way I became something of a lawyer myself."
+
+"I see. Will you read what you have prepared?"
+
+Mrs. Crawford read the document in her hand. It provided in the proper
+legal phraseology for an equal division of the testator's estate between
+the widow and Carl.
+
+"I didn't know, of course, what provision you intended to make for me,"
+she said, meekly. "Perhaps you do not care to leave me half the estate."
+
+"Yes, that seems only fair. You do not mention Peter. I ought to do
+something for him."
+
+"Your kindness touches me, my dear husband, but I shall be able to
+provide for him out of my liberal bequest. I do not wish to rob your
+son, Carl. I admit that I do not like him, but that shall not hinder me
+from being just."
+
+Dr. Crawford was pleased with this unexpected concession from his wife.
+He felt that he should be more at ease if Carl's future was assured.
+
+"Very well, my dear," he said, cheerfully. "I approve of the will as you
+have drawn it up, and I will affix my signature at once." "Then, shall I
+send for two of the neighbors to witness it?"
+
+"It will be well."
+
+Two near neighbors were sent for and witnessed Dr. Crawford's signature
+to the will.
+
+There was a strangely triumphant look in Mrs. Crawford's eyes as she
+took the document after it had been duly executed.
+
+"You will let me keep this, doctor?" she asked. "It will be important
+for your son as well as myself, that it should be in safe hands."
+
+"Yes; I shall be glad to have you do so. I rejoice that it is off my
+mind."
+
+"You won't think me mercenary, my dear husband, or indifferent to your
+life?"
+
+"No; why should I?"
+
+"Then I am satisfied."
+
+Mrs. Crawford took the will, and carrying it upstairs, opened her trunk,
+removed the false bottom, and deposited under it the last will and
+testament of Dr. Paul Crawford.
+
+"At last!" she said to herself. "I am secure, and have compassed what I
+have labored for so long."
+
+Dr. Crawford had not noticed that the will to which he affixed his
+signature was not the same that had been read to him. Mrs. Crawford had
+artfully substituted another paper of quite different tenor. By the will
+actually executed, the entire estate was left to Mrs. Crawford, who was
+left guardian of her son and Carl, and authorized to make such provision
+for each as she might deem suitable. This, of course, made Carl entirely
+dependent on a woman who hated him.
+
+"Now, Dr. Paul Crawford," said Mrs. Crawford to herself, with a cold
+smile, "you may die as soon as you please. Peter and I are provided for.
+Your father died when a year older than you are now, you tell me. It is
+hardly likely that you will live to a greater age than he."
+
+She called the next day on the family physician, and with apparent
+solicitude asked his opinion of Dr. Crawford's health.
+
+"He is all I have," she said, pathetically, "all except my dear Peter.
+Tell me what you think of his chances of continued life."
+
+"Your husband," replied the physician, "has one weak organ. It is his
+heart. He may live for fifteen or twenty years, but a sudden excitement
+might carry him off in a moment. The best thing you can do for him is to
+keep him tranquil and free from any sudden shock."
+
+Mrs. Crawford listened attentively.
+
+"I will do my best," she said, "since so much depends on it."
+
+When she returned home it was with a settled purpose in her heart.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+PETER LETS OUT A SECRET.
+
+
+"Can you direct me to the house of Dr. Crawford?" asked a stranger.
+
+The inquiry was addressed to Peter Cook in front of the hotel in
+Edgewood Center.
+
+"Yes, sir; he is my stepfather!"
+
+"Indeed! I did not know that my old friend was married again. You say
+you are his stepson?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He has an own son, about your age, I should judge."
+
+"That's Carl! he is a little older than me."
+
+"Is he at home?"
+
+"No," answered Peter, pursing up his lips.
+
+"Is he absent at boarding school?"
+
+"No; he's left home."
+
+"Indeed!" ejaculated the stranger, in surprise. "How is that?"
+
+"He was awfully hard to get along with, and didn't treat mother with
+any respect. He wanted to have his own way, and, of course, ma couldn't
+stand that."
+
+"I see," returned the stranger, and he eyed Peter curiously. "What did
+his father say to his leaving home?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, he always does as ma wishes."
+
+"Was Carl willing to leave home?"
+
+"Yes; he said he would rather go than obey ma."
+
+"I suppose he receives an allowance from his father?"
+
+"No; he wanted one, but ma put her foot down and said he shouldn't have
+one."
+
+"Your mother seems to be a woman of considerable firmness."
+
+"You bet, she's firm. She don't allow no boy to boss her."
+
+"Really, this boy is a curiosity," said Reuben Ashcroft to himself. "He
+doesn't excel in the amiable and attractive qualities. He has a sort of
+brutal frankness which can't keep a secret."
+
+"How did you and Carl get along together?" he asked, aloud.
+
+"We didn't get along at all. He wanted to boss me, and ma and I wouldn't
+have it."
+
+"So the upshot was that he had to leave the house and you remained?"
+
+"Yes, that's the way of it," said Peter, laughing.
+
+"And Carl was actually sent out to earn his own living without help of
+any kind from his father?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What is he doing?" asked Ashcroft, in some excitement. "Good heavens!
+he may have suffered from hunger."
+
+"Are you a friend of his?" asked Peter, sharply.
+
+"I am a friend of anyone who requires a friend."
+
+"Carl is getting along well enough. He is at work in some factory in
+Milford, and gets a living."
+
+"Hasn't he been back since he first left home?"
+
+"No."
+
+"How long ago is that?"
+
+"Oh, 'bout a year," answered Peter, carelessly.
+
+"How is Dr. Crawford? Is he in good health?"
+
+"He ain't very well. Ma told me the other day she didn't think he would
+live long. She got him to make a will the other day."
+
+"Why, this seems to be a conspiracy!" thought Ashcroft. "I'd give
+something to see that will."
+
+"I suppose he will provide for you and your mother handsomely?"
+
+"Yes; ma said she was to have control of the property. I guess Carl will
+have to stand round if he expects any favors."
+
+"It is evident this boy can't keep a secret," thought Ashcroft. "All the
+better for me. I hope I am in time to defeat this woman's schemes."
+
+"There's the house," said Peter, pointing it out.
+
+"Do you think Dr. Crawford is at home?"
+
+"Oh, yes, he doesn't go out much. Ma is away this afternoon. She's at
+the sewing circle, I think."
+
+"Thank you for serving as my guide," said Ashcroft. "There's a little
+acknowledgment which I hope will be of service to you."
+
+He offered a half dollar to Peter, who accepted it joyfully and was
+profuse in his thanks.
+
+"Now, if you will be kind enough to tell the doctor that an old friend
+wishes to see him, I shall be still further obliged."
+
+"Just follow me, then," said Peter, and he led the way into the
+sitting-room.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+Dr. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK.
+
+
+After the first greetings, Reuben Ashcroft noticed with pain the fragile
+look of his friend.
+
+"Are you well?" he asked
+
+"I am not very strong," said Dr. Crawford, smiling faintly, "but Mrs.
+Crawford takes good care of me."
+
+"And Carl, too--he is no doubt a comfort to you?"
+
+Dr. Crawford flushed painfully.
+
+"Carl has been away from home for a year, he said, with an effort.
+
+"That is strange your own son, too! Is there anything unpleasant? You
+may confide in me, as I am the cousin of Carl's mother.'
+
+"The fact is, Carl and Mrs. Crawford didn't hit it off very well."
+
+"And you took sides against your own son, said Ashcroft, indignantly.
+
+"I begin to think I was wrong, Reuben. You don't know how I have missed
+the boy.
+
+"Yet you sent him out into the world without a penny."
+
+"How do you know that?" asked Dr. Crawford quickly.
+
+"I had a little conversation with your stepson as I came to the house.
+He spoke very frankly and unreservedly about family affairs; He says you
+do whatever his mother tells you."
+
+Dr. Crawford looked annoyed and blushed with shame.
+
+"Did he say that?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; he said his mother would not allow you to help Carl."
+
+"He--misunderstood."
+
+"Paul, I fear he understands the case only too well. I don't want to
+pain you, but your wife is counting on your speedy death."
+
+"I told her I didn't think I should live long."
+
+"And she got you to make a will?"
+
+"Yes; did Peter tell you that?"
+
+"He said his mother was to have control of the property, and Carl would
+get nothing if he didn't act so as to please her."
+
+"There is some mistake here. By my will--made yesterday--Carl is to
+have an equal share, and nothing is said about his being dependent on
+anyone."
+
+"Who drew up the will?"
+
+"Mrs. Crawford."
+
+"Did you read it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Ashcroft looked puzzled.
+
+"I should like to read the will myself," he said, after a pause. "Where
+is it now?"
+
+"Mrs. Crawford has charge of it."
+
+Reuben Ashcroft remained silent, but his mind was busy.
+
+"That woman is a genius of craft," he said to himself. "My poor friend
+is but a child in her hands. I did not know Paul would be so pitiably
+weak."
+
+"How do you happen to be here in Edgewood, Reuben?" asked the doctor.
+
+"I had a little errand in the next town, and could not resist the
+temptation of visiting you."
+
+"You can stay a day or two, can you not?"
+
+"I will, though I had not expected to do so."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford is away this afternoon. She will be back presently, and
+then I will introduce you."
+
+At five o'clock Mrs. Crawford returned, and her husband introduced her
+to his friend.
+
+Ashcroft fixed his eyes upon her searchingly.
+
+"Her face looks strangely familiar," he said to himself. "Where can I
+have seen her?"
+
+Mrs. Crawford, like all persons who have a secret to conceal, was
+distrustful of strangers. She took an instant dislike to Reuben
+Ashcroft, and her greeting was exceedingly cold.
+
+"I have invited Mr. Ashcroft to make me a visit of two or three days, my
+dear," said her husband. "He is a cousin to Carl's mother."
+
+Mrs. Crawford made no response, but kept her eyes fixed upon the carpet.
+She could not have shown more plainly that the invitation was not
+approved by her.
+
+"Madam does not want me here," thought Ashcroft, as he fixed his gaze
+once more upon his friend's wife. Again the face looked familiar, but he
+could not place it.
+
+"Have I not seen you before, Mrs. Crawford?" he asked, abruptly.
+
+"I don't remember you," she answered, slowly. "Probably I resemble some
+one you have met."
+
+"Perhaps so," answered Ashcroft, but he could not get rid of the
+conviction that somewhere and some time in the past he had met Mrs.
+Crawford, and under circumstances that had fixed her countenance in his
+memory.
+
+After supper Dr. Crawford said: "My dear, I have told our guest that I
+had, as a prudential measure, made my will. I wish you would get it, and
+let me read it to him."
+
+Mrs. Crawford looked startled and annoyed.
+
+"Couldn't you tell him the provisions of it?" she said.
+
+"Yes, but I should like to show him the document."
+
+She turned and went upstairs. She was absent at least ten minutes. When
+she returned she was empty-handed.
+
+"I am sorry to say," she remarked, with a forced laugh, "that I have
+laid away the will so carefully that I can't find it."
+
+Ashcroft fixed a searching look upon her, that evidently annoyed her.
+
+"I may be able to find it to-morrow," she resumed.
+
+"I think you told me, Paul," said Ashcroft, turning to Dr. Crawford,
+"that by the will your estate is divided equally between Carl and Mrs.
+Crawford."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And nothing is said of any guardianship on the part of Mrs. Crawford?"
+
+"No; I think it would be better, Ashcroft, that you should be Carl's
+guardian. A man can study his interests and control him better."
+
+"I will accept the trust," said Ashcroft, "though I hope it may be many
+years before the necessity arises."
+
+Mrs. Crawford bit her lips, and darted an angry glance at the two
+friends. She foresaw that her plans were threatened with failure.
+
+The two men chatted throughout the evening, and Dr. Crawford had never
+of late seemed happier. It gave him new life and raised his spirits to
+chat over old times with his early friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+A MAN OF ENERGY.
+
+
+The next morning Ashcroft said to his host: "Paul, let us take a walk to
+the village."
+
+Dr. Crawford put on his hat, and went out with his friend.
+
+"Now, Paul," said Ashcroft, when they were some rods distant from the
+house, "is there a lawyer in Edgewood?"
+
+"Certainly, and a good one."
+
+"Did he indite your will?"
+
+"No; Mrs. Crawford wrote it out. She was at one time copyist for a
+lawyer."
+
+"Take my advice and have another drawn up to-day without mentioning the
+matter to her. She admits having mislaid the one made yesterday."
+
+"It may be a good idea."
+
+"Certainly, it is a prudent precaution. Then you will be sure that all
+is safe. I have, myself, executed a duplicate will. One I keep, the
+other I have deposited with my lawyer."
+
+Ashcroft was a man of energy. He saw that Dr. Crawford, who was of a
+weak, vacillating temper, executed the will. He and another witnessed
+it, and the document was left with the lawyer.
+
+"You think I had better not mention the matter to Mrs. Crawford?" he
+said.
+
+"By no means--she might think it was a reflection upon her for
+carelessly mislaying the first."
+
+"True," and the doctor, who was fond of peace, consented to his friend's
+plan.
+
+"By the way," asked Ashcroft, "who was your wife what was her name, I
+mean--before her second marriage?"
+
+"She was a Mrs. Cook."
+
+"Oh, I see," said Ashcroft, and his face lighted up with surprise and
+intelligence.
+
+"What do you see?" inquired Dr. Crawford. "I thought your wife's face
+was familiar. I met her once when she was Mrs. Cook."
+
+"You knew her, then?"
+
+"No, I never exchanged a word with her till I met her under this roof.
+
+"How can I tell him that I first saw her when a visitor to the
+penitentiary among the female prisoners?" Ashcroft asked himself. "My
+poor friend would sink with mortification."
+
+They were sitting in friendly chat after their return from their walk,
+when Mrs. Crawford burst into the room in evident excitement.
+
+"Husband," she cried, "Peter has brought home a terrible report. He has
+heard from a person who has just come from Milford that Carl has been
+run over on the railroad and instantly killed!"
+
+Dr. Crawford turned pale, his features worked convulsively, and he put
+his hand to his heart, as he sank back in his chair, his face as pale as
+the dead.
+
+"Woman!" said Ashcroft, sternly, "I believe you have killed your
+husband!"
+
+"Oh, don't say that! How could I be so imprudent?" said Mrs. Crawford,
+clasping her hands, and counterfeiting distress.
+
+Ashcroft set himself at once to save his friend from the result of the
+shock.
+
+"Leave the room!" he said, sternly, to Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"Why should I? I am his wife."
+
+"And have sought to be his murderer. You know that he has heart disease.
+Mrs.--Cook, I know more about you than you suppose."
+
+Mrs. Crawford's color receded.
+
+"I don't understand you," she said. She had scarcely reached the door,
+when there was a sound of footsteps outside and Carl dashed into the
+room, nearly upsetting his stepmother.
+
+"You here?" she said, frigidly.
+
+"What is the matter with my father?" asked Carl.
+
+"Are you Carl?" said Ashcroft, quickly.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Your father has had a shock. I think I can soon bring him to."
+
+A few minutes later Dr. Crawford opened his eyes.
+
+"Are you feeling better, Paul?" asked Ashcroft, anxiously.
+
+"Didn't I hear something about Carl--something terrible?"
+
+"Carl is alive and well," said he, soothingly.
+
+"Are you sure of that?" asked Dr. Crawford, in excitement.
+
+"Yes, I have the best evidence of it. Here is Carl himself."
+
+Carl came forward and was clasped in his father's arms.
+
+"Thank Heaven, you are alive," he said.
+
+"Why should I not be?" asked Carl, bewildered, turning to Ashcroft.
+
+"Your stepmother had the--let me say imprudence, to tell your father
+that you had been killed on the railroad."
+
+"Where could she have heard such a report?"
+
+"I am not sure that she heard it at all," said Ashcroft, in a low voice.
+"She knew that your father had heart disease."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+At this moment Mrs. Crawford re-entered the room.
+
+"What brings you here?" she demanded, coolly, of Carl.
+
+"I came here because this is my father's house, madam."
+
+"You have behaved badly to me," said Mrs. Crawford. "You have defied
+my authority, and brought sorrow and distress to your good father. I
+thought you would have the good sense to stay away."
+
+"Do you indorse this, father?" asked Carl, turning to Dr. Crawford.
+
+"No!" answered his father, with unwonted energy. "My house will always
+be your home."
+
+"You seem to have changed your mind, Dr. Crawford," sneered his wife.
+
+"Where did you pick up the report of Carl's being killed on the
+railroad?" asked the doctor, sternly.
+
+"Peter heard it in the village," said Mrs. Crawford, carelessly.
+
+"Did it occur to you that the sudden news might injure your husband?"
+asked Ashcroft.
+
+"I spoke too impulsively. I realize too late my imprudence," said Mrs.
+Crawford, coolly. "Have you lost your place?" she asked, addressing
+Carl.
+
+"No. I have just returned from Chicago."
+
+His stepmother looked surprised.
+
+"We have had a quiet time since you left us," she said. "If you value
+your father's health and peace of mind, you will not remain here."
+
+"Is my presence also unwelcome?" asked Ashcroft.
+
+"You have not treated me with respect," replied Mrs. Crawford. "If you
+are a gentleman, you will understand that under the circumstances it
+will be wise for you to take your departure."
+
+"Leaving my old friend to your care?"
+
+"Yes, that will be best."
+
+"Mr. Ashcroft, can I have a few minutes' conversation with you?" asked
+Carl.
+
+"Certainly."
+
+They left the room together, followed by an uneasy and suspicious glance
+from Mrs. Crawford.
+
+Carl hurriedly communicated to his father's friend what he had learned
+about his stepmother.
+
+"Mr. Cook, Peter's father, is just outside," he said. "Shall I call him
+in?"
+
+"I think we had better do so, but arrange that the interview shall take
+place without your father's knowledge. He must not be excited. Call him
+in, and then summon your stepmother."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford," said Carl, re-entering his father's room, "Mr. Ashcroft
+would like to have a few words with you. Can you come out?"
+
+She followed Carl uneasily.
+
+"What is it you want with me, sir?" she asked, frigidly.
+
+"Let me introduce an old acquaintance of yours."
+
+Mr. Cook, whom Mrs. Crawford had not at first observed, came forward.
+She drew back in dismay.
+
+"It is some time since we met, Lucy," said Cook, quietly.
+
+"Do you come here to make trouble?" she muttered, hoarsely.
+
+"I come to ask for the property you took during my absence in
+California," he said. "I don't care to have you return to me----"
+
+"I obtained a divorce."
+
+"Precisely; I don't care to annul it. I am thankful that you are no
+longer my wife."
+
+"I--I will see what I can do for you. Don't go near my present husband.
+He is in poor health, and cannot bear a shock."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford," said Ashcroft, gravely, "if you have any idea of
+remaining here, in this house, give it up. I shall see that your
+husband's eyes are opened to your real character."
+
+"Sir, you heard this man say that he has no claim upon me."
+
+"That may be, but I cannot permit my friend to harbor a woman whose
+record is as bad as yours."
+
+"What do you mean?" she demanded, defiantly.
+
+"I mean that you have served a term in prison for larceny."
+
+"It is false," she said, with trembling lips.
+
+"It is true. I visited the prison during your term of confinement, and
+saw you there."
+
+"I, too, can certify to it," said Cook. "I learned it two years after my
+marriage. You will understand why I am glad of the divorce."
+
+Mrs. Crawford was silent for a moment. She realized that the battle was
+lost.
+
+"Well," she said, after a pause, "I am defeated. I thought my secret was
+safe, but I was mistaken. What do you propose to do with me?"
+
+"I will tell you this evening," said Ashcroft. "One thing I can say
+now--you must not expect to remain in this house."
+
+"I no longer care to do so."
+
+A conference was held during the afternoon, Dr Crawford being told as
+much as was essential. It was arranged that Mrs. Crawford should have
+an allowance of four hundred dollars for herself and Peter if she would
+leave the house quietly, and never again annoy her husband. Mr. Cook
+offered to take Peter, but the latter preferred to remain with his
+mother. A private arrangement was made by which Dr. Crawford made up to
+Mr. Cook one-half of the sum stolen from him by his wife, and through
+the influence of Ashcroft, employment was found for him. He is no longer
+a tramp, but a man held in respect, and moderately prosperous.
+
+Carl is still in the employ of Mr. Jennings, and his father has removed
+to Milford, where he and his son can live together. Next September, on
+his twenty-first birthday, Carl will be admitted to a junior partnership
+in the business, his father furnishing the necessary capital. Carl's
+stepmother is in Chicago, and her allowance is paid to her quarterly
+through a Chicago bank. She has considerable trouble with Peter, who
+has become less submissive as he grows older, and is unwilling to settle
+down to steady work. His prospects do not look very bright.
+
+Mr. Jennings and Hannah are as much attached as ever to Carl, and it
+is quite likely the manufacturer will make him his heir. Happy in the
+society of his son, Dr. Crawford is likely to live to a good old age, in
+spite of his weakness and tendency to heart disease, for happiness is a
+great aid to longevity.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Driven From Home, by Horatio Alger
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diff --git a/530.zip b/530.zip
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #530 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/530)
diff --git a/old/530-h.htm.2021-01-27 b/old/530-h.htm.2021-01-27
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+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+
+<!DOCTYPE html
+   PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+   "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" >
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
+  <head>
+    <title>
+      Driven from Home, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
+
+    body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify}
+    P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; }
+    H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; }
+    hr  { width: 50%; text-align: center;}
+    .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; }
+    blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;}
+    .mynote    {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;}
+    .toc       { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;}
+    .toc2      { margin-left: 20%;}
+    div.fig    { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; }
+    div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; }
+    .figleft   {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;}
+    .figright  {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;}
+    .pagenum   {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal;
+               margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%;
+               text-align: right;}
+    pre        { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;}
+
+</style>
+  </head>
+  <body>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Driven From Home, by Horatio Alger
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Driven From Home
+       Carl Crawford's Experience
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: January 21, 2006 [EBook #530]
+Last Updated: January 9, 2019
+
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DRIVEN FROM HOME ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Charles Keller and David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <h1>
+      DRIVEN FROM HOME <br /> OR<br /> CARL CRAWFORD&rsquo;S EXPERIENCE
+    </h1>
+    <p>
+      <br />
+    </p>
+    <h2>
+      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Author of &ldquo;Erie Train Boy,&rdquo; &ldquo;Young Acrobat,&rdquo; &ldquo;Only an Irish Boy,&rdquo; &ldquo;Bound
+      to Rise,&rdquo; &ldquo;The Young Outlaw,&rdquo; &ldquo;Hector&rsquo;s Inheritance,&rdquo; etc.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <blockquote>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>DRIVEN FROM HOME</b></a>
+      </p>
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I -- DRIVEN FROM HOME. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. -- A FRIEND WORTH HAVING. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. -- INTRODUCES PETER COOK. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. -- AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. -- CARL’S STEPMOTHER. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. -- MRS. CRAWFORD’S LETTER. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. -- ENDS IN A TRAGEDY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. -- CARL FALLS UNDER SUSPICION. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. -- A PLAUSIBLE STRANGER. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. -- THE COUNTERFEIT BILL. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. -- THE ARCHERY PRIZE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. -- AN ODD ACQUAINTANCE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. -- AN UNEQUAL CONTEST. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. -- CARL ARRIVES IN MILFORD. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. -- MR. JENNINGS AT HOME. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. -- CARL GETS A PLACE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. -- CARL ENTERS THE FACTORY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. -- LEONARD’S TEMPTATION.</a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. -- AN ARTFUL SCHEME. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. -- REVEALS A MYSTERY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. -- AN UNWELCOME GUEST. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. -- MR. STARK IS RECOGNIZED. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. -- PREPARING FOR THE BURGLAR. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. -- THE BURGLARY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. -- STARK’S DISAPPOINTMENT. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. -- A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. -- BROUGHT TO BAY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. -- AFTER A YEAR. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. -- THE LOST BANK BOOK. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. -- AN ECCENTRIC WOMAN. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XXXI. -- CARL TAKES SUPPER WITH MISS NORRIS. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XXXII. -- A STARTLING DISCOVERY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XXXIII. -- FROM ALBANY TO NIAGARA. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XXXIV. -- CARL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF AN ENGLISH LORD. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XXXV. -- WHAT CARL LEARNED IN CHICAGO. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XXXVI. -- MAKING A WILL. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XXXVII. -- PETER LETS OUT A SECRET. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0038"> CHAPTER XXXVIII. -- DR. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0039"> CHAPTER XXXIX. -- A MAN OF ENERGY. </a>
+      </p>
+      <p class="toc">
+        <a href="#link2HCH0040"> CHAPTER XL. -- CONCLUSION. </a>
+      </p>
+
+      <p>
+        <br />
+      </p>
+    </blockquote>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <hr />
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER I
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      A boy of sixteen, with a small gripsack in his hand, trudged along the
+      country road. He was of good height for his age, strongly built, and had a
+      frank, attractive face. He was naturally of a cheerful temperament, but at
+      present his face was grave, and not without a shade of anxiety. This can
+      hardly be a matter of surprise when we consider that he was thrown upon
+      his own resources, and that his available capital consisted of
+      thirty-seven cents in money, in addition to a good education and a rather
+      unusual amount of physical strength. These last two items were certainly
+      valuable, but they cannot always be exchanged for the necessaries and
+      comforts of life.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      For some time his steps had been lagging, and from time to time he had to
+      wipe the moisture from his brow with a fine linen handkerchief, which
+      latter seemed hardly compatible with his almost destitute condition.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      I hasten to introduce my hero, for such he is to be, as Carl Crawford, son
+      of Dr. Paul Crawford, of Edgewood Center. Why he had set out to conquer
+      fortune single-handed will soon appear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A few rods ahead Carl&rsquo;s attention was drawn to a wide-spreading oak tree,
+      with a carpet of verdure under its sturdy boughs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will rest here for a little while,&rdquo; he said to himself, and suiting the
+      action to the word, threw down his gripsack and flung himself on the turf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is refreshing,&rdquo; he murmured, as, lying upon his back, he looked up
+      through the leafy rifts to the sky above. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know when I have ever
+      been so tired. It&rsquo;s no joke walking a dozen miles under a hot sun, with a
+      heavy gripsack in your hand. It&rsquo;s a good introduction to a life of labor,
+      which I have reason to believe is before me. I wonder how I am coming out&mdash;at
+      the big or the little end of the horn?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He paused, and his face grew grave, for he understood well that for him
+      life had become a serious matter. In his absorption he did not observe the
+      rapid approach of a boy somewhat younger than himself, mounted on a
+      bicycle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy stopped short in surprise, and leaped from his iron steed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, Carl Crawford, is this you? Where in the world are you going with
+      that gripsack?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl looked up quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Going to seek my fortune,&rdquo; he answered, soberly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I hope you&rsquo;ll find it. Don&rsquo;t chaff, though, but tell the honest
+      truth.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have told you the truth, Gilbert.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      With a puzzled look, Gilbert, first leaning his bicycle against the tree,
+      seated himself on the ground by Carl&rsquo;s side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Has your father lost his property?&rdquo; he asked, abruptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Has he disinherited you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not exactly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you left home for good?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have left home&mdash;I hope for good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you quarreled with the governor?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hardly know what to say to that. There is a difference between us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He doesn&rsquo;t seem like a Roman father&mdash;one who rules his family with a
+      rod of iron.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he is quite the reverse. He hasn&rsquo;t backbone enough.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So it seemed to me when I saw him at the exhibition of the academy. You
+      ought to be able to get along with a father like that, Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I could but for one thing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have a stepmother!&rdquo; said Carl, with a significant glance at his
+      companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So have I, but she is the soul of kindness, and makes our home the
+      dearest place in the world.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are there such stepmothers? I shouldn&rsquo;t have judged so from my own
+      experience.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I love her as much as if she were my own mother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are lucky,&rdquo; said Carl, sighing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell me about yours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was married to my father five years ago. Up to the time of her
+      marriage I thought her amiable and sweet-tempered. But soon after the
+      wedding she threw off the mask, and made it clear that she disliked me.
+      One reason is that she has a son of her own about my age, a mean, sneaking
+      fellow, who is the apple of her eye. She has been jealous of me, and tried
+      to supplant me in the affection of my father, wishing Peter to be the
+      favored son.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How has she succeeded?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think my father feels any love for Peter, but through my
+      stepmother&rsquo;s influence he generally fares better than I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why wasn&rsquo;t he sent to school with you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because he is lazy and doesn&rsquo;t like study. Besides, his mother prefers to
+      have him at home. During my absence she worked upon my father, by telling
+      all sorts of malicious stories about me, till he became estranged from me,
+      and little by little Peter has usurped my place as the favorite.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why didn&rsquo;t you deny the stories?&rdquo; asked Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I did, but no credit was given to my denials. My stepmother was
+      continually poisoning my father&rsquo;s mind against me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you give her cause? Did you behave disrespectfully to her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Carl, warmly. &ldquo;I was prepared to give her a warm welcome,
+      and treat her as a friend, but my advances were so coldly received that my
+      heart was chilled.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Poor Carl! How long has this been so?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From the beginning&mdash;ever since Mrs. Crawford came into the house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are your relations with your step-brother&mdash;what&rsquo;s his name?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Peter Cook. I despise the boy, for he is mean, and tyrannical where he
+      dares to be.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think it would be safe for him to bully you, Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He tried it, and got a good thrashing. You can imagine what followed. He
+      ran, crying to his mother, and his version of the story was believed. I
+      was confined to my room for a week, and forced to live on bread and
+      water.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shouldn&rsquo;t think your father was a man to inflict such a punishment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t he&mdash;it was my stepmother. She insisted upon it, and he
+      yielded. I heard afterwards from one of the servants that he wanted me
+      released at the end of twenty-four hours, but she would not consent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long ago was this?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It happened when I was twelve.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Was it ever repeated?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, a month later; but the punishment lasted only for two days.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And you submitted to it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had to, but as soon as I was released I gave Peter such a flogging,
+      with the promise to repeat it, if I was ever punished in that manner
+      again, that the boy himself was panic-stricken, and objected to my being
+      imprisoned again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He must be a charming fellow!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You would think so if you should see him. He has small, insignificant
+      features, a turn-up nose, and an ugly scowl that appears whenever he is
+      out of humor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And yet your father likes him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think he does, though Peter, by his mother&rsquo;s orders, pays all
+      sorts of small attentions&mdash;bringing him his slippers, running on
+      errands, and so on, not because he likes it, but because he wants to
+      supplant me, as he has succeeded in doing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have finally broken away, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I couldn&rsquo;t stand it any longer. Home had become intolerable.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pardon the question, but hasn&rsquo;t your father got considerable property?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have every reason to think so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t your leaving home give your step-mother and Peter the inside track,
+      and lead, perhaps, to your disinheritance?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose so,&rdquo; answered Carl, wearily; &ldquo;but no matter what happens, I
+      can&rsquo;t bear to stay at home any longer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re badly fixed&mdash;that&rsquo;s a fact!&rdquo; said Gilbert, in a tone of
+      sympathy. &ldquo;What are your plans?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. I haven&rsquo;t had time to think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER II.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert wrinkled up his forehead and set about trying to form some plans
+      for Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be hard for you to support yourself,&rdquo; he said, after a pause;
+      &ldquo;that is, without help.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is no one to help me. I expect no help.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought your father might be induced to give you an allowance, so that
+      with what you can earn, you may get along comfortably.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think father would be willing to do this, but my stepmother would
+      prevent him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then she has a great deal of influence over him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, she can twist him round her little finger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t understand it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You see, father is an invalid, and is very nervous. If he were in perfect
+      health he would have more force of character and firmness. He is under the
+      impression that he has heart disease, and it makes him timid and
+      vacillating.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Still he ought to do something for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose he ought. Still, Gilbert, I think I can earn my living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can you do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I have a fair education. I could be an entry clerk, or a salesman
+      in some store, or, if the worst came to the worst, I could work on a farm.
+      I believe farmers give boys who work for them their board and clothes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think the clothes would suit you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am pretty well supplied with clothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert looked significantly at the gripsack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you carry it all in there?&rdquo; he asked, doubtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl laughed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, no,&rdquo; he answered. &ldquo;I have a trunkful of clothes at home, though.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why didn&rsquo;t you bring them with you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would if I were an elephant. Being only a boy, I would find it
+      burdensome carrying a trunk with me. The gripsack is all I can very well
+      manage.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I tell you what,&rdquo; said Gilbert. &ldquo;Come round to our house and stay
+      overnight. We live only a mile from here, you know. The folks will be glad
+      to see you, and while you are there I will go to your house, see the
+      governor, and arrange for an allowance for you that will make you
+      comparatively independent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Gilbert; but I don&rsquo;t feel like asking favors from those who
+      have ill-treated me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor would I&mdash;of strangers; but Dr. Crawford is your father. It isn&rsquo;t
+      right that Peter, your stepbrother, should be supported in ease and
+      luxury, while you, the real son, should be subjected to privation and
+      want.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know but you are right,&rdquo; admitted Carl, slowly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course I am right. Now, will you make me your minister
+      plenipotentiary, armed with full powers?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I believe I will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s right. That shows you are a boy of sense. Now, as you are subject
+      to my directions, just get on that bicycle and I will carry your gripsack,
+      and we will seek Vance Villa, as we call it when we want to be high-toned,
+      by the most direct route.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, no, Gilbert; I will carry my own gripsack. I won&rsquo;t burden you with
+      it,&rdquo; said Carl, rising from his recumbent position.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, Carl, how far have you walked with it this morning?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;About twelve miles.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, of course, you&rsquo;re tired, and require rest. Just jump on that
+      bicycle, and I&rsquo;ll take the gripsack. If you have carried it twelve miles,
+      I can surely carry it one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, Gilbert.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why shouldn&rsquo;t I be?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But it is imposing up on your good nature.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      But Gilbert had turned his head in a backward direction, and nodded in a
+      satisfied way as he saw a light, open buggy rapidly approaching.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s my sister in that carriage,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;She comes in good time. I
+      will put you and your gripsack in with her, and I&rsquo;ll take to my bicycle
+      again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your sister may not like such an arrangement.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t she though! She&rsquo;s very fond of beaux, and she will receive you very
+      graciously.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You make me feel bashful, Gilbert.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t be long. Julia will chat away to you as if she&rsquo;d known you for
+      fifty years.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was very young fifty years ago,&rdquo; said Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hi, there, Jule!&rdquo; called Gilbert, waving his hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Julia Vance stopped the horse, and looked inquiringly and rather
+      admiringly at Carl, who was a boy of fine appearance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me introduce you to my friend and schoolmate, Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took off his hat politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am very glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; said Julia,
+      demurely; &ldquo;I have often heard Gilbert speak of you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope he said nothing bad about me, Miss Vance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may be sure he didn&rsquo;t. If he should now&mdash;I wouldn&rsquo;t believe
+      him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve made a favorable impression, Carl,&rdquo; said Gilbert, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am naturally prejudiced against boys&mdash;having such a brother,&rdquo; said
+      Julia; &ldquo;but it is not fair to judge all boys by him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is outrageous injustice!&rdquo; said Gilbert; &ldquo;but then, sisters seldom
+      appreciate their brothers.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Some other fellows&rsquo; sisters may,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They do, they do!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you ever see such a vain, conceited boy, Mr. Crawford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course you know him better than I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come, Carl; it&rsquo;s too bad for you, too, to join against me. However, I
+      will forget and forgive. Jule, my friend, Carl, has accepted my invitation
+      to make us a visit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am very glad, I am sure,&rdquo; said Julia, sincerely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I want you to take him in, bag and baggage, and convey him to our
+      palace, while I speed thither on my wheel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To be sure I will, and with great pleasure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t you get out and assist him into the carriage, Jule?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; said Carl; &ldquo;but though I am somewhat old and quite infirm, I
+      think I can get in without troubling your sister. Are you sure, Miss
+      Vance, you won&rsquo;t be incommoded by my gripsack?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not at all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I will accept your kind offer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      In a trice Carl was seated next to Julia, with his valise at his feet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t you drive, Mr. Crawford?&rdquo; said the young lady.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t let me take the reins from you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think it looks well for a lady to drive when a gentleman is
+      sitting beside her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was glad to take the reins, for he liked driving.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now for a race!&rdquo; said Gilbert, who was mounted on his bicycle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right!&rdquo; replied Carl. &ldquo;Look out for us!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They started, and the two kept neck and neck till they entered the
+      driveway leading up to a handsome country mansion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl followed them into the house, and was cordially received by Mr. and
+      Mrs. Vance, who were very kind and hospitable, and were favorably
+      impressed by the gentlemanly appearance of their son&rsquo;s friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Half an hour later dinner was announced, and Carl, having removed the
+      stains of travel in his schoolmate&rsquo;s room, descended to the dining-room,
+      and, it must be confessed, did ample justice to the bounteous repast
+      spread before him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      In the afternoon Julia, Gilbert and he played tennis, and had a trial at
+      archery. The hours glided away very rapidly, and six o&rsquo;clock came before
+      they were aware.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gilbert,&rdquo; said Carl, as they were preparing for tea, &ldquo;you have a charming
+      home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have a nice house, too, Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True; but it isn&rsquo;t a home&mdash;to me. There is no love there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That makes a great difference.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I had a father and mother like yours I should be happy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must stay here till day after tomorrow, and I will devote to-morrow
+      to a visit in your interest to your home. I will beard the lion in his den&mdash;that
+      is, your stepmother. Do you consent?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I consent; but it won&rsquo;t do any good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We will see.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER III.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      INTRODUCES PETER COOK.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert took the morning train to the town of Edgewood Center, the
+      residence of the Crawfords. He had been there before, and knew that Carl&rsquo;s
+      home was nearly a mile distant from the station. Though there was a hack
+      in waiting, he preferred to walk, as it would give him a chance to think
+      over what he proposed to say to Dr. Crawford in Carl&rsquo;s behalf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He was within a quarter of a mile of his destination when his attention
+      was drawn to a boy of about his own age, who was amusing himself and a
+      smaller companion by firing stones at a cat that had taken refuge in a
+      tree. Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect, and the poor cat
+      moaned in affright, but did not dare to come down from her perch, as this
+      would put her in the power of her assailant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That must be Carl&rsquo;s stepbrother, Peter,&rdquo; Gilbert decided, as he noted the
+      boy&rsquo;s mean face and turn-up nose. &ldquo;Stoning cats seems to be his idea of
+      amusement. I shall take the liberty of interfering.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hit her, Simon,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Doesn&rsquo;t she look seared?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must have hurt her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I expect I did. I&rsquo;ll take a bigger stone next time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He suited the action to the word, and picked up a rock which, should it
+      hit the poor cat, would in all probability kill her, and prepared to fire.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put down that rock!&rdquo; said Gilbert, indignantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who are you?&rdquo; he demanded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No matter who I am. Put down that rock!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What business is it of yours?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall make it my business to protect that cat from your cruelty.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter, who was a natural coward, took courage from having a companion to
+      back him up, and retorted: &ldquo;You&rsquo;d better clear out of here, or I may fire
+      at you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do it if you dare!&rdquo; said Gilbert, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter concluded that it would be wiser not to carry out his threat, but
+      was resolved to keep to his original purpose. He raised his arm again, and
+      took aim; but Gilbert rushed in, and striking his arm forcibly, compelled
+      him to drop it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you mean by that, you loafer?&rdquo; demanded Peter, his eyes blazing
+      with anger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To stop your fun, if that&rsquo;s what you call it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve a good mind to give you a thrashing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert put himself in a position of defense.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sail in, if you want to!&rdquo; he responded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Help me, Simon!&rdquo; said Peter. &ldquo;You grab his legs, and I&rsquo;ll upset him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Simon, who, though younger, was braver than Peter, without hesitation
+      followed directions. He threw himself on the ground and grasped Gilbert by
+      the legs, while Peter, doubling up his fists, made a rush at his enemy.
+      But Gilbert, swiftly eluding Simon, struck out with his right arm, and
+      Peter, unprepared for so forcible a defense, tumbled over on his back, and
+      Simon ran to his assistance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert put himself on guard, expecting a second attack; but Peter
+      apparently thought it wiser to fight with his tongue.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You rascal!&rdquo; he shrieked, almost foaming at the mouth; &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll have you
+      arrested.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What for?&rdquo; asked Gilbert, coolly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For flying at me like a&mdash;a tiger, and trying to kill me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert laughed at this curious version of things.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought it was you who flew at me,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What business had you to interfere with me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do it again unless you give up firing stones at the cat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll do it as long as I like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She&rsquo;s gone!&rdquo; said Simon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boys looked up into the tree, and could see nothing of puss. She had
+      taken the opportunity, when her assailant was otherwise occupied, to make
+      good her escape.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad of it!&rdquo; said Gilbert. &ldquo;Good-morning, boys! When we meet again, I
+      hope you will be more creditably employed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t get off so easy, you loafer,&rdquo; said Peter, who saw the village
+      constable approaching. &ldquo;Here, Mr. Rogers, I want you to arrest this boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Constable Rogers, who was a stout, broad-shouldered man, nearly six feet
+      in height, turned from one to the other, and asked: &ldquo;What has he done?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He knocked me over. I want him arrested for assault and battery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And what did you do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I? I didn&rsquo;t do anything.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is rather strange. Young man, what is your name?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gilbert Vance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t live in this town?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I live in Warren.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What made you attack Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because he flew at me, and I had to defend myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this so, Simon? You saw all that happened.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ye&mdash;es,&rdquo; admitted Simon, unwillingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That puts a different face on the matter. I don&rsquo;t see how I can arrest
+      this boy. He had a right to defend himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He came up and abused me&mdash;the loafer,&rdquo; said Peter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That was the reason you went at him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you anything to say?&rdquo; asked the constable, addressing Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; when I came up I saw this boy firing stones at a cat, who had
+      taken refuge in that tree over there. He had just hit her, and had picked
+      up a larger stone to fire when I ordered him to drop it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was no business of yours,&rdquo; muttered Peter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I made it my business, and will again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did the cat have a white spot on her forehead?&rdquo; asked the constable.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And was mouse colored?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, it&rsquo;s my little girl&rsquo;s cat. She would be heartbroken if the cat were
+      seriously hurt. You young rascal!&rdquo; he continued, turning suddenly upon
+      Peter, and shaking him vigorously. &ldquo;Let me catch you at this business
+      again, and I&rsquo;ll give you such a warming that you&rsquo;ll never want to touch
+      another cat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me go!&rdquo; cried the terrified boy. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know it was your cat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It would have been just as bad if it had been somebody else&rsquo;s cat. I&rsquo;ve a
+      great mind to put you in the lockup.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, don&rsquo;t, please don&rsquo;t, Mr. Rogers!&rdquo; implored Peter, quite
+      panic-stricken.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you promise never to stone another cat?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then go about your business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter lost no time, but scuttled up the street with his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am much obliged to you for protecting Flora&rsquo;s cat,&rdquo; then said the
+      constable to Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are quite welcome, sir. I won&rsquo;t see any animal abused if I can help
+      it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wasn&rsquo;t that boy Peter Cook?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. Don&rsquo;t you know him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; but I know his stepbrother, Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A different sort of boy! Have you come to visit him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he is visiting me. In fact, he has left home, because he could not
+      stand his step-mother&rsquo;s ill-treatment, and I have come to see his father
+      in his behalf.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has had an uncomfortable home. Dr. Crawford is an invalid, and very
+      much under the influence of his wife, who seems to have a spite against
+      Carl, and is devoted to that young cub to whom you have given a lesson.
+      Does Carl want to come back?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he wants to strike out for himself, but I told him it was no more
+      than right that he should receive some help from his father.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is true enough. For nearly all the doctor&rsquo;s money came to him
+      through Carl&rsquo;s mother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid Peter and his mother won&rsquo;t give me a very cordial welcome
+      after what has happened this morning. I wish I could see the doctor
+      alone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So you can, for there he is coming up the street.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert looked in the direction indicated, and his glance fell on a thin,
+      fragile-looking man, evidently an invalid, with a weak, undecided face,
+      who was slowly approaching.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy advanced to meet him, and, taking off his hat, asked politely: &ldquo;Is
+      this Dr. Crawford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford stopped short, and eyed Gilbert attentively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know you,&rdquo; he said, in a querulous tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am a schoolmate of your son, Carl. My name is Gilbert Vance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you have come to see my son you will be disappointed. He has treated
+      me in a shameful manner. He left home yesterday morning, and I don&rsquo;t know
+      where he is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can tell you, sir. He is staying&mdash;for a day or two&mdash;at my
+      father&rsquo;s house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is that?&rdquo; asked Dr. Crawford, his manner showing that he was
+      confused.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In Warren, thirteen miles from here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know the town. What induced him to go to your house? Have you
+      encouraged him to leave home?&rdquo; inquired Dr. Crawford, with a look of
+      displeasure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. It was only by chance that I met him a mile from our home. I
+      induced him to stay overnight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you bring me any message from him?&rdquo; &ldquo;No, sir, except that he is going
+      to strike out for himself, as he thinks his home an unhappy one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is his own fault. He has had enough to eat and enough to wear. He
+      has had as comfortable a home as yourself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t doubt that, but he complains that his stepmother is continually
+      finding fault with him, and scolding him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He provokes her to do it. He is a headstrong, obstinate boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He never had that reputation at school, sir. We all liked him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you mean to imply that I am in fault?&rdquo; said the doctor, warmly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think you know how badly Mrs. Crawford treats Carl, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course, of course. That is always said of a stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not always, sir. I have a stepmother myself, and no own mother could
+      treat me better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are probably a better boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t accept the compliment. I hope you&rsquo;ll excuse me saying it, Dr.
+      Crawford, but if my stepmother treated me as Carl says Mrs. Crawford
+      treats him I wouldn&rsquo;t stay in the house another day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, this is very annoying,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, irritably. &ldquo;Have you
+      come here from Warren to say this?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, not entirely.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps Carl wants me to receive him back. I will do so if he promises to
+      obey his stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That he won&rsquo;t do, I am sure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then what is the object of your visit?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To say that Carl wants and intends to earn his own living. But it is hard
+      for a boy of his age, who has never worked, to earn enough at first to pay
+      for his board and clothes. He asks, or, rather, I ask for him, that you
+      will allow him a small sum, say three or four dollars a week, which is
+      considerably less than he must cost you at home, for a time until he gets
+      on his feet.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, in a vacillating tone. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think
+      Mrs. Crawford would approve this.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It seems to me you are the one to decide, as Carl is your own son. Peter
+      must cost you a good deal more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have met him,&rdquo; answered Gilbert, with a slight smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what to say. You may be right. Peter does cost me more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And Carl is entitled to be treated as well as he.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I ought to speak to Mrs. Crawford about it. And, by the way, I
+      nearly forgot to say that she charges Carl with taking money from her
+      bureau drawer before he went away. It was a large sum, too&mdash;twenty-five
+      dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is false!&rdquo; exclaimed Gilbert, indignantly. &ldquo;I am surprised that you
+      should believe such a thing of your own son.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford says she has proof,&rdquo; said the doctor, hesitating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then what has he done with the money? I know that he has but thirty-seven
+      cents with him at this time, and he only left home yesterday. If the money
+      has really been taken, I think I know who took it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Peter Cook. He looks mean enough for anything.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What right have you to speak so of Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because I caught him stoning a cat this morning. He would have killed the
+      poor thing if I had not interfered. I consider that worse than taking
+      money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I don&rsquo;t know what to say. I can&rsquo;t agree to anything till I have
+      spoken with Mrs. Crawford. Did you say that Carl had but thirty seven
+      cents?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I presume you don&rsquo;t want him to starve?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, of course not. He is my son, though he has behaved badly. Here, give
+      him that!&rdquo; and Dr. Crawford drew a ten-dollar bill from his wallet, and
+      handed it to Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir. This money will be very useful. Besides, it will show
+      Carl that his father is not wholly indifferent to him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course not. Who says that I am a bad father?&rdquo; asked Dr. Crawford,
+      peevishly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think, sir, there would be any difficulty between you and Carl if
+      you had not married again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl has no right to vex Mrs. Crawford. Besides, he can&rsquo;t agree with
+      Peter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is that his fault or Peter&rsquo;s?&rdquo; asked Gilbert, significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not acquainted with the circumstances, but Mrs. Crawford says that
+      Carl is always bullying Peter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He never bullied anyone at school.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there anything, else you want?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; Carl only took away a little underclothing in a gripsack. He
+      would like his woolen clothes put in his trunk, and to have it sent&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps it had better be sent to my house. There are one or two things in
+      his room also that he asked me to get.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why didn&rsquo;t he come himself?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because he thought it would be unpleasant for him to meet Mrs. Crawford.
+      They would be sure to quarrel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, perhaps he is right,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, with an air of relief.
+      &ldquo;About the allowance, I shall have to consult my wife. Will you come with
+      me to the house?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I should like to have the matter settled to-day, so that Carl
+      will know what to depend upon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert rather dreaded the interview he was likely to have with Mrs.
+      Crawford; but he was acting for Carl, and his feelings of friendship were
+      strong.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So he walked beside Dr. Crawford till they reached the tasteful dwelling
+      occupied as a residence by Carl and his father.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How happy Carl could be here, if he had a stepmother like mine,&rdquo; Gilbert
+      thought.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      They went up to the front door, which was opened for them by a servant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jane, is Mrs. Crawford in?&rdquo; asked the doctor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; not just now. She went to the village to do some shopping.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is Peter in?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you will have to wait till they return.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t I go up to Carl&rsquo;s room and be packing his things?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think you may. I don&rsquo;t think Mrs. Crawford would object.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good heavens! Hasn&rsquo;t the man a mind of his own?&rdquo; thought Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jane, you may show this young gentleman up to Master Carl&rsquo;s room, and
+      give him the key of his trunk. He is going to pack his clothes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When is Master Carl coming back?&rdquo; asked Jane.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I don&rsquo;t know. I think he will be away for a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish it was Peter instead of him,&rdquo; said Jane, in a low voice, only
+      audible to Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She showed Gilbert the way upstairs, while the doctor went to his study.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a friend of Master Carl&rsquo;s?&rdquo; asked Jane, as soon as they were
+      alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Jane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And where is he?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At my house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he goin&rsquo; to stay there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For a short time. He wants to go out into the world and make his own
+      living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And no wonder&mdash;poor boy! It&rsquo;s hard times he had here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t Mrs. Crawford treat him well?&rdquo; asked Gilbert, with curiosity
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is it trate him well? She was a-jawin&rsquo; an&rsquo; a-jawin&rsquo; him from mornin&rsquo; till
+      night. Ugh, but she&rsquo;s an ugly cr&rsquo;atur&rsquo;!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How about Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&rsquo;s just as bad&mdash;the m&rsquo;anest bye I iver set eyes on. It would do me
+      good to see him flogged.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She chatted a little longer with Gilbert, helping him to find Carl&rsquo;s
+      clothes, when suddenly a shrill voice was heard calling her from below.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shure, it&rsquo;s the madam!&rdquo; said Jane, shrugging her shoulders. &ldquo;I expect
+      she&rsquo;s in a temper;&rdquo; and she rose from her knees and hurried downstairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER V.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL&rsquo;S STEPMOTHER.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Five minutes later, as Gilbert was closing the trunk, Jane reappeared.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The doctor and Mrs. Crawford would like to see you downstairs,&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert followed Jane into the library, where Dr. Crawford and his wife
+      were seated. He looked with interest at the woman who had made home so
+      disagreeable to Carl, and was instantly prejudiced against her. She was
+      light complexioned, with very light-brown hair, cold, gray eyes, and a
+      disagreeable expression which seemed natural to her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear,&rdquo; said the doctor, &ldquo;this is the young man who has come from
+      Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford surveyed Gilbert with an expression by no means friendly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is your name?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gilbert Vance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did Carl Crawford send you here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I volunteered to come.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he tell you that he was disobedient and disrespectful to me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he told me that you treated him so badly that he was unwilling to
+      live in the same house with you,&rdquo; answered Gilbert, boldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, upon my word!&rdquo; exclaimed Mrs. Crawford, fanning herself vigorously.
+      &ldquo;Dr. Crawford, did you hear that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And what do you think of it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I think you may have been too hard upon Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Too hard? Why, then, did he not treat me respectfully? This boy seems
+      inclined to be impertinent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I answered your questions, madam,&rdquo; said Gilbert, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you side with your friend Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I certainly do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford bit her lip.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the object of your coming? Does Carl wish to return?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought Dr. Crawford might have told you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl wants his clothes sent to him,&rdquo; said the doctor. &ldquo;He only carried a
+      few with him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall not consent to it. He deserves no favors at our hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This was too much even for Dr. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You go too far, Mrs. Crawford,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I am sensible of the boy&rsquo;s
+      faults, but I certainly will not allow his clothes to be withheld from
+      him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, well! spoil him if you choose!&rdquo; said the lady, sullenly. &ldquo;Take his
+      part against your wife!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have never done that, but I will not allow him to be defrauded of his
+      clothes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no more to say,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, her eyes snapping. She was
+      clearly mortified at her failure to carry her point.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you wish the trunk to be sent to your house?&rdquo; asked the doctor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I have packed the clothes and locked the trunk.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to examine it before it goes,&rdquo; put in Mrs. Crawford,
+      spitefully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To make sure that nothing has been put in that does not belong to Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean to accuse me of stealing, madam?&rdquo; demanded Gilbert,
+      indignantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford tossed her head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know anything about you,&rdquo; she replied.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dr. Crawford, am I to open the trunk?&rdquo; asked Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered the doctor, with unwonted decision.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hate that boy! He has twice subjected me to mortification,&rdquo; thought
+      Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know very well,&rdquo; she said, turning to her husband, &ldquo;that I have
+      grounds for my request. I blush to mention it, but I have reason to
+      believe that your son took a wallet containing twenty-five dollars from my
+      bureau drawer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I deny it!&rdquo; said Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you know about it, I should like to ask?&rdquo; sneered Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know that Carl is an honorable boy, incapable of theft, and at this
+      moment has but thirty-seven cents in his possession.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So far as you know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If the money has really disappeared, madam, you had better ask your own
+      boy about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is insufferable!&rdquo; exclaimed Mrs. Crawford, her light eyes emitting
+      angry flashes. &ldquo;Who dares to say that Peter took the wallet?&rdquo; she went on,
+      rising to her feet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was an unexpected reply. Jane entered the room at this moment to ask
+      a question.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say so, ma&rsquo;am,&rdquo; she rejoined.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What?&rdquo; ejaculated Mrs. Crawford, with startling emphasis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t mean to say anything about it till I found you were charging it
+      on Master Carl. I saw Peter open your bureau drawer, take out the wallet,
+      and put it in his pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a lie!&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, hoarsely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s the truth, though I suppose you don&rsquo;t want to believe it. If you
+      want to know what he did with the money ask him how much he paid for the
+      gold ring he bought of the jeweler down at the village.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are a spy&mdash;a base, dishonorable spy!&rdquo; cried Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t say what you are, ma&rsquo;am, to bring false charges against Master
+      Carl, and I wonder the doctor will believe them.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leave the house directly, you hussy!&rdquo; shrieked Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I do, I wonder who&rsquo;ll get the dinner?&rdquo; remarked Jane, not at all
+      disturbed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t stay here to be insulted,&rdquo; said the angry lady. &ldquo;Dr. Crawford,
+      you might have spirit enough to defend your wife.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She flounced out of the room, not waiting for a reply, leaving the doctor
+      dazed and flurried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope, sir, you are convinced now that Carl did not take Mrs. Crawford&rsquo;s
+      money,&rdquo; said Gilbert. &ldquo;I told you it was probably Peter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure of what you said, Jane?&rdquo; asked the doctor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. I saw Peter take the wallet with my own eyes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is his mother&rsquo;s money, and they must settle it between them I am glad
+      Carl did not take it. Really, this has been a very unpleasant scene.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sorry for my part in it. Carl is my friend, and I feel that I ought
+      to stand up for his rights,&rdquo; remarked Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, certainly, that is right. But you see how I am placed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see that this is no place for Carl. If you will allow me, I will send
+      an expressman for the trunk, and take it with me to the station.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I see no objection. I&mdash;I would invite you to dinner, but Mrs.
+      Crawford seems to be suffering from a nervous attack, and it might not be
+      pleasant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I agree with you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Just then Peter entered the room, and looked at Gilbert with surprise and
+      wrath, remembering his recent discomfiture at the hands of the young
+      visitor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My stepson, Peter,&rdquo; announced Dr. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Peter and I have met before,&rdquo; said Gilbert, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are you here for?&rdquo; asked Peter, rudely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not to see you,&rdquo; answered Gilbert, turning from him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My mother&rsquo;ll have something to say to you,&rdquo; went on Peter, significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She will have something to say to you,&rdquo; retorted Gilbert. &ldquo;She has found
+      out who stole her money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter&rsquo;s face turned scarlet instantly, and he left the room hurriedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps I ought not to have said that, Dr Crawford,&rdquo; added Gilbert,
+      apologetically, &ldquo;but I dislike that boy very much, and couldn&rsquo;t help
+      giving him as good as he sent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is all very unpleasant,&rdquo; responded Dr. Crawford, peevishly. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t
+      see why I can&rsquo;t live in peace and tranquility.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t intrude upon you any longer,&rdquo; said Gilbert, &ldquo;if you will kindly
+      tell me whether you will consent to make Carl a small weekly allowance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t say now. I want time to think. Give me your address, and I will
+      write to Carl in your care.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gilbert left the house and made arrangements to have Carl&rsquo;s trunk called
+      for. It accompanied him on the next train to Warren.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      Mrs. CRAWFORD&rsquo;S LETTER.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you like my stepmother?&rdquo; asked Carl, when Gilbert returned in the
+      afternoon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She&rsquo;s a daisy!&rdquo; answered Gilbert, shrugging his shoulders. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think
+      I ever saw a more disagreeable woman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you blame me for leaving home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I only wonder you have been able to stay so long. I had a long
+      conversation with your father.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford has made a different man of him. I should have no trouble
+      in getting along with him if there was no one to come between us.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He gave me this for you,&rdquo; said Gilbert, producing the ten-dollar bill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did my stepmother know of his sending it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; she was opposed to sending your trunk, but your father said
+      emphatically you should have it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad he showed that much spirit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have some hopes that he will make you an allowance of a few dollars a
+      week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That would make me all right, but I don&rsquo;t expect it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will probably hear from your father to-morrow or next day, so you
+      will have to make yourself contented a little longer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you are not very homesick, Mr. Crawford?&rdquo; said Julia,
+      coquettishly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would ask nothing better than to stay here permanently,&rdquo; rejoined Carl,
+      earnestly. &ldquo;This is a real home. I have met with more kindness here than
+      in six months at my own home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have one staunch friend at home,&rdquo; said Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t allude to Peter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So far as I can judge, he hates you like poison. I mean Jane.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Jane is a real friend. She has been in the family for ten years. She
+      was a favorite with my own mother, and feels an interest in me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, your stepmother&rsquo;s charge that you took a wallet containing
+      money from her drawer has been disproved by Jane. She saw Peter
+      abstracting the money, and so informed Mrs. Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not at all surprised. Peter is mean enough to steal or do anything
+      else. What did my stepmother say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was very angry, and threatened to discharge Jane; but, as no one
+      would be left to attend to the dinner, I presume she is likely to stay.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I ought to be forming some plan,&rdquo; said Carl, thoughtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait till you hear from home. Julia will see that your time is well
+      filled up till then. Dismiss all care, and enjoy yourself while you may.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This seemed to be sensible advice, and Carl followed it. In the evening
+      some young people were invited in, and there was a round of amusements
+      that made Carl forget that he was an exile from home, with very dubious
+      prospects.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are all spoiling me,&rdquo; he said, as Gilbert and he went upstairs to
+      bed. &ldquo;I am beginning to understand the charms of home. To go out into the
+      world from here will be like taking a cold shower bath.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Never forget, Carl, that you will be welcome back, whenever you feel like
+      coming,&rdquo; said Gilbert, laying his band affectionately on Carl&rsquo;s shoulder.
+      &ldquo;We all like you here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, old fellow! I appreciate the kindness I have received here;
+      but I must strike out for myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you feel about it, Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope for the best. I am young, strong and willing to work. There must
+      be an opening for me somewhere.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next morning, just after breakfast, a letter arrived for Carl, mailed
+      at Edgewood Center.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is it from your father?&rdquo; asked Gilbert.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; it is in the handwriting of my stepmother. I can guess from that that
+      it contains no good news.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He opened the letter, and as he read it his face expressed disgust and
+      annoyance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Read it, Gilbert,&rdquo; he said, handing him the open sheet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This was the missive:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;CARL CRAWFORD:&mdash;AS your father has a nervous attack, brought on by
+      your misconduct, he has authorized me to write to you. As you are but
+      sixteen, he could send for you and have you forcibly brought back, but
+      deems it better for you to follow your own course and suffer the
+      punishment of your obstinate and perverse conduct. The boy whom you sent
+      here proved a fitting messenger. He seems, if possible, to be even worse
+      than yourself. He was very impertinent to me, and made a brutal and
+      unprovoked attack on my poor boy, Peter, whose devotion to your father and
+      myself forms an agreeable contrast to your studied disregard of our
+      wishes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your friend had the assurance to ask for a weekly allowance for you while
+      a voluntary exile from the home where you have been only too well treated.
+      In other words, you want to be paid for your disobedience. Even if your
+      father were weak enough to think of complying with this extraordinary
+      request, I should do my best to dissuade him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Small doubt of that!&rdquo; said Carl, bitterly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In my sorrow for your waywardness, I am comforted by the thought that
+      Peter is too good and conscientious ever to follow your example. While you
+      are away, he will do his utmost to make up to your father for his
+      disappointment in you. That you may grow wise in time, and turn at length
+      from the error of your ways, is the earnest hope of your stepmother,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Anastasia Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It makes me sick to read such a letter as that, Gilbert,&rdquo; said Carl. &ldquo;And
+      to have that sneak and thief&mdash;as he turned out to be&mdash;Peter, set
+      up as a model for me, is a little too much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I never knew there were such women in the world!&rdquo; returned Gilbert. &ldquo;I
+      can understand your feelings perfectly, after my interview of yesterday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She thinks even worse of you than of me,&rdquo; said Carl, with a faint smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no doubt Peter shares her sentiments. I didn&rsquo;t make many friends
+      in your family, it must be confessed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You did me a service, Gilbert, and I shall not soon forget it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did your stepmother come from?&rdquo; asked Gilbert, thoughtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. My father met her at some summer resort. She was staying in
+      the same boarding house, she and the angelic Peter. She lost no time in
+      setting her cap for my father, who was doubtless reported to her as a man
+      of property, and she succeeded in capturing him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder at that. She doesn&rsquo;t seem very fascinating.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She made herself very agreeable to my father, and was even affectionate
+      in her manner to me, though I couldn&rsquo;t get to like her. The end was that
+      she became Mrs. Crawford. Once installed in our house, she soon threw off
+      the mask and showed herself in her true colors, a cold-hearted, selfish
+      and disagreeable woman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder your father doesn&rsquo;t recognize her for what she is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She is very artful, and is politic enough to treat him well. She has lost
+      no opportunity of prejudicing him against me. If he were not an invalid
+      she would find her task more difficult.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did she have any property when your father married her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not that I have been able to discover. She is scheming to have my father
+      leave the lion&rsquo;s share of his property to her and Peter. I dare say she
+      will succeed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us hope your father will live till you are a young man, at least, and
+      better able to cope with her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I earnestly hope so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your father is not an old man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is fifty-one, but he is not strong. I believe he has liver complaint.
+      At any rate, I know that when, at my stepmother&rsquo;s instigation, he applied
+      to an insurance company to insure his life for her benefit, the
+      application was rejected.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t know anything of Mrs. Crawford&rsquo;s antecedents?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What was her name before she married your father?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was a Mrs. Cook. That, as you know, is Peter&rsquo;s name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps, in your travels, you may learn something of her history.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t leave us to-morrow?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I must go to-day. I know now that I must depend wholly upon my own
+      exertions, and I must get to work as soon as possible.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will write to me, Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, when I have anything agreeable to write.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us hope that will be soon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      ENDS IN A TRAGEDY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl obtained permission to leave his trunk at the Vance mansion, merely
+      taking out what he absolutely needed for a change.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When I am settled I will send for it,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Now I shouldn&rsquo;t know
+      what to do with it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      There were cordial good-bys, and Carl started once more on the tramp. He
+      might, indeed, have traveled by rail, for he had ten dollars and
+      thirty-seven cents; but it occurred to him that in walking he might meet
+      with some one who would give him employment. Besides, he was not in a
+      hurry to get on, nor had he any definite destination. The day was fine,
+      there was a light breeze, and he experienced a hopeful exhilaration as he
+      walked lightly on, with the world before him, and any number of
+      possibilities in the way of fortunate adventures that might befall him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had walked five miles, when, to the left, he saw an elderly man hard at
+      work in a hay field. He was leaning on his rake, and looking perplexed and
+      troubled. Carl paused to rest, and as he looked over the rail fence,
+      attracted the attention of the farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say, young feller, where are you goin&rsquo;?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know&mdash;exactly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t know where you are goin&rsquo;?&rdquo; repeated the farmer, in surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl laughed. &ldquo;I am going out in the world to seek my fortune,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You be? Would you like a job?&rdquo; asked the farmer, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What sort of a job?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;d like to have you help me hayin&rsquo;. My hired man is sick, and he&rsquo;s left
+      me in a hole. It&rsquo;s goin&rsquo; to rain, and&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Going to rain?&rdquo; repeated Carl, in surprise, as he looked up at the nearly
+      cloudless sky.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. It don&rsquo;t look like it, I know, but old Job Hagar say it&rsquo;ll rain
+      before night, and what he don&rsquo;t know about the weather ain&rsquo;t worth
+      knowin&rsquo;. I want to get the hay on this meadow into the barn, and then I&rsquo;ll
+      feel safe, rain or shine.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And you want me to help you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; you look strong and hardy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I am pretty strong,&rdquo; said Carl, complacently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, what do you say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right. I&rsquo;ll help you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl gave a spring and cleared the fence, landing in the hay field, having
+      first thrown his valise over.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re pretty spry,&rdquo; said the farmer. &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t do that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, you&rsquo;re too heavy,&rdquo; said Carl, smiling, as he noted the clumsy figure
+      of his employer. &ldquo;Now, what shall I do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take that rake and rake up the hay. Then we&rsquo;ll go over to the barn and
+      get the hay wagon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is your barn?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The farmer pointed across the fields to a story-and-a-half farmhouse, and
+      standing near it a good-sized barn, brown from want of paint and exposure
+      to sun and rain. The buildings were perhaps twenty-five rods distant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you used to hayin&rsquo;?&rdquo; asked the farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, no, not exactly; though I&rsquo;ve handled a rake before.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl&rsquo;s experience, however, had been very limited. He had, to be sure, had
+      a rake in his hand, but probably he had not worked more than ten minutes
+      at it. However, raking is easily learned, and his want of experience was
+      not detected. He started off with great enthusiasm, but after a while
+      thought it best to adopt the more leisurely movements of the farmer. After
+      two hours his hands began to blister, but still he kept on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have got to make my living by hard work,&rdquo; he said to himself, &ldquo;and it
+      won&rsquo;t do to let such a little thing as a blister interfere.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When he had been working a couple of hours, he began to feel hungry. His
+      walk, and the work he had been doing, sharpened his appetite till he
+      really felt uncomfortable. It was at this time&mdash;just twelve o&rsquo;clock&mdash;that
+      the farmer&rsquo;s wife came to the front door and blew a fish horn so
+      vigorously that it could probably have been heard half a mile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The old woman&rsquo;s got dinner ready,&rdquo; said the farmer. &ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t mind
+      takin&rsquo; your pay in victuals, you can go along home with me, and take a
+      bite.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I could take two or three, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ho, ho! that&rsquo;s a good joke! Money&rsquo;s scarce, and I&rsquo;d rather pay in
+      victuals, if it&rsquo;s all the same to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you generally find people willing to work for their board?&rdquo; asked
+      Carl, who knew that he was being imposed upon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I might pay a leetle more. You work for me till sundown, and I&rsquo;ll
+      give you dinner and supper, and&mdash;fifteen cents.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl wanted to laugh. At this rate of compensation he felt that it would
+      take a long time to make a fortune, but he was so hungry that he would
+      have accepted board alone if it had been necessary.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I agree,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Shall I leave my rake here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; it&rsquo;ll be all right.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll take along my valise, for I can&rsquo;t afford to run any risk of losing
+      it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Jest as you say.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Five minutes brought them to the farmhouse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can I wash my hands?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, you can go right to the sink and wash in the tin basin. There&rsquo;s a
+      roll towel behind the door. Mis&rsquo; Perkins&rdquo;&mdash;that was the way he
+      addressed his wife&mdash;&ldquo;this is a young chap that I&rsquo;ve hired to help me
+      hayin&rsquo;. You can set a chair for him at the table.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, Silas. He don&rsquo;t look very old, though.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, ma&rsquo;am. I ain&rsquo;t twenty-one yet,&rdquo; answered Carl, who was really
+      sixteen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shouldn&rsquo;t say you was. You ain&rsquo;t no signs of a mustache.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I keep it short, ma&rsquo;am, in warm weather,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It don&rsquo;t dull a razor any to cut it in cold weather, does it?&rdquo; asked the
+      farmer, chuckling at his joke.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, no, sir; I can&rsquo;t say it does.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a boiled dinner that the farmer&rsquo;s wife provided, corned beef and
+      vegetables, but the plebeian meal seemed to Carl the best he ever ate.
+      Afterwards there was apple pudding, to which he did equal justice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I never knew work improved a fellow&rsquo;s appetite so,&rdquo; reflected the young
+      traveler. &ldquo;I never ate with so much relish at home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After dinner they went back to the field and worked till the supper hour,
+      five o&rsquo;clock. By that time all the hay had been put into the barn.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We&rsquo;ve done a good day&rsquo;s work,&rdquo; said the farmer, in a tone of
+      satisfaction, &ldquo;and only just in time. Do you see that dark cloud?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In half an hour there&rsquo;ll be rain, or I&rsquo;m mistaken. Old Job Hagar is right
+      after all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The farmer proved a true prophet. In half an hour, while they were at the
+      supper table, the rain began to come down in large drops&mdash;forming
+      pools in the hollows of the ground, and drenching all exposed objects with
+      the largesse of the heavens.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where war you a-goin&rsquo; to-night?&rdquo; asked the farmer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was thinkin&rsquo; that I&rsquo;d give you a night&rsquo;s lodgin&rsquo; in place of the
+      fifteen cents I agreed to pay you. Money&rsquo;s very skeerce with me, and will
+      be till I&rsquo;ve sold off some of the crops.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be glad to make that arrangement,&rdquo; said Carl, who had been
+      considering how much the farmer would ask for lodging, for there seemed
+      small chance of continuing his journey. Fifteen cents was a lower price
+      than he had calculated on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s a sensible idea!&rdquo; said the farmer, rubbing his hands with
+      satisfaction at the thought that he had secured valuable help at no money
+      outlay whatever.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The next morning Carl continued his tramp, refusing the offer of continued
+      employment on the same terms. He was bent on pursuing his journey, though
+      he did not know exactly where he would fetch up in the end.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At twelve o&rsquo;clock that day he found himself in the outskirts of a town,
+      with the same uncomfortable appetite that he had felt the day before, but
+      with no hotel or restaurant anywhere near. There was, however, a small
+      house, the outer door of which stood conveniently open. Through the open
+      window, Carl saw a table spread as if for dinner, and he thought it
+      probable that he could arrange to become a boarder for a single meal. He
+      knocked at the door, but no one came. He shouted out: &ldquo;Is anybody at
+      home?&rdquo; and received no answer. He went to a small barn just outside and
+      peered in, but no one was to be seen.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What should he do? He was terribly hungry, and the sight of the food on
+      the table was tantalizing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go in, as the door is open,&rdquo; he decided, &ldquo;and sit down to the table
+      and eat. Somebody will be along before I get through, and I&rsquo;ll pay
+      whatever is satisfactory, for eat I must.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He entered, seated himself, and ate heartily. Still no one appeared.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to go off without paying,&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll see if I can
+      find somebody.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He opened the door into the kitchen, but it was deserted. Then he opened
+      that of a small bedroom, and started back in terror and dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There suspended from a hook&mdash;a man of middle age was hanging, with
+      his head bent forward, his eyes wide open, and his tongue protruding from
+      his mouth!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER VIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL FALLS UNDER SUSPICION.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      To a person of any age such a sight as that described at the close of the
+      last chapter might well have proved startling. To a boy like Carl it was
+      simply overwhelming. It so happened that he had but twice seen a dead
+      person, and never a victim of violence. The peculiar circumstances
+      increased the effect upon his mind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He placed his hand upon the man&rsquo;s face, and found that he was still warm.
+      He could have been dead but a short time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What shall I do?&rdquo; thought Carl, perplexed. &ldquo;This is terrible!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Then it flashed upon him that as he was alone with the dead man suspicion
+      might fall upon him as being concerned in what might be called a murder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had better leave here at once,&rdquo; he reflected. &ldquo;I shall have to go away
+      without paying for my meal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He started to leave the house, but had scarcely reached the door when two
+      persons&mdash;a man and a woman&mdash;entered. Both looked at Carl with
+      suspicion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are you doing here?&rdquo; asked the man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I beg your pardon,&rdquo; answered Carl; &ldquo;I was very hungry, and seeing no one
+      about, took the liberty to sit down at the table and eat. I am willing to
+      pay for my dinner if you will tell me how much it amounts to.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wasn&rsquo;t my husband here?&rdquo; asked the woman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I am afraid something has happened to your husband,&rdquo; faltered
+      Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you mean?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl silently pointed to the chamber door. The woman opened it, and
+      uttered a loud shriek.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, Walter!&rdquo; she cried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Her companion quickly came to her side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My husband is dead!&rdquo; cried the woman; &ldquo;basely murdered, and there,&rdquo;
+       pointing fiercely to Carl, &ldquo;there stands the murderer!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Madam, you cannot believe this!&rdquo; said Carl, naturally agitated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What have you to say for yourself?&rdquo; demanded the man, suspiciously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I only just saw&mdash;your husband,&rdquo; continued Carl, addressing himself
+      to the woman. &ldquo;I had finished my meal, when I began to search for some one
+      whom I could pay, and so opened this door into the room beyond, when I saw&mdash;him
+      hanging there!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t believe him, the red-handed murderer!&rdquo; broke out the woman,
+      fiercely. &ldquo;He is probably a thief; he killed my poor husband, and then sat
+      down like a cold-blooded villain that he is, and gorged himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Things began to look very serious for poor Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your husband is larger and stronger than myself,&rdquo; he urged, desperately.
+      &ldquo;How could I overpower him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It looks reasonable, Maria,&rdquo; said the man. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how the boy could
+      have killed Mr. Brown, or lifted him upon the hook, even if he did not
+      resist.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He murdered him, I tell you, he murdered him!&rdquo; shrieked the woman, who
+      seemed bereft of reason. &ldquo;I call upon you to arrest him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not a constable, Maria.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then tie him so he cannot get away, and go for a constable. I wouldn&rsquo;t
+      feel safe with him in the house, unless he were tied fast. He might hang
+      me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Terrible as the circumstances were, Carl felt an impulse to laugh. It
+      seemed absurd to hear himself talked of in this way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tie me if you like!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I am willing to wait here till some one
+      comes who has a little common sense. Just remember that I am only a boy,
+      and haven&rsquo;t the strength of a full-grown man!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy is right, Maria! It&rsquo;s a foolish idea of yours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I call upon you to tie the villain!&rdquo; insisted the woman.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just as you say! Can you give me some rope?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      From a drawer Mrs. Brown drew a quantity of strong cord, and the man
+      proceeded to tie Carl&rsquo;s hands.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tie his feet, too, Walter!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Even if you didn&rsquo;t tie me, I would promise to remain here. I don&rsquo;t want
+      anybody to suspect me of such a thing,&rdquo; put in Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How artful he is!&rdquo; said Mrs. Brown. &ldquo;Tie him strong, Walter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two were left alone, Carl feeling decidedly uncomfortable. The
+      newly-made widow laid her head upon the table and moaned, glancing
+      occasionally at the body of her husband, as it still hung suspended from
+      the hook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, William, I little expected to find you dead!&rdquo; she groaned. &ldquo;I only
+      went to the store to buy a pound of salt, and when I come back, I find you
+      cold and still, the victim of a young ruffian! How could you be so
+      wicked?&rdquo; she demanded fiercely of Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have told you that I had nothing to do with your husband&rsquo;s death,
+      madam.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who killed him, then?&rdquo; she cried.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. He must have committed suicide.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t think you are going to escape in that way. I won&rsquo;t rest till I see
+      you hung!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I had never entered the house,&rdquo; thought Carl, uncomfortably. &ldquo;I
+      would rather have gone hungry for twenty four hours longer than find
+      myself in such a position.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Half an hour passed. Then a sound of voices was heard outside, and half a
+      dozen men entered, including besides the messenger, the constable and a
+      physician.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why was he not cut down?&rdquo; asked the doctor, hastily. &ldquo;There might have
+      been a chance to resuscitate him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t think of it,&rdquo; said the messenger. &ldquo;Maria was so excited, and
+      insisted that the boy murdered him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was pointed out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That boy? What nonsense!&rdquo; exclaimed Dr. Park. &ldquo;Why, it would be more than
+      you or I could do to overpower and hang a man weighing one hundred and
+      seventy-five pounds.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s what I thought, but Maria seemed crazed like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I tell you he did it! Are you going to let him go, the red-handed
+      murderer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Loose the cord, and I will question the boy,&rdquo; said Dr. Park, with an air
+      of authority.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl breathed a sigh of relief, when, freed from his bonds, he stood
+      upright.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll tell you all I know,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but it won&rsquo;t throw any light upon
+      the death.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Park listened attentively, and asked one or two questions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you hear any noise when you were sitting at the table?&rdquo; he inquired.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Was the door closed?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That of itself would probably prevent your hearing anything. Mrs. Brown,
+      at what hour did you leave the house?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At ten minutes of twelve.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is now five minutes of one. The deed must have been committed just
+      after you left the house. Had you noticed anything out of the way in your&mdash;husband&rsquo;s
+      manner?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, not much. He was always a silent man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Had anything happened to disturb him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He got a letter this morning. I don&rsquo;t know what was in it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We had better search for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The body was taken down and laid on the bed. Dr. Park searched the
+      pockets, and found a half sheet of note paper, on which these lines were
+      written:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Maria:&mdash;I have made up my mind I can ive no longer. I have made a
+      terrible discovery. When I married you, I thought my first wife, who
+      deserted me four years ago, dead. I learn by a letter received this
+      morning that she is still living in a town of Illinois. The only thing I
+      can do is to free you both from my presence. When you come back from the
+      store you will find me cold and dead. The little that I leave behind I
+      give to you. If my first wife should come here, as she threatens, you can
+      tell her so. Good-by.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;William.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The reading of this letter made a sensation. Mrs. Brown went into
+      hysterics, and there was a scene of confusion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think I can go?&rdquo; Carl asked Dr. Park.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. There is nothing to connect you with the sad event.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl gladly left the cottage, and it was only when he was a mile on his
+      way that he remembered that he had not paid for his dinner, after all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER IX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A PLAUSIBLE STRANGER.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Three days later found Carl still on his travels. It was his custom to
+      obtain his meals at a cheap hotel, or, if none were met with, at a
+      farmhouse, and to secure lodgings where he could, and on as favorable
+      terms as possible. He realized the need of economy, and felt that he was
+      practicing it. He had changed his ten-dollar bill the first day, for a
+      five and several ones. These last were now spent, and the five-dollar bill
+      alone remained to him. He had earned nothing, though everywhere he had
+      been on the lookout for a job.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Toward the close of the last day he overtook a young man of twenty-five,
+      who was traveling in the same direction.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-afternoon,&rdquo; said the young man, sociably.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-afternoon, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you bound, may I ask?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To the next town.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Fillmore?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, if that is the name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I. Why shouldn&rsquo;t we travel together?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no objection,&rdquo; said Carl, who was glad of company.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you in any business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, but I hope to find a place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, a smart boy like you will soon find employment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope so, I am sure. I haven&rsquo;t much money left, and it is necessary I
+      should do something.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just so. I am a New York salesman, but just now I am on my vacation&mdash;taking
+      a pedestrian tour with knapsack and staff, as you see. The beauty of it is
+      that my salary runs on just as if I were at my post, and will nearly pay
+      all my traveling expenses.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are in luck. Besides you have a good place to go back to. There isn&rsquo;t
+      any vacancy, is there? You couldn&rsquo;t take on a boy?&rdquo; asked Carl, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, there might be a chance,&rdquo; said the young man, slowly. &ldquo;You haven&rsquo;t
+      any recommendations with you, have you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I have never been employed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t matter. I will recommend you myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You might be deceived in me,&rdquo; said Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll take the risk of that. I know a reliable boy when I see him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you. What is the name of your firm?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;F. Brandes &amp; Co., commission merchants, Pearl Street. My own name is
+      Chauncy Hubbard, at your service.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s a good name. I predict that we shall be great chums, if I manage
+      to get you a place in our establishment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is Mr. Brandes a good man to work for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, he is easy and good-natured. He is liberal to his clerks. What
+      salary do you think I get?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t guess.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Forty dollars a week, and I am only twenty-five. Went into the house at
+      sixteen, and worked my way up.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have certainly done well,&rdquo; said Carl, respectfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I&rsquo;m no slouch, if I do say it myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t wonder your income pays the expenses of your vacation trip.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It ought to, that&rsquo;s a fact, though I&rsquo;m rather free handed and like to
+      spend money. My prospects are pretty good in another direction. Old Fred
+      Brandes has a handsome daughter, who thinks considerable of your humble
+      servant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think there is any chance of marrying her?&rdquo; asked Carl, with
+      interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think my chance is pretty good, as the girl won&rsquo;t look at anybody
+      else.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is Mr. Brandes wealthy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, the old man&rsquo;s pretty well fixed, worth nearly half a million, I
+      guess.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps he will take you into the firm,&rdquo; suggested Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very likely. That&rsquo;s what I&rsquo;m working for.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At any rate, you ought to save something out of your salary.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I ought, but I haven&rsquo;t. The fact is, Carl,&rdquo; said Chauncy Hubbard, in a
+      burst of confidence, &ldquo;I have a great mind to make a confession to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall feel flattered, I am sure,&rdquo; said Carl, politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have one great fault&mdash;I gamble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you?&rdquo; said Carl, rather startled, for he had been brought up very
+      properly to have a horror of gambling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I suppose it&rsquo;s in my blood. My father was a very rich man at one
+      time, but he lost nearly all his fortune at the gaming table.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That ought to have been a warning to you, I should think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It ought, and may be yet, for I am still a young man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Hubbard,&rdquo; said Carl, earnestly, &ldquo;I feel rather diffident about
+      advising you, for I am only a boy, but I should think you would give up
+      such a dangerous habit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Say no more, Carl! You are a true friend. I will try to follow your
+      advice. Give me your hand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl did so, and felt a warm glow of pleasure at the thought that perhaps
+      he had redeemed his companion from a fascinating vice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I really wish I had a sensible boy like you to be my constant companion.
+      I should feel safer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you really have such a passion for gambling, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; if at the hotel to-night I should see a party playing poker, I could
+      not resist joining them. Odd, isn&rsquo;t it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad I have no such temptation.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, you are lucky. By the way, how much money have you about you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Five dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you can do me a favor. I have a ten-dollar bill, which I need to get
+      me home. Now, I would like to have you keep a part of it for me till I go
+      away in the morning. Give me your five, and I will hand you ten. Out of
+      that you can pay my hotel bill and hand me the balance due me in the
+      morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you really wish me to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Enough said. Here is the ten.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took the bill, and gave Mr. Hubbard his five-dollar note.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are placing considerable confidence in me,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am, it is true, but I have no fear of being deceived. You are a boy who
+      naturally inspires confidence.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl thought Mr. Chauncy Hubbard a very agreeable and sensible fellow, and
+      he felt flattered to think that the young man had chosen him as a
+      guardian, so to speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Carl, you haven&rsquo;t told me,&rdquo; said Hubbard, as they pursued
+      their journey, &ldquo;how a boy like yourself is forced to work his own way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can tell you the reason very briefly&mdash;I have a stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I understand. Is your father living?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he thinks more of the stepmother than of you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid he does.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have my sympathy, Carl. I will do all I can to help you. If you can
+      only get a place in our establishment, you will be all right. Step by step
+      you will rise, till you come to stand where I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That would satisfy me. Has Mr. Brandes got another daughter?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, there is only one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall have to be content with the forty dollars a week. If I ever
+      get it, I will save half.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I could.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can if you try. Why, you might have two thousand dollars saved up
+      now, if you had only begun to save in time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have lost more than that at the gaming table. You will think me very
+      foolish.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I do,&rdquo; said Carl, frankly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right. But here we are almost at the village.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there a good hotel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes&mdash;the Fillmore. We will take adjoining rooms if you say so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And in the morning you will pay the bill?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two travelers had a good supper, and retired early, both being
+      fatigued with the journey. It was not till eight o&rsquo;clock the next morning
+      that Carl opened his eyes. He dressed hastily, and went down to breakfast.
+      He was rather surprised not to see his companion of the day before.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Has Mr. Hubbard come down yet?&rdquo; he asked at the desk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he took an early breakfast, and went off by the first train.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is strange. I was to pay his bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He paid it himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl did not know what to make of this. Had Hubbard forgotten that he had
+      five dollars belonging to him? Fortunately, Carl had his city address, and
+      could refund the money in New York.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well! I will pay my own bill. How much is it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A dollar and a quarter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took the ten-dollar bill from his wallet and tendered it to the
+      clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Instead of changing it at once, the clerk held it up to the light and
+      examined it critically.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t take that bill,&rdquo; he said, abruptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because it is counterfeit.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl turned pale, and the room seemed to whirl round. It was all the money
+      he had.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER X.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      THE COUNTERFEIT BILL.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure it is counterfeit?&rdquo; asked Carl, very much disturbed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am certain of it. I haven&rsquo;t been handling bank bills for ten years
+      without being able to tell good money from bad. I&rsquo;ll trouble you for
+      another bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s all the money I have,&rdquo; faltered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, young man,&rdquo; said the clerk, sternly, &ldquo;you are trying a bold
+      game, but it won&rsquo;t succeed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am trying no game at all,&rdquo; said Carl, plucking up spirit. &ldquo;I thought
+      the bill was good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did you get it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From the man who came with me last evening&mdash;Mr. Hubbard.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The money he gave me was good.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What did he give you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A five-dollar bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was my five-dollar bill,&rdquo; said Carl, bitterly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your story doesn&rsquo;t seem very probable,&rdquo; said the clerk, suspiciously.
+      &ldquo;How did he happen to get your money, and you his?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He told me that he would get to gambling, and wished me to take money
+      enough to pay his bill here. He handed me the ten-dollar bill which you
+      say is bad, and I gave him five in return. I think now he only wanted to
+      get good money for bad.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your story may be true, or it may not,&rdquo; said the clerk, whose manner
+      indicated incredulity. &ldquo;That is nothing to me. All you have to do is to
+      pay your hotel bill, and you can settle with Mr. Hubbard when you see
+      him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I have no other money,&rdquo; said Carl, desperately.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall feel justified in ordering your arrest on a charge of
+      passing, or trying to pass, counterfeit money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t do that, sir! I will see that you are paid out of the first money I
+      earn.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must think I am soft,&rdquo; said the clerk, contemptuously. &ldquo;I have seen
+      persons of your stripe before. I dare say, if you were searched, more
+      counterfeit money would be found in your pockets.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Search me, then!&rdquo; cried Carl, indignantly. &ldquo;I am perfectly willing that
+      you should.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Haven&rsquo;t you any relations who will pay your bill?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no one to call upon,&rdquo; answered Carl, soberly. &ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t you let me
+      work it out? I am ready to do any kind of work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Our list of workers is full,&rdquo; said the clerk, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Poor Carl! he felt that he was decidedly in a tight place. He had never
+      before found himself unable to meet his bills, nor would he have been so
+      placed now but for Hubbard&rsquo;s rascality. A dollar and a quarter seems a
+      small sum, but if you are absolutely penniless it might as well be a
+      thousand. Suppose he should be arrested and the story get into the papers?
+      How his stepmother would exult in the record of his disgrace! He could
+      anticipate what she would say. Peter, too, would rejoice, and between them
+      both his father would be persuaded that he was thoroughly unprincipled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What have you got in your valise?&rdquo; asked the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Only some underclothing. If there were anything of any value I would
+      cheerfully leave it as security. Wait a minute, though,&rdquo; he said, with a
+      sudden thought. &ldquo;Here is a gold pencil! It is worth five dollars; at any
+      rate, it cost more than that. I can place that in your hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me see it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl handed the clerk a neat gold pencil, on which his name was inscribed.
+      It was evidently of good quality, and found favor with the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll give you a dollar and a quarter for the pencil,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and call
+      it square.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t like to sell it,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t get any more for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wasn&rsquo;t thinking of that; but it was given me by my mother, who is now
+      dead. I would not like to part with anything that she gave me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You would prefer to get off scot-free, I suppose?&rdquo; retorted the clerk,
+      with a sneer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I am willing to leave it in your hands, but I should like the
+      privilege of redeeming it when I have the money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well,&rdquo; said the clerk, who reflected that in all probability Carl
+      would never come back for it. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll take it on those conditions.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl passed over the pencil with a sigh. He didn&rsquo;t like to part with it,
+      even for a short time, but there seemed no help for it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right. I will mark you paid.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl left the hotel, satchel in hand, and as he passed out into the
+      street, reflected with a sinking heart that he was now quite penniless.
+      Where was he to get his dinner, and how was he to provide himself with a
+      lodging that night? At present he was not hungry, having eaten a hearty
+      breakfast at the hotel, but by one o&rsquo;clock he would feel the need of food.
+      He began to ask himself if, after all, he had not been unwise in leaving
+      home, no matter how badly he had been treated by his stepmother. There, at
+      least, he was certain of living comfortably. Now he was in danger of
+      starvation, and on two occasions already he had incurred suspicion, once
+      of being concerned in a murder, and just now of passing counterfeit money.
+      Ought he to have submitted, and so avoided all these perils?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No!&rdquo; he finally decided; &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t give up the ship yet. I am about as
+      badly off as I can be; I am without a cent, and don&rsquo;t know where my next
+      meal is to come from. But my luck may turn&mdash;it must turn&mdash;it has
+      turned!&rdquo; he exclaimed with energy, as his wandering glance suddenly fell
+      upon a silver quarter of a dollar, nearly covered up with the dust of the
+      street. &ldquo;That shall prove a good omen!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He stooped over and picked up the coin, which he put in his vest pocket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was wonderful how the possession of this small sum of money restored
+      his courage and raised his spirits. He was sure of a dinner now, at all
+      events. It looked as if Providence was smiling on him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Two miles farther on Carl overtook a boy of about his own age trudging
+      along the road with a rake over his shoulder. He wore overalls, and was
+      evidently a farmer&rsquo;s boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-day!&rdquo; said Carl, pleasantly, noticing that the boy regarded him with
+      interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-day!&rdquo; returned the country lad, rather bashfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you tell me if there is any place near where I can buy some dinner?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There ain&rsquo;t no tavern, if that&rsquo;s what you mean. I&rsquo;m goin&rsquo; home to dinner
+      myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where do you live?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Over yonder.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He pointed to a farmhouse about a dozen rods away.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think your mother would give me some dinner?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I guess she would. Mam&rsquo;s real accommodatin&rsquo;.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you ask her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; just come along of me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He turned into the yard, and followed a narrow path to the back door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll stay here while you ask,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The boy entered the house, and came out after a brief absence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mam says you&rsquo;re to come in,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl, glad at heart, and feeling quite prepared to eat fifty cents&rsquo; worth
+      of dinner, followed the boy inside.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A pleasant-looking, matronly woman, plainly but neatly attired, came
+      forward to greet him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nat says you would like to get some dinner,&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Carl. &ldquo;I hope you&rsquo;ll excuse my applying to you, but your
+      son tells me there is no hotel near by.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The nearest one is three miles away from here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I can hold out so long,&rdquo; said Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sit right down with Nat,&rdquo; said the farmer&rsquo;s wife, hospitably. &ldquo;Mr.
+      Sweetser won&rsquo;t be home for half an hour. We&rsquo;ve got enough, such as it is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Evidently Mrs. Sweetser was a good cook. The dinner consisted of boiled
+      mutton, with several kinds of vegetables. A cup of tea and two kinds of
+      pie followed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was hard to tell which of the two boys did fuller justice to the meal.
+      Nat had the usual appetite of a healthy farm boy, and Carl, in spite of
+      his recent anxieties, and narrow escape from serious peril, did not allow
+      himself to fall behind.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your mother&rsquo;s a fine cook!&rdquo; said Carl, between two mouthfuls.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ain&rsquo;t she, though?&rdquo; answered Nat, his mouth full of pie.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When Carl rose from the table he feared that he had eaten more than his
+      little stock of money would pay for.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much will it be, Mrs. Sweetser?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, you&rsquo;re quite welcome to all you&rsquo;ve had,&rdquo; said the good woman,
+      cheerily. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s plain farmer&rsquo;s fare.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I never tasted a better dinner,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Sweetser seemed pleased with the compliment to her cooking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come again when you are passing this way,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;You will always be
+      welcome to a dinner.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl thanked her heartily, and pressed on his way. Two hours later, at a
+      lonely point of the road, an ill-looking tramp, who had been reclining by
+      the wayside, jumped up, and addressed him in a menacing tone:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Young feller, shell over all the money you have got, or I&rsquo;ll hurt you!
+      I&rsquo;m hard up, and I won&rsquo;t stand no nonsense.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl started and looked into the face of the tramp. It seemed to him that
+      he had never seen a man more ill-favored, or villainous-looking.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      THE ARCHERY PRIZE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Situated as he was, it seemed, on second thought, rather a joke to Carl to
+      be attacked by a robber. He had but twenty-five cents in good money about
+      him, and that he had just picked up by the merest chance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do I look like a banker?&rdquo; he asked, humorously. &ldquo;Why do you want to rob a
+      boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The way you&rsquo;re togged out, you must have something,&rdquo; growled the tramp,
+      &ldquo;and I haven&rsquo;t got a penny.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your business doesn&rsquo;t seem to pay, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you make fun of me, or I&rsquo;ll wring your neck! Just hand over your
+      money and be quick about it! I haven&rsquo;t time to stand fooling here all
+      day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A bright idea came to Carl. He couldn&rsquo;t spare the silver coin, which
+      constituted all his available wealth, but he still had the counterfeit
+      note.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t take all my money, will you?&rdquo; he said, earnestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much have you got?&rdquo; asked the tramp, pricking up his ears.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl, with apparent reluctance, drew out the ten-dollar bill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tramp&rsquo;s face lighted up.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is your name Vanderbilt?&rdquo; he asked. &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t expect to make such a
+      haul.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t you give me back a dollar out of it? I don&rsquo;t want to lose all I
+      have.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t got a cent. You&rsquo;ll have to wait till we meet again. So long,
+      boy! You&rsquo;ve helped me out of a scrape.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Or into one,&rdquo; thought Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The tramp straightened up, buttoned his dilapidated coat, and walked off
+      with the consciousness of being a capitalist.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl watched him with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope I won&rsquo;t meet him after he has discovered that the bill is a
+      counterfeit,&rdquo; he said to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He congratulated himself upon being still the possessor of twenty-five
+      cents in silver. It was not much, but it seemed a great deal better than
+      being penniless. A week before he would have thought it impossible that
+      such a paltry sum would have made him feel comfortable, but he had passed
+      through a great deal since then.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      About the middle of the afternoon he came to a field, in which something
+      appeared to be going on. Some forty or fifty young persons, boys and
+      girls, were walking about the grass, and seemed to be preparing for some
+      interesting event.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl stopped to rest and look on.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s going on here?&rdquo; he asked of a boy who was sitting on the fence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a meeting of the athletic association,&rdquo; said the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What are they doing?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They try for prizes in jumping, vaulting, archery and so on.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This interested Carl, who excelled in all manly exercises.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose I may stay and look on?&rdquo; he said, inquiringly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, of course. Jump over the fence and I&rsquo;ll go round with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It seemed pleasant to Carl to associate once more with boys of his own
+      age. Thrown unexpectedly upon his own resources, he had almost forgotten
+      that he was a boy. Face to face with a cold and unsympathizing world, he
+      seemed to himself twenty-five at least.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Those who wish to compete for the archery prize will come forward,&rdquo;
+       announced Robert Gardiner, a young man of nineteen, who, as Carl learned,
+      was the president of the association. &ldquo;You all understand the conditions.
+      The entry fee to competitors is ten cents. The prize to the most
+      successful archer is one dollar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Several boys came forward and paid the entrance fee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would you like to compete?&rdquo; asked Edward Downie, the boy whose
+      acquaintance Carl had made.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am an outsider,&rdquo; said Carl. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t belong to the association.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll speak to the president, if you like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to intrude.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It won&rsquo;t be considered an intrusion. You pay the entrance fee and take
+      your chances.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Edward went to the president and spoke to him in a low voice. The result
+      was that he advanced to Carl, and said, courteously:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you would like to enter into our games, you are quite at liberty to do
+      so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; responded Carl. &ldquo;I have had a little practice in archery, and
+      will enter my name for that prize.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He paid over his quarter and received back fifteen cents in change. It
+      seemed rather an imprudent outlay, considering his small capital; but he
+      had good hopes of carrying off the prize, and that would be a great lift
+      for him. Seven boys entered besides Carl. The first was Victor Russell, a
+      lad of fourteen, whose arrow went three feet above the mark.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The prize is mine if none of you do better than that,&rdquo; laughed Victor,
+      good-naturedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope not, for the credit of the club,&rdquo; said the president. &ldquo;Mr.
+      Crawford, will you shoot next?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would prefer to be the last,&rdquo; said Carl, modestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;John Livermore, your turn now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      John came a little nearer than his predecessor, but did not distinguish
+      himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If that is a specimen of the skill of the clubmen,&rdquo; thought Carl, &ldquo;my
+      chance is a good one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Next came Frank Stockton, whose arrow stuck only three inches from the
+      center of the target.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good for Fred!&rdquo; cried Edward Downie. &ldquo;Just wait till you see me shoot!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a dangerous rival?&rdquo; asked Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can hit a barn door if I am only near enough,&rdquo; replied Edward.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Edward Downie!&rdquo; called the president.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Edward took his bow and advanced to the proper place, bent it, and the
+      arrow sped on its way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a murmur of surprise when his arrow struck only an inch to the
+      right of the centre. No one was more amazed than Edward himself, for he
+      was accounted far from skillful. It was indeed a lucky accident.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you say to that?&rdquo; asked Edward, triumphantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think the prize is yours. I had no idea you could shoot like that,&rdquo;
+       said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor I,&rdquo; rejoined Edward, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford!&rdquo; called the president.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took his position, and bent his bow with the greatest care. He
+      exercised unusual deliberation, for success meant more to him than to any
+      of the others. A dollar to him in his present circumstances would be a
+      small fortune, while the loss of even ten cents would be sensibly felt.
+      His heart throbbed with excitement as he let the arrow speed on its
+      mission.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His unusual deliberation, and the fact that he was a stranger, excited
+      strong interest, and all eyes followed the arrow with eager attentiveness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a sudden shout of irrepressible excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl&rsquo;s arrow had struck the bull&rsquo;s-eye and the prize was his.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Christopher!&rdquo; exclaimed Edward Downie, &ldquo;you&rsquo;ve beaten me, after all!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m almost sorry,&rdquo; said Carl, apologetically, but the light in his eyes
+      hardly bore out the statement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Never mind. Everybody would have called it a fluke if I had won,&rdquo; said
+      Edward. &ldquo;I expect to get the prize for the long jump. I am good at that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I, but I won&rsquo;t compete; I will leave it to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, no. I want to win fair.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl accordingly entered his name. He made the second best jump, but
+      Edward&rsquo;s exceeded his by a couple of inches, and the prize was adjudged to
+      him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have my revenge,&rdquo; he said, smiling. &ldquo;I am glad I won, for it wouldn&rsquo;t
+      have been to the credit of the club to have an outsider carry off two
+      prizes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am perfectly satisfied,&rdquo; said Carl; &ldquo;I ought to be, for I did not
+      expect to carry off any.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl decided not to compete for any other prize. He had invested twenty
+      cents and got back a dollar, which left him a profit of eighty cents.
+      This, with his original quarter, made him the possessor of a dollar and
+      five cents.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My luck seems to have turned,&rdquo; he said to himself, and the thought gave
+      him fresh courage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was five o&rsquo;clock when the games were over, and Carl prepared to start
+      again on his journey.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you going to take supper?&rdquo; asked Downie.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;don&rsquo;t&mdash;know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come home with me. If you are in no hurry, you may as well stay
+      overnight, and go on in the morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure it won&rsquo;t inconvenience you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not at all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I&rsquo;ll accept with thanks.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN ODD ACQUAINTANCE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      After breakfast the next morning Carl started again on his way. His new
+      friend, Edward Downie, accompanied him for a mile, having an errand at
+      that distance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you good luck, Carl,&rdquo; he said, earnestly. &ldquo;When you come this way
+      again, be sure to stop in and see me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will certainly do so, but I hope I may find employment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At any rate,&rdquo; thought Carl, as he resumed his journey alone, &ldquo;I am better
+      off than I was yesterday morning. Then I had but twenty-five cents; now I
+      have a dollar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This was satisfactory as far as it went, but Carl was sensible that he was
+      making no progress in his plan of earning a living. He was simply living
+      from hand to mouth, and but for good luck he would have had to go hungry,
+      and perhaps have been obliged to sleep out doors. What he wanted was
+      employment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was about ten o&rsquo;clock when, looking along the road, his curiosity was
+      excited by a man of very unusual figure a few rods in advance of him. He
+      looked no taller than a boy of ten; but his frame was large, his shoulders
+      broad, and his arms were of unusual length. He might properly be called a
+      dwarf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad I am not so small as that,&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;I am richer than he
+      in having a good figure. I should not like to excite attention wherever I
+      go by being unusually large or unusually small.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Some boys would have felt inclined to laugh at the queer figure, but Carl
+      had too much good feeling. His curiosity certainly was aroused, and he
+      thought he would like to get acquainted with the little man, whose
+      garments of fine texture showed that, though short in stature, he was
+      probably long in purse. He didn&rsquo;t quite know how to pave the way for an
+      acquaintance, but circumstances favored him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The little man drew out a handkerchief from the side pocket of his
+      overcoat. With it fluttered out a bank bill, which fell to the ground
+      apparently unobserved by the owner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl hurried on, and, picking up the bill, said to the small stranger as
+      he touched his arm: &ldquo;Here is some money you just dropped, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The little man turned round and smiled pleasantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you. Are you sure it is mine?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; it came out with your handkerchief.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me see. So it is mine. I was very careless to put it loose in my
+      pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were rather careless, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of what denomination is it?&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is a two-dollar note.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you had been a poor boy,&rdquo; said the little man, eying Carl keenly, &ldquo;you
+      might have been tempted to keep it. I might not have known.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What makes you think I am not a poor boy?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are well dressed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is true; but all the money I have is a dollar and five cents.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know where to get more? You have a good home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had a home, but now I am thrown on my own exertions,&rdquo; said Carl,
+      soberly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear me! That is bad! If I were better acquainted, I might ask more
+      particularly how this happens. Are you an orphan?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; my father is living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And your mother is dead?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is your father a poor man?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; he is moderately rich.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet you have to fight your own way?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. I have a stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see. Are you sure you are not unreasonably prejudiced against your
+      stepmother? All stepmothers are not bad or unkind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know that, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yours is, I presume?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can judge for yourself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl recited some incidents in his experience with his stepmother. The
+      stranger listened with evident interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not in general in favor of boys leaving home except on extreme
+      provocation,&rdquo; he said, after a pause; &ldquo;but in your case, as your father
+      seems to take part against you, I think you may be justified, especially
+      as, at your age, you have a fair chance of making your own living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you think that, sir. I have begun to wonder whether I have not
+      acted rashly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In undertaking to support yourself?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How old are you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sixteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At fourteen I was obliged to undertake what you have now before you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To support yourself?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I was left an orphan at fourteen, with no money left me by my poor
+      father, and no relatives who could help me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you make out, sir?&rdquo; asked Carl, feeling very much interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I sold papers for a while&mdash;in Newark, New Jersey&mdash;then I got a
+      place at three dollars a week, out of which I had to pay for board,
+      lodging and clothes. Well, I won&rsquo;t go through my history. I will only say
+      that whatever I did I did as well as I could. I am now a man of about
+      middle age, and I am moderately wealthy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am very much encouraged by what you tell me, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you don&rsquo;t understand what a hard struggle I had. More than once I
+      have had to go to bed hungry. Sometimes I have had to sleep out, but one
+      mustn&rsquo;t be afraid to rough it a little when he is young. I shouldn&rsquo;t like
+      to sleep out now, or go to bed without my supper,&rdquo; and the little man
+      laughed softly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I expect to rough it, but if I could only get a situation, at
+      no matter what income, I should feel encouraged.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have earned no money yet?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I earned a dollar yesterday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At what kind of work?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Archery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The little man looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is that a business?&rdquo; he asked, curiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll explain how it was,&rdquo; and Carl told about the contest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So you hit the mark?&rdquo; said the little man, significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Somehow, there was something in the little man&rsquo;s tone that put new courage
+      into Carl, and incited him to fresh effort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder, sir,&rdquo; he said, after a pause, &ldquo;that you should be walking, when
+      you can well afford to ride.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The little man smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is by advice of my physician,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;He tells me I am getting too
+      stout, and ought to take more or less exercise in the open air. So I am
+      trying to follow his advice.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you in business near here, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At a large town six miles distant. I may not walk all the way there, but
+      I have a place to call at near by, and thought I would avail myself of the
+      good chance offered to take a little exercise. I feel repaid. I have made
+      a pleasant acquaintance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is my card,&rdquo; and the little man took out a business card, reading
+      thus:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      HENRY JENNINGS, FURNITURE WAREHOUSE, MILFORD.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I manufacture my furniture in the country,&rdquo; he continued, &ldquo;but I ship it
+      by special arrangements to a house in New York in which I am also
+      interested.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, I see. Do you employ many persons in your establishment?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;About thirty.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think you could make room for me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think you would like the business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am prepared to like any business in which I can make a living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is right. That is the way to look at it. Let me think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      For two minutes Mr. Jennings seemed to be plunged in thought. Then he
+      turned and smiled encouragingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can come home with me,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and I will consider the matter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; said Carl, gladly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have got to make a call at the next house, not on business, though.
+      There is an old schoolmate lying there sick. I am afraid he is rather
+      poor, too. You can walk on slowly, and I will overtake you in a few
+      minutes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;After walking half a mile, if I have not overtaken you, you may sit down
+      under a tree and wait for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Before I leave you I will tell you a secret.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The two dollars you picked up, I dropped on purpose.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On purpose?&rdquo; asked Carl, in amazement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I wanted to try you, to see if you were honest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you had noticed me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. I liked your appearance, but I wanted to test you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN UNEQUAL CONTEST.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl walked on slowly. He felt encouraged by the prospect of work, for he
+      was sure that Mr. Jennings would make a place for him, if possible.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is evidently a kind-hearted man,&rdquo; Carl reflected. &ldquo;Besides, he has
+      been poor himself, and he can sympathize with me. The wages may be small,
+      but I won&rsquo;t mind that, if I only support myself economically, and get on.&rdquo;
+       To most boys brought up in comfort, not to say luxury, the prospect of
+      working hard for small pay would not have seemed inviting. But Carl was
+      essentially manly, and had sensible ideas about labor. It was no sacrifice
+      or humiliation to him to become a working boy, for he had never considered
+      himself superior to working boys, as many boys in his position would have
+      done.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He walked on in a leisurely manner, and at the end of ten minutes thought
+      he had better sit down and wait for Mr. Jennings. But he was destined to
+      receive a shock. There, under the tree which seemed to offer the most
+      inviting shelter, reclined a figure only too well-known.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was the tramp who the day before had compelled him to surrender the
+      ten-dollar bill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The ill-looking fellow glanced up, and when his gaze rested upon Carl, his
+      face beamed with savage joy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So it&rsquo;s you, is it?&rdquo; he said, rising from his seat.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Carl, doubtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you remember me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have cause to remember you, my chicken. That was a mean trick you
+      played upon me,&rdquo; and he nodded his head significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should think it was you that played the trick on me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you make that out?&rdquo; growled the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You took my money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I did, and much good it did me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was silent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know why, don&rsquo;t you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl might have denied that he knew the character of the bill which was
+      stolen from him, but I am glad to say that it would have come from him
+      with a very ill grace, for he was accustomed to tell the truth under all
+      circumstances.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You knew that the bill was counterfeit, didn&rsquo;t you?&rdquo; demanded the tramp,
+      fiercely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was told so at the hotel where I offered it in payment for my bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet you passed it on me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t pass it on you. You took it from me,&rdquo; retorted Carl, with
+      spirit.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That makes no difference.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think it does. I wouldn&rsquo;t have offered it to anyone in payment of an
+      honest bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Humph! you thought because I was poor and unfortunate you could pass it
+      off on me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This seemed so grotesque that Carl found it difficult not to laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know it nearly got me into trouble?&rdquo; went on the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How was that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I stopped at a baker&rsquo;s shop to get a lunch. When I got through I offered
+      the bill. The old Dutchman put on his spectacles, and he looked first at
+      the bill, then at me. Then he threatened to have me arrested for passing
+      bad money. I told him I&rsquo;d go out in the back yard and settle it with him.
+      I tell you, boy, I&rsquo;d have knocked him out in one round, and he knew it, so
+      he bade me be gone and never darken his door again. Where did you get it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was passed on me by a man I was traveling with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much other money have you got?&rdquo; asked the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very little.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Give it to me, whatever it is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This was a little too much for Carl&rsquo;s patience.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no money to spare,&rdquo; he said, shortly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Say that over again!&rdquo; said the tramp, menacingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t understand me, I will. I have no money to spare.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll spare it to me, I reckon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here,&rdquo; said Carl, slowly backing. &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve robbed me of ten dollars.
+      You&rsquo;ll have to be satisfied with that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was no good. It might have sent me to prison. If I was nicely dressed
+      I might pass it, but when a chap like me offers a ten-dollar bill it&rsquo;s
+      sure to be looked at sharply. I haven&rsquo;t a cent, and I&rsquo;ll trouble you to
+      hand over all you&rsquo;ve got.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t you work for a living? You are a strong, able-bodied man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll find I am if you give me any more of your palaver.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl saw that the time of negotiation was past, and that active
+      hostilities were about to commence. Accordingly he turned and ran, not
+      forward, but in the reverse direction, hoping in this way to meet with Mr.
+      Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ah, that&rsquo;s your game, is it?&rdquo; growled the tramp. &ldquo;You needn&rsquo;t expect to
+      escape, for I&rsquo;ll overhaul you in two minutes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So Carl ran, and his rough acquaintance ran after him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It could hardly be expected that a boy of sixteen, though stout and
+      strong, could get away from a tall, powerful man like the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Looking back over his shoulder, Carl saw that the tramp was but three feet
+      behind, and almost able to lay his hand upon his shoulder.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He dodged dexterously, and in trying to do the same the tramp nearly fell
+      to the ground. Naturally, this did not sweeten his temper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll half murder you when I get hold of you,&rdquo; he growled, in a tone that
+      bodied ill for Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The latter began to pant, and felt that he could not hold out much longer.
+      Should he surrender at discretion?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If some one would only come along,&rdquo; was his inward aspiration. &ldquo;This man
+      will take my money and beat me, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As if in reply to his fervent prayer the small figure of Mr. Jennings
+      appeared suddenly, rounding a curve in the road.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Save me, save me, Mr. Jennings!&rdquo; cried Carl, running up to the little man
+      for protection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the matter? Who is this fellow?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings, in a deep
+      voice for so small a man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That tramp wants to rob me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t trouble yourself! He won&rsquo;t do it,&rdquo; said Jennings, calmly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL ARRIVES IN MILFORD.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The tramp stopped short, and eyed Carl&rsquo;s small defender, first with
+      curious surprise, and then with derision.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Out of my way, you midget!&rdquo; he cried, &ldquo;or &lsquo;ll hurt you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Try it!&rdquo; said the little man, showing no sign of fear.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, you&rsquo;re no bigger than a kid. I can upset you with one finger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He advanced contemptuously, and laid his hand on the shoulder of the
+      dwarf. In an instant Jennings had swung his flail-like arms, and before
+      the tramp understood what was happening he was lying flat on his back, as
+      much to Carl&rsquo;s amazement as his own.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He leaped to his feet with an execration, and advanced again to the
+      attack. To be upset by such a pigmy was the height of mortification.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;m going to crush you, you mannikin!&rdquo; he threatened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Jennings put himself on guard. Like many small men, he was very powerful,
+      as his broad shoulders and sinewy arms would have made evident to a
+      teacher of gymnastics. He clearly understood that this opponent was in
+      deadly earnest, and he put out all the strength which he possessed. The
+      result was that his large-framed antagonist went down once more, striking
+      his head with a force that nearly stunned him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It so happened that at this juncture reinforcements arrived. A sheriff and
+      his deputy drove up in an open buggy, and, on witnessing the encounter,
+      halted their carriage and sprang to the ground.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the matter, Mr. Jennings?&rdquo; asked the sheriff, respectfully, for
+      the little man was a person of importance in that vicinity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That gentleman is trying to extort a forced loan, Mr. Cunningham.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ha! a footpad?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The sheriff sprang to the side of the tramp, who was trying to rise, and
+      in a trice his wrists were confined by handcuffs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I know you, Mike Frost,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You are up to your old tricks.
+      When did you come out of Sing Sing?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Three weeks since,&rdquo; answered the tramp, sullenly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They want you back there. Come along with me!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He was assisted into the buggy, and spent that night in the lockup.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he take anything from you, Carl?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; but I was in considerable danger. How strong you are!&rdquo; he added,
+      admiringly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Strength isn&rsquo;t always according to size!&rdquo; said the little man, quietly.
+      &ldquo;Nature gave me a powerful, though small, frame, and I have increased my
+      strength by gymnastic exercise.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings did not show the least excitement after his desperate
+      contest. He had attended to it as a matter of business, and when over he
+      suffered it to pass out of his mind. He took out his watch and noted the
+      time.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is later than I thought,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I think I shall have to give up my
+      plan of walking the rest of the way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall be left alone,&rdquo; thought Carl regretfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just then a man overtook them in a carriage.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He greeted Mr. Jennings respectfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you out for a long walk?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but I find time is passing too rapidly with me. Are you going to
+      Milford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you take two passengers?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You and the boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; of course I will see that you don&rsquo;t lose by it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I ought not to charge you anything, Mr. Jennings. Several times you have
+      done me favors.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I hope to again, but this is business. If a dollar will pay you, the
+      boy and I will ride with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be so much gain, as I don&rsquo;t go out of my way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can take the back seat, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;I will sit with
+      Mr. Leach.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They were soon seated and on their way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Relative of yours, Mr. Jennings?&rdquo; asked Leach, with a backward glance at
+      Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Like most country folks, he was curious about people. Those who live in
+      cities meet too many of their kind to feel an interest in strangers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; a young friend,&rdquo; answered Jennings, briefly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Goin&rsquo; to visit you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think he will stay with me for a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Then the conversation touched upon Milford matters in which at present
+      Carl was not interested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After his fatiguing walk our hero enjoyed the sensation of riding. The
+      road was a pleasant one, the day was bright with sunshine and the air
+      vocal with the songs of birds. For a time houses were met at rare
+      intervals, but after a while it became evident that they were approaching
+      a town of considerable size.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this Milford, Mr. Jennings?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered the little man, turning with a pleasant smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How large is it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think there are twelve thousand inhabitants. It is what Western people
+      call a &lsquo;right smart place.&rsquo; It has been my home for twenty years, and I am
+      much attached to it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And it to you, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; put in the driver.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is pleasant to hear,&rdquo; said Jennings, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is true. There are few people here whom you have not befriended.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is what we are here for, is it not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish all were of your opinion. Why, Mr. Jennings, when we get a city
+      charter I think I know who will be the first mayor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not I, Mr. Leach. My own business is all I can well attend to. Thank you
+      for your compliment, though. Carl, do you see yonder building?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He pointed to a three-story structure, a frame building, occupying a
+      prominent position.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my manufactory. What do you think of it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shouldn&rsquo;t think a town of this size would require so large an
+      establishment,&rdquo; answered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings laughed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;If I depended on Milford trade, a very small
+      building would be sufficient. My trade is outside. I supply many dealers
+      in New York City and at the West. My retail trade is small. If any of my
+      neighbors want furniture they naturally come to me, and I favor them as to
+      price out of friendly feeling, but I am a manufacturer and wholesale
+      dealer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Shall I take you to your house, Mr. Jennings?&rdquo; asked Leach.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, if you please.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leach drove on till he reached a two-story building of Quaker-like
+      simplicity but with a large, pleasant yard in front, with here and there a
+      bed of flowers. Here he stopped his horse.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We have reached our destination, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;You are
+      active. Jump out and I will follow.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl needed no second invitation. He sprang from the carriage and went
+      forward to help Mr. Jennings out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, thank you, Carl,&rdquo; said the little man. &ldquo;I am more active than you
+      think. Here we are!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He descended nimbly to the ground, and, drawing a one-dollar bill from his
+      pocket, handed it to the driver.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t like to take it, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; said Mr. Leach.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not? The laborer is worthy of his hire. Now, Carl, let us go into the
+      house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      Mr. JENNINGS AT HOME.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings did not need to open the door. He had scarcely set foot on
+      the front step when it was opened from inside, and Carl found a fresh
+      surprise in store for him. A woman, apparently six feet in height, stood
+      on the threshold. Her figure was spare and ungainly, and her face
+      singularly homely, but the absence of beauty was partially made up by a
+      kindly expression. She looked with some surprise at Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is a young friend of mine, Hannah,&rdquo; said her master. &ldquo;Welcome him
+      for my sake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see you,&rdquo; said Hannah, in a voice that was another
+      amazement. It was deeper than that of most men.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As she spoke, she held out a large masculine hand, which Carl took, as
+      seemed to be expected.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What am I to call you?&rdquo; asked Hannah.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s a strange name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is not common, I believe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You two will get acquainted by and by,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;The most
+      interesting question at present is, when will dinner be ready?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In ten minutes,&rdquo; answered Hannah, promptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl and I are both famished. We have had considerable exercise,&rdquo; here he
+      nodded at Carl with a comical look, and Carl understood that he referred
+      in part to his contest with the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hannah disappeared into the kitchen, and Mr. Jennings said: &ldquo;Come
+      upstairs, Carl. I will show you your room.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Up an old-fashioned stairway Carl followed his host, and the latter opened
+      the door of a side room on the first landing. It was not large, but was
+      neat and comfortable. There was a cottage bedstead, a washstand, a small
+      bureau and a couple of chairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you will come to feel at home here,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, kindly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir. I am sure I shall,&rdquo; Carl responded, gratefully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are some nails to hang your clothing on,&rdquo; went on Mr. Jennings, and
+      then he stopped short, for it was clear that Carl&rsquo;s small gripsack could
+      not contain an extra suit, and he felt delicate at calling up in the boy&rsquo;s
+      mind the thought of his poverty.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; said Carl. &ldquo;I left my trunk at the house of a friend,
+      and if you should succeed in finding me a place, I will send for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is well!&rdquo; returned Mr. Jennings, looking relieved. &ldquo;Now I will leave
+      you for a few moments. You will find water and towels, in case you wish to
+      wash before dinner.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was glad of the opportunity. He was particular about his personal
+      appearance, and he felt hot and dusty. He bathed his face and hands,
+      carefully dusted his suit, brushed his hair, and was ready to descend when
+      he heard the tinkling of a small bell at the foot of the front stairs.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He readily found his way into the neat dining-room at the rear of the
+      parlor. Mr. Jennings sat at the head of the table, a little giant,
+      diminutive in stature, but with broad shoulders, a large head, and a
+      powerful frame. Opposite him sat Hannah, tall, stiff and upright as a
+      grenadier. She formed a strange contrast to her employer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder what made him hire such a tall woman?&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;Being so
+      small himself, her size makes him look smaller.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a chair at one side, placed for Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sit down there, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t keep you waiting any
+      longer than I can help. What have you given us to-day, Hannah?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Roast beef,&rdquo; answered Hannah in her deep tones.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is nothing better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The host cut off a liberal slice for Carl, and passed the plate to Hannah,
+      who supplied potatoes, peas and squash. Carl&rsquo;s mouth fairly watered as he
+      watched the hospitable preparations for his refreshment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I never trouble myself about what we are to have on the table,&rdquo; said Mr.
+      Jennings. &ldquo;Hannah always sees to that. She&rsquo;s knows just what I want. She
+      is a capital cook, too, Hannah is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Hannah looked pleased at this compliment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are easily pleased, master,&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should be hard to suit if I were not pleased with your cooking. You
+      don&rsquo;t know so well Carl&rsquo;s taste, but if there is anything he likes
+      particularly he can tell you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, sir,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are not many men who would treat a poor boy so considerately,&rdquo; he
+      thought. &ldquo;He makes me an honored guest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When dinner was over, Mr. Jennings invited Carl to accompany him on a
+      walk. They passed along the principal street, nearly every person they met
+      giving the little man a cordial greeting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems to be very popular,&rdquo; thought Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At length they reached the manufactory. Mr. Jennings went into the office,
+      followed by Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      A slender, dark-complexioned man, about thirty-five years of age, sat on a
+      stool at a high desk. He was evidently the bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Any letters, Mr. Gibbon?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; here are four.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are they from?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From New York, Chicago, Pittsburg and New Haven.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do they relate to?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Orders. I have handed them to Mr. Potter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Potter, as Carl afterwards learned, was superintendent of the manufactory,
+      and had full charge of practical details.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there anything requiring my personal attention?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I don&rsquo;t think so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Mr. Gibbon, let me introduce you to a young friend of mine&mdash;Carl
+      Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The bookkeeper rapidly scanned Carl&rsquo;s face and figure. It seemed to Carl
+      that the scrutiny was not a friendly one.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see you,&rdquo; said Mr. Gibbon, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; said the bookkeeper, &ldquo;I have a favor to ask of
+      you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Go on, Mr. Gibbon,&rdquo; rejoined his employer, in a cordial tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Two months since you gave my nephew, Leonard Craig, a place in the
+      factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I remember.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think the work agrees with him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seemed a strong, healthy boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has never been used to confinement, and it affects him unpleasantly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does he wish to resign his place?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have been wondering whether you would not be willing to transfer him to
+      the office. I could send him on errands, to the post office, and make him
+      useful in various ways.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had not supposed an office boy was needed. Still, if you desire it, I
+      will try your nephew in the place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am bound to tell you, however, that his present place is a better one.
+      He is learning a good trade, which, if he masters it, will always give him
+      a livelihood. I learned a trade, and owe all I have to that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True, Mr. Jennings, but there are other ways of earning a living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I thought of giving Leonard evening instruction in bookkeeping.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That alters the case. Good bookkeepers are always in demand. I have no
+      objection to your trying the experiment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you mentioned the matter to your nephew?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I just suggested that I would ask you, but could not say what answer you
+      would give.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It would have been better not to mention the matter at all till you could
+      tell him definitely that he could change his place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know but you are right, sir. However, it is all right now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, &ldquo;I will take you into the workroom.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL GETS A PLACE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose that is the bookkeeper,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. He has been with me three years. He understands his business well.
+      You heard what he said about his nephew?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is his sister&rsquo;s son&mdash;a boy of about your own age. I think he is
+      making a mistake in leaving the factory, and going into the office. He
+      will have little to do, and that not of a character to give him knowledge
+      of business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Still, if he takes lessons in bookkeeping&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy will never make a bookkeeper,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;His reason for desiring
+      the change is because he is indolent. The world has no room for lazy
+      people.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder, sir, that you have had a chance to find him out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Little things betray a boy&rsquo;s nature, or a man&rsquo;s, for that matter. When I
+      have visited the workroom I have noticed Leonard, and formed my
+      conclusions. He is not a boy whom I would select for my service, but I
+      have taken him as a favor to his uncle. I presume he is without means, and
+      it is desirable that he should pay his uncle something in return for the
+      home which he gives him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much do you pay him, sir, if it is not a secret?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, no; he receives five dollars a week to begin with. I will pay him the
+      same in the office. And that reminds me; how would you like to have a
+      situation in the factory? Would you like to take Leonard&rsquo;s place?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, if you think I would do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I feel quite sure of it. Have you ever done any manual labor?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you have always been to school.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are a gentleman&rsquo;s son,&rdquo; proceeded Mr. Jennings, eying Carl
+      attentively. &ldquo;How will it suit you to become a working boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall like it,&rdquo; answered Carl, promptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be too sure! You can tell better after a week in the factory. Those
+      in my employ work ten hours a day. Leonard Craig doesn&rsquo;t like it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All I ask, Mr. Jennings, is that you give me a trial.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is fair,&rdquo; responded the little man, looking pleased. &ldquo;I will tell
+      you now that, not knowing of any vacancy in the factory, I had intended to
+      give you the place in the office which Mr. Gibbon has asked for his
+      nephew. It would have been a good deal easier work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be quite satisfied to take my place in the factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come in, then, and see your future scene of employment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They entered a large room, occupying nearly an entire floor of the
+      building. Part of the space was filled by machinery. The number employed
+      Carl estimated roughly at twenty-five.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Quite near the door was a boy, who bore some personal resemblance to the
+      bookkeeper. Carl concluded that it must be Leonard Craig. The boy looked
+      round as Mr. Jennings entered, and eyed Carl sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How are you getting on, Leonard?&rdquo; Mr. Jennings asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pretty well, sir; but the machinery makes my head ache.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your uncle tells me that your employment does not agree with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I don&rsquo;t think it does.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He would like to have you in the office with him. Would you like it,
+      also?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir,&rdquo; answered Leonard, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well. You may report for duty at the office to-morrow morning. This
+      boy will take your place here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard eyed Carl curiously, not cordially.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you&rsquo;ll like it,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I shall.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You two boys must get acquainted,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;Leonard, this is
+      Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Glad to know you,&rdquo; said Leonard, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I shall like that boy,&rdquo; thought Carl, as he followed Mr.
+      Jennings to another part of the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL ENTERS THE FACTORY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      When they left the factory Mr. Jennings said, with a smile:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now you are one of us, Carl. To-morrow you begin work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad of it, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t ask what salary you are to get.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am willing to leave that to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose we say two dollars a week and board&mdash;to begin with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is better than I expected. But where am I to board?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At my house, for the present, if that will suit you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall like it very much, if it won&rsquo;t inconvenience you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hannah is the one to be inconvenienced, if anyone. I had a little
+      conversation with her while you were getting ready for dinner. She seems
+      to have taken a liking for you, though she doesn&rsquo;t like boys generally. As
+      for me, it will make the home brighter to have a young person in it.
+      Hannah and I are old-fashioned and quiet, and the neighbors don&rsquo;t have
+      much reason to complain of noise.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I should think not,&rdquo; said Carl, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is one thing you must be prepared for, Carl,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings,
+      after a pause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your living in my house&mdash;I being your employer&mdash;may excite
+      jealousy in some. I think I know of one who will be jealous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And his uncle. However, don&rsquo;t borrow any trouble on that score. I hope
+      you won&rsquo;t take advantage of your position, and, thinking yourself a
+      favorite, neglect your duties.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will not, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Business and friendship ought to be kept apart.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is right, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am going back to the house, but you may like to take a walk about the
+      village. You will feel interested in it, as it is to be your future home.
+      By the way, it may be well for you to write for your trunk. You can order
+      it sent to my house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, sir; I will do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He went to the post office, and, buying a postal card, wrote to his
+      friend, Gilbert Vance, as follows:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear Gilbert:&mdash;Please send my trunk by express to me at Milford,
+      care of Henry Jennings, Esq. He is my employer, and I live at his house.
+      He is proprietor of a furniture factory. Will write further particulars
+      soon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This postal carried welcome intelligence to Gilbert, who felt a brotherly
+      interest in Carl. He responded by a letter of hearty congratulation, and
+      forwarded the trunk as requested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl reported for duty the next morning, and, though a novice, soon showed
+      that he was not without mechanical skill.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At twelve o&rsquo;clock all the factory hands had an hour off for dinner. As
+      Carl passed into the street he found himself walking beside the boy whom
+      he had succeeded&mdash;Leonard Craig.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning, Leonard,&rdquo; said Carl, pleasantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning. Have you taken my place in the factory?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think you shall like it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I shall, though, of course, it is rather early to form an
+      opinion.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t like it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want to grow up a workman. I think I am fit for something
+      better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Jennings began as a factory hand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose he had a taste for it. I haven&rsquo;t.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you like your present position better?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, yes; it&rsquo;s more genteel. How much does Jennings pay you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Two dollars a week and board.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How is that? Where do you board?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;With him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh!&rdquo; said Leonard, his countenance changing. &ldquo;So you are a favorite with
+      the boss, are you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. He gave me warning that he should be just as strict with me
+      as if we were strangers.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long have you known him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I met him for the first time yesterday,&rdquo; he answered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s very queer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, perhaps it is a little singular.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a poor boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have to earn my own living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see. You will grow up a common workman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall try to rise above it. I am not ashamed of the position, but I am
+      ambitious to rise.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am going to be a bookkeeper,&rdquo; said Leonard. &ldquo;My uncle is going to teach
+      me. I would rather be a bookkeeper than a factory hand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you are right in preparing yourself for such a post.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Here the two boys separated, as they were to dine in different places.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard was pleased with his new position. He really had very little to
+      do. Twice a day he went to the post office, once or twice to the bank, and
+      there was an occasional errand besides. To Carl the idleness would have
+      been insupportable, but Leonard was naturally indolent. He sat down in a
+      chair by the window, and watched the people go by.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The first afternoon he was in luck, for there was a dog fight in the
+      street outside. He seized his hat, went out, and watched the canine
+      warfare with the deepest interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I will buy you a system of bookkeeping,&rdquo; said his uncle, &ldquo;and you
+      can study it in the office.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Put it off till next week, Uncle Julius. I want to get rested from the
+      factory work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It seems to me, Leonard, you were born lazy,&rdquo; said his uncle, sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care to work with my hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you care to work at all?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to be a bookkeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know that my work is harder and more exhausting than that of a
+      workman in the factory?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t want to exchange with him, do you?&rdquo; asked Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s where I agree with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings took several weekly papers. Leonard was looking over the
+      columns of one of them one day, when he saw the advertisement of a gift
+      enterprise of a most attractive character. The first prize was a house and
+      grounds valued at ten thousand dollars. Following were minor prizes, among
+      them one thousand dollars in gold.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard&rsquo;s fancy was captivated by the brilliant prospect of such a prize.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Price of tickets&mdash;only one dollar!&rdquo; he read. &ldquo;Think of getting a
+      thousand dollars for one! Oh, if I could only be the lucky one!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He took out his purse, though he knew beforehand that his stock of cash
+      consisted only of two dimes and a nickel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder if I could borrow a dollar of that boy Carl!&rdquo; he deliberated.
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll speak to him about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This happened more than a week after Carl went to work in the factory. He
+      had already received one week&rsquo;s pay, and it remained untouched in his
+      pocket.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard joined him in the street early in the evening, and accosted him
+      graciously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you going?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nowhere in particular. I am out for a walk.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So am I. Shall we walk together?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you like.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After talking on indifferent matters, Leonard said suddenly: &ldquo;Oh, by the
+      way, will you do me a favor?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Lend me a dollar till next week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      In former days Carl would probably have granted the favor, but he realized
+      the value of money now that he had to earn it by steady work.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid it won&rsquo;t be convenient,&rdquo; he answered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does that mean that you haven&rsquo;t got it?&rdquo; asked Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I have it, but I am expecting to use it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t mind paying you interest for it&mdash;say twenty-five cents,&rdquo;
+       continued Leonard, who had set his heart on buying a ticket in the gift
+      enterprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would be ashamed to take such interest as that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I have a chance of making a good deal more out of it myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In what way?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my secret.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t you borrow it of your uncle?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He would ask too many questions. However, I see that you&rsquo;re a miser, and
+      I won&rsquo;t trouble you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He left Carl in a huff and walked hastily away. He turned into a lane
+      little traveled, and, after walking a few rods, came suddenly upon the
+      prostrate body of a man, whose deep, breathing showed that he was
+      stupefied by liquor. Leonard was not likely to feel any special interest
+      in him, but one object did attract his attention. It was a wallet which
+      had dropped out of the man&rsquo;s pocket and was lying on the grass beside him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XVIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      LEONARD&rsquo;S TEMPTATION.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Leonard was not a thief, but the sight of the wallet tempted him, under
+      the circumstances. He had set his heart on buying a ticket in the gift
+      enterprise, and knew of no way of obtaining the requisite sum&mdash;except
+      this. It was, indeed, a little shock to him to think of appropriating
+      money not his own; yet who would know it? The owner of the wallet was
+      drunk, and would be quite unconscious of his loss. Besides, if he didn&rsquo;t
+      take the wallet, some one else probably would, and appropriate the entire
+      contents. It was an insidious suggestion, and Leonard somehow persuaded
+      himself that since the money was sure to be taken, he might as well have
+      the benefit of it as anyone else.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      So, after turning over the matter in his mind rapidly, he stooped down and
+      picked up the wallet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The man did not move.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Emboldened by his insensibility, Leonard cautiously opened the pocketbook,
+      and his eyes glistened when he saw tucked away in one side, quite a thick
+      roll of bills.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He won&rsquo;t miss one bill,&rdquo; thought Leonard. &ldquo;Anyone else might take the
+      whole wallet, but I wouldn&rsquo;t do that. I wonder how much money there is in
+      the roll.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He darted another glance at the prostrate form, but there seemed no danger
+      of interruption. He took the roll in his hand, therefore, and a hasty
+      scrutiny showed him that the bills ran from ones to tens. There must have
+      been nearly a hundred dollars in all.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose I take a five,&rdquo; thought Leonard, whose cupidity increased with
+      the sight of the money. &ldquo;He won&rsquo;t miss it, and it will be better in my
+      hands than if spent for whiskey.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      How specious are the arguments of those who seek an excuse for a wrong act
+      that will put money in the purse!
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think I may venture to take a five, and, as I might not be able to
+      change it right away, I will take a one to send for a ticket. Then I will
+      put the wallet back in the man&rsquo;s pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      So far, all went smoothly, and Leonard was proceeding to carry out his
+      intention when, taking a precautionary look at the man on the ground, he
+      was dumfounded by seeing his eyes wide open and fixed upon him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard flushed painfully, like a criminal detected in a crime, and
+      returned the look of inquiry by one of dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&mdash;you&mdash;doing?&rdquo; inquired the victim of inebriety.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;is this your wallet, sir?&rdquo; stammered Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Course it is. What you got it for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I saw it on the ground, and was afraid some one would find it,
+      and rob you,&rdquo; said Leonard, fluently.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Somebody did find it,&rdquo; rejoined the man, whose senses seemed coming back
+      to him. &ldquo;How much did you take?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I? You don&rsquo;t think I would take any of your money?&rdquo; said Leonard, in
+      virtuous surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Looked like it! Can&rsquo;t tell who to trust.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I assure you, I had only just picked it up, and was going to put it back
+      in your pocket, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The man, drunk as he was, winked knowingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Smart boy!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You do it well, ol&rsquo; fella!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But, sir, it is quite true, I assure you. I will count over the money
+      before you. Do you know how much you had?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nev&rsquo; mind. Help me up!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard stooped over and helped the drunkard to a sitting position.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where am I? Where is hotel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard answered him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take me to hotel, and I&rsquo;ll give you a dollar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, sir,&rdquo; said Leonard, briskly. He was to get his dollar after
+      all, and would not have to steal it. I am afraid he is not to be praised
+      for his honesty, as it seemed to be a matter of necessity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish he&rsquo;d give me five dollars,&rdquo; thought Leonard, but didn&rsquo;t see his
+      way clear to make the suggestion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He placed the man on his feet, and guided his steps to the road. As he
+      walked along, the inebriate, whose gait was at first unsteady, recovered
+      his equilibrium and required less help.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long had you been lying there?&rdquo; asked Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t know. I was taken sick,&rdquo; and the inebriate nodded knowingly at
+      Leonard, who felt at liberty to laugh, too.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you ever get sick?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not that way,&rdquo; answered Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Smart boy! Better off!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They reached the hotel, and Leonard engaged a room for his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Has he got money?&rdquo; asked the landlord, in a low voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Leonard, &ldquo;he has nearly a hundred dollars. I counted it
+      myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s all right, then,&rdquo; said the landlord. &ldquo;Here, James, show the
+      gentleman up to No. 15.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Come, too,&rdquo; said the stranger to Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The latter followed the more readily because he had not yet been paid his
+      dollar.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The door of No. 15 was opened, and the two entered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will stay with the gentleman a short time,&rdquo; said Leonard to the boy.
+      &ldquo;If we want anything we will ring.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s your name?&rdquo; asked the inebriate, as he sank into a large armchair
+      near the window.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Never heard the name before.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s your name, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What you want to know for?&rdquo; asked the other, cunningly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The landlord will want to put it on his book.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My name? Phil Stark.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Philip Stark?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; who told you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It will be seen that Mr. Stark was not yet quite himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You told me yourself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I did&mdash;&lsquo;scuse me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, sir. By the way, you told me you would pay me a dollar for
+      bringing you to the hotel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I did. Take it,&rdquo; and Philip Stark passed the wallet to Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard felt tempted to take a two-dollar bill instead of a one, as Mr.
+      Stark would hardly notice the mistake. Still, he might ask to look at the
+      bill, and that would be awkward. So the boy contented himself with the sum
+      promised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; he said, as he slipped the bill into his vest pocket.
+      &ldquo;Do you want some supper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I want to sleep.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you had better lie down on the bed. Will you undress?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; too much trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stark rose from the armchair, and, lurching round to the bed, flung
+      himself on it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you don&rsquo;t want me any longer,&rdquo; said Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. Come round to-morrer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard opened the door and left the room. He resolved to keep the
+      appointment, and come round the next day. Who knew but some more of Mr.
+      Stark&rsquo;s money might come into his hands? Grown man as he was, he seemed to
+      need a guardian, and Leonard was willing to act as such&mdash;for a
+      consideration.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s been a queer adventure!&rdquo; thought Leonard, as he slowly bent his
+      steps towards his uncle&rsquo;s house. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve made a dollar out of it, anyway,
+      and if he hadn&rsquo;t happened to wake up just as he did I might have done
+      better. However, it may turn out as well in the end.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are rather late, Leonard,&rdquo; said his uncle, in a tone that betrayed
+      some irritation. &ldquo;I wanted to send you on an errand, and you are always
+      out of the way at such a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll go now,&rdquo; said Leonard, with unusual amiability. &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve had a little
+      adventure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;An adventure! What is it?&rdquo; Mr. Gibbon asked, with curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard proceeded to give an account of his finding the inebriate in the
+      meadow, and his guiding him to the hotel. It may readily be supposed that
+      he said nothing of his attempt to appropriate a part of the contents of
+      the wallet.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What was his name?&rdquo; asked Gibbon, with languid curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Phil Stark, he calls himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A strange change came over the face of the bookkeeper. There was a
+      frightened look in his eyes, and his color faded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Phil Stark!&rdquo; he repeated, in a startled tone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What brings him here?&rdquo; Gibbon asked himself nervously, but no words
+      passed his lips.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know the name?&rdquo; asked Leonard, wonderingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;have heard it before, but&mdash;no, I don&rsquo;t think it is the same
+      man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XIX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN ARTFUL SCHEME.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does this Mr. Stark intend to remain long in the village!&rdquo; inquired the
+      bookkeeper, in a tone of assumed indifference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He didn&rsquo;t say anything on that point,&rdquo; answered Leonard.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He did not say what business brought him here, I presume?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, he was hardly in condition to say much; he was pretty full,&rdquo; said
+      Leonard, with a laugh. &ldquo;However, he wants me to call upon him to-morrow,
+      and may tell me then.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He wants you to call upon him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, uncle.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; why shouldn&rsquo;t I?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see no reason,&rdquo; said Gibbon, hesitating. Then, after a pause he added:
+      &ldquo;If you see the way clear, find out what brings him to Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, uncle, I will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Uncle Julius seems a good deal interested in this man, considering that
+      he is a stranger,&rdquo; thought the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bookkeeper was biting his nails, a habit he had when he was annoyed.
+      &ldquo;And, Leonard,&rdquo; he added slowly, &ldquo;don&rsquo;t mention my name while you are
+      speaking to Stark.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, I won&rsquo;t, if you don&rsquo;t want me to,&rdquo; answered Leonard, his face
+      betraying unmistakable curiosity. His uncle noted this, and explained
+      hurriedly: &ldquo;It is possible that he may be a man whom I once met under
+      disagreeable circumstances, and I would prefer not to meet him again.
+      Should he learn that I was living here, he would be sure to want to renew
+      the acquaintance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, I see. I don&rsquo;t think he would want to borrow money, for he
+      seems to be pretty well provided. I made a dollar out of him to-day, and
+      that is one reason why I am willing to call on him again. I may strike him
+      for another bill.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is no objection to that, provided you don&rsquo;t talk to him too freely.
+      I don&rsquo;t think he will want to stay long in Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wouldn&rsquo;t if I had as much money as he probably has.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you often meet the new boy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I see him on the street quite often.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He lives with Mr. Jennings, I hear.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So he tells me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is rather strange. I didn&rsquo;t suppose that Jennings would care to
+      receive a boy in his house, or that tall grenadier of a housekeeper,
+      either. I expect she rules the household.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She could tuck him under her arm and walk off with him,&rdquo; said Leonard,
+      laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy must be artful to have wormed his way into the favor of the
+      strange pair. He seems to be a favorite.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, uncle, I think he is. However, I like my position better than his.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He will learn his business from the beginning. I don&rsquo;t know but it was a
+      mistake for you to leave the factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not at all sorry for it, uncle.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your position doesn&rsquo;t amount to much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am paid just as well as I was when I was in the factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But you are learning nothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are going to teach me bookkeeping.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Even that is not altogether a desirable business. A good bookkeeper can
+      never expect to be in business for himself. He must be content with a
+      salary all his life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have done pretty well, uncle.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But there is no chance of my becoming a rich man. I have to work hard for
+      my money. And I haven&rsquo;t been able to lay up much money yet. That reminds
+      me? Leonard, I must impress upon you the fact that you have your own way
+      to make. I have procured you a place, and I provide you a home&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You take my wages,&rdquo; said Leonard, bluntly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A part of them, but on the whole, you are not self-supporting. You must
+      look ahead, Leonard, and consider the future. When you are a young man you
+      will want to earn an adequate income.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course, I shall, uncle, but there is one other course.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may marry an heiress,&rdquo; suggested Leonard, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bookkeeper winced.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought I was marrying an heiress when I married your aunt,&rdquo; he said,
+      &ldquo;but within six months of our wedding day, her father made a bad failure,
+      and actually had the assurance to ask me to give him a home under my
+      roof.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you do it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I told him it would not be convenient.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What became of him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He got a small clerkship at ten dollars a week in the counting room of a
+      mercantile friend, and filled it till one day last October, when he
+      dropped dead of apoplexy. I made a great mistake when I married in not
+      asking him to settle a definite sum on his daughter. It would have been so
+      much saved from the wreck.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did aunt want him to come and live here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, women are always unreasonable. She would have had me support the old
+      man in idleness, but I am not one of that kind. Every tub should stand on
+      its own bottom.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say so, too, uncle. Do you know whether this boy, Carl Crawford, has
+      any father or mother?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From a word Jennings let fall I infer that he has relatives, but is not
+      on good terms with them. I have been a little afraid he might stand in
+      your light.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How so, uncle?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Should there be any good opening for one of your age, I am afraid he
+      would get it rather than you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t think of that,&rdquo; said Leonard, jealously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Living as he does with Mr. Jennings, he will naturally try to ingratiate
+      himself with him, and stand first in his esteem.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is true. Is Mr. Jennings a rich man, do you think?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think he is. The factory and stock are worth considerable money,
+      but I know he has other investments also. As one item he has over a
+      thousand dollars in the Carterville Savings Bank. He has been very
+      prudent, has met with no losses, and has put aside a great share of his
+      profits every year.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder he don&rsquo;t marry.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Marriage doesn&rsquo;t seem to be in his thoughts. Hannah makes him so
+      comfortable that he will probably remain a bachelor to the end of his
+      days.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps he will leave his money to her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is likely to live as long as she.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She is a good deal longer than he,&rdquo; said Leonard, with a laugh.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The bookkeeper condescended to smile at this joke, though it was not very
+      brilliant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Before this boy Carl came,&rdquo; he resumed thoughtfully, &ldquo;I hoped he might
+      take a fancy to you. He must die some time, and, having no near blood
+      relative, I thought he might select as heir some boy like yourself, who
+      might grow into his favor and get on his blind side.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is it too late now?&rdquo; asked Leonard, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps not, but the appearance of this new boy on the scene makes your
+      chance a good deal smaller.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish we could get rid of him,&rdquo; said Leonard, frowning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The only way is to injure him in the estimation of Mr. Jennings.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I know of a way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mention it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here is an advertisement of a lottery,&rdquo; said Leonard, whose plans, in
+      view of what his uncle had said, had experienced a change.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will write to the manager in Carl&rsquo;s name, inquiring about tickets, and,
+      of course, he will answer to him, to the care of Mr. Jennings. This will
+      lead to the suspicion that Carl is interested in such matters.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is a good idea. It will open the way to a loss of confidence on the
+      part of Mr. Jennings.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will sit down at your desk and write at once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Three days later Mr. Jennings handed a letter to Carl after they reached
+      home in the evening.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A letter for you to my care,&rdquo; he explained.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl opened it in surprise, and read as follows:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Office Of Gift Enterprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Carl Crawford:&mdash;Your letter of inquiry is received. In reply we
+      would say that we will send you six tickets for five dollars. By disposing
+      of them among your friends at one dollar each, you will save the cost of
+      your own. You had better remit at once.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yours respectfully, Pitkins &amp; Gamp,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Agents.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl looked the picture of astonishment when he read this letter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      REVEALS A MYSTERY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Please read this letter, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His employer took the letter from his hand, and ran his eye over it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you wish to ask my advice about the investment?&rdquo; he said, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. I wanted to know how such a letter came to be written to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t you send a letter of inquiry there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, and I can&rsquo;t understand how these men could have got hold of my
+      name.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked thoughtful.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Some one has probably written in your name,&rdquo; he said, after a pause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But who could have done so?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you will leave the letter in my hands, I may be able to obtain some
+      information on that point.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be glad if you can, Mr. Jennings.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t mention to anyone having received such a letter, and if anyone
+      broaches the subject, let me know who it is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, I will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings quietly put on his hat, and walked over to the post office.
+      The postmaster, who also kept a general variety store, chanced to be
+      alone.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-evening, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; he said, pleasantly. &ldquo;What can I do for
+      you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I want a little information, Mr. Sweetland, though it is doubtful if you
+      can give it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Sweetland assumed the attitude of attention.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know if any letter has been posted from this office within a few
+      days, addressed to Pitkins &amp; Gamp, Syracuse, New York?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; two letters have been handed in bearing this address.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings was surprised, for he had never thought of two letters.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you tell me who handed them in?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Both were handed in by the same party.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And that was&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A boy in your employ.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked grave. Was it possible that Carl was deceiving him?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The boy who lives at my house?&rdquo; he asked, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; the boy who usually calls for the factory mail. The nephew of your
+      bookkeeper I think his name is Leonard Craig.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ah, I see,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, looking very much relieved. &ldquo;And you say
+      he deposited both letters?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you happen to remember if any other letter like this was received at
+      the office?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Here he displayed the envelope of Carl&rsquo;s letter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; one was received, addressed to the name of the one who deposited the
+      first letters&mdash;Leonard Craig.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Mr. Sweetland. Your information has cleared up a mystery. Be
+      kind enough not to mention the matter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will bear your request in mind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings bought a supply of stamps, and then left the office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, Carl,&rdquo; he said, when he re-entered the house, &ldquo;I have discovered
+      who wrote in your name to Pitkins &amp; Gamp.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who, sir?&rdquo; asked Carl, with curiosity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But what could induce him to do it?&rdquo; said Carl, perplexed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He thought that I would see the letter, and would be prejudiced against
+      you if I discovered that you were investing in what is a species of
+      lottery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would you, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should have thought you unwise, and I should have been reminded of a
+      fellow workman who became so infatuated with lotteries that he stole money
+      from his employer to enable him to continue his purchases of tickets. But
+      for this unhappy passion he would have remained honest.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard must dislike me,&rdquo; said Carl, thoughtfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is jealous of you; I warned you he or some one else might become so.
+      But the most curious circumstance is, he wrote a second letter in his own
+      name. I suspect he has bought a ticket. I advise you to say nothing about
+      the matter unless questioned.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day Carl met Leonard in the street.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way,&rdquo; said Leonard, &ldquo;you got a letter yesterday?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I brought it to the factory with the rest of the mail.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard looked at him curiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems to be close-mouthed,&rdquo; Leonard said to himself. &ldquo;He has sent for
+      a ticket, I&rsquo;ll bet a hat, and don&rsquo;t want me to find out. I wish I could
+      draw the capital prize&mdash;I would not mind old Jennings finding out
+      then.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you ever hear from your&mdash;friends?&rdquo; he asked a minute later.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not often.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I thought that letter might be from your home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; it was a letter from Syracuse.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I remember now, it was postmarked Syracuse. Have you friends there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;None that I am aware of.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet you receive letters from there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That was a business letter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was quietly amused at Leonard&rsquo;s skillful questions, but was
+      determined not to give him any light on the subject.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard tried another avenue of attack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, dear!&rdquo; he sighed, &ldquo;I wish I was rich.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shouldn&rsquo;t mind being rich myself,&rdquo; said Carl, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose old Jennings must have a lot of money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Jennings, I presume, is very well off,&rdquo; responded Carl, emphasizing
+      the title &ldquo;Mr.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I had his money I wouldn&rsquo;t live in such Quaker style.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Would you have him give fashionable parties?&rdquo; asked Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I don&rsquo;t know that he would enjoy that; but I&rsquo;ll tell you what I
+      would do. I would buy a fast horse&mdash;a two-forty mare&mdash;and a
+      bangup buggy, and I&rsquo;d show the old farmers round here what fast driving
+      is. Then I&rsquo;d have a stylish house, and&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t believe you&rsquo;d be content to live in Milford, Leonard.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I would, either, unless my business were here. I&rsquo;d go to
+      New York every few weeks and see life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may be rich some time, so that you can carry out your wishes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you know any easy way of getting money?&rdquo; asked Leonard, pointedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The easy ways are not generally the true ways. A man sometimes makes
+      money by speculation, but he has to have some to begin with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can&rsquo;t get anything out of him,&rdquo; thought Leonard. &ldquo;Well, good-evening.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He crossed the street, and joined the man who has already been referred to
+      as boarding at the hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stark had now been several days in Milford. What brought him there, or
+      what object he had in staying, Leonard had not yet ascertained. He
+      generally spent part of his evenings with the stranger, and had once or
+      twice received from him a small sum of money. Usually, however, he had met
+      Mr. Stark in the billiard room, and played a game or two of billiards with
+      him. Mr. Stark always paid for the use of the table, and that was
+      naturally satisfactory to Leonard, who enjoyed amusement at the expense of
+      others.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard, bearing in mind his uncle&rsquo;s request, had not mentioned his name
+      to Mr. Stark, and Stark, though he had walked about the village more or
+      less, had not chanced to meet Mr. Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He had questioned Leonard, however, about Mr. Jennings, and whether he was
+      supposed to be rich.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard had answered freely that everyone considered him so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he doesn&rsquo;t know how to enjoy his money,&rdquo; he added.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We should,&rdquo; said Stark, jocularly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You bet we would,&rdquo; returned Leonard; and he was quite sincere in his
+      boast, as we know from his conversation with Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way,&rdquo; said Stark, on this particular evening, &ldquo;I never asked you
+      about your family, Leonard. I suppose you live with your parents.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. They are dead.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then whom do you live with?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;With my uncle,&rdquo; answered Leonard, guardedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is his name Craig?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve got to tell him,&rdquo; thought Leonard. &ldquo;Well, I don&rsquo;t suppose there will
+      be much harm in it. My uncle is bookkeeper for Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; he said,
+      &ldquo;and his name is Julius Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Philip Stark wheeled round, and eyed Leonard in blank astonishment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your uncle is Julius Gibbon!&rdquo; he exclaimed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I&rsquo;ll be blowed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you&mdash;know my uncle?&rdquo; asked Leonard, hesitating.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I rather think I do. Take me round to the house. I want to see him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN UNWELCOME GUEST.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      When Julius Gibbon saw the door open and Philip Stark enter the room where
+      he was smoking his noon cigar, his heart quickened its pulsations and he
+      turned pale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How are you, old friend?&rdquo; said Stark, boisterously. &ldquo;Funny, isn&rsquo;t it,
+      that I should run across your nephew?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very strange!&rdquo; ejaculated Gibbon, looking the reverse of joyous.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a happy meeting, isn&rsquo;t it? We used to see a good deal of each
+      other,&rdquo; and he laughed in a way that Gibbon was far from enjoying. &ldquo;Now,
+      I&rsquo;ve come over to have a good, long chat with you. Leonard, I think we
+      won&rsquo;t keep you, as you wouldn&rsquo;t be interested in our talk about old
+      times.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Leonard, you may leave us,&rdquo; added his uncle.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard&rsquo;s curiosity was excited, and he would have been glad to remain,
+      but as there was no help for it, he went out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When they were alone, Stark drew up his chair close, and laid his hand
+      familiarly on the bookkeeper&rsquo;s knee.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I say, Gibbon, do you remember where we last met?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon shuddered slightly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; he answered, feebly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was at Joliet&mdash;Joliet Penitentiary. Your time expired before
+      mine. I envied you the six months&rsquo; advantage you had of me. When I came
+      out I searched for you everywhere, but heard nothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you know I was here?&rdquo; asked the bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know. I had no suspicion of it. Nor did I dream that Leonard,
+      who was able to do me a little service, was your nephew. I say, he&rsquo;s a
+      chip of the old block, Gibbon,&rdquo; and Stark laughed as if he enjoyed it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you mean by that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was lying in a field, overcome by liquor, an old weakness of mine, you
+      know, and my wallet had slipped out of my pocket. I chanced to open my
+      eyes, when I saw it in the hands of your promising nephew, ha! ha!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He told me that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he didn&rsquo;t tell you that he was on the point of appropriating a part
+      of the contents? I warrant you he didn&rsquo;t tell you that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he acknowledge it? Perhaps you misjudged him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He didn&rsquo;t acknowledge it in so many words, but I knew it by his change of
+      color and confusion. Oh, I didn&rsquo;t lay it up against him. We are very good
+      friends. He comes honestly by it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon looked very much annoyed, but there were reasons why he did not
+      care to express his chagrin.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On my honor, it was an immense surprise to me,&rdquo; proceeded Stark, &ldquo;when I
+      learned that my old friend Gibbon was a resident of Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you had never found it out,&rdquo; thought Gibbon, biting his lip.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No sooner did I hear it than I posted off at once to call on you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I see.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Stark elevated his eyebrows, and looked amused. He saw that he was not a
+      welcome visitor, but for that he cared little.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Haven&rsquo;t you got on, though? Here I find you the trusted bookkeeper of an
+      important business firm. Did you bring recommendations from your last
+      place?&rdquo; and he burst into a loud guffaw.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you wouldn&rsquo;t make such references,&rdquo; snapped Gibbon. &ldquo;They can do
+      no good, and might do harm.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t be angry, my dear boy. I rejoice at your good fortune. Wish I was
+      equally well fixed. You don&rsquo;t ask how I am getting on.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you are prosperous,&rdquo; said Gibbon, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I might be more so. Is there a place vacant in your office?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And if there were, you might not recommend me, eh?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is no need to speak of that. There is no vacancy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Upon my word, I wish there were, as I am getting to the end of my tether.
+      I may have money enough to last me four weeks longer, but no more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how I can help you,&rdquo; said Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How much salary does Mr. Jennings pay you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A hundred dollars a month,&rdquo; answered the bookkeeper, reluctantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not bad, in a cheap place like this.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It takes all I make to pay expenses.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I remember&mdash;you have a wife. I have no such incumbrance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is one question I would like to ask you,&rdquo; said the bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Fire away, dear boy. Have you an extra cigar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here is one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thanks. Now I shall be comfortable. Go ahead with your question.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What brought you to Milford? You didn&rsquo;t know of my being here, you say.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Neither did I. I came on my old business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I heard there was a rich manufacturer here&mdash;I allude to your
+      respected employer. I thought I might manage to open his safe some dark
+      night.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, no,&rdquo; protested Gibbon in alarm. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t think of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not?&rdquo; asked Stark, coolly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because,&rdquo; answered Gibbon, in some agitation, &ldquo;I might be suspected.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, perhaps you might; but I have got to look out for number one. How
+      do you expect me to live?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Go somewhere else. There are plenty of other men as rich, and richer,
+      where you would not be compromising an old friend.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s because I have an old friend in the office that I have thought this
+      would be my best opening.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Surely, man, you don&rsquo;t expect me to betray my employer, and join with you
+      in robbing him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s just what I do expect. Don&rsquo;t tell me you have grown virtuous,
+      Gibbon. The tiger doesn&rsquo;t lose his spots or the leopard his stripes. I
+      tell you there&rsquo;s a fine chance for us both. I&rsquo;ll divide with you, if
+      you&rsquo;ll help me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I&rsquo;ve gone out of the business,&rdquo; protested Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t. Come, old boy, I can&rsquo;t let any sentimental scruples interfere
+      with so good a stroke of business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t help you!&rdquo; said Gibbon, angrily. &ldquo;You only want to get me into
+      trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t help me?&rdquo; said Stark, with slow deliberation.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I can&rsquo;t honorably. Can&rsquo;t you let me alone?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sorry to say, I can&rsquo;t. If I was rich, I might; but as it is, it is quite
+      necessary for me to raise some money somewhere. By all accounts, Jennings
+      is rich, and can spare a small part of his accumulations for a good fellow
+      that&rsquo;s out of luck.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;d better give up the idea. It&rsquo;s quite impossible.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is it?&rdquo; asked Stark, with a wicked look. &ldquo;Then do you know what I will
+      do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What will you do?&rdquo; asked Gibbon, nervously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will call on your employer, and tell him what I know of you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You wouldn&rsquo;t do that?&rdquo; said the bookkeeper, much agitated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not? You turn your back upon an old friend. You bask in prosperity,
+      and turn from him in his poverty. It&rsquo;s the way of the world, no doubt; but
+      Phil Stark generally gets even with those who don&rsquo;t treat him well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell me what you want me to do,&rdquo; said Gibbon, desperately.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell me first whether your safe contains much of value.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We keep a line of deposit with the Milford Bank.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean to say that nothing of value is left in the safe overnight?&rdquo;
+       asked Stark, disappointed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is a box of government bonds usually kept there,&rdquo; the bookkeeper
+      admitted, reluctantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ah, that&rsquo;s good!&rdquo; returned Stark, rubbing his hands. &ldquo;Do you know how
+      much they amount to?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think there are about four thousand dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good! We must have those bonds, Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      MR. STARK IS RECOGNIZED.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark was resolved not to release his hold upon his old acquaintance.
+      During the day he spent his time in lounging about the town, but in the
+      evening he invariably fetched up at the bookkeeper&rsquo;s modest home. His
+      attentions were evidently not welcome to Mr. Gibbon, who daily grew more
+      and more nervous and irritable, and had the appearance of a man whom
+      something disquieted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard watched the growing intimacy with curiosity. He was a sharp boy,
+      and he felt convinced that there was something between his uncle and the
+      stranger. There was no chance for him to overhear any conversation, for he
+      was always sent out of the way when the two were closeted together. He
+      still met Mr. Stark outside, and played billiards with him frequently.
+      Once he tried to extract some information from Stark.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ve known my uncle a good while,&rdquo; he said, in a tone of assumed
+      indifference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, a good many years,&rdquo; answered Stark, as he made a carom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Were you in business together?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not exactly, but we may be some time,&rdquo; returned Stark, with a significant
+      smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, that isn&rsquo;t decided.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did you first meet Uncle Julius?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The kid&rsquo;s growing curious,&rdquo; said Stark to himself. &ldquo;Does he think he can
+      pull wool over the eyes of Phil Stark? If he does, he thinks a good deal
+      too highly of himself. I will answer his questions to suit myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why don&rsquo;t you ask your uncle that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I did,&rdquo; said Leonard, &ldquo;but he snapped me up, and told me to mind my own
+      business. He is getting terribly cross lately.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s his stomach, I presume,&rdquo; said Stark, urbanely. &ldquo;He is a confirmed
+      dyspeptic&mdash;that&rsquo;s what&rsquo;s the matter with him. Now; I&rsquo;ve got the
+      digestion of an ox. Nothing ever troubles me, and the result is that I am
+      as calm and good-natured as a May morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t you ever get riled, Mr. Stark?&rdquo; asked Leonard, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, hardly ever. Sometimes when I am asked fool questions by one who
+      seems to be prying into what is none of his business, I get wrathy, and
+      when I&rsquo;m roused look out!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He glanced meaningly at Leonard, and the boy understood that the words
+      conveyed a warning and a menace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is anything the matter with you, Mr. Gibbon? Are you as well as usual?&rdquo;
+       asked Mr. Jennings one morning. The little man was always considerate, and
+      he had noticed the flurried and nervous manner of his bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; what makes you ask?&rdquo; said Gibbon, apologetically.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you need a vacation,&rdquo; suggested Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, no, I think not. Besides, I couldn&rsquo;t be spared.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would keep the books myself for a week to favor you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, but I won&rsquo;t trouble you just yet. A little later on,
+      if I feel more uncomfortable, I will avail myself of your kindness.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do so. I know that bookkeeping is a strain upon the mind, more so than
+      physical labor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      There were special reasons why Mr. Gibbon did not dare to accept the
+      vacation tendered him by his employer. He knew that Phil Stark would be
+      furious, for it would interfere with his designs. He could not afford to
+      offend this man, who held in his possession a secret affecting his
+      reputation and good name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The presence of a stranger in a small town always attracts public
+      attention, and many were curious about the rakish-looking man who had now
+      for some time occupied a room at the hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Among others, Carl had several times seen him walking with Leonard Craig
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard,&rdquo; he asked one day, &ldquo;who is the gentleman I see you so often
+      walking with?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a man that&rsquo;s boarding at the hotel. I play billiards with him
+      sometimes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He seems to like Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. He&rsquo;s over at our house every evening.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he?&rdquo; asked Carl, surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he&rsquo;s an old acquaintance of Uncle Julius. I don&rsquo;t know where they
+      met each other, for he won&rsquo;t tell. He said he and uncle might go into
+      business together some time. Between you and me, I think uncle would like
+      to get rid of him. I know he doesn&rsquo;t like him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This set Carl to thinking, but something occurred soon afterwards that
+      impressed him still more.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Occasionally a customer of the house visited Milford, wishing to give a
+      special order for some particular line of goods. About this time a Mr.
+      Thorndike, from Chicago, came to Milford on this errand, and put up at the
+      hotel. He had called at the factory during the day, and had some
+      conversation with Mr. Jennings. After supper a doubt entered the mind of
+      the manufacturer in regard to one point, and he said to Carl: &ldquo;Carl, are
+      you engaged this evening?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you carry a note for me to the hotel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, sir; I shall be glad to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Thorndike leaves in the morning, and I am not quite clear as to one
+      of the specifications he gave me with his order. You noticed the gentleman
+      who went through the factory with me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is Mr. Thorndike. Please hand him this note, and if he wishes you to
+      remain with him for company, you had better do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hannah,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, as his messenger left with the note, &ldquo;Carl is
+      a pleasant addition to our little household?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, indeed he is,&rdquo; responded Hannah, emphatically.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he was twice the trouble I&rsquo;d be glad to have him here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is easy to get along with.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Surely.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet his stepmother drove him from his father&rsquo;s house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She&rsquo;s a wicked trollop, then!&rdquo; said Hannah, in a deep, stern voice. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d
+      like to get hold of her, I would.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What would you do to her?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;d give her a good shaking,&rdquo; answered Hannah.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I believe you would, Hannah,&rdquo; said Mr. Jennings, amused. &ldquo;On the whole, I
+      think she had better keep out of your clutches. Still, but for her we
+      would never have met with Carl. What is his father&rsquo;s loss is our gain.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What a poor, weak man his father must be,&rdquo; said Hannah, contemptuously,
+      &ldquo;to let a woman like her turn him against his own flesh and blood!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I agree with you, Hannah. I hope some time he may see his mistake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl kept on his way to the hotel. It was summer and Mr. Thorndike was
+      sitting on the piazza smoking a cigar. To him Carl delivered the note.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s all right!&rdquo; he said, rapidly glancing it over. &ldquo;You may tell Mr.
+      Jennings,&rdquo; and here he gave an answer to the question asked in the letter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir, I will remember.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t you sit down and keep me company a little while?&rdquo; asked Thorndike,
+      who was sociably inclined.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; and Carl sat down in a chair beside him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you have a cigar?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, thank you, sir. I don&rsquo;t smoke.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is where you are sensible. I began to smoke at fourteen, and now I
+      find it hard to break off. My doctor tells me it is hurting me, but the
+      chains of habit are strong.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All the more reason for forming good habits, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Spoken like a philosopher. Are you in the employ of my friend, Mr.
+      Jennings?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Learning the business?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is my present intention.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you ever come out to Chicago, call on me, and if you are out of a
+      place, I will give you one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you not a little rash, Mr. Thorndike, to offer me a place when you
+      know so little of me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I trust a good deal to looks. I care more for them than for
+      recommendations.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At that moment Phil Stark came out of the hotel, and passing them, stepped
+      off the piazza into the street.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Thorndike half rose from his seat, and looked after him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who is that?&rdquo; he asked, in an exciting whisper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A man named Stark, who is boarding at the hotel. Do you know him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do I know him?&rdquo; repeated Thorndike. &ldquo;He is one of the most successful
+      burglars in the West.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      PREPARING FOR THE BURGLAR.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl stared at Mr. Thorndike in surprise and dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A burglar!&rdquo; he ejaculated.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I was present in the courtroom when he was convicted of robbing the
+      Springfield bank. I sat there for three hours, and his face was impressed
+      upon my memory. I saw him later on in the Joliet Penitentiary. I was
+      visiting the institution and saw the prisoners file out into the yard. I
+      recognized this man instantly. Do you know how long he has been here?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;For two weeks I should think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has some dishonest scheme in his head, I have no doubt. Have you a
+      bank in Milford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He may have some design upon that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is very intimate with our bookkeeper, so his nephew tells me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Thorndike looked startled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ha! I scent danger to my friend, Mr. Jennings. He ought to be apprised.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He shall be, sir,&rdquo; said Carl, firmly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you see him to-night?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I am not only in his employ, but I live at his house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps I ought to go home at once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No attempt will be made to rob the office till late. It is scarcely eight
+      o&rsquo;clock. I don&rsquo;t know, however, but I will walk around to the house with
+      you, and tell your employer what I know. By the way, what sort of a man is
+      the bookkeeper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know him very well, sir. He has a nephew in the office, who was
+      transferred from the factory. I have taken his place.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think the bookkeeper would join in a plot to rob his employer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t like him. To me he is always disagreeable, but I would not like
+      to say that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long has he been in the employ of Mr. Jennings?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;As long as two years, I should think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You say that this man is intimate with him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig&mdash;he is the nephew&mdash;says that Mr. Philip Stark is
+      at his uncle&rsquo;s house every evening.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So he calls himself Philip Stark, does he?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Isn&rsquo;t that his name?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose it is one of his names. He was convicted under that name, and
+      retains it here on account of its being so far from the place of his
+      conviction. Whether it is his real name or not, I do not know. What is the
+      name of your bookkeeper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Julius Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t remember ever having heard it. Evidently there has been some past
+      acquaintance between the two men, and that, I should say, is hardly a
+      recommendation for Mr. Gibbon. Of course that alone is not enough to
+      condemn him, but the intimacy is certainly a suspicious circumstance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two soon reached the house of Mr. Jennings, for the distance was only
+      a quarter of a mile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings seemed a little surprised, but gave a kindly welcome to his
+      unexpected guest. It occurred to him that he might have come to give some
+      extra order for goods.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are surprised to see me,&rdquo; said Thorndike. &ldquo;I came on a very important
+      matter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A look of inquiry came over the face of Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a thief in the village&mdash;a guest at the hotel&mdash;whom I
+      recognize as one of the most expert burglars in the country.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I know whom you mean, a man of moderate height, rather thick set,
+      with small, black eyes and a slouch hat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Exactly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can you tell me about him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Thorndike repeated the statement he had already made to Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think our bank is in danger?&rdquo; asked the manufacturer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps so, but the chief danger threatens you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What makes you think so?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because this man appears to be very intimate with your bookkeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you know that?&rdquo; asked the little man, quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I refer you to Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leonard Craig told me to-night that this man Stark spent every evening at
+      his uncle&rsquo;s house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked troubled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sorry to hear this,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I dislike to lose confidence in any
+      man whom I have trusted.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you noticed anything unusual in the demeanor of your bookkeeper of
+      late?&rdquo; asked Thorndike.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he has appeared out of spirits and nervous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That would seem to indicate he is conspiring to rob you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This very day, noticing the change in him, I offered him a week&rsquo;s
+      vacation. He promptly declined to take it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course. It would conflict with the plans of his confederate. I don&rsquo;t
+      know the man, but I do know human nature, and I venture to predict that
+      your safe will be opened within a week. Do you keep anything of value in
+      it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are my books, which are of great value to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But not to a thief. Anything else?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I have a tin box containing four thousand dollars in government
+      bonds.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Coupon or registered?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Coupon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nothing could be better&mdash;for a burglar. What on earth could induce
+      you to keep the bonds in your own safe?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To tell the truth, I considered them quite as safe there as in the bank.
+      Banks are more likely to be robbed than private individuals.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Circumstances alter cases. Does anyone know that you have the bonds in
+      your safe?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My bookkeeper is aware of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, my friend, I caution you to remove the bonds from so unsafe a
+      depository as soon as possible. Unless I am greatly mistaken, this man,
+      Stark, has bought over your bookkeeper, and will have his aid in robbing
+      you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is your advice?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To remove the bonds this very evening,&rdquo; said Thorndike.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think the danger so pressing?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of course I don&rsquo;t know that an attempt will be made to-night, but it is
+      quite possible. Should it be so, you would have an opportunity to realize
+      that delays are dangerous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Should Mr. Gibbon find, on opening the safe to-morrow morning, that the
+      box is gone, it may lead to an attack upon my house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you to leave the box in the safe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I understand that you advised me to remove it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not the box, but the bonds. Listen to my plan. Cut out some newspaper
+      slips of about the same bulk as the bonds, put them in place of the bonds
+      in the box, and quietly transfer the bonds in your pocket to your own
+      house. To-morrow you can place them in the bank. Should no burglary be
+      attempted, let the box remain in the safe, just as if its contents were
+      valuable.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your advice is good, and I will adopt it,&rdquo; said Jennings, &ldquo;and thank you
+      for your valuable and friendly instruction.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If agreeable to you I will accompany you to the office at once. The bonds
+      cannot be removed too soon. Then if anyone sees us entering, it will be
+      thought that you are showing me the factory. It will divert suspicion,
+      even if we are seen by Stark or your bookkeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I go, too?&rdquo; asked Carl, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly,&rdquo; said the manufacturer. &ldquo;I know, Carl, that you are devoted to
+      my interests. It is a comfort to know this, now that I have cause to
+      suspect my bookkeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      It was only a little after nine. The night was moderately dark, and Carl
+      was intrusted with a wax candle, which he put in his pocket for use in the
+      office. They reached the factory without attracting attention, and entered
+      by the office door.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings opened the safe&mdash;he and the bookkeeper alone knew the
+      combination&mdash;and with some anxiety took out the tin box. It was
+      possible that the contents had already been removed. But no! on opening
+      it, the bonds were found intact. According to Mr. Thorndike&rsquo;s advice, he
+      transferred them to his pocket, and substituted folded paper. Then,
+      replacing everything, the safe was once more locked, and the three left
+      the office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Thorndike returned to the hotel, and Mr. Jennings to his house, but
+      Carl asked permission to remain out a while longer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is on my mind that an attempt will be made to-night to rob the safe,&rdquo;
+       he said. &ldquo;I want to watch near the factory to see if my suspicion is
+      correct.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, Carl, but don&rsquo;t stay out too long!&rdquo; said his employer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose I see them entering the office, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t interrupt them! They will find themselves badly fooled. Notice only
+      if Mr. Gibbon is of the party. I must know whether my bookkeeper is to be
+      trusted.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXIV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      THE BURGLARY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl seated himself behind a stone wall on the opposite side of the street
+      from the factory. The building was on the outskirts of the village, though
+      not more than half a mile from the post office, and there was very little
+      travel in that direction during the evening. This made it more favorable
+      for thieves, though up to the present time no burglarious attempt had been
+      made on it. Indeed, Milford had been exceptionally fortunate in that
+      respect. Neighboring towns had been visited, some of them several times,
+      but Milford had escaped.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The night was quite dark, but not what is called pitchy dark. As the eyes
+      became accustomed to the obscurity, they were able to see a considerable
+      distance. So it was with Carl. From his place of concealment he
+      occasionally raised his head and looked across the way to the factory. An
+      hour passed, and he grew tired. It didn&rsquo;t look as if the attempt were to
+      be made that night. Eleven o&rsquo;clock pealed out from the spire of the
+      Baptist Church, a quarter of a mile away. Carl counted the strokes, and
+      when the last died into silence, he said to himself:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will stay here about ten minutes longer. Then, if no one comes, I will
+      give it up for tonight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The time was nearly up when his quick ear caught a low murmur of voices.
+      Instantly he was on the alert. Waiting till the sound came nearer, he
+      ventured to raise his head for an instant above the top of the wall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      His heart beat with excitement when he saw two figures approaching. Though
+      it was so dark, he recognized them by their size and outlines. They were
+      Julius Gibbon, the bookkeeper, and Phil Stark, the stranger staying at the
+      hotel.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl watched closely, raising his head for a few seconds at a time above
+      the wall, ready to lower it should either glance in his direction. But
+      neither of the men did so. Ignorant that they were suspected, it was the
+      farthest possible from their thoughts that anyone would be on the watch.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Presently they came so near that Carl could hear their voices.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish it was over,&rdquo; murmured Gibbon, nervously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t worry,&rdquo; said his companion. &ldquo;There is no occasion for haste.
+      Everybody in Milford is in bed and asleep, and we have several hours at
+      our disposal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must remember that my reputation is at stake. This night&rsquo;s work may
+      undo me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My friend, you can afford to take the chances. Haven&rsquo;t I agreed to give
+      you half the bonds?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be suspected, and shall be obliged to stand my ground, while you
+      will disappear from the scene.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Two thousand dollars will pay you for some inconvenience. I don&rsquo;t see why
+      you should be suspected. You will be supposed to be fast asleep on your
+      virtuous couch, while some bad burglar is robbing your worthy employer. Of
+      course you will be thunderstruck when in the morning the appalling
+      discovery is made. I&rsquo;ll tell you what will be a good dodge for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Offer a reward of a hundred dollars from your own purse for the discovery
+      of the villain who has robbed the safe and abstracted the bonds.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark burst out into a loud guffaw as he uttered these words.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hush!&rdquo; said Gibbon, timidly. &ldquo;I thought I heard some one moving.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What a timid fool you are!&rdquo; muttered Stark, contemptuously. &ldquo;If I had no
+      more pluck, I&rsquo;d hire myself out to herd cows.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a better business,&rdquo; said Gibbon, bitterly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, well, each to his taste! If you lose your place as bookkeeper, you
+      might offer your services to some farmer. As for me, the danger, though
+      there isn&rsquo;t much, is just enough to make it exciting.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care for any such excitement,&rdquo; said Gibbon, dispiritedly. &ldquo;Why
+      couldn&rsquo;t you have kept away and let me earn an honest living?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because I must live as well as you, my dear friend. When this little
+      affair is over, you will thank me for helping you to a good thing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Of course all this conversation did not take place within Carl&rsquo;s hearing.
+      While it was going on, the men had opened the office door and entered.
+      Then, as Carl watched the window closely he saw a narrow gleam of light
+      from a dark lantern illuminating the interior.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now they are at the safe,&rdquo; thought Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      We, who are privileged, will enter the office and watch the proceedings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon had no difficulty in opening the safe, for he was acquainted with
+      the combination. Stark thrust in his hand eagerly and drew out the box.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is what we want,&rdquo; he said, in a tone of satisfaction. &ldquo;Have you a
+      key that will open it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall have to take box and all.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let us get through as soon as possible,&rdquo; said Gibbon, uneasily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can close the safe, if you want to. There is nothing else worth
+      taking?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then we will evacuate the premises. Is there an old newspaper I can use
+      to wrap up the box in? It might look suspicious if anyone should see it in
+      our possession.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, here is one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He handed a copy of a weekly paper to Phil Stark, who skillfully wrapped
+      up the box, and placing it under his arm, went out of the office, leaving
+      Gibbon to follow.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where will you carry it?&rdquo; asked Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Somewhere out of sight where I can safely open it. I should have
+      preferred to take the bonds, and leave the box in the safe. Then the bonds
+      might not have been missed for a week or more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That would have been better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      That was the last that Carl heard. The two disappeared in the darkness,
+      and Carl, raising himself from his place of concealment, stretched his
+      cramped limbs and made the best of his way home. He thought no one would
+      be up, but Mr. Jennings came out from the sitting-room, where he had flung
+      himself on a lounge, and met Carl in the hall.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The safe has been robbed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who did it?&rdquo; asked the manufacturer, quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The two we suspected.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you see Mr. Gibbon, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he was accompanied by Mr. Stark.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You saw them enter the factory?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; I was crouching behind the stone wall on the other side of the
+      road.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long were they inside?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not over fifteen minutes&mdash;perhaps only ten.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Gibbon knew the combination,&rdquo; said Jennings, quietly. &ldquo;There was no
+      occasion to lose time in breaking open the safe. There is some advantage
+      in having a friend inside. Did you see them go out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carrying the tin box with them?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. Mr. Stark wrapped it in a newspaper after they got outside.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But you saw the tin box?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, if necessary, you can testify to it. I thought it possible that Mr.
+      Gibbon might have a key to open it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I overheard Stark regretting that he could not open it so as to abstract
+      the bonds and leave the box in the safe. In that case, he said, it might
+      be some time before the robbery was discovered.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He will himself make an unpleasant discovery when he opens the box. I
+      don&rsquo;t think there is any call to pity him, do you, Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. I should like to be within sight when he opens it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The manufacturer laughed quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; he said; &ldquo;if I could see it I should feel repaid for the loss of
+      the box. Let it be a lesson for you, my boy. Those who seek to enrich
+      themselves by unlawful means are likely in the end to meet with
+      disappointment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think I need the lesson?&rdquo; asked Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, my lad. I am sure you don&rsquo;t. But you do need a good night&rsquo;s rest. Let
+      us go to bed at once, and get what sleep we may. I won&rsquo;t allow the
+      burglary to keep me awake.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He laughed in high good humor, and Carl went up to his comfortable room,
+      where he soon lost all remembrance of the exciting scene of which he had
+      been a witness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings went to the factory at the usual time the next morning.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he entered the office the bookkeeper approached him pale and excited.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; he said, hurriedly, &ldquo;I have bad news for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it, Mr. Gibbon?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When I opened the safe this morning, I discovered that the tin box had
+      been stolen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings took the news quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you any suspicion who took it?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir. I&mdash;I hope the loss is not a heavy one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I do not care to make the extent of the loss public. Were there any marks
+      of violence? Was the safe broken open?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Singular; is it not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you will allow me I will join in offering a reward for the discovery
+      of the thief. I feel in a measure responsible.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will think of your offer, Mr. Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He suspects nothing,&rdquo; thought Gibbon, with a sigh of relief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      STARK&rsquo;S DISAPPOINTMENT.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Philip Stark went back to the hotel with the tin box under his arm. He
+      would like to have entered the hotel without notice, but this was
+      impossible, for the landlord&rsquo;s nephew was just closing up. Though not late
+      for the city, it was very late for the country, and he looked surprised
+      when Stark came in.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am out late,&rdquo; said Stark, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is, late for Milford. In the city I never go to bed before
+      midnight.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you been out walking?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You found it rather dark, did you not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is dark as a pocket.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You couldn&rsquo;t have found the walk a very pleasant one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are right, my friend; but I didn&rsquo;t walk for pleasure. The fact is, I
+      am rather worried about a business matter. I have learned that I am
+      threatened with a heavy loss&mdash;an unwise investment in the West&mdash;and
+      I wanted time to think it over and decide how to act.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see,&rdquo; answered the clerk, respectfully, for Stark&rsquo;s words led him to
+      think that his guest was a man of wealth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I was rich enough to be worried by such a cause,&rdquo; he said,
+      jokingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you were. Some time I may be able to throw something in your way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think it would pay me to go to the West?&rdquo; asked the clerk,
+      eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think it quite likely&mdash;if you know some one out in that section.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But I don&rsquo;t know anyone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know me,&rdquo; said Stark, significantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think you could help me to a place, Mr. Stark?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I could. A month from now write to me Col. Philip Stark, at
+      Denver, Colorado, and I will see if I can find an opening for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are very kind, Mr.&mdash;I mean Col. Stark,&rdquo; said the clerk,
+      gratefully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, never mind about the title,&rdquo; returned Stark, smiling good-naturedly.
+      &ldquo;I only gave it to you just now, because everybody in Denver knows me as a
+      colonel, and I am afraid a letter otherwise addressed would not reach me.
+      By the way, I am sorry that I shall probably have to leave you to-morrow.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So soon?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; it&rsquo;s this tiresome business. I should not wonder if I might lose ten
+      thousand dollars through the folly of my agent. I shall probably have to
+      go out to right things.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I couldn&rsquo;t afford to lose ten thousand dollars,&rdquo; said the young man,
+      regarding the capitalist before him with deference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I expect not. At your age I wasn&rsquo;t worth ten thousand cents. Now&mdash;but
+      that&rsquo;s neither here nor there. Give me a light, please, and I will go up
+      to bed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He was about to say how much he is worth now,&rdquo; soliloquized the clerk. &ldquo;I
+      wish he had not stopped short. If I can&rsquo;t be rich myself, I like to talk
+      with a rich man. There&rsquo;s hope for me, surely. He says that at my age he
+      was not worth ten thousand cents. That is only a hundred dollars, and I am
+      worth that. I must keep it to pay my expenses to Colorado, if he should
+      send for me in a few weeks.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The young man had noticed with some curiosity the rather oddly-shaped
+      bundle which Stark carried under his arm, but could not see his way clear
+      to asking any questions about it. It seemed queer that Stark should have
+      it with him while walking. Come to think of it, he remembered seeing him
+      go out in the early evening, and he was quite confident that at that time
+      he had no bundle with him. However, he was influenced only by a spirit of
+      idle curiosity. He had no idea that the bundle was of any importance or
+      value. The next day he changed his opinion on that subject.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark went up to his chamber, and setting the lamp on the bureau,
+      first carefully locked the door, and then removed the paper from the tin
+      box. He eyed it lovingly, and tried one by one the keys he had in his
+      pocket, but none exactly fitted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      As he was experimenting he thought with a smile of the night clerk from
+      whom he had just parted.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Stark,&rdquo; he soliloquized, addressing himself, &ldquo;you are an old humbug. You
+      have cleverly duped that unsophisticated young man downstairs. He looks
+      upon you as a man of unbounded wealth, evidently, while, as a matter of
+      fact, you are almost strapped. Let me see how much I have got left.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He took out his wallet, and counted out seven dollars and thirty-eight
+      cents.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That can hardly be said to constitute wealth,&rdquo; he reflected, &ldquo;but it is
+      all I have over and above the contents of this box. That makes all the
+      difference. Gibbon is of opinion that there are four thousand dollars in
+      bonds inside, and he expects me to give him half. Shall I do it? Not such
+      a fool! I&rsquo;ll give him fifteen hundred and keep the balance myself. That&rsquo;ll
+      pay him handsomely, and the rest will be a good nestegg for me. If Gibbon
+      is only half shrewd he will pull the wool over the eyes of that midget of
+      an employer, and retain his place and comfortable salary. There will be no
+      evidence against him, and he can pose as an innocent man. Bah! what a lot
+      of humbug there is in the world. Well, well, Stark, you have your share,
+      no doubt. Otherwise how would you make a living? To-morrow I must clear
+      out from Milford, and give it a wide berth in future. I suppose there will
+      be a great hue-and-cry about the robbery of the safe. It will be just as
+      well for me to be somewhere else. I have already given the clerk a good
+      reason for my sudden departure. Confound it, it&rsquo;s a great nuisance that I
+      can&rsquo;t open this box! I would like to know before I go to bed just how much
+      boodle I have acquired. Then I can decide how much to give Gibbon. If I
+      dared I&rsquo;d keep the whole, but he might make trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark, or Col. Philip Stark, as he had given his name, had a large
+      supply of keys, but none of them seemed to fit the tin box.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I shall excite suspicion if I sit up any longer,&rdquo; thought
+      Stark. &ldquo;I will go to bed and get up early in the morning. Then I may
+      succeed better in opening this plaguy box.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He removed his clothing and got into bed. The evening had been rather an
+      exciting one, but the excitement was a pleasurable one, for he had
+      succeeded in the plan which he and the bookkeeper had so ingeniously
+      formed and carried out, and here within reach was the rich reward after
+      which they had striven. Mr. Stark was not troubled with a conscience&mdash;that
+      he had got rid of years ago&mdash;and he was filled with a comfortable
+      consciousness of having retrieved his fortunes when they were on the wane.
+      So, in a short time he fell asleep, and slept peacefully. Toward morning,
+      however, he had a disquieting dream. It seemed to him that he awoke
+      suddenly from slumber and saw Gibbon leaving the room with the tin box
+      under his arm. He awoke really with beads of perspiration upon his brow&mdash;awoke
+      to see by the sun streaming in at his window that the morning was well
+      advanced, and the tin box was still safe.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank Heaven, it was but a dream!&rdquo; he murmured. &ldquo;I must get up and try
+      once more to open the box.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The keys had all been tried, and had proved not to fit. Mr. Stark was
+      equal to the emergency. He took from his pocket a button hook and bent it
+      so as to make a pick, and after a little experimenting succeeded in
+      turning the lock. He lifted the lid eagerly, and with distended eyes
+      prepared to gloat upon the stolen bonds. But over his face there came a
+      startling change. The ashy blue hue of disappointment succeeded the
+      glowing, hopeful look. He snatched at one of the folded slips of paper and
+      opened it. Alas! it was valueless, mere waste paper. He sank into a chair
+      in a limp, hopeless posture, quite overwhelmed. Then he sprang up
+      suddenly, and his expression changed to one of fury and menace.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If Julius Gibbon has played this trick upon me,&rdquo; he said, between his set
+      teeth, &ldquo;he shall repent it&mdash;bitterly!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXVI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Philip Stark sat down to breakfast in a savage frame of mind. He wanted to
+      be revenged upon Gibbon, whom he suspected of having deceived him by
+      opening and appropriating the bonds, and then arranged to have him carry
+      off the box filled with waste paper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He sat at the table but five minutes, for he had little or no appetite.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      From the breakfast room he went out on the piazza, and with corrugated
+      brows smoked a cigar, but it failed to have the usual soothing effect.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      If he had known the truth he would have left Milford without delay, but he
+      was far from suspecting that the deception practiced upon him had been
+      arranged by the man whom he wanted to rob. While there seemed little
+      inducement for him to stay in Milford, he was determined to seek the
+      bookkeeper, and ascertain whether, as he suspected, his confederate had in
+      his possession the bonds which he had been scheming for. If so, he would
+      compel him by threats to disgorge the larger portion, and then leave town
+      at once.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But the problem was, how to see him. He felt that it would be venturesome
+      to go round to the factory, as by this time the loss might have been
+      discovered. If only the box had been left, the discovery might be
+      deferred. Then a bright idea occurred to him. He must get the box out of
+      his own possession, as its discovery would compromise him. Why could he
+      not arrange to leave it somewhere on the premises of his confederate?
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He resolved upon the instant to carry out the idea. He went up to his
+      room, wrapped the tin box in a paper, and walked round to the house of the
+      bookkeeper. The coast seemed to be clear, as he supposed it would be. He
+      slipped into the yard, and swiftly entered an outhouse. There was a large
+      wooden chest, or box, which had once been used to store grain. Stark
+      lifted the cover, dropped the box inside, and then, with a feeling of
+      relief, walked out of the yard. But he had been observed. Mrs. Gibbon
+      chanced to be looking out of a side window and saw him. She recognized him
+      as the stranger who had been in the habit of spending recent evenings with
+      her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can he want here at this time?&rdquo; she asked herself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      She deliberated whether she should go to the door and speak to Stark, but
+      decided not to do so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He will call at the door if he has anything to say,&rdquo; she reflected.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark walked on till he reached the factory. He felt that he must see
+      Julius Gibbon, and satisfy himself as to the meaning of the mysterious
+      substitution of waste paper for bonds.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he reached a point where he could see into the office, he caught the
+      eye of Leonard, who was sitting at the window. He beckoned for him to come
+      out, and Leonard was glad to do so.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where are you going?&rdquo; asked the bookkeeper, observing the boy&rsquo;s movement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Stark is just across the street, and he beckoned for me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Julius Gibbon flushed painfully, and he trembled with nervous agitation,
+      for he feared something had happened.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, go out, but don&rsquo;t stay long.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard crossed the street and walked up to Stark, who awaited him,
+      looking grim and stern.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your uncle is inside?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell him I wish to see him at once&mdash;on business of importance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&rsquo;s busy,&rdquo; said Leonard. &ldquo;&lsquo;He doesn&rsquo;t leave the office in business
+      hours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Tell him I must see him&mdash;do you hear? He&rsquo;ll come fast enough.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder what it&rsquo;s all about,&rdquo; thought Leonard, whose curiosity was
+      naturally excited.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Wait a minute!&rdquo; said Stark, as he turned to go. &ldquo;Is Jennings in?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir, he has gone over to the next town.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Probably the box has not been missed, then,&rdquo; thought Stark. &ldquo;So much the
+      better! I can find out how matters stand, and then leave town.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well!&rdquo; he said, aloud, &ldquo;let your uncle understand that I must see
+      him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Leonard carried in the message. Gibbon made no objection, but took his hat
+      and went out, leaving Leonard in charge of the office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, what is it?&rdquo; he asked, hurriedly, as he reached Stark. &ldquo;Is&mdash;is
+      the box all right?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here, Gibbon,&rdquo; said Stark, harshly, &ldquo;have you been playing any of
+      your infernal tricks upon me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what you mean,&rdquo; responded Gibbon, bewildered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Stark eyed him sharply, but the bookkeeper was evidently sincere.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is there anything wrong?&rdquo; continued the latter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean to tell me you didn&rsquo;t know that wretched box was filled with
+      waste paper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean it?&rdquo; exclaimed Gibbon, in dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I do. I didn&rsquo;t open it till this morning, and in place of government
+      bonds, I found only folded slips of newspaper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By this time Gibbon was suspicious. Having no confidence in Stark, it
+      occurred to him that it was a ruse to deprive him of his share of the
+      bonds.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t believe you,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;You want to keep all the bonds for
+      yourself, and cheat me out of my share.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish to Heaven you were right. If there had been any bonds, I would
+      have acted on the square. But somebody had removed them, and substituted
+      paper. I suspected you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am ready to swear that this has happened without my knowledge,&rdquo; said
+      Gibbon, earnestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How, then, could it have occurred?&rdquo; asked Stark.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know, upon my honor. Where is the box?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;have disposed of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You should have waited and opened it before me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I asked you if you had a key that would open it. I wanted to open it last
+      evening in the office.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will see after a while that I was acting on the square. You can open
+      it for yourself at your leisure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How can I? I don&rsquo;t know where it is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I can enlighten you,&rdquo; said Stark, maliciously. &ldquo;When you go home,
+      you will find it in a chest in your woodshed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon turned pale.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean to say you have carried it to my house?&rdquo; he exclaimed, in
+      dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I do. I had no further use for it, and thought you had the best
+      claim to it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But, good heavens! if it is found there I shall be suspected.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very probably,&rdquo; answered Stark, coolly. &ldquo;Take my advice and put it out of
+      the way.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How could you be so inconsiderate?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Because I suspected you of playing me a trick.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I swear to you, I didn&rsquo;t.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then somebody has tricked both of us. Has Mr. Jennings discovered the
+      disappearance of the box?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I told him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When he came to the office.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What did he say?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He took the matter coolly. He didn&rsquo;t say much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is he?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Gone to Winchester on business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Look here! Do you think he suspects you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am quite sure not. That is why I told him about the robbery.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He might suspect me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He said nothing about suspecting anybody.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think he removed the bonds and substituted paper?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If this were the case we should both be in a serious plight. I think I
+      had better get out of town. You will have to lend me ten dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see how I can, Stark.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must!&rdquo; said Stark, sternly, &ldquo;or I will reveal the whole thing.
+      Remember, the box is on your premises.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Heavens! what a quandary I am in,&rdquo; said the bookkeeper, miserably. &ldquo;That
+      must be attended to at once. Why couldn&rsquo;t you put it anywhere else?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I told you that I wanted to be revenged upon you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish you had never come to Milford,&rdquo; groaned the bookkeeper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I hadn&rsquo;t myself, as things have turned out.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They prepared to start for Gibbon&rsquo;s house, when Mr. Jennings drove up.
+      With him were two tall muscular men, whom Stark and Gibbon eyed uneasily.
+      The two strangers jumped out of the carriage and advanced toward the two
+      confederates.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Arrest those men!&rdquo; said Jennings, in a quiet tone. &ldquo;I charge them with
+      opening and robbing my safe last night about eleven o&rsquo;clock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXVII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      BROUGHT TO BAY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark made an effort to get away, but the officer was too quick for
+      him. In a trice he was handcuffed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the meaning of this outrage?&rdquo; demanded Stark, boldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have already explained,&rdquo; said the manufacturer, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are quite on the wrong tack,&rdquo; continued Stark, brazenly. &ldquo;Mr. Gibbon
+      was just informing me that the safe had been opened and robbed. It is the
+      first I knew of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Julius Gibbon seemed quite prostrated by his arrest. He felt it necessary
+      to say something, and followed the lead of his companion.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will bear me witness, Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;that I was the first
+      to inform you of the robbery. If I had really committed the burglary, I
+      should have taken care to escape during the night.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should be glad to believe in your innocence,&rdquo; rejoined the
+      manufacturer, &ldquo;but I know more about this matter than you suppose.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I won&rsquo;t answer for Mr. Gibbon,&rdquo; said Stark, who cared nothing for his
+      confederate, if he could contrive to effect his own escape. &ldquo;Of course he
+      had opportunities, as bookkeeper, which an outsider could not have.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon eyed his companion in crime distrustfully. He saw that Stark was
+      intending to throw him over.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am entirely willing to have my room at the hotel searched,&rdquo; continued
+      Stark, gathering confidence. &ldquo;If you find any traces of the stolen
+      property there, you are welcome to make the most of them. I have no doubt
+      Mr. Gibbon will make you the same offer in regard to his house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Gibbon saw at once the trap which had been so craftily prepared for him.
+      He knew that any search of his premises would result in the discovery of
+      the tin box, and had no doubt that Stark would be ready to testify to any
+      falsehood likely to fasten the guilt upon him. His anger was roused and he
+      forgot his prudence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&mdash;scoundrel!&rdquo; he hissed between his closed teeth.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You seem excited,&rdquo; sneered Stark. &ldquo;Is it possible that you object to the
+      search?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If the missing box is found on my premises,&rdquo; said Gibbon, in a white
+      heat, &ldquo;it is because you have concealed it there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark shrugged his shoulders.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think, gentlemen,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;that settles it. I am afraid Mr Gibbon is
+      guilty. I shall be glad to assist you to recover the stolen property. Did
+      the box contain much that was of value?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I must caution you both against saying anything that will compromise
+      you,&rdquo; said one of the officers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have nothing to conceal,&rdquo; went on Stark, brazenly. &ldquo;I am obliged to
+      believe that this man committed the burglary. It is against me that I have
+      been his companion for the last week or two, but I used to know him, and
+      that will account for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The unhappy bookkeeper saw the coils closing around him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you will see your way to release me,&rdquo; said Stark, addressing
+      himself to Mr. Jennings. &ldquo;I have just received information that my poor
+      mother is lying dangerously sick in Cleveland, and I am anxious to start
+      for her bedside to-day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why did you come round here this morning?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To ask Mr. Gibbon to repay me ten dollars which he borrowed of me the
+      other day,&rdquo; returned Stark, glibly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&mdash;liar!&rdquo; exclaimed Gibbon, angrily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am prepared for this man&rsquo;s abuse,&rdquo; said Stark. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t mind admitting
+      now that a few days since he invited me to join him in the robbery of the
+      safe. I threatened to inform you of his plan, and he promised to give it
+      up. I supposed he had done so, but it is clear to me now that he carried
+      out his infamous scheme.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked amused. He admired Stark&rsquo;s brazen effrontery.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What have you to say to this charge, Mr. Gibbon?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Only this, sir, that I was concerned in the burglary.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He admits it!&rdquo; said Stark, triumphantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But this man forced me to it. He threatened to write you some particulars
+      of my past history which would probably have lost me my position if I did
+      not agree to join him in the conspiracy. I was weak, and yielded. Now he
+      is ready to betray me to save himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Jennings,&rdquo; said Stark, coldly, &ldquo;you will know what importance to
+      attach to the story of a self-confessed burglar. Gibbon, I hope you will
+      see the error of your ways, and restore to your worthy employer the box of
+      valuable property which you stole from his safe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is insufferable!&rdquo; cried the bookkeeper &ldquo;You are a double-dyed
+      traitor, Phil Stark. You were not only my accomplice, but you instigated
+      the crime.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will find it hard to prove this,&rdquo; sneered Stark. &ldquo;Mr. Jennings, I
+      demand my liberty. If you have any humanity you will not keep me from the
+      bedside of my dying mother.&rdquo; &ldquo;I admire your audacity, Mr. Stark,&rdquo; observed
+      the manufacturer, quietly. &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t suppose for a moment that I give the
+      least credit to your statements.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir,&rdquo; said Gibbon. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m ready to accept the consequences of my
+      act, but I don&rsquo;t want that scoundrel and traitor to go free.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can&rsquo;t prove anything against me,&rdquo; said Stark, doggedly, &ldquo;unless you
+      accept the word of a self-confessed burglar, who is angry with me because
+      I would not join him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All these protestations it would be better for you to keep till your
+      trial begins, Mr. Stark,&rdquo; said the manufacturer. &ldquo;However, I think it only
+      fair to tell you that I am better informed about you and your conspiracy
+      than you imagine. Will you tell me where you were at eleven o&rsquo;clock last
+      evening?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was in my room at the hotel&mdash;no, I was taking a walk. I had
+      received news of my mother&rsquo;s illness, and I was so much disturbed and
+      grieved that I could not remain indoors.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You were seen to enter the office of this factory with Mr. Gibbon, and
+      after ten minutes came out with the tin box under your arm.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who saw me?&rdquo; demanded Stark, uneasily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl Crawford came forward and answered this question.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I did!&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A likely story! You were in bed and asleep.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are mistaken. I was on watch behind the stone wall just opposite. If
+      you want proof, I can repeat some of the conversation that passed between
+      you and Mr. Gibbon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Without waiting for the request, Carl rehearsed some of the talk already
+      recorded in a previous chapter.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Phil Stark began to see that things were getting serious for him, but he
+      was game to the last.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I deny it,&rdquo; he said, in a loud voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you also deny it, Mr. Gibbon?&rdquo; asked Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I admit it,&rdquo; replied Gibbon, with a triumphant glance at his
+      foiled confederate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is a conspiracy against an innocent man,&rdquo; said Stark, scowling. &ldquo;You
+      want to screen your bookkeeper, if possible. No one has ever before
+      charged me with crime.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then how does it happen, Mr. Stark, that you were confined at the Joliet
+      penitentiary for a term of years?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he tell you this?&rdquo; snarled Stark, pointing to Gibbon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A customer of mine from Chicago. He saw you at the hotel, and informed
+      Carl last evening of your character. Carl, of course, brought the news to
+      me. It was in consequence of this information that I myself removed the
+      bonds from the box, early in the evening, and substituted strips of paper.
+      Your enterprise, therefore, would have availed you little even if you had
+      succeeded in getting off scot-free.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see the game is up,&rdquo; said Stark, throwing off the mask. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s true that
+      I have been in the Joliet penitentiary. It was there that I became
+      acquainted with your bookkeeper,&rdquo; he added, maliciously. &ldquo;Let him deny it
+      if he dare.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall not deny it. It is true,&rdquo; said Gibbon. &ldquo;But I had resolved to
+      live an honest life in future, and would have done so if this man had not
+      pressed me into crime by his threats.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I believe you, Mr. Gibbon,&rdquo; said the manufacturer, gently, &ldquo;and I will
+      see that this is counted in your favor. And now, gentlemen, I think there
+      is no occasion for further delay.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two men were carried to the lockup and in due time were tried. Stark
+      was sentenced to ten years&rsquo; imprisonment, Gibbon to five. At the end of
+      two years, at the intercession of Mr. Jennings, he was pardoned, and
+      furnished with money enough to go to Australia, where, his past character
+      unknown, he was able to make an honest living, and gain a creditable
+      position.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXVIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AFTER A YEAR.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Twelve months passed without any special incident. With Carl it was a
+      period of steady and intelligent labor and progress. He had excellent
+      mechanical talent, and made remarkable advancement. He was not content
+      with attention to his own work, but was a careful observer of the work of
+      others, so that in one year he learned as much of the business as most
+      boys would have done in three.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When the year was up, Mr. Jennings detained him after supper.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you remember what anniversary this is, Carl?&rdquo; he asked, pleasantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; it is the anniversary of my going into the factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Exactly. How are you satisfied with the year and its work?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have been contented and happy, Mr. Jennings; and I feel that I owe my
+      happiness and content to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you say so,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but it is only fair to add that your own
+      industry and intelligence have much to do with the satisfactory results of
+      the year.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The superintendent tells me that outside of your own work you have a
+      general knowledge of the business which would make you a valuable
+      assistant to himself in case he needed one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl&rsquo;s face glowed with pleasure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I believe in being thorough,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and I am interested in every
+      department of the business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Before you went into the factory you had not done any work.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I had attended school.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was not a bad preparation for business, but in some cases it gives a
+      boy disinclination for manual labor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I wouldn&rsquo;t care to work with my hands all my life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t blame you for that. You have qualified yourself for something
+      better. How much do I pay you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I began on two dollars a week and my board. At the end of six months you
+      kindly advanced me to four dollars.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I dare say you have found it none too much for your wants.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have saved forty dollars out of it,&rdquo; he answered.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have done admirably,&rdquo; he said, warmly. &ldquo;Forty dollars is not a large
+      sum, but in laying it by you have formed a habit that will be of great
+      service to you in after years. I propose to raise you to ten dollars a
+      week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But, sir, shall I earn so much? You are very kind, but I am afraid you
+      will be a loser by your liberality.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings smiled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are partly right,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Your services at present are hardly
+      worth the sum I have agreed to pay, that is, in the factory, but I shall
+      probably impose upon you other duties of an important nature soon.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you do, sir, I will endeavor to meet your expectations.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How would you like to take a journey Carl?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very much, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think of sending you&mdash;to Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl, who had thought perhaps of a fifty-mile trip, looked amazed, but his
+      delight was equal to his surprise. He had always wished to see the West,
+      though Chicago can hardly be called a Western city now, since between it
+      and the Pacific there is a broad belt of land two thousand miles in
+      extent.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think I am competent?&rdquo; he asked, modestly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I cannot say positively, but I think so,&rdquo; answered Mr. Jennings.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I shall be delighted to go. Will it be very soon?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, very soon. I shall want you to start next Monday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will be ready, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And I may as well explain what are to be your duties. I am, as you know,
+      manufacturing a special line of chairs which I am desirous of introducing
+      to the trade. I shall give you the names of men in my line in Albany,
+      Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago, and it will be your duty to call upon
+      them, explain the merits of the chair, and solicit orders. In other words,
+      you will be a traveling salesman or drummer. I shall pay your traveling
+      expenses, ten dollars a week, and, if your orders exceed a certain limit,
+      I shall give you a commission on the surplus.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Suppose I don&rsquo;t reach that limit?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall at all events feel that you have done your best. I will instruct
+      you a little in your duties between now and the time of your departure. I
+      should myself like to go in your stead, but I am needed here. There are,
+      of course, others in my employ, older than yourself, whom I might send,
+      but I have an idea that you will prove to be a good salesman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will try to be, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      On Monday morning Carl left Milford, reached New York in two hours and a
+      half and, in accordance with the directions of Mr. Jennings, engaged
+      passage and a stateroom on one of the palatial night lines of Hudson River
+      steamers to Albany. The boat was well filled with passengers, and a few
+      persons were unable to procure staterooms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl, however, applied in time, and obtained an excellent room. He
+      deposited his gripsack therein, and then took a seat on deck, meaning to
+      enjoy as long as possible the delightful scenery for which the Hudson is
+      celebrated. It was his first long journey, and for this reason Carl
+      enjoyed it all the more. He could not but contrast his present position
+      and prospects with those of a year ago, when, helpless and penniless, he
+      left an unhappy home to make his own way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What a delightful evening!&rdquo; said a voice at his side.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Turning, Carl saw sitting by him a young man of about thirty, dressed in
+      somewhat pretentious style and wearing eyeglasses. He was tall and thin,
+      and had sandy side whiskers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, it is a beautiful evening,&rdquo; replied Carl, politely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And the scenery is quite charming. Have you ever been all the way up the
+      river?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, but I hope some day to take a day trip.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just so. I am not sure but I prefer the Rhine, with its romantic castles
+      and vineclad hills.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you visited Europe, then?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, yes, several times. I have a passion for traveling. Our family is
+      wealthy, and I have been able to go where I pleased.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That must be very pleasant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is. My name is Stuyvesant&mdash;one of the old Dutch families.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was not so much impressed, perhaps, as he should have been by this
+      announcement, for he knew very little of fashionable life in New York.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t look like a Dutchman,&rdquo; he said, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose you expected a figure like a beer keg,&rdquo; rejoined Stuyvesant,
+      laughing. &ldquo;Some of my forefathers may have answered that description, but
+      I am not built that way. Are you traveling far?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may go as far as Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is anyone with you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps you have friends in Chicago?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not that I am aware of. I am traveling on business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed; you are rather young for a business man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sixteen.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, that cannot exactly be called venerable.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I suppose not.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way, did you succeed in getting a stateroom?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I have a very good one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;re in luck, on my word. I was just too late. The man ahead of me took
+      the last room.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can get a berth, I suppose.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But that is so common. Really, I should not know how to travel without a
+      stateroom. Have you anyone with you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you will take me in I will pay the entire expense.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl hesitated. He preferred to be alone, but he was of an obliging
+      disposition, and he knew that there were two berths in the stateroom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If it will be an accommodation,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;I will let you occupy the room
+      with me, Mr. Stuyvesant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you, indeed! I shall esteem it a very great favor. Where is your
+      room?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will show you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl led the way to No. 17, followed by his new acquaintance. Mr.
+      Stuyvesant seemed very much pleased, and insisted on paying for the room
+      at once. Carl accepted half the regular charges, and so the bargain was
+      made.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At ten o&rsquo;clock the two travelers retired to bed. Carl was tired and went
+      to sleep at once. He slept through the night. When he awoke in the morning
+      the boat was in dock. He heard voices in the cabin, and the noise of the
+      transfer of baggage and freight to the wharf.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have overslept myself,&rdquo; he said, and jumped up, hurriedly. He looked
+      into the upper berth, but his roommate was gone. Something else was gone,
+      too&mdash;his valise, and a wallet which he had carried in the pocket of
+      his trousers.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXIX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      THE LOST BANK BOOK.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl was not long in concluding that he had been robbed by his roommate.
+      It was hard to believe that a Stuyvesant&mdash;a representative of one of
+      the old Dutch families of New Amsterdam&mdash;should have stooped to such
+      a discreditable act. Carl was sharp enough, however, to doubt the
+      genuineness of Mr. Stuyvesant&rsquo;s claims to aristocratic lineage. Meanwhile
+      he blamed himself for being so easily duped by an artful adventurer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      To be sure, it was not as bad as it might be. His pocketbook only
+      contained ten dollars in small bills. The balance of his money he had
+      deposited for safe keeping in the inside pocket of his vest. This he had
+      placed under his pillow, and so it had escaped the notice of the thief.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The satchel contained a supply of shirts, underclothing, etc., and he was
+      sorry to lose it. The articles were not expensive, but it would cost him
+      from a dozen to fifteen dollars to replace them.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl stepped to the door of his stateroom and called a servant who was
+      standing near.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long have we been at the pier?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;About twenty minutes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you see my roommate go out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A tall young man in a light overcoat?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. I saw him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you notice whether he carried a valise in his hand?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A gripsack? Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A small one?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was mine.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say so, sir! And such a respectable-lookin&rsquo; gemman, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He may have looked respectable, but he was a thief all the same.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t say? Did he take anything else, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He took my pocketbook.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, well! He was a rascal, sure! But maybe it dropped on the floor.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl turned his attention to the carpet, but saw nothing of the lost
+      pocketbook. He did find, however, a small book in a brown cover, which
+      Stuyvesant had probably dropped. Picking it up, he discovered that it was
+      a bank book on the Sixpenny Savings Bank of Albany, standing in the name
+      of Rachel Norris, and numbered 17,310.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is stolen property, too,&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;I wonder if there is much
+      in it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+Opening the book he saw that there were three entries, as follows:
+
+     1883. Jan. 23. Five hundred dollars.
+      &ldquo;    June 10. Two hundred dollars.
+      &ldquo;    Oct. 21. One hundred dollars.
+</pre>
+    <p>
+      There was besides this interest credited to the amount of seventy-five
+      dollars. The deposits, therefore, made a grand total of $875.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      No doubt Mr. Stuyvesant had stolen this book, but had not as yet found an
+      opportunity of utilizing it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What&rsquo;s dat?&rdquo; asked the colored servant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A savings bank book. My roommate must have dropped it. It appears to
+      belong to a lady named Rachel Norris. I wish I could get it to her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is she an Albany lady, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You might look in the directory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So I will. It is a good idea.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope the gemman didn&rsquo;t take all your money, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he didn&rsquo;t even take half of it. I only wish I had been awake when the
+      boat got to the dock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I would have called you, sir, if you had asked me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not much used to traveling. I shall know better next time what to
+      do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The finding of the bank book partially consoled Carl for the loss of his
+      pocketbook and gripsack. He was glad to be able to defeat Stuyvesant in
+      one of his nefarious schemes, and to be the instrument of returning Miss
+      Norris her savings bank book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      When he left the boat he walked along till he reached a modest-looking
+      hotel, where he thought the charges would be reasonable. He entered, and,
+      going to the desk, asked if he could have a room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Large or small?&rdquo; inquired the clerk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Small.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. 67. Will you go up now?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Any baggage?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I had it stolen on the boat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The clerk looked a little suspicious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We must require pay in advance, then,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly,&rdquo; answered Carl, pulling out a roll of bills. &ldquo;I suppose you
+      make special terms to commercial travelers?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a drummer?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. I represent Henry Jennings, of Milford, New York.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All right, sir. Our usual rates are two dollars a day. To you they will
+      be a dollar and a quarter.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well; I will pay you for two days. Is breakfast ready?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is on the table, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I will go in at once. I will go to my room afterwards.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      In spite of his loss, Carl had a hearty appetite, and did justice to the
+      comfortable breakfast provided. He bought a morning paper, and ran his eye
+      over the advertising columns. He had never before read an Albany paper,
+      and wished to get an idea of the city in its business aspect. It occurred
+      to him that there might be an advertisement of the lost bank book. But no
+      such notice met his eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He went up to his room, which was small and plainly furnished, but looked
+      comfortable. Going down again to the office, he looked into the Albany
+      directory to see if he could find the name of Rachel Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a Rebecca Norris, who was put down as a dressmaker, but that was
+      as near as he came to Rachel Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Then he set himself to looking over the other members of the Norris
+      family. Finally he picked out Norris &amp; Wade, furnishing goods, and
+      decided to call at the store and inquire if they knew any lady named
+      Rachel Norris. The prospect of gaining information in this way did not
+      seem very promising, but no other course presented itself, and Carl
+      determined to follow up the clew, slight as it was.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Though unacquainted with Albany streets, he had little difficulty in
+      finding the store of Norris &amp; Wade. It was an establishment of good
+      size, well supplied with attractive goods. A clerk came forward to wait
+      upon Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What can I show you?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may show me Mr. Norris, if you please,&rdquo; responded Carl, with a smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is in the office,&rdquo; said the clerk, with an answering smile.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl entered the office and saw Mr. Norris, a man of middle age, partially
+      bald, with a genial, business-like manner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, young man?&rdquo; he said, looking at Carl inquiringly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You must excuse me for troubling you, sir,&rdquo; said Carl, who was afraid Mr.
+      Norris would laugh at him, &ldquo;but I thought you might direct me to Rachel
+      Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Norris looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you want of Rachel Norris?&rdquo; he asked, abruptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have a little business with her,&rdquo; answered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of what nature?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Excuse me, but I don&rsquo;t care to mention it at present.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Humph! you are very cautious for a young man, or rather boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Isn&rsquo;t that a good trait, sir?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good, but unusual. Are you a schoolboy?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, sir; I am a drummer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Norris put on a pair of glasses and scrutinized Carl more closely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to see&mdash;just out of curiosity&mdash;the man that you
+      travel for,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will ask him to call whenever he visits Albany. There is his card.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Norris took it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, bless my soul!&rdquo; he exclaimed. &ldquo;It is Henry Jennings, an old
+      schoolmate of mine.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And a good business man, even if he has sent out such a young drummer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should say so. There must be something in you, or he wouldn&rsquo;t have
+      trusted you. How is Jennings?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is well, sir&mdash;well and prosperous.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is good news. Are you in his employ?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir. This is the first time I have traveled for him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How far are you going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;As far as Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t see what you can have to do with Rachel Norris. However, I don&rsquo;t
+      mind telling you that she is my aunt, and&mdash;well, upon my soul! Here
+      she is now.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      And he ran hastily to greet a tall, thin lady, wearing a black shawl, who
+      at that moment entered the office.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      AN ECCENTRIC WOMAN.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Miss Norris dropped into a chair as if she were fatigued.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, Aunt Rachel, how are you feeling this morning?&rdquo; asked her nephew.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Out of sorts,&rdquo; was the laconic reply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am very sorry for that. I suppose there is reason for it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I&rsquo;ve been robbed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; said Mr. Norris. &ldquo;Lost your purse? I wonder more ladies are not
+      robbed, carrying their money as carelessly as they do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That isn&rsquo;t it. I am always careful, as careful as any man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Still you got robbed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but of a bank book.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Here Carl became attentive. It was clear that he would not have to look
+      any farther for the owner of the book he had found in his stateroom.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What kind of a bank book?&rdquo; inquired Mr. Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had nearly a thousand dollars deposited in the Sixpenny Savings Bank. I
+      called at the bank to make some inquiries about interest, and when I came
+      out I presume some rascal followed me and stole the book&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have you any idea who took it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I got into the horse cars, near the bank; next to me sat a young man in a
+      light overcoat. There was no one on the other side of me. I think he must
+      have taken it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That was Stuyvesant,&rdquo; said Carl to himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When did this happen, Aunt Rachel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Three days since.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why didn&rsquo;t you do something about it before?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I did. I advertised a reward of twenty-five dollars to anyone who would
+      restore it to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There was no occasion for that. By giving notice at the bank, they would
+      give you a new book after a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I preferred to recover the old one. Besides, I thought I would like to
+      know what became of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I can tell you, Miss Norris,&rdquo; said Carl, who thought it time to speak.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Hitherto Miss Norris had not seemed aware of Carl&rsquo;s presence. She turned
+      abruptly and surveyed him through her glasses.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who are you?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      This might seem rude, but it was only Miss Rachel&rsquo;s way.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My name is Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do I know you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, Miss Norris, but I hope you will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Humph! that depends. You say you know what became of my bank book?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, Miss Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It was taken by the young man who sat next to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you know?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He robbed me last night on the way from New York in a Hudson River
+      steamboat.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That doesn&rsquo;t prove that he robbed me. I was robbed here in this city.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you say to this?&rdquo; asked Carl, displaying the bank book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Bless me! That is my book. Where did you get it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl told his story briefly, how, on discovering that he had been robbed,
+      he explored the stateroom and found the bank book.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, well, I am astonished! And how did you know Mr. Norris was my
+      nephew?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know. I didn&rsquo;t know anything about him or you, but finding his
+      name in the directory, I came here to ask if he knew any such person.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You are a smart boy, and a good, honest one,&rdquo; said Miss Norris. &ldquo;You have
+      earned the reward, and shall have it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t want any reward, Miss Norris,&rdquo; rejoined Carl. &ldquo;I have had very
+      little trouble in finding you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is of no consequence. I offered the reward, and Rachel Norris is a
+      woman of her word.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She thrust her hand into her pocket, and drew out a wallet, more suitable
+      to a man&rsquo;s use. Openings this, she took out three bills, two tens and a
+      five, and extended them toward Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I ought to take this money, Miss Norris,&rdquo; said Carl,
+      reluctantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did that rascal rob you, too?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Of how much?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Ten dollars in money and some underclothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well! This money will go toward making up your loss. You are not
+      rich, I take it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not yet.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am, and can afford to give you this money. There, take it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, Miss Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I want to ask one favor of you. If you ever come across that young man in
+      the light overcoat, have him arrested, and let me know.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will, Miss Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you live in Albany?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl explained that he was traveling on business, and should leave the
+      next day if he could get through.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How far are you going?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you attend to some business for me there?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, if it won&rsquo;t take too long a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good! Come round to my house to supper at six o&rsquo;clock, and I will tell
+      you about it. Henry, write my address on a piece of paper, and give it to
+      this young man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Henry Norris smiled, and did as his aunt requested.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have considerable confidence in this young man?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You may be mistaken.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Rachel Norris is not often mistaken.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will accept your invitation with pleasure, Miss Norris,&rdquo; said Carl,
+      bowing politely. &ldquo;Now, as I have some business to attend to, I will bid
+      you both good-morning.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As Carl went out, Miss Norris said: &ldquo;Henry, that is a remarkable boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think favorably of him myself. He is in the employ of an old schoolmate
+      of mine, Henry Jennings, of Milford. By the way, what business are you
+      going to put into his hands?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A young man who has a shoe store on State Street has asked me for a loan
+      of two thousand dollars to extend his business. His name is John French,
+      and his mother was an old schoolmate of mine, though some years younger.
+      Now I know nothing of him. If he is a sober, steady, industrious young
+      man, I may comply with his request. This boy will investigate and report
+      to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And you will be guided by his report?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Probably.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Aunt Rachel, you are certainly very eccentric.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may be, but I am not often deceived.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, I hope you won&rsquo;t be this time. The boy seems to me a very good boy,
+      but you can&rsquo;t put an old head on young shoulders.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Some boys have more sense than men twice their age.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean me, I hope, Aunt Rachel,&rdquo; said Mr. Norris, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed, I don&rsquo;t. I shall not flatter you by speaking of you as only twice
+      this boy&rsquo;s age.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see, Aunt Rachel, there is no getting the better of you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Meanwhile Carl was making business calls. He obtained a map of the city,
+      and located the different firms on which he proposed to call. He had been
+      furnished with a list by Mr. Jennings. He was everywhere pleasantly
+      received&mdash;in some places with an expression of surprise at his youth&mdash;but
+      when he began to talk he proved to be so well informed upon the subject of
+      his call that any prejudice excited by his age quickly vanished. He had
+      the satisfaction of securing several unexpectedly large orders for the
+      chair, and transmitting them to Mr. Jennings by the afternoon mail.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He got through his business at four o&rsquo;clock, and rested for an hour or
+      more at his hotel. Then he arranged his toilet, and set out for the
+      residence of Miss Rachel Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was rather a prim-looking, three-story house, such as might be supposed
+      to belong to a maiden lady. He was ushered into a sitting-room on the
+      second floor, where Miss Norris soon joined him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see you, my young friend,&rdquo; she said, cordially. &ldquo;You are in
+      time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I always try to be, Miss Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is a good way to begin.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Here a bell rang.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Supper is ready,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;Follow me downstairs.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl followed the old lady to the rear room on the lower floor. A small
+      table was set in the center of the apartment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take a seat opposite me,&rdquo; said Miss Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There were two other chairs, one on each side&mdash;Carl wondered for whom
+      they were set. No sooner were he and Miss Norris seated than two large
+      cats approached the table, and jumped up, one into each chair. Carl looked
+      to see them ordered away, but instead, Miss Norris nodded pleasantly,
+      saying: &ldquo;That&rsquo;s right, Jane and Molly, you are punctual at meals.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The two cats eyed their mistress gravely, and began to purr contentedly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL TAKES SUPPER WITH MISS NORRIS.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This is my family,&rdquo; said Miss Norris, pointing to the cats.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I like cats,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you?&rdquo; returned Miss Norris, looking pleased. &ldquo;Most boys tease them. Do
+      you see poor Molly&rsquo;s ear? That wound came from a stone thrown by a bad
+      boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Many boys are cruel,&rdquo; said Carl, &ldquo;but I remember that my mother was very
+      fond of cats, and I have always protected them from abuse.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      As he spoke he stroked Molly, who purred an acknowledgment of his
+      attention. This completed the conquest of Miss Norris, who inwardly
+      decided that Carl was the finest boy she had ever met. After she had
+      served Carl from the dishes on the table, she poured out two saucers of
+      milk and set one before each cat, who, rising upon her hind legs, placed
+      her forepaws on the table, and gravely partook of the refreshments
+      provided. Jane and Molly were afterwards regaled with cold meat, and then,
+      stretching themselves out on their chairs, closed their eyes in placid
+      content.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      During the meal Miss Norris questioned Carl closely as to his home
+      experiences. Having no reason for concealment Carl frankly related his
+      troubles with his stepmother, eliciting expressions of sympathy and
+      approval from his hostess.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your stepmother must be an ugly creature?&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I am prejudiced against her,&rdquo; said Carl, &ldquo;but that is my
+      opinion.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your father must be very weak to be influenced against his own son by
+      such a woman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl winced a little at this outspoken criticism, for he was attached to
+      his father in spite of his unjust treatment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My father is an invalid,&rdquo; he said, apologetically, &ldquo;and I think he
+      yielded for the sake of peace.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All the same, he ought not to do it,&rdquo; said Miss Norris. &ldquo;Do you ever
+      expect to live at home again?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Not while my stepmother is there,&rdquo; answered Carl. &ldquo;But I don&rsquo;t know that
+      I should care to do so under any circumstances, as I am now receiving a
+      business training. I should like to make a little visit home,&rdquo; he added,
+      thoughtfully, &ldquo;and perhaps I may do so after I return from Chicago. I
+      shall have no favors to ask, and shall feel independent.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you ever need a home,&rdquo; said Miss Norris, abruptly, &ldquo;come here. You
+      will be welcome.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you very much,&rdquo; said Carl, gratefully. &ldquo;It is all the more kind in
+      you since you have known me so short a time.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have known you long enough to judge of you,&rdquo; said the maiden lady. &ldquo;And
+      now if you won&rsquo;t have anything more we will go into the next room and talk
+      business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl followed her into the adjoining room, and Miss Norris at once plunged
+      into the subject. She handed him a business card bearing this inscription:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      JOHN FRENCH, BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBER GOODS, 42a State Street, CHICAGO.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;This young man wants me to lend him two thousand dollars to extend his
+      business,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;He is the son of an old school friend, and I am
+      willing to oblige him if he is a sober, steady and economical business
+      man. I want you to find out whether this is the case and report to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t that be difficult?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you afraid to undertake anything that is difficult?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Carl, with a smile. &ldquo;I was only afraid I might not do the
+      work satisfactorily.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall give you no instructions,&rdquo; said Miss Norris. &ldquo;I shall trust to
+      your good judgment. I will give you a letter to Mr. French, which you can
+      use or not, as you think wise. Of course, I shall see that you are paid
+      for your trouble.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you,&rdquo; said Carl. &ldquo;I hope my services may be worth compensation.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know how you are situated as to money, but I can give you some in
+      advance,&rdquo; and the old lady opened her pocketbook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, thank you, Miss Norris; I shall not need it. I might have been short
+      if you had not kindly paid me a reward for a slight service.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Slight, indeed! If you had lost a bank book like mine you would be glad
+      to get it back at such a price. If you will catch the rascal who stole it
+      I will gladly pay you as much more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I might for my own sake, but I am afraid it would be too late to
+      recover my money and clothing.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At an early hour Carl left the house, promising to write to Miss Norris
+      from Chicago.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A STARTLING DISCOVERY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well,&rdquo; thought Carl, as he left the house where he had been so hospitably
+      entertained, &ldquo;I shall not lack for business. Miss Norris seems to have a
+      great deal of confidence in me, considering that I am a stranger. I will
+      take care that she does not repent it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you give a poor man enough money to buy a cheap meal?&rdquo; asked a
+      plaintive voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl scanned the applicant for charity closely. He was a man of medium
+      size, with a pair of small eyes, and a turnup nose. His dress was
+      extremely shabby, and he had the appearance of one who was on bad terms
+      with fortune. There was nothing striking about his appearance, yet Carl
+      regarded him with surprise and wonder. Despite the difference in age, he
+      bore a remarkable resemblance to his stepbrother, Peter Cook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I haven&rsquo;t eaten anything for twenty-four hours,&rdquo; continued the tramp, as
+      he may properly be called. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a hard world to such as me, boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should judge so from your looks,&rdquo; answered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed you are right. I was born to ill luck.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl had some doubts about this. Those who represent themselves as born to
+      ill luck can usually trace the ill luck to errors or shortcomings of their
+      own. There are doubtless inequalities of fortune, but not as great as many
+      like to represent. Of two boys who start alike one may succeed, and the
+      other fail, but in nine cases out of ten the success or failure may be
+      traced to a difference in the qualities of the boys.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here is a quarter if that will do you any good,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The man clutched at it with avidity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you. This will buy me a cup of coffee and a plate of meat, and will
+      put new life into me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He was about to hurry away, but Carl felt like questioning him further.
+      The extraordinary resemblance between this man and his stepbrother led him
+      to think it possible that there might be a relationship between them. Of
+      his stepmother&rsquo;s family he knew little or nothing. His father had married
+      her on short acquaintance, and she was very reticent about her former
+      life. His father was indolent, and had not troubled himself to make
+      inquiries. He took her on her own representation as the widow of a
+      merchant who had failed in business.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the impulse of the moment&mdash;an impulse which he could not explain&mdash;Carl
+      asked abruptly&mdash;&ldquo;Is your name Cook?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A look of surprise, almost of stupefaction, appeared on the man&rsquo;s face.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who told you my name?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then your name is Cook?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is your object in asking?&rdquo; said the man, suspiciously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean you no harm,&rdquo; returned Carl, &ldquo;but I have reasons for asking.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you ever see me before?&rdquo; asked the man.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then what makes you think my name is Cook? It is not written on my face,
+      is it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then how&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl interrupted him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know a boy named Peter Cook,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;who resembles you very
+      strongly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know Peter Cook&mdash;little Peter?&rdquo; exclaimed the tramp.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes. Is he a relation of yours?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should think so!&rdquo; responded Cook, emphatically. &ldquo;He is my own son&mdash;that
+      is, if he is a boy of about your age.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where is he? Is his mother alive?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your wife!&rdquo; exclaimed Carl, overwhelmed at the thought.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was my wife!&rdquo; said Cook, &ldquo;but while I was in California, some years
+      since, she took possession of my small property, procured a divorce
+      through an unprincipled lawyer, and I returned to find myself without
+      wife, child or money. Wasn&rsquo;t that a mean trick?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think it was.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you tell me where she is?&rdquo; asked Cook, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I can.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where can I find my wife?&rdquo; asked Cook, with much eagerness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl hesitated. He did not like his stepmother; he felt that she had
+      treated him meanly, but he was not prepared to reveal her present
+      residence till he knew what course Cook intended to pursue.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She is married again,&rdquo; he said, watching Cook to see what effect this
+      announcement might have upon him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no objection, I am sure,&rdquo; responded Cook, indifferently. &ldquo;Did she
+      marry well?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She married a man in good circumstances.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She would take good care of that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you don&rsquo;t intend to reclaim her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How can I? She obtained a divorce, though by false representations. I am
+      glad to be rid of her, but I want her to restore the two thousand dollars
+      of which she robbed me. I left my property in her hands, but when she
+      ceased to be my wife she had no right to take possession of it. I ought
+      not to be surprised, however. It wasn&rsquo;t the first theft she had
+      committed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can this be true?&rdquo; asked Carl, excited.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I married her without knowing much of her antecedents. Two years
+      after marriage I ascertained that she had served a year&rsquo;s term of
+      imprisonment for a theft of jewelry from a lady with whom she was living
+      as housekeeper.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure of this?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly. She was recognized by a friend of mine, who had been an
+      official at the prison. When taxed with it by me she admitted it, but
+      claimed that she was innocent. I succeeded in finding a narrative of the
+      trial in an old file of papers, and came to the conclusion that she was
+      justly convicted.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What did you do?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I proposed separation, but she begged me to keep the thing secret, and
+      let ourselves remain the same as before. I agreed out of consideration for
+      her, but had occasion to regret it. My business becoming slack, I decided
+      to go to California in the hope of acquiring a competence. I was not
+      fortunate there, and was barely able, after a year, to get home. I found
+      that my wife had procured a divorce, and appropriated the little money I
+      had left. Where she had gone, or where she had conveyed our son, I could
+      not learn. You say you know where she is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I do.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Will you tell me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Cook,&rdquo; said Carl, after a pause for reflection, &ldquo;I will tell you, but
+      not just at present. I am on my way to Chicago on business. On my return I
+      will stop here, and take you with me to the present home of your former
+      wife. You will understand my interest in the matter when I tell you that
+      she is now married to a relative of my own.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I pity him whoever he is,&rdquo; said Cook.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I think he is to be pitied,&rdquo; said Carl, gravely; &ldquo;but the revelation
+      you will be able to make will enable him to insist upon a separation.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The best thing he can do! How long before you return to Albany?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;A week or ten days.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know how I am to live in the meantime,&rdquo; said Cook, anxiously. &ldquo;I
+      am penniless, but for the money you have just given me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At what price can you obtain board?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know of a decent house where I can obtain board and a small room for
+      five dollars a week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Here are twelve dollars. This will pay for two weeks&rsquo; board, and give you
+      a small sum besides. What is the address?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Cook mentioned a number on a street by the river.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl took it down in a notebook with which he had provided himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;When I return to Albany,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;I will call there at once.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t forget me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I shall be even more anxious to meet you than you will be to meet me.
+      The one to whom your former wife is married is very near and dear to me,
+      and I cannot bear to think that he has been so wronged and imposed upon!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, sir! I shall wait for you with confidence. If I can get back
+      from my former wife the money she robbed me of, I can get on my feet
+      again, and take a respectable position in society. It is very hard for a
+      man dressed as I am to obtain any employment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Looking at his shabby and ragged suit, Carl could readily believe this
+      statement. If he had wished to employ anyone he would hardly have been
+      tempted to engage a man so discreditable in appearance. &ldquo;Be of good
+      courage, Mr. Cook,&rdquo; he said, kindly. &ldquo;If your story is correct, and I
+      believe it is, there are better days in store for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you for those words,&rdquo; said Cook, earnestly. &ldquo;They give me new
+      hope.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      FROM ALBANY TO NIAGARA.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      Carl took the afternoon train on the following day for Buffalo. His
+      thoughts were busy with the startling discovery he had made in regard to
+      his stepmother. Though he had never liked her, he had been far from
+      imagining that she was under the ban of the law. It made him angry to
+      think that his father had been drawn into a marriage with such a woman&mdash;that
+      the place of his idolized mother had been taken by one who had served a
+      term at Sing Sing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Did Peter know of his mother&rsquo;s past disgrace? he asked himself. Probably
+      not, for it had come before his birth. He only wondered that the secret
+      had never got out before. There must be many persons who had known her as
+      a prisoner, and could identify her now. She had certainly been fortunate
+      with the fear of discovery always haunting her. Carl could not understand
+      how she could carry her head so high, and attempt to tyrannize over his
+      father and himself.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      What the result would be when Dr. Crawford learned the antecedents of the
+      woman whom he called wife Carl did not for a moment doubt. His father was
+      a man of very strict ideas on the subject of honor, and good repute, and
+      the discovery would lead him to turn from Mrs. Crawford in abhorrence.
+      Moreover, he was strongly opposed to divorce, and Carl had heard him argue
+      that a divorced person should not be permitted to remarry. Yet in
+      ignorance he had married a divorced woman, who had been convicted of
+      theft, and served a term of imprisonment. The discovery would be a great
+      shock to him, and it would lead to a separation and restore the cordial
+      relations between himself and his son.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Not long after his settlement in Milford; Carl had written as follows to
+      his father:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear Father:&mdash;Though I felt obliged to leave home for reasons which
+      we both understand, I am sure that you will feel interested to know how I
+      am getting along. I did not realize till I had started out how difficult
+      it is for a boy, brought up like myself, to support himself when thrown
+      upon his own exertions. A newsboy can generally earn enough money to
+      maintain himself in the style to which he is accustomed, but I have had a
+      comfortable and even luxurious home, and could hardly bring myself to live
+      in a tenement house, or a very cheap boarding place. Yet I would rather do
+      either than stay in a home made unpleasant by the persistent hostility of
+      one member.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will not take up your time by relating the incidents of the first two
+      days after I left home. I came near getting into serious trouble through
+      no fault of my own, but happily escaped. When I was nearly penniless I
+      fell in with a prosperous manufacturer of furniture who has taken me into
+      his employment. He gives me a home in his own house, and pays me two
+      dollars a week besides. This is enough to support me economically, and I
+      shall after a while receive better pay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not in the office, but in the factory, and am learning the business
+      practically, starting in at the bottom. I think I have a taste for it, and
+      the superintendent tells me I am making remarkable progress. The time was
+      when I would have hesitated to become a working boy, but I have quite got
+      over such foolishness. Mr. Jennings, my employer, who is considered a rich
+      man, began as I did, and I hope some day to occupy a position similar to
+      his.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I trust you are quite well and happy, dear father. My only regret is,
+      that I cannot see you occasionally. While my stepmother and Peter form
+      part of your family, I feel that I can never live at home. They both
+      dislike me, and I am afraid I return the feeling. If you are sick or need
+      me, do not fail to send for me, for I can never forget that you are my
+      father, as I am your affectionate son,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This letter was handed to Dr. Crawford at the breakfast table. He colored
+      and looked agitated when he opened the envelope, and Mrs. Crawford, who
+      had a large share of curiosity, did not fail to notice this.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;From whom is your letter, my dear?&rdquo; she asked, in the soft tone which was
+      habitual with her when she addressed her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The handwriting is Carl&rsquo;s,&rdquo; answered Dr. Crawford, already devouring the
+      letter eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh!&rdquo; she answered, in a chilly tone. &ldquo;I have been expecting you would
+      hear from him. How much money does he send for?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have not finished the letter.&rdquo; Dr. Crawford continued reading. When he
+      had finished he laid it down beside his plate.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well?&rdquo; said his wife, interrogatively. &ldquo;What does he have to say? Does he
+      ask leave to come home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he is quite content where he is.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And where is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At Milford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is not far away?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; not more than sixty miles.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does he ask for money?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he is employed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In a furniture factory.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, a factory boy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he is learning the business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He doesn&rsquo;t seem to be very ambitious,&rdquo; sneered Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On the contrary, he is looking forward to being in business for himself
+      some day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On your money&mdash;I understand.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, Mrs. Crawford, you do the boy injustice. He hints nothing of the
+      kind. He evidently means to raise himself gradually as his employer did
+      before him. By the way, he has a home in his employer&rsquo;s family. I think
+      Mr. Jennings must have taken a fancy to Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope he will find him more agreeable than I did,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford,
+      sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you quite sure that you always treated Carl considerately, my dear?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t flatter or fondle him, if that is what you mean. I treated him
+      as well as he could expect.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you treat him as well as Peter, for example?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. There is a great difference between the two boys. Peter is always
+      respectful and obliging, and doesn&rsquo;t set up his will against mine. He
+      never gives me a moment&rsquo;s uneasiness.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you will continue to find him a comfort, my dear,&rdquo; said Dr.
+      Crawford, meekly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He looked across the table at the fat, expressionless face of his stepson,
+      and he blamed himself because he could not entertain a warmer regard for
+      Peter. Somehow he had a slight feeling of antipathy, which he tried to
+      overcome.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No doubt he is a good boy, since his mother says so,&rdquo; reflected the
+      doctor, &ldquo;but I don&rsquo;t appreciate him. I will take care, however, that
+      neither he nor his mother sees this.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When Peter heard his mother&rsquo;s encomium upon him, he laughed in his sleeve.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&rsquo;ll remind ma of that when she scolds me,&rdquo; he said to himself. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m glad
+      Carl isn&rsquo;t coming back. He was always interferin&rsquo; with me. Now, if ma and
+      I play our cards right we&rsquo;ll get all his father&rsquo;s money. Ma thinks he
+      won&rsquo;t live long, I heard her say so the other day. Won&rsquo;t it be jolly for
+      ma and me to come into a fortune, and live just as we please! I hope ma
+      will go to New York. It&rsquo;s stupid here, but I s&rsquo;pose we&rsquo;ll have to stay for
+      the present.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is Carl&rsquo;s letter private?&rdquo; asked Mrs. Crawford, after a pause.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I think he would rather I didn&rsquo;t show it,&rdquo; returned her husband,
+      remembering the allusion made by Carl to his stepmother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, well, I am not curious,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, tossing her head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      None the less, however, she resolved to see and read the letter, if she
+      could get hold of it without her husband&rsquo;s knowledge. He was so careless
+      that she did not doubt soon to find it laid down somewhere. In this she
+      proved correct. Before the day was over, she found Carl&rsquo;s letter in her
+      husband&rsquo;s desk. She opened and read it eagerly with a running fire of
+      comment.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;&lsquo;Reasons which we both understand,&rsquo;&rdquo; she repeated, scornfully. &ldquo;That is a
+      covert attack upon me. Of course, I ought to expect that. So he had a hard
+      time. Well, it served him right for conducting himself as he did. Ah, here
+      is another hit at me&mdash;&lsquo;Yet I would rather do either than live in a
+      home made unpleasant by the persistent hostility of one member.&rsquo; He is
+      trying to set his father against me. Well, he won&rsquo;t succeed. I can twist
+      Dr. Paul Crawford round my finger, luckily, and neither his son nor anyone
+      else can diminish my influence over him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She read on for some time till she reached this passage: &ldquo;While my
+      stepmother and Peter form a part of your family I can never live at home.
+      They both dislike me, and I am afraid I return the feeling.&rdquo; &ldquo;Thanks for
+      the information,&rdquo; she muttered. &ldquo;I knew it before. This letter doesn&rsquo;t
+      make me feel any more friendly to you, Carl Crawford. I see that you are
+      trying to ingratiate yourself with your father, and prejudice him against
+      me and my poor Peter, but I think I can defeat your kind intentions.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She folded up the letter, and replaced it in her husband&rsquo;s desk.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wonder if my husband will answer Carl&rsquo;s artful epistle,&rdquo; she said to
+      herself. &ldquo;He can if he pleases. He is weak as water, and I will see that
+      he goes no farther than words.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford did answer Carl&rsquo;s letter. This is his reply:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear Carl:&mdash;I am glad to hear that you are comfortably situated. I
+      regret that you were so headstrong and unreasonable. It seems to me that
+      you might, with a little effort, have got on with your stepmother. You
+      could hardly expect her to treat you in the same way as her own son. He
+      seems to be a good boy, but I own that I have never been able to become
+      attached to him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl read this part of the letter with satisfaction. He knew how mean and
+      contemptible Peter was, and it would have gone to his heart to think that
+      his father had transferred his affection to the boy he had so much reason
+      to dislike.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad you are pleased with your prospects. I think I could have done
+      better for you had your relations with your stepmother been such as to
+      make it pleasant for you to remain at home. You are right in thinking that
+      I am interested in your welfare. I hope, my dear Carl, you will become a
+      happy and prosperous man. I do not forget that you are my son, and I am
+      still your affectionate father,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Paul Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was glad to receive this letter. It showed him that his stepmother
+      had not yet succeeded in alienating from him his father&rsquo;s affection.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      But we must return to the point where we left Carl on his journey to
+      Buffalo. He enjoyed his trip over the Central road during the hours of
+      daylight. He determined on his return to make an all-day trip so that he
+      might enjoy the scenery through which he now rode in the darkness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      At Buffalo he had no other business except that of Mr. Jennings, and
+      immediately after breakfast he began to make a tour of the furniture
+      establishments. He met with excellent success, and had the satisfaction of
+      sending home some large orders. In the evening he took train for Niagara,
+      wishing to see the falls in the early morning, and resume his journey in
+      the afternoon.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      He registered at the International Hotel on the American side. It was too
+      late to do more than take an evening walk, and see the falls gleaming like
+      silver through the darkness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will go to bed early,&rdquo; thought Carl, &ldquo;and get up at six o&rsquo;clock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He did go to bed early, but he was more fatigued than he supposed, and
+      slept longer than he anticipated. It was eight o&rsquo;clock before he came
+      downstairs. Before going in to breakfast, he took a turn on the piazzas.
+      Here he fell in with a sociable gentleman, much addicted to gossip.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Good-morning!&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Have you seen the falls yet?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I caught a glimpse of them last evening I am going to visit them after
+      breakfast.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There are a good many people staying here just now&mdash;some quite noted
+      persons, too.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, what do you say to an English lord?&rdquo; and Carl&rsquo;s new friend nodded
+      with am important air, as if it reflected great credit on the hotel to
+      have so important a guest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Does he look different from anyone else?&rdquo; asked Carl, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, to tell the truth, he isn&rsquo;t much to look at,&rdquo; said the other. &ldquo;The
+      gentleman who is with him looks more stylish. I thought he was the lord at
+      first, but I afterwards learned that he was an American named Stuyvesant.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl started at the familiar name.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he tall and slender, with side whiskers, and does he wear eyeglasses?&rdquo;
+       he asked, eagerly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; you know him then?&rdquo; said the other, in surprise.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered Carl, with a smile, &ldquo;I am slightly acquainted with him. I
+      am very anxious to meet him again.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXIV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      CARL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF AN ENGLISH LORD.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There they are now,&rdquo; said the stranger, suddenly pointing out two persons
+      walking slowly along the piazza. &ldquo;The small man, in the rough suit, and
+      mutton-chop whiskers, is Lord Bedford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl eyed the British nobleman with some curiosity. Evidently Lord Bedford
+      was no dude. His suit was of rough cloth and ill-fitting. He was barely
+      five feet six inches in height, with features decidedly plain, but with an
+      absence of pretension that was creditable to him, considering that he was
+      really what he purported to be. Stuyvesant walked by his side, nearly a
+      head taller, and of more distinguished bearing, though of plebeian
+      extraction. His manner was exceedingly deferential, and he was praising
+      England and everything English in a fulsome manner.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, my lord,&rdquo; Carl overheard him say, &ldquo;I have often thought that society
+      in England is far superior to our American society.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thanks, you are very kind,&rdquo; drawled the nobleman, &ldquo;but really I find
+      things very decent in America, upon my word. I had been reading Dickens&rsquo;s
+      &lsquo;Notes&rsquo; before I came over and I expected to find you very uncivilized,
+      and&mdash;almost aboriginal; but I assure you I have met some very
+      gentlemanly persons in America, some almost up to our English standard.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, my lord, such a tribute from a man in your position is most
+      gratifying. May I state this on your authority?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I don&rsquo;t mind, but I would rather not get into the papers, don&rsquo;t you
+      know. You are not a&mdash;reporter, I hope.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope not,&rdquo; said Mr. Stuyvesant, in a lofty tone. &ldquo;I am a scion of one
+      of the oldest families in New York. Of course I know that social position
+      is a very different thing here from what it is in England. It must be a
+      gratifying thing to reflect that you are a lord.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I suppose so. I never thought much about it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like so much to be a lord. I care little for money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then, by Jove, you are a remarkable man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;In comparison with rank, I mean. I would rather be a lord with a thousand
+      pounds a year than a rich merchant with ten times as much.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You&rsquo;ll find it very inconvenient being a lord on a thousand; you might as
+      well be a beggar.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose, of course, high rank requires a large rent roll. In fact, a
+      New York gentleman requires more than a trifle to support him. I can&rsquo;t
+      dress on less than two hundred pounds a year.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your American tailors are high-priced, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Those that I employ; we have cheap tailors, of course, but I generally go
+      to Bell.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Stuyvesant was posing as a gentleman of fashion. Carl, who followed at
+      a little distance behind the pair, was much amused by his remarks, knowing
+      what he did about him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think a little of going to England in a few months,&rdquo; continued
+      Stuyvesant.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed! You must look me up,&rdquo; said Bedford, carelessly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should, indeed, be delighted,&rdquo; said Stuyvesant, effusively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is, if I am in England. I may be on the Continent, but you can
+      inquire for me at my club&mdash;the Piccadilly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall esteem it a great honor, my lord. I have a penchant for good
+      society. The lower orders are not attractive to me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;They are sometimes more interesting,&rdquo; said the Englishman; &ldquo;but do you
+      know, I am surprised to hear an American speak in this way. I thought you
+      were all on a level here in a republic.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, my lord!&rdquo; expostulated Stuyvesant, deprecatingly. &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t think I
+      would associate with shopkeepers and common tradesmen?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. A cousin of mine is interested in a wine business in
+      London. He is a younger son with a small fortune, and draws a very tidy
+      income from his city business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But his name doesn&rsquo;t appear on the sign, I infer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I think not. Then you are not in business, Mr. Stuyvesant?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I inherited an income from my father. It isn&rsquo;t as large as I could
+      wish, and I have abstained from marrying because I could not maintain the
+      mode of living to which I have been accustomed.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You should marry a rich girl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True! I may do so, since your lordship recommends it. In fact, I have in
+      view a young lady whose father was once lord mayor (I beg pardon, mayor)
+      of New York. Her father is worth a million.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Pounds?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well, no, dollars. I should have said two hundred thousand pounds.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If the girl is willing, it may be a good plan.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, my lord. Your advice is very kind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The young man seems on very good terms with Lord Bedford,&rdquo; said Carl&rsquo;s
+      companion, whose name was Atwood, with a shade of envy in his voice.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish he would introduce me,&rdquo; went on Mr. Atwood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should prefer the introduction of a different man,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why? He seems to move in good society.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Without belonging to it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then you know him?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Better than I wish I did.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Atwood looked curious.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will explain later,&rdquo; said Carl; &ldquo;now I must go in to breakfast.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will go with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Though Stuyvesant had glanced at Carl, he did not appear to recognize him,
+      partly, no doubt, because he had no expectation of meeting the boy he had
+      robbed, at Niagara. Besides, his time and attention were so much taken up
+      by his aristocratic acquaintance that he had little notice for anyone
+      else. Carl observed with mingled amusement and vexation that Mr.
+      Stuyvesant wore a new necktie, which he had bought for himself in New
+      York, and which had been in the stolen gripsack.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If I can find Lord Bedford alone I will put him on his guard,&rdquo; thought
+      Carl. &ldquo;I shall spoil Mr. Stuyvesant&rsquo;s plans.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      After breakfast Carl prepared to go down to the falls.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the way he overtook Lord Bedford walking in the same direction, and, as
+      it happened, without a companion. Carl quickened his pace, and as he
+      caught up with him, he raised his hat, and said: &ldquo;Lord Bedford, I
+      believe.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; answered the Englishman, inquiringly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I must apologize for addressing a stranger, but I want to put you on your
+      guard against a young man whom I saw walking with you on the piazza.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he&mdash;what do you know of him?&rdquo; asked Lord Bedford, laying aside
+      his air of indifference.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I know that he is an adventurer and a thief. I made his acquaintance on a
+      Hudson River steamer, and he walked off with my valise and a small sum of
+      money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is this true?&rdquo; asked the Englishman, in amazement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Quite true. He is wearing one of my neckties at this moment.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The confounded cad!&rdquo; ejaculated the Englishman, angrily. &ldquo;I suppose he
+      intended to rob me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no doubt of it. That is why I ventured to put you on your guard.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am a thousand times obliged to you. Why, the fellow told me he belonged
+      to one of the best families in New York.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If he does, he doesn&rsquo;t do much credit to the family.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Quite true! Why, he was praising everything English. He evidently wanted
+      to gain my confidence.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;May I ask where you met him?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;On the train. He offered me a light. Before I knew it, he was chatting
+      familiarly with me. But his game is spoiled. I will let him know that I
+      see through him and his designs.&rdquo; &ldquo;Then my object is accomplished,&rdquo; said
+      Carl. &ldquo;Please excuse my want of ceremony.&rdquo; He turned to leave, but Bedford
+      called him back.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you are going to the falls, remain with me,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We shall enjoy
+      it better in company.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;With pleasure. Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford. I am traveling
+      on business and don&rsquo;t belong to one of the first families.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see you will suit me,&rdquo; said the Englishman, smiling.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless. &ldquo;My lord,&rdquo; he said,
+      &ldquo;I lost sight of you. If you will allow me I will join you.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sir!&rdquo; said the Englishman, in a freezing voice, &ldquo;I have not the honor of
+      knowing you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Stuyvesant was overwhelmed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I hope I have not offended you, my lord,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sir, I have learned your character from this young man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      This called the attention of Stuyvesant to Carl. He flushed as he
+      recognized him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Stuyvesant,&rdquo; said Carl, &ldquo;I must trouble you to return the valise you
+      took from my stateroom, and the pocketbook which you borrowed. My name is
+      Carl Crawford, and my room is 71.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Stuyvesant turned away abruptly. He left the valise at the desk, but Carl
+      never recovered his money.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXV.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      WHAT CARL LEARNED IN CHICAGO.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      As Carl walked back from the falls he met Mr. Atwood, who was surprised to
+      find his young acquaintance on such intimate terms with Lord Bedford. He
+      was about to pass with a bow, when Carl, who was good-natured, said:
+      &ldquo;Won&rsquo;t you join us, Mr. Atwood? If Lord Bedford will permit, I should like
+      to introduce you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Glad to know any friend of yours, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; said the Englishman,
+      affably.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I feel honored by the introduction,&rdquo; said Atwood, bowing profoundly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you are not a friend of Mr.&mdash;ah, Mr. Stuyvesant,&rdquo; said the
+      nobleman, &ldquo;the person I was talking with this morning. Mr. Crawford tells
+      me he is a&mdash;what do you call it?&mdash;a confidence man.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have no acquaintance with him, my lord. I saw him just now leaving the
+      hotel.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid he has gone away with my valise and money,&rdquo; said Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;If you should be inconvenienced, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; said the nobleman, &ldquo;my
+      purse is at your disposal.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you very much, Lord Bedford,&rdquo; said Carl, gratefully. &ldquo;I am glad to
+      say I am still fairly well provided with money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I was about to make you the same offer, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; said Atwood.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you! I appreciate your kindness, even if I&rsquo;m not obliged to avail
+      myself of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Returning to the hotel, Lord Bedford ordered a carriage, and invited
+      Atwood and Carl to accompany him on a drive. Mr. Atwood was in an ecstasy,
+      and anticipated with proud satisfaction telling his family of his intimate
+      friend, Lord Bedford, of England. The peer, though rather an
+      ordinary-looking man, seemed to him a model of aristocratic beauty. It was
+      a weakness on the part of Mr. Atwood, but an amiable one, and is shared by
+      many who live under republican institutions.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After dinner Carl felt obliged to resume his journey. He had found his
+      visit to Niagara very agreeable, but his was a business and not a pleasure
+      trip, and loyalty to his employer required him to cut it short. Lord
+      Bedford shook his hand heartily at parting.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope we shall meet again, Mr. Crawford,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I expect, myself, to
+      reach Chicago on Saturday, and shall be glad to have you call on me at the
+      Palmer House.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, my lord; I will certainly inquire for you there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is a very good fellow, even if he is a lord,&rdquo; thought Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Our young hero was a thorough American, and was disposed to think with
+      Robert Burns, that
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+    &ldquo;The rank is but the guinea, stamp;
+    The man&rsquo;s the gold for a&rsquo; that!&rdquo;
+ </pre>
+    <p>
+      No incident worth recording befell Carl on his trip to Chicago. As a
+      salesman he met with excellent success, and surprised Mr. Jennings by the
+      size of his orders. He was led, on reaching Chicago, to register at the
+      Sherman House, on Clark Street, one of the most reliable among the many
+      houses for travelers offered by the great Western metropolis.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      On the second day he made it a point to find out the store of John French,
+      hoping to acquire the information desired by Miss Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      It was a store of good size, and apparently well stocked. Feeling the need
+      of new footgear, Carl entered and asked to be shown some shoes. He was
+      waited upon by a young clerk named Gray, with whom he struck up a pleasant
+      acquaintance.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you live in Chicago?&rdquo; asked Gray? sociably.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I am from New York State. I am here on business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Staying at a hotel?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, at the Sherman. If you are at leisure this evening I shall be glad
+      to have you call on me. I am a stranger here, and likely to find the time
+      hang heavy on my hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall be free at six o&rsquo;clock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then come to supper with me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you, I shall be glad to do so,&rdquo; answered Gray, with alacrity.
+      Living as he did at a cheap boarding house, the prospect of a supper at a
+      first-class hotel was very attractive. He was a pleasant-faced young man
+      of twenty, who had drifted to Chicago from his country home in Indiana,
+      and found it hard to make both ends meet on a salary of nine dollars a
+      week. His habits were good, his manner was attractive and won him
+      popularity with customer&rsquo;s, and with patience he was likely to succeed in
+      the end.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I wish I could live like this every day,&rdquo; he said, as he rose from a
+      luxurious supper. &ldquo;At present my finances won&rsquo;t allow me to board at the
+      Sherman.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Nor would mine,&rdquo; said Carl; &ldquo;but I am allowed to spend money more freely
+      when I am traveling.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you acquainted in New York?&rdquo; asked Gray.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have little or no acquaintance in the city,&rdquo; answered Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should be glad to get a position there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you not satisfied with your present place?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am afraid I shall not long keep it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why not? Do you think you are in any danger of being discharged?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is not that. I am afraid Mr. French will be obliged to give up
+      business.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why?&rdquo; asked Carl, with keen interest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have reason to think he is embarrassed. I know that he has a good many
+      bills out, some of which have been running a long time. If any pressure is
+      brought to bear upon him, he may have to suspend.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl felt that he was obtaining important information. If Mr. French were
+      in such a condition Miss Norris would be pretty sure to lose her money if
+      she advanced it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;To what do you attribute Mr. French&rsquo;s embarrassment?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He lives expensively in a handsome house near Lincoln Park, and draws
+      heavily upon the business for his living expenses. I think that explains
+      it. I only wonder that he has been able to hold out so long.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps if he were assisted he would be able to keep his head above
+      water.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He would need a good deal of assistance. You see that my place isn&rsquo;t very
+      secure, and I shall soon need to be looking up another.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t think I shall need to inquire any farther,&rdquo; thought Carl. &ldquo;It
+      seems to me Miss Norris had better keep her money.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Before he retired he indited the following letter to his Albany employer:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Miss Rachel Norris.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Dear Madam:&mdash;I have attended to your commission, and have to report
+      that Mr. French appears to be involved in business embarrassments, and in
+      great danger to bankruptcy. The loan he asks of you would no doubt be of
+      service, but probably would not long delay the crash. If you wish to
+      assist him, it would be better to allow him to fail, and then advance him
+      the money to put him on his feet. I am told that his troubles come from
+      living beyond his means.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yours respectfully,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      By return mail Carl received the following note:
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My Dear Young Friend:&mdash;Your report confirms the confidence I reposed
+      in you. It is just the information I desired. I shall take your advice and
+      refuse the loan. What other action I may take hereafter I cannot tell.
+      When you return, should you stop in Albany, please call on me. If unable
+      to do this, write me from Milford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your friend,
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Rachel Norris.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl was detained for several days in Chicago. He chanced to meet his
+      English friend, Lord Bedford, upon his arrival, and the nobleman, on
+      learning where he was staying, also registered at the Sherman House. In
+      his company Carl took a drive over the magnificent boulevard which is the
+      pride of Chicago, and rose several degrees in the opinion of those guests
+      who noticed his intimacy with the English guest.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl had just completed his Chicago business when, on entering the hotel,
+      he was surprised to see a neighbor of his father&rsquo;s&mdash;Cyrus Robinson&mdash;a
+      prominent business man of Edgewood Center. Carl was delighted, for he had
+      not been home, or seen any home friends for over a year.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am glad to see you, Mr. Robinson,&rdquo; he said, offering his hand.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What! Carl Crawford!&rdquo; exclaimed Robinson, in amazement. &ldquo;How came you in
+      Chicago? Your father did not tell me you were here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He does not know it. I am only here on a business visit. Tell me, Mr.
+      Robinson, how is my father?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think, Carl, that he is not at all well. I am quite sure he misses you,
+      and I don&rsquo;t believe your stepmother&rsquo;s influence over him is beneficial.
+      Just before I came away I heard a rumor that troubled me. It is believed
+      in Edgewood that she is trying to induce your father to make a will
+      leaving all, or nearly all his property to her and her son.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care so much for that, Mr. Robinson, as for my father&rsquo;s health.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl,&rdquo; said Robinson, significantly, &ldquo;if such a will is made I don&rsquo;t
+      believe your father will live long after it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You don&rsquo;t mean that?&rdquo; said Carl, horror-struck.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think Mrs. Crawford, by artful means will worry your father to death.
+      He is of a nervous temperament, and an unscrupulous woman can shorten his
+      life without laying herself open to the law.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl&rsquo;s face grew stern.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will save my father,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;and defeat my stepmother&rsquo;s wicked
+      schemes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I pray Heaven you can. There is no time to be lost.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I shall lose no time, you may be sure. I shall be at Edgewood within a
+      week.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXVI.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      MAKING A WILL.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      In Edgewood Center events moved slowly. In Carl Crawford&rsquo;s home dullness
+      reigned supreme. He had been the life of the house, and his absence,
+      though welcome to his stepmother, was seriously felt by his father, who
+      day by day became thinner and weaker, while his step grew listless and his
+      face seldom brightened with a smile. He was anxious to have Carl at home
+      again, and the desire became so strong that he finally broached the
+      subject.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear,&rdquo; he said one day at the breakfast table, &ldquo;I have been thinking
+      of Carl considerably of late.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, coldly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think I should like to have him at home once more.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford smiled ominously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is better off where he is,&rdquo; she said, softly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;But he is my only son, and I never see him,&rdquo; pleaded her husband.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You know very well, Dr. Crawford,&rdquo; rejoined his wife, &ldquo;that your son only
+      made trouble in the house while he was here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet it seems hard that he should be driven from his father&rsquo;s home, and
+      forced to take refuge among strangers.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what you mean by his being driven from home,&rdquo; said Mrs.
+      Crawford, tossing her head. &ldquo;He made himself disagreeable, and, not being
+      able to have his own way, he took French leave.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The house seems very lonely without him,&rdquo; went on Dr. Crawford, who was
+      too wise to get into an argument with his wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It certainly is more quiet. As for company, Peter is still here, and
+      would at any time stay with you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Peter did not relish this suggestion, and did not indorse it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should not care to confine him to the house,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, as his
+      glance rested on the plain and by no means agreeable face of his stepson.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose I need not speak of myself. You know that you can always call
+      upon me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      If Dr. Crawford had been warmly attached to his second wife, this proposal
+      would have cheered him, but the time had gone by when he found any
+      pleasure in her society. There was a feeling of almost repulsion which he
+      tried to conceal, and he was obliged to acknowledge to himself that the
+      presence of his wife gave him rather uneasiness than comfort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl is very well off where he is,&rdquo; resumed Mrs. Crawford. &ldquo;He is filling
+      a business position, humble, perhaps, but still one that gives him his
+      living and keeps him out of mischief. Let well enough alone, doctor, and
+      don&rsquo;t interrupt his plans.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I may be foolish,&rdquo; said the doctor, hesitating, &ldquo;but I have not
+      been feeling as well as usual lately, and if anything should happen to me
+      while Carl was absent I should die very unhappy.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford regarded her husband with uneasiness.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you mean that you think you are in any danger?&rdquo; she asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know. I am not an old man, but, on the other hand, I am an
+      invalid. My father died when he was only a year older than I am at
+      present.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford drew out her handkerchief, and proceeded to wipe her
+      tearless eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You distress me beyond measure by your words, my dear husband. How can I
+      think of your death without emotion? What should I do without you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear, you must expect to survive me. You are younger than I, and much
+      stronger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Besides,&rdquo; and Mrs. Crawford made an artful pause, &ldquo;I hardly like to
+      mention it, but Peter and I are poor, and by your death might be left to
+      the cold mercies of the world.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Surely I would not fail to provide for you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford shook her head.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sure of your kind intentions, my husband,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;but they will
+      not avail unless you provide for me in your will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, it&rsquo;s only right that I should do so. As soon as I feel equal to the
+      effort I will draw up a will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I hope you will, for I should not care to be dependent on Carl, who does
+      not like me. I hope you will not think me mercenary, but to Peter and
+      myself this is of vital importance.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I don&rsquo;t misjudge you. I ought to have thought of it before.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care so much about myself,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, in a tone of
+      self-sacrifice, &ldquo;but I should not like to have Peter thrown upon the world
+      without means.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;All that you say is wise and reasonable,&rdquo; answered her husband, wearily.
+      &ldquo;I will attend to the matter to-morrow.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      The next day Mrs. Crawford came into her husband&rsquo;s presence with a sheet
+      of legal cap.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;My dear husband,&rdquo; she said, in a soft, insinuating tone, &ldquo;I wished to
+      spare you trouble, and I have accordingly drawn up a will to submit to
+      you, and receive your signature, if you approve it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did you learn to write a will?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I used in my days of poverty to copy documents for a lawyer,&rdquo; she
+      replied. &ldquo;In this way I became something of a lawyer myself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see. Will you read what you have prepared?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford read the document in her hand. It provided in the proper
+      legal phraseology for an equal division of the testator&rsquo;s estate between
+      the widow and Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I didn&rsquo;t know, of course, what provision you intended to make for me,&rdquo;
+       she said, meekly. &ldquo;Perhaps you do not care to leave me half the estate.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, that seems only fair. You do not mention Peter. I ought to do
+      something for him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your kindness touches me, my dear husband, but I shall be able to provide
+      for him out of my liberal bequest. I do not wish to rob your son, Carl. I
+      admit that I do not like him, but that shall not hinder me from being
+      just.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford was pleased with this unexpected concession from his wife. He
+      felt that he should be more at ease if Carl&rsquo;s future was assured.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Very well, my dear,&rdquo; he said, cheerfully. &ldquo;I approve of the will as you
+      have drawn it up, and I will affix my signature at once.&rdquo; &ldquo;Then, shall I
+      send for two of the neighbors to witness it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It will be well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Two near neighbors were sent for and witnessed Dr. Crawford&rsquo;s signature to
+      the will.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      There was a strangely triumphant look in Mrs. Crawford&rsquo;s eyes as she took
+      the document after it had been duly executed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You will let me keep this, doctor?&rdquo; she asked. &ldquo;It will be important for
+      your son as well as myself, that it should be in safe hands.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; I shall be glad to have you do so. I rejoice that it is off my
+      mind.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You won&rsquo;t think me mercenary, my dear husband, or indifferent to your
+      life?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; why should I?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Then I am satisfied.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford took the will, and carrying it upstairs, opened her trunk,
+      removed the false bottom, and deposited under it the last will and
+      testament of Dr. Paul Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;At last!&rdquo; she said to herself. &ldquo;I am secure, and have compassed what I
+      have labored for so long.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford had not noticed that the will to which he affixed his
+      signature was not the same that had been read to him. Mrs. Crawford had
+      artfully substituted another paper of quite different tenor. By the will
+      actually executed, the entire estate was left to Mrs. Crawford, who was
+      left guardian of her son and Carl, and authorized to make such provision
+      for each as she might deem suitable. This, of course, made Carl entirely
+      dependent on a woman who hated him.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, Dr. Paul Crawford,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford to herself, with a cold
+      smile, &ldquo;you may die as soon as you please. Peter and I are provided for.
+      Your father died when a year older than you are now, you tell me. It is
+      hardly likely that you will live to a greater age than he.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She called the next day on the family physician, and with apparent
+      solicitude asked his opinion of Dr. Crawford&rsquo;s health.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He is all I have,&rdquo; she said, pathetically, &ldquo;all except my dear Peter.
+      Tell me what you think of his chances of continued life.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your husband,&rdquo; replied the physician, &ldquo;has one weak organ. It is his
+      heart. He may live for fifteen or twenty years, but a sudden excitement
+      might carry him off in a moment. The best thing you can do for him is to
+      keep him tranquil and free from any sudden shock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford listened attentively.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will do my best,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;since so much depends on it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      When she returned home it was with a settled purpose in her heart.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXVII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      PETER LETS OUT A SECRET.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Can you direct me to the house of Dr. Crawford?&rdquo; asked a stranger.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The inquiry was addressed to Peter Cook in front of the hotel in Edgewood
+      Center.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir; he is my stepfather!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed! I did not know that my old friend was married again. You say you
+      are his stepson?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, sir.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He has an own son, about your age, I should judge.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That&rsquo;s Carl! he is a little older than me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he at home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No,&rdquo; answered Peter, pursing up his lips.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is he absent at boarding school?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he&rsquo;s left home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Indeed!&rdquo; ejaculated the stranger, in surprise. &ldquo;How is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He was awfully hard to get along with, and didn&rsquo;t treat mother with any
+      respect. He wanted to have his own way, and, of course, ma couldn&rsquo;t stand
+      that.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I see,&rdquo; returned the stranger, and he eyed Peter curiously. &ldquo;What did his
+      father say to his leaving home?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, he always does as ma wishes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Was Carl willing to leave home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he said he would rather go than obey ma.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose he receives an allowance from his father?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; he wanted one, but ma put her foot down and said he shouldn&rsquo;t have
+      one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your mother seems to be a woman of considerable firmness.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You bet, she&rsquo;s firm. She don&rsquo;t allow no boy to boss her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Really, this boy is a curiosity,&rdquo; said Reuben Ashcroft to himself. &ldquo;He
+      doesn&rsquo;t excel in the amiable and attractive qualities. He has a sort of
+      brutal frankness which can&rsquo;t keep a secret.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How did you and Carl get along together?&rdquo; he asked, aloud.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We didn&rsquo;t get along at all. He wanted to boss me, and ma and I wouldn&rsquo;t
+      have it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;So the upshot was that he had to leave the house and you remained?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, that&rsquo;s the way of it,&rdquo; said Peter, laughing.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And Carl was actually sent out to earn his own living without help of any
+      kind from his father?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is he doing?&rdquo; asked Ashcroft, in some excitement. &ldquo;Good heavens! he
+      may have suffered from hunger.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you a friend of his?&rdquo; asked Peter, sharply.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am a friend of anyone who requires a friend.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl is getting along well enough. He is at work in some factory in
+      Milford, and gets a living.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Hasn&rsquo;t he been back since he first left home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How long ago is that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, &lsquo;bout a year,&rdquo; answered Peter, carelessly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How is Dr. Crawford? Is he in good health?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He ain&rsquo;t very well. Ma told me the other day she didn&rsquo;t think he would
+      live long. She got him to make a will the other day.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why, this seems to be a conspiracy!&rdquo; thought Ashcroft. &ldquo;I&rsquo;d give
+      something to see that will.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I suppose he will provide for you and your mother handsomely?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; ma said she was to have control of the property. I guess Carl will
+      have to stand round if he expects any favors.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is evident this boy can&rsquo;t keep a secret,&rdquo; thought Ashcroft. &ldquo;All the
+      better for me. I hope I am in time to defeat this woman&rsquo;s schemes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There&rsquo;s the house,&rdquo; said Peter, pointing it out.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you think Dr. Crawford is at home?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, yes, he doesn&rsquo;t go out much. Ma is away this afternoon. She&rsquo;s at the
+      sewing circle, I think.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank you for serving as my guide,&rdquo; said Ashcroft. &ldquo;There&rsquo;s a little
+      acknowledgment which I hope will be of service to you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      He offered a half dollar to Peter, who accepted it joyfully and was
+      profuse in his thanks.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, if you will be kind enough to tell the doctor that an old friend
+      wishes to see him, I shall be still further obliged.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Just follow me, then,&rdquo; said Peter, and he led the way into the
+      sitting-room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0038" id="link2HCH0038">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      Dr. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      After the first greetings, Reuben Ashcroft noticed with pain the fragile
+      look of his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you well?&rdquo; he asked
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not very strong,&rdquo; said Dr. Crawford, smiling faintly, &ldquo;but Mrs.
+      Crawford takes good care of me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And Carl, too&mdash;he is no doubt a comfort to you?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford flushed painfully.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl has been away from home for a year, he said, with an effort.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That is strange your own son, too! Is there anything unpleasant? You may
+      confide in me, as I am the cousin of Carl&rsquo;s mother.&rsquo;
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;The fact is, Carl and Mrs. Crawford didn&rsquo;t hit it off very well.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And you took sides against your own son, said Ashcroft, indignantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I begin to think I was wrong, Reuben. You don&rsquo;t know how I have missed
+      the boy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yet you sent him out into the world without a penny.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you know that?&rdquo; asked Dr. Crawford quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had a little conversation with your stepson as I came to the house. He
+      spoke very frankly and unreservedly about family affairs; He says you do
+      whatever his mother tells you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford looked annoyed and blushed with shame.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he say that?&rdquo; he asked.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; he said his mother would not allow you to help Carl.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He&mdash;misunderstood.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Paul, I fear he understands the case only too well. I don&rsquo;t want to pain
+      you, but your wife is counting on your speedy death.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I told her I didn&rsquo;t think I should live long.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And she got you to make a will?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes; did Peter tell you that?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;He said his mother was to have control of the property, and Carl would
+      get nothing if he didn&rsquo;t act so as to please her.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;There is some mistake here. By my will&mdash;made yesterday&mdash;Carl is
+      to have an equal share, and nothing is said about his being dependent on
+      anyone.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Who drew up the will?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did you read it?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft looked puzzled.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I should like to read the will myself,&rdquo; he said, after a pause. &ldquo;Where is
+      it now?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford has charge of it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Reuben Ashcroft remained silent, but his mind was busy.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That woman is a genius of craft,&rdquo; he said to himself. &ldquo;My poor friend is
+      but a child in her hands. I did not know Paul would be so pitiably weak.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How do you happen to be here in Edgewood, Reuben?&rdquo; asked the doctor.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I had a little errand in the next town, and could not resist the
+      temptation of visiting you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You can stay a day or two, can you not?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will, though I had not expected to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford is away this afternoon. She will be back presently, and
+      then I will introduce you.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      At five o&rsquo;clock Mrs. Crawford returned, and her husband introduced her to
+      his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft fixed his eyes upon her searchingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Her face looks strangely familiar,&rdquo; he said to himself. &ldquo;Where can I have
+      seen her?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford, like all persons who have a secret to conceal, was
+      distrustful of strangers. She took an instant dislike to Reuben Ashcroft,
+      and her greeting was exceedingly cold.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I have invited Mr. Ashcroft to make me a visit of two or three days, my
+      dear,&rdquo; said her husband. &ldquo;He is a cousin to Carl&rsquo;s mother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford made no response, but kept her eyes fixed upon the carpet.
+      She could not have shown more plainly that the invitation was not approved
+      by her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Madam does not want me here,&rdquo; thought Ashcroft, as he fixed his gaze once
+      more upon his friend&rsquo;s wife. Again the face looked familiar, but he could
+      not place it.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Have I not seen you before, Mrs. Crawford?&rdquo; he asked, abruptly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t remember you,&rdquo; she answered, slowly. &ldquo;Probably I resemble some
+      one you have met.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Perhaps so,&rdquo; answered Ashcroft, but he could not get rid of the
+      conviction that somewhere and some time in the past he had met Mrs.
+      Crawford, and under circumstances that had fixed her countenance in his
+      memory.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      After supper Dr. Crawford said: &ldquo;My dear, I have told our guest that I
+      had, as a prudential measure, made my will. I wish you would get it, and
+      let me read it to him.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford looked startled and annoyed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Couldn&rsquo;t you tell him the provisions of it?&rdquo; she said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, but I should like to show him the document.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She turned and went upstairs. She was absent at least ten minutes. When
+      she returned she was empty-handed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am sorry to say,&rdquo; she remarked, with a forced laugh, &ldquo;that I have laid
+      away the will so carefully that I can&rsquo;t find it.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft fixed a searching look upon her, that evidently annoyed her.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I may be able to find it to-morrow,&rdquo; she resumed.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think you told me, Paul,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, turning to Dr. Crawford, &ldquo;that
+      by the will your estate is divided equally between Carl and Mrs.
+      Crawford.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And nothing is said of any guardianship on the part of Mrs. Crawford?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; I think it would be better, Ashcroft, that you should be Carl&rsquo;s
+      guardian. A man can study his interests and control him better.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will accept the trust,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, &ldquo;though I hope it may be many
+      years before the necessity arises.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford bit her lips, and darted an angry glance at the two friends.
+      She foresaw that her plans were threatened with failure.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      The two men chatted throughout the evening, and Dr. Crawford had never of
+      late seemed happier. It gave him new life and raised his spirits to chat
+      over old times with his early friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0039" id="link2HCH0039">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XXXIX.
+    </h2>
+    <h3>
+      A MAN OF ENERGY.
+    </h3>
+    <p>
+      The next morning Ashcroft said to his host: &ldquo;Paul, let us take a walk to
+      the village.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford put on his hat, and went out with his friend.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Now, Paul,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, when they were some rods distant from the
+      house, &ldquo;is there a lawyer in Edgewood?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, and a good one.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did he indite your will?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No; Mrs. Crawford wrote it out. She was at one time copyist for a
+      lawyer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Take my advice and have another drawn up to-day without mentioning the
+      matter to her. She admits having mislaid the one made yesterday.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It may be a good idea.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly, it is a prudent precaution. Then you will be sure that all is
+      safe. I have, myself, executed a duplicate will. One I keep, the other I
+      have deposited with my lawyer.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft was a man of energy. He saw that Dr. Crawford, who was of a weak,
+      vacillating temper, executed the will. He and another witnessed it, and
+      the document was left with the lawyer.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You think I had better not mention the matter to Mrs. Crawford?&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By no means&mdash;she might think it was a reflection upon her for
+      carelessly mislaying the first.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;True,&rdquo; and the doctor, who was fond of peace, consented to his friend&rsquo;s
+      plan.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;By the way,&rdquo; asked Ashcroft, &ldquo;who was your wife what was her name, I mean&mdash;before
+      her second marriage?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;She was a Mrs. Cook.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, I see,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, and his face lighted up with surprise and
+      intelligence.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you see?&rdquo; inquired Dr. Crawford. &ldquo;I thought your wife&rsquo;s face was
+      familiar. I met her once when she was Mrs. Cook.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You knew her, then?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No, I never exchanged a word with her till I met her under this roof.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;How can I tell him that I first saw her when a visitor to the
+      penitentiary among the female prisoners?&rdquo; Ashcroft asked himself. &ldquo;My poor
+      friend would sink with mortification.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They were sitting in friendly chat after their return from their walk,
+      when Mrs. Crawford burst into the room in evident excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Husband,&rdquo; she cried, &ldquo;Peter has brought home a terrible report. He has
+      heard from a person who has just come from Milford that Carl has been run
+      over on the railroad and instantly killed!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Dr. Crawford turned pale, his features worked convulsively, and he put his
+      hand to his heart, as he sank back in his chair, his face as pale as the
+      dead.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Woman!&rdquo; said Ashcroft, sternly, &ldquo;I believe you have killed your husband!&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Oh, don&rsquo;t say that! How could I be so imprudent?&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford,
+      clasping her hands, and counterfeiting distress.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Ashcroft set himself at once to save his friend from the result of the
+      shock.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leave the room!&rdquo; he said, sternly, to Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why should I? I am his wife.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;And have sought to be his murderer. You know that he has heart disease.
+      Mrs.&mdash;Cook, I know more about you than you suppose.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford&rsquo;s color receded.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t understand you,&rdquo; she said. She had scarcely reached the door,
+      when there was a sound of footsteps outside and Carl dashed into the room,
+      nearly upsetting his stepmother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You here?&rdquo; she said, frigidly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is the matter with my father?&rdquo; asked Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you Carl?&rdquo; said Ashcroft, quickly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your father has had a shock. I think I can soon bring him to.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A few minutes later Dr. Crawford opened his eyes.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you feeling better, Paul?&rdquo; asked Ashcroft, anxiously.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Didn&rsquo;t I hear something about Carl&mdash;something terrible?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Carl is alive and well,&rdquo; said he, soothingly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Are you sure of that?&rdquo; asked Dr. Crawford, in excitement.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, I have the best evidence of it. Here is Carl himself.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl came forward and was clasped in his father&rsquo;s arms.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Thank Heaven, you are alive,&rdquo; he said.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Why should I not be?&rdquo; asked Carl, bewildered, turning to Ashcroft.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Your stepmother had the&mdash;let me say imprudence, to tell your father
+      that you had been killed on the railroad.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where could she have heard such a report?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I am not sure that she heard it at all,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, in a low voice.
+      &ldquo;She knew that your father had heart disease.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2HCH0040" id="link2HCH0040">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CHAPTER XL.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      <a name="link2H_CONC" id="link2H_CONC">
+      <!--  H2 anchor --> </a>
+    </p>
+    <div style="height: 4em;">
+      <br /><br /><br /><br />
+    </div>
+    <h2>
+      CONCLUSION.
+    </h2>
+    <p>
+      At this moment Mrs. Crawford re-entered the room.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What brings you here?&rdquo; she demanded, coolly, of Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I came here because this is my father&rsquo;s house, madam.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have behaved badly to me,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford. &ldquo;You have defied my
+      authority, and brought sorrow and distress to your good father. I thought
+      you would have the good sense to stay away.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you indorse this, father?&rdquo; asked Carl, turning to Dr. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No!&rdquo; answered his father, with unwonted energy. &ldquo;My house will always be
+      your home.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You seem to have changed your mind, Dr. Crawford,&rdquo; sneered his wife.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Where did you pick up the report of Carl&rsquo;s being killed on the railroad?&rdquo;
+       asked the doctor, sternly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Peter heard it in the village,&rdquo; said Mrs. Crawford, carelessly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Did it occur to you that the sudden news might injure your husband?&rdquo;
+       asked Ashcroft.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I spoke too impulsively. I realize too late my imprudence,&rdquo; said Mrs.
+      Crawford, coolly. &ldquo;Have you lost your place?&rdquo; she asked, addressing Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;No. I have just returned from Chicago.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      His stepmother looked surprised.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;We have had a quiet time since you left us,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;If you value your
+      father&rsquo;s health and peace of mind, you will not remain here.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Is my presence also unwelcome?&rdquo; asked Ashcroft.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;You have not treated me with respect,&rdquo; replied Mrs. Crawford. &ldquo;If you are
+      a gentleman, you will understand that under the circumstances it will be
+      wise for you to take your departure.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Leaving my old friend to your care?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Yes, that will be best.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Ashcroft, can I have a few minutes&rsquo; conversation with you?&rdquo; asked
+      Carl.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Certainly.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      They left the room together, followed by an uneasy and suspicious glance
+      from Mrs. Crawford.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl hurriedly communicated to his father&rsquo;s friend what he had learned
+      about his stepmother.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mr. Cook, Peter&rsquo;s father, is just outside,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Shall I call him
+      in?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I think we had better do so, but arrange that the interview shall take
+      place without your father&rsquo;s knowledge. He must not be excited. Call him
+      in, and then summon your stepmother.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford,&rdquo; said Carl, re-entering his father&rsquo;s room, &ldquo;Mr. Ashcroft
+      would like to have a few words with you. Can you come out?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      She followed Carl uneasily.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What is it you want with me, sir?&rdquo; she asked, frigidly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Let me introduce an old acquaintance of yours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Cook, whom Mrs. Crawford had not at first observed, came forward. She
+      drew back in dismay.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is some time since we met, Lucy,&rdquo; said Cook, quietly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Do you come here to make trouble?&rdquo; she muttered, hoarsely.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I come to ask for the property you took during my absence in California,&rdquo;
+       he said. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care to have you return to me&mdash;&mdash;&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I obtained a divorce.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Precisely; I don&rsquo;t care to annul it. I am thankful that you are no longer
+      my wife.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I&mdash;I will see what I can do for you. Don&rsquo;t go near my present
+      husband. He is in poor health, and cannot bear a shock.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Mrs. Crawford,&rdquo; said Ashcroft, gravely, &ldquo;if you have any idea of
+      remaining here, in this house, give it up. I shall see that your husband&rsquo;s
+      eyes are opened to your real character.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Sir, you heard this man say that he has no claim upon me.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;That may be, but I cannot permit my friend to harbor a woman whose record
+      is as bad as yours.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;What do you mean?&rdquo; she demanded, defiantly.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I mean that you have served a term in prison for larceny.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is false,&rdquo; she said, with trembling lips.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;It is true. I visited the prison during your term of confinement, and saw
+      you there.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I, too, can certify to it,&rdquo; said Cook. &ldquo;I learned it two years after my
+      marriage. You will understand why I am glad of the divorce.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      Mrs. Crawford was silent for a moment. She realized that the battle was
+      lost.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;Well,&rdquo; she said, after a pause, &ldquo;I am defeated. I thought my secret was
+      safe, but I was mistaken. What do you propose to do with me?&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I will tell you this evening,&rdquo; said Ashcroft. &ldquo;One thing I can say now&mdash;you
+      must not expect to remain in this house.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      &ldquo;I no longer care to do so.&rdquo;
+     </p>
+    <p>
+      A conference was held during the afternoon, Dr Crawford being told as much
+      as was essential. It was arranged that Mrs. Crawford should have an
+      allowance of four hundred dollars for herself and Peter if she would leave
+      the house quietly, and never again annoy her husband. Mr. Cook offered to
+      take Peter, but the latter preferred to remain with his mother. A private
+      arrangement was made by which Dr. Crawford made up to Mr. Cook one-half of
+      the sum stolen from him by his wife, and through the influence of
+      Ashcroft, employment was found for him. He is no longer a tramp, but a man
+      held in respect, and moderately prosperous.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Carl is still in the employ of Mr. Jennings, and his father has removed to
+      Milford, where he and his son can live together. Next September, on his
+      twenty-first birthday, Carl will be admitted to a junior partnership in
+      the business, his father furnishing the necessary capital. Carl&rsquo;s
+      stepmother is in Chicago, and her allowance is paid to her quarterly
+      through a Chicago bank. She has considerable trouble with Peter, who has
+      become less submissive as he grows older, and is unwilling to settle down
+      to steady work. His prospects do not look very bright.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      Mr. Jennings and Hannah are as much attached as ever to Carl, and it is
+      quite likely the manufacturer will make him his heir. Happy in the society
+      of his son, Dr. Crawford is likely to live to a good old age, in spite of
+      his weakness and tendency to heart disease, for happiness is a great aid
+      to longevity.
+    </p>
+    <p>
+      <br /> <br />
+    </p>
+<pre xml:space="preserve">
+
+
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+</pre>
+  </body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg Etext of Driven From Home by Horatio Alger
+#6 in our series by Horatio Alger
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+Driven From Home
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+by Horatio Alger
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+
+
+DRIVEN FROM HOME
+
+OR
+
+CARL CRAWFORD'S EXPERIENCE
+
+
+BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+
+Author of "Erie Train Boy," "Young Acrobat," "Only an Irish Boy,"
+"Bound to Rise," "The Young Outlaw," "Hector's Inheritance," etc.
+
+
+
+
+
+DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+
+DRIVEN FROM HOME.
+
+
+A boy of sixteen, with a small gripsack in
+his hand, trudged along the country road.  He
+was of good height for his age, strongly built,
+and had a frank, attractive face.  He was
+naturally of a cheerful temperament, but at present
+his face was grave, and not without a shade
+of anxiety.  This can hardly be a matter of
+surprise when we consider that he was thrown
+upon his own resources, and that his available
+capital consisted of thirty-seven cents in
+money, in addition to a good education and
+a rather unusual amount of physical strength.
+These last two items were certainly valuable,
+but they cannot always be exchanged for the
+necessaries and comforts of life.
+
+For some time his steps had been lagging,
+and from time to time he had to wipe the moisture
+from his brow with a fine linen handkerchief,
+which latter seemed hardly compatible
+with his almost destitute condition.
+
+I hasten to introduce my hero, for such he
+is to be, as Carl Crawford, son of Dr. Paul
+Crawford, of Edgewood Center.  Why he had
+set out to conquer fortune single-handed will
+soon appear.
+
+A few rods ahead Carl's attention was
+drawn to a wide-spreading oak tree, with a carpet
+of verdure under its sturdy boughs.
+
+"I will rest here for a little while," he said
+to himself, and suiting the action to the word,
+threw down his gripsack and flung himself on
+the turf.
+
+"This is refreshing," he murmured, as, lying
+upon his back, he looked up through the leafy
+rifts to the sky above.  "I don't know when
+I have ever been so tired.  It's no joke walking
+a dozen miles under a hot sun, with a heavy
+gripsack in your hand.  It's a good introduction
+to a life of labor, which I have reason to
+believe is before me.  I wonder how I am coming
+out--at the big or the little end of the horn?"
+
+He paused, and his face grew grave, for he
+understood well that for him life had become
+a serious matter.  In his absorption he did
+not observe the rapid approach of a boy some-
+what younger than himself, mounted on a bicycle.
+
+The boy stopped short in surprise, and
+leaped from his iron steed.
+
+"Why, Carl Crawford, is this you?  Where
+in the world are you going with that gripsack?"
+
+Carl looked up quickly.
+
+"Going to seek my fortune," he answered, soberly.
+
+"Well, I hope you'll find it.  Don't chaff,
+though, but tell the honest truth."
+
+"I have told you the truth, Gilbert."
+
+With a puzzled look, Gilbert, first leaning
+his bicycle against the tree, seated himself on
+the ground by Carl's side.
+
+"Has your father lost his property?" he
+asked, abruptly.
+
+"No."
+
+"Has he disinherited you?"
+
+"Not exactly."
+
+"Have you left home for good?"
+
+"I have left home--I hope for good."
+
+"Have you quarreled with the governor?"
+
+"I hardly know what to say to that.
+There is a difference between us."
+
+"He doesn't seem like a Roman father--one
+who rules his family with a rod of iron."
+
+"No; he is quite the reverse.  He hasn't
+backbone enough."
+
+"So it seemed to me when I saw him at the
+exhibition of the academy.  You ought to be
+able to get along with a father like that, Carl."
+
+"So I could but for one thing."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I have a stepmother!" said Carl, with a
+significant glance at his companion.
+
+"So have I, but she is the soul of kindness,
+and makes our home the dearest place in the world."
+
+"Are there such stepmothers?  I shouldn't
+have judged so from my own experience."
+
+"I think I love her as much as if she were
+my own mother."
+
+"You are lucky," said Carl, sighing.
+
+"Tell me about yours."
+
+"She was married to my father five years
+ago.  Up to the time of her marriage I thought
+her amiable and sweet-tempered.  But soon
+after the wedding she threw off the mask, and
+made it clear that she disliked me.  One reason
+is that she has a son of her own about
+my age, a mean, sneaking fellow, who is the
+apple of her eye.  She has been jealous of me,
+and tried to supplant me in the affection of
+my father, wishing Peter to be the favored son."
+
+"How has she succeeded?"
+
+"I don't think my father feels any love for
+Peter, but through my stepmother's influence
+he generally fares better than I do."
+
+"Why wasn't he sent to school with you?"
+
+"Because he is lazy and doesn't like study.
+Besides, his mother prefers to have him at
+home.  During my absence she worked upon
+my father, by telling all sorts of malicious
+stories about me, till he became estranged from
+me, and little by little Peter has usurped my
+place as the favorite."
+
+"Why didn't you deny the stories?" asked Gilbert.
+
+"I did, but no credit was given to my
+denials.  My stepmother was continually poisoning
+my father's mind against me."
+
+"Did you give her cause?  Did you behave
+disrespectfully to her?"
+
+"No," answered Carl, warmly.  "I was
+prepared to give her a warm welcome, and treat
+her as a friend, but my advances were so coldly
+received that my heart was chilled."
+
+"Poor Carl!  How long has this been so?"
+
+"From the beginning--ever since Mrs. Crawford
+came into the house."
+
+"What are your relations with your step-
+brother--what's his name?"
+
+"Peter Cook.  I despise the boy, for he is
+mean, and tyrannical where he dares to be."
+
+"I don't think it would be safe for him to
+bully you, Carl."
+
+"He tried it, and got a good thrashing.  You
+can imagine what followed.  He ran, crying
+to his mother, and his version of the story was
+believed.  I was confined to my room for a
+week, and forced to live on bread and water."
+
+"I shouldn't think your father was a man
+to inflict such a punishment."
+
+"It wasn't he--it was my stepmother.  She
+insisted upon it, and he yielded.  I heard afterwards
+from one of the servants that he wanted
+me released at the end of twenty-four hours,
+but she would not consent."
+
+"How long ago was this?"
+
+"It happened when I was twelve."
+
+"Was it ever repeated?"
+
+"Yes, a month later; but the punishment
+lasted only for two days."
+
+"And you submitted to it?"
+
+"I had to, but as soon as I was released I
+gave Peter such a flogging, with the promise
+to repeat it, if I was ever punished in that
+manner again, that the boy himself was panic-
+stricken, and objected to my being imprisoned again."
+
+"He must be a charming fellow!"
+
+"You would think so if you should see him.
+He has small, insignificant features, a turn-
+up nose, and an ugly scowl that appears whenever
+he is out of humor."
+
+"And yet your father likes him?"
+
+"I don't think he does, though Peter, by his
+mother's orders, pays all sorts of small attentions--
+bringing him his slippers, running on
+errands, and so on, not because he likes it, but
+because he wants to supplant me, as he has
+succeeded in doing."
+
+"You have finally broken away, then?"
+
+"Yes; I couldn't stand it any longer.  Home
+had become intolerable."
+
+"Pardon the question, but hasn't your father
+got considerable property?"
+
+"I have every reason to think so."
+
+"Won't your leaving home give your step-
+mother and Peter the inside track, and lead,
+perhaps, to your disinheritance?"
+
+"I suppose so," answered Carl, wearily; "but
+no matter what happens, I can't bear to stay
+at home any longer."
+
+"You're badly fixed--that's a fact!" said
+Gilbert, in a tone of sympathy.  "What are
+your plans?"
+
+"I don't know.  I haven't had time to think."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+A FRIEND WORTH HAVING.
+
+
+Gilbert wrinkled up his forehead and set
+about trying to form some plans for Carl.
+
+"It will be hard for you to support yourself,"
+he said, after a pause; "that is, without help."
+
+"There is no one to help me.  I expect no help."
+
+"I thought your father might be induced to
+give you an allowance, so that with what you
+can earn, you may get along comfortably."
+
+"I think father would be willing to do this,
+but my stepmother would prevent him."
+
+"Then she has a great deal of influence over him?"
+
+"Yes, she can twist him round her little finger."
+
+"I can't understand it."
+
+"You see, father is an invalid, and is very
+nervous.  If he were in perfect health he would
+have more force of character and firmness.  He
+is under the impression that he has heart disease,
+and it makes him timid and vacillating."
+
+"Still he ought to do something for you."
+
+"I suppose he ought.  Still, Gilbert, I think
+I can earn my living."
+
+"What can you do?"
+
+"Well, I have a fair education.  I could be
+an entry clerk, or a salesman in some store,
+or, if the worst came to the worst, I could work
+on a farm.  I believe farmers give boys who
+work for them their board and clothes."
+
+"I don't think the clothes would suit you."
+
+"I am pretty well supplied with clothing."
+
+Gilbert looked significantly at the gripsack.
+
+"Do you carry it all in there?" he asked, doubtfully.
+
+Carl laughed.
+
+"Well, no," he answered.  "I have a trunkful
+of clothes at home, though."
+
+"Why didn't you bring them with you?"
+
+"I would if I were an elephant.  Being only
+a boy, I would find it burdensome carrying a
+trunk with me.  The gripsack is all I can very
+well manage."
+
+"I tell you what," said Gilbert.  "Come
+round to our house and stay overnight.  We
+live only a mile from here, you know.  The
+folks will be glad to see you, and while you
+are there I will go to your house, see the
+governor, and arrange for an allowance for you
+that will make you comparatively independent."
+
+"Thank you, Gilbert; but I don't feel like
+asking favors from those who have ill-treated me."
+
+"Nor would I--of strangers; but Dr. Crawford
+is your father.  It isn't right that Peter,
+your stepbrother, should be supported in ease
+and luxury, while you, the real son, should
+be subjected to privation and want."
+
+"I don't know but you are right," admitted
+Carl, slowly.
+
+"Of course I am right.  Now, will you make
+me your minister plenipotentiary, armed with
+full powers?"
+
+"Yes, I believe I will."
+
+"That's right.  That shows you are a boy
+of sense.  Now, as you are subject to my
+directions, just get on that bicycle and I will
+carry your gripsack, and we will seek Vance
+Villa, as we call it when we want to be high-
+toned, by the most direct route."
+
+"No, no, Gilbert; I will carry my own
+gripsack.  I won't burden you with it," said Carl,
+rising from his recumbent position.
+
+"Look here, Carl, how far have you walked
+with it this morning?"
+
+"About twelve miles."
+
+"Then, of course, you're tired, and require
+rest.  Just jump on that bicycle, and I'll take
+the gripsack.  If you have carried it twelve
+miles, I can surely carry it one."
+
+"You are very kind, Gilbert."
+
+"Why shouldn't I be?"
+
+"But it is imposing up on your good nature."
+
+But Gilbert had turned his head in a backward
+direction, and nodded in a satisfied way
+as he saw a light, open buggy rapidly approaching.
+
+"There's my sister in that carriage," he said.
+"She comes in good time.  I will put you and
+your gripsack in with her, and I'll take to my
+bicycle again."
+
+"Your sister may not like such an arrangement."
+
+"Won't she though!  She's very fond of
+beaux, and she will receive you very graciously."
+
+"You make me feel bashful, Gilbert."
+
+"You won't be long.  Julia will chat away
+to you as if she'd known you for fifty years."
+
+"I was very young fifty years ago," said
+Carl, smiling.
+
+"Hi, there, Jule!" called Gilbert, waving his hand.
+
+Julia Vance stopped the horse, and looked
+inquiringly and rather admiringly at Carl,
+who was a boy of fine appearance.
+
+"Let me introduce you to my friend and
+schoolmate, Carl Crawford."
+
+Carl took off his hat politely.
+
+"I am very glad to make your acquaintance,
+Mr. Crawford," said Julia, demurely; "I have
+often heard Gilbert speak of you."
+
+"I hope he said nothing bad about me, Miss Vance."
+
+"You may be sure he didn't.  If he should now--
+I wouldn't believe him."
+
+"You've made a favorable impression, Carl,"
+said Gilbert, smiling.
+
+"I am naturally prejudiced against boys--
+having such a brother," said Julia; "but it is
+not fair to judge all boys by him."
+
+"That is outrageous injustice!" said Gilbert;
+"but then, sisters seldom appreciate their brothers."
+
+"Some other fellows' sisters may," said Carl.
+
+"They do, they do!"
+
+"Did you ever see such a vain, conceited boy,
+Mr. Crawford?"
+
+"Of course you know him better than I do."
+
+"Come, Carl; it's too bad for you, too, to
+join against me.  However, I will forget and
+forgive.  Jule, my friend, Carl, has accepted
+my invitation to make us a visit."
+
+"I am very glad, I am sure," said Julia,
+sincerely.
+
+"And I want you to take him in, bag and
+baggage, and convey him to our palace, while
+I speed thither on my wheel."
+
+"To be sure I will, and with great pleasure."
+
+"Can't you get out and assist him into the
+carriage, Jule?"
+
+"Thank you," said Carl; "but though I am
+somewhat old and quite infirm, I think I can
+get in without troubling your sister.  Are you
+sure, Miss Vance, you won't be incommoded
+by my gripsack?"
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"Then I will accept your kind offer."
+
+In a trice Carl was seated next to Julia, with
+his valise at his feet.
+
+"Won't you drive, Mr. Crawford?" said the
+young lady.
+
+"Don't let me take the reins from you."
+
+"I don't think it looks well for a lady to
+drive when a gentleman is sitting beside her."
+
+Carl was glad to take the reins, for he liked driving.
+
+"Now for a race!" said Gilbert, who was
+mounted on his bicycle.
+
+"All right!" replied Carl.  "Look out for us!"
+
+They started, and the two kept neck and
+neck till they entered the driveway leading
+up to a handsome country mansion.
+
+Carl followed them into the house, and was
+cordially received by Mr. and Mrs. Vance,
+who were very kind and hospitable, and were
+favorably impressed by the gentlemanly
+appearance of their son's friend.
+
+Half an hour later dinner was announced,
+and Carl, having removed the stains of travel
+in his schoolmate's room, descended to the dining-
+room, and, it must be confessed, did ample
+justice to the bounteous repast spread before him.
+
+In the afternoon Julia, Gilbert and he
+played tennis, and had a trial at archery.  The
+hours glided away very rapidly, and six o'clock
+came before they were aware.
+
+"Gilbert," said Carl, as they were preparing
+for tea, "you have a charming home."
+
+"You have a nice house, too, Carl."
+
+"True; but it isn't a home--to me.
+There is no love there."
+
+"That makes a great difference."
+
+"If I had a father and mother like yours
+I should be happy."
+
+"You must stay here till day after tomorrow,
+and I will devote to-morrow to a visit in
+your interest to your home.  I will beard the
+lion in his den--that is, your stepmother.
+Do you consent?"
+
+"Yes, I consent; but it won't do any good."
+
+"We will see."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+INTRODUCES PETER COOK.
+
+
+Gilbert took the morning train to the town
+of Edgewood Center, the residence of the Crawfords.
+He had been there before, and knew
+that Carl's home was nearly a mile distant
+from the station.  Though there was a hack
+in waiting, he preferred to walk, as it would
+give him a chance to think over what he proposed
+to say to Dr. Crawford in Carl's behalf.
+
+He was within a quarter of a mile of his
+destination when his attention was drawn to a
+boy of about his own age, who was amusing
+himself and a smaller companion by firing
+stones at a cat that had taken refuge in a tree.
+Just as Gilbert came up, a stone took effect,
+and the poor cat moaned in affright, but did
+not dare to come down from her perch, as this
+would put her in the power of her assailant.
+
+"That must be Carl's stepbrother, Peter,"
+Gilbert decided, as he noted the boy's mean
+face and turn-up nose.  "Stoning cats seems
+to be his idea of amusement.  I shall take the
+liberty of interfering."
+
+Peter Cook laughed heartily at his successful aim.
+
+"I hit her, Simon," he said.  "Doesn't she
+look seared?"
+
+"You must have hurt her."
+
+"I expect I did.  I'll take a bigger stone next time."
+
+He suited the action to the word, and picked
+up a rock which, should it hit the poor cat,
+would in all probability kill her, and prepared
+to fire.
+
+"Put down that rock!" said Gilbert, indignantly.
+
+Peter turned quickly, and eyed Gilbert insolently.
+
+"Who are you?" he demanded.
+
+"No matter who I am.  Put down that rock!"
+
+"What business is it of yours?"
+
+"I shall make it my business to protect that
+cat from your cruelty."
+
+Peter, who was a natural coward, took courage
+from having a companion to back him up,
+and retorted: "You'd better clear out of here,
+or I may fire at you."
+
+"Do it if you dare!" said Gilbert, quietly.
+
+Peter concluded that it would be wiser not
+to carry out his threat, but was resolved to
+keep to his original purpose.  He raised his
+arm again, and took aim; but Gilbert rushed
+in, and striking his arm forcibly, compelled
+him to drop it.
+
+"What do you mean by that, you loafer?"
+demanded Peter, his eyes blazing with anger.
+
+"To stop your fun, if that's what you call it."
+
+"I've a good mind to give you a thrashing."
+
+Gilbert put himself in a position of defense.
+
+"Sail in, if you want to!" he responded.
+
+"Help me, Simon!" said Peter.  "You grab
+his legs, and I'll upset him."
+
+Simon, who, though younger, was braver
+than Peter, without hesitation followed directions.
+He threw himself on the ground and
+grasped Gilbert by the legs, while Peter,
+doubling up his fists, made a rush at his enemy.
+But Gilbert, swiftly eluding Simon, struck out
+with his right arm, and Peter, unprepared for
+so forcible a defense, tumbled over on his back,
+and Simon ran to his assistance.
+
+Gilbert put himself on guard, expecting a
+second attack; but Peter apparently thought
+it wiser to fight with his tongue.
+
+"You rascal!" he shrieked, almost foaming
+at the mouth; "I'll have you arrested."
+
+"What for?" asked Gilbert, coolly.
+
+"For flying at me like a--a tiger, and trying
+to kill me."
+
+Gilbert laughed at this curious version of things.
+
+"I thought it was you who flew at me," he said.
+
+"What business had you to interfere with me?"
+
+"I'll do it again unless you give up firing
+stones at the cat."
+
+"I'll do it as long as I like."
+
+"She's gone!" said Simon.
+
+The boys looked up into the tree, and could
+see nothing of puss.  She had taken the
+opportunity, when her assailant was otherwise
+occupied, to make good her escape.
+
+"I'm glad of it!" said Gilbert.  "Good-
+morning, boys!  When we meet again, I hope you
+will be more creditably employed."
+
+"You don't get off so easy, you loafer," said
+Peter, who saw the village constable approaching.
+"Here, Mr. Rogers, I want you to arrest
+this boy."
+
+Constable Rogers, who was a stout, broad-
+shouldered man, nearly six feet in height,
+turned from one to the other, and asked:
+"What has he done?"
+
+"He knocked me over.  I want him arrested
+for assault and battery."
+
+"And what did you do?"
+
+"I?  I didn't do anything."
+
+"That is rather strange.  Young man, what
+is your name?"
+
+"Gilbert Vance."
+
+"You don't live in this town?"
+
+"No; I live in Warren."
+
+"What made you attack Peter?"
+
+"Because he flew at me, and I had to defend myself."
+
+"Is this so, Simon?  You saw all that happened."
+
+"Ye--es," admitted Simon, unwillingly.
+
+"That puts a different face on the matter.
+I don't see how I can arrest this boy.  He had
+a right to defend himself."
+
+"He came up and abused me--the loafer,"
+said Peter.
+
+"That was the reason you went at him?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you anything to say?" asked the
+constable, addressing Gilbert.
+
+"Yes, sir; when I came up I saw this boy
+firing stones at a cat, who had taken refuge
+in that tree over there.  He had just hit her,
+and had picked up a larger stone to fire when
+I ordered him to drop it."
+
+"It was no business of yours," muttered Peter.
+
+"I made it my business, and will again."
+
+"Did the cat have a white spot on her forehead?"
+asked the constable.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And was mouse colored?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Why, it's my little girl's cat.  She would
+be heartbroken if the cat were seriously hurt.
+You young rascal!" he continued, turning
+suddenly upon Peter, and shaking him vigorously.
+"Let me catch you at this business again, and
+I'll give you such a warming that you'll never
+want to touch another cat."
+
+"Let me go!" cried the terrified boy.
+"I didn't know it was your cat."
+
+"It would have been just as bad if it had
+been somebody else's cat.  I ve a great mind
+to put you in the lockup."
+
+"Oh, don't, please don't, Mr. Rogers!"
+implored Peter, quite panic-stricken.
+
+"Will you promise never to stone another cat?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then go about your business."
+
+Peter lost no time, but scuttled up the street
+with his companion.
+
+"I am much obliged to you for protecting
+Flora's cat," then said the constable to Gilbert.
+
+"You are quite welcome, sir.  I won't see
+any animal abused if I can help it."
+
+"You are right there."
+
+"Wasn't that boy Peter Cook?"
+
+"Yes.  Don't you know him?"
+
+"No; but I know his stepbrother, Carl."
+
+"A different sort of boy!  Have you come
+to visit him?"
+
+"No; he is visiting me.  In fact, he has left
+home, because he could not stand his step-
+mother's ill-treatment, and I have come to see
+his father in his behalf."
+
+"He has had an uncomfortable home.  Dr.
+Crawford is an invalid, and very much under
+the influence of his wife, who seems to have
+a spite against Carl, and is devoted to that
+young cub to whom you have given a lesson.
+Does Carl want to come back?"
+
+"No; he wants to strike out for himself, but
+I told him it was no more than right that he
+should receive some help from his father."
+
+"That is true enough.  For nearly all the doctor's
+money came to him through Carl's mother."
+
+"I am afraid Peter and his mother won't
+give me a very cordial welcome after what has
+happened this morning.  I wish I could see
+the doctor alone."
+
+"So you can, for there he is coming up the street."
+
+Gilbert looked in the direction indicated,
+and his glance fell on a thin, fragile-looking
+man, evidently an invalid, with a weak,
+undecided face, who was slowly approaching.
+
+The boy advanced to meet him, and, taking
+off his hat, asked politely: "Is this Dr. Crawford?"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE.
+
+
+Dr. Crawford stopped short, and eyed Gilbert attentively.
+
+"I don't know you," he said, in a querulous tone.
+
+"I am a schoolmate of your son, Carl.
+My name is Gilbert Vance."
+
+"If you have come to see my son you will
+be disappointed.  He has treated me in a
+shameful manner.  He left home yesterday
+morning, and I don't know where he is."
+
+"I can tell you, sir.  He is staying--for a
+day or two--at my father's house."
+
+"Where is that?" asked Dr. Crawford, his
+manner showing that he was confused.
+
+"In Warren, thirteen miles from here."
+
+"I know the town.  What induced him to
+go to your house?  Have you encouraged him
+to leave home?" inquired Dr. Crawford, with
+a look of displeasure.
+
+"No, sir.  It was only by chance that I met
+him a mile from our home.  I induced him to
+stay overnight."
+
+"Did you bring me any message from him?"
+"No, sir, except that he is going to strike
+out for himself, as he thinks his home an
+unhappy one."
+
+"That is his own fault.  He has had enough
+to eat and enough to wear.  He has had as
+comfortable a home as yourself."
+
+"I don't doubt that, but he complains that
+his stepmother is continually finding fault
+with him, and scolding him."
+
+"He provokes her to do it.  He is a headstrong,
+obstinate boy."
+
+"He never had that reputation at school, sir.
+We all liked him."
+
+"I suppose you mean to imply that I am in
+fault?" said the doctor, warmly.
+
+"I don't think you know how badly Mrs. 
+Crawford treats Carl, sir."
+
+"Of course, of course.  That is always said
+of a stepmother."
+
+"Not always, sir.  I have a stepmother
+myself, and no own mother could treat me better."
+
+"You are probably a better boy."
+
+"I can't accept the compliment.  I hope
+you'll excuse me saying it, Dr. Crawford, but
+if my stepmother treated me as Carl says Mrs. 
+Crawford treats him I wouldn't stay in the
+house another day."
+
+"Really, this is very annoying," said Dr.
+Crawford, irritably.  "Have you come here
+from Warren to say this?"
+
+"No, sir, not entirely."
+
+"Perhaps Carl wants me to receive him back.
+I will do so if he promises to obey his stepmother."
+
+"That he won't do, I am sure."
+
+"Then what is the object of your visit?"
+
+"To say that Carl wants and intends to earn
+his own living.  But it is hard for a boy of
+his age, who has never worked, to earn enough
+at first to pay for his board and clothes.  He
+asks, or, rather, I ask for him, that you will
+allow him a small sum, say three or four
+dollars a week, which is considerably less than
+he must cost you at home, for a time until he
+gets on his feet."
+
+"I don't know," said Dr. Crawford, in a
+vacillating tone.  "I don't think Mrs. Crawford
+would approve this."
+
+"It seems to me you are the one to decide,
+as Carl is your own son.  Peter must cost you
+a good deal more."
+
+"Do you know Peter?"
+
+"I have met him," answered Gilbert, with
+a slight smile.
+
+"I don't know what to say.  You may be right.
+Peter does cost me more."
+
+"And Carl is entitled to be treated as well as he."
+
+"I think I ought to speak to Mrs. Crawford
+about it.  And, by the way, I nearly forgot
+to say that she charges Carl with taking money
+from her bureau drawer before he went away.
+It was a large sum, too--twenty-five dollars."
+
+"That is false!" exclaimed Gilbert,
+indignantly.  "I am surprised that you should
+believe such a thing of your own son."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford says she has proof," said
+the doctor, hesitating.
+
+"Then what has he done with the money?
+I know that he has but thirty-seven cents with
+him at this time, and he only left home
+yesterday.  If the money has really been taken,
+I think I know who took it."
+
+"Who?"
+
+"Peter Cook.  He looks mean enough for anything."
+
+"What right have you to speak so of Peter?"
+
+"Because I caught him stoning a cat this
+morning.  He would have killed the poor
+thing if I had not interfered.  I consider that
+worse than taking money."
+
+"I--I don't know what to say.  I can't agree
+to anything till I have spoken with Mrs. Crawford.
+Did you say that Carl had but thirty
+seven cents?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I presume you don't want him to starve?"
+
+"No, of course not.  He is my son, though
+he has behaved badly.  Here, give him that!"
+and Dr. Crawford drew a ten-dollar bill from
+his wallet, and handed it to Gilbert
+
+"Thank you, sir.  This money will be very
+useful.  Besides, it will show Carl that his
+father is not wholly indifferent to him."
+
+"Of course not.  Who says that I am a bad
+father?" asked Dr. Crawford, peevishly.
+
+"I don't think, sir, there would be any
+difficulty between you and Carl if you had not
+married again."
+
+"Carl has no right to vex Mrs. Crawford.
+Besides, he can't agree with Peter."
+
+"Is that his fault or Peter's?" asked Gilbert,
+significantly.
+
+"I am not acquainted with the circumstances,
+but Mrs. Crawford says that Carl is
+always bullying Peter."
+
+"He never bullied anyone at school."
+
+"Is there anything, else you want?"
+
+"Yes, sir; Carl only took away a little
+underclothing in a gripsack.  He would like his
+woolen clothes put in his trunk, and to have
+it sent----"
+
+"Where?"
+
+"Perhaps it had better be sent to my house.
+There are one or two things in his room also
+that he asked me to get."
+
+"Why didn't he come himself?"
+
+"Because he thought it would be unpleasant
+for him to meet Mrs. Crawford.  They would
+be sure to quarrel."
+
+"Well, perhaps he is right," said Dr.
+Crawford, with an air of relief.  "About the
+allowance, I shall have to consult my wife.  Will
+you come with me to the house?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I should like to have the matter
+settled to-day, so that Carl will know what
+to depend upon."
+
+Gilbert rather dreaded the interview he was
+likely to have with Mrs. Crawford; but he was
+acting for Carl, and his feelings of friendship
+were strong.
+
+So he walked beside Dr. Crawford till they
+reached the tasteful dwelling occupied as a
+residence by Carl and his father.
+
+"How happy Carl could he here, if he had
+a stepmother like mine," Gilbert thought.
+
+They went up to the front door, which was
+opened for them by a servant.
+
+"Jane, is Mrs. Crawford in?" asked the doctor.
+
+"No, sir; not just now.  She went to the
+village to do some shopping."
+
+"Is Peter in?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Then you will have to wait till they return."
+
+"Can't I go up to Carl's room and be packing
+his things?"
+
+"Yes, I think you may.  I don't think Mrs. 
+Crawford would object."
+
+"Good heavens!  Hasn't the man a mind of
+his own?" thought Gilbert.
+
+"Jane, you may show this young gentleman
+up to Master Carl's room, and give him the
+key of his trunk.  He is going to pack his
+clothes."
+
+"When is Master Carl coming back?" asked Jane.
+
+"I--I don't know.  I think he will be away
+for a time."
+
+"I wish it was Peter instead of him," said
+Jane, in a low voice, only audible to Gilbert.
+
+She showed Gilbert the way upstairs, while
+the doctor went to his study.
+
+"Are you a friend of Master Carl's?" asked
+Jane, as soon as they were alone.
+
+"Yes, Jane."
+
+"And where is he?"
+
+"At my house."
+
+"Is he goin' to stay there?"
+
+"For a short time.  He wants to go out into
+the world and make his own living."
+
+"And no wonder--poor boy!  It's hard times
+he had here."
+
+"Didn't Mrs. Crawford treat him well?"
+asked Gilbert, with curiosity
+
+"Is it trate him well?  She was a-jawin' an'
+a-jawin' him from mornin' till night.  Ugh,
+but she's an ugly cr'atur'!"
+
+"How about Peter?"
+
+"He's just as bad--the m'anest bye I iver
+set eyes on.  It would do me good to see him
+flogged."
+
+She chatted a little longer with Gilbert,
+helping him to find Carl's clothes, when suddenly
+a shrill voice was heard calling her from below.
+
+"Shure, it's the madam!" said Jane, shrugging
+her shoulders.  "I expect she's in a temper;"
+and she rose from her knees and hurried downstairs.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+CARL'S STEPMOTHER.
+
+
+Five minutes later, as Gilbert was closing
+the trunk, Jane reappeared.
+
+"The doctor and Mrs. Crawford would like
+to see you downstairs," she said.
+
+Gilbert followed Jane into the library, where
+Dr. Crawford and his wife were seated.  He
+looked with interest at the woman who had
+made home so disagreeable to Carl, and was
+instantly prejudiced against her.  She was light
+complexioned, with very light-brown hair,
+cold, gray eyes, and a disagreeable expression
+which seemed natural to her.
+
+"My dear," said the doctor, "this is the
+young man who has come from Carl."
+
+Mrs. Crawford surveyed Gilbert with an
+expression by no means friendly.
+
+"What is your name?" she asked.
+
+"Gilbert Vance."
+
+"Did Carl Crawford send you here?"
+
+"No; I volunteered to come."
+
+"Did he tell you that he was disobedient and
+disrespectful to me?"
+
+"No; he told me that you treated him so
+badly that he was unwilling to live in the
+same house with you," answered Gilbert,
+boldly.
+
+"Well, upon my word!" exclaimed Mrs. 
+Crawford, fanning herself vigorously.
+"Dr. Crawford, did you hear that?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And what do you think of it?"
+
+"Well, I think you may have been too hard upon Carl."
+
+"Too hard?  Why, then, did he not treat
+me respectfully?  This boy seems inclined to
+be impertinent."
+
+"I answered your questions, madam," said
+Gilbert, coldly.
+
+"I suppose you side with your friend Carl?"
+
+"I certainly do."
+
+Mrs. Crawford bit her lip.
+
+"What is the object of your coming?  Does
+Carl wish to return?"
+
+"I thought Dr. Crawford might have told you."
+
+"Carl wants his clothes sent to him," said
+the doctor.  "He only carried a few with him."
+
+"I shall not consent to it.  He deserves no
+favors at our hands."
+
+This was too much even for Dr. Crawford.
+
+"You go too far, Mrs. Crawford," he said.
+"I am sensible of the boy's faults, but I
+certainly will not allow his clothes to be
+withheld from him."
+
+"Oh, well!  spoil him if you choose!" said the lady,
+sullenly.  "Take his part against your wife!"
+
+"I have never done that, but I will not allow
+him to be defrauded of his clothes."
+
+"I have no more to say," said Mrs.  Crawford,
+her eyes snapping.  She was clearly mortified
+at her failure to carry her point.
+
+"Do you wish the trunk to be sent to your house?"
+asked the doctor.
+
+"Yes, sir; I have packed the clothes and
+locked the trunk."
+
+"I should like to examine it before it goes,"
+put in Mrs. Crawford, spitefully.
+
+"Why?"
+
+"To make sure that nothing has been put
+in that does not belong to Carl."
+
+"Do you mean to accuse me of stealing,
+madam?" demanded Gilbert, indignantly.
+
+Mrs. Crawford tossed her head.
+
+"I don't know anything about you," she replied.
+
+"Dr. Crawford, am I to open the trunk?"
+asked Gilbert.
+
+"No," answered the doctor, with unwonted decision.
+
+"I hate that boy!  He has twice subjected
+me to mortification," thought Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"You know very well," she said, turning to
+her husband, "that I have grounds for my
+request.  I blush to mention it, but I have
+reason to believe that your son took a wallet
+containing twenty-five dollars from my bureau
+drawer."
+
+"I deny it!" said Gilbert.
+
+"What do you know about it, I should like
+to ask?" sneered Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"I know that Carl is an honorable boy,
+incapable of theft, and at this moment has but
+thirty-seven cents in his possession."
+
+"So far as you know."
+
+"If the money has really disappeared, madam,
+you had better ask your own boy about it."
+
+"This is insufferable!" exclaimed Mrs. Crawford,
+her light eyes emitting angry flashes.
+"Who dares to say that Peter took the wallet?"
+she went on, rising to her feet.
+
+There was an unexpected reply.  Jane entered
+the room at this moment to ask a question.
+
+"I say so, ma'am," she rejoined.
+
+"What?" ejaculated Mrs. Crawford, with
+startling emphasis.
+
+"I didn't mean to say anything about it till
+I found you were charging it on Master Carl.
+I saw Peter open your bureau drawer, take
+out the wallet, and put it in his pocket."
+
+"It's a lie!" said Mrs. Crawford, hoarsely.
+
+"It's the truth, though I suppose you don't
+want to believe it.  If you want to know what
+he did with the money ask him how much he
+paid for the gold ring he bought of the jeweler
+down at the village."
+
+"You are a spy--a base, dishonorable spy!"
+cried Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"I won't say what you are, ma'am, to bring
+false charges against Master Carl, and I wonder
+the doctor will believe them."
+
+"Leave the house directly, you hussy!"
+shrieked Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"If I do, I wonder who'll get the dinner?"
+remarked Jane, not at all disturbed.
+
+"I won't stay here to be insulted," said the
+angry lady.  "Dr. Crawford, you might have
+spirit enough to defend your wife."
+
+She flounced out of the room, not waiting
+for a reply, leaving the doctor dazed and flurried.
+
+"I hope, sir, you are convinced now that Carl
+did not take Mrs. Crawford's money," said
+Gilbert.  "I told you it was probably Peter."
+
+"Are you sure of what you said, Jane?"
+asked the doctor.
+
+"Yes, sir.  I saw Peter take the wallet with
+my own eyes."
+
+"It is his mother's money, and they must
+settle it between them I am glad Carl did
+not take it.  Really, this has been a very
+unpleasant scene."
+
+"I am sorry for my part in it.  Carl is my
+friend, and I feel that I ought to stand up for
+his rights," remarked Gilbert.
+
+"Certainly, certainly, that is right.  But
+you see how I am placed."
+
+"I see that this is no place for Carl.  If you
+will allow me, I will send an expressman for
+the trunk, and take it with me to the station."
+
+"Yes, I see no objection.  I--I would invite
+you to dinner, but Mrs. Crawford seems to be
+suffering from a nervous attack, and it might
+not be pleasant."
+
+"I agree with you, sir."
+
+Just then Peter entered the room, and looked
+at Gilbert with surprise and wrath, remembering
+his recent discomfiture at the hands of
+the young visitor.
+
+"My stepson, Peter," announced Dr. Crawford.
+
+"Peter and I have met before," said Gilbert, smiling.
+
+"What are you here for?" asked Peter, rudely.
+
+"Not to see you," answered Gilbert, turning from him.
+
+"My mother'll have something to say to you,"
+went on Peter, significantly.
+
+"She will have something to say to you,"
+retorted Gilbert.  "She has found out who
+stole her money."
+
+Peter's face turned scarlet instantly, and he
+left the room hurriedly.
+
+"Perhaps I ought not to have said that, Dr
+Crawford," added Gilbert, apologetically, "but
+I dislike that boy very much, and couldn't
+help giving him as good as he sent."
+
+"It is all very unpleasant," responded Dr.
+Crawford, peevishly.  "I don't see why I can't
+live in peace and tranquility."
+
+"I won't intrude upon you any longer," said
+Gilbert, "if you will kindly tell me whether
+you will consent to make Carl a small weekly
+allowance."
+
+"I can't say now.  I want time to think.
+Give me your address, and I will write to Carl
+in your care."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+Gilbert left the house and made arrangements
+to have Carl's trunk called for.  It
+accompanied him on the next train to Warren.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+Mrs. CRAWFORD'S LETTER.
+
+
+"How did you like my stepmother?" asked
+Carl, when Gilbert returned in the afternoon.
+
+"She's a daisy!" answered Gilbert,
+shrugging his shoulders.  "I don't think I ever saw
+a more disagreeable woman."
+
+"Do you blame me for leaving home?"
+
+"I only wonder you have been able to stay so long.
+I had a long conversation with your father."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford has made a different man of him.
+I should have no trouble in getting along with him
+if there was no one to come between us."
+
+"He gave me this for you," said Gilbert,
+producing the ten-dollar bill.
+
+"Did my stepmother know of his sending it?"
+
+"No; she was opposed to sending your trunk,
+but your father said emphatically you should have it."
+
+"I am glad he showed that much spirit."
+
+"I have some hopes that he will make you
+an allowance of a few dollars a week."
+
+"That would make me all right, but I don't expect it."
+
+"You will probably hear from your father
+to-morrow or next day, so you will have to
+make yourself contented a little longer."
+
+"I hope you are not very homesick, Mr.
+Crawford?" said Julia, coquettishly.
+
+"I would ask nothing better than to stay
+here permanently," rejoined Carl, earnestly.
+"This is a real home.  I have met with more
+kindness here than in six months at my own
+home."
+
+"You have one staunch friend at home,"
+said Gilbert.
+
+"You don't allude to Peter?"
+
+"So far as I can judge, he hates you like
+poison.  I mean Jane."
+
+"Yes, Jane is a real friend.  She has been
+in the family for ten years.  She was a favorite
+with my own mother, and feels an interest in me."
+
+"By the way, your stepmother's charge that
+you took a wallet containing money from her
+drawer has been disproved by Jane.  She saw
+Peter abstracting the money, and so informed
+Mrs. Crawford."
+
+"I am not at all surprised.  Peter is mean
+enough to steal or do anything else.  What
+did my stepmother say?"
+
+"She was very angry, and threatened to
+discharge Jane; but, as no one would be left to
+attend to the dinner, I presume she is likely
+to stay."
+
+"I ought to be forming some plan," said Carl,
+thoughtfully.
+
+"Wait till you hear from home.  Julia will
+see that your time is well filled up till then.
+Dismiss all care, and enjoy yourself while you may."
+
+This seemed to be sensible advice, and Carl
+followed it.  In the evening some young people
+were invited in, and there was a round of
+amusements that made Carl forget that he was
+an exile from home, with very dubious prospects.
+
+"You are all spoiling me," he said, as
+Gilbert and he went upstairs to bed.  "I am
+beginning to understand the charms of home.  To
+go out into the world from here will be like
+taking a cold shower bath."
+
+"Never forget, Carl, that you will be
+welcome back, whenever you feel like coming,"
+said Gilbert, laying his band affectionately on
+Carl's shoulder.  "We all like you here."
+
+"Thank you, old fellow!  I appreciate the
+kindness I have received here; but I must strike
+out for myself."
+
+"How do you feel about it, Carl?"
+
+"I hope for the best.  I am young, strong
+and willing to work.  There must be an opening
+for me somewhere."
+
+The next morning, just after breakfast, a letter
+arrived for Carl, mailed at Edgewood Center.
+
+"Is it from your father?" asked Gilbert.
+
+"No; it is in the handwriting of my
+stepmother.  I can guess from that that it
+contains no good news."
+
+He opened the letter, and as he read it his
+face expressed disgust and annoyance.
+
+"Read it, Gilbert," he said, handing him the
+open sheet.
+
+This was the missive:
+
+
+"CARL CRAWFORD:--AS your father has a
+nervous attack, brought on by your misconduct,
+he has authorized me to write to you.
+As you are but sixteen, he could send for you
+and have you forcibly brought back, but deems
+it better for you to follow your own course
+and suffer the punishment of your obstinate
+and perverse conduct.  The boy whom you
+sent here proved a fitting messenger.  He
+seems, if possible, to be even worse than
+yourself.  He was very impertinent to me, and made
+a brutal and unprovoked attack on my poor
+boy, Peter, whose devotion to your father and
+myself forms an agreeable contrast to your
+studied disregard of our wishes.
+
+"Your friend had the assurance to ask for
+a weekly allowance for you while a voluntary
+exile from the home where you have been only
+too well treated.  In other words, you want
+to be paid for your disobedience.  Even if your
+father were weak enough to think of complying
+with this extraordinary request, I should
+do my best to dissuade him."
+
+
+"Small doubt of that!" said Carl, bitterly.
+
+
+"In my sorrow for your waywardness, I am
+comforted by the thought that Peter is too
+good and conscientious ever to follow your
+example.  While you are away, he will do his
+utmost to make up to your father for his
+disappointment in you.  That you may grow wise
+in time, and turn at length from the error of
+your ways, is the earnest hope of your stepmother,
+
+Anastasia Crawford."
+
+
+"It makes me sick to read such a letter as
+that, Gilbert," said Carl.  "And to have that
+sneak and thief--as he turned out to be--Peter,
+set up as a model for me, is a little too much."
+
+"I never knew there were such women in the
+world!" returned Gilbert.  "I can understand
+your feelings perfectly, after my interview of
+yesterday."
+
+"She thinks even worse of you than of me,"
+said Carl, with a faint smile.
+
+"I have no doubt Peter shares her
+sentiments.  I didn't make many friends in your
+family, it must be confessed."
+
+"You did me a service, Gilbert, and I shall
+not soon forget it."
+
+"Where did your stepmother come from?"
+asked Gilbert, thoughtfully.
+
+"I don't know.  My father met her at some
+summer resort.  She was staying in the same
+boarding house, she and the angelic Peter.  She
+lost no time in setting her cap for my father,
+who was doubtless reported to her as a man
+of property, and she succeeded in capturing him."
+
+"I wonder at that.  She doesn't seem very fascinating."
+
+"She made herself very agreeable to my
+father, and was even affectionate in her manner
+to me, though I couldn't get to like her.
+The end was that she became Mrs. Crawford.
+Once installed in our house, she soon threw
+off the mask and showed herself in her true colors,
+a cold-hearted, selfish and disagreeable woman."
+
+"I wonder your father doesn't recognize her
+for what she is."
+
+"She is very artful, and is politic enough to
+treat him well.  She has lost no opportunity
+of prejudicing him against me.  If he were
+not an invalid she would find her task more
+difficult."
+
+"Did she have any property when your
+father married her?"
+
+"Not that I have been able to discover.  She
+is scheming to have my father leave the lion's
+share of his property to her and Peter.  I dare
+say she will succeed."
+
+"Let us hope your father will live till you
+are a young man, at least, and better able to
+cope with her."
+
+"I earnestly hope so."
+
+"Your father is not an old man."
+
+"He is fifty-one, but he is not strong.  I
+believe he has liver complaint.  At any rate,
+I know that when, at my stepmother's instigation,
+he applied to an insurance company to
+insure his life for her benefit, the application
+was rejected."
+
+"You don't know anything of Mrs. Crawford's
+antecedents?"
+
+"No."
+
+"What was her name before she married
+your father?"
+
+"She was a Mrs. Cook.  That, as you know,
+is Peter's name."
+
+"Perhaps, in your travels, you may learn
+something of her history."
+
+"I should like to do so."
+
+"You won't leave us to-morrow?"
+
+"I must go to-day.  I know now that I must
+depend wholly upon my own exertions, and
+I must get to work as soon as possible."
+
+"You will write to me, Carl?"
+
+"Yes, when I have anything agreeable to write."
+
+"Let us hope that will be soon."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+ENDS IN A TRAGEDY.
+
+
+Carl obtained permission to leave his trunk
+at the Vance mansion, merely taking out what
+he absolutely needed for a change.
+
+"When I am settled I will send for it," he said.
+"Now I shouldn't know what to do with it."
+
+There were cordial good-bys, and Carl
+started once more on the tramp.  He might,
+indeed, have traveled by rail, for he had ten
+dollars and thirty-seven cents; but it occurred
+to him that in walking he might meet with
+some one who would give him employment.
+Besides, he was not in a hurry to get on, nor had
+he any definite destination.  The day was fine,
+there was a light breeze, and he experienced
+a hopeful exhilaration as he walked lightly on,
+with the world before him, and any number
+of possibilities in the way of fortunate
+adventures that might befall him.
+
+He had walked five miles, when, to the left,
+he saw an elderly man hard at work in a hay
+field.  He was leaning on his rake, and look-
+ing perplexed and troubled.  Carl paused to
+rest, and as he looked over the rail fence,
+attracted the attention of the farmer.
+
+"I say, young feller, where are you goin'?" he asked.
+
+"I don't know--exactly."
+
+"You don't know where you are goin'?"
+repeated the farmer, in surprise.
+
+Carl laughed.  "I am going out in the world
+to seek my fortune," he said.
+
+"You be?  Would you like a job?" asked the farmer, eagerly.
+
+"What sort of a job?"
+
+"I'd like to have you help me hayin'.  My
+hired man is sick, and he's left me in a hole.
+It's goin' to rain, and----"
+
+"Going to rain?" repeated Carl, in surprise,
+as he looked up at the nearly cloudless sky.
+
+"Yes.  It don't look like it, I know, but
+old Job Hagar say it'll rain before night, and
+what he don't know about the weather ain't
+worth knowin'.  I want to get the hay on this
+meadow into the barn, and then I'll feel safe,
+rain or shine."
+
+"And you want me to help you?"
+
+"Yes; you look strong and hardy."
+
+"Yes, I am pretty strong," said Carl, complacently.
+
+"Well, what do you say?"
+
+"All right.  I'll help you."
+
+Carl gave a spring and cleared the fence,
+landing in the hay field, having first thrown
+his valise over.
+
+"You're pretty spry," said the farmer.
+"I couldn't do that."
+
+"No, you're too heavy," said Carl, smiling,
+as he noted the clumsy figure of his employer.
+"Now, what shall I do?"
+
+"Take that rake and rake up the hay.  Then we'll
+go over to the barn and get the hay wagon."
+
+"Where is your barn?"
+
+The farmer pointed across the fields to a
+story-and-a-half farmhouse, and standing near
+it a good-sized barn, brown from want of paint
+and exposure to sun and rain.  The buildings
+were perhaps twenty-five rods distant.
+
+"Are you used to hayin'?" asked the farmer.
+
+"Well, no, not exactly; though I've handled
+a rake before."
+
+Carl's experience, however, had been very
+limited.  He had, to be sure, had a rake in his
+hand, but probably he had not worked more
+than ten minutes at it.  However, raking is
+easily learned, and his want of experience was
+not detected.  He started off with great
+enthusiasm, but after a while thought it best to
+adopt the more leisurely movements of the
+farmer.  After two hours his hands began to
+blister, but still he kept on.
+
+"I have got to make my living by hard work,"
+he said to himself, "and it won't do to let such
+a little thing as a blister interfere."
+
+When he had been working a couple of hours,
+he began to feel hungry.  His walk, and the
+work he had been doing, sharpened his appetite
+till he really felt uncomfortable.  It was
+at this time--just twelve o'clock--that the
+farmer's wife came to the front door and blew
+a fish horn so vigorously that it could probably
+have been heard half a mile.
+
+"The old woman's got dinner ready," said
+the farmer.  "If you don't mind takin' your
+pay in victuals, you can go along home with
+me, and take a bite."
+
+"I think I could take two or three, sir."
+
+"Ho, ho!  that's a good joke!  Money's scarce,
+and I'd rather pay in victuals, if it's all the
+same to you."
+
+"Do you generally find people willing to
+work for their board?" asked Carl, who knew
+that he was being imposed upon.
+
+"Well, I might pay a leetle more.  You work
+for me till sundown, and I'll give you dinner
+and supper, and--fifteen cents."
+
+Carl wanted to laugh.  At this rate of
+compensation he felt that it would take a long time
+to make a fortune, but he was so hungry that
+he would have accepted board alone if it had
+been necessary.
+
+"I agree," he said.  "Shall I leave my rake here?"
+
+"Yes; it'll be all right."
+
+"I'll take along my valise, for I can't
+afford to run any risk of losing it."
+
+"Jest as you say."
+
+Five minutes brought them to the farmhouse.
+
+"Can I wash my hands?" asked Carl.
+
+"Yes, you can go right to the sink and wash
+in the tin basin.  There's a roll towel behind
+the door.  Mis' Perkins"--that was the way
+he addressed his wife--"this is a young chap
+that I've hired to help me hayin'.  You can
+set a chair for him at the table."
+
+"All right, Silas.  He don't look very old, though."
+
+"No, ma'am.  I ain't twenty-one yet,"
+answered Carl, who was really sixteen.
+
+"I shouldn't say you was.  You ain't no
+signs of a mustache."
+
+"I keep it short, ma'am, in warm weather," said Carl.
+
+"It don't dull a razor any to cut it in cold
+weather, does it?" asked the farmer, chuckling
+at his joke.
+
+"Well, no, sir; I can't say it does."
+
+It was a boiled dinner that the farmer's
+wife provided, corned beef and vegetables, but
+the plebeian meal seemed to Carl the best he
+ever ate.  Afterwards there was apple pudding,
+to which he did equal justice.
+
+"I never knew work improved a fellow's
+appetite so," reflected the young traveler.
+"I never ate with so much relish at home."
+
+After dinner they went back to the field
+and worked till the supper hour, five o'clock.
+By that time all the hay had been put into the barn.
+
+"We've done a good day's work," said the
+farmer, in a tone of satisfaction, "and only
+just in time.  Do you see that dark cloud?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"In half an hour there'll be rain, or I'm mistaken.
+Old Job Hagar is right after all."
+
+The farmer proved a true prophet.  In half
+an hour, while they were at the supper table,
+the rain began to come down in large drops
+--forming pools in the hollows of the ground,
+and drenching all exposed objects with the
+largesse of the heavens.
+
+"Where war you a-goin' to-night?" asked the farmer.
+
+"I don't know, sir."
+
+"I was thinkin' that I'd give you a night's
+lodgin' in place of the fifteen cents I agreed
+to pay you.  Money's very skeerce with me,
+and will be till I've sold off some of the crops."
+
+"I shall be glad to make that arrangement,"
+said Carl, who had been considering how much
+the farmer would ask for lodging, for there
+seemed small chance of continuing his journey.
+Fifteen cents was a lower price than he had
+calculated on.
+
+"That's a sensible idea!" said the farmer,
+rubbing his hands with satisfaction at the
+thought that he had secured valuable help at
+no money outlay whatever.
+
+The next morning Carl continued his tramp,
+refusing the offer of continued employment on
+the same terms.  He was bent on pursuing
+his journey, though he did not know exactly
+where he would fetch up in the end.
+
+At twelve o'clock that day he found himself
+in the outskirts of a town, with the same
+uncomfortable appetite that he had felt the
+day before, but with no hotel or restaurant
+anywhere near.  There was, however, a small
+house, the outer door of which stood conveniently
+open.  Through the open window, Carl saw a table
+spread as if for dinner, and he thought it probable
+that he could arrange to become a boarder for
+a single meal.  He knocked at the door, but no one came.
+He shouted out: "Is anybody at home?" and received
+no answer.  He went to a small barn just outside
+and peered in, but no one was to be seen.
+
+What should he do?  He was terribly hungry,
+and the sight of the food on the table was
+tantalizing.
+
+"I'll go in, as the door is open," he decided,
+"and sit down to the table and eat.  Somebody
+will be along before I get through, and I'll
+pay whatever is satisfactory, for eat I must."
+
+He entered, seated himself, and ate heartily.
+Still no one appeared.
+
+"I don't want to go off without paying,"
+thought Carl.  "I'll see if I can find somebody."
+
+He opened the door into the kitchen, but it
+was deserted.  Then he opened that of a small
+bedroom, and started back in terror and dismay.
+
+There suspended from a hook--a man of
+middle age was hanging, with his head bent
+forward, his eyes wide open, and his tongue
+protruding from his mouth!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+CARL FALLS UNDER SUSPICION.
+
+
+To a person of any age such a sight as that
+described at the close of the last chapter might
+well have proved startling.  To a boy like
+Carl it was simply overwhelming.  It so happened
+that he had but twice seen a dead person,
+and never a victim of violence.  The peculiar
+circumstances increased the effect upon his mind.
+
+He placed his hand upon the man's face, and
+found that he was still warm.  He could have
+been dead but a short time.
+
+"What shall I do?" thought Carl, perplexed.
+"This is terrible!"
+
+Then it flashed upon him that as he was
+alone with the dead man suspicion might fall
+upon him as being concerned in what night be
+called a murder.
+
+"I had better leave here at once," he reflected.
+"I shall have to go away without paying for my meal."
+
+He started to leave the house, but had
+scarcely reached the door when two persons
+--a man and a woman--entered.  Both looked
+at Carl with suspicion.
+
+"What are you doing here?" asked the man.
+
+"I beg your pardon," answered Carl; "I
+was very hungry, and seeing no one about, took
+the liberty to sit down at the table and eat.
+I am willing to pay for my dinner if you will
+tell me how much it amounts to."
+
+"Wasn't my husband here?" asked the woman.
+
+"I--I am afraid something has happened to your husband,"
+faltered Carl.
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+Carl silently pointed to the chamber door.
+The woman opened it, and uttered a loud shriek.
+
+"Look here, Walter!" she cried.
+
+Her companion quickly came to her side.
+
+"My husband is dead!" cried the woman;
+"basely murdered, and there," pointing fiercely
+to Carl, "there stands the murderer!"
+
+"Madam, you cannot believe this!" said Carl,
+naturally agitated.
+
+"What have you to say for yourself?"
+demanded the man, suspiciously.
+
+"I only just saw--your husband," continued
+Carl, addressing himself to the woman.  "I
+had finished my meal, when I began to search
+for some one whom I could pay, and so opened
+this door into the room beyond, when I saw
+--him hanging there!"
+
+"Don't believe him, the red-handed
+murderer!" broke out the woman, fiercely.  "He
+is probably a thief; he killed my poor husband,
+and then sat down like a cold-blooded villain
+that he is, and gorged himself."
+
+Things began to look very serious for poor Carl.
+
+"Your husband is larger and stronger than myself,"
+he urged, desperately.  "How could I overpower him?"
+
+"It looks reasonable, Maria," said the man.
+"I don't see how the boy could have killed Mr.
+Brown, or lifted him upon the hook, even if
+he did not resist."
+
+"He murdered him, I tell you, he murdered him!"
+shrieked the woman, who seemed bereft of reason.
+"I call upon you to arrest him."
+
+"I am not a constable, Maria."
+
+"Then tie him so he cannot get away, and
+go for a constable.  I wouldn't feel safe with
+him in the house, unless he were tied fast.
+He might hang me!"
+
+Terrible as the circumstances were, Carl felt
+an impulse to laugh.  It seemed absurd to hear
+himself talked of in this way.
+
+"Tie me if you like!" he said.  "I am will-
+ing to wait here till some one comes who has
+a little common sense.  Just remember that
+I am only a boy, and haven't the strength of
+a full-grown man!"
+
+"The boy is right, Maria!  It's a foolish idea of yours."
+
+"I call upon you to tie the villain!" insisted the woman.
+
+"Just as you say!  Can you give me some rope?"
+
+From a drawer Mrs. Brown drew a quantity
+of strong cord, and the man proceeded to
+tie Carl's hands.
+
+"Tie his feet, too, Walter!"
+
+"Even if you didn't tie me, I would promise
+to remain here.  I don't want anybody to
+suspect me of such a thing," put in Carl.
+
+"How artful he is!" said Mrs. Brown.
+"Tie him strong, Walter."
+
+The two were left alone, Carl feeling decidedly
+uncomfortable.  The newly-made widow
+laid her head upon the table and moaned,
+glancing occasionally at the body of her husband,
+as it still hung suspended from the hook.
+
+"Oh, William, I little expected to find you
+dead!" she groaned.  "I only went to the store
+to buy a pound of salt, and when I come back,
+I find you cold and still, the victim of a young
+ruffian!  How could you be so wicked?" she
+demanded fiercely of Carl.
+
+"I have told you that I had nothing to do
+with your husband's death, madam."
+
+"Who killed him, then?" she cried.
+
+"I don't know.  He must have committed suicide."
+
+"Don't think you are going to escape in that way.
+I won't rest till I see you hung!"
+
+"I wish I had never entered the house,"
+thought Carl, uncomfortably.  "I would rather
+have gone hungry for twenty four hours longer
+than find myself in such a position."
+
+Half an hour passed.  Then a sound of voices
+was heard outside, and half a dozen men
+entered, including besides the messenger, the
+constable and a physician.
+
+"Why was he not cut down?" asked the doctor, hastily.
+"There might have been a chance to resuscitate him."
+
+"I didn't think of it," said the messenger.
+"Maria was so excited, and insisted that the
+boy murdered him."
+
+"What boy?"
+
+Carl was pointed out.
+
+"That boy?  What nonsense!" exclaimed Dr. Park.
+"Why, it would be more than you or I could do
+to overpower and hang a man weighing one hundred
+and seventy-five pounds."
+
+"That's what I thought, but Maria seemed crazed like."
+
+"I tell you he did it!  Are you going to let him go,
+the red-handed murderer?"
+
+"Loose the cord, and I will question the boy,"
+said Dr. Park, with an air of authority.
+
+Carl breathed a sigh of relief, when,
+freed from his bonds, he stood upright.
+
+"I'll tell you all I know," he said, "but it
+won't throw any light upon the death."
+
+Dr. Park listened attentively, and asked one
+or two questions.
+
+"Did you hear any noise when you were sitting
+at the table?" he inquired.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Was the door closed?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That of itself would probably prevent your
+hearing anything.  Mrs. Brown, at what hour
+did you leave the house?"
+
+"At ten minutes of twelve."
+
+"It is now five minutes of one.  The deed
+must have been committed just after you left
+the house.  Had you noticed anything out of
+the way in your--husband's manner?"
+
+"No, sir, not much.  He was always a silent man."
+
+"Had anything happened to disturb him?"
+
+"He got a letter this morning.  I don't know
+what was in it."
+
+"We had better search for it."
+
+The body was taken down and laid on the
+bed.  Dr. Park searched the pockets, and
+found a half sheet of note paper, on which
+these lines were written:
+
+
+"Maria:--I have made up my mind I can
+ive no longer.  I have made a terrible
+discovery.  When I married you, I thought my
+first wife, who deserted me four years ago,
+dead.  I learn by a letter received this morning
+that she is still living in a town of Illinois.
+The only thing I can do is to free you
+both from my presence.  When you come back
+from the store you will find me cold and dead.
+The little that I leave behind I give to you.  If
+my first wife should come here, as she threatens,
+you can tell her so.  Good-by.
+
+"William."
+
+
+The reading of this letter made a sensation.
+Mrs. Brown went into hysterics, and there was
+a scene of confusion.
+
+"Do you think I can go?" Carl asked Dr. Park.
+
+"Yes.  There is nothing to connect you with the sad event."
+
+Carl gladly left the cottage, and it was only
+when he was a mile on his way that he remembered
+that he had not paid for his dinner, after all.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A PLAUSIBLE STRANGER.
+
+
+Three days later found Carl still on his travels.
+It was his custom to obtain his meals at a
+cheap hotel, or, if none were met with, at a
+farmhouse, and to secure lodgings where he
+could, and on as favorable terms as possible.
+He realized the need of economy, and felt that
+he was practicing it.  He had changed his ten-
+dollar bill the first day, for a five and several
+ones.  These last were now spent, and the five-
+dollar bill alone remained to him.  He had
+earned nothing, though everywhere he had been
+on the lookout for a job.
+
+Toward the close of the last day he overtook
+a young man of twenty-five, who was traveling
+in the same direction.
+
+"Good-afternoon," said the young man, sociably.
+
+"Good-afternoon, sir."
+
+"Where are you bound, may I ask?"
+
+"To the next town."
+
+"Fillmore?"
+
+"Yes, if that is the name."
+
+"So am I.  Why shouldn't we travel together?"
+
+"I have no objection," said Carl, who was
+glad of company.
+
+"Are you in any business?"
+
+"No, but I hope to find a place."
+
+"Oh, a smart boy like you will soon find employment."
+
+"I hope so, I am sure.  I haven't much money
+left, and it is necessary I should do something."
+
+"Just so.  I am a New York salesman, but
+just now I am on my vacation--taking a pedestrian
+tour with knapsack and staff, as you see.
+The beauty of it is that my salary runs on just
+as if I were at my post, and will nearly pay
+all my traveling expenses."
+
+"You are in luck.  Besides you have a good place
+to go back to.  There isn't any vacancy, is there?
+You couldn't take on a boy?" asked Carl, eagerly.
+
+"Well, there might be a chance," said the
+young man, slowly.  "You haven't any recommendations
+with you, have you?"
+
+"No; I have never been employed."
+
+"It doesn't matter.  I will recommend you myself."
+
+"You might be deceived in me," said Carl, smiling.
+
+"I'll take the risk of that.  I know a reliable
+boy when I see him."
+
+"Thank you.  What is the name of your firm?"
+
+"F. Brandes & Co., commission merchants,
+Pearl Street.  My own name is Chauncy Hubbard,
+at your service."
+
+"I am Carl Crawford."
+
+"That's a good name.  I predict that we shall
+be great chums, if I manage to get you a place
+in our establishment."
+
+"Is Mr. Brandes a good man to work for?"
+
+"Yes, he is easy and good-natured.  He is liberal
+to his clerks.  What salary do you think I get?"
+
+"I couldn't guess."
+
+"Forty dollars a week, and I am only twenty-five.
+Went into the house at sixteen, and worked my way up."
+
+"You have certainly done well," said Carl, respectfully.
+
+"Well, I'm no slouch, if I do say it myself."
+
+"I don't wonder your income pays the
+expenses of your vacation trip."
+
+"It ought to, that's a fact, though I'm rather
+free handed and like to spend money.  My prospects
+are pretty good in another direction.  Old
+Fred Brandes has a handsome daughter, who
+thinks considerable of your humble servant."
+
+"Do you think there is any chance of marrying her?"
+asked Carl, with interest.
+
+"I think my chance is pretty good, as the girl
+won't look at anybody else."
+
+"Is Mr. Brandes wealthy?"
+
+"Yes, the old man's pretty well fixed,
+worth nearly half a million, I guess."
+
+"Perhaps he will take you into the firm,"
+suggested Carl.
+
+"Very likely.  That's what I'm working for."
+
+"At any rate, you ought to save something
+out of your salary."
+
+"I ought, but I haven't.  The fact is, Carl,"
+said Chauncy Hubbard, in a burst of
+confidence, I have a great mind to make a
+confession to you."
+
+"I shall feel flattered, I am sure," said Carl,
+politely.
+
+"I have one great fault--I gamble."
+
+"Do you?" said Carl, rather startled, for he
+had been brought up very properly to have a
+horror of gambling.
+
+"Yes, I suppose it's in my blood.  My father
+was a very rich man at one time, but he lost
+nearly all his fortune at the gaming table."
+
+"That ought to have been a warning to you,
+I should think."
+
+"It ought, and may be yet, for I am still a
+young man."
+
+"Mr. Hubbard," said Carl, earnestly, "I feel
+rather diffident about advising you, for I am
+only a boy, but I should think you would give
+up such a dangerous habit."
+
+"Say no more, Carl!  You are a true friend.
+I will try to follow your advice.  Give me your hand."
+
+Carl did so, and felt a warm glow of pleasure
+at the thought that perhaps he had redeemed
+his companion from a fascinating vice.
+
+"I really wish I had a sensible boy like you
+to be my constant companion.  I should feel safer."
+
+"Do you really have such a passion for
+gambling, then?"
+
+"Yes; if at the hotel to-night I should see
+a party playing poker, I could not resist joining
+them.  Odd, isn't it?"
+
+"I am glad I have no such temptation."
+
+"Yes, you are lucky.  By the way, how much
+money have you about you?"
+
+"Five dollars."
+
+"Then you can do me a favor.  I have a ten-
+dollar bill, which I need to get me home.  Now,
+I would like to have you keep a part of it for
+me till I go away in the morning.  Give me
+your five, and I will hand you ten.  Out of
+that you can pay my hotel bill and hand me the
+balance due me in the morning."
+
+"If you really wish me to do so."
+
+"Enough said.  Here is the ten."
+
+Carl took the bill, and gave Mr. Hubbard his
+five-dollar note.
+
+"You are placing considerable confidence in me," he said.
+
+"I am, it is true, but I have no fear of being deceived.
+You are a boy who naturally inspires confidence."
+
+Carl thought Mr. Chauncy Hubbard a very
+agreeable and sensible fellow, and he felt
+flattered to think that the young man had chosen
+him as a guardian, so to speak.
+
+"By the way, Carl, you haven't told me,"
+said Hubbard, as they pursued their journey,
+"how a boy like yourself is forced to work his
+own way."
+
+"I can tell you the reason very briefly--
+I have a stepmother."
+
+"I understand.  Is your father living?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But he thinks more of the stepmother than of you?"
+
+"I am afraid he does."
+
+"You have my sympathy, Carl.  I will do all
+I can to help you.  If you can only get a place
+in our establishment, you will be all right.
+Step by step you will rise, till you come to
+stand where I do."
+
+"That would satisfy me.  Has Mr. Brandes
+got another daughter?"
+
+"No, there is only one."
+
+"Then I shall have to be content with the
+forty dollars a week.  If I ever get it, I will
+save half."
+
+"I wish I could."
+
+"You can if you try.  Why, you might have
+two thousand dollars saved up now, if you had
+only begun to save in time."
+
+"I have lost more than that at the gaming
+table.  You will think me very foolish."
+
+"Yes, I do," said Carl, frankly.
+
+"You are right.  But here we are almost at
+the village."
+
+"Is there a good hotel?"
+
+"Yes--the Fillmore.  We will take adjoining
+rooms if you say so."
+
+"Very well."
+
+"And in the morning you will pay the bill?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+The two travelers had a good supper, and
+retired early, both being fatigued with the journey.
+It was not till eight o'clock the next morning
+that Carl opened his eyes.  He dressed hastily,
+and went down to breakfast.  He was rather surprised
+not to see his companion of the day before.
+
+"Has Mr. Hubbard come down yet?" he asked at the desk.
+
+"Yes; he took an early breakfast, and went
+off by the first train."
+
+"That is strange.  I was to pay his bill."
+
+"He paid it himself."
+
+Carl did not know what to make of this.
+Had Hubbard forgotten that he had five dollars
+belonging to him?  Fortunately, Carl had
+his city address, and could refund the money
+in New York.
+
+"Very well!  I will pay my own bill.  How much is it?"
+
+"A dollar and a quarter."
+
+Carl took the ten-dollar bill from his wallet
+and tendered it to the clerk.
+
+Instead of changing it at once, the clerk held
+it up to the light and examined it critically.
+
+"I can't take that bill," he said, abruptly.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because it is counterfeit."
+
+Carl turned pale, and the room seemed to
+whirl round.  It was all the money he had.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE COUNTERFEIT BILL.
+
+
+"Are you sure it is counterfeit?" asked Carl,
+very much disturbed.
+
+"I am certain of it.  I haven't been handling
+bank bills for ten years without being able
+to tell good money from bad.  I'll trouble
+you for another bill."
+
+"That's all the money I have," faltered Carl.
+
+"Look here, young man," said the clerk, sternly,
+"you are trying a bold game, but it won't succeed."
+
+"I am trying no game at all," said Carl,
+plucking up spirit.  "I thought the bill
+was good."
+
+"Where did you get it?"
+
+"From the man who came with me last evening--
+Mr. Hubbard."
+
+"The money he gave me was good."
+
+"What did he give you?"
+
+"A five-dollar bill."
+
+"It was my five-dollar bill," said Carl, bitterly.
+
+"Your story doesn't seem very probable,"
+said the clerk, suspiciously.  "How did he
+happen to get your money, and you his?"
+
+"He told me that he would get to gambling,
+and wished me to take money enough to pay
+his bill here.  He handed me the ten-dollar
+bill which you say is bad, and I gave him five
+in return.  I think now he only wanted to
+get good money for bad."
+
+"Your story may be true, or it may not,"
+said the clerk, whose manner indicated incredulity.
+"That is nothing to me.  All you have to do
+is to pay your hotel bill, and you can settle
+with Mr. Hubbard when you see him."
+
+"But I have no other money," said Carl, desperately.
+
+"Then I shall feel justified in ordering your
+arrest on a charge of passing, or trying to pass,
+counterfeit money."
+
+"Don't do that, sir!  I will see that you are
+paid out of the first money I earn."
+
+"You must think I am soft," said the clerk,
+contemptuously.  "I have seen persons of your
+stripe before.  I dare say, if you were searched,
+more counterfeit money would be found in
+your pockets."
+
+"Search me, then!" cried Carl, indignantly.
+"I am perfectly willing that you should."
+
+"Haven't you any relations who will pay your bill?"
+
+"I have no one to call upon," answered Carl, soberly.
+"Couldn't you let me work it out?
+I am ready to do any kind of work."
+
+"Our list of workers is full," said the clerk, coldly.
+
+Poor Carl!  he felt that he was decidedly
+in a tight place.  He had never before found
+himself unable to meet his bills.  nor would
+he have been so placed now but for Hubbard's
+rascality.  A dollar and a quarter seems a
+small sum, but if you are absolutely penniless
+it might as well be a thousand.  Suppose
+he should be arrested and the story get
+into the papers?  How his stepmother would
+exult in the record of his disgrace!  He could
+anticipate what she would say.  Peter, too,
+would rejoice, and between them both his father
+would be persuaded that he was thoroughly unprincipled.
+
+"What have you got in your valise?" asked the clerk.
+
+"Only some underclothing.  If there were
+anything of any value I would cheerfully leave
+it as security.  Wait a minute, though," he
+said, with a sudden thought.  "Here is a gold
+pencil!  It is worth five dollars; at any rate,
+it cost more than that.  I can place that in
+your hands."
+
+"Let me see it."
+
+Carl handed the clerk a neat gold pencil,
+on which his name was inscribed.  It was evidently
+of good quality, and found favor with
+the clerk.
+
+"I'll give you a dollar and a quarter for the
+pencil," he said, "and call it square."
+
+"I wouldn't like to sell it," said Carl.
+
+"You won't get any more for it."
+
+"I wasn't thinking of that; but it was given
+me by my mother, who is now dead.  I would
+not like to part with anything that she gave me."
+
+"You would prefer to get off scot-free, I
+suppose?" retorted the clerk, with a sneer.
+
+"No; I am willing to leave it in your hands,
+but I should like the privilege of redeeming
+it when I have the money."
+
+"Very well," said the clerk, who reflected
+that in all probability Carl would never come
+back for it.  "I'll take it on those conditions."
+
+Carl passed over the pencil with a sigh.  He
+didn't like to part with it, even for a short
+time, but there seemed no help for it.
+
+"All right.  I will mark you paid."
+
+Carl left the hotel, satchel in hand, and as
+he passed out into the street, reflected with
+a sinking heart that he was now quite penniless.
+Where was he to get his dinner, and
+how was he to provide himself with a lodging
+that night?  At present he was not hungry,
+having eaten a hearty breakfast at the
+hotel, but by one o'clock he would feel the need
+of food.  He began to ask himself if, after all,
+he had not been unwise in leaving home, no
+matter how badly he had been treated by his
+stepmother.  There, at least, he was certain
+of living comfortably.  Now he was in danger
+of starvation, and on two occasions already
+he had incurred suspicion, once of being
+concerned in a murder, and just now of
+passing counterfeit money.  Ought he to have
+submitted, and so avoided all these perils?
+
+"No!" he finally decided; "I won't give up
+the ship yet.  I am about as badly off as I
+can be; I am without a cent, and don't know
+where my next meal is to come from.  But
+my luck may turn--it must turn--it has
+turned!" he exclaimed with energy, as his
+wandering glance suddenly fell upon a silver
+quarter of a dollar, nearly covered up with
+the dust of the street.  "That shall prove a
+good omen!"
+
+He stooped over and picked up the coin,
+which he put in his vest pocket.
+
+It was wonderful how the possession of this
+small sum of money restored his courage and
+raised his spirits.  He was sure of a dinner
+now, at all events.  It looked as if Providence
+was smiling on him.
+
+Two miles farther on Carl overtook a boy
+of about his own age trudging along the road
+with a rake over his shoulder.  He wore overalls,
+and was evidently a farmer's boy.
+
+"Good-day!" said Carl, pleasantly, noticing
+that the boy regarded him with interest.
+
+"Good-day!" returned the country lad,
+rather bashfully.
+
+"Can you tell me if there is any place near
+where I can buy some dinner?"
+
+"There ain't no tavern, if that's what you mean.
+I'm goin' home to dinner myself."
+
+"Where do you live?"
+
+"Over yonder."
+
+He pointed to a farmhouse about a dozen rods away.
+
+"Do you think your mother would give me some dinner?"
+
+"I guess she would.  Mam's real accommodatin'."
+
+"Will you ask her?"
+
+"Yes; just come along of me."
+
+He turned into the yard, and followed a
+narrow path to the back door.
+
+"I'll stay here while you ask," said Carl.
+
+The boy entered the house, and came out
+after a brief absence.
+
+"Mam says you're to come in," he said.
+
+Carl, glad at heart, and feeling quite
+prepared to eat fifty cents' worth of dinner,
+followed the boy inside.
+
+A pleasant-looking, matronly woman,
+plainly but neatly attired, came forward to
+greet him.
+
+"Nat says you would like to get some dinner," she said.
+
+"Yes," answered Carl.  "I hope you'll excuse
+my applying to you, but your son tells me
+there is no hotel near by."
+
+"The nearest one is three miles away from here."
+
+"I don't think I can hold out so long," said
+Carl, smiling.
+
+"Sit right down with Nat," said the farmer's
+wife, hospitably.  "Mr. Sweetser won't be
+home for half an hour.  We've got enough,
+such as it is."
+
+Evidently Mrs. Sweetser was a good cook.
+The dinner consisted of boiled mutton, with
+several kinds of vegetables.  A cup of tea and
+two kinds of pie followed.
+
+It was hard to tell which of the two boys did
+fuller justice to the meal.  Nat had the usual
+appetite of a healthy farm boy, and Carl, in
+spite of his recent anxieties, and narrow escape
+from serious peril, did not allow himself
+to fall behind.
+
+"Your mother's a fine cook!" said Carl,
+between two mouthfuls.
+
+"Ain't she, though?" answered Nat, his
+mouth full of pie.
+
+When Carl rose from the table he feared that
+he had eaten more than his little stock of
+money would pay for.
+
+"How much will it be, Mrs. Sweetser?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, you're quite welcome to all you've had,"
+said the good woman, cheerily.  "It's plain
+farmer's fare."
+
+"I never tasted a better dinner," said Carl.
+
+Mrs. Sweetser seemed pleased with the
+compliment to her cooking.
+
+"Come again when you are passing this way," she said.
+"You will always be welcome to a dinner."
+
+Carl thanked her heartily, and pressed on
+his way.  Two hours later, at a lonely point
+of the road, an ill-looking tramp, who had been
+reclining by the wayside, jumped up, and
+addressed him in a menacing tone:
+
+"Young feller, shell over all the money you
+have got, or I'll hurt you!  I'm hard up, and
+I won't stand no nonsense."
+
+Carl started and looked into the face of the tramp.
+It seemed to him that he had never seen a man more
+ill-favored, or villainous-looking.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE ARCHERY PRIZE.
+
+
+Situated as he was, it seemed, on second thought,
+rather a joke to Carl to be attacked by a robber.
+He had but twenty-five cents in good money about him,
+and that he had just picked up by the merest chance.
+
+"Do I look like a banker?" he asked,
+humorously.  "Why do you want to rob a boy?"
+
+"The way you're togged out, you must have
+something," growled the tramp, "and I haven't
+got a penny."
+
+"Your business doesn't seem to pay, then?"
+
+"Don't you make fun of me, or I'll wring your neck!
+Just hand over your money and be quick about it!
+I haven't time to stand fooling here all day."
+
+A bright idea came to Carl.  He couldn't spare
+the silver coin, which constituted all his available wealth,
+but he still had the counterfeit note.
+
+"You won't take all my money, will you?"
+he said, earnestly.
+
+"How much have you got?" asked the tramp,
+pricking up his ears.
+
+Carl, with apparent reluctance, drew out the
+ten-dollar bill.
+
+The tramp's face lighted up.
+
+"Is your name Vanderbilt?" he asked.
+"I didn't expect to make such a haul."
+
+"Can't you give me back a dollar out of it?
+I don't want to lose all I have."
+
+"I haven't got a cent.  You'll have to wait till
+we meet again.  So long, boy!  You've helped
+me out of a scrape."
+
+"Or into one," thought Carl.
+
+The tramp straightened up, buttoned his
+dilapidated coat, and walked off with the
+consciousness of being a capitalist.
+
+Carl watched him with a smile.
+
+"I hope I won't meet him after he has discovered
+that the bill is a counterfeit," he said to himself.
+
+He congratulated himself upon being still the possessor
+of twenty-five cents in silver.  It was not much,
+but it seemed a great deal better than being penniless.
+A week before he would have thought it impossible that
+such a paltry sum would have made him feel comfortable,
+but he had passed through a great deal since then.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon he came
+to a field, in which something appeared to be
+going on.  Some forty or fifty young persons,
+boys and girls, were walking about the grass,
+and seemed to be preparing for some interesting
+event.
+
+Carl stopped to rest and look on.
+
+"What's going on here?" he asked of a boy
+who was sitting on the fence.
+
+"It's a meeting of the athletic association,"
+said the boy.
+
+"What are they doing?"
+
+"They try for prizes in jumping, vaulting,
+archery and so on."
+
+This interested Carl, who excelled in all
+manly exercises.
+
+"I suppose I may stay and look on?" he said, inquiringly.
+
+"Why, of course.  Jump over the fence and
+I'll go round with you."
+
+It seemed pleasant to Carl to associate once
+more with boys of his own age.  Thrown
+unexpectedly upon his own resources, he had
+almost forgotten that he was a boy.  Face to
+face with a cold and unsympathizing world,
+he seemed to himself twenty-five at least.
+
+"Those who wish to compete for the archery
+prize will come forward," announced Robert
+Gardiner, a young man of nineteen, who, as
+Carl learned, was the president of the association.
+"You all understand the conditions.  The entry fee
+to competitors is ten cents.  The prize to the most
+successful archer is one dollar."
+
+Several boys came forward and paid the entrance fee.
+
+"Would you like to compete?" asked Edward Downie,
+the boy whose acquaintance Carl had made.
+
+"I am an outsider," said Carl.  "I don't
+belong to the association."
+
+"I'll speak to the president, if you like."
+
+"I don't want to intrude."
+
+"It won't be considered an intrusion.  You
+pay the entrance fee and take your chances."
+
+Edward went to the president and spoke to
+him in a low voice.  The result was that he
+advanced to Carl, and said, courteously:
+
+"If you would like to enter into our games,
+you are quite at liberty to do so."
+
+"Thank you," responded Carl.  "I have had
+a little practice in archery, and will enter my
+name for that prize."
+
+He paid over his quarter and received back
+fifteen cents in change.  It seemed rather an
+imprudent outlay, considering his small capital;
+but he had good hopes of carrying off the prize,
+and that would be a great lift for him.
+Seven boys entered besides Carl.  The first was
+Victor Russell, a lad of fourteen, whose arrow
+went three feet above the mark.
+
+"The prize is mine if none of you do better
+than that," laughed Victor, good-naturedly.
+
+"I hope not, for the credit of the club," said
+the president.  "Mr. Crawford, will you shoot next?"
+
+"I would prefer to be the last," said Carl, modestly.
+
+"John Livermore, your turn now."
+
+John came a little nearer than his predecessor,
+but did not distinguish himself.
+
+"If that is a specimen of the skill of the clubmen,"
+thought Carl, "my chance is a good one."
+
+Next came Frank Stockton, whose arrow stuck
+only three inches from the center of the target.
+
+"Good for Fred!" cried Edward Downie.
+"Just wait till you see me shoot!"
+
+"Are you a dangerous rival?" asked Carl, smiling.
+
+"I can hit a barn door if I am only near enough," replied Edward.
+
+"Edward Downie!" called the president.
+
+Edward took his bow and advanced to the proper place,
+bent it, and the arrow sped on its way.
+
+There was a murmur of surprise when his
+arrow struck only an inch to the right of the
+centre.  No one was more amazed than Edward
+himself, for he was accounted far from
+skillful.  It was indeed a lucky accident.
+
+"What do you say to that?" asked Edward,
+triumphantly.
+
+"I think the prize is yours.  I had no idea
+you could shoot like that," said Carl.
+
+"Nor I," rejoined Edward, laughing.
+
+"Carl Crawford!" called the president.
+
+Carl took his position, and bent his bow with
+the greatest care.  He exercised unusual
+deliberation, for success meant more to him than
+to any of the others.  A dollar to him in his
+present circumstances would be a small fortune,
+while the loss of even ten cents would be
+sensibly felt.  His heart throbbed with excitement
+as he let the arrow speed on its mission.
+
+His unusual deliberation, and the fact that
+he was a stranger, excited strong interest, and
+all eyes followed the arrow with eager attentiveness.
+
+There was a sudden shout of irrepressible excitement.
+
+Carl's arrow had struck the bull's-eye and
+the prize was his.
+
+"Christopher!" exclaimed Edward Downie,
+"you've beaten me, after all!"
+
+"I'm almost sorry," said Carl, apologetically,
+but the light in his eyes hardly bore out the statement.
+
+"Never mind.  Everybody would have called it a fluke
+if I had won," said Edward.  "I expect to get the prize
+for the long jump.  I am good at that."
+
+"So am I, but I won't compete; I will leave it to you."
+
+"No, no.  I want to win fair."
+
+Carl accordingly entered his name.  He made
+the second best jump, but Edward's exceeded
+his by a couple of inches, and the prize was
+adjudged to him.
+
+"I have my revenge," he said, smiling.  "I
+am glad I won, for it wouldn't have been to
+the credit of the club to have an outsider carry
+off two prizes."
+
+"I am perfectly satisfied," said Carl; "I ought to be,
+for I did not expect to carry off any."
+
+Carl decided not to compete for any other prize.
+He had invested twenty cents and got back a dollar,
+which left him a profit of eighty cents.
+This, with his original quarter, made him
+the possessor of a dollar and five cents.
+
+"My luck seems to have turned," he said to himself,
+and the thought gave him fresh courage.
+
+It was five o'clock when the games were over,
+and Carl prepared to start again on his journey.
+
+"Where are you going to take supper?" asked Downie.
+
+"I--don't--know."
+
+"Come home with me.  If you are in no hurry,
+you may as well stay overnight, and go on in the morning."
+
+"Are you sure it won't inconvenience you?"
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"Then I'll accept with thanks."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+AN ODD ACQUAINTANCE.
+
+
+After breakfast the next morning Carl
+started again on his way.  His new friend,
+Edward Downie, accompanied him for a mile,
+having an errand at that distance.
+
+"I wish you good luck, Carl," he said,
+earnestly.  "When you come this way again, be
+sure to stop in and see me."
+
+"I will certainly do so, but I hope I may
+find employment."
+
+"At any rate," thought Carl, as he resumed
+his journey alone, "I am better off than I was
+yesterday morning.  Then I had but twenty-
+five cents; now I have a dollar."
+
+This was satisfactory as far as it went, but
+Carl was sensible that he was making no progress
+in his plan of earning a living.  He was
+simply living from hand to mouth, and but for
+good luck he would have had to go hungry, and
+perhaps have been obliged to sleep out doors.
+What he wanted was employment.
+
+It was about ten o'clock when, looking along
+the road, his curiosity was excited by a man
+of very unusual figure a few rods in advance
+of him.  He looked no taller than a boy of ten;
+but his frame was large, his shoulders broad,
+and his arms were of unusual length.  He
+might properly be called a dwarf.
+
+"I am glad I am not so small as that,"
+thought Carl.  "I am richer than he in having
+a good figure.  I should not like to excite
+attention wherever I go by being unusually large
+or unusually small."
+
+Some boys would have felt inclined to laugh
+at the queer figure, but Carl had too much good
+feeling.  His curiosity certainly was aroused,
+and he thought he would like to get acquainted
+with the little man, whose garments of fine
+texture showed that, though short in stature,
+he was probably long in purse.  He didn't
+quite know how to pave the way for an
+acquaintance, but circumstances favored him.
+
+The little man drew out a handkerchief from
+the side pocket of his overcoat.  With it
+fluttered out a bank bill, which fell to the ground
+apparently unobserved by the owner.
+
+Carl hurried on, and, picking up the bill,
+said to the small stranger as he touched his
+arm: "Here is some money you just dropped, sir."
+
+The little man turned round and smiled pleasantly.
+
+"Thank you.  Are you sure it is mine?"
+
+"Yes, sir; it came out with your handkerchief."
+
+"Let me see.  So it is mine.  I was very
+careless to put it loose in my pocket."
+
+"You were rather careless, sir."
+
+"Of what denomination is it?'
+
+"It is a two-dollar note."
+
+"If you had been a poor boy," said the
+little man, eying Carl keenly, "you might have
+been tempted to keep it.  I might not have known."
+
+Carl smiled.
+
+"What makes you think I am not a poor boy?" he said.
+
+"You are well dressed."
+
+"That is true; but all the money I have is
+a dollar and five cents."
+
+"You know where to get more?  You have a good home?"
+
+"I had a home, but now I am thrown on my own exertions,"
+said Carl, soberly.
+
+"Dear me!  That is bad!  If I were better acquainted,
+I might ask more particularly how this happens.  Are you an orphan?"
+
+"No, sir; my father is living."
+
+"And your mother is dead?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Is your father a poor man?"
+
+"No, sir; he is moderately rich."
+
+"Yet you have to fight your own way?"
+
+"Yes, sir.  I have a stepmother."
+
+"I see.  Are you sure you are not unreasonably prejudiced
+against your stepmother?  All stepmothers are not bad or unkind."
+
+"I know that, sir."
+
+"Yours is, I presume?"
+
+"You can judge for yourself."
+
+Carl recited some incidents in his experience
+with his stepmother.  The stranger listened
+with evident interest.
+
+"I am not in general in favor of boys
+leaving home except on extreme provocation,"
+he said, after a pause; "but in your case,
+as your father seems to take part against you,
+I think you may be justified, especially as,
+at your age, you have a fair chance of making
+your own living."
+
+"I am glad you think that, sir.  I have begun
+to wonder whether I have not acted rashly."
+
+"In undertaking to support yourself?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"How old are you?"
+
+"Sixteen."
+
+"At fourteen I was obliged to undertake
+what you have now before you."
+
+"To support yourself?"
+
+"Yes; I was left an orphan at fourteen, with
+no money left me by my poor father, and no
+relatives who could help me."
+
+"How did you make out, sir?" asked Carl,
+feeling very much interested.
+
+"I sold papers for a while--in Newark, New
+Jersey--then I got a place at three dollars
+a week, out of which I had to pay for board,
+lodging and clothes.  Well, I won't go through
+my history.  I will only say that whatever I
+did I did as well as I could.  I am now a man
+of about middle age, and I am moderately wealthy."
+
+"I am very much encouraged by what you tell me, sir."
+
+"Perhaps you don't understand what a hard
+struggle I had.  More than once I have had
+to go to bed hungry.  Sometimes I have had
+to sleep out, but one mustn't be afraid to rough
+it a little when he is young.  I shouldn't like to
+sleep out now, or go to bed without my supper,"
+and the little man laughed softly.
+
+"Yes, sir; I expect to rough it, but if I could
+only get a situation, at no matter what income,
+I should feel encouraged."
+
+"You have earned no money yet?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I earned a dollar yesterday."
+
+"At what kind of work?"
+
+"Archery."
+
+The little man looked surprised.
+
+"Is that a business?" he asked, curiously.
+
+"I'll explain how it was," and Carl told
+about the contest.
+
+"So you hit the mark?" said the little man,
+significantly.
+
+Somehow, there was something in the little
+man's tone that put new courage into Carl,
+and incited him to fresh effort.
+
+"I wonder, sir," he said, after a pause, "that
+you should be walking, when you can well afford
+to ride."
+
+The little man smiled.
+
+"It is by advice of my physician," he said.
+"He tells me I am getting too stout, and ought
+to take more or less exercise in the open air.
+So I am trying to follow his advice "
+
+"Are you in business near here, sir?"
+
+"At a large town six miles distant.  I may
+not walk all the way there, but I have a place
+to call at near by, and thought I would avail
+myself of the good chance offered to take a
+little exercise.  I feel repaid.  I have made a
+pleasant acquaintance."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"There is my card," and the little man took
+out a business card, reading thus:
+
+  HENRY JENNINGS,
+FURNITURE WAREHOUSE,
+    MILFORD.
+
+
+"I manufacture my furniture in the country,"
+he continued, "but I ship it by special ar-
+rangements to a house in New York in which
+I am also interested."
+
+"Yes, sir, I see.  Do you employ many persons
+in your establishment?"
+
+"About thirty."
+
+"Do you think you could make room for me?"
+
+"Do you think you would like the business?"
+
+"I am prepared to like any business in which
+I can make a living."
+
+"That is right.  That is the way to look at
+it.  Let me think."
+
+For two minutes Mr. Jennings seemed to be
+plunged in thought.  Then he turned and
+smiled encouragingly.
+
+"You can come home with me," he said, "and
+I will consider the matter."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Carl, gladly.
+
+"I have got to make a call at the next house,
+not on business, though.  There is an old schoolmate
+lying there sick.  I am afraid he is rather
+poor, too.  You can walk on slowly, and I will
+overtake you in a few minutes."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"After walking half a mile, if I have not
+overtaken you, you may sit down under a tree
+and wait for me."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+"Before I leave you I will tell you a secret."
+
+"What is it, sir?"
+
+"The two dollars you picked up, I dropped
+on purpose."
+
+"On purpose?" asked Carl, in amazement.
+
+"Yes; I wanted to try you, to see if you were honest."
+
+"Then you had noticed me?"
+
+"Yes.  I liked your appearance, but I wanted to test you."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+AN UNEQUAL CONTEST.
+
+
+Carl walked on slowly.  He felt encouraged
+by the prospect of work, for he was sure that
+Mr. Jennings would make a place for him, if
+possible.
+
+"He is evidently a kind-hearted man," Carl
+reflected.  "Besides, he has been poor himself,
+and he can sympathize with me.  The wages
+may be small, but I won't mind that, if I
+only support myself economically, and get on."
+To most boys brought up in comfort, not to
+say luxury, the prospect of working hard for
+small pay would not have seemed inviting.  But
+Carl was essentially manly, and had sensible
+ideas about labor.  It was no sacrifice or
+humiliation to him to become a working boy,
+for he had never considered himself superior
+to working boys, as many boys in his position
+would have done.
+
+He walked on in a leisurely manner, and at
+the end of ten minutes thought he had better
+sit down and wait for Mr. Jennings.  But he was
+destined to receive a shock.  There, under the tree
+which seemed to offer the most inviting shelter,
+reclined a figure only too well-known.
+
+It was the tramp who the day before had
+compelled him to surrender the ten-dollar bill.
+
+The ill-looking fellow glanced up, and when
+his gaze rested upon Carl, his face beamed
+with savage joy.
+
+"So it's you, is it?" he said, rising from his seat.
+
+"Yes," answered Carl, doubtfully.
+
+"Do you remember me?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I have cause to remember you, my chicken.
+That was a mean trick you played upon me,"
+and he nodded his head significantly.
+
+"I should think it was you that played the trick on me."
+
+"How do you make that out?" growled the tramp.
+
+"You took my money."
+
+"So I did, and much good it did me."
+
+Carl was silent.
+
+"You know why, don't you?"
+
+Carl might have denied that he knew the
+character of the bill which was stolen from him,
+but I am glad to say that it would have come
+from him with a very ill grace, for he was
+accustomed to tell the truth under all circumstances.
+
+"You knew that the bill was counterfeit,
+didn't you?" demanded the tramp, fiercely.
+
+"I was told so at the hotel where I offered
+it in payment for my bill."
+
+"Yet you passed it on me!"
+
+"I didn't pass it on you.  You took it from me,"
+retorted Carl, with spirit.
+
+"That makes no difference."
+
+"I think it does.  I wouldn't have offered
+it to anyone in payment of an honest bill."
+
+"Humph!  you thought because I was poor
+and unfortunate you could pass it off on me!"
+
+This seemed so grotesque that Carl found
+it difficult not to laugh.
+
+"Do you know it nearly got me into trouble?"
+went on the tramp.
+
+"How was that?"
+
+"I stopped at a baker's shop to get a lunch.
+When I got through I offered the bill.  The
+old Dutchman put on his spectacles, and he
+looked first at the bill, then at me.  Then he
+threatened to have me arrested for passing bad
+money.  I told him I'd go out in the back yard
+and settle it with him.  I tell you, boy, I'd
+have knocked him out in one round, and he
+knew it, so he bade me be gone and never
+darken his door again.  Where did you get it?"
+
+"It was passed on me by a man I was traveling with."
+
+"How much other money have you got?" asked the tramp.
+
+"Very little."
+
+"Give it to me, whatever it is."
+
+This was a little too much for Carl's patience.
+
+"I have no money to spare," he said, shortly.
+
+"Say that over again!" said the tramp, menacingly.
+
+"If you don't understand me, I will.
+I have no money to spare."
+
+"You'll spare it to me, I reckon."
+
+"Look here," said Carl, slowly backing.
+"You've robbed me of ten dollars.  You'll have
+to be satisfied with that."
+
+"It was no good.  It might have sent me
+to prison.  If I was nicely dressed I might
+pass it, but when a chap like me offers a ten-
+dollar bill it's sure to he looked at sharply.
+I haven't a cent, and I'll trouble you to hand
+over all you've got."
+
+"Why don't you work for a living?  You
+are a strong, able-bodied man."
+
+"You'll find I am if you give me any more
+of your palaver."
+
+Carl saw that the time of negotiation was
+past, and that active hostilities were about to
+commence.  Accordingly he turned and ran,
+not forward, but in the reverse direction, hoping
+in this way to meet with Mr. Jennings.
+
+"Ah, that's your game, is it?" growled the tramp.
+"You needn't expect to escape, for I'll overhaul
+you in two minutes."
+
+So Carl ran, and his rough acquaintance ran after him.
+
+It could hardly be expected that a boy of sixteen,
+though stout and strong, could get away from a tall,
+powerful man like the tramp.
+
+Looking back over his shoulder, Carl saw
+that the tramp was but three feet behind, and
+almost able to lay his hand upon his shoulder.
+
+He dodged dexterously, and in trying to do
+the same the tramp nearly fell to the ground.
+Naturally, this did not sweeten his temper.
+
+"I'll half murder you when I get hold of you,"
+he growled, in a tone that bodied ill for Carl.
+
+The latter began to pant, and felt that he
+could not hold out much longer.  Should he
+surrender at discretion?
+
+"If some one would only come along," was his
+inward aspiration.  "This man will take my money
+and beat me, too."
+
+As if in reply to his fervent prayer the small
+figure of Mr. Jennings appeared suddenly,
+rounding a curve in the road.
+
+"Save me, save me, Mr. Jennings!" cried Carl,
+running up to the little man for protection.
+
+"What is the matter?  Who is this fellow?"
+asked Mr. Jennings, in a deep voice for so
+small a man.
+
+"That tramp wants to rob me."
+
+"Don't trouble yourself!  He won't do it,"
+said Jennings, calmly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+CARL ARRIVES IN MILFORD.
+
+
+The tramp stopped short, and eyed Carl's small defender,
+first with curious surprise, and then with derision.
+
+"Out of my way, you midget!" he cried, "or 'll hurt you."
+
+"Try it!" said the little man, showing no sign of fear.
+
+"Why, you're no bigger than a kid.  I can upset you
+with one finger."
+
+He advanced contemptuously, and laid his
+hand on the shoulder of the dwarf.  In an
+instant Jennings had swung his flail-like arms,
+and before the tramp understood what was
+happening he was lying flat on his back, as
+much to Carl's amazement as his own.
+
+He leaped to his feet with an execration,
+and advanced again to the attack.  To be upset
+by such a pigmy was the height of mortification.
+
+"I'm going to crush you, you mannikin!"
+he threatened.
+
+Jennings put himself on guard.  Like many
+small men, he was very powerful, as his broad
+shoulders and sinewy arms would have made
+evident to a teacher of gymnastics.  He clearly
+understood that this opponent was in deadly
+earnest, and he put out all the strength which
+he possessed.  The result was that his large-
+framed antagonist went down once more, striking
+his head with a force that nearly stunned him.
+
+It so happened that at this juncture reinforcements arrived.
+A sheriff and his deputy drove up in an open buggy, and,
+on witnessing the encounter, halted their carriage and sprang
+to the ground.
+
+"What is the matter, Mr. Jennings?" asked the sheriff,
+respectfully, for the little man was a person of importance
+in that vicinity.
+
+"That gentleman is trying to extort a forced
+loan, Mr. Clunningham."
+
+"Ha! a footpad?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+The sheriff sprang to the side of the tramp,
+who was trying to rise, and in a trice his wrists
+were confined by handcuffs.
+
+"I think I know you, Mike Frost," he said.
+"You are up to your old tricks.  When did you
+come out of Sing Sing?"
+
+"Three weeks since," answered the tramp, sullenly.
+
+"They want you back there.  Come along with me!"
+
+He was assisted into the buggy, and spent
+that night in the lockup.
+
+"Did he take anything from you, Carl?"
+asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+"No, sir; but I was in considerable danger.
+How strong you are!" he added, admiringly.
+
+"Strength isn't always according to size!"
+said the little man, quietly.  "Nature gave me
+a powerful, though small, frame, and I have
+increased my strength by gymnastic exercise."
+
+Mr. Jennings did not show the least excitement
+after his desperate contest.  He had attended
+to it as a matter of business, and when
+over he suffered it to pass out of his mind.  He
+took out his watch and noted the time.
+
+"It is later than I thought," he said.  "I think
+I shall have to give up my plan of walking
+the rest of the way."
+
+"Then I shall be left alone," thought Carl regretfully.
+
+Just then a man overtook them in a carriage.
+
+He greeted Mr. Jennings respectfully.
+
+"Are you out for a long walk?" he said.
+
+"Yes, but I find time is passing too rapidly with me.
+Are you going to Milford?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Can you take two passengers?"
+
+"You and the boy?"
+
+"Yes; of course I will see that you don't lose by it."
+
+"I ought not to charge you anything, Mr. Jennings.
+Several times you have done me favors."
+
+"And I hope to again, but this is business.
+If a dollar will pay you, the boy and I will ride
+with you."
+
+"It will be so much gain, as I don't go out of my way."
+
+"You can take the back seat, Carl," said Mr. Jennings.
+"I will sit with Mr. Leach."
+
+They were soon seated and on their way.
+
+"Relative of yours, Mr. Jennings?" asked Leach,
+with a backward glance at Carl.
+
+Like most country folks, he was curious
+about people.  Those who live in cities meet
+too many of their kind to feel an interest in strangers.
+
+"No; a young friend," answered Jennings, briefly.
+
+"Goin' to visit you?"
+
+"Yes, I think he will stay with me for a time."
+
+Then the conversation touched upon Milford
+matters in which at present Carl was not interested.
+
+After his fatiguing walk our hero enjoyed
+the sensation of riding.  The road was a pleasant
+one, the day was bright with sunshine and
+the air vocal with the songs of birds.  For a
+time houses were met at rare intervals, but
+after a while it became evident that they were
+approaching a town of considerable size.
+
+"Is this Milford, Mr. Jennings?" asked Carl.
+
+"Yes," answered the little man, turning with
+a pleasant smile.
+
+"How large is it?"
+
+"I think there are twelve thousand inhabitants.
+It is what Western people call a `right smart place.'
+It has been my home for twenty years, and I am
+much attached to it."
+
+"And it to you, Mr. Jennings," put in the driver.
+
+"That is pleasant to hear," said Jennings, with a smile.
+
+"It is true.  There are few people here whom
+you have not befriended."
+
+"That is what we are here for, is it not?"
+
+"I wish all were of your opinion.  Why, Mr.
+Jennings, when we get a city charter I think
+I know who will be the first mayor."
+
+"Not I, Mr. Leach.  My own business is all
+I can well attend to.  Thank you for your compliment,
+though.  Carl, do you see yonder building?"
+
+He pointed to a three-story structure, a
+frame building, occupying a prominent position.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That is my manufactory.  What do you think of it?"
+
+"I shouldn't think a town of this size would
+require so large an establishment," answered Carl.
+
+Mr. Jennings laughed.
+
+"You are right," he said.  "If I depended on
+Milford trade, a very small building would be
+sufficient.  My trade is outside.  I supply
+many dealers in New York City and at the
+West.  My retail trade is small.  If any of my
+neighbors want furniture they naturally come
+to me, and I favor them as to price out of
+friendly feeling, but I am a manufacturer and
+wholesale dealer."
+
+"I see, sir."
+
+"Shall I take you to your house, Mr. Jennings?"
+asked Leach.
+
+"Yes, if you please."
+
+Leach drove on till he reached a two-story
+building of Quaker-like simplicity but with a
+large, pleasant yard in front, with here and
+there a bed of flowers.  Here he stopped his horse.
+
+"We have reached our destination, Carl,"
+said Mr. Jennings.  "You are active.  Jump
+out and I will follow."
+
+Carl needed no second invitation.  He sprang
+from the carriage and went forward to help
+Mr. Jennings out.
+
+"No, thank you, Carl," said the little man.
+"I am more active than you think.  Here we are!"
+
+He descended nimbly to the ground, and,
+drawing a one-dollar bill from his pocket,
+handed it to the driver.
+
+"I don't like to take it, Mr. Jennings," said
+Mr. Leach.
+
+"Why not?  The laborer is worthy of his hire.
+Now, Carl, let us go into the house."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+Mr. JENNINGS AT HOME.
+
+
+Mr. Jennings did not need to open the door.
+He had scarcely set foot on the front step when
+it was opened from inside, and Carl found a
+fresh surprise in store for him.  A woman,
+apparently six feet in height, stood on the
+threshold.  Her figure was spare and ungainly,
+and her face singularly homely, but the absence
+of beauty was partially made up by a kindly
+expression.  She looked with some surprise at Carl.
+
+"This is a young friend of mine, Hannah,"
+said her master.  "Welcome him for my sake."
+
+"I am glad to see you," said Hannah,
+in a voice that was another amazement.
+It was deeper than that of most men.
+
+As she spoke, she held out a large masculine
+hand, which Carl took, as seemed to be expected.
+
+"Thank you," said Carl.
+
+"What am I to call you?" asked Hannah.
+
+"Carl Crawford."
+
+"That's a strange name."
+
+"It is not common, I believe."
+
+"You two will get acquainted by and by,"
+said Mr. Jennings.  "The most interesting
+question at present is, when will dinner be ready?"
+
+"In ten minutes," answered Hannah, promptly.
+
+"Carl and I are both famished.  We have
+had considerable exercise," here he nodded at
+Carl with a comical look, and Carl understood that
+he referred in part to his contest with the tramp.
+
+Hannah disappeared into the kitchen, and
+Mr. Jennings said: "Come upstairs, Carl.
+I will show you your room."
+
+Up an old-fashioned stairway Carl followed
+his host, and the latter opened the door of a
+side room on the first landing.  It was not
+large, but was neat and comfortable.  There
+was a cottage bedstead, a washstand, a small
+bureau and a couple of chairs.
+
+"I hope you will come to feel at home here,"
+said Mr. Jennings, kindly.
+
+"Thank you, sir.  I am sure I shall," Carl
+responded, gratefully.
+
+"There are some nails to hang your clothing
+on," went on Mr. Jennings, and then he stopped
+short, for it was clear that Carl's small gripsack
+could not contain an extra suit, and he
+felt delicate at calling up in the boy's mind
+the thought of his poverty.
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Carl.  "I left my
+trunk at the house of a friend, and if you
+should succeed in finding me a place, I will
+send for it."
+
+"That is well!" returned Mr. Jennings, looking
+relieved.  "Now I will leave you for a few
+moments.  You will find water and towels,
+in case you wish to wash before dinner."
+
+Carl was glad of the opportunity.  He was
+particular about his personal appearance, and
+he felt hot and dusty.  He bathed his face and
+hands, carefully dusted his suit, brushed his
+hair, and was ready to descend when he heard
+the tinkling of a small bell at the foot of the
+front stairs.
+
+He readily found his way into the neat dining-
+room at the rear of the parlor.  Mr. Jennings
+sat at the head of the table, a little giant,
+diminutive in stature, but with broad shoulders,
+a large head, and a powerful frame.  Opposite
+him sat Hannah, tall, stiff and upright
+as a grenadier.  She formed a strange contrast
+to her employer.
+
+"I wonder what made him hire such a tall
+woman?" thought Carl.  "Being so small himself,
+her size makes him look smaller."
+
+There was a chair at one side, placed for
+Carl.
+
+"Sit down there, Carl," said Mr. Jennings.
+"I won't keep you waiting any longer than
+I can help.  What have you given us to-day, Hannah?"
+
+"Roast beef," answered Hannah in her deep tones.
+
+"There is nothing better."
+
+The host cut off a liberal slice for Carl,
+and passed the plate to Hannah, who supplied
+potatoes, peas and squash.  Carl's mouth fairly
+watered as he watched the hospitable preparations
+for his refreshment.
+
+"I never trouble myself about what we are
+to have on the table," said Mr. Jennings.
+"Hannah always sees to that.  She's knows just
+what I want.  She is a capital cook, too, Hannah is."
+
+Hannah looked pleased at this compliment.
+
+"You are easily pleased, master," she said.
+
+"I should be hard to suit if I were not
+pleased with your cooking.  You don't know
+so well Carl's taste, but if there is anything
+he likes particularly he can tell you."
+
+"You are very kind, sir," said Carl.
+
+"There are not many men who would treat
+a poor boy so considerately," he thought.
+"He makes me an honored guest."
+
+When dinner was over, Mr. Jennings invited
+Carl to accompany him on a walk.  They
+passed along the principal street, nearly every
+person they met giving the little man a cordial greeting.
+
+"He seems to be very popular," thought Carl.
+
+At length they reached the manufactory.  Mr. Jennings
+went into the office, followed by Carl.
+
+A slender, dark-complexioned man, about
+thirty-five years of age, sat on a stool at a high
+desk.  He was evidently the bookkeeper.
+
+"Any letters, Mr. Gibbon?" asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+"Yes, sir; here are four."
+
+"Where are they from?"
+
+"From New York, Chicago, Pittsburg and New Haven."
+
+"What do they relate to?"
+
+"Orders.  I have handed them to Mr. Potter."
+
+Potter, as Carl afterwards learned, was superintendent
+of the manufactory, and had full charge of practical details.
+
+"Is there anything requiring my personal attention?"
+
+"No, sir; I don't think so."
+
+"By the way, Mr. Gibbon, let me introduce
+you to a young friend of mine--Carl Crawford."
+
+The bookkeeper rapidly scanned Carl's face
+and figure.  It seemed to Carl that the scrutiny
+was not a friendly one.
+
+"I am glad to see you," said Mr. Gibbon, coldly.
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"By the way, Mr. Jennings," said the
+bookkeeper, "I have a favor to ask of you."
+
+"Go on, Mr. Gibbon," rejoined his employer,
+in a cordial tone.
+
+"Two months since you gave my nephew,
+Leonard Craig, a place in the factory."
+
+"Yes; I remember."
+
+"I don't think the work agrees with him."
+
+"He seemed a strong, healthy boy."
+
+"He has never been used to confinement,
+and it affects him unpleasantly."
+
+"Does he wish to resign his place?"
+
+"I have been wondering whether you would
+not be willing to transfer him to the office.
+I could send him on errands, to the post office,
+and make him useful in various ways."
+
+"I had not supposed an office boy was needed.
+Still, if you desire it, I will try your nephew
+in the place."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"I am bound to tell you, however, that his
+present place is a better one.  He is learning
+a good trade, which, if he masters it, will
+always give him a livelihood.  I learned a
+trade, and owe all I have to that."
+
+"True, Mr. Jennings, but there are other
+ways of earning a living."
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"And I thought of giving Leonard evening
+instruction in bookkeeping."
+
+"That alters the case.  Good bookkeepers are
+always in demand.  I have no objection to
+your trying the experiment."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"Have you mentioned the matter to your nephew?"
+
+"I just suggested that I would ask you,
+but could not say what answer you would give."
+
+"It would have been better not to mention
+the matter at all till you could tell him definitely
+that he could change his place."
+
+"I don't know but you are right, sir.
+However, it is all right now."
+
+"Now, Carl," said Mr. Jennings, "I will
+take you into the workroom."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+CARL GETS A PLACE.
+
+
+"I suppose that is the bookkeeper," said Carl.
+
+"Yes.  He has been with me three years.  He
+understands his business well.  You heard
+what he said about his nephew?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"It is his sister's son--a boy of about your
+own age.  I think he is making a mistake in
+leaving the factory, and going into the office.
+He will have little to do, and that not of a
+character to give him knowledge of business."
+
+"Still, if he takes lessons in bookkeeping----"
+
+Mr. Jennings smiled.
+
+"The boy will never make a bookkeeper," he said.
+"His reason for desiring the change is because
+he is indolent.  The world has no room for lazy people."
+
+"I wonder, sir, that you have had a chance
+to find him out."
+
+"Little things betray a boy's nature, or a
+man's, for that matter.  When I have visited
+the workroom I have noticed Leonard, and
+formed my conclusions.  He is not a boy whom
+I would select for my service, but I have taken
+him as a favor to his uncle.  I presume he is
+without means, and it is desirable that he
+should pay his uncle something in return for
+the home which he gives him."
+
+"How much do you pay him, sir, if it is not a secret?"
+
+"Oh, no; he receives five dollars a week to begin with.
+I will pay him the same in the office.  And that reminds me;
+how would you like to have a situation in the factory?
+Would you like to take Leonard's place?"
+
+"Yes, sir, if you think I would do."
+
+"I feel quite sure of it.  Have you ever done
+any manual labor?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"I suppose you have always been to school."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You are a gentleman's son," proceeded Mr.
+Jennings, eying Carl attentively.  "How will
+it suit you to become a working boy?"
+
+"I shall like it," answered Carl, promptly.
+
+"Don't be too sure!  You can tell better after
+a week in the factory.  Those in my employ work
+ten hours a day.  Leonard Craig doesn't like it."
+
+"All I ask, Mr. Jennings, is that you give me a trial."
+
+"That is fair," responded the little man,
+looking pleased.  "I will tell you now that,
+not knowing of any vacancy in the factory,
+I had intended to give you the place in the office
+which Mr. Gibbon has asked for his nephew.
+It would have been a good deal easier work."
+
+"I shall be quite satisfied to take my place
+in the factory."
+
+"Come in, then, and see your future scene
+of employment."
+
+They entered a large room, occupying nearly
+an entire floor of the building.  Part of the
+space was filled by machinery.  The number
+employed Carl estimated roughly at twenty-five.
+
+Quite near the door was a boy, who bore
+some personal resemblance to the bookkeeper.
+Carl concluded that it must be Leonard Craig.
+The boy looked round as Mr. Jennings entered,
+and eyed Carl sharply.
+
+"How are you getting on, Leonard?" Mr. Jennings asked.
+
+"Pretty well, sir; but the machinery makes my head ache."
+
+"Your uncle tells me that your employment does not agree with you."
+
+"No, sir; I don't think it does."
+
+"He would like to have you in the office with him.
+Would you like it, also?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Leonard, eagerly.
+
+"Very well.  You may report for duty at the office
+to-morrow morning.  This boy will take your place here."
+
+Leonard eyed Carl curiously, not cordially.
+
+"I hope you'll like it," he said.
+
+"I think I shall."
+
+"You two boys must get acquainted," said Mr. Jennings.
+"Leonard, this is Carl Crawford."
+
+"Glad to know you," said Leonard, coldly.
+
+"I don't think I shall like that boy," thought Carl,
+as he followed Mr. Jennings to another part of the room.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+CARL ENTERS THE FACTORY.
+
+
+When they left the factory Mr. Jennings said, with a smile:
+
+"Now you are one of us, Carl.  To-morrow you begin work."
+
+"I am glad of it, sir."
+
+"You don't ask what salary you are to get."
+
+"I am willing to leave that to you."
+
+"Suppose we say two dollars a week and board--
+to begin with."
+
+"That is better than I expected.  But where
+am I to board?"
+
+"At my house, for the present, if that will suit you."
+
+"I shall like it very much, if it won't
+inconvenience you."
+
+"Hannah is the one to be inconvenienced,
+if anyone.  I had a little conversation with
+her while you were getting ready for dinner.
+She seems to have taken a liking for you,
+though she doesn't like boys generally.
+As for me, it will make the home brighter to have
+a young person in it.  Hannah and I are old-
+fashioned and quiet, and the neighbors don't
+have much reason to complain of noise."
+
+"No, sir; I should think not, ' said Carl, with a smile.
+
+"There is one thing you must be prepared
+for, Carl," said Mr. Jennings, after a pause.
+
+"What is that, sir?"
+
+"Your living in my house--I being your
+employer--may excite jealousy in some.  I think
+I know of one who will be jealous."
+
+"Leonard Craig?"
+
+"And his uncle.  However, don't borrow any
+trouble on that score.  I hope you won't take
+advantage of your position, and, thinking yourself
+a favorite, neglect your duties."
+
+"I will not, sir."
+
+"Business and friendship ought to be kept apart."
+
+"That is right, sir."
+
+"I am going back to the house, but you may
+like to take a walk about the village.  You
+will feel interested in it, as it is to be your
+future home.  By the way, it may be well for
+you to write for your trunk.  You can order
+it sent to my house."
+
+"All right, sir; I will do so."
+
+He went to the post office, and, buying a postal
+card, wrote to his friend, Gilbert Vance,
+as follows:
+
+
+"Dear Gilbert:--Please send my trunk by
+express to me at Milford, care of Henry Jennings,
+Esq.  He is my employer, and I live at
+his house.  He is proprietor of a furniture
+factory.  Will write further particulars soon.
+
+"Carl Crawford."
+
+
+This postal carried welcome intelligence to
+Gilbert, who felt a brotherly interest in Carl.
+He responded by a letter of hearty congratulation,
+and forwarded the trunk as requested.
+
+Carl reported for duty the next morning,
+and, though a novice, soon showed that he was
+not without mechanical skill.
+
+At twelve o'clock all the factory hands had
+an hour off for dinner.  As Carl passed into
+the street he found himself walking beside the
+boy whom he had succeeded--Leonard Craig.
+
+"Good-morning, Leonard," said Carl, pleasantly.
+
+"Good-morning.  Have you taken my place
+in the factory?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Do you think you shall like it?"
+
+"I think I shall, though, of course, it is
+rather early to form an opinion."
+
+"I didn't like it."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"I don't want to grow up a workman.  I
+think I am fit for something better."
+
+"Mr. Jennings began as a factory hand."
+
+"I suppose he had a taste for it.  I haven't."
+
+"Then you like your present position better?"
+
+"Oh, yes; it's more genteel.  How much does
+Jennings pay you?"
+
+"Two dollars a week and board."
+
+"How is that?  Where do you board?"
+
+"With him."
+
+"Oh!" said Leonard, his countenance changing.
+"So you are a favorite with the boss, are you?"
+
+"I don't know.  He gave me warning that
+he should be just as strict with me as if we
+were strangers."
+
+"How long have you known him?"
+
+Carl smiled.
+
+"I met him for the first time yesterday," he answered.
+
+"That's very queer."
+
+"Well, perhaps it is a little singular."
+
+"Are you a poor boy?"
+
+"I have to earn my own living."
+
+"I see.  You will grow up a common workman."
+
+"I shall try to rise above it.  I am not ashamed
+of the position, but I am ambitious to rise."
+
+"I am going to be a bookkeeper," said Leonard.
+"My uncle is going to teach me.  I would
+rather be a bookkeeper than a factory hand."
+
+"Then you are right in preparing yourself
+for such a post."
+
+Here the two boys separated, as they were
+to dine in different places.
+
+Leonard was pleased with his new position.
+He really had very little to do.  Twice a day
+he went to the post office, once or twice to the
+bank, and there was an occasional errand besides.
+To Carl the idleness would have been
+insupportable, but Leonard was naturally
+indolent.  He sat down in a chair by the window,
+and watched the people go by.
+
+The first afternoon he was in luck, for there
+was a dog fight in the street outside.  He seized
+his hat, went out, and watched the canine warfare
+with the deepest interest.
+
+"I think I will buy you a system of bookkeeping,"
+said his uncle, "and you can study it in the office."
+
+"Put it off till next week, Uncle Julius.  I
+want to get rested from the factory work."
+
+"It seems to me, Leonard, you were born lazy,"
+said his uncle, sharply.
+
+"I don't care to work with my hands."
+
+"Do you care to work at all?"
+
+"I should like to be a bookkeeper."
+
+"Do you know that my work is harder and
+more exhausting than that of a workman in
+the factory?"
+
+"You don't want to exchange with him, do you?"
+asked Leonard.
+
+"No."
+
+"That's where I agree with you."
+
+Mr. Jennings took several weekly papers.
+Leonard was looking over the columns of one
+of them one day, when he saw the advertisement
+of a gift enterprise of a most attractive
+character.  The first prize was a house and
+grounds valued at ten thousand dollars.  Following
+were minor prizes, among them one
+thousand dollars in gold.
+
+Leonard's fancy was captivated by the brilliant
+prospect of such a prize.
+
+"Price of tickets--only one dollar!" he read.
+"Think of getting a thousand dollars for one!
+Oh, if I could only be the lucky one!"
+
+He took out his purse, though he knew
+beforehand that his stock of cash consisted only
+of two dimes and a nickel.
+
+"I wonder if I could borrow a dollar of that
+boy Carl!" he deliberated.  "I'll speak to him
+about it."
+
+This happened more than a week after Carl
+went to work in the factory.  He had already
+received one week's pay, and it remained
+untouched in his pocket.
+
+Leonard joined him in the street early in the
+evening, and accosted him graciously.
+
+"Where are you going?" he asked.
+
+"Nowhere in particular.  I am out for a walk."
+
+"So am I.  Shall we walk together?"
+
+"If you like."
+
+After talking on indifferent matters, Leonard
+said suddenly: "Oh, by the way, will you do me a favor?"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"Lend me a dollar till next week."
+
+In former days Carl would probably have granted
+the favor, but he realized the value of money now
+that he had to earn it by steady work.
+
+"I am afraid it won't be convenient," he answered.
+
+"Does that mean that you haven't got it?"
+asked Leonard.
+
+"No, I have it, but I am expecting to use it."
+
+"I wouldn't mind paying you interest for it--
+say twenty-five cents," continued Leonard,
+who had set his heart on buying a ticket in the
+gift enterprise.
+
+"I would be ashamed to take such interest as that."
+
+"But I have a chance of making a good deal
+more out of it myself."
+
+"In what way?"
+
+"That is my secret."
+
+"Why don't you borrow it of your uncle?"
+
+"He would ask too many questions.  However,
+I see that you're a miser, and I won't
+trouble you."
+
+He left Carl in a huff and walked hastily
+away.  He turned into a lane little traveled,
+and, after walking a few rods, came suddenly
+upon the prostrate body of a man, whose deep,
+breathing showed that he was stupefied by
+liquor.  Leonard was not likely to feel any
+special interest in him, but one object did
+attract his attention.  It was a wallet which had
+dropped out of the man's pocket and was lying
+on the grass beside him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+LEONARD'S TEMPTATION.
+
+
+Leonard was not a thief, but the sight of the
+wallet tempted him, under the circumstances.
+He had set his heart on buying a ticket in the
+gift enterprise, and knew of no way of obtaining
+the requisite sum--except this.  It was,
+indeed, a little shock to him to think of
+appropriating money not his own; yet who would
+know it?  The owner of the wallet was drunk,
+and would be quite unconscious of his loss.
+Besides, if he didn't take the wallet, some one else
+probably would, and appropriate the entire
+contents.  It was an insidious suggestion, and
+Leonard somehow persuaded himself that since
+the money was sure to be taken, he might as
+well have the benefit of it as anyone else.
+
+So, after turning over the matter in his mind
+rapidly, he stooped down and picked up the
+wallet.
+
+The man did not move.
+
+Emboldened by his insensibility, Leonard
+cautiously opened the pocketbook, and his eyes
+glistened when he saw tucked away in one
+side, quite a thick roll of bills.
+
+"He won't miss one bill," thought Leonard.
+"Anyone else might take the whole wallet, but
+I wouldn't do that.  I wonder how much money
+there is in the roll."
+
+He darted another glance at the prostrate
+form, but there seemed no danger of interruption.
+He took the roll in his hand, therefore,
+and a hasty scrutiny showed him that the bills
+ran from ones to tens.  There must have been
+nearly a hundred dollars in all.
+
+"Suppose I take a five," thought Leonard,
+whose cupidity increased with the sight of the
+money.  "He won't miss it, and it will be better
+in my hands than if spent for whiskey."
+
+How specious are the arguments of those
+who seek an excuse for a wrong act that will
+put money in the purse!
+
+"Yes, I think I may venture to take a five,
+and, as I might not be able to change it right
+away, I will take a one to send for a ticket.
+Then I will put the wallet back in the man's pocket."
+
+So far, all went smoothly, and Leonard was
+proceeding to carry out his intention when,
+taking a precautionary look at the man on the
+ground, he was dumfounded by seeing his eyes
+wide open and fixed upon him.
+
+Leonard flushed painfully, like a criminal
+detected in a crime, and returned the look of
+inquiry by one of dismay.
+
+"What--you--doing?" inquired the victim
+of inebriety.
+
+"I--is this your wallet, sir?" stammered Leonard.
+
+"Course it is.  What you got it for?"
+
+"I--I saw it on the ground, and was afraid
+some one would find it, and rob you," said
+Leonard, fluently.
+
+"Somebody did find it," rejoined the man,
+whose senses seemed coming back to him.
+"How much did you take?"
+
+"I?  You don't think I would take any of
+your money?" said Leonard, in virtuous surprise.
+
+"Looked like it!  Can't tell who to trust."
+
+"I assure you, I had only just picked it up,
+and was going to put it back in your pocket, sir."
+
+The man, drunk as he was, winked knowingly.
+
+"Smart boy!" he said.  "You do it well, ol' fella!"
+
+"But, sir, it is quite true, I assure you.
+I will count over the money before you.
+Do you know how much you had?"
+
+"Nev' mind.  Help me up!"
+
+Leonard stooped over and helped the drunkard
+to a sitting position.
+
+"Where am I?  Where is hotel?"
+
+Leonard answered him.
+
+"Take me to hotel, and I'll give you a dollar."
+
+"Certainly, sir," said Leonard, briskly.  He
+was to get his dollar after all, and would not
+have to steal it.  I am afraid he is not to be
+praised for his honesty, as it seemed to be a
+matter of necessity.
+
+"I wish he'd give me five dollars," thought
+Leonard, but didn't see his way clear to make
+the suggestion.
+
+He placed the man on his feet, and guided
+his steps to the road.  As he walked along,
+the inebriate, whose gait was at first unsteady,
+recovered his equilibrium and required less help.
+
+"How long had you been lying there?" asked Leonard.
+
+"Don't know.  I was taken sick," and the
+inebriate nodded knowingly at Leonard,
+who felt at liberty to laugh, too.
+
+"Do you ever get sick?"
+
+"Not that way," answered Leonard.
+
+"Smart boy!  Better off!"
+
+They reached the hotel, and Leonard engaged
+a room for his companion.
+
+"Has he got money?" asked the landlord, in
+a low voice.
+
+"Yes," answered Leonard, "he has nearly
+a hundred dollars.  I counted it myself."
+
+"That's all right, then," said the landlord.
+"Here, James, show the gentleman up to No. 15."
+
+"Come, too," said the stranger to Leonard.
+
+The latter followed the more readily because
+he had not yet been paid his dollar.
+
+The door of No. 15 was opened, and the two entered.
+
+"I will stay with the gentleman a short time,"
+said Leonard to the boy.  "If we want anything we will ring."
+
+"All right, sir."
+
+"What's your name?" asked the inebriate,
+as he sank into a large armchair near the window.
+
+"Leonard Craig."
+
+"Never heard the name before."
+
+"What's your name, sir?"
+
+"What yon want to know for?" asked the other, cunningly.
+
+"The landlord will want to put it on his book."
+
+"My name?  Phil Stark."
+
+"Philip Stark?"
+
+"Yes; who told you?"
+
+It will be seen that Mr. Stark was not yet
+quite himself.
+
+"You told me yourself."
+
+"So I did--'scuse me."
+
+"Certainly, sir.  By the way, you told me
+you would pay me a dollar for bringing you
+to the hotel."
+
+"So I did.  Take it," and Philip Stark passed
+the wallet to Leonard.
+
+Leonard felt tempted to take a two-dollar bill
+instead of a one, as Mr. Stark would hardly notice
+the mistake.  Still, he might ask to look at the bill,
+and that would be awkward.  So the boy contented himself
+with the sum promised.
+
+"Thank you, sir," he said, as he slipped the bill
+into his vest pocket.  "Do you want some supper?"
+
+"No, I want to sleep."
+
+"Then you had better lie down on the bed.
+Will you undress?"
+
+"No; too much trouble."
+
+Mr. Stark rose from the armchair, and,
+lurching round to the bed, flung himself on it.
+
+"I suppose you don't want me any longer,"
+said Leonard.
+
+"No.  Come round to-morrer."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Leonard opened the door and left the room.
+He resolved to keep the appointment, and come
+round the next day.  Who knew but some more
+of Mr. Stark's money might come into his
+hands?  Grown man as he was, he seemed to
+need a guardian, and Leonard was willing to
+act as such--for a consideration.
+
+"It's been a queer adventure!" thought Leonard,
+as he slowly bent his steps towards his uncle's
+house.  "I've made a dollar out of it, anyway,
+and if he hadn't happened to wake up
+just as he did I might have done better.
+However, it may turn out as well in the end."
+
+"You are rather late, Leonard," said his uncle,
+in a tone that betrayed some irritation.
+"I wanted to send you on an errand, and you
+are always out of the way at such a time."
+
+"I'll go now," said Leonard, with unusual
+amiability.  "I've had a little adventure."
+
+"An adventure!  What is it?" Mr. Gibbon
+asked, with curiosity.
+
+Leonard proceeded to give an account of his
+finding the inebriate in the meadow, and his
+guiding him to the hotel.  It may readily be
+supposed that he said nothing of his attempt
+to appropriate a part of the contents of the wallet.
+
+"What was his name?" asked Gibbon, with languid curiosity.
+
+"Phil Stark, he calls himself."
+
+A strange change came over the face of the bookkeeper.
+There was a frightened look in his eyes, and his color faded.
+
+"Phil Stark!" he repeated, in a startled tone.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"What brings him here?" Gibbon asked himself
+nervously, but no words passed his lips.
+
+"Do you know the name?" asked Leonard, wonderingly.
+
+"I--have heard it before, but--no, I don't
+think it is the same man."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+AN ARTFUL SCHEME.
+
+
+"Does this Mr. Stark intend to remain long
+in the village!" inquired the bookkeeper, in
+a tone of assumed indifference.
+
+"He didn't say anything on that point,"
+answered Leonard.
+
+"He did not say what business brought him
+here, I presume?"
+
+"No, he was hardly in condition to say
+much; he was pretty full," said Leonard, with
+a laugh.  "However, he wants me to call upon
+him to-morrow, and may tell me then."
+
+"He wants you to call upon him?"
+
+"Yes, uncle."
+
+"Are you going?"
+
+"Yes; why shouldn't I?"
+
+"I see no reason," said Gibbon, hesitating.
+Then, after a pause he added: "If you see
+the way clear, find out what brings him to
+Milford."
+
+"Yes, uncle, I will."
+
+"Uncle Julius seems a good deal interested
+in this man, considering that he is a stranger,"
+thought the boy.
+
+The bookkeeper was biting his nails, a habit
+he had when he was annoyed.  "And, Leonard,"
+he added slowly, "don't mention my
+name while you are speaking to Stark."
+
+"No, sir, I won't, if you don't want me to,"
+answered Leonard, his face betraying unmistakable
+curiosity.  His uncle noted this, and
+explained hurriedly: "It is possible that he
+may be a man whom I once met under disagreeable
+circumstances, and I would prefer
+not to meet him again.  Should he learn that
+I was living here, he would be sure to want
+to renew the acquaintance."
+
+"Yes, sir, I see.  I don't think he would
+want to borrow money, for he seems to be
+pretty well provided.  I made a dollar out of
+him to-day, and that is one reason why I am
+willing to call on him again.  I may strike
+him for another bill."
+
+"There is no objection to that, provided you
+don't talk to him too freely.  I don't think
+he will want to stay long in Milford."
+
+"I wouldn't if I had as much money as he probably has."
+
+"Do you often meet the new boy?"
+
+"Carl Crawford?"
+
+"Yes; I see him on the street quite often."
+
+"He lives with Mr. Jennings, I hear."
+
+"So he tells me."
+
+"It is rather strange.  I didn't suppose that
+Jennings would care to receive a boy in his
+house, or that tall grenadier of a housekeeper,
+either.  I expect she rules the household."
+
+"She could tuck him under her arm and
+walk off with him," said Leonard, laughing.
+
+"The boy must be artful to have wormed
+his way into the favor of the strange pair.
+He seems to be a favorite."
+
+"Yes, uncle, I think he is.  However, I like
+my position better than his."
+
+"He will learn his business from the beginning.
+I don't know but it was a mistake for
+you to leave the factory."
+
+"I am not at all sorry for it, uncle."
+
+"Your position doesn't amount to much."
+
+"I am paid just as well as I was when I was
+in the factory."
+
+"But you are learning nothing."
+
+"You are going to teach me bookkeeping."
+
+"Even that is not altogether a desirable
+business.  A good bookkeeper can never expect to
+be in business for himself.  He must be content
+with a salary all his life."
+
+"You have done pretty well, uncle."
+
+"But there is no chance of my becoming
+a rich man.  I have to work hard for my
+money.  And I haven't been able to lay up
+much money yet.  That reminds me?  Leonard,
+I must impress upon you the fact that you
+have your own way to make.  I have procured
+you a place, and I provide you a home----"
+
+"You take my wages," said Leonard, bluntly.
+
+"A part of them, but on the whole, you are
+not self-supporting.  You must look ahead,
+Leonard, and consider the future.  When you are
+a young man you will want to earn an adequate income."
+
+"Of course, I shall, uncle, but there is one
+other course."
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I may marry an heiress," suggested Leonard, smiling.
+
+The bookkeeper winced.
+
+"I thought I was marrying an heiress when
+I married your aunt," he said, "but within
+six months of our wedding day, her father
+made a bad failure, and actually had the
+assurance to ask me to give him a home under
+my roof."
+
+"Did you do it?"
+
+"No; I told him it would not be convenient."
+
+"What became of him?"
+
+"He got a small clerkship at ten dollars a
+week in the counting room of a mercantile
+friend, and filled it till one day last October,
+when he dropped dead of apoplexy.  I made
+a great mistake when I married in not asking
+him to settle a definite sum on his daughter.
+It would have been so much saved from the wreck."
+
+"Did aunt want him to come and live here?"
+
+"Yes, women are always unreasonable.  She
+would have had me support the old man in
+idleness, but I am not one of that kind.
+Every tub should stand on its own bottom."
+
+"I say so, too, uncle.  Do you know whether
+this boy, Carl Crawford, has any father or mother?"
+
+"From a word Jennings let fall I infer
+that he has relatives, but is not on good terms
+with them.  I have been a little afraid he
+might stand in your light."
+
+"How so, uncle?"
+
+"Should there be any good opening for one
+of your age, I am afraid he would get it rather
+than you."
+
+"I didn't think of that," said Leonard, jealously.
+
+"Living as he does with Mr. Jennings, he
+will naturally try to ingratiate himself with
+him, and stand first in his esteem."
+
+"That is true.  Is Mr. Jennings a rich man,
+do you think?"
+
+"Yes, I think he is.  The factory and stock
+are worth considerable money, but I know he
+has other investments also.  As one item he
+has over a thousand dollars in the Carterville
+Savings Bank.  He has been very pru-
+dent, has met with no losses, and has put aside
+a great share of his profits every year."
+
+"I wonder he don't marry."
+
+"Marriage doesn't seem to be in his
+thoughts.  Hannah makes him so comfortable
+that he will probably remain a bachelor to
+the end of his days."
+
+"Perhaps he will leave his money to her."
+
+"He is likely to live as long as she."
+
+"She is a good deal longer than he," said
+Leonard, with a laugh.
+
+The bookkeeper condescended to smile at
+this joke, though it was not very brilliant.
+
+"Before this boy Carl came," he resumed
+thoughtfully, "I hoped he might take a fancy
+to you.  He must die some time, and, having
+no near blood relative, I thought he might
+select as heir some boy like yourself, who might
+grow into his favor and get on his blind side."
+
+"Is it too late now?" asked Leonard, eagerly.
+
+"Perhaps not, but the appearance of this
+new boy on the scene makes your chance a good
+deal smaller."
+
+"I wish we could get rid of him," said
+Leonard, frowning.
+
+"The only way is to injure him in the
+estimation of Mr. Jennings."
+
+"I think I know of a way."
+
+"Mention it."
+
+"Here is an advertisement of a lottery," said
+Leonard, whose plans, in view of what his uncle
+had said, had experienced a change.
+
+"Well?"
+
+"I will write to the manager in Carl's name,
+inquiring about tickets, and, of course, he will
+answer to him, to the care of Mr. Jennings.
+This will lead to the suspicion that Carl is
+interested in such matters."
+
+"It is a good idea.  It will open the way
+to a loss of confidence on the part of Mr. Jennings."
+
+"I will sit down at your desk and write at once."
+
+Three days later Mr. Jennings handed a letter
+to Carl after they reached home in the evening.
+
+"A letter for you to my care," he explained.
+
+Carl opened it in surprise, and read as follows:
+
+
+"Office Of Gift Enterprise.
+
+"Mr. Carl Crawford:--Your letter of inquiry
+is received.  In reply we would say that
+we will send you six tickets for five dollars.
+By disposing of them among your friends at
+one dollar each, you will save the cost of your
+own.  You had better remit at once.
+
+"Yours respectfully, Pitkins & Gamp,
+
+"Agents."
+
+
+Carl looked the picture of astonishment
+when he read this letter.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+REVEALS A MYSTERY.
+
+
+"Please read this letter, Mr. Jennings," said Carl.
+
+His employer took the letter from his hand,
+and ran his eye over it.
+
+"Do you wish to ask my advice about the
+investment?" he said, quietly.
+
+"No, sir.  I wanted to know how such a
+letter came to be written to me."
+
+"Didn't you send a letter of inquiry there?"
+
+"No, sir, and I can't understand how these
+men could have got hold of my name."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked thoughtful.
+
+"Some one has probably written in your name,"
+he said, after a pause.
+
+"But who could have done so?"
+
+"If you will leave the letter in my hands,
+I may be able to obtain some information on
+that point."
+
+"I shall be glad if you can, Mr. Jennings."
+
+"Don't mention to anyone having received such a letter,
+and if anyone broaches the subject, let me know who it is."
+
+"Yes, sir, I will."
+
+Mr. Jennings quietly put on his hat, and walked
+over to the post office.  The postmaster, who also
+kept a general variety store, chanced to be alone.
+
+"Good-evening, Mr. Jennings," he said,
+pleasantly.  "What can I do for you?"
+
+"I want a little information, Mr. Sweetland,
+though it is doubtful if you can give it."
+
+Mr. Sweetland assumed the attitude of attention.
+
+"Do you know if any letter has been posted
+from this office within a few days, addressed
+to Pitkins & Gamp, Syracuse, New York?"
+
+"Yes; two letters have been handed in bearing this address."
+
+Mr. Jennings was surprised, for he had never
+thought of two letters.
+
+"Can you tell me who handed them in?" he asked.
+
+"Both were handed in by the same party."
+
+"And that was----"
+
+"A boy in your employ."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked grave.  Was it possible
+that Carl was deceiving him?
+
+"The boy who lives at my house?" he asked, anxiously.
+
+"No; the boy who usually calls for the factory mail.
+The nephew of your bookkeeper I think his name is Leonard Craig."
+
+"Ah, I see," said Mr. Jennings, looking very much relieved.
+"And you say he deposited both letters?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Do you happen to remember if any other
+letter like this was received at the office?"
+
+Here he displayed the envelope of Carl's letter.
+
+"Yes; one was received, addressed to the name
+of the one who deposited the first letters--
+Leonard Craig."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Sweetland.  Your information has cleared
+up a mystery.  Be kind enough not to mention the matter."
+
+"I will bear your request in mind."
+
+Mr. Jennings bought a supply of stamps, and then left the office.
+
+"Well, Carl," he said, when he re-entered the house,
+"I have discovered who wrote in your name to Pitkins & Gamp."
+
+"Who, sir?" asked Carl, with curiosity.
+
+"Leonard Craig."
+
+"But what could induce him to do it?" said Carl, perplexed.
+
+"He thought that I would see the letter, and would be prejudiced
+against you if I discovered that you were investing in what is
+a species of lottery."
+
+"Would you, sir?"
+
+"I should have thought you unwise, and I
+should have been reminded of a fellow workman
+who became so infatuated with lotteries
+that he stole money from his employer to
+enable him to continue his purchases of tickets.
+But for this unhappy passion he would have
+remained honest."
+
+"Leonard must dislike me," said Carl, thoughtfully.
+
+"He is jealous of you; I warned you he or
+some one else might become so.  But the most
+curious circumstance is, he wrote a second letter
+in his own name.  I suspect he has bought a ticket.
+I advise you to say nothing about the matter
+unless questioned."
+
+"I won't, sir."
+
+The next day Carl met Leonard in the street.
+
+"By the way," said Leonard, "you got a letter yesterday?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I brought it to the factory with the rest of the mail."
+
+"Thank you."
+
+Leonard looked at him curiously.
+
+"He seems to be close-mouthed," Leonard said to himself.
+"He has sent for a ticket, I'll bet a hat, and don't
+want me to find out.  I wish I could draw the capital prize--
+I would not mind old Jennings finding out then."
+
+"Do you ever hear from your--friends?" he asked a minute later.
+
+"Not often."
+
+"I thought that letter might be from your home."
+
+"No; it was a letter from Syracuse."
+
+"I remember now, it was postmarked Syracuse.  Have you friends there?"
+
+"None that I am aware of."
+
+"Yet you receive letters from there?"
+
+"That was a business letter."
+
+Carl was quietly amused at Leonard's skillful questions,
+but was determined not to give him any light on the subject.
+
+Leonard tried another avenue of attack.
+
+"Oh, dear!" he sighed, "I wish I was rich."
+
+"I shouldn't mind being rich myself," said Carl,
+with a smile.
+
+"I suppose old Jennings must have a lot of money."
+
+"Mr. Jennings, I presume, is very well off,"
+responded Carl, emphasizing the title "Mr."
+
+"If I had his money I wouldn't live in such Quaker style."
+
+"Would you have him give fashionable parties?"
+asked Carl, smiling.
+
+"Well, I don't know that he would enjoy that;
+but I'll tell you what I would do.  I would buy
+a fast horse--a two-forty mare--and a bangup buggy,
+and I'd show the old farmers round here what fast driving is.
+Then I'd have a stylish house, and----"
+
+"I don't believe you'd be content to live in Milford, Leonard."
+
+"I don't think I would, either, unless my business were here.
+I'd go to New York every few weeks and see life."
+
+"You may be rich some time, so that you can carry out your wishes."
+
+"Do you know any easy way of getting money?"
+asked Leonard, pointedly.
+
+"The easy ways are not generally the true ways.
+A man sometimes makes money by speculation,
+but he has to have some to begin with."
+
+"I can't get anything out of him," thought Leonard.
+"Well, good-evening."
+
+He crossed the street, and joined the man who has already
+been referred to as boarding at the hotel.
+
+Mr. Stark had now been several days in Milford.
+What brought him there, or what object
+he had in staying, Leonard had not yet
+ascertained.  He generally spent part of his
+evenings with the stranger, and had once or
+twice received from him a small sum of money.
+Usually, however, he had met Mr. Stark in
+the billiard room, and played a game or two
+of billiards with him.  Mr. Stark always paid
+for the use of the table, and that was naturally
+satisfactory to Leonard, who enjoyed amusement
+at the expense of others.
+
+Leonard, bearing in mind his uncle's request,
+had not mentioned his name to Mr. Stark, and
+Stark, though he had walked about the village
+more or less, had not chanced to meet Mr. Gibbon.
+
+He had questioned Leonard, however, about
+Mr. Jennings, and whether he was supposed to be rich.
+
+Leonard had answered freely that everyone
+considered him so.
+
+"But he doesn't know how to enjoy his money," he added.
+
+"We should," said Stark, jocularly.
+
+"You bet we would," returned Leonard; and
+he was quite sincere in his boast, as we know
+from his conversation with Carl.
+
+"By the way," said Stark, on this particular
+evening, "I never asked you about your family,
+Leonard.  I suppose you live with your parents."
+
+"No, sir.  They are dead."
+
+"Then whom do you live with?"
+
+"With my uncle," answered Leonard, guardedly.
+
+"Is his name Craig?"
+
+"No."
+
+"What then?"
+
+"I've got to tell him," thought Leonard.
+"Well, I don't suppose there will be much
+harm in it.  My uncle is bookkeeper for Mr. Jennings,"
+he said, "and his name is Julius Gibbon."
+
+Philip Stark wheeled round, and eyed Leonard
+in blank astonishment.
+
+"Your uncle is Julius Gibbon!" he exclaimed.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Well, I'll be blowed."
+
+"Do you--know my uncle?" asked Leonard, hesitating.
+
+"I rather think I do.  Take me round to the house.
+I want to see him."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+AN UNWELCOME GUEST.
+
+
+When Julius Gibbon saw the door open and
+Philip Stark enter the room where he was
+smoking his noon cigar, his heart quickened
+its pulsations and he turned pale.
+
+"How are you, old friend?" said Stark,
+boisterously.  "Funny, isn't it, that I should run
+across your nephew?"
+
+"Very strange!" ejaculated Gibbon, looking
+the reverse of joyous.
+
+"It's a happy meeting, isn't it?  We used to
+see a good deal of each other," and he laughed
+in a way that Gibbon was far from enjoying.
+"Now, I've come over to have a good, long chat
+with you.  Leonard, I think we won't keep
+you, as you wouldn't be interested in our talk
+about old times."
+
+"Yes, Leonard, you may leave us," added his uncle.
+
+Leonard's curiosity was excited, and he
+would have been glad to remain, but as there
+was no help for it, he went out.
+
+When they were alone, Stark drew up his
+chair close, and laid his hand familiarly on
+the bookkeeper's knee.
+
+"I say, Gibbon, do you remember where we last met?"
+
+Gibbon shuddered slightly.
+
+"Yes," he answered, feebly.
+
+"It was at Joliet--Joliet Penitentiary.  Your
+time expired before mine.  I envied you the
+six months' advantage you had of me.  When
+I came out I searched for you everywhere,
+but heard nothing."
+
+"How did you know I was here?" asked the bookkeeper.
+
+"I didn't know.  I had no suspicion of it.
+Nor did I dream that Leonard, who was able
+to do me a little service, was your nephew.  I
+say, he's a chip of the old block, Gibbon," and
+Stark laughed as if he enjoyed it.
+
+"What do you mean by that?"
+
+"I was lying in a field, overcome by liquor,
+an old weakness of mine, you know, and my
+wallet had slipped out of my pocket.  I
+chanced to open my eyes, when I saw it in the
+hands of your promising nephew, ha!  ha!"
+
+"He told me that."
+
+"But he didn't tell you that he was on the
+point of appropriating a part of the contents?
+I warrant you he didn't tell you that."
+
+"Did he acknowledge it?  Perhaps you misjudged him."
+
+"He didn't acknowledge it in so many words,
+but I knew it by his change of color and confusion.
+Oh, I didn't lay it up against him.
+We are very good friends.  He comes honestly by it."
+
+Gibbon looked very much annoyed, but there were reasons
+why he did not care to express his chagrin.
+
+"On my honor, it was an immense surprise
+to me," proceeded Stark, "when I learned that
+my old friend Gibbon was a resident of Milford."
+
+"I wish you had never found it out," thought
+Gibbon, biting his lip.
+
+"No sooner did I hear it than I posted off
+at once to call on you."
+
+"So I see."
+
+Stark elevated his eyebrows, and looked
+amused.  He saw that he was not a welcome
+visitor, but for that he cared little.
+
+"Haven't you got on, though?  Here I find
+you the trusted bookkeeper of an important
+business firm.  Did you bring recommendations
+from your last place?" and he burst into
+a loud guffaw.
+
+"I wish you wouldn't make such
+references," snapped Gibbon.  "They can do no
+good, and might do harm."
+
+"Don't be angry, my dear boy.  I rejoice
+at your good fortune.  Wish I was equally
+well fixed.  You don't ask how I am getting on."
+
+"I hope you are prosperous," said Gibbon, coldly.
+
+"I might be more so.  Is there a place vacant
+in your office?"
+
+"No."
+
+"And if there were, you might not recommend me, eh?"
+
+"There is no need to speak of that.  There is no vacancy."
+
+"Upon my word, I wish there were, as I am getting to
+the end of my tether.  I may have money enough to last
+me four weeks longer, but no more."
+
+"I don't see how I can help you," said Gibbon.
+
+"How much salary does Mr. Jennings pay you?"
+
+"A hundred dollars a month," answered the
+bookkeeper, reluctantly.
+
+"Not bad, in a cheap place like this."
+
+"It takes all I make to pay expenses."
+
+"I remember--you have a wife.  I have no
+such incumbrance."
+
+"There is one question I would like to ask you,"
+said the bookkeeper.
+
+"Fire away, dear boy.  Have you an extra cigar?"
+
+"Here is one,"
+
+"Thanks.  Now I shall be comfortable.  Go ahead
+with your question."
+
+"What brought you to Milford?  You didn't
+know of my being here, you say."
+
+"Neither did I.  I came on my old business."
+
+"What?"
+
+"I heard there was a rich manufacturer here
+--I allude to your respected employer.
+I thought I might manage to open his safe
+some dark night."
+
+"No, no," protested Gibbon in alarm.  "Don't think of it."
+
+"Why not?" asked Stark, coolly.
+
+"Because," answered Gibbon, in some agitation,
+"I might be suspected."
+
+"Well, perhaps you might; but I have got to look out
+for number one.  How do you expect me to live?"
+
+"Go somewhere else.  There are plenty of other
+men as rich, and richer, where you would
+not be compromising an old friend."
+
+"It's because I have an old friend in the office
+that I have thought this would be my best opening."
+
+"Surely, man, you don't expect me to betray
+my employer, and join with you in robbing him?"
+
+"That's just what I do expect.  Don't tell
+me you have grown virtuous, Gibbon.  The
+tiger doesn't lose his spots or the leopard his
+stripes.  I tell you there's a fine chance for us
+both.  I'll divide with you, if you'll help me."
+
+"But I've gone out of the business,"
+protested Gibbon.
+
+"I haven't.  Come, old boy, I can't let any
+sentimental scruples interfere with so good a
+stroke of business."
+
+"I won't help you!" said Gibbon, angrily.
+"You only want to get me into trouble."
+
+"You won't help me?" said Stark, with slow deliberation.
+
+"No, I can't honorably.  Can't you let me alone?"
+
+"Sorry to say, I can't.  If I was rich, I might;
+but as it is, it is quite necessary for me to raise
+some money somewhere.  By all accounts, Jennings is rich,
+and can spare a small part of his accumulations for
+a good fellow that's out of luck."
+
+"You'd better give up the idea.  It's quite impossible."
+
+"Is it?" asked Stark, with a wicked look.
+"Then do you know what I will do?"
+
+"What will you do?" asked Gibbon, nervously.
+
+"I will call on your employer, and tell him
+what I know of you."
+
+"You wouldn't do that?" said the bookkeeper,
+much agitated.
+
+"Why not?  You turn your back upon an
+old friend.  You bask in prosperity, and turn
+from him in his poverty.  It's the way of the
+world, no doubt; but Phil Stark generally gets
+even with those who don't treat him well."
+
+"Tell me what you want me to do," said
+Gibbon, desperately.
+
+"Tell me first whether your safe contains
+much of value."
+
+"We keep a line of deposit with the Milford Bank."
+
+"Do you mean to say that nothing of value is left
+in the safe overnight?" asked Stark, disappointed
+
+"There is a box of government bonds usually kept there,"
+the bookkeeper admitted, reluctantly.
+
+"Ah, that's good!" returned Stark, rubbing his hands.
+"Do you know how much they amount to?"
+
+"I think there are about four thousand dollars."
+
+"Good!  We must have those bonds, Gibbon."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+MR. STARK IS RECOGNIZED.
+
+
+Phil Stark was resolved not to release his
+hold upon his old acquaintance.  During the
+day he spent his time in lounging about the
+town, but in the evening he invariably fetched
+up at the bookkeeper's modest home.  His
+attentions were evidently not welcome to Mr.
+Gibbon, who daily grew more and more nervous
+and irritable, and had the appearance of
+a man whom something disquieted.
+
+Leonard watched the growing intimacy with
+curiosity.  He was a sharp boy, and he felt
+convinced that there was something between
+his uncle and the stranger.  There was no
+chance for him to overhear any conversation,
+for he was always sent out of the way when
+the two were closeted together.  He still met
+Mr. Stark outside, and played billiards with
+him frequently.  Once he tried to extract
+some information from Stark.
+
+"You've known my uncle a good while," he said,
+in a tone of assumed indifference.
+
+"Yes, a good many years," answered Stark,
+as he made a carom.
+
+"Were you in business together?"
+
+"Not exactly, but we may be some time,"
+returned Stark, with a significant smile.
+
+"Here?"
+
+"Well, that isn't decided."
+
+"Where did you first meet Uncle Julius?"
+
+"The kid's growing curious," said Stark to
+himself.  "Does he think he can pull wool
+over the eyes of Phil Stark?  If he does, he
+thinks a good deal too highly of himself.  I
+will answer his questions to suit myself."
+
+"Why don't you ask your uncle that?"
+
+"I did," said Leonard, "but he snapped me
+up, and told me to mind my own business.  He
+is getting terribly cross lately."
+
+"It's his stomach, I presume," said Stark,
+urbanely.  "He is a confirmed dyspeptic--
+that's what's the matter with him.  Now; I've
+got the digestion of an ox.  Nothing ever
+troubles me, and the result is that I am as calm
+and good-natured as a May morning."
+
+"Don't you ever get riled, Mr. Stark?" asked
+Leonard, laughing.
+
+"Well, hardly ever.  Sometimes when I am
+asked fool questions by one who seems to be
+prying into what is none of his business, I
+get wrathy, and when I'm roused look out !"
+
+He glanced meaningly at Leonard, and the
+boy understood that the words conveyed a
+warning and a menace.
+
+"Is anything the matter with you, Mr.
+Gibbon?  Are you as well as usual?" asked Mr.
+Jennings one morning.  The little man was
+always considerate, and he had noticed the
+flurried and nervous manner of his bookkeeper.
+
+"No, sir; what makes you ask?" said Gibbon, apologetically.
+
+"Perhaps you need a vacation," suggested Mr. Jennings.
+
+"Oh, no, I think not.  Besides, I couldn't be spared."
+
+"I would keep the books myself for a week to favor you."
+
+"You are very kind, but I won't trouble you just yet.
+A little later on, if I feel more uncomfortable,
+I will avail myself of your kindness."
+
+"Do so.  I know that bookkeeping is a strain
+upon the mind, more so than physical labor."
+
+There were special reasons why Mr. Gibbon
+did not dare to accept the vacation
+tendered him by his employer.  He knew that
+Phil Stark would be furious, for it would
+interfere with his designs.  He could not afford
+to offend this man, who held in his possession
+a secret affecting his reputation and good name.
+
+The presence of a stranger in a small town
+always attracts public attention, and many
+were curious about the rakish-looking man
+who had now for some time occupied a room
+at the hotel.
+
+Among others, Carl had several times seen
+him walking with Leonard Craig
+
+"Leonard," he asked one day, "who is the
+gentleman I see you so often walking with?"
+
+"It's a man that's boarding at the hotel.  I
+play billiards with him sometimes."
+
+"He seems to like Milford."
+
+"I don't know.  He's over at our house every evening."
+
+"Is he?" asked Carl, surprised.
+
+"Yes; he's an old acquaintance of Uncle Julius.
+I don't know where they met each other,
+for he won't tell.  He said he and uncle might
+go into business together some time.  Between
+you and me, I think uncle would like to get
+rid of him.  I know he doesn't like him."
+
+This set Carl to thinking, but something occurred
+soon afterwards that impressed him still more.
+
+Occasionally a customer of the house visited
+Milford, wishing to give a special order for
+some particular line of goods.  About this
+time a Mr. Thorndike, from Chicago, came to
+Milford on this errand, and put up at the
+hotel.  He had called at the factory during the
+day, and had some conversation with Mr.
+Jennings.  After supper a doubt entered the mind
+of the manufacturer in regard to one point,
+and he said to Carl: "Carl, are you engaged
+this evening?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Will you carry a note for me to the hotel?"
+
+"Certainly, sir; I shall be glad to do so."
+
+"Mr. Thorndike leaves in the morning, and I am
+not quite clear as to one of the specifications
+he gave me with his order.  You noticed the
+gentleman who went through the factory with me?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He is Mr. Thorndike.  Please hand him this note,
+and if he wishes you to remain with him for company,
+you had better do so."
+
+"I will, sir."
+
+"Hannah," said Mr. Jennings, as his messenger left with
+the note, "Carl is a pleasant addition to our little household?"
+
+"Yes, indeed he is," responded Hannah, emphatically.
+
+"If he was twice the trouble I'd be glad to have him here."
+
+"He is easy to get along with."
+
+"Surely."
+
+"Yet his stepmother drove him from his father's house."
+
+"She's a wicked trollop, then!" said Hannah,
+in a deep, stern voice.  "I'd like to get
+hold of her, I would."
+
+"What would you do to her?" asked Mr.
+Jennings, smiling.
+
+"I'd give her a good shaking," answered Hannah.
+
+"I believe you would, Hannah," said Mr.
+Jennings, amused.  "On the whole, I think she
+had better keep out of your clutches.  Still,
+but for her we would never have met with Carl.
+What is his father's loss is our gain."
+
+"What a poor, weak man his father must
+be," said Hannah, contemptuously, "to let a
+woman like her turn him against his own flesh
+and blood!"
+
+"I agree with you, Hannah.  I hope some
+time he may see his mistake."
+
+Carl kept on his way to the hotel.  It was
+summer and Mr. Thorndike was sitting on the
+piazza smoking a cigar.  To him Carl delivered
+the note.
+
+"It's all right!" he said, rapidly glancing
+it over.  "You may tell Mr. Jennings," and
+here he gave an answer to the question asked
+in the letter.
+
+"Yes, sir, I will remember."
+
+"Won't you sit down and keep me company
+a little while?" asked Thorndike, who was
+sociably inclined.
+
+"Thank you, sir," and Carl sat down in a
+chair beside him.
+
+"Will you have a cigar?"
+
+"No, thank you, sir.  I don't smoke."
+
+"That is where you are sensible.  I began
+to smoke at fourteen, and now I find it hard
+to break off.  My doctor tells me it is hurting
+me, but the chains of habit are strong."
+
+"All the more reason for forming good habits, sir."
+
+"Spoken like a philosopher.  Are you in the
+employ of my friend, Mr. Jennings?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Learning the business?"
+
+"That is my present intention."
+
+"If you ever come out to Chicago, call on
+me, and if you are out of a place, I will give you one."
+
+"Are you not a little rash, Mr. Thorndike,
+to offer me a place when you know so little of me?"
+
+"I trust a good deal to looks.  I care more
+for them than for recommendations."
+
+At that moment Phil Stark came out of the
+hotel, and passing them, stepped off the piazza
+into the street.
+
+Mr. Thorndike half rose from his seat,
+and looked after him.
+
+"Who is that?" he asked, in an exciting whisper.
+
+"A man named Stark, who is boarding at the hotel.
+Do you know him?"
+
+"Do I know him?" repeated Thorndike.  "He
+is one of the most successful burglars in the West."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+PREPARING FOR THE BURGLAR.
+
+
+Carl stared at Mr. Thorndike in surprise and dismay.
+
+"A burglar!" he ejaculated.
+
+"Yes; I was present in the courtroom when
+he was convicted of robbing the Springfield bank.
+I sat there for three hours, and his face
+was impressed upon my memory.  I saw him
+later on in the Joliet Penitentiary.  I was
+visiting the institution and saw the prisoners file
+out into the yard.  I recognized this man instantly.
+Do you know how long he has been here?"
+
+"For two weeks I should think."
+
+"He has some dishonest scheme in his head,
+I have no doubt.  Have you a bank in Milford?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"He may have some design upon that."
+
+"He is very intimate with our bookkeeper,
+so his nephew tells me."
+
+Mr. Thorndike looked startled.
+
+"Ha!  I scent danger to my friend, Mr. Jennings.
+He ought to be apprised."
+
+"He shall be, sir," said Carl, firmly.
+
+"Will you see him to-night?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I am not only in his employ,
+but I live at his house."
+
+"That is well."
+
+"Perhaps I ought to go home at once."
+
+"No attempt will be made to rob the office
+till late.  It is scarcely eight o'clock.
+I don't know, however, but I will walk around
+to the house with you, and tell your employer
+what I know.  By the way, what sort of a man
+is the bookkeeper?"
+
+"I don't know him very well, sir.  He has
+a nephew in the office, who was transferred
+from the factory.  I have taken his place."
+
+"Do you think the bookkeeper would join in
+a plot to rob his employer?"
+
+"I don't like him.  To me he is always disagreeable,
+but I would not like to say that."
+
+"How long has he been in the employ of Mr. Jennings?"
+
+"As long as two years, I should think."
+
+"You say that this man is intimate with him?"
+
+"Leonard Craig--he is the nephew--says that
+Mr. Philip Stark is at his uncle's house
+every evening."
+
+"So he calls himself Philip Stark, does he?"
+
+"Isn't that his name?"
+
+"I suppose it is one of his names.  He was
+convicted under that name, and retains it here
+on account of its being so far from the place
+of his conviction.  Whether it is his real name
+or not, I do not know.  What is the name of
+your bookkeeper?"
+
+"Julius Gibbon."
+
+"I don't remember ever having heard it.
+Evidently there has been some past acquaintance
+between the two men, and that, I should say,
+is hardly a recommendation for Mr. Gibbon.
+Of course that alone is not enough to condemn
+him, but the intimacy is certainly a suspicious
+circumstance."
+
+The two soon reached the house of Mr. Jennings,
+for the distance was only a quarter of a mile.
+
+Mr. Jennings seemed a little surprised, but
+gave a kindly welcome to his unexpected guest.
+It occurred to him that he might have come to
+give some extra order for goods.
+
+"You are surprised to see me," said Thorndike.
+"I came on a very important matter."
+
+A look of inquiry came over the face of Mr. Jennings.
+
+"There's a thief in the village--a guest at
+the hotel--whom I recognize as one of the most
+expert burglars in the country."
+
+"I think I know whom you mean, a man of moderate height,
+rather thick set, with small, black eyes and a slouch hat."
+
+"Exactly."
+
+"What can you tell me about him?"
+
+Mr. Thorndike repeated the statement he
+had already made to Carl.
+
+"Do you think our bank is in danger?"
+asked the manufacturer.
+
+"Perhaps so, but the chief danger threatens you."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked surprised.
+
+"What makes you think so?"
+
+"Because this man appears to be very intimate
+with your bookkeeper."
+
+"How do you know that?" asked the little man, quickly.
+
+"I refer you to Carl."
+
+"Leonard Craig told me to-night that this man
+Stark spent every evening at his uncle's house."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked troubled.
+
+"I am sorry to hear this," he said.  "I dislike
+to lose confidence in any man whom I have trusted."
+
+"Have you noticed anything unusual in the demeanor
+of your bookkeeper of late?" asked Thorndike.
+
+"Yes; he has appeared out of spirits and nervous."
+
+"That would seem to indicate he is conspiring to rob you."
+
+"This very day, noticing the change in him,
+I offered him a week's vacation.  He promptly
+declined to take it."
+
+"Of course.  It would conflict with the plans
+of his confederate.  I don't know the man, but
+I do know human nature, and I venture to
+predict that your safe will be opened within
+a week.  Do you keep anything of value in it?"
+
+"There are my books, which are of great value to me."
+
+"But not to a thief.  Anything else?"
+
+"Yes; I have a tin box containing four
+thousand dollars in government bonds."
+
+"Coupon or registered?"
+
+"Coupon."
+
+"Nothing could be better--for a burglar.
+What on earth could induce you to keep the
+bonds in your own safe?"
+
+"To tell the truth, I considered them quite
+as safe there as in the bank.  Banks are more
+likely to be robbed than private individuals."
+
+"Circumstances alter cases.  Does anyone
+know that you have the bonds in your safe?"
+
+"My bookkeeper is aware of it."
+
+"Then, my friend, I caution you to remove
+the bonds from so unsafe a depository as soon
+as possible.  Unless I am greatly mistaken,
+this man, Stark, has bought over your bookkeeper,
+and will have his aid in robbing you."
+
+"What is your advice?"
+
+"To remove the bonds this very evening," said Thorndike.
+
+"Do you think the danger so pressing?"
+
+"Of course I don't know that an attempt
+will be made to-night, but it is quite possible.
+Should it be so, you would have an opportunity
+to realize that delays are dangerous."
+
+"Should Mr. Gibbon find, on opening the
+safe to-morrow morning, that the box is gone,
+it may lead to an attack upon my house."
+
+"I wish you to leave the box in the safe."
+
+"But I understand that you advised me to remove it."
+
+"Not the box, but the bonds.  Listen to my plan.
+Cut out some newspaper slips of about the same bulk
+as the bonds, put them in place of the bonds in the box,
+and quietly transfer the bonds in your pocket to your
+own house.  To-morrow you can place them in the bank.
+Should no burglary be attempted, let the box remain
+in the safe, just as if its contents were valuable."
+
+"Your advice is good, and I will adopt it,"
+said Jennings, "and thank you for your valuable
+and friendly instruction."
+
+"If agreeable to you I will accompany you to
+the office at once.  The bonds cannot be removed
+too soon.  Then if anyone sees us entering,
+it will be thought that you are showing
+me the factory.  It will divert suspicion,
+even if we are seen by Stark or your bookkeeper."
+
+"May I go, too?" asked Carl, eagerly.
+
+"Certainly," said the manufacturer.  "I know, Carl,
+that you are devoted to my interests.
+It is a comfort to know this, now that
+I have cause to suspect my bookkeeper."
+
+It was only a little after nine.  The night
+was moderately dark, and Carl was intrusted
+with a wax candle, which he put in his pocket
+for use in the office.  They reached the factory
+without attracting attention, and entered
+by the office door.
+
+Mr. Jennings opened the safe--he and the
+bookkeeper alone knew the combination--and
+with some anxiety took out the tin box.  It
+was possible that the contents had already
+been removed.  But no!  on opening it, the
+bonds were found intact.  According to Mr.
+Thorndike's advice, he transferred them to his
+pocket, and substituted folded paper.  Then,
+replacing everything, the safe was once more
+locked, and the three left the office.
+
+Mr. Thorndike returned to the hotel, and
+Mr. Jennings to his house, but Carl asked
+permission to remain out a while longer.
+
+"It is on my mind that an attempt will be
+made to-night to rob the safe," he said.
+"I want to watch near the factory to see if my
+suspicion is correct."
+
+"Very well, Carl, but don't stay out too long!"
+said his employer.
+
+"Suppose I see them entering the office, sir?"
+
+"Don't interrupt them!  They will find
+themselves badly fooled.  Notice only if Mr.
+Gibbon is of the party.  I must know whether my
+bookkeeper is to be trusted."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE BURGLARY.
+
+
+Carl seated himself behind a stone wall on
+the opposite side of the street from the factory.
+The building was on the outskirts of the village,
+though not more than half a mile from
+the post office, and there was very little travel
+in that direction during the evening.  This
+made it more favorable for thieves, though up
+to the present time no burglarious attempt
+had been made on it.  Indeed, Milford had been
+exceptionally fortunate in that respect.
+Neighboring towns had been visited, some of
+them several times, but Milford had escaped.
+
+The night was quite dark, but not what is
+called pitchy dark.  As the eyes became
+accustomed to the obscurity, they were able to
+see a considerable distance.  So it was with
+Carl.  From his place of concealment he
+occasionally raised his head and looked across
+the way to the factory.  An hour passed, and
+he grew tired.  It didn't look as if the
+attempt were to be made that night.  Eleven
+o'clock pealed out from the spire of the Bap-
+tist Church, a quarter of a mile away.  Carl
+counted the strokes, and when the last died
+into silence, he said to himself:
+
+"I will stay here about ten minutes longer.
+Then, if no one comes, I will give it up for tonight."
+
+The time was nearly up when his quick ear
+caught a low murmur of voices.  Instantly
+he was on the alert.  Waiting till the sound
+came nearer, he ventured to raise his head for
+an instant above the top of the wall.
+
+His heart beat with excitement when he saw
+two figures approaching.  Though it was so
+dark, he recognized them by their size and
+outlines.  They were Julius Gibbon, the bookkeeper,
+and Phil Stark, the stranger staying at the hotel.
+
+Carl watched closely, raising his head for
+a few seconds at a time above the wall, ready
+to lower it should either glance in his direction.
+But neither of the men did so.  Ignorant
+that they were suspected, it was the farthest
+possible from their thoughts that anyone
+would be on the watch.
+
+Presently they came so near that Carl could
+hear their voices.
+
+"I wish it was over," murmured Gibbon, nervously.
+
+"Don't worry," said his companion.  "There is no
+occasion for haste.  Everybody in Milford is in bed
+and asleep, and we have several hours at our disposal."
+
+"You must remember that my reputation is
+at stake.  This night's work may undo me."
+
+"My friend, you can afford to take the chances.
+Haven't I agreed to give you half the bonds?"
+
+"I shall be suspected, and shall be obliged
+to stand my ground, while you will disappear
+from the scene."
+
+"Two thousand dollars will pay you for some
+inconvenience.  I don't see why you should be
+suspected.  You will be supposed to be fast
+asleep on your virtuous couch, while some bad
+burglar is robbing your worthy employer.  Of
+course you will be thunderstruck when in the
+morning the appalling discovery is made.  I'll
+tell you what will be a good dodge for you."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Offer a reward of a hundred dollars from
+your own purse for the discovery of the villain
+who has robbed the safe and abstracted
+the bonds."
+
+Phil Stark burst out into a loud guffaw as
+he uttered these words.
+
+"Hush!" said Gibbon, timidly.  "I thought
+I heard some one moving."
+
+"What a timid fool you are!" muttered Stark,
+contemptuously.  "If I had no more pluck,
+I'd hire myself out to herd cows."
+
+"It's a better business," said Gibbon, bitterly.
+
+"Well, well, each to his taste!  If you lose
+your place as bookkeeper, you might offer your
+services to some farmer.  As for me, the danger,
+though there isn't much, is just enough
+to make it exciting."
+
+"I don't care for any such excitement," said
+Gibbon, dispiritedly.  "Why couldn't you have
+kept away and let me earn an honest living?"
+
+"Because I must live as well as you, my dear
+friend.  When this little affair is over, you
+will thank me for helping you to a good thing."
+
+Of course all this conversation did not take
+place within Carl's hearing.  While it was going
+on, the men had opened the office door and
+entered.  Then, as Carl watched the window
+closely he saw a narrow gleam of light from
+a dark lantern illuminating the interior.
+
+"Now they are at the safe," thought Carl.
+
+We, who are privileged, will enter the
+office and watch the proceedings.
+
+Gibbon had no difficulty in opening the safe,
+for he was acquainted with the combination.
+Stark thrust in his hand eagerly and drew out the box.
+
+"This is what we want," he said, in a tone of satisfaction.
+"Have you a key that will open it?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then I shall have to take box and all."
+
+"Let us get through as soon as possible,"
+said Gibbon, uneasily.
+
+"You can close the safe, if you want to.
+There is nothing else worth taking?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then we will evacuate the premises.  Is
+there an old newspaper I can use to wrap up
+the box in?  It might look suspicious if anyone
+should see it in our possession."
+
+"Yes, here is one."
+
+He handed a copy of a weekly paper to Phil Stark,
+who skillfully wrapped up the box, and placing
+it under his arm, went out of the office,
+leaving Gibbon to follow.
+
+"Where will you carry it?" asked Gibbon.
+
+"Somewhere out of sight where I can safely open it.
+I should have preferred to take the bonds,
+and leave the box in the safe.  Then the bonds
+might not have been missed for a week or more."
+
+"That would have been better."
+
+That was the last that Carl heard.  The
+two disappeared in the darkness, and Carl,
+raising himself from his place of concealment,
+stretched his cramped limbs and made the best
+of his way home.  He thought no one would
+be up, but Mr. Jennings came out from the
+sitting-room, where he had flung himself on a
+lounge, and met Carl in the hall.
+
+"Well?" he said.
+
+"The safe has been robbed."
+
+"Who did it?" asked the manufacturer, quickly.
+
+"The two we suspected."
+
+"Did you see Mr. Gibbon, then?"
+
+"Yes; he was accompanied by Mr. Stark."
+
+"You saw them enter the factory?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I was crouching behind the stone
+wall on the other side of the road."
+
+"How long were they inside?"
+
+"Not over fifteen minutes--perhaps only ten."
+
+"Mr. Gibbon knew the combination," said Jennings, quietly.
+"There was no occasion to lose time in breaking open the safe.
+There is some advantage in having a friend inside.
+Did you see them go out?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Carrying the tin box with them?"
+
+"Yes, sir.  Mr. Stark wrapped it in a
+newspaper after they got outside."
+
+"But you saw the tin box?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then, if necessary, you can testify to it.
+I thought it possible that Mr. Gibbon might
+have a key to open it."
+
+"I overheard Stark regretting that he could
+not open it so as to abstract the bonds and
+leave the box in the safe.  In that case, he
+said, it might be some time before the robbery
+was discovered."
+
+"He will himself make an unpleasant discovery
+when he opens the box.  I don't think
+there is any call to pity him, do you, Carl?"
+
+"No, sir.  I should like to be within sight
+when he opens it."
+
+The manufacturer laughed quietly.
+
+"Yes," he said; "if I could see it I should
+feel repaid for the loss of the box.  Let it be
+a lesson for you, my boy.  Those who seek to
+enrich themselves by unlawful means are likely
+in the end to meet with disappointment."
+
+"Do you think I need the lesson?" asked Carl, smiling.
+
+"No, my lad.  I am sure you don't.  But
+you do need a good night's rest.  Let us go
+to bed at once, and get what sleep we may.
+I won't allow the burglary to keep me awake."
+
+He laughed in high good humor, and Carl
+went up to his comfortable room, where he soon
+lost all remembrance of the exciting scene of
+which he had been a witness.
+
+Mr. Jennings went to the factory at the
+usual time the next morning.
+
+As he entered the office the bookkeeper
+approached him pale and excited.
+
+"Mr. Jennings," he said, hurriedly, "I have
+bad news for you."
+
+"What is it, Mr. Gibbon?"
+
+"When I opened the safe this morning, I
+discovered that the tin box had been stolen."
+
+Mr. Jennings took the news quietly.
+
+"Have you any suspicion who took it?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir.  I--I hope the loss is not a heavy one."
+
+"I do not care to make the extent of the loss public.
+Were there any marks of violence?  Was the safe broken open?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Singular; is it not?"
+
+"If you will allow me I will join in offering
+a reward for the discovery of the thief.  I
+feel in a measure responsible."
+
+"I will think of your offer, Mr. Gibbon."
+
+"He suspects nothing," thought Gibbon,
+with a sigh of relief.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+STARK'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+Philip Stark went back to the hotel with
+the tin box under his arm.  He would like to
+have entered the hotel without notice, but this
+was impossible, for the landlord's nephew was
+just closing up.  Though not late for the city,
+it was very late for the country, and he looked
+surprised when Stark came in.
+
+"I am out late," said Stark, with a smile.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That is, late for Milford.  In the city
+I never go to bed before midnight."
+
+"Have you been out walking?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You found it rather dark, did you not?"
+
+"It is dark as a pocket."
+
+"You couldn't have found the walk a very
+pleasant one."
+
+"You are right, my friend; but I didn't walk
+for pleasure.  The fact is, I am rather worried
+about a business matter.  I have learned
+that I am threatened with a heavy loss--an
+unwise investment in the West--and I wanted
+time to think it over and decide how to act."
+
+"I see," answered the clerk, respectfully, for
+Stark's words led him to think that his guest
+was a man of wealth.
+
+"I wish I was rich enough to be worried by
+such a cause," he said, jokingly.
+
+"I wish you were.  Some time I may be able
+to throw something in your way."
+
+"Do you think it would pay me to go to the West?"
+asked the clerk, eagerly.
+
+"I think it quite likely--if you know some one
+out in that section."
+
+"But I don't know anyone."
+
+"You know me," said Stark, significantly.
+
+"Do you think you could help me to a place,
+Mr. Stark?"
+
+"I think I could.  A month from now write
+to me Col.  Philip Stark, at Denver, Colorado,
+and I will see if I can find an opening for you."
+
+"You are very kind, Mr.--I mean Col.
+Stark," said the clerk, gratefully.
+
+"Oh, never mind about the title," returned
+Stark, smiling good-naturedly.  "I only gave
+it to you just now, because everybody in Denver
+knows me as a colonel, and I am afraid a
+letter otherwise addressed would not reach me.
+By the way, I am sorry that I shall probably
+have to leave you to-morrow."
+
+"So soon?"
+
+"Yes; it's this tiresome business.  I should
+not wonder if I might lose ten thousand dollars
+through the folly of my agent.  I shall
+probably have to go out to right things."
+
+"I couldn't afford to lose ten thousand dollars,"
+said the young man, regarding the capitalist
+before him with deference.
+
+"No, I expect not.  At your age I wasn't
+worth ten thousand cents.  Now--but that's
+neither here nor there.  Give me a light,
+please, and I will go up to bed."
+
+"He was about to say how much he is worth now,"
+soliloquized the clerk.  "I wish he had
+not stopped short.  If I can't be rich myself,
+I like to talk with a rich man.  There's hope
+for me, surely.  He says that at my age he was
+not worth ten thousand cents.  That is only
+a hundred dollars, and I am worth that.  I
+must keep it to pay my expenses to Colorado,
+if he should send for me in a few weeks."
+
+The young man had noticed with some
+curiosity the rather oddly-shaped bundle which
+Stark carried under his arm, but could not
+see his way clear to asking any questions about
+it.  It seemed queer that Stark should have
+it with him while walking.  Come to think of
+it, he remembered seeing him go out in the
+early evening, and he was quite confident that
+at that time he had no bundle with him.  However,
+he was influenced only by a spirit of idle
+curiosity.  He had no idea that the bundle was
+of any importance or value.  The next day
+he changed his opinion on that subject.
+
+Phil Stark went up to his chamber, and
+setting the lamp on the bureau, first carefully
+locked the door, and then removed the paper
+from the tin box.  He eyed it lovingly, and
+tried one by one the keys he had in his pocket,
+but none exactly fitted.
+
+As he was experimenting he thought with a smile
+of the night clerk from whom he had just parted.
+
+"Stark," he soliloquized, addressing himself,
+"you are an old humbug.  You have cleverly
+duped that unsophisticated young man downstairs.
+He looks upon you as a man of unbounded
+wealth, evidently, while, as a matter
+of fact, you are almost strapped.  Let me
+see how much I have got left."
+
+He took out his wallet, and counted out
+seven dollars and thirty-eight cents.
+
+"That can hardly be said to constitute
+wealth," he reflected, "but it is all I have over
+and above the contents of this box.  That makes
+all the difference.  Gibbon is of opinion that
+there are four thousand dollars in bonds
+inside, and he expects me to give him half.  Shall
+I do it?  Not such a fool!  I'll give him fifteen
+hundred and keep the balance myself.
+That'll pay him handsomely, and the rest will
+be a good nestegg for me.  If Gibbon is only
+half shrewd he will pull the wool over the eyes
+of that midget of an employer, and retain his
+place and comfortable salary.  There will be
+no evidence against him, and he can pose as
+an innocent man.  Bah!  what a lot of
+humbug there is in the world.  Well,
+well, Stark, you have your share, no
+doubt.  Otherwise how would you make
+a living?  To-morrow I must clear out
+from Milford, and give it a wide berth in
+future.  I suppose there will be a great hue-
+and-cry about the robbery of the safe.  It will
+be just as well for me to be somewhere else.
+I have already given the clerk a good reason
+for my sudden departure.  Confound it, it's
+a great nuisance that I can't open this box!  I
+would like to know before I go to bed just how
+much boodle I have acquired.  Then I can
+decide how much to give Gibbon.  If I dared
+I'd keep the whole, but he might make trouble."
+
+Phil Stark, or Col.  Philip Stark, as he had
+given his name, had a large supply of keys,
+but none of them seemed to fit the tin box.
+
+"I am afraid I shall excite suspicion if I sit
+up any longer," thought Stark.  "I will go
+to bed and get up early in the morning.  Then
+I may succeed better in opening this plaguy box."
+
+He removed his clothing and got into bed.
+The evening had been rather an exciting one,
+but the excitement was a pleasurable one, for
+he had succeeded in the plan which he and the
+bookkeeper had so ingeniously formed and carried
+out, and here within reach was the rich
+reward after which they had striven.  Mr.
+Stark was not troubled with a conscience--
+that he had got rid of years ago--and he was
+filled with a comfortable consciousness of
+having retrieved his fortunes when they were on
+the wane.  So, in a short time he fell asleep,
+and slept peacefully.  Toward morning, however,
+he had a disquieting dream.  It seemed
+to him that he awoke suddenly from slumber.
+and saw Gibbon leaving the room with the tin
+box under his arm.  He awoke really with
+beads of perspiration upon his brow--awoke
+to see by the sun streaming in at his window
+that the morning was well advanced, and the
+tin box was still safe.
+
+"Thank Heaven, it was but a dream!" he murmured.
+"I must get up and try once more to open the box."
+
+The keys had all been tried, and had proved
+not to fit.  Mr. Stark was equal to the emergency.
+He took from his pocket a button hook and bent it
+so as to make a pick, and after a little experimenting
+succeeded in turning the lock.  He lifted the lid eagerly,
+and with distended eyes prepared to gloat upon the stolen
+bonds.  But over his face there came a startling change.
+The ashy blue hue of disappointment succeeded the glowing,
+hopeful look.  He snatched at one of the folded slips of paper
+and opened it.  Alas!  it was valueless, mere waste paper.
+He sank into a chair in a limp, hopeless posture,
+quite overwhelmed.  Then he sprang up suddenly,
+and his expression changed to one of fury and menace.
+
+"If Julius Gibbon has played this trick upon me,"
+he said, between his set teeth, "he shall repent it--bitterly!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+A DISAGREEABLE SURPRISE.
+
+
+Philip Stark sat down to breakfast in a
+savage frame of mind.  He wanted to be revenged
+upon Gibbon, whom he suspected of
+having deceived him by opening and
+appropriating the bonds, and then arranged to have
+him carry off the box filled with waste paper.
+
+He sat at the table but five minutes, for he
+had little or no appetite.
+
+From the breakfast room he went out on the piazza,
+and with corrugated brows smoked a cigar, but it failed
+to have the usual soothing effect.
+
+If he had known the truth he would have
+left Milford without delay, but he was far
+from suspecting that the deception practiced
+upon him had been arranged by the man whom
+he wanted to rob.  While there seemed little
+inducement for him to stay in Milford, he was
+determined to seek the bookkeeper, and ascertain
+whether, as he suspected, his confederate
+had in his possession the bonds which he had
+been scheming for.  If so, he would compel
+him by threats to disgorge the larger portion,
+and then leave town at once.
+
+But the problem was, how to see him.  He
+felt that it would be venturesome to go round
+to the factory, as by this time the loss might
+have been discovered.  If only the box had
+been left, the discovery might be deferred.
+Then a bright idea occurred to him.  He must
+get the box out of his own possession, as its
+discovery would compromise him.  Why could
+he not arrange to leave it somewhere on the
+premises of his confederate?
+
+He resolved upon the instant to carry out
+the idea.  He went up to his room, wrapped
+the tin box in a paper, and walked round to
+the house of the bookkeeper.  The coast seemed
+to be clear, as he supposed it would be.  He
+slipped into the yard, and swiftly entered an
+outhouse.  There was a large wooden chest,
+or box, which had once been used to store
+grain.  Stark lifted the cover, dropped the
+box inside, and then, with a feeling of relief,
+walked out of the yard.  But he had been
+observed.  Mrs. Gibbon chanced to be looking
+out of a side window and saw him.  She recognized
+him as the stranger who had been in the habit
+of spending recent evenings with her husband.
+
+"What can he want here at this time?"
+she asked herself.
+
+She deliberated whether she should go to
+the door and speak to Stark, but decided not
+to do so.
+
+"He will call at the door if he has anything
+to say," she reflected.
+
+Phil Stark walked on till he reached the factory.
+He felt that he must see Julius Gibbon,
+and satisfy himself as to the meaning of the
+mysterious substitution of waste paper for bonds.
+
+When he reached a point where he could see
+into the office, he caught the eye of Leonard,
+who was sitting at the window.  He beckoned
+for him to come out, and Leonard was glad to do so.
+
+"Where are you going?" asked the bookkeeper,
+observing the boy's movement.
+
+"Mr. Stark is just across the street, and he
+beckoned for me."
+
+Julius Gibbon flushed painfully, and he
+trembled with nervous agitation, for he feared
+something had happened.
+
+"Very well, go out, but don't stay long."
+
+Leonard crossed the street and walked up to Stark,
+who awaited him, looking grim and stern.
+
+"Your uncle is inside?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Tell him I wish to see him at once--
+on business of importance."
+
+"He's busy," said Leonard.  "'He doesn't
+leave the office in business hours."
+
+"Tell him I must see him--do you hear?
+He'll come fast enough."
+
+"I wonder what it's all about," thought
+Leonard, whose curiosity was naturally excited.
+
+"Wait a minute!" said Stark, as he turned to go.
+"Is Jennings in?"
+
+"No, sir, he has gone over to the next town."
+
+"Probably the box has not been missed, then,"
+thought Stark.  "So much the better!  I can
+find out how matters stand, and then leave town."
+
+"Very well!" he said, aloud, "let your uncle
+understand that I must see him."
+
+Leonard carried in the message.  Gibbon made
+no objection, but took his hat and went out,
+leaving Leonard in charge of the office.
+
+"Well, what is it?" he asked, hurriedly, as
+he reached Stark.  "Is--is the box all right?"
+
+"Look here, Gibbon," said Stark, harshly,
+"have you been playing any of your infernal
+tricks upon me?"
+
+"I don't know what you mean," responded
+Gibbon, bewildered.
+
+Stark eyed him sharply, but the bookkeeper
+was evidently sincere.
+
+"Is there anything wrong?" continued the latter.
+
+"Do you mean to tell me you didn't know
+that wretched box was filled with waste paper?"
+
+"You don't mean it?" exclaimed Gibbon, in dismay.
+
+"Yes, I do.  I didn't open it till this morning,
+and in place of government bonds, I found
+only folded slips of newspaper."
+
+By this time Gibbon was suspicious.  Having
+no confidence in Stark, it occurred to him
+that it was a ruse to deprive him of his share
+of the bonds.
+
+"I don't believe you," he said.  "You want
+to keep all the bonds for yourself, and cheat
+me out of my share."
+
+"I wish to Heaven you were right.  If there
+had been any bonds, I would have acted on the
+square.  But somebody had removed them,
+and substituted paper.  I suspected you."
+
+"I am ready to swear that this has happened
+without my knowledge," said Gibbon, earnestly.
+
+"How, then, could it have occurred?" asked Stark.
+
+"I don't know, upon my honor.  Where is the box?"
+
+"I--have disposed of it."
+
+"You should have waited and opened it before me."
+
+"I asked you if you had a key that would open it.
+I wanted to open it last evening in the office."
+
+"True."
+
+"You will see after a while that I was acting
+on the square.  You can open it for yourself
+at your leisure."
+
+"How can I?  I don't know where it is."
+
+"Then I can enlighten you," said Stark,
+maliciously.  "When you go home, you will 
+find it in a chest in your woodshed."
+
+Gibbon turned pale.
+
+"You don't mean to say you have carried it
+to my house?" he exclaimed, in dismay.
+
+"Yes, I do.  I had no further use for it,
+and thought you had the best claim to it."
+
+"But, good heavens!  if it is found there I
+shall be suspected."
+
+"Very probably," answered Stark, coolly.
+"Take my advice and put it out of the way."
+
+"How could you be so inconsiderate?"
+
+"Because I suspected you of playing me a trick."
+
+"I swear to you, I didn't."
+
+"Then somebody has tricked both of us.  Has Mr. Jennings
+discovered the disappearance of the box?"
+
+"Yes, I told him."
+
+"When?"
+
+"When he came to the office."
+
+"What did he say?"
+
+"He took the matter coolly.  He didn't say much."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"Gone to Winchester on business."
+
+"Look here!  Do you think he suspects you?"
+
+"I am quite sure not.  That is why I told
+him about the robbery."
+
+"He might suspect me."
+
+"He said nothing about suspecting anybody."
+
+"Do you think he removed the bonds and substituted paper?"
+
+"I don't think so."
+
+"If this were the case we should both be in
+a serious plight.  I think I had better get out
+of town.  You will have to lend me ten dollars."
+
+"I don't see how I can, Stark."
+
+"You must!" said Stark, sternly, "or I will
+reveal the whole thing.  Remember, the box
+is on your premises."
+
+"Heavens! what a quandary I am in," said
+the bookkeeper, miserably.  "That must be
+attended to at once.  Why couldn't you put it
+anywhere else?"
+
+"I told you that I wanted to be revenged upon you."
+
+"I wish you had never come to Milford,"
+groaned the bookkeeper.
+
+"I wish I hadn't myself, as things have turned out."
+
+They prepared to start for Gibbon's house,
+when Mr. Jennings drove up.  With him were
+two tall muscular men, whom Stark and Gibbon
+eyed uneasily.  The two strangers jumped
+out of the carriage and advanced toward the
+two confederates.
+
+"Arrest those men!" said Jennings, in a quiet tone.
+"I charge them with opening and robbing my safe
+last night about eleven o'clock."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+BROUGHT TO BAY.
+
+
+Phil Stark made an effort to get away,
+but the officer was too quick for him.
+In a trice he was handcuffed.
+
+"What is the meaning of this outrage?"
+demanded Stark, boldly.
+
+"I have already explained," said the
+manufacturer, quietly.
+
+"You are quite on the wrong tack," continued
+Stark, brazenly.  "Mr. Gibbon was just
+informing me that the safe had been opened
+and robbed.  It is the first I knew of it."
+
+Julius Gibbon seemed quite prostrated by his arrest.
+He felt it necessary to say something,
+and followed the lead of his companion.
+
+"You will bear me witness, Mr. Jennings,"
+he said, "that I was the first to inform you of
+the robbery.  If I had really committed the
+burglary, I should have taken care to escape
+during the night."
+
+"I should be glad to believe in your innocence,"
+rejoined the manufacturer.  "but I know more
+about this matter than you suppose."
+
+"I won't answer for Mr. Gibbon," said Stark,
+who cared nothing for his confederate,
+if he could contrive to effect his own escape.
+"Of course he had opportunities, as bookkeeper,
+which an outsider could not have."
+
+Gibbon eyed his companion in crime distrustfully.
+He saw that Stark was intending to throw him over.
+
+"I am entirely willing to have my room at the hotel searched,"
+continued Stark, gathering confidence.  "If you find any traces
+of the stolen property there, you are welcome to make the
+most of them.  I have no doubt Mr. Gibbon will make you
+the same offer in regard to his house."
+
+Gibbon saw at once the trap which had been
+so craftily prepared for him.  He knew that
+any search of his premises would result in the
+discovery of the tin box, and had no doubt that
+Stark would he ready to testify to any falsehood
+likely to fasten the guilt upon him.
+His anger was roused and he forgot his prudence.
+
+"You--scoundrel!" he hissed between his closed teeth.
+
+"You seem excited," sneered Stark.  "Is it possible
+that you object to the search?"
+
+"If the missing box is found on my premises,"
+said Gibbon, in a white heat, "it is because
+you have concealed it there."
+
+Phil Stark shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I think, gentlemen," he said, "that settles it.
+I am afraid Mr Gibbon is guilty.  I shall be glad
+to assist you to recover the stolen property.
+Did the box contain much that was of value?"
+
+"I must caution you both against saying anything
+that will compromise you," said one of the officers.
+
+"I have nothing to conceal," went on Stark,
+brazenly.  "I am obliged to believe that this
+man committed the burglary.  It is against
+me that I have been his companion for the last
+week or two, but I used to know him, and that
+will account for it."
+
+The unhappy bookkeeper saw the coils closing around him.
+
+"I hope you will see your way to release me,"
+said Stark, addressing himself to Mr. Jennings.
+"I have just received information that
+my poor mother is lying dangerously sick in
+Cleveland, and I am anxious to start for her
+bedside to-day."
+
+"Why did you come round here this morning?"
+asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+"To ask Mr. Gibbon to repay me ten dollars
+which he borrowed of me the other day,"
+returned Stark, glibly.
+
+"You--liar!" exclaimed Gibbon, angrily.
+
+"I am prepared for this man's abuse," said Stark.
+"I don't mind admitting now that a few days since
+he invited me to join him in the robbery of the safe.
+I threatened to inform you of his plan, and he promised
+to give it up.  I supposed he had done so, but it is
+clear to me now that he carried out his infamous scheme."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked amused.  He admired Stark's
+brazen effrontery.
+
+"What have you to say to this charge, Mr. Gibbon?" he asked.
+
+"Only this, sir, that I was concerned in the burglary."
+
+"He admits it!" said Stark, triumphantly.
+
+"But this man forced me to it.  He threatened
+to write you some particulars of my past
+history which would probably have lost me my
+position if I did not agree to join him in the
+conspiracy.  I was weak, and yielded.  Now
+he is ready to betray me to save himself."
+
+"Mr. Jennings," said Stark, coldly, "you
+will know what importance to attach to the
+story of a self-confessed burglar.  Gibbon, I
+hope you will see the error of your ways, and
+restore to your worthy employer the box of
+valuable property which you stole from his safe."
+
+"This is insufferable!" cried the bookkeeper
+"You are a double-dyed traitor, Phil Stark.
+You were not only my accomplice, but you
+instigated the crime."
+
+"You will find it hard to prove this," sneered Stark.
+"Mr. Jennings, I demand my liberty.
+If you have any humanity you will not keep
+me from the bedside of my dying mother."
+"I admire your audacity, Mr. Stark,"
+observed the manufacturer, quietly.
+"Don't suppose for a moment that I give
+the least credit to your statements."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Gibbon.  "I'm ready to
+accept the consequences of my act, but I don't
+want that scoundrel and traitor to go free."
+
+"You can't prove anything against me," said
+Stark, doggedly, "unless you accept the word
+of a self-confessed burglar, who is angry with
+me because I would not join him."
+
+"All these protestations it would be better
+for you to keep till your trial begins, Mr.
+Stark," said the manufacturer.  "However, I
+think it only fair to tell you that I am better
+informed about you and your conspiracy than
+you imagine.  Will you tell me where you were
+at eleven o'clock last evening?"
+
+"I was in my room at the hotel--no, I was
+taking a walk.  I had received news of my
+mother's illness, and I was so much disturbed
+and grieved that I could not remain indoors."
+
+"You were seen to enter the office of this
+factory with Mr. Gibbon, and after ten minutes
+came out with the tin box under your arm."
+
+"Who saw me?" demanded Stark, uneasily.
+
+Carl Crawford came forward and answered this question.
+
+"I did!" he said.
+
+"A likely story!  You were in bed and asleep."
+
+"You are mistaken.  I was on watch behind
+the stone wall just opposite.  If you want
+proof, I can repeat some of the conversation
+that passed between you and Mr. Gibbon."
+
+Without waiting for the request, Carl rehearsed
+some of the talk already recorded in a previous chapter.
+
+Phil Stark began to see that things were getting serious
+for him, but he was game to the last.
+
+"I deny it," he said, in a loud voice.
+
+"Do you also deny it, Mr. Gibbon?" asked Mr. Jennings.
+
+"No, sir; I admit it," replied Gibbon, with
+a triumphant glance at his foiled confederate.
+
+"This is a conspiracy against an innocent man,"
+said Stark, scowling.  "You want to screen
+your bookkeeper, if possible.  No one has
+ever before charged me with crime."
+
+"Then how does it happen, Mr. Stark, that
+you were confined at the Joliet penitentiary
+for a term of years?"
+
+"Did he tell you this?" snarled Stark,
+pointing to Gibbon.
+
+"No."
+
+"Who then?"
+
+"A customer of mine from Chicago.  He saw
+you at the hotel, and informed Carl last evening
+of your character.  Carl, of course, brought
+the news to me.  It was in consequence of this
+information that I myself removed the bonds
+from the box, early in the evening, and
+substituted strips of paper.  Your enterprise,
+therefore, would have availed you little even
+if you had succeeded in getting off scot-free."
+
+"I see the game is up," said Stark,
+throwing off the mask.  "It's true that I have been
+in the Joliet penitentiary.  It was there that
+I became acquainted with your bookkeeper,"
+he added, maliciously.  "Let him deny it if he dare."
+
+"I shall not deny it.  It is true," said Gibbon.
+"But I had resolved to live an honest life
+in future, and would have done so if this man
+had not pressed me into crime by his threats."
+
+"I believe you, Mr. Gibbon," said the
+manufacturer, gently, "and I will see that this is
+counted in your favor.  And now, gentlemen,
+I think there is no occasion for further delay."
+
+The two men were carried to the lockup and
+in due time were tried.  Stark was sentenced
+to ten years' imprisonment, Gibbon to five.  At
+the end of two years, at the intercession of Mr.
+Jennings, he was pardoned, and furnished with
+money enough to go to Australia, where, his
+past character unknown, he was able to make
+an honest living, and gain a creditable position.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+AFTER A YEAR.
+
+
+Twelve months passed without any special
+incident.  With Carl it was a period of steady
+and intelligent labor and progress.  He had
+excellent mechanical talent, and made remarkable
+advancement.  He was not content with
+attention to his own work, but was a careful
+observer of the work of others, so that in one
+year he learned as much of the business as
+most boys would have done in three.
+
+When the year was up, Mr. Jennings
+detained him after supper.
+
+"Do you remember what anniversary this is, Carl?"
+he asked, pleasantly.
+
+"Yes, sir; it is the anniversary of my going
+into the factory."
+
+"Exactly.  How are you satisfied with the year and its work?"
+
+"I have been contented and happy, Mr. Jennings;
+and I feel that I owe my happiness and content to you."
+
+Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+
+"I am glad you say so," he said, "but it is
+only fair to add that your own industry and
+intelligence have much to do with the satisfactory
+results of the year."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"The superintendent tells me that outside
+of your own work you have a general knowledge
+of the business which would make you
+a valuable assistant to himself in case he
+needed one."
+
+Carl's face glowed with pleasure.
+
+"I believe in being thorough," he said, "and I
+am interested in every department of the business."
+
+"Before you went into the factory you had
+not done any work."
+
+"No, sir; I had attended school."
+
+"It was not a bad preparation for business,
+but in some cases it gives a boy disinclination
+for manual labor."
+
+"Yes; I wouldn't care to work with my hands all my life."
+
+"I don't blame you for that.  You have qualified yourself
+for something better.  How much do I pay you?"
+
+"I began on two dollars a week and my board.
+At the end of six months you kindly advanced me
+to four dollars."
+
+"I dare say you have found it none too much for your wants."
+
+Carl smiled.
+
+"I have saved forty dollars out of it," he answered.
+
+Mr. Jennings looked pleased.
+
+"You have done admirably," he said, warmly.
+"Forty dollars is not a large sum,
+but in laying it by you have formed a habit
+that will be of great service to you in after years.
+I propose to raise you to ten dollars a week."
+
+"But, sir, shall I earn so much?  You are very kind,
+but I am afraid you will be a loser by your liberality."
+
+Mr. Jennings smiled.
+
+"You are partly right," he said.  "Your services
+at present are hardly worth the sum
+I have agreed to pay, that is, in the factory,
+but I shall probably impose upon you other
+duties of an important nature soon."
+
+"If you do, sir, I will endeavor to meet your expectations."
+
+"How would you like to take a journey Carl?"
+
+"Very much, sir."
+
+"I think of sending you--to Chicago."
+
+Carl, who had thought perhaps of a fifty-
+mile trip, looked amazed, but his delight was
+equal to his surprise.  He had always wished
+to see the West, though Chicago can hardly
+be called a Western city now, since between
+it and the Pacific there is a broad belt of land
+two thousand miles in extent.
+
+"Do you think I am competent?" he asked, modestly.
+
+"I cannot say positively, but I think so," answered Mr. Jennings.
+
+"Then I shall be delighted to go.  Will it be very soon?"
+
+"Yes, very soon.  I shall want you to start next Monday."
+
+"I will be ready, sir."
+
+"And I may as well explain what are to
+be your duties.  I am, as you know, manufacturing
+a special line of chairs which I am
+desirous of introducing to the trade.  I shall
+give you the names of men in my line in Albany,
+Buffalo, Cleveland and Chicago, and
+it will be your duty to call upon them, explain
+the merits of the chair, and solicit orders.
+In other words, you will be a traveling salesman
+or drummer.  I shall pay your traveling
+expenses, ten dollars a week, and, if your
+orders exceed a certain limit, I shall give you
+a commission on the surplus."
+
+"Suppose I don't reach that limit?"
+
+"I shall at all events feel that you have
+done your best.  I will instruct you a little
+in your duties between now and the time of
+your departure.  I should myself like to go
+in your stead, but I am needed here.  There
+are, of course, others in my employ, older than
+yourself, whom I might send, but I have an
+idea that you will prove to be a good salesman."
+
+"I will try to be, sir."
+
+On Monday morning Carl left Milford,
+reached New York in two hours and a half
+and, in accordance with the directions of Mr.
+Jennings, engaged passage and a stateroom on
+one of the palatial night lines of Hudson
+River steamers to Albany.  The boat was well
+filled with passengers, and a few persons were
+unable to procure staterooms.
+
+Carl, however, applied in time, and obtained
+an excellent room.  He deposited his gripsack
+therein, and then took a seat on deck, meaning
+to enjoy as long as possible the delightful
+scenery for which the Hudson is celebrated.
+It was his first long journey, and for this reason
+Carl enjoyed it all the more.  He could
+not but contrast his present position and prospects
+with those of a year ago, when, helpless
+and penniless, he left an unhappy home to
+make his own way.
+
+"What a delightful evening!" said a voice at his side.
+
+Turning, Carl saw sitting by him a young
+man of about thirty, dressed in somewhat
+pretentious style and wearing eyeglasses.
+He was tall and thin, and had sandy side whiskers.
+
+"Yes, it is a beautiful evening," replied Carl, politely.
+
+"And the scenery is quite charming.  Have you
+ever been all the way up the river?"
+
+"No, but I hope some day to take a day trip."
+
+"Just so.  I am not sure but I prefer the
+Rhine, with its romantic castles and vineclad hills."
+
+"Have you visited Europe, then?" asked Carl.
+
+"Oh, yes, several times.  I have a passion
+for traveling.  Our family is wealthy, and I
+have been able to go where I pleased."
+
+"That must be very pleasant."
+
+"It is.  My name is Stuyvesant--one of the
+old Dutch families."
+
+Carl was not so much impressed, perhaps, as
+he should have been by this announcement,
+for he knew very little of fashionable life in
+New York.
+
+"You don't look like a Dutchman," he said, smiling.
+
+"I suppose you expected a figure like a beer keg,"
+rejoined Stuyvesant, laughing.  "Some of my forefathers
+may have answered that description, but I am not built that way.
+Are you traveling far?"
+
+"I may go as far as Chicago."
+
+"Is anyone with you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Perhaps you have friends in Chicago?"
+
+"Not that I am aware of.  I am traveling on business."
+
+"Indeed; you are rather young for a business man."
+
+"I am sixteen."
+
+"Well, that cannot exactly be called venerable."
+
+"No, I suppose not."
+
+"By the way, did you succeed in getting a stateroom?"
+
+"Yes, I have a very good one."
+
+"You're in luck, on my word.  I was just too late.
+The man ahead of me took the last room."
+
+"You can get a berth, I suppose."
+
+"But that is so common.  Really, I should
+not know how to travel without a stateroom.
+Have you anyone with you?"
+
+"No."
+
+"If you will take me in I will pay the entire expense."
+
+Carl hesitated.  He preferred to be alone,
+but he was of an obliging disposition, and he
+knew that there were two berths in the stateroom.
+
+"If it will be an accommodation," he said,
+"I will let you occupy the room with me, Mr. Stuyvesant."
+
+"Will you, indeed!  I shall esteem it a very great favor.
+Where is your room?"
+
+"I will show you."
+
+Carl led the way to No. 17, followed by his
+new acquaintance.  Mr. Stuyvesant seemed
+very much pleased, and insisted on paying for
+the room at once.  Carl accepted half the regular
+charges, and so the bargain was made.
+
+At ten o'clock the two travelers retired to bed.
+Carl was tired and went to sleep at once.
+He slept through the night.  When he awoke
+in the morning the boat was in dock.  He
+heard voices in the cabin, and the noise of
+the transfer of baggage and freight to the wharf.
+
+"I have overslept myself," he said, and
+jumped up, hurriedly.  He looked into the upper
+berth, but his roommate was gone.  Something
+else was gone, too--his valise, and a
+wallet which he had carried in the pocket of
+his trousers.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+THE LOST BANK BOOK.
+
+
+Carl was not long in concluding that he had been
+robbed by his roommate.  It was hard to believe
+that a Stuyvesant--a representative of one of the
+old Dutch families of New Amsterdam--should have
+stooped to such a discreditable act.  Carl was sharp enough,
+however, to doubt the genuineness of Mr. Stuyvesant's
+claims to aristocratic lineage.  Meanwhile he blamed
+himself for being so easily duped by an artful adventurer.
+
+To be sure, it was not as bad as it might be.
+His pocketbook only contained ten dollars in small bills.
+The balance of his money he had deposited for safe keeping
+in the inside pocket of his vest.  This he had placed
+under his pillow, and so it had escaped the notice of the thief.
+
+The satchel contained a supply of shirts,
+underclothing, etc., and he was sorry to lose it.
+The articles were not expensive, but it would cost
+him from a dozen to fifteen dollars to replace them.
+
+Carl stepped to the door of his stateroom
+and called a servant who was standing near.
+
+"How long have we been at the pier?" he asked.
+
+"About twenty minutes, sir."
+
+"Did you see my roommate go out?"
+
+"A tall young man in a light overcoat?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Yes, sir.  I saw him."
+
+"Did you notice whether he carried a valise in his hand?"
+
+"A gripsack?  Yes, sir."
+
+"A small one?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"It was mine."
+
+"You don't say so, sir!  And such a respectable-
+lookin' gemman, sir."
+
+"He may have looked respectable, but he was
+a thief all the same."
+
+"You don't say?  Did he take anything else, sir?"
+
+"He took my pocketbook."
+
+"Well, well!  He was a rascal, sure!
+But maybe it dropped on the floor."
+
+Carl turned his attention to the carpet, but
+saw nothing of the lost pocketbook.  He did
+find, however, a small book in a brown cover,
+which Stuyvesant had probably dropped.  Picking
+it up, he discovered that it was a bank
+book on the Sixpenny Savings Bank of Albany,
+standing in the name of Rachel Norris,
+and numbered 17,310.
+
+"This is stolen property, too," thought Carl.
+"I wonder if there is much in it."
+
+Opening the book he saw that there were
+three entries, as follows:
+
+ 1883.  Jan.  23.   Five hundred dollars.
+  "     June 10.    Two hundred dollars.
+  "     Oct.  21.   One hundred dollars.
+
+
+There was besides this interest credited to
+the amount of seventy-five dollars.  The deposits,
+therefore, made a grand total of $875.
+
+No doubt Mr. Stuyvesant had stolen this
+book, but had not as yet found an opportunity
+of utilizing it.
+
+"What's dat?" asked the colored servant.
+
+"A savings bank book.  My roommate must
+have dropped it.  It appears to belong to a
+lady named Rachel Norris.  I wish I could
+get it to her."
+
+"Is she an Albany lady, sir?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"You might look in the directory."
+
+"So I will.  It is a good idea."
+
+"I hope the gemman didn't take all your money, sir."
+
+"No; he didn't even take half of it.  I only
+wish I had been awake when the boat got to the dock."
+
+"I would have called you, sir, if you had asked me."
+
+"I am not much used to traveling.  I shall
+know better next time what to do."
+
+The finding of the bank book partially consoled
+Carl for the loss of his pocketbook and
+gripsack.  He was glad to be able to defeat
+Stuyvesant in one of his nefarious schemes,
+and to be the instrument of returning Miss
+Norris her savings bank book.
+
+When he left the boat he walked along till
+he reached a modest-looking hotel, where he
+thought the charges would be reasonable.  He
+entered, and, going to the desk, asked if he
+could have a room.
+
+"Large or small?" inquired the clerk.
+
+"Small."
+
+"No. 67.  Will you go up now?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Any baggage?"
+
+"No; I had it stolen on the boat."
+
+The clerk looked a little suspicious.
+
+"We must require pay in advance, then," he said.
+
+"Certainly," answered Carl, pulling out a roll of bills.
+I suppose you make special terms to commercial travelers?"
+
+"Are you a drummer?"
+
+"Yes.  I represent Henry Jennings, of Milford, New York."
+
+"All right, sir.  Our usual rates are two dollars
+a day.  To you they will be a dollar and a quarter."
+
+"Very well; I will pay you for two days.  Is breakfast ready?"
+
+"It is on the table, sir."
+
+"Then I will go in at once.  I will go to my room afterwards."
+
+In spite of his loss, Carl had a hearty
+appetite, and did justice to the comfortable
+breakfast provided.  He bought a morning
+paper, and ran his eye over the advertising
+columns.  He had never before read an Albany
+paper, and wished to get an idea of the
+city in its business aspect.  It occurred to
+him that there might be an advertisement of
+the lost bank book.  But no such notice met
+his eyes.
+
+He went up to his room, which was small
+and plainly furnished, but looked comfortable.
+Going down again to the office, he looked
+into the Albany directory to see if he could find
+the name of Rachel Norris.
+
+There was a Rebecca Norris, who was put
+down as a dressmaker, but that was as near
+as he came to Rachel Norris.
+
+Then he set himself to looking over the other
+members of the Norris family.  Finally he
+picked out Norris & Wade, furnishing goods,
+and decided to call at the store and inquire
+if they knew any lady named Rachel Norris.
+The prospect of gaining information in this
+way did not seem very promising, but no other
+course presented itself, and Carl determined
+to follow up the clew, slight as it was.
+
+Though unacquainted with Albany streets,
+he had little difficulty in finding the store of
+Norris & Wade.  It was an establishment of
+good size, well supplied with attractive goods.
+A clerk came forward to wait upon Carl.
+
+"What can I show you?" he asked.
+
+"You may show me Mr. Norris, if you
+please," responded Carl, with a smile.
+
+"He is in the office," said the clerk, with an
+answering smile.
+
+Carl entered the office and saw Mr. Norris,
+a man of middle age, partially bald, with a
+genial, business-like manner.
+
+"Well, young man?" he said, looking at Carl inquiringly.
+
+"You must excuse me for troubling you,
+sir," said Carl, who was afraid Mr. Norris
+would laugh at him, "but I thought you might
+direct me to Rachel Norris."
+
+Mr. Norris looked surprised.
+
+"What do you want of Rachel Norris?" he asked, abruptly.
+
+"I have a little business with her," answered Carl.
+
+"Of what nature?"
+
+"Excuse me, but I don't care to mention it at present."
+
+"Humph! you are very cautious for a young man, or rather boy."
+
+"Isn't that a good trait, sir?"
+
+"Good, but unusual.  Are you a schoolboy?"
+
+"No, sir; I am a drummer."
+
+Mr. Norris put on a pair of glasses and scrutinized
+Carl more closely.
+
+"I should like to see--just out of curiosity
+--the man that you travel for," he said.
+
+"I will ask him to call whenever he visits Albany.
+There is his card."
+
+Mr. Norris took it.
+
+"Why, bless my soul!" he exclaimed.  "It is Henry Jennings,
+an old schoolmate of mine."
+
+"And a good business man, even if he has
+sent out such a young drummer."
+
+"I should say so.  There must be something
+in you, or he wouldn't have trusted you.
+How is Jennings?"
+
+"He is well, sir--well and prosperous."
+
+"That is good news.  Are you in his employ?"
+
+"Yes, sir.  This is the first time I have
+traveled for him."
+
+"How far are you going?"
+
+"As far as Chicago."
+
+"I don't see what you can have to do with
+Rachel Norris.  However, I don't mind telling
+you that she is my aunt, and--well, upon
+my soul!  Here she is now."
+
+And he ran hastily to greet a tall, thin lady,
+wearing a black shawl, who at that moment
+entered the office.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+AN ECCENTRIC WOMAN.
+
+
+Miss Norris dropped into a chair as if she were fatigued.
+
+"Well, Aunt Rachel, how are you feeling this morning?"
+asked her nephew.
+
+"Out of sorts," was the laconic reply.
+
+"I am very sorry for that.  I suppose there is reason for it."
+
+"Yes; I've been robbed."
+
+"Indeed!" said Mr. Norris.  "Lost your purse? 
+I wonder more ladies are not robbed,
+carrying their money as carelessly as they do."
+
+"That isn't it.  I am always careful, as careful
+as any man."
+
+"Still you got robbed."
+
+"Yes, but of a bank book."
+
+Here Carl became attentive.  It was clear that
+he would not have to look any farther for the
+owner of the book he had found in his stateroom.
+
+"What kind of a bank book?" inquired Mr. Norris.
+
+"I had nearly a thousand dollars deposited
+in the Sixpenny Savings Bank.  I called at
+the bank to make some inquiries about interest,
+and when I came out I presume some rascal
+followed me and stole the book----"
+
+"Have you any idea who took it?"
+
+"I got into the horse cars, near the bank;
+next to me sat a young man in a light overcoat.
+There was no one on the other side of me.
+I think he must have taken it."
+
+"That was Stuyvesant," said Carl to himself.
+
+"When did this happen, Aunt Rachel?"
+
+"Three days since."
+
+"Why didn't you do something about it before?"
+
+"I did.  I advertised a reward of twenty-five dollars
+to anyone who would restore it to me."
+
+"There was no occasion for that.  By giving
+notice at the bank, they would give you
+a new book after a time."
+
+"I preferred to recover the old one.  Besides,
+I thought I would like to know what became of it."
+
+"I can tell you, Miss Norris," said Carl,
+who thought it time to speak.
+
+Hitherto Miss Norris had not seemed aware
+of Carl's presence.  She turned abruptly and
+surveyed him through her glasses.
+
+"Who are you?" she asked.
+
+This might seem rude, but it was only Miss Rachel's way.
+
+"My name is Carl Crawford."
+
+"Do I know you?"
+
+"No, Miss Norris, but I hope you will."
+
+"Humph!  that depends.  You say you know
+what became of my bank book?"
+
+"Yes, Miss Norris."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"It was taken by the young man who sat next to you."
+
+"How do you know?"
+
+"He robbed me last night on the way from
+New York in a Hudson River steamboat."
+
+"That doesn't prove that he robbed me.
+I was robbed here in this city."
+
+"What do you say to this?" asked Carl,
+displaying the bank book.
+
+"Bless me!  That is my book.  Where did you get it?"
+
+Carl told his story briefly, how, on discovering that
+he had been robbed, he explored the stateroom
+and found the bank book.
+
+"Well, well, I am astonished!  And how did
+you know Mr. Norris was my nephew?"
+
+"I didn't know.  I didn't know anything
+about him or you, but finding his name in the
+directory, I came here to ask if he knew any
+such person."
+
+"You are a smart boy, and a good, honest one,"
+said Miss Norris.  "You have earned the
+reward, and shall have it."
+
+"I don't want any reward, Miss Norris,"
+rejoined Carl.  "I have had very little trouble
+in finding you."
+
+"That is of no consequence.  I offered the reward,
+and Rachel Norris is a woman of her word."
+
+She thrust her hand into her pocket, and drew
+out a wallet, more suitable to a man's use.
+Openings this, she took out three bills,
+two tens and a five, and extended them toward Carl.
+
+"I don't think I ought to take this money,
+Miss Norris," said Carl, reluctantly.
+
+"Did that rascal rob you, too?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Of how much?"
+
+"Ten dollars in money and some underclothing."
+
+"Very well!  This money will go toward making up your loss.
+You are not rich, I take it?"
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"I am, and can afford to give you this money.
+There, take it."
+
+"Thank you, Miss Norris."
+
+"I want to ask one favor of you.  If you
+ever come across that young man in the light
+overcoat, have him arrested, and let me know."
+
+"I will, Miss Norris."
+
+"Do you live in Albany?"
+
+Carl explained that he was traveling on
+business, and should leave the next day if he
+could get through.
+
+"How far are you going?"
+
+"To Chicago."
+
+"Can you attend to some business for me there?"
+
+"Yes, if it won't take too long a time."
+
+"Good!  Come round to my house to supper at six o'clock,
+and I will tell you about it.  Henry, write my address
+on a piece of paper, and give it to this young man."
+
+Henry Norris smiled, and did as his aunt requested.
+
+"You have considerable confidence in this young man?" he said.
+
+"I have."
+
+"You may be mistaken."
+
+"Rachel Norris is not often mistaken."
+
+"I will accept your invitation with pleasure,
+Miss Norris," said Carl, bowing politely.
+"Now, as I have some business to attend to,
+I will bid you both good-morning."
+
+As Carl went out, Miss Norris said: "Henry,
+that is a remarkable boy."
+
+"I think favorably of him myself.  He is
+in the employ of an old schoolmate of mine,
+Henry Jennings, of Milford.  By the way,
+what business are you going to put into his hands?"
+
+"A young man who has a shoe store on State
+Street has asked me for a loan of two thousand
+dollars to extend his business.  His
+name is John French, and his mother was an
+old schoolmate of mine, though some years
+younger.  Now I know nothing of him.  If
+he is a sober, steady, industrious young man,
+I may comply with his request.  This boy will
+investigate and report to me."
+
+"And you will be guided by his report?"
+
+"Probably."
+
+"Aunt Rachel, you are certainly very eccentric."
+
+"I may be, but I am not often deceived."
+
+"Well, I hope you won't be this time.  The boy
+seems to me a very good boy, but you can't
+put an old head on young shoulders."
+
+"Some boys have more sense than men twice their age."
+
+"You don't mean me, I hope, Aunt Rachel,"
+said Mr. Norris, smiling.
+
+"Indeed, I don't.  I shall not flatter you by
+speaking of you as only twice this boy's age."
+
+"I see, Aunt Rachel, there is no getting the
+better of you."
+
+Meanwhile Carl was making business calls.
+He obtained a map of the city, and located the
+different firms on which he proposed to call.
+He had been furnished with a list by Mr.
+Jennings.  He was everywhere pleasantly received
+--in some places with an expression of surprise
+at his youth--but when he began to talk
+he proved to be so well informed upon the
+subject of his call that any prejudice excited
+by his age quickly vanished.  He had the
+satisfaction of securing several unexpectedly
+large orders for the chair, and transmitting
+them to Mr. Jennings by the afternoon mail.
+
+He got through his business at four o'clock,
+and rested for an hour or more at his hotel.
+Then he arranged his toilet, and set out for
+the residence of Miss Rachel Norris.
+
+It was rather a prim-looking, three-story
+house, such as might be supposed to belong
+to a maiden lady.  He was ushered into a sitting-
+room on the second floor, where Miss Norris
+soon joined him.
+
+"I am glad to see you, my young friend,"
+she said, cordially.  "You are in time."
+
+"I always try to be, Miss Norris."
+
+"It is a good way to begin."
+
+Here a bell rang.
+
+"Supper is ready," she said.  "Follow me downstairs."
+
+Carl followed the old lady to the rear room
+on the lower floor.  A small table was set in
+the center of the apartment.
+
+"Take a seat opposite me," said Miss Norris.
+
+There were two other chairs, one on each
+side--Carl wondered for whom they were set.
+No sooner were he and Miss Norris seated than
+two large cats approached the table, and
+jumped up, one into each chair.  Carl looked
+to see them ordered away, but instead, Miss
+Norris nodded pleasantly, saying: "That's right,
+Jane and Molly, you are punctual at meals."
+
+The two cats eyed their mistress gravely,
+and began to purr contentedly.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+CARL TAKES SUPPER WITH MISS NORRIS.
+
+
+"This is my family," said Miss Norris,
+pointing to the cats.
+
+"I like cats," said Carl.
+
+"Do you?" returned Miss Norris, looking
+pleased.  "Most boys tease them.  Do you see
+poor Molly's ear?  That wound came from a
+stone thrown by a bad boy."
+
+"Many boys are cruel," said Carl, "but I
+remember that my mother was very fond of cats,
+and I have always protected them from abuse."
+
+As he spoke he stroked Molly, who purred
+an acknowledgment of his attention.  This
+completed the conquest of Miss Norris, who
+inwardly decided that Carl was the finest boy
+she had ever met.  After she had served Carl
+from the dishes on the table, she poured out
+two saucers of milk and set one before each cat,
+who, rising upon her hind legs, placed her
+forepaws on the table, and gravely partook
+of the refreshments provided.  Jane and Molly
+were afterwards regaled with cold meat, and
+then, stretching themselves out on their chairs,
+closed their eyes in placid content.
+
+During the meal Miss Norris questioned Carl
+closely as to his home experiences.  Having
+no reason for concealment Carl frankly related
+his troubles with his stepmother, eliciting
+expressions of sympathy and approval from his hostess.
+
+"Your stepmother must be an ugly creature?" she said.
+
+"I am afraid I am prejudiced against her,"
+said Carl, "but that is my opinion."
+
+"Your father must be very weak to be influenced
+against his own son by such a woman."
+
+Carl winced a little at this outspoken criticism,
+for he was attached to his father in spite of his
+unjust treatment.
+
+"My father is an invalid," he said, apologetically,
+"and I think he yielded for the sake of peace."
+
+"All the same, he ought not to do it," said
+Miss Norris.  "Do you ever expect to live at
+home again?"
+
+"Not while my stepmother is there,"
+answered Carl.  "But I don't know that I should
+care to do so under any circumstances, as I
+am now receiving a business training.  I
+should like to make a little visit home," he
+added, thoughtfully, "and perhaps I may do
+so after I return from Chicago.  I shall have
+no favors to ask, and shall feel independent."
+
+"If you ever need a home," said Miss
+Norris, abruptly, "come here.  You will be welcome."
+
+"Thank you very much," said Carl, gratefully.
+"It is all the more kind in you since
+you have known me so short a time."
+
+"I have known you long enough to judge
+of you," said the maiden lady.  "And now if
+you won't have anything more we will go into
+the next room and talk business."
+
+Carl followed her into the adjoining room,
+and Miss Norris at once plunged into the subject.
+She handed him a business card bearing
+this inscription:
+
+       JOHN FRENCH,
+BOOTS, SHOES AND RUBBER GOODS,
+  42a State Street, CHICAGO.
+
+
+"This young man wants me to lend him two
+thousand dollars to extend his business," she
+said.  "He is the son of an old school friend,
+and I am willing to oblige him if he is a sober,
+steady and economical business man.  I want
+you to find out whether this is the case and
+report to me."
+
+"Won't that be difficult?" asked Carl.
+
+"Are you afraid to undertake anything that is difficult?"
+
+"No," answered Carl, with a smile.  "I was only afraid
+I might not do the work satisfactorily."
+
+"I shall give you no instructions," said Miss Norris.
+"I shall trust to your good judgment.
+I will give you a letter to Mr. French,
+which you can use or not, as you think wise.
+Of course, I shall see that you are paid for
+your trouble."
+
+"Thank you," said Carl.  "I hope my services
+may be worth compensation."
+
+"I don't know how you are situated as to money,
+but I can give you some in advance,"
+and the old lady opened her pocketbook.
+
+"No, thank you, Miss Norris; I shall not need it.
+I might have been short if you had not kindly paid me
+a reward for a slight service."
+
+"Slight, indeed!  If you had lost a bank
+book like mine you would be glad to get it
+back at such a price.  If you will catch the
+rascal who stole it I will gladly pay you as
+much more."
+
+"I wish I might for my own sake, but I am
+afraid it would be too late to recover my money
+and clothing."
+
+At an early hour Carl left the house,
+promising to write to Miss Norris from Chicago.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A STARTLING DISCOVERY.
+
+
+"Well," thought Carl, as he left the house
+where he had been so hospitably entertained,
+"I shall not lack for business.  Miss Norris
+seems to have a great deal of confidence in
+me, considering that I am a stranger.  I will
+take care that she does not repent it."
+
+"Can you give a poor man enough money to
+buy a cheap meal?" asked a plaintive voice.
+
+Carl scanned the applicant for charity
+closely.  He was a man of medium size, with
+a pair of small eyes, and a turnup nose.  His
+dress was extremely shabby, and he had the
+appearance of one who was on bad terms with
+fortune.  There was nothing striking about
+his appearance, yet Carl regarded him with
+surprise and wonder.  Despite the difference
+in age, he bore a remarkable resemblance to
+his stepbrother, Peter Cook.
+
+"I haven't eaten anything for twenty-four hours,"
+continued the tramp, as he may properly be called.
+"It's a hard world to such as me, boy."
+
+"I should judge so from your looks," answered Carl.
+
+"Indeed you are right.  I was born to ill luck."
+
+Carl had some doubts about this.  Those who
+represent themselves as born to ill luck can
+usually trace the ill luck to errors or shortcomings
+of their own.  There are doubtless
+inequalities of fortune, but not as great as
+many like to represent.  Of two boys who
+start alike one may succeed, and the other fail,
+but in nine cases out of ten the success or
+failure may be traced to a difference in the
+qualities of the boys.
+
+"Here is a quarter if that will do you any good,"
+said Carl. 
+
+The man clutched at it with avidity.
+
+"Thank you.  This will buy me a cup of coffee
+and a plate of meat, and will put new life into me."
+
+He was about to hurry away, but Carl felt
+like questioning him further.  The extraordinary
+resemblance between this man and his
+stepbrother led him to think it possible that
+there might be a relationship between them.
+Of his stepmother's family he knew little or
+nothing.  His father had married her on short
+acquaintance, and she was very reticent about
+her former life.  His father was indolent, and
+had not troubled himself to make inquiries.
+He took her on her own representation as the
+widow of a merchant who had failed in business.
+
+On the impulse of the moment--an impulse
+which he could not explain--Carl asked
+abruptly--"Is your name Cook?"
+
+A look of surprise, almost of stupefaction,
+appeared on the man's face.
+
+"Who told you my name?" he asked.
+
+"Then your name is Cook?"
+
+"What is your object in asking?" said the man, suspiciously.
+
+"I mean you no harm," returned Carl, "but I have reasons for asking."
+
+"Did you ever see me before?" asked the man.
+
+"No."
+
+"Then what makes you think my name is Cook? 
+It is not written on my face, is it?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then how----"
+
+Carl interrupted him.
+
+"I know a boy named Peter Cook," he said,
+"who resembles you very strongly."
+
+"You know Peter Cook--little Peter?"
+exclaimed the tramp.
+
+"Yes.  Is he a relation of yours?"
+
+"I should think so!" responded Cook,
+emphatically.  "He is my own son--that is,
+if he is a boy of about your age."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Where is he?  Is his mother alive?"
+
+"Your wife!" exclaimed Carl, overwhelmed
+at the thought.
+
+"She was my wife!" said Cook, "but while
+I was in California, some years since, she took
+possession of my small property, procured a
+divorce through an unprincipled lawyer,
+and I returned to find myself without wife,
+child or money.  Wasn't that a mean trick?"
+
+"I think it was."
+
+"Can you tell me where she is?" asked Cook, eagerly.
+
+"Yes, I can."
+
+"Where can I find my wife?" asked Cook, with much eagerness.
+
+Carl hesitated.  He did not like his stepmother;
+he felt that she had treated him meanly,
+but he was not prepared to reveal her
+present residence till he knew what course
+Cook intended to pursue.
+
+"She is married again," he said, watching
+Cook to see what effect this announcement
+might have upon him.
+
+"I have no objection, I am sure," responded
+Cook, indifferently.  "Did she marry well?"
+
+"She married a man in good circumstances."
+
+"She would take good care of that."
+
+"Then you don't intend to reclaim her?"
+
+"How can I?  She obtained a divorce,
+though by false representations.  I am glad
+to be rid of her, but I want her to restore the
+two thousand dollars of which she robbed me.
+I left my property in her hands, but when
+she ceased to be my wife she had no right to
+take possession of it.  I ought not to be surprised,
+however.  It wasn't the first theft she had committed."
+
+"Can this be true?" asked Carl, excited.
+
+"Yes, I married her without knowing much
+of her antecedents.  Two years after marriage
+I ascertained that she had served a year's term
+of imprisonment for a theft of jewelry from
+a lady with whom she was living as housekeeper."
+
+"Are you sure of this?"
+
+"Certainly.  She was recognized by a friend
+of mine, who had been an official at the prison.
+When taxed with it by me she admitted it, but
+claimed that she was innocent.  I succeeded
+in finding a narrative of the trial in an old
+file of papers, and came to the conclusion that
+she was justly convicted."
+
+"What did you do?"
+
+"I proposed separation, but she begged me
+to keep the thing secret, and let ourselves remain
+the same as before.  I agreed out of consideration
+for her, but had occasion to regret
+it.  My business becoming slack, I decided to
+go to California in the hope of acquiring a
+competence.  I was not fortunate there, and
+was barely able, after a year, to get home.  I
+found that my wife had procured a divorce,
+and appropriated the little money I had left.
+Where she had gone, or where she had conveyed
+our son, I could not learn.  You say
+you know where she is."
+
+"I do."
+
+"Will you tell me?"
+
+"Mr. Cook," said Carl, after a pause for
+reflection, "I will tell you, but not just at present.
+I am on my way to Chicago on business.
+On my return I will stop here, and take you
+with me to the present home of your former
+wife.  You will understand my interest in the
+matter when I tell you that she is now married
+to a relative of my own."
+
+"I pity him whoever he is," said Cook.
+
+"Yes, I think he is to be pitied," said Carl,
+gravely; "but the revelation you will be able
+to make will enable him to insist upon a separation."
+
+"The best thing he can do!  How long before
+you return to Albany?"
+
+"A week or ten days."
+
+"I don't know how I am to live in the meantime,"
+said Cook, anxiously.  "I am penniless,
+but for the money you have just given me."
+
+"At what price can you obtain board?"
+
+"I know of a decent house where I can obtain board
+and a small room for five dollars a week."
+
+"Here are twelve dollars.  This will pay for
+two weeks' board, and give you a small sum besides.
+What is the address?"
+
+Cook mentioned a number on a street by the river.
+
+Carl took it down in a notebook with which
+he had provided himself.
+
+"When I return to Albany," he said, "I will
+call there at once."
+
+"You won't forget me?"
+
+"No; I shall be even more anxious to meet
+you than you will be to meet me.  The one
+to whom your former wife is married is very
+near and dear to me, and I cannot bear to
+think that he has been so wronged and
+imposed upon!"
+
+"Very well, sir!  I shall wait for you with
+confidence.  If I can get back from my former
+wife the money she robbed me of, I can
+get on my feet again, and take a respectable
+position in society.  It is very hard for a man
+dressed as I am to obtain any employment."
+
+Looking at his shabby and ragged suit, Carl
+could readily believe this statement.  If he
+had wished to employ anyone he would hardly
+have been tempted to engage a man so
+discreditable in appearance.  "Be of good courage,
+Mr. Cook," he said, kindly.  "If your story is correct,
+and I believe it is, there are better days in store for you."
+
+"Thank you for those words," said Cook, earnestly.
+"They give me new hope."
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+FROM ALBANY TO NIAGARA.
+
+
+Carl took the afternoon train on the
+following day for Buffalo.  His thoughts were
+busy with the startling discovery he had made
+in regard to his stepmother.  Though he had
+never liked her, he had been far from imagining
+that she was under the ban of the law.
+It made him angry to think that his father had
+been drawn into a marriage with such a
+woman--that the place of his idolized mother
+had been taken by one who had served a term
+at Sing Sing.
+
+Did Peter know of his mother's past disgrace?
+he asked himself.  Probably not, for it
+had come before his birth.  He only wondered
+that the secret had never got out before.  There
+must be many persons who had known her as
+a prisoner, and could identify her now.  She
+had certainly been fortunate with the fear
+of discovery always haunting her.  Carl could
+not understand how she could carry her head
+so high, and attempt to tyrannize over his father
+and himself.
+
+What the result would be when Dr. Crawford
+learned the antecedents of the woman
+whom he called wife Carl did not for a
+moment doubt.  His father was a man of very
+strict ideas on the subject of honor, and good
+repute, and the discovery would lead him to
+turn from Mrs. Crawford in abhorrence.  Moreover,
+he was strongly opposed to divorce, and
+Carl had heard him argue that a divorced person
+should not be permitted to remarry.  Yet
+in ignorance he had married a divorced
+woman, who had been convicted of theft, and
+served a term of imprisonment.  The discovery
+would be a great shock to him, and it
+would lead to a separation and restore the
+cordial relations between himself and his son.
+
+Not long after his settlement in Milford;
+Carl had written as follows to his father:
+
+
+"Dear Father:--Though I felt obliged to
+leave home for reasons which we both understand,
+I am sure that you will feel interested
+to know how I am getting along.  I did not
+realize till I had started out how difficult it is
+for a boy, brought up like myself, to support
+himself when thrown upon his own exertions.
+A newsboy can generally earn enough money
+to maintain himself in the style to which he
+is accustomed, but I have had a comfortable
+and even luxurious home, and could hardly
+bring myself to live in a tenement house, or
+a very cheap boarding place.  Yet I would
+rather do either than stay in a home made
+unpleasant by the persistent hostility of one
+member.
+
+"I will not take up your time by relating
+the incidents of the first two days after I left
+home.  I came near getting into serious trouble
+through no fault of my own, but happily
+escaped.  When I was nearly penniless I fell
+in with a prosperous manufacturer of furniture
+who has taken me into his employment.
+He gives me a home in his own house, and pays
+me two dollars a week besides.  This is enough
+to support me economically, and I shall after
+a while receive better pay.
+
+"I am not in the office, but in the factory,
+and am learning the business practically, starting
+in at the bottom.  I think I have a taste for
+it, and the superintendent tells me I am making
+remarkable progress.  The time was when
+I would have hesitated to become a working
+boy, but I have quite got over such foolishness.
+Mr. Jennings, my employer, who is considered
+a rich man, began as I did, and I hope some
+day to occupy a position similar to his.
+
+"I trust you are quite well and happy, dear
+father.  My only regret is, that I cannot see
+you occasionally.  While my stepmother and
+Peter form part of your family, I feel that I
+can never live at home.  They both dislike me,
+and I am afraid I return the feeling.  If you
+are sick or need me, do not fail to send for me,
+for I can never forget that you are my father,
+as I am your affectionate son,
+
+Carl."
+
+
+This letter was handed to Dr. Crawford at
+the breakfast table.  He colored and looked
+agitated when he opened the envelope, and
+Mrs. Crawford, who had a large share of
+curiosity, did not fail to notice this.
+
+"From whom is your letter, my dear?" she
+asked, in the soft tone which was habitual with
+her when she addressed her husband
+
+"The handwriting is Carl's," answered Dr.
+Crawford, already devouring the letter eagerly.
+
+"Oh!" she answered, in a chilly tone.  "I
+have been expecting you would hear from him.
+How much money does he send for?"
+
+"I have not finished the letter." Dr.
+Crawford continued reading.  When he had finished
+he laid it down beside his plate.
+
+"Well?" said his wife, interrogatively.
+"What does he have to say?  Does he ask leave
+to come home?"
+
+"No; he is quite content where he is."
+
+"And where is that?"
+
+"At Milford."
+
+"That is not far away?"
+
+"No; not more than sixty miles."
+
+"Does he ask for money?"
+
+"No; he is employed."
+
+"Where?"
+
+"In a furniture factory."
+
+"Oh, a factory boy."
+
+"Yes; he is learning the business."
+
+"He doesn't seem to be very ambitious,"
+sneered Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"On the contrary, he is looking forward to
+being in business for himself some day."
+
+"On your money--I understand."
+
+"Really, Mrs. Crawford, you do the boy
+injustice.  He hints nothing of the kind.  He
+evidently means to raise himself gradually as
+his employer did before him.  By the way, he
+has a home in his employer's family.  I think
+Mr. Jennings must have taken a fancy to Carl."
+
+"I hope he will find him more agreeable than
+I did," said Mrs. Crawford, sharply.
+
+"Are you quite sure that you always treated
+Carl considerately, my dear?"
+
+"I didn't flatter or fondle him, if that is
+what you mean.  I treated him as well as he
+could expect."
+
+"Did you treat him as well as Peter, for example?"
+
+"No.  There is a great difference between the
+two boys.  Peter is always respectful and obliging,
+and doesn't set up his will against mine.
+He never gives me a moment's uneasiness."
+
+"I hope you will continue to find him a
+comfort, my dear," said Dr. Crawford, meekly.
+
+He looked across the table at the fat,
+expressionless face of his stepson, and he blamed
+himself because he could not entertain a
+warmer regard for Peter.  Somehow he had
+a slight feeling of antipathy, which he tried
+to overcome.
+
+"No doubt he is a good boy, since his mother
+says so," reflected the doctor, "but I don't
+appreciate him.  I will take care, however, that
+neither he nor his mother sees this."
+
+When Peter heard his mother's encomium
+upon him, he laughed in his sleeve.
+
+"I'll remind ma of that when she scolds me,"
+he said to himself.  "I'm glad Carl isn't coming
+back.  He was always interferin' with me.
+Now, if ma and I play our cards right we'll
+get all his father's money.  Ma thinks he won't
+live long, I heard her say so the other day.
+Won't it be jolly for ma and me to come into
+a fortune, and live just as we please!  I hope
+ma will go to New York.  It's stupid here, but
+I s'pose we'll have to stay for the present."
+
+"Is Carl's letter private?" asked Mrs. 
+Crawford, after a pause.
+
+"I--I think he would rather I didn't show
+it ," returned her husband, remembering the
+allusion made by Carl to his stepmother.
+
+"Oh, well, I am not curious," said Mrs. 
+Crawford, tossing her head.
+
+None the less, however, she resolved to see
+and read the letter, if she could get hold of it
+without her husband's knowledge.  He was
+so careless that she did not doubt soon to find
+it laid down somewhere.  In this she proved
+correct.  Before the day was over, she found
+Carl's letter in her husband's desk.  She
+opened and read it eagerly with a running fire
+of comment.
+
+"`Reasons which we both understand,'" she
+repeated, scornfully.  "That is a covert attack
+upon me.  Of course, I ought to expect that.
+So he had a hard time.  Well, it served him
+right for conducting himself as he did.  Ah,
+here is another hit at me--`Yet I would rather
+do either than live in a home made unpleasant
+by the persistent hostility of one member.'
+He is trying to set his father against me.  Well,
+he won't succeed.  I can twist Dr. Paul Crawford
+round my finger, luckily, and neither
+his son nor anyone else can diminish my
+influence over him."
+
+She read on for some time till she reached
+this passage: "While my stepmother and
+Peter form a part of your family I can never
+live at home.  They both dislike me, and I am
+afraid I return the feeling." "Thanks for
+the information," she muttered.  "I knew it
+before.  This letter doesn't make me feel any
+more friendly to you, Carl Crawford.  I see
+that you are trying to ingratiate yourself with
+your father, and prejudice him against me and
+my poor Peter, but I think I can defeat your
+kind intentions."
+
+She folded up the letter, and replaced it in
+her husband's desk.
+
+"I wonder if my husband will answer Carl's
+artful epistle," she said to herself.  "He can
+if he pleases.  He is weak as water, and I will
+see that he goes no farther than words."
+
+Dr. Crawford did answer Carl's letter.  This
+is his reply:
+
+
+"Dear Carl:--i am glad to hear that you
+are comfortably situated.  I regret that you
+were so headstrong and unreasonable.  It
+seems to me that you might, with a little
+effort, have got on with your stepmother.  You
+could hardly expect her to treat you in the
+same way as her own son.  He seems to be
+a good boy, but I own that I have never been
+able to become attached to him."
+
+
+Carl read this part of the letter with satisfaction.
+He knew how mean and contemptible Peter was,
+and it would have gone to his heart to think
+that his father had transferred his affection
+to the boy he had so much reason to dislike.
+
+
+"I am glad you are pleased with your
+prospects.  I think I could have done better for
+you had your relations with your stepmother
+been such as to make it pleasant for you to
+remain at home.  You are right in thinking
+that I am interested in your welfare.  I hope,
+my dear Carl, you will become a happy and
+prosperous man.  I do not forget that you are
+my son, and I am still your affectionate father,
+
+"Paul Crawford."
+
+
+Carl was glad to receive this letter.  It showed him
+that his stepmother had not yet succeeded in alienating
+from him his father's affection.
+
+But we must return to the point where we
+left Carl on his journey to Buffalo.  He
+enjoyed his trip over the Central road during the
+hours of daylight.  He determined on his return
+to make an all-day trip so that he might
+enjoy the scenery through which he now rode
+in the darkness.
+
+At Buffalo he had no other business except
+that of Mr. Jennings, and immediately after
+breakfast he began to make a tour of the
+furniture establishments.  He met with excellent
+success, and had the satisfaction of sending
+home some large orders.  In the evening he
+took train for Niagara, wishing to see the falls
+in the early morning, and resume his journey
+in the afternoon.
+
+He registered at the International Hotel on
+the American side.  It was too late to do more
+than take an evening walk, and see the falls
+gleaming like silver through the darkness.
+
+"I will go to bed early," thought Carl, "and
+get up at six o'clock."
+
+He did go to bed early, but he was more
+fatigued than he supposed, and slept longer than
+he anticipated.  It was eight o'clock before he
+came downstairs.  Before going in to breakfast,
+he took a turn on the piazzas.  Here he fell in
+with a sociable gentleman, much addicted to gossip.
+
+"Good-morning!" he said.  "Have you seen the falls yet?"
+
+"I caught a glimpse of them last evening
+I am going to visit them after breakfast."
+
+"There are a good many people staying here
+just now--some quite noted persons, too."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"Yes, what do you say to an English lord?"
+and Carl's new friend nodded with am important
+air, as if it reflected great credit on the hotel
+to have so important a guest.
+
+"Does he look different from anyone else?"
+asked Carl, smiling.
+
+"Well, to tell the truth, he isn't much to
+look at," said the other.  "The gentleman who
+is with him looks more stylish.  I thought
+he was the lord at first, but I afterwards
+learned that he was an American named Stuyvesant."
+
+Carl started at the familiar name.
+
+"Is he tall and slender, with side whiskers,
+and does he wear eyeglasses?" he asked, eagerly.
+
+"Yes; you know him then?" said the other,
+in surprise.
+
+"Yes," answered Carl, with a smile, "I am slightly
+acquainted with him.  I am very anxious to meet him again."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+CARL MAKES THE ACQUAINTANCE OF AN ENGLISH LORD.
+
+
+"There they are now," said the stranger,
+suddenly pointing out two persons walking
+slowly along the piazza.  "The small man,
+in the rough suit, and mutton-chop whiskers,
+is Lord Bedford."
+
+Carl eyed the British nobleman with some curiosity.
+Evidently Lord Bedford was no dude.  His suit was
+of rough cloth and illfitting.  He was barely five
+feet six inches in height, with features decidedly plain,
+but with an absence of pretension that was creditable
+to him, considering that he was really what
+he purported to be.  Stuyvesant walked by
+his side, nearly a head taller, and of more
+distinguished bearing, though of plebeian extraction.
+His manner was exceedingly deferential,
+and he was praising England and everything
+English in a fulsome manner.
+
+"Yes, my lord," Carl overheard him say,
+"I have often thought that society in England
+is far superior to our American society."
+
+"Thanks, you are very kind," drawled the
+nobleman, "but really I find things very
+decent in America, upon my word.  I had been
+reading Dickens's `Notes' before I came over
+and I expected to find you very uncivilized,
+and--almost aboriginal; but I assure you I
+have met some very gentlemanly persons in
+America, some almost up to our English standard."
+
+"Really, my lord, such a tribute from a man in your
+position is most gratifying.  May I state this on your authority?"
+
+"Yes, I don't mind, but I would rather not get into
+the papers, don't you know.  You are not a--reporter, I hope."
+
+"I hope not," said Mr. Stuyvesant, in a lofty tone.
+"I am a scion of one of the oldest families in New York.
+Of course I know that social position is a very different
+thing here from what it is in England.  It must be a
+gratifying thing to reflect that you are a lord."
+
+"Yes, I suppose so.  I never thought much about it."
+
+"I should like so much to be a lord.  I care little for money."
+
+"Then, by Jove, you are a remarkable man."
+
+"In comparison with rank, I mean.  I would rather be a lord
+with a thousand pounds a year than a rich merchant with ten
+times as much."
+
+"You'll find it very inconvenient being a lord
+on a thousand; you might as well be a beggar."
+
+"I suppose, of course, high rank requires a large rent roll.
+In fact, a New York gentleman requires more than a trifle
+to support him.  I can't dress on less than two hundred
+pounds a year."
+
+"Your American tailors are high-priced, then?"
+
+"Those that I employ; we have cheap tailors,
+of course, but I generally go to Bell."
+
+Mr. Stuyvesant was posing as a gentleman
+of fashion.  Carl, who followed at a little distance
+behind the pair, was much amused by
+his remarks, knowing what he did about him.
+
+"I think a little of going to England
+in a few months," continued Stuyvesant.
+
+"Indeed!  You must look me up," said Bedford, carelessly.
+
+"I should, indeed, be delighted," said Stuyvesant, effusively.
+
+"That is, if I am in England.  I may be on the Continent,
+but you can inquire for me at my club--the Piccadilly."
+
+"I shall esteem it a great honor, my lord.
+I have a penchant for good society.  The lower
+orders are not attractive to me."
+
+"They are sometimes more interesting,"
+said the Englishman; "but do you know, I am
+surprised to hear an American speak in this way.
+I thought you were all on a level here in a republic."
+
+"Oh, my lord!" expostulated Stuyvesant,
+deprecatingly.  "You don't think I would associate
+with shopkeepers and common tradesmen?"
+
+"I don't know.  A cousin of mine is
+interested in a wine business in London.
+He is a younger son with a small fortune, and
+draws a very tidy income from his city business."
+
+"But his name doesn't appear on the sign, I infer."
+
+"No, I think not.  Then you are not in business,
+Mr. Stuyvesant?"
+
+"No; I inherited an income from my father.
+It isn't as large as I could wish, and I have
+abstained from marrying because I could not
+maintain the mode of living to which I have
+been accustomed."
+
+"You should marry a rich girl."
+
+"True!  I may do so, since your lordship
+recommends it.  In fact, I have in view a
+young lady whose father was once lord mayor
+(I beg pardon, mayor) of New York.
+Her father is worth a million."
+
+"Pounds?"
+
+"Well, no, dollars.  I should have said two
+hundred thousand pounds."
+
+"If the girl is willing, it may be a good plan."
+
+"Thank you, my lord.  Your advice is very kind."
+
+"The young man seems on very good terms
+with Lord Bedford," said Carl's companion,
+whose name was Atwood, with a shade of envy
+in his voice.
+
+"Yes," said Carl.
+
+"I wish he would introduce me," went on Mr. Atwood.
+
+"I should prefer the introduction of a different man," said Carl.
+
+"Why?  He seems to move in good society."
+
+"Without belonging to it."
+
+"Then you know him?"
+
+"Better than I wish I did."
+
+Atwood looked curious.
+
+"I will explain later," said Carl;
+"now I must go in to breakfast."
+
+"I will go with you."
+
+Though Stuyvesant had glanced at Carl, he
+did not appear to recognize him, partly, no
+doubt, because he had no expectation of meeting
+the boy he had robbed, at Niagara.  Besides,
+his time and attention were so much
+taken up by his aristocratic acquaintance that
+he had little notice for anyone else.  Carl
+observed with mingled amusement and vexation
+that Mr. Stuyvesant wore a new necktie, which
+he had bought for himself in New York, and
+which had been in the stolen gripsack.
+
+"If I can find Lord Bedford alone I will put
+him on his guard," thought Carl.  "I shall
+spoil Mr. Stuyvesant's plans."
+
+After breakfast Carl prepared to go down
+to the falls.
+
+On the way he overtook Lord Bedford walking
+in the same direction, and, as it happened,
+without a companion.  Carl quickened his
+pace, and as he caught up with him, he raised
+his hat, and said: "Lord Bedford, I believe."
+
+"Yes," answered the Englishman, inquiringly.
+
+"I must apologize for addressing a stranger,
+but I want to put you on your guard against
+a young man whom I saw walking with you
+on the piazza."
+
+"Is he--what do you know of him?" asked
+Lord Bedford, laying aside his air of indifference.
+
+"I know that he is an adventurer and a thief.
+I made his acquaintance on a Hudson River
+steamer, and he walked off with my valise and
+a small sum of money."
+
+"Is this true?" asked the Englishman, in amazement.
+
+"Quite true.  He is wearing one of my neckties at this moment."
+
+"The confounded cad!" ejaculated the Englishman, angrily.
+"I suppose he intended to rob me."
+
+"I have no doubt of it.  That is why I
+ventured to put you on your guard."
+
+"I am a thousand times obliged to you.  Why,
+the fellow told me he belonged to one of the
+best families in New York."
+
+"If he does, he doesn't do much credit to the family."
+
+"Quite true!  Why, he was praising everything English.
+He evidently wanted to gain my confidence."
+
+"May I ask where you met him?" asked Carl.
+
+"On the train.  He offered me a light.  Before
+I knew it, he was chatting familiarly with me.
+But his game is spoiled.  I will let him
+know that I see through him and his designs."
+"Then my object is accomplished," said Carl.
+"Please excuse my want of ceremony." He
+turned to leave, but Bedford called him back.
+
+"If you are going to the falls, remain with me,"
+he said.  "We shall enjoy it better in company."
+
+"With pleasure.  Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford.
+I am traveling on business and don't belong to one
+of the first families."
+
+"I see you will suit me," said the Englishman, smiling.
+
+Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless.
+"My lord," he said, "I lost sight of you.  If you will
+allow me I will join you.
+
+"Sir!" said the Englishman, in a freezing
+voice, "I have not the honor of knowing you."
+
+Stuyvesant was overwhelmed.
+
+"I--I hope I have not offended you, my lord," he said.
+
+"Sir, I have learned your character from this young man."
+
+This called the attention of Stuyvesant to Carl.
+He flushed as he recognized him
+
+"Mr. Stuyvesant," said Carl, "I must trouble
+you to return the valise you took from my stateroom,
+and the pocketbook which you borrowed.
+My name is Carl Crawford, and my room is 71."
+
+Stuyvesant turned away abruptly.  He left the valise at the desk,
+but Carl never recovered his money.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+WHAT CARL LEARNED IN CHICAGO.
+
+
+As Carl walked back from the falls he met
+Mr. Atwood, who was surprised to find h*is
+young acquaintance on such intimate terms
+with Lord Bedford.  He was about to pass
+with a bow, when Carl, who was good-natured,
+said: "Won't you join us, Mr. Atwood?
+If Lord Bedford will permit, I should like
+to introduce you."
+
+"Glad to know any friend of yours, Mr. Crawford,"
+said the Englishman, affably.
+
+"I feel honored by the introduction," said Atwood,
+bowing profoundly.
+
+"I hope you are not a friend of Mr.--ah,
+Mr. Stuyvesant," said the nobleman, "the person
+I was talking with this morning.  Mr.
+Crawford tells me he is a--what do you call
+it?--a confidence man."
+
+"I have no acquaintance with him, my lord.
+I saw him just now leaving the hotel."
+
+"I am afraid he has gone away with my valise and money,"
+said Carl.
+
+"If you should be inconvenienced, Mr. Crawford,"
+said the nobleman, "my purse is at your disposal."
+
+"Thank you very much, Lord Bedford," said Carl,
+gratefully.  "I am glad to say I am still
+fairly well provided with money."
+
+"I was about to make you the same offer,
+Mr. Crawford," said Atwood.
+
+"Thank you!  I appreciate your kindness,
+even if I'm not obliged to avail myself of it."
+
+Returning to the hotel, Lord Bedford
+ordered a carriage, and invited Atwood and Carl
+to accompany him on a drive.  Mr. Atwood
+was in an ecstasy, and anticipated with proud
+satisfaction telling his family of his intimate
+friend, Lord Bedford, of England.  The peer,
+though rather an ordinary-looking man,
+seemed to him a model of aristocratic beauty.
+It was a weakness on the part of Mr. Atwood,
+but an amiable one, and is shared by many
+who live under republican institutions.
+
+After dinner Carl felt obliged to resume his
+journey.  He had found his visit to Niagara
+very agreeable, but his was a business and not
+a pleasure trip, and loyalty to his employer
+required him to cut it short.  Lord Bedford
+shook his hand heartily at parting.
+
+"I hope we shall meet again, Mr. Crawford,"
+he said.  "I expect, myself, to reach Chicago
+on Saturday, and shall be glad to have you call
+on me at the Palmer House."
+
+"Thank you, my lord; I will certainly
+inquire for you there."
+
+"He is a very good fellow, even if he is a lord,"
+thought Carl.
+
+Our young hero was a thorough American, and was
+disposed to think with Robert Burns, that
+
+
+"The rank is but the guinea, stamp;
+The man's the gold for a' that!"
+
+
+No incident worth recording befell Carl on
+his trip to Chicago.  As a salesman he met
+with excellent success, and surprised Mr.
+Jennings by the size of his orders.  He was led,
+on reaching Chicago, to register at the Sherman
+House, on Clark Street, one of the most
+reliable among the many houses for travelers
+offered by the great Western metropolis.
+
+On the second day he made it a point to find
+out the store of John French, hoping to acquire
+the information desired by Miss Norris.
+
+It was a store of good size, and apparently
+well stocked.  Feeling the need of new footgear,
+Carl entered and asked to be shown some shoes.
+He was waited upon by a young clerk named Gray,
+with whom he struck up a pleasant acquaintance.
+
+"Do you live in Chicago?" asked Gray?  sociably.
+
+"No; I am from New York State.  I am here on business."
+
+"Staying at a hotel?"
+
+"Yes, at the Sherman.  If you are at leisure
+this evening I shall be glad to have you call
+on me.  I am a stranger here, and likely to
+find the time hang heavy on my hands."
+
+"I shall be free at six o'clock."
+
+"Then come to supper with me."
+
+"Thank you, I shall be glad to do so,"
+answered Gray, with alacrity.  Living as he did
+at a cheap boarding house, the prospect of a
+supper at a first-class hotel was very attractive.
+He was a pleasant-faced young man of
+twenty, who had drifted to Chicago from his
+country home in Indiana, and found it hard
+to make both ends meet on a salary of nine
+dollars a week.  His habits were good, his manner
+was attractive and won him popularity
+with customer's, and with patience he was
+likely to succeed in the end.
+
+"I wish I could live like this every day,"
+he said, as he rose from a luxurious supper.
+"At present my finances won't allow me to board
+at the Sherman."
+
+"Nor would mine," said Carl; "but I am allowed
+to spend money more freely when I am traveling."
+
+"Are you acquainted in New York?" asked Gray.
+
+"I have little or no acquaintance in the city,"
+answered Carl.
+
+"I should be glad to get a position there."
+
+"Are you not satisfied with your present place?"
+
+"I am afraid I shall not long keep it."
+
+"Why not?  Do you think you are in any
+danger of being discharged?"
+
+"It is not that.  I am afraid Mr. French will
+be obliged to give up business."
+
+"Why?" asked Carl, with keen interest.
+
+"I have reason to think he is embarrassed.
+I know that he has a good many bills out,
+some of which have been running a long time.
+If any pressure is brought to bear upon him,
+he may have to suspend."
+
+Carl felt that he was obtaining important information.
+If Mr. French were in such a condition Miss Norris
+would be pretty sure to lose her money if she advanced it.
+
+"To what do you attribute Mr. French's embarrassment?" he asked.
+
+"He lives expensively in a handsome house near Lincoln Park,
+and draws heavily upon the business for his living expenses.
+I think that explains it.  I only wonder that he has been able
+to hold out so long."
+
+"Perhaps if he were assisted he would be able to keep
+his head above water."
+
+"He would need a good deal of assistance.
+You see that my place isn't very secure, and
+I shall soon need to be looking up another."
+
+"I don't think I shall need to inquire any farther,"
+thought Carl.  "It seems to me Miss Norris had
+better keep her money."
+
+Before he retired he indited the following
+letter to his Albany employer:
+
+
+Miss Rachel Norris.
+
+"Dear Madam:--I have attended to your
+commission, and have to report that Mr.
+French appears to be involved in business
+embarrassments, and in great danger to bankruptcy.
+The loan he asks of you would no doubt
+be of service, but probably would not
+long delay the crash.  If you wish to assist
+him, it would be better to allow him to fail,
+and then advance him the money to put him
+on his feet.  I am told that his troubles come
+from living beyond his means.
+
+"Yours respectfully,
+"Carl Crawford."
+
+
+By return mail Carl received the following note:
+
+
+"My Dear Young Friend:--Your report
+confirms the confidence I reposed in you.
+It is just the information I desired.
+I shall take your advice and refuse the loan.
+What other action I may take hereafter I cannot tell.
+When you return, should you stop in Albany,
+please call on me.  If unable to do this, write
+me from Milford.
+
+Your friend,
+"Rachel Norris."
+
+
+Carl was detained for several days in Chicago.
+He chanced to meet his English friend,
+Lord Bedford, upon his arrival, and the nobleman,
+on learning where he was staying, also
+registered at the Sherman House.  In his
+company Carl took a drive over the magnificent
+boulevard which is the pride of Chicago, and
+rose several degrees in the opinion of those
+guests who noticed his intimacy with the English guest.
+
+Carl had just completed his Chicago business
+when, on entering the hotel, he was surprised
+to see a neighbor of his father's--Cyrus
+Robinson--a prominent business man of Edgewood
+Center.  Carl was delighted, for he had
+not been home, or seen any home friends for
+over a year.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Robinson," he
+said, offering his hand.
+
+"What!  Carl Crawford!" exclaimed Robinson,
+in amazement.  "How came you in Chicago?
+Your father did not tell me you were here."
+
+"He does not know it.  I am only here on a business visit.
+Tell me, Mr. Robinson, how is my father?"
+
+"I think, Carl, that he is not at all well.
+I am quite sure he misses you, and I don't believe
+your stepmother's influence over him is
+beneficial.  Just before I came away I heard
+a rumor that troubled me.  It is believed in
+Edgewood that she is trying to induce your
+father to make a will leaving all, or nearly all
+his property to her and her son."
+
+"I don't care so much for that, Mr. Robinson,
+as for my father's health."
+
+"Carl," said Robinson, significantly, "if such
+a will is made I don't believe your father will
+live long after it."
+
+"You don't mean that?" said Carl, horror-struck.
+
+"I think Mrs. Crawford, by artful means
+will worry your father to death.  He is of a
+nervous temperament, and an unscrupulous
+woman can shorten his life without laying herself
+open to the law."
+
+Carl's face grew stern.
+
+"I will save my father," he said, "and
+defeat my stepmother's wicked schemes."
+
+"I pray Heaven you can.  There is no time to be lost."
+
+"I shall lose no time, you may be sure.
+I shall be at Edgewood within a week."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+MAKING A WILL.
+
+
+In Edgewood Center events moved slowly.
+In Carl Crawford's home dullness reigned
+supreme.  He had been the life of the house,
+and his absence, though welcome to his stepmother,
+was seriously felt by his father, who
+day by day became thinner and weaker, while
+his step grew listless and his face seldom
+brightened with a smile.  He was anxious to
+have Carl at home again, and the desire became
+so strong that he finally broached the subject.
+
+"My dear," he said one day at the breakfast table,
+"I have been thinking of Carl considerably of late."
+
+"Indeed!" said Mrs. Crawford, coldly.
+
+"I think I should like to have him at home once more."
+
+Mrs. Crawford smiled ominously.
+
+"He is better off where he is," she said, softly.
+
+"But he is my only son, and I never see him,"
+pleaded her husband.
+
+"You know very well, Dr. Crawford," rejoined his wife,
+"that your son only made trouble in the house while he was here."
+
+"Yet it seems hard that he should be driven from his father's home,
+and forced to take refuge among strangers."
+
+"I don't know what you mean by his being driven from home,"
+said Mrs. Crawford, tossing her head.  "He made himself disagreeable,
+and, not being able to have his own way, he took French leave."
+
+"The house seems very lonely without him," went on Dr. Crawford,
+who was too wise to get into an argument with his wife.
+
+"It certainly is more quiet.  As for company, Peter is still here,
+and would at any time stay with you."
+
+Peter did not relish this suggestion, and did not indorse it.
+
+"I should not care to confine him to the house,"
+said Dr. Crawford, as his glance rested on the plain
+and by no means agreeable face of his stepson.
+
+"I suppose I need not speak of myself.
+You know that you can always call upon me."
+
+If Dr. Crawford had been warmly attached
+to his second wife, this proposal would have
+cheered him, but the time had gone by when
+he found any pleasure in her society.  There
+was a feeling of almost repulsion which he
+tried to conceal, and he was obliged to acknowledge
+to himself that the presence of his wife
+gave him rather uneasiness than comfort.
+
+"Carl is very well off where he is," resumed
+Mrs. Crawford.  "He is filling a business
+position, humble, perhaps, but still one that gives
+him his living and keeps him out of mischief.
+Let well enough alone, doctor, and don't
+interrupt his plans."
+
+"I--I may be foolish," said the doctor,
+hesitating, "but I have not been feeling as well
+as usual lately, and if anything should happen
+to me while Carl was absent I should die
+very unhappy."
+
+Mrs. Crawford regarded her husband with
+uneasiness.
+
+"Do you mean that you think you are in
+any danger?" she asked.
+
+"I don't know.  I am not an old man, but,
+on the other hand, I am an invalid.  My father
+died when he was only a year older than
+I am at present."
+
+Mrs. Crawford drew out her handkerchief,
+and proceeded to wipe her tearless eyes.
+
+"You distress me beyond measure by your
+words, my dear husband.  How can I think
+of your death without emotion?  What should
+I do without you?"
+
+"My dear, you must expect to survive me.
+You are younger than I, and much stronger."
+
+"Besides," and Mrs. Crawford made an
+artful pause, "I hardly like to mention it, but
+Peter and I are poor, and by your death
+might be left to the cold mercies of the world."
+
+"Surely I would not fail to provide for you."
+
+Mrs. Crawford shook her head.
+
+"I am sure of your kind intentions, my husband,"
+she said, "but they will not avail unless you provide
+for me in your will."
+
+"Yes, it's only right that I should do so.  As soon as
+I feel equal to the effort I will draw up a will."
+
+"I hope you will, for I should not care to be
+dependent on Carl, who does not like me.  I
+hope you will not think me mercenary, but to
+Peter and myself this is of vital importance."
+
+"No, I don't misjudge you.  I ought to have
+thought of it before."
+
+"I don't care so much about myself," said
+Mrs. Crawford, in a tone of self-sacrifice,
+"but I should not like to have Peter thrown
+upon the world without means."
+
+"All that you say is wise and reasonable,"
+answered her husband, wearily.  "I will attend
+to the matter to-morrow."
+
+The next day Mrs. Crawford came into her
+husband's presence with a sheet of legal cap.
+
+"My dear husband," she said, in a soft,
+insinuating tone, "I wished to spare you trouble,
+and I have accordingly drawn up a will
+to submit to you, and receive your signature,
+if you approve it."
+
+Dr. Crawford looked surprised.
+
+"Where did you learn to write a will?" he asked.
+
+"I used in my days of poverty to copy documents for a lawyer,"
+she replied.  "In this way I became something of a lawyer myself."
+
+"I see.  Will you read what you have prepared?"
+
+Mrs. Crawford read the document in her hand.  It provided
+in the proper legal phraseology for an equal division
+of the testator's estate between the widow and Carl.
+
+"I didn't know, of course, what provision you intended
+to make for me," she said, meekly.  "Perhaps you do not
+care to leave me half the estate."
+
+"Yes, that seems only fair.  You do not mention Peter.
+I ought to do something for him."
+
+"Your kindness touches me, my dear husband,
+but I shall be able to provide for him
+out of my liberal bequest.  I do not wish to
+rob your son, Carl.  I admit that I do not like him,
+but that shall not hinder me from being just."
+
+Dr. Crawford was pleased with this unexpected
+concession from his wife.  He felt that he should
+be more at ease if Carl's future was assured.
+
+"Very well, my dear," he said, cheerfully.
+"I approve of the will as you have drawn it
+up, and I will affix my signature at once."
+"Then, shall I send for two of the neighbors
+to witness it?"
+
+"It will be well."
+
+Two near neighbors were sent for and
+witnessed Dr. Crawford's signature to the will.
+
+There was a strangely triumphant look in
+Mrs. Crawford's eyes as she took the document
+after it had been duly executed.
+
+"You will let me keep this, doctor?" she
+asked.  "It will be important for your son as
+well as myself, that it should be in safe hands."
+
+"Yes; I shall be glad to have you do so.  I
+rejoice that it is off my mind."
+
+"You won't think me mercenary, my dear
+husband, or indifferent to your life?"
+
+"No; why should I?"
+
+"Then I am satisfied."
+
+Mrs. Crawford took the will, and carrying
+it upstairs, opened her trunk, removed the false
+bottom, and deposited under it the last will
+and testament of Dr. Paul Crawford.
+
+"At last!" she said to herself.  "I am secure,
+and have compassed what I have labored for so long."
+
+Dr. Crawford had not noticed that the will
+to which he affixed his signature was not the
+same that had been read to him.  Mrs. Crawford
+had artfully substituted another paper
+of quite different tenor.  By the will actually
+executed, the entire estate was left to Mrs. 
+Crawford, who was left guardian of her son
+and Carl, and authorized to make such provision
+for each as she might deem suitable.  This,
+of course, made Carl entirely dependent on
+a woman who hated him.
+
+"Now, Dr. Paul Crawford," said Mrs. Crawford
+to herself, with a cold smile, "you may
+die as soon as you please.  Peter and I are
+provided for.  Your father died when a year
+older than you are now, you tell me.  It is
+hardly likely that you will live to a greater
+age than he."
+
+She called the next day on the family physician,
+and with apparent solicitude asked his
+opinion of Dr. Crawford's health.
+
+"He is all I have," she said, pathetically,
+"all except my dear Peter.  Tell me what you
+think of his chances of continued life."
+
+"Your husband," replied the physician, "has
+one weak organ.  It is his heart.  He may live
+for fifteen or twenty years, but a sudden
+excitement might carry him off in a moment.
+The best thing you can do for him is to keep
+him tranquil and free from any sudden shock."
+
+Mrs. Crawford listened attentively.
+
+"I will do my best," she said, "since so much
+depends on it."
+
+When she returned home it was with a settled
+purpose in her heart.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+PETER LETS OUT A SECRET.
+
+
+"Can you direct me to the house of Dr. Crawford?"
+asked a stranger.
+
+The inquiry was addressed to Peter Cook
+in front of the hotel in Edgewood Center.
+
+"Yes, sir; he is my stepfather!"
+
+"Indeed!  I did not know that my old friend
+was married again.  You say you are his stepson?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He has an own son, about your age, I should judge."
+
+"That's Carl! he is a little older than me."
+
+"Is he at home?"
+
+"No," answered Peter, pursing up his lips.
+
+"Is he absent at boarding school?"
+
+"No; he's left home."
+
+"Indeed!" ejaculated the stranger, in surprise.
+"How is that?"
+
+"He was awfully hard to get along with, and
+didn't treat mother with any respect.  He
+wanted to have his own way, and, of course,
+ma couldn't stand that."
+
+"I see," returned the stranger, and he eyed
+Peter curiously.  "What did his father say
+to his leaving home?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, he always does as ma wishes."
+
+"Was Carl willing to leave home?"
+
+"Yes; he said he would rather go than obey ma."
+
+"I suppose he receives an allowance from his father?"
+
+"No; he wanted one, but ma put her foot down
+and said he shouldn't have one."
+
+"Your mother seems to be a woman of considerable firmness."
+
+"You bet, she's firm.  She don't allow no boy to boss her."
+
+"Really, this boy is a curiosity," said Reuben Ashcroft
+to himself.  "He doesn't excel in the amiable
+and attractive qualities.  He has a sort of brutal
+frankness which can't keep a secret."
+
+"How did you and Carl get along together?" he asked, aloud.
+
+"We didn't get along at all.  He wanted to boss me,
+and ma and I wouldn't have it."
+
+"So the upshot was that he had to leave the house
+and you remained?"
+
+"Yes, that's the way of it," said Peter, laughing.
+
+"And Carl was actually sent out to earn his own living
+without help of any kind from his father?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What is he doing?" asked Ashcroft, in some excitement.
+"Good heavens!  he may have suffered from hunger."
+
+"Are you a friend of his?" asked Peter, sharply.
+
+"I am a friend of anyone who requires a friend."
+
+"Carl is getting along well enough.  He is at work
+in some factory in Milford, and gets a living."
+
+"Hasn't he been back since he first left home?"
+
+"No."
+
+"How long ago is that?"
+
+"Oh, 'bout a year," answered Peter, carelessly.
+
+"How is Dr. Crawford?  Is he in good health?"
+
+"He ain't very well.  Ma told me the other
+day she didn't think he would live long.
+She got him to make a will the other day."
+
+"Why, this seems to be a conspiracy!" thought Ashcroft.
+"I'd give something to see that will."
+
+"I suppose he will provide for you and your mother handsomely?"
+
+"Yes; ma said she was to have control of the property.
+I guess Carl will have to stand round if he expects any favors."
+
+"It is evident this boy can't keep a secret," thought Ashcroft.
+"All the better for me.  I hope I am in time to defeat this
+woman's schemes."
+
+"There's the house," said Peter, pointing it out.
+
+"Do you think Dr. Crawford is at home?"
+
+"Oh, yes, he doesn't go out much.  Ma is away this afternoon.
+She's at the sewing circle, I think."
+
+"Thank you for serving as my guide," said Ashcroft.
+"There's a little acknowledgment which I hope will be of service to you."
+
+He offered a half dollar to Peter, who accepted it joyfully
+and was profuse in his thanks.
+
+"Now, if you will be kind enough to tell the doctor
+that an old friend wishes to see him,
+I shall be still further obliged."
+
+"Just follow me, then," said Peter, and he
+led the way into the sitting-room.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+Dr. CRAWFORD IS TAKEN TO TASK.
+
+
+After the first greetings, Reuben Ashcroft
+noticed with pain the fragile look of his friend.
+
+"Are you well?" he asked
+
+"I am not very strong," said Dr. Crawford, smiling faintly,
+"but Mrs. Crawford takes good care of me."
+
+"And Carl, too--he is no doubt a comfort to you?"
+
+Dr. Crawford flushed painfully.
+
+"Carl has been away from home for a year,
+he said, with an effort.
+
+"That is strange your own son, too!  Is there
+anything unpleasant?  You may confide in me,
+as I am the cousin of Carl's mother.'
+
+"The fact is, Carl and Mrs. Crawford didn't
+hit it off very well."
+
+"And you took sides against your own son,
+said Ashcroft, indignantly.
+
+"I begin to think I was wrong, Reuben.
+You don't know how I have missed the boy.
+
+"Yet you sent him out into the world without a penny."
+
+"How do you know that?" asked Dr. Crawford quickly.
+
+"I had a little conversation with your stepson
+as I came to the house.  He spoke very frankly
+and unreservedly about family affairs;
+He says you do whatever his mother tells you.
+
+Dr. Crawford looked annoyed and blushed with shame.
+
+"Did he say that?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; he said his mother would not allow you to help Carl."
+
+"He--misunderstood "
+
+"Paul, I fear he understands the case only too well.
+I don't want to pain you, but your wife
+is counting on your speedy death."
+
+"I told her I didn't think I should live long."
+
+"And she got you to make a will?"
+
+"Yes; did Peter tell you that?"
+
+"He said his mother was to have control
+of the property, and Carl would get nothing
+if he didn't act so as to please her."
+
+"There is some mistake here.  By my will
+--made yesterday--Carl is to have an equal share,
+and nothing is said about his being dependent on anyone."
+
+"Who drew up the will?"
+
+"Mrs. Crawford."
+
+"Did you read it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+Ashcroft looked puzzled.
+
+"I should like to read the will myself," he said,
+after a pause.  "Where is it now?"
+
+"Mrs. Crawford has charge of it."
+
+Reuben Ashcroft remained silent, but his mind was busy.
+
+"That woman is a genius of craft," he said to himself.
+"My poor friend is but a child in her hands.  I did
+not know Paul would be so pitiably weak."
+
+"How do you happen to be here in Edgewood, Reuben?"
+asked the doctor.
+
+"I had a little errand in the next town, and
+could not resist the temptation of visiting you."
+
+"You can stay a day or two, can you not?"
+
+"I will, though I had not expected to do so."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford is away this afternoon.  She
+will be back presently, and then I will introduce you."
+
+At five o'clock Mrs. Crawford returned,
+and her husband introduced her to his friend.
+
+Ashcroft fixed his eyes upon her searchingly.
+
+"Her face looks strangely familiar," he said
+to himself.  "Where can I have seen her?"
+
+Mrs. Crawford, like all persons who have a
+secret to conceal, was distrustful of strangers.
+She took an instant dislike to Reuben Ashcroft,
+and her greeting was exceedingly cold.
+
+"I have invited Mr. Ashcroft to make me a visit
+of two or three days, my dear," said her husband.
+"He is a cousin to Carl's mother."
+
+Mrs. Crawford made no response, but kept
+her eyes fixed upon the carpet.  She could
+not have shown more plainly that the invitation
+was not approved by her.
+
+"Madam does not want me here," thought
+Ashcroft, as he fixed his gaze once more upon
+his friend's wife.  Again the face looked familiar,
+but he could not place it.
+
+"Have I not seen you before, Mrs. Crawford?"
+he asked, abruptly.
+
+"I don't remember you," she answered, slowly.
+"Probably I resemble some one you have met."
+
+"Perhaps so," answered Ashcroft, but he
+could not get rid of the conviction that somewhere
+and some time in the past he had met
+Mrs. Crawford, and under circumstances that
+had fixed her countenance in his memory.
+
+After supper Dr. Crawford said: "My dear,
+I have told our guest that I had, as a prudential
+measure, made my will.  I wish you would get it,
+and let me read it to him."
+
+Mrs. Crawford looked startled and annoyed.
+
+"Couldn't you tell him the provisions of it?" she said.
+
+"Yes, but I should like to show him the document."
+
+She turned and went upstairs.  She was absent
+at least ten minutes.  When she returned
+she was empty-handed.
+
+"I am sorry to say," she remarked, with a
+forced laugh, "that I have laid away the will
+so carefully that I can't find it."
+
+Ashcroft fixed a searching look upon her,
+that evidently annoyed her.
+
+"I may be able to find it to-morrow," she resumed.
+
+"I think you told me, Paul," said Ashcroft,
+turning to Dr. Crawford, "that by the will
+your estate is divided equally between Carl
+and Mrs. Crawford."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And nothing is said of any guardianship
+on the part of Mrs. Crawford?"
+
+"No; I think it would be better, Ashcroft,
+that you should be Carl's guardian.  A man
+can study his interests and control him better."
+
+"I will accept the trust," said Ashcroft,
+"though I hope it may be many years before
+the necessity arises."
+
+Mrs. Crawford bit her lips, and darted an
+angry glance at the two friends.  She foresaw
+that her plans were threatened with failure.
+
+The two men chatted throughout the evening,
+and Dr. Crawford had never of late seemed happier.
+It gave him new life and raised his spirits to chat
+over old times with his early friend.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX.
+
+A MAN OF ENERGY.
+
+
+The next morning Ashcroft said to his host:
+"Paul, let us take a walk to the village."
+
+Dr. Crawford put on his hat, and went out
+with his friend.
+
+"Now, Paul," said Ashcroft, when they were
+some rods distant from the house, "is there a
+lawyer in Edgewood?"
+
+"Certainly, and a good one."
+
+"Did he indite your will?"
+
+"No; Mrs. Crawford wrote it out.
+She was at one time copyist for a lawyer."
+
+"Take my advice and have another drawn up
+to-day without mentioning the matter to her.
+She admits having mislaid the one made yesterday."
+
+"It may be a good idea."
+
+"Certainly, it is a prudent precaution.  Then
+you will be sure that all is safe.  I have, myself,
+executed a duplicate will.  One I keep,
+the other I have deposited with my lawyer."
+
+Ashcroft was a man of energy.  He saw that
+Dr. Crawford, who was of a weak, vacillating
+temper, executed the will.  He and another
+witnessed it, and the document was left with
+the lawyer.
+
+"You think I had better not mention the
+matter to Mrs. Crawford?" he said.
+
+"By no means--she might think it was a reflection
+upon her for carelessly mislaying the first."
+
+"True," and the doctor, who was fond of
+peace, consented to his friend's plan.
+
+"By the way," asked Ashcroft, "who was your wife
+what was her name, I mean--before her second marriage?"
+
+"She was a Mrs. Cook."
+
+"Oh, I see," said Ashcroft, and his face
+lighted up with surprise and intelligence
+
+"What do you see?" inquired Dr. Crawford.
+"I thought your wife's face was familiar.
+I met her once when she was Mrs. Cook."
+
+"You knew her, then?"
+
+"No, I never exchanged a word with her till
+I met her under this roof.
+
+"How can I tell him that I first saw her
+when a visitor to the penitentiary among the
+female prisoners?" Ashcroft asked himself.
+"My poor friend would sink with mortification."
+
+They were sitting in friendly chat after their
+return from their walk, when Mrs. Crawford
+burst into the room in evident excitement.
+
+"Husband," she cried, "Peter has brought
+home a terrible report.  He has heard from
+a person who has just come from Milford that
+Carl has been run over on the railroad and
+instantly killed!"
+
+Dr. Crawford turned pale, his features
+worked convulsively, and he put his hand to
+his heart, as he sank back in his chair, his face
+as pale as the dead.
+
+"Woman!" said Ashcroft, sternly, "I believe
+you have killed your husband!"
+
+"Oh, don't say that!  How could I be so imprudent?"
+said Mrs. Crawford, clasping her hands,
+and counterfeiting distress.
+
+Ashcroft set himself at once to save his
+friend from the result of the shock.
+
+"Leave the room!" he said, sternly, to Mrs. Crawford.
+
+"Why should I?  I am his wife."
+
+"And have sought to be his murderer.  You know
+that he has heart disease.  Mrs. --Cook,
+I know more about you than you suppose."
+
+Mrs. Crawford's color receded.
+
+"I don't understand you," she said.  She
+had scarcely reached the door, when there was
+a sound of footsteps outside and Carl dashed
+into the room, nearly upsetting his stepmother.
+
+"You here?" she said, frigidly.
+
+"What is the matter with my father?" asked Carl.
+
+"Are you Carl?" said Ashcroft, quickly.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Your father has had a shock.  I think I can
+soon bring him to."
+
+A few minutes later Dr. Crawford opened his eyes.
+
+"Are you feeling better, Paul?" asked Ashcroft, anxiously.
+
+"Didn't I hear something about Carl--something terrible?"
+
+"Carl is alive and well," said he, soothingly;
+
+"Are you sure of that?" asked Dr. Crawford, in excitement.
+
+"Yes, I have the best evidence of it.  Here is Carl himself." 
+
+Carl came forward and was clasped in his father's arms.
+
+"Thank Heaven, you are alive," he said.
+
+"Why should I not be?" asked Carl, bewildered, turning to Ashcroft.
+
+"Your stepmother had the--let me say imprudence,
+to tell your father that you had been killed on the railroad."
+
+"Where could she have heard such a report?"
+
+"I am not sure that she heard it at all," said Ashcroft,
+in a low voice.  "She knew that your father had heart disease."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+At this moment Mrs. Crawford re-entered the room.
+
+"What brings you here?" she demanded, coolly, of Carl.
+
+"I came here because this is my father's house, madam."
+
+"You have behaved badly to me," said Mrs. Crawford.
+"You have defied my authority, and brought sorrow
+and distress to your good father.  I thought you
+would have the good sense to stay away."
+
+"Do you indorse this, father?" asked Carl,
+turning to Dr. Crawford.
+
+"No!" answered his father, with unwonted energy.
+"My house will always be your home."
+
+"You seem to have changed your mind, Dr. Crawford,"
+sneered his wife.
+
+"Where did you pick up the report of Carl's being killed
+on the railroad?" asked the doctor, sternly.
+
+"Peter heard it in the village," said Mrs. Crawford, carelessly.
+
+"Did it occur to you that the sudden news
+might injure your husband?" asked Ashcroft.
+
+"I spoke too impulsively.  I realize too late my imprudence,"
+said Mrs. Crawford, coolly.  "Have you lost your place?" she asked,
+addressing Carl.
+
+"No.  I have just returned from Chicago."
+
+His stepmother looked surprised.
+
+"We have had a quiet time since you left us," she said.
+"If you value your father's health and peace of mind,
+you will not remain here."
+
+"Is my presence also unwelcome?" asked Ashcroft.
+
+"You have not treated me with respect," replied
+Mrs. Crawford.  "If you are a gentleman,
+you will understand that under the circumstances
+it will be wise for you to take your, departure."
+
+"Leaving my old friend to your care?"
+
+"Yes, that will be best."
+
+"Mr. Ashcroft, can I have a few minutes'
+conversation with you?" asked Carl.
+
+"Certainly."
+
+They left the room together, followed by an
+uneasy and suspicious glance from Mrs. Crawford.
+
+Carl hurriedly communicated to his father's
+friend what he had learned about his stepmother.
+
+"Mr. Cook, Peter's father, is just outside," he said.
+"Shall I call him in?"
+
+"I think we had better do so, but arrange
+that the interview shall take place without
+your father's knowledge.  He must not be excited.
+Call him in, and then summon your stepmother."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford," said Carl, re-entering his
+father's room, "Mr. Ashcroft would like to
+have a few words with you.  Can you come out?"
+
+She followed Carl uneasily.
+
+"What is it you want with me, sir?" she asked, frigidly.
+
+"Let me introduce an old acquaintance of yours."
+
+Mr. Cook, whom Mrs. Crawford had not at first observed,
+came forward.  She drew back in dismay.
+
+"It is some time since we met, Lucy," said Cook, quietly.
+
+"Do you come here to make trouble?" she muttered, hoarsely.
+
+"I come to ask for the property you took during my absence
+in California," he said.  "I don't care to have you return to me----"
+
+"I obtained a divorce."
+
+"Precisely; I don't care to annul it.  I am
+thankful that you are no longer my wife."
+
+"I--I will see what I can do for you.  Don't
+go near my present husband.  He is in poor
+health, and cannot bear a shock."
+
+"Mrs. Crawford," said Ashcroft, gravely, "if you
+have any idea of remaining here, in this house,
+give it up.  I shall see that your husband's
+eyes are opened to your real character."
+
+"Sir, you heard this man say that he has no
+claim upon me."
+
+"That may be, but I cannot permit my friend
+to harbor a woman whose record is as bad as yours."
+
+"What do you mean?" she demanded, defiantly.
+
+"I mean that you have served a term in
+prison for larceny."
+
+"It is false," she said, with trembling lips.
+
+"It is true.  I visited the prison during your
+term of confinement, and saw you there."
+
+"I, too, can certify to it," said Cook.
+"I learned it two years after my marriage.
+You will understand why I am glad of the divorce."
+
+Mrs. Crawford was silent for a moment.  She realized
+that the battle was lost.
+
+"Well," she said, after a pause, "I am defeated.
+I thought my secret was safe, but I was mistaken.
+What do you propose to do with me?"
+
+"I will tell you this evening," said Ashcroft.
+"One thing I can say now--you must not expect
+to remain in this house."
+
+"I no longer care to do so."
+
+A conference was held during the afternoon,
+Dr Crawford being told as much as was
+essential.  It was arranged that Mrs. Crawford
+should have an allowance of four hundred
+dollars for herself and Peter if she would leave
+the house quietly, and never again annoy her
+husband.  Mr. Cook offered to take Peter, but
+the latter preferred to remain with his mother.
+A private arrangement was made by which Dr.
+Crawford made up to Mr. Cook one-half of the
+sum stolen from him by his wife, and through
+the influence of Ashcroft, employment was
+found for him.  He is no longer a tramp, but
+a man held in respect, and moderately prosperous.
+
+Carl is still in the employ of Mr. Jennings,
+and his father has removed to Milford, where
+he and his son can live together.  Next
+September, on his twenty-first birthday, Carl will
+be admitted to a junior partnership in the
+business, his father furnishing the necessary
+capital.  Carl's stepmother is in Chicago, and
+her allowance is paid to her quarterly through
+a Chicago bank.  She has considerable trouble
+with Peter, who has become less submissive
+as he grows older, and is unwilling to settle
+down to steady work.  His prospects do not
+look very bright.
+
+Mr. Jennings and Hannah are as much
+attached as ever to Carl, and it is quite likely the
+manufacturer will make him his heir.  Happy
+in the society of his son, Dr. Crawford is likely
+to live to a good old age, in spite of his weakness
+and tendency to heart disease, for happiness
+is a great aid to longevity.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of The Project Gutenberg Etext of Driven From Home by Horatio Alger
+
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