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diff --git a/old/drvhm10.txt b/old/drvhm10.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7db5c4a --- /dev/null +++ b/old/drvhm10.txt @@ -0,0 +1,10466 @@ +The Project Gutenberg Etext of Driven From Home by Horatio Alger +#6 in our series by Horatio Alger + + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world, be sure to check +the copyright laws for your country before posting these files!! + +Please take a look at the important information in this header. +We encourage you to keep this file on your own disk, keeping an +electronic path open for the next readers. Do not remove this. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**Etexts Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*These Etexts Prepared By Hundreds of Volunteers and Donations* + +Information on contacting Project Gutenberg to get Etexts, and +further information is included below. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + +Scanned by Charles Keller with +OmniPage Professional OCR software +donated by Caere Corporation, 1-800-535-7226. +Contact Mike Lough <Mikel@caere.com> + + + + + +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 + |