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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mark the Match Boy, by Horatio Alger Jr.
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-
-
-Title: Mark the Match Boy
-       or Richard Hunter's Ward
-
-Author: Horatio Alger Jr.
-
-Release Date: September 17, 2016 [EBook #53071]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARK THE MATCH BOY ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by David Edwards, Brian Wilsden and the Online
-Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
-file was produced from images generously made available
-by The Internet Archive)
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-
-[Illustration: DICK READING THE LETTER FROM MR. BATES.]
-
-
-
-
-  RAGGED DICK SERIES
-  BY
-  HORATIO ALGER JR.
-
-
-  [Illustration]
-
-
-  MARK THE MATCH BOY
-
-
-
-
-  MARK, THE MATCH BOY;
-
-  OR,
-
-  RICHARD HUNTER'S WARD.
-
-  BY
-
-  HORATIO ALGER, JR.,
-
-  AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK," "FAME AND FORTUNE," "FRANK'S
-  CAMPAIGN," "PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE," "CHARLIE
-  CODMAN'S CRUISE," ETC.
-
-
-  THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO.,
-
-  PHILADELPHIA,
-  CHICAGO,       TORONTO.
-
-
-
-
-FAMOUS ALGER BOOKS.
-
-
-=RAGGED DICK SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 6 vols. 12mo.
-Cloth.
-
-  RAGGED DICK.
-  FAME AND FORTUNE.
-  MARK THE MATCH BOY.
-  ROUGH AND READY.
-  BEN THE LUGGAGE BOY.
-  RUFUS AND ROSE.
-
-=TATTERED TOM SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo.
-Cloth. FIRST SERIES.
-
-  TATTERED TOM.
-  PAUL THE PEDDLER.
-  PHIL THE FIDDLER.
-  SLOW AND SURE.
-
-=TATTERED TOM SERIES.= 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES.
-
-  JULIUS.
-  THE YOUNG OUTLAW.
-  SAM'S CHANCE.
-  THE TELEGRAPH BOY.
-
-=CAMPAIGN SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols.
-
-  FRANK'S CAMPAIGN.
-  PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE.
-  CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE.
-
-=LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
-FIRST SERIES.
-
-  LUCK AND PLUCK.
-  SINK OR SWIM.
-  STRONG AND STEADY.
-  STRIVE AND SUCCEED.
-
-=LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.= 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth. SECOND SERIES.
-
-  TRY AND TRUST.
-  BOUND TO RISE.
-  RISEN FROM THE RANKS.
-  HERBERT CARTER'S LEGACY.
-
-=BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
-
-  BRAVE AND BOLD.
-  JACK'S WARD.
-  SHIFTING FOR HIMSELF.
-  WAIT AND HOPE.
-
-=PACIFIC SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo.
-
-  THE YOUNG ADVENTURER.
-  THE YOUNG MINER.
-  THE YOUNG EXPLORERS.
-  BEN'S NUGGET.
-
-=ATLANTIC SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols.
-
-  THE YOUNG CIRCUS RIDER.
-  DO AND DARE.
-  HECTOR'S INHERITANCE.
-  HELPING HIMSELF.
-
-=WAY TO SUCCESS SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 4 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
-
-  BOB BURTON.
-  THE STORE BOY.
-  LUKE WALTON.
-  STRUGGLING UPWARD.
-
-=NEW WORLD SERIES.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. 3 vols. 12mo. Cloth.
-
-  DIGGING FOR GOLD.
-  FACING THE WORLD.
-  IN A NEW WORLD.
-
-
-  _Other Volumes in Preparation._
-
-  COPYRIGHT BY A. K. LORING, 1869.
-
-         *       *       *       *       *
-
-  COPYRIGHT, 1897, BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
-
-
-
-
-  To
-
-  _JAMES ALGER_,
-
-  THIS VOLUME IS INSCRIBED,
-
-  BY HIS
-
-  AFFECTIONATE BROTHER.
-
-
-
-
-PREFACE.
-
-
-"MARK, THE MATCH BOY," is the third volume of the "Ragged Dick Series,"
-and, like its predecessors, aims to describe a special phase of street
-life in New York. While it is complete in itself, several characters
-are introduced who have figured conspicuously in the preceding volumes;
-and the curiosity as to their future history, which has been expressed
-by many young readers, will be found to be gratified in the present
-volume.
-
-The author has observed with pleasure the increased public attention
-which has been drawn to the condition of these little waifs of city
-life, by articles in our leading magazines, and in other ways;
-and hopes that the result will be to strengthen and assist the
-philanthropic efforts which are making to rescue them from their
-vagabond condition, and train them up to be useful members of society.
-That his own efforts have been received with so large a measure of
-public favor, not limited to the young readers for whom the series is
-especially written, the author desires to express his grateful thanks.
-
-  NEW YORK, April, 1869.
-
-
-
-
-MARK, THE MATCH BOY;
-
-OR,
-
-RICHARD HUNTER'S WARD.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER I.
-
-RICHARD HUNTER AT HOME.
-
-
-"Fosdick," said Richard Hunter, "what was the name of that man who owed
-your father two thousand dollars, which he never paid him?"
-
-"Hiram Bates," answered Fosdick, in some surprise. "What made you think
-of him?"
-
-"I thought I remembered the name. He moved out West, didn't he?"
-
-"So I heard at the time."
-
-"Do you happen to remember where? Out West is a very large place."
-
-"I do not know exactly, but I think it was Milwaukie."
-
-"Indeed!" exclaimed Richard Hunter, in visible excitement. "Well,
-Fosdick, why don't you try to get the debt paid?"
-
-"Of what use would it be? How do I know he is living in Milkwaukie now?
-If I should write him a letter, there isn't much chance of my ever
-getting an answer."
-
-"Call and see him."
-
-"What, go out to Milwaukie on such a wild-goose chase as that? I can't
-think what you are driving at, Dick."
-
-"Then I'll tell you, Fosdick. Hiram Bates is now in New York."
-
-"How do you know?" asked Fosdick, with an expression of mingled
-amazement and incredulity.
-
-"I'll show you."
-
-Richard Hunter pointed to the list of hotel arrivals in the "Evening
-Express," which he held in his hand. Among the arrivals at the Astor
-House occurred the name of Hiram Bates, from Milwaukie.
-
-"If I am not mistaken," he said, "that is the name of your father's
-debtor."
-
-"I don't know but you are right," said Fosdick, thoughtfully.
-
-"He must be prosperous if he stops at a high-priced hotel like the
-Astor."
-
-"Yes, I suppose so. How much good that money would have done my poor
-father," he added, with a sigh.
-
-"How much good it will do you, Fosdick."
-
-Fosdick shook his head. "I would sell out my chance of getting it for
-ten dollars," he said.
-
-"I would buy it at that price if I wanted to make money out of you; but
-I don't. I advise you to attend to this matter at once."
-
-"What can I do?" asked Fosdick, who seemed at a loss to understand his
-companion's meaning.
-
-"There is only one thing to do," said Dick, promptly. "Call on Mr.
-Bates this evening at the hotel. Tell him who you are, and hint that
-you should like the money."
-
-"I haven't got your confidence, Dick. I shouldn't know how to go about
-it. Do you really think it would do any good? He might think I was
-impertinent."
-
-"Impertinent to ask payment of a just debt! I don't see it in that
-light. I think I shall have to go with you."
-
-"I wish you would,--that is, if you really think there is any use in
-going."
-
-"You mustn't be so bashful if you want to get on in the world, Fosdick.
-As long as there's a chance of getting even a part of it, I advise you
-to make the attempt."
-
-"Well, Dick, I'll be guided by your advice."
-
-"Two thousand dollars would be a pretty good windfall for you."
-
-"That's true enough, considering that I only get eight dollars a week."
-
-"I wish you got more."
-
-"So do I, for one particular reason."
-
-"What is that?"
-
-"I don't feel satisfied to have you pay ten dollars a week towards our
-board, while I pay only six."
-
-"Didn't you promise not to say anything more about that?" said Dick,
-reproachfully.
-
-"But I can't help _thinking_ about it. If we had stayed at our old
-boarding-house in Bleecker Street, I could have paid my full share."
-
-"But this is a nicer room."
-
-"Much nicer. If I only paid my half, I should be glad of the chance."
-
-"Well, I'll promise you one thing. If Mr. Bates pays you the two
-thousand dollars, you may pay your half of the expense."
-
-"Not much chance of that, Dick."
-
-"We can tell better after calling at the Astor House. Get on your coat
-and we'll start."
-
-While the boys,--for the elder of the two is but eighteen--are making
-preparations to go out, a few explanations may be required by the
-reader. Those who have read "Ragged Dick" and "Fame and Fortune,"--the
-preceding volumes of this series,--will understand that less than three
-years before Richard Hunter was an ignorant and ragged boot-black about
-the streets, and Fosdick, though possessing a better education, was
-in the same business. By a series of upward steps, partly due to good
-fortune, but largely to his own determination to improve, and hopeful
-energy, Dick had now become a book-keeper in the establishment of
-Rockwell & Cooper, on Pearl Street, and possessed the confidence and
-good wishes of the firm in a high degree.
-
-Fosdick was two years younger, and, though an excellent boy, was less
-confident, and not so well fitted as his friend to contend with the
-difficulties of life, and fight his way upward. He was employed in
-Henderson's hat and cap store on Broadway, and was at present earning a
-salary of eight dollars a week. As the two paid sixteen dollars weekly
-for their board, Fosdick would have had nothing left if he had paid
-his full share. But Richard Hunter at first insisted on paying eleven
-dollars out of the sixteen, leaving his friend but five to pay. To this
-Fosdick would not agree, and was with difficulty prevailed upon at last
-to allow Richard to pay ten; but he had always felt a delicacy about
-this, although he well knew how gladly his friend did it.
-
-The room which they now occupied was situated in St. Mark's Place,
-which forms the eastern portion of Eighth Street. It was a front
-room on the third floor, and was handsomely furnished. There was a
-thick carpet, of tasteful figure, on the floor. Between the two front
-windows was a handsome bureau, surmounted by a large mirror. There was
-a comfortable sofa, chairs covered with hair-cloth, a centre-table
-covered with books, crimson curtains, which gave a warm and cosey look
-to the room when lighted up in the evening, and all the accessories of
-a well-furnished room which is used at the same time as parlor and
-chamber. This, with an excellent table, afforded a very agreeable home
-to the boys,--a home which, in these days, would cost considerably
-more, but for which, at the time of which I write, sixteen dollars was
-a fair price.
-
-It may be thought that, considering how recently Richard Hunter had
-been a ragged boot-black, content to sleep in boxes and sheltered
-doorways, and live at the cheapest restaurants, he had become very
-luxurious in his tastes. Why did he not get a cheaper boarding-place,
-and save up the difference in price? No doubt this consideration will
-readily suggest itself to the minds of some of my young readers.
-
-As Richard Hunter had a philosophy of his own on this subject, I may as
-well explain it here. He had observed that those young men who out of
-economy contented themselves with small and cheerless rooms, in which
-there was no provision for a fire, were driven in the evening to the
-streets, theatres, and hotels, for the comfort which they could not
-find at home. Here they felt obliged to spend money to an extent of
-which they probably were not themselves fully aware; and in the end
-wasted considerably more than the two or three dollars a week extra
-which would have provided them with a comfortable home. But this was
-not all. In the roamings spent outside many laid the foundation of
-wrong habits, which eventually led to ruin or shortened their lives.
-They lost all the chances of improvement which they might have secured
-by study at home in the long winter evenings, and which in the end
-might have qualified them for posts of higher responsibility, and with
-a larger compensation.
-
-Richard Hunter was ambitious. He wanted to rise to an honorable place
-in the community, and he meant to earn it by hard study. So Fosdick
-and he were in the habit of spending a portion of every evening in
-improving reading or study. Occasionally he went to some place of
-amusement, but he enjoyed thoroughly the many evenings when, before a
-cheerful fire, with books in their hands, his room-mate and himself
-were adding to their stock of knowledge. The boys had for over a year
-taken lessons in French and mathematics, and were now able to read the
-French language with considerable ease.
-
-"What's the use of moping every evening in your room?" asked a young
-clerk who occupied a hall bedroom adjoining.
-
-"I don't call it moping. I enjoy it," was the reply.
-
-"You don't go to a place of amusement once a month."
-
-"I go as often as I like."
-
-"Well, you're a queer chap. You pay such a thundering price for board.
-You could go to the theatre four times a week without its costing you
-any more, if you would take a room like mine."
-
-"I know it; but I'd rather have a nice, comfortable room to come home
-to."
-
-"Are you studying for a college professor?" asked the other, with a
-sneer.
-
-"I don't know," said Dick, good-humoredly; "but I'm open to proposals,
-as the oyster remarked. If you know any first-class institution that
-would like a dignified professor, of extensive acquirements, just
-mention me, will you?"
-
-So Richard Hunter kept on his way, indifferent to the criticisms which
-his conduct excited in the minds of young men of his own age. He looked
-farther than they, and knew that if he wanted to succeed in life,
-and win the respect of his fellow-men, he must do something else than
-attend theatres, and spend his evenings in billiard saloons. Fosdick,
-who was a quiet, studious boy, fully agreed with his friend in his
-views of life, and by his companionship did much to strengthen and
-confirm Richard in his resolution. He was less ambitious than Dick, and
-perhaps loved study more for its own sake.
-
-With these explanations we shall now be able to start fairly in our
-story.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II.
-
-AT THE ASTOR HOUSE.
-
-
-The two friends started from their room about seven o'clock, and walked
-up to Third Avenue, where they jumped on board a horse-car, and within
-half an hour were landed at the foot of the City Hall Park, opposite
-Beekman Street. From this point it was necessary only to cross the
-street to the Astor House.
-
-The Astor House is a massive pile of gray stone, and has a solid look,
-as if it might stand for hundreds of years. When it was first erected,
-a little more than thirty years since, it was considered far up town,
-but now it is far down town, so rapid has been the growth of the city.
-
-Richard Hunter ascended the stone steps with a firm step, but Henry
-Fosdick lingered behind.
-
-"Do you think we had better go up, Dick?" he said irresolutely.
-
-"Why not?"
-
-"I feel awkward about it."
-
-"There is no reason why you should. The money belongs to you
-rightfully, as the representative of your father, and it is worth
-trying for."
-
-"I suppose you are right, but I shan't know what to say."
-
-"I'll help you along if I find you need it. Come along."
-
-Those who possess energy and a strong will generally gain their point,
-and it was so with Richard Hunter. They entered the hotel, and,
-ascending some stone steps, found themselves on the main floor, where
-the reading-room, clerk's office, and dining-room are located.
-
-Dick, to adopt the familiar name by which his companion addressed him,
-stepped up to the desk, and drew towards him the book of arrivals.
-After a brief search he found the name of "Hiram Bates, Milwaukie,
-Wis.," towards the top of the left-hand page.
-
-"Is Mr. Bates in?" he inquired of the clerk, pointing to the name.
-
-"I will send and inquire, if you will write your name on this card."
-
-Dick thought it would be best to send his own name, as that of Fosdick
-might lead Mr. Bates to guess the business on which they had come.
-
-He accordingly wrote the name,
-
-  _Richard Hunter_,
-
-in his handsomest handwriting, and handed it to the clerk.
-
-That functionary touched a bell. The summons was answered by a servant.
-
-"James, go to No. 147, and see if Mr. Bates is in. If he is, give him
-this card."
-
-The messenger departed at once, and returned quickly.
-
-"The gentleman is in, and would be glad to have Mr. Hunter walk up."
-
-"Come along, Fosdick," said Dick, in a low voice.
-
-Fosdick obeyed, feeling very nervous. Following the servant upstairs,
-they soon stood before No. 147.
-
-James knocked.
-
-"Come in," was heard from the inside, and the two friends entered.
-
-They found themselves in a comfortably furnished room. A man of
-fifty-five, rather stout in build, and with iron-gray hair, rose from
-his chair before the fire, and looked rather inquiringly. He seemed
-rather surprised to find that there were two visitors, as well as at
-the evident youth of both.
-
-"Mr. Hunter?" he said, inquiringly, looking from one to the other.
-
-"That is my name," said Dick, promptly.
-
-"Have I met you before? If so, my memory is at fault."
-
-"No, sir, we have never met."
-
-"I presume you have business with me. Be seated, if you please."
-
-"First," said Dick, "let me introduce my friend Henry Fosdick."
-
-"Fosdick!" repeated Hiram Bates, with a slight tinge of color.
-
-"I think you knew my father," said Fosdick, nervously.
-
-"Your father was a printer,--was he not?" inquired Mr. Bates.
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"I do remember him. Do you come from him?"
-
-Fosdick shook his head.
-
-"He has been dead for two years," he said, sadly.
-
-"Dead!" repeated Hiram Bates, as if shocked. "Indeed, I am sorry to
-hear it."
-
-He spoke with evident regret, and Henry Fosdick, whose feelings towards
-his father's debtor had not been very friendly, noticed this, and was
-softened by it.
-
-"Did he die in poverty, may I ask?" inquired Mr. Bates, after a pause.
-
-"He was poor," said Fosdick; "that is, he had nothing laid up; but his
-wages were enough to support him and myself comfortably."
-
-"Did he have any other family?"
-
-"No, sir; my mother died six years since, and I had no brothers or
-sisters."
-
-"He left no property then?"
-
-"No, sir."
-
-"Then I suppose he was able to make no provision for you?"
-
-"No, sir."
-
-"But you probably had some relatives who came forward and provided for
-you?"
-
-"No, sir; I had no relatives in New York."
-
-"What then did you do? Excuse my questions, but I have a motive in
-asking."
-
-"My father died suddenly, having fallen from a Brooklyn ferry-boat and
-drowned. He left nothing, and I knew of nothing better to do than to go
-into the streets as a boot-black."
-
-"Surely you are not in that business now?" said Mr. Bates, glancing at
-Fosdick's neat dress.
-
-"No, sir; I was fortunate enough to find a friend,"--here Fosdick
-glanced at Dick,--"who helped me along, and encouraged me to apply for
-a place in a Broadway store. I have been there now for a year and a
-half."
-
-"What wages do you get? Excuse my curiosity, but your story interests
-me."
-
-"Eight dollars a week."
-
-"And do you find you can live comfortably on that?"
-
-"Yes, sir; that is, with the assistance of my friend here."
-
-"I am glad you have a friend who is able and willing to help you."
-
-"It is not worth mentioning," said Dick, modestly. "I have received as
-much help from him as he has from me."
-
-"I see at any rate that you are good friends, and a good friend is
-worth having. May I ask, Mr. Fosdick, whether you ever heard your
-father refer to me in any way?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"You are aware, then, that there were some money arrangements between
-us?"
-
-"I have heard him say that you had two thousand dollars of his, but
-that you failed, and that it was lost."
-
-"He informed you rightly. I will tell you the particulars, if you are
-not already aware of them."
-
-"I should be very glad to hear them, sir. My father died so suddenly
-that I never knew anything more than that you owed him two thousand
-dollars."
-
-"Five years since," commenced Mr. Bates, "I was a broker in Wall
-Street. As from my business I was expected to know the best
-investments, some persons brought me money to keep for them, and I
-either agreed to pay them a certain rate of interest, or gave them an
-interest in my speculations. Among the persons was your father. The way
-in which I got acquainted with him was this: Having occasion to get
-some prospectuses of a new company printed, I went to the office with
-which he was connected. There was some error in the printing, and he
-was sent to my office to speak with me about it. When our business was
-concluded, he waited a moment, and then said, 'Mr. Bates, I have saved
-up two thousand dollars in the last ten years, but I don't know much
-about investments, and I should consider it a favor if you would advise
-me.'
-
-"'I will do so with pleasure,' I said. 'If you desire it I will take
-charge of it for you, and either allow you six per cent, interest, or
-give you a share of the profits I may make from investing it.'"
-
-"Your father said that he should be glad to have me take the money for
-him, but he would prefer regular interest to uncertain profits. The
-next day he brought the money, and put it in my hands. To confess the
-truth I was glad to have him do so, for I was engaged in extensive
-speculations, and thought I could make use of it to advantage. For
-a year I paid him the interest regularly. Then there came a great
-catastrophe, and I found my brilliant speculations were but bubbles,
-which broke and left me but a mere pittance, instead of the hundred
-thousand dollars which I considered myself worth. Of course those who
-had placed money in my hands suffered, and among them your father.
-I confess that I regretted his loss as much as that of any one, for
-I liked his straightforward manner, and was touched by his evident
-confidence in me."
-
-Mr. Bates paused a moment and then resumed:--
-
-"I left New York, and went to Milwaukie. Here I was obliged to begin
-life anew, or nearly so, for I only carried a thousand dollars out
-with me. But I have been greatly prospered since then. I took warning
-by my past failures, and have succeeded, by care and good fortune,
-in accumulating nearly as large a fortune as the one of which I once
-thought myself possessed. When fortune began to smile upon me I thought
-of your father, and tried through an agent to find him out. But he
-reported to me that his name was not to be found either in the New
-York or Brooklyn Directory, and I was too busily engaged to come on
-myself, and make inquiries. But I am glad to find that his son is
-living, and that I yet have it in my power to make restitution."
-
-Fosdick could hardly believe his ears. Was he after all to receive the
-money which he had supposed irrevocably lost?
-
-As for Dick it is not too much to say that he felt even more pleased
-at the prospective good fortune of his friend than if it had fallen to
-himself.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III.
-
-FOSDICK'S FORTUNE.
-
-
-Mr. Bates took from his pocket a memorandum book, and jotted down a few
-figures in it.
-
-"As nearly as I can remember," he said, "it is four years since I
-ceased paying interest on the money which your father entrusted to me.
-The rate I agreed to pay was six per cent. How much will that amount
-to?"
-
-"Principal and interest two thousand four hundred and eighty dollars,"
-said Dick, promptly.
-
-Fosdick's breath was almost taken away as he heard this sum mentioned.
-Could it be possible that Mr. Bates intended to pay him as much as
-this? Why, it would be a fortune.
-
-"Your figures would be quite correct, Mr. Hunter" said Mr. Bates, "but
-for one consideration. You forget that your friend is entitled to
-compound interest, as no interest has been paid for four years. Now,
-as you are do doubt used to figures, I will leave you to make the
-necessary correction."
-
-Mr. Bates tore a leaf from his memorandum book as he spoke, and handed
-it with a pencil to Richard Hunter.
-
-Dick made a rapid calculation, and reported two thousand five hundred
-and twenty-four dollars.
-
-"It seems, then, Mr. Fosdick," said Mr. Bates, "that I am your debtor
-to a very considerable amount."
-
-"You are very kind, sir," said Fosdick; "but I shall be quite satisfied
-with the two thousand dollars without any interest."
-
-"Thank you for offering to relinquish the interest; but it is only
-right that I should pay it. I have had the use of the money, and I
-certainly would not wish to defraud you of a penny of the sum which it
-took your father ten years of industry to accumulate. I wish he were
-living now to see justice done his son."
-
-"So do I," said Fosdick, earnestly. "I beg your pardon, sir," he said,
-after a moment's pause.
-
-"Why?" asked Mr. Bates in a tone of surprise.
-
-"Because," said Fosdick, "I have done you injustice. I thought you
-failed in order to make money, and intended to cheat my father out of
-his savings. That made me feel hard towards you."
-
-"You were justified in feeling so," said Mr. Bates. "Such cases are so
-common that I am not surprised at your opinion of me. I ought to have
-explained my position to your father, and promised to make restitution
-whenever it should be in my power. But at the time I was discouraged,
-and could not foresee the favorable turn which my affairs have since
-taken. Now," he added, with a change of voice, "we will arrange about
-the payment of this money."
-
-"Do not pay it until it is convenient, Mr. Bates," said Fosdick.
-
-"Your proposal is kind, but scarcely business-like, Mr. Fosdick," said
-Mr. Bates. "Fortunately it will occasion me no inconvenience to pay
-you at once I have not the ready money with me as you may suppose, but
-I will give you a cheque for the amount upon the Broadway Bank, with
-which I have an account; and it will be duly honored on presentation
-to-morrow. You may in return make out a receipt in full for the debt
-and interest. Wait a moment. I will ring for writing materials."
-
-These were soon brought by a servant of the hotel and Mr. Bates filled
-in a cheque for the sum specified above, while Fosdick, scarcely
-knowing whether he was awake or dreaming, made out a receipt to which
-he attached his name.
-
-"Now," said Mr. Bates, "we will exchange documents."
-
-Fosdick took the cheque, and deposited it carefully in his pocket-book.
-
-"It is possible that payment might be refused to a boy like you,
-especially as the amount is so large. At what time will you be
-disengaged to-morrow?"
-
-"I am absent from the store from twelve to one for dinner."
-
-"Very well, come to the hotel as soon as you are free, and I will
-accompany you to the bank, and get the money for you. I advise you,
-however, to leave it there on deposit until you have a chance to invest
-it."
-
-"How would you advise me to invest it, sir?" asked Fosdick.
-
-"Perhaps you cannot do better than buy shares of some good bank. You
-will then have no care except to collect your dividends twice a year."
-
-"That is what I should like to do," said Fosdick. "What bank would you
-advise?"
-
-"The Broadway, Park, or Bank of Commerce, are all good banks. I will
-attend to the matter for you, if you desire it."
-
-"I should be very glad if you would, sir."
-
-"Then that matter is settled," said Mr. Bates. "I wish I could as
-easily settle another matter which has brought me to New York at this
-time, and which, I confess, occasions me considerable perplexity."
-
-The boys remained respectfully silent, though not without curiosity as
-to what this matter might be.
-
-Mr. Bates seemed plunged in thought for a short time. Then speaking, as
-if to himself, he said, in a low voice, "Why should I not tell them?
-Perhaps they may help me."
-
-"I believe," he said, "I will take you into my confidence. You may be
-able to render me some assistance in my perplexing business."
-
-"I shall be very glad to help you if I can," said Dick.
-
-"And I also," said Fosdick.
-
-"I have come to New York in search of my grandson," said Mr. Bates.
-
-"Did he run away from home?" asked Dick.
-
-"No, he has never lived with me. Indeed, I may add that I have never
-seen him since he was an infant."
-
-The boys looked surprised.
-
-"How old is he now?" asked Fosdick.
-
-"He must be about ten years old. But I see that I must give you the
-whole story of what is a painful passage in my life, or you will be in
-no position to help me.
-
-"You must know, then, that twelve years since I considered myself rich,
-and lived in a handsome house up town. My wife was dead, but I had
-an only daughter, who I believe was generally considered attractive,
-if not beautiful. I had set my heart upon her making an advantageous
-marriage; that is, marrying a man of wealth and social position. I
-had in my employ a clerk, of excellent business abilities, and of
-good personal appearance, whom I sometimes invited to my house when I
-entertained company. His name was John Talbot. I never suspected that
-there was any danger of my daughter's falling in love with the young
-man, until one day he came to me and overwhelmed me with surprise by
-asking her hand in marriage.
-
-"You can imagine that I was very angry, whether justly or not I will
-not pretend to say. I dismissed the young man from my employ, and
-informed him that never, under any circumstances, would I consent to
-his marrying Irene. He was a high-spirited young man, and, though he
-did not answer me, I saw by the expression of his face that he meant to
-persevere in his suit.
-
-"A week later my daughter was missing. She left behind a letter stating
-that she could not give up John Talbot, and by the time I read the
-letter she would be his wife. Two days later a Philadelphia paper was
-sent me containing a printed notice of their marriage, and the same
-mail brought me a joint letter from both, asking my forgiveness.
-
-"I had no objections to John Talbot except his poverty; but my
-ambitious hopes were disappointed, and I felt the blow severely. I
-returned the letter to the address given, accompanied by a brief line
-to Irene, to the effect that I disowned her, and would never more
-acknowledge her as my daughter.
-
-"I saw her only once after that. Two years after she appeared suddenly
-in my library, having been admitted by the servant, with a child in
-her arms. But I hardened my heart against her, and though she besought
-my forgiveness, I refused it, and requested her to leave the house. I
-cannot forgive myself when I think of my unfeeling severity. But it is
-too late too redeem the past. As far as I can I would like to atone for
-it.
-
-"A month since I heard that both Irene and her husband were dead, the
-latter five years since, but that the child, a boy, is still living,
-probably in deep poverty. He is my only descendant, and I seek to
-find him, hoping that he may be a joy and solace to me in the old age
-which will soon be upon me. It is for the purpose of tracing him that
-I have come to New York. When you," turning to Fosdick, "referred to
-your being compelled to resort to the streets, and the hard life of a
-boot-black, the thought came to me that my grandson may be reduced to
-a similar extremity. It would be hard indeed that he should grow up
-ignorant, neglected, and subject to every privation, when a comfortable
-and even luxurious home awaits him, if he can only be found."
-
-"What is his name?" inquired Dick.
-
-"My impression is, that he was named after his father, John Talbot.
-Indeed, I am quite sure that my daughter wrote me to this effect in a
-letter which I returned after reading."
-
-"Have you reason to think he is in New York?"
-
-"My information is, that his mother died here a year since. It is not
-likely that he has been able to leave the city."
-
-"He is about ten years old?"
-
-"I used to know most of the boot-blacks and newsboys when I was in the
-business," said Dick, reflectively; "but I cannot recall that name."
-
-"Were you ever in the business, Mr. Hunter?" asked Mr. Bates, in
-surprise.
-
-"Yes," said Richard Hunter, smiling; "I used to be one of the most
-ragged boot-blacks in the city. Don't you remember my Washington coat,
-and Napoleon pants, Fosdick?"
-
-"I remember them well."
-
-"Surely that was many years ago?"
-
-"It is not yet two years since I gave up blacking boots."
-
-"You surprise me Mr. Hunter," said Mr. Bates "I congratulate you on
-your advance in life. Such a rise shows remarkable energy on your part."
-
-"I was lucky," said Dick, modestly. "I found some good friends who
-helped me along. But about your grandson: I have quite a number of
-friends among the street-boys, and I can inquire of them whether any
-boy named John Talbot has joined their ranks since my time."
-
-"I shall be greatly obliged to you if you will," said Mr. Bates. "But
-it is quite possible that circumstances may have led to a change of
-name, so that it will not do to trust too much to this. Even if no boy
-bearing that name is found, I shall feel that there is this possibility
-in my favor."
-
-"That is true," said Dick. "It is very common for boys to change their
-name. Some can't remember whether they ever had any names, and pick one
-out to suit themselves, or perhaps get one from those they go with.
-There was one boy I knew named 'Horace Greeley'. Then there were 'Fat
-Jack,' 'Pickle Nose,' 'Cranky Jim,' 'Tickle-me-foot,' and plenty of
-others.[1] You knew some of them, didn't you, Fosdick?"
-
-"I knew 'Fat Jack' and 'Tickle-me-Foot,'" answered Fosdick.
-
-"This of course increases the difficulty of finding and identifying the
-boy," said Mr. Bates. "Here," he said, taking a card photograph from
-his pocket, "is a picture of my daughter at the time of her marriage. I
-have had these taken from a portrait in my possession."
-
-"Can you spare me one?" asked Dick. "It may help me to find the boy."
-
-"I will give one to each of you. I need not say that I shall feel most
-grateful for any service you may be able to render me, and will gladly
-reimburse any expenses you may incur, besides paying you liberally for
-your time. It will be better perhaps for me to leave fifty dollars with
-each of you to defray any expenses you may be at."
-
-"Thank you," said Dick; "but I am well supplied with money, and will
-advance whatever is needful, and if I succeed I will hand in my bill."
-
-Fosdick expressed himself in a similar way, and after some further
-conversation he and Dick rose to go.
-
-"I congratulate you on your wealth, Fosdick," said Dick, when they
-were outside. "You're richer than I am now."
-
-"I never should have got this money but for you, Dick. I wish you'd
-take some of it."
-
-"Well, I will. You may pay my fare home on the horse-cars."
-
-"But really I wish you would."
-
-But this Dick positively refused to do, as might have been expected.
-He was himself the owner of two up-town lots, which he eventually sold
-for five thousand dollars, though they only cost him one, and had three
-hundred dollars besides in the bank. He agreed, however, to let Fosdick
-henceforth bear his share of the expenses of board, and this added two
-dollars a week to the sum he was able to lay up.
-
-
-    [Footnote 1: See sketches of the Formation of the Newsboys'
-    Lodging-house by C. L. Brace, Secretary of the Children's Aid Society.]
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV.
-
-A DIFFICULT COMMISSION.
-
-
-It need hardly be said that Fosdick was punctual to his appointment at
-the Astor House on the following day.
-
-He found Mr. Bates in the reading-room, looking over a Milwaukie paper.
-
-"Good-morning, Mr. Fosdick," he said, extending his hand. "I suppose
-your time is limited, therefore it will be best for us to go at once to
-the bank."
-
-"You are very kind, sir, to take so much trouble on my account," said
-Fosdick.
-
-"We ought all to help each other," said Mr. Bates. "I believe in that
-doctrine, though I have not always lived up to it. On second thoughts,"
-he added, as they got out in front of the hotel, "if you approve of my
-suggestions about the purchase of bank shares, it may not be necessary
-to go to the bank, as you can take this cheque in payment."
-
-"Just as you think best, sir. I can depend upon your judgment, as you
-know much more of such things than I."
-
-"Then we will go at once to the office of Mr. Ferguson, a Wall Street
-broker, and an old friend of mine. There we will give an order for some
-bank shares."
-
-Together the two walked down Broadway until they reached Trinity
-Church, which fronts the entrance to Wall Street. Here then they
-crossed the street, and soon reached the office of Mr. Ferguson.
-
-Mr. Ferguson, a pleasant-looking man with sandy hair and whiskers, came
-forward and shook Mr. Bates cordially by the hand.
-
-"Glad to see you, Mr. Bates," he said. "Where have you been for the
-last four years?"
-
-"In Milwaukie. I see you are at the old place."
-
-"Yes, plodding along as usual. How do you like the West?"
-
-"I have found it a good place for business, though I am not sure
-whether I like it as well to live in as New York."
-
-"Shan't you come back to New York some time?"
-
-Mr. Bates shook his head.
-
-"My business ties me to Milwaukie," he said. "I doubt if I ever return."
-
-"Who is this young man?" said the broker, looking at Fosdick. "He is
-not a son of yours I think?"
-
-"No; I am not fortunate enough to have a son. He is a young friend
-who wants a little business done in your line and, I have accordingly
-brought him to you."
-
-"We will do our best for him. What is it?"
-
-"He wants to purchase twenty shares in some good city bank. I used to
-know all about such matters when I lived in the city, but I am out of
-the way of such knowledge now."
-
-"Twenty shares, you said?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"It happens quite oddly that a party brought in only fifteen minutes
-since twenty shares in the ---- Bank to dispose of. It is a good bank,
-and I don't know that he can do any better than take them."
-
-"Yes, it is a good bank. What interest does it pay now?"
-
-"Eight per cent."[2]
-
-"That is good. What is the market value of the stock?"
-
-"It is selling this morning at one hundred and twenty."
-
-"Twenty shares then will amount to twenty-four hundred dollars."
-
-"Precisely."
-
-"Well, perhaps we had better take them. What do you say, Mr. Fosdick?"
-
-"If you advise it, sir, I shall be very glad to do so."
-
-"Then the business can be accomplished at once, as the party left us
-his signature, authorizing the transfer."
-
-The transfer was rapidly effected. The broker's commission of
-twenty-five cents per share amounted to five dollars. It was found on
-paying this, added to the purchase money, that one hundred and nineteen
-dollars remained,--the cheque being for two thousand five hundred and
-twenty-four dollars.
-
-The broker took the cheque, and returned this sum, which Mr. Bates
-handed to Fosdick.
-
-"You may need this for a reserve fund," he said, "to draw upon if
-needful until your dividend comes due. The bank shares will pay you
-probably one hundred and sixty dollars per year."
-
-"One hundred and sixty dollars!" repeated Fosdick, in surprise. "That
-is a little more than three dollars a week."
-
-"Yes."
-
-"It will be very acceptable, as my salary at the store is not enough to
-pay my expenses."
-
-"I would advise you not to break in upon your capital if you can avoid
-it," said Mr. Bates. "By and by, if your salary increases, you may be
-able to add the interest yearly to the principal, so that it may be
-accumulating till you are a man, when you may find it of use in setting
-you up in business."
-
-"Yes, sir; I will remember that. But I can hardly realize that I am
-really the owner of twenty bank shares."
-
-"No doubt it seems sudden to you. Don't let it make you extravagant.
-Most boys of your age would need a guardian, but you have had so much
-experience in taking care of yourself, that I think you can get along
-without one."
-
-"I have my friend Dick to advise me," said Fosdick.
-
-"Mr. Hunter seems quite a remarkable young man," said Mr. Bates. "I can
-hardly believe that his past history has been as he gave it."
-
-"It is strictly true, sir. Three years ago he could not read or write."
-
-"If he continues to display the same energy, I can predict for him a
-prominent position in the future."
-
-"I am glad to hear you say so, sir. Dick is a very dear friend of mine."
-
-"Now, Mr. Fosdick, it is time you were thinking of dinner. I believe
-this is your dinner hour?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"And it is nearly over. You must be my guest to-day. I know of a quiet
-little lunch room near by, which I used to frequent some years ago when
-I was in business on this street. We will drop in there and I think
-you will be able to get through in time."
-
-Fosdick could not well decline the invitation, but accompanied Mr.
-Bates to the place referred to, where he had a better meal than he was
-accustomed to. It was finished in time, for as the clock on the city
-hall struck one, he reached the door of Henderson's store.
-
-Fosdick could not very well banish from his mind the thoughts of
-his extraordinary change of fortune, and I am obliged to confess
-that he did not discharge his duties quite as faithfully as usual
-that afternoon. I will mention one rather amusing instance of his
-preoccupation of mind.
-
-A lady entered the store, leading by the hand her son Edwin, a little
-boy of seven.
-
-"Have you any hats that will fit my little boy?" she said.
-
-"Yes, ma'am," said Fosdick, absently, and brought forward a large-sized
-man's hat, of the kind popularly known as "stove-pipe."
-
-"How will this do?" asked Fosdick.
-
-"I don't want to wear such an ugly hat as that," said Edwin, in dismay.
-
-The lady looked at Fosdick as if she had very strong doubts of his
-sanity. He saw his mistake, and, coloring deeply, said, in a hurried
-tone, "Excuse me; I was thinking of something else."
-
-The next selection proved more satisfactory, and Edwin went out of the
-store feeling quite proud of his new hat.
-
-Towards the close of the afternoon, Fosdick was surprised at the
-entrance of Mr. Bates. He came up to the counter where he was standing,
-and said, "I am glad I have found you in. I was not quite sure if this
-was the place where you were employed."
-
-"I am glad to see you, sir," said Fosdick.
-
-"I have just received a telegram from Milwaukie," said Mr. Bates,
-"summoning me home immediately on matters connected with business. I
-shall not therefore be able to remain here to follow up the search upon
-which I had entered. As you and your friend have kindly offered your
-assistance, I am going to leave the matter in your hands, and will
-authorize you to incur any expenses you may deem advisable, and I will
-gladly reimburse you whether you succeed or not."
-
-Fosdick assured him that they would spare no efforts, and Mr. Bates,
-after briefly thanking him, and giving him his address, hurried away,
-as he had determined to start on his return home that very night.
-
-
-   [Footnote 2: This was before the war. Now most of the National Banks
-    in New York pay ten per cent., and some even higher.]
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V.
-
-INTRODUCES MARK, THE MATCH BOY.
-
-
-It was growing dark, though yet scarcely six o'clock, for the day was
-one of the shortest in the year, when a small boy, thinly clad, turned
-down Frankfort Street on the corner opposite French's Hotel. He had
-come up Nassau Street, passing the "Tribune" Office and the old Tammany
-Hall, now superseded by the substantial new "Sun" building.
-
-He had a box of matches under his arm, of which very few seemed to
-have been sold. He had a weary, spiritless air, and walked as if quite
-tired. He had been on his feet all day, and was faint with hunger,
-having eaten nothing but an apple to sustain his strength. The thought
-that he was near his journey's end did not seem to cheer him much. Why
-this should be so will speedily appear.
-
-He crossed William Street, passed Gold Street, and turned down
-Vandewater Street, leading out of Frankfort's Street on the left. It
-is in the form of a short curve, connecting with that most crooked of
-all New York avenues, Pearl Street. He paused in front of a shabby
-house, and went upstairs. The door of a room on the third floor was
-standing ajar. He pushed it open, and entered, not without a kind of
-shrinking.
-
-A coarse-looking woman was seated before a scanty fire. She had
-just thrust a bottle into her pocket after taking a copious draught
-therefrom, and her flushed face showed that this had long been a habit
-with her.
-
-"Well, Mark, what luck to-night?" she said, in a husky voice.
-
-"I didn't sell much," said the boy.
-
-"Didn't sell much? Come here," said the woman, sharply.
-
-Mark came up to her side, and she snatched the box from him, angrily.
-
-"Only three boxes gone?" she repeated. "What have you been doing all
-day?"
-
-She added to the question a coarse epithet which I shall not repeat.
-
-"I tried to sell them, indeed I did, Mother Watson, indeed I did,"
-said the boy, earnestly, "but everybody had bought them already."
-
-"You didn't try," said the woman addressed as Mother Watson. "You're
-too lazy, that's what's the matter. You don't earn your salt. Now give
-me the money."
-
-Mark drew from his pocket a few pennies, and handed to her.
-
-She counted them over, and then, looking up sharply, said, with a
-frown, "There's a penny short. Where is it?"
-
-"I was so hungry," pleaded Mark, "that I bought an apple,--only a
-little one."
-
-"You bought an apple, did you?" said the woman, menacingly. "So that's
-the way you spend my money, you little thief?"
-
-"I was so faint and hungry," again pleaded the boy.
-
-"What business had you to be hungry? Didn't you have some breakfast
-this morning?"
-
-"I had a piece of bread."
-
-"That's more than you earned. You'll eat me out of house and home, you
-little thief! But I'll pay you off. I'll give you something to take
-away your appetite. You won't be hungry any more, I reckon."
-
-She dove her flabby hand into her pocket, and produced a strap, at
-which the boy gazed with frightened look.
-
-"Don't beat me, Mother Watson," he said, imploringly.
-
-"I'll beat the laziness out of you," said the woman, vindictively. "See
-if I don't."
-
-She clutched Mark by the collar, and was about to bring the strap
-down forcibly upon his back, ill protected by his thin jacket, when a
-visitor entered the room.
-
-"What's the matter, Mrs. Watson?" asked the intruder.
-
-"Oh, it's you, Mrs. Flanagan?" said the woman, holding the strap
-suspended in the air. "I'll tell you what's the matter. This little
-thief has come home, after selling only three boxes of matches the
-whole day, and I find he's stole a penny to buy an apple with. It's for
-that I'm goin' to beat him."
-
-"Oh, let him alone, the poor lad," said Mrs. Flanagan, who was a
-warm-hearted Irish woman. "Maybe he was hungry."
-
-"Then why didn't he work? Them that work can eat."
-
-"Maybe people didn't want to buy."
-
-"Well, I can't afford to keep him in his idleness," said Mrs. Watson.
-"He may go to bed without his supper."
-
-"If he can't sell his matches, maybe people would give him something."
-
-Mrs. Watson evidently thought favorably of this suggestion, for,
-turning to Mark, she said, "Go out again, you little thief, and mind
-you don't come in again till you've got twenty-five cents to bring to
-me. Do you mind that?"
-
-Mark listened, but stood irresolute:
-
-"I don't like to beg," he said.
-
-"Don't like to beg!" screamed Mrs. Watson. "Do you mind that, now, Mrs.
-Flanagan? He's too proud to beg."
-
-"Mother told me never to beg if I could help it," said Mark.
-
-"Well, you can't help it," said the woman, flourishing the strap in a
-threatening manner. "Do you see this?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Well, you'll feel it too, if you don't do as I tell you. Go out now."
-
-"I'm so hungry," said Mark; "won't you give me a piece of bread?"
-
-"Not a mouthful till you bring back twenty-five cents. Start now, or
-you'll feel the strap."
-
-The boy left the room with a slow step, and wearily descended the
-stairs. I hope my young readers will never know the hungry craving
-after food which tormented the poor little boy as he made his way
-towards the street. But he had hardly reached the foot of the first
-staircase when he heard a low voice behind him, and, turning, beheld
-Mrs. Flanagan, who had hastily followed after him.
-
-"Are you very hungry?" she asked.
-
-"Yes, I'm faint with hunger."
-
-"Poor boy!" she said, compassionately; "come in here a minute."
-
-She opened the door of her own room which was just at the foot of the
-staircase, and gently pushed him in.
-
-It was a room of the same general appearance as the one above, but was
-much neater looking.
-
-"Biddy Flanagan isn't the woman to let a poor motherless child go
-hungry when she's a bit of bread or meat by her. Here, Mark, lad, sit
-down, and I'll soon bring you something that'll warm up your poor
-stomach."
-
-She opened a cupboard, and brought out a plate containing a small
-quantity of cold beef, and two slices of bread.
-
-"There's some better mate than you'll get of Mother Watson. It's cold,
-but it's good."
-
-"She never gives me any meat at all," said Mark, gazing with a look of
-eager anticipation at the plate which to his famished eye looked so
-inviting.
-
-"I'll be bound she don't," said Mrs. Flanagan. "Talk of you being lazy!
-What does she do herself but sit all day doing nothin' except drink
-whiskey from the black bottle! She might get washin' to do, as I do, if
-she wanted to, but she won't work. She expects you to get money enough
-for both of you."
-
-Meanwhile Mrs. Flanagan had poured out a cup of tea from an old tin
-teapot that stood on the stove.
-
-"There, drink that, Mark dear," she said. "It'll warm you up, and
-you'll need it this cold night, I'm thinkin'."
-
-The tea was not of the best quality, and the cup was cracked and
-discolored; but to Mark it was grateful and refreshing, and he eagerly
-drank it.
-
-"Is it good?" asked the sympathizing woman, observing with satisfaction
-the eagerness with which it was drunk.
-
-"Yes, it makes me feel warm," said Mark.
-
-"It's better nor the whiskey Mother Watson drinks," said Mrs. Flanagan.
-"It won't make your nose red like hers. It would be a sight better for
-her if she'd throw away the whiskey, and take to the tea."
-
-"You are very kind, Mrs. Flanagan," said Mark, rising from the table,
-feeling fifty per cent. better than when he sat down.
-
-"Oh bother now, don't say a word about it! Shure you're welcome to the
-bit you've eaten, and the little sup of tea. Come in again when you
-feel hungry and Bridget Flanagan won't be the woman to send you off
-hungry if she's got anything in the cupboard."
-
-"I wish Mother Watson was as good as you are," said Mark.
-
-"I aint so good as I might be," said Mrs. Flanagan; "but I wouldn't be
-guilty of tratin' a poor boy as that woman trates you, more shame to
-her! How came you with her any way? She aint your mother, is she."
-
-"No," said Mark, shuddering at the bare idea. "My mother was a good
-woman, and worked hard. She didn't drink whiskey. Mother was always
-kind to me. I wish she was alive now."
-
-"When did she die, Mark dear?"
-
-"It's going on a year since she died. I didn't know what to do, but
-Mother Watson told me to come and live with her, and she'd take care of
-me."
-
-"Sorra a bit of kindness there was in that," commented Mrs. Flanagan.
-"She wanted you to take care of her. Well, and what did she make you
-do?"
-
-"She sent me out to earn what I could. Sometimes I would run on
-errands, but lately I have sold matches."
-
-"Is it hard work sellin' them?"
-
-"Sometimes I do pretty well, but some days it seems as if nobody wanted
-any. To-day I went round to a great many offices, but they all had as
-many as they wanted, and I didn't sell but three boxes. I tried to sell
-more, indeed I did, but I couldn't."
-
-"No doubt you did, Mark, dear. It's cold you must be in that thin
-jacket of yours this cold weather. I've got a shawl you may wear if you
-like. You'll not lose it, I know."
-
-But Mark had a boy's natural dislike to being dressed as a girl,
-knowing, moreover, that his appearance in the street with Mrs.
-Flanagan's shawl would subject him to the jeers of the street boys. So
-he declined the offer with thanks, and, buttoning up his thin jacket,
-descended the remaining staircase, and went out again into the chilling
-and uninviting street. A chilly, drizzling rain had just set in, and
-this made it even more dreary than it had been during the day.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI.
-
-BEN GIBSON.
-
-
-But it was not so much the storm or the cold weather that Mark cared
-for. He had become used to these, so far as one can become used to
-what is very disagreeable. If after a hard day's work he had had a
-good home to come back to, or a kind and sympathizing friend, he
-would have had that thought to cheer him up. But Mother Watson cared
-nothing for him, except for the money he brought her, and Mark found it
-impossible either to cherish love or respect for the coarse woman whom
-he generally found more or less affected by whiskey.
-
-[Illustration: DICK AS A PHILANTHROPIST.]
-
-Cold and hungry as he had been oftentimes, he had always shrunk from
-begging. It seemed to lower him in his own thoughts to ask charity of
-others. Mother Watson had suggested it to him once or twice, but had
-never actually commanded it before. Now he was required to bring home
-twenty-five cents. He knew very well what would be the result if he
-failed to do this. Mother Watson would apply the leather strap with
-merciless fury, and he knew that his strength was as nothing compared
-to hers. So, for the first time in his life, he felt that he must make
-up his mind to beg.
-
-He retraced his steps to the head of Frankfort Street, and walked
-slowly down Nassau Street. The rain was falling, as I have said, and
-those who could remained under shelter. Besides, business hours were
-over. The thousands who during the day made the lower part of the city
-a busy hive had gone to their homes in the upper portion of the island,
-or across the river to Brooklyn or the towns on the Jersey shore. So,
-however willing he might be to beg, there did not seem to be much
-chance at present.
-
-The rain increased, and Mark in his thin clothes was soon drenched to
-the skin. He felt damp, cold, and uncomfortable. But there was no rest
-for him. The only home he had was shut to him, unless he should bring
-home twenty-five cents, and of this there seemed very little prospect.
-
-At the corner of Fulton Street he fell in with a boy of twelve, short
-and sturdy in frame, dressed in a coat whose tails nearly reached the
-sidewalk. Though scarcely in the fashion, it was warmer than Mark's,
-and the proprietor troubled himself very little about the looks.
-
-This boy, whom Mark recognized as Ben Gibson, had a clay pipe in his
-mouth, which he seemed to be smoking with evident enjoyment.
-
-"Where you goin'?" he asked, halting in front of Mark.
-
-"I don't know," said Mark.
-
-"Don't know!" repeated Ben, taking his pipe from his mouth, and
-spitting. "Where's your matches?"
-
-"I left them at home."
-
-"Then what'd did you come out for in this storm?"
-
-"The woman I live with won't let me come home till I've brought her
-twenty-five cents."
-
-"How'd you expect to get it?"
-
-"She wants me to beg."
-
-"That's a good way," said Ben, approvingly; "when you get hold of a
-soft chap, or a lady, them's the ones to shell out."
-
-"I don't like it," said Mark. "I don't want people to think me a
-beggar."
-
-"What's the odds?" said Ben, philosophically. "You're just the chap to
-make a good beggar."
-
-"What do you mean by that, Ben?" said Mark, who was far from
-considering this much of a compliment.
-
-"Why you're a thin, pale little chap, that people will pity easy. Now I
-aint the right cut for a beggar. I tried it once, but it was no go."
-
-"Why not?" asked Mark, who began to be interested in spite of himself.
-
-"You see," said Ben, again puffing out a volume of smoke, "I look too
-tough, as if I could take care of myself. People don't pity me. I
-tried it one night when I was hard up. I hadn't got but six cents, and
-I wanted to go to the Old Bowery bad. So I went up to a gent as was
-comin' up Wall Street from the Ferry, and said, 'Won't you give a poor
-boy a few pennies to save him from starvin'?'"
-
-"'So you're almost starvin', are you, my lad?'" says he.
-
-"'Yes, sir,' says I, as faint as I could.
-
-"'Well, starvin' seems to agree with you,' says he, laughin'. 'You're
-the healthiest-lookin' beggar I've seen in a good while.'
-
-"I tried it again on another gent, and he told me he guessed I was
-lazy; that a good stout boy like me ought to work. So I didn't make
-much beggin', and had to give up goin' to the Old Bowery that night,
-which I was precious sorry for, for there was a great benefit that
-evenin'. Been there often?"
-
-"No, I never went."
-
-"Never went to the Old Bowery!" ejaculated Ben, whistling in his
-amazement. "Where were you raised, I'd like to know? I should think you
-was a country greeny, I should."
-
-"I never had a chance," said Mark, who began to feel a little ashamed
-of the confession.
-
-"Won't your old woman let you go?"
-
-"I never have any money to go."
-
-"If I was flush I'd take you myself. It's only fifteen cents," said
-Ben. "But I haven't got money enough only for one ticket. I'm goin'
-to-night."
-
-"Are you?" asked Mark, a little enviously.
-
-"Yes, it's a good way to pass a rainy evenin'. You've got a warm room
-to be in, let alone the play, which is splendid. Now, if you could only
-beg fifteen cents from some charitable cove, you might go along of me."
-
-"If I get any money I've got to carry it home."
-
-"Suppose you don't, will the old woman cut up rough?"
-
-"She'll beat me with a strap," said Mark, shuddering.
-
-"What makes you let her do it?" demanded Ben, rather disdainfully.
-
-"I can't help it."
-
-"She wouldn't beat me," said Ben, decidedly.
-
-"What would you do?" asked Mark, with interest.
-
-"What would I do?" retorted Ben. "I'd kick, and bite, and give her one
-for herself between the eyes. That's what I'd do. She'd find me a hard
-case, I reckon."
-
-"It wouldn't be any use for me to try that," said Mark. "She's too
-strong."
-
-"It don't take much to handle you," said Ben, taking a critical survey
-of the physical points of Mark. "You're most light enough to blow away."
-
-"I'm only ten years old," said Mark, apologetically. "I shall be bigger
-some time."
-
-"Maybe," said Ben, dubiously; "but you don't look as if you'd ever be
-tough like me."
-
-"There," he added, after a pause, "I've smoked all my 'baccy. I wish
-I'd got some more."
-
-"Do you like to smoke?" asked Mark.
-
-"It warms a feller up," said Ben. "It's jest the thing for a cold, wet
-day like this. Didn't you ever try it?"
-
-"No."
-
-"If I'd got some 'baccy here, I'd give you a whiff; but I think it
-would make you sick the first time."
-
-"I don't think I should like it," said Mark, who had never felt any
-desire to smoke, though he knew plenty of boys who indulged in the
-habit.
-
-"That's because you don't know nothin' about it," remarked Ben. "I
-didn't like it at first till I got learned."
-
-"Do you smoke often?"
-
-"Every day after I get through blackin' boots; that is, when I aint
-hard up, and can't raise the stamps to pay for the 'baccy. But I guess
-I'll be goin' up to the Old Bowery. It's most time for the doors to
-open. Where you goin'?"
-
-"I don't know where to go," said Mark, helplessly.
-
-"I'll tell you where you'd better go. You won' find nobody round here.
-Besides it aint comfortable lettin' the rain fall on you and wet you
-through." (While this conversation was going on, the boys had sheltered
-themselves in a doorway.) "Just you go down to Fulton Market. There
-you'll be out of the wet, and you'll see plenty of people passin'
-through when the boats come in. Maybe some of 'em will give you
-somethin'. Then ag'in, there's the boats. Some nights I sleep aboard
-the boats."
-
-"You do? Will they let you?"
-
-"They don't notice. I just pay my two cents, and go aboard, and snuggle
-up in a corner and go to sleep. So I ride to Brooklyn and back all
-night. That's cheaper'n the Newsboys' Lodgin' House, for it only costs
-two cents. One night a gentleman came to me, and woke me up, and said,
-'We've got to Brooklyn, my lad. If you don't get up they'll carry you
-back again.'
-
-"I jumped up and told him I was much obliged, as I didn't know what my
-family would say if I didn't get home by eleven o'clock. Then, just
-as soon as his back was turned, I sat down again and went to sleep.
-It aint so bad sleepin' aboard the boat, 'specially in a cold night.
-They keep the cabin warm, and though the seat isn't partic'larly soft
-its better'n bein' out in the street. If you don't get your twenty-five
-cents, and are afraid of a lickin', you'd better sleep aboard the boat."
-
-"Perhaps I will," said Mark, to whom the idea was not unwelcome, for
-it would at all events save him for that night from the beating which
-would be his portion if he came home without the required sum.
-
-"Well, good-night," said Ben; "I'll be goin' along."
-
-"Good-night, Ben," said Mark, "I guess I'll go to Fulton Market."
-
-Accordingly Mark turned down Fulton Street, while Ben steered in the
-direction of Chatham Street, through which it was necessary to pass in
-order to reach the theatre, which is situated on the Bowery, not far
-from its junction with Chatham Street.
-
-Ben Gibson is a type of a numerous class of improvident boys, who live
-on from day to day, careless of appearances, spending their evenings
-where they can, at the theatre when their means admit, and sometimes
-at gambling saloons. Not naturally bad, they drift into bad habits from
-the force of outward circumstances. They early learn to smoke or chew,
-finding in tobacco some comfort during the cold and wet days, either
-ignorant of or indifferent to the harm which the insidious weed will do
-to their constitutions. So their growth is checked, or their blood is
-impoverished, as is shown by their pale faces.
-
-As for Ben, he was gifted with a sturdy frame and an excellent
-constitution, and appeared as yet to exhibit none of the baneful
-effects of this habit. But no growing boy can smoke without ultimately
-being affected by it, and such will no doubt be the case with Ben.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII.
-
-FULTON MARKET.
-
-
-Just across from Fulton Ferry stands Fulton Market. It is nearly fifty
-years old, having been built in 1821, on ground formerly occupied by
-unsightly wooden buildings, which were, perhaps fortunately, swept away
-by fire. It covers the block bounded by Fulton, South, Beekman, and
-Front Streets, and was erected at a cost of about quarter of a million
-of dollars.
-
-This is the chief of the great city markets, and an immense business is
-done here. There is hardly an hour in the twenty-four in which there is
-an entire lull in the business of the place. Some of the outside shops
-and booths are kept open all night, while the supplies of fish, meats,
-and vegetables for the market proper are brought at a very early hour,
-almost before it can be called morning.
-
-Besides the market proper the surrounding sidewalks are roofed over,
-and lined with shops and booths of the most diverse character, at which
-almost every conceivable article can be purchased. Most numerous,
-perhaps, are the chief restaurants, the counters loaded with cakes and
-pies, with a steaming vessel of coffee smoking at one end. The floors
-are sanded, and the accommodations are far from elegant or luxurious;
-but it is said that the viands are by no means to be despised. Then
-there are fruit-stalls with tempting heaps of oranges, apples, and in
-their season the fruits of summer, presided over for the most part by
-old women, who scan shrewdly the faces of passers-by, and are ready on
-the smallest provocation to vaunt the merits of their wares. There are
-candy and cocoanut cakes for those who have a sweet tooth, and many a
-shop-boy invests in these on his way to or from Brooklyn to the New
-York store where he is employed; or the father of a family, on his
-way to his Brooklyn home, thinks of the little ones awaiting him, and
-indulges in a purchase of what he knows will be sure to be acceptable
-to them.
-
-But it is not only the wants of the body that are provided for at
-Fulton Market. On the Fulton Street side may be found extensive booths,
-at which are displayed for sale a tempting array of papers, magazines,
-and books, as well as stationery, photograph albums, etc., generally at
-prices twenty or thirty per cent. lower than is demanded for them in
-the more pretentious Broadway or Fulton Avenue stores.
-
-Even at night, therefore, the outer portion of the market presents a
-bright and cheerful shelter from the inclement weather, being securely
-roofed over, and well lighted, while some of the booths are kept open,
-however late the hour.
-
-Ben Gibson, therefore, was right in directing Mark to Fulton Market,
-as probably the most comfortable place to be found in the pouring rain
-which made the thoroughfares dismal and dreary. Mark, of course, had
-been in Fulton Market often, and saw at once the wisdom of the advice.
-He ran down Fulton Street as fast as he could, and arrived there
-panting and wet to the skin. Uncomfortable as he was, the change from
-the wet streets to the bright and comparatively warm shelter of the
-market made him at once more cheerful. In fact, it compared favorably
-with the cold and uninviting room which he shared with Mother Watson.
-
-As Mark looked around him, he could not help wishing that he tended
-in one of the little restaurants that looked so bright and inviting to
-him. Those who are accustomed to lunch at Delmonico's, or at some of
-the large and stylish hotels, or have their meals served by attentive
-servants in brown stone dwellings in the more fashionable quarters of
-the city, would be likely to turn up their noses at his humble taste,
-and would feel it an infliction to take a meal amid such plebeian
-surroundings. But then Mark knew nothing about the fare at Delmonico's,
-and was far enough from living in a brown stone front, and so his ideas
-of happiness and luxury were not very exalted, or he would scarcely
-have envied a stout butcher boy whom he saw sitting at an unpainted
-wooden table, partaking of a repast which was more abundant than choice.
-
-But from the surrounding comfort Mark's thoughts were brought back to
-the disagreeable business which brought him here. He was to solicit
-charity from some one of the passers-by, and with a sigh he began to
-look about him to select some compassionate face.
-
-"If there was only somebody here that wanted an errand done," he
-thought, "and would pay me twenty-five cents for doing it, I wouldn't
-have to beg I'd rather work two hours for the money than beg it."
-
-But there seemed little chance of this. In the busy portion of the day
-there might have been some chance, though this would be uncertain; but
-now it was very improbable. If he wanted to get twenty-five cents that
-night he must get it from charity.
-
-A beginning must be made, however disagreeable. So Mark went up to
-a young man who was passing along on his way to the boat, and in a
-shamefaced manner said, "Will you give me a few pennies, please?"
-
-The young man looked good-natured, and it was that which gave Mark
-confidence to address him.
-
-"You want some pennies, do you?" he said, with a smile, pausing in his
-walk.
-
-"If you please, sir."
-
-"I suppose your wife and family are starving, eh?"
-
-"I haven't got any wife or family, sir," said Mark.
-
-"But you've got a sick mother, or some brothers or sisters that are
-starving, haven't you?"
-
-"No, sir."
-
-"Then I'm afraid you're not up to your business. How long have you been
-round begging?"
-
-"Never before," said Mark, rather indignantly.
-
-"Ah, that accounts for it. You haven't learned the business yet. After
-a few weeks you'll have a sick mother starving at home. They all do,
-you know."
-
-"My mother is dead," said Mark; "I shan't tell a lie to get money."
-
-"Come, you're rather a remarkable boy," said the young man, who was a
-reporter on a daily paper, going over to attend a meeting in Brooklyn,
-to write an account of it to appear in one of the city dailies in the
-morning. "I don't generally give money in such cases, but I must make
-an exception in your case."
-
-He drew a dime from his vest-pocket and handed it to Mark.
-
-Mark took it with a blush of mortification at the necessity.
-
-"I wouldn't beg if I could help it," he said, desiring to justify
-himself in the eyes of the good-natured young man.
-
-"I'm glad to hear that. Johnny." (Johnny is a common name applied to
-boys whose names are unknown.) "It isn't a very creditable business.
-What makes you beg, then?"
-
-"I shall be beaten if I don't," said Mark.
-
-"That's bad. Who will beat you?"
-
-"Mother Watson."
-
-"Tell Mother Watson, with my compliments, that she's a wicked old
-tyrant. I'll tell you what, my lad, you must grow as fast as you can,
-and by and by you'll get too large for that motherly old woman to whip.
-But there goes the bell. I must be getting aboard."
-
-This was the result of Mark's first begging appeal. He looked at the
-money, and wished he had got it in any other way. If it had been the
-reward of an hour's work he would have gazed at it with much greater
-satisfaction.
-
-Well, he had made a beginning. He had got ten cents. But there still
-remained fifteen cents to obtain, and without that he did not feel safe
-in going back.
-
-So he looked about him for another person to address. This time he
-thought he would ask a lady. Accordingly he went up to one, who was
-walking with her son, a boy of sixteen, to judge from appearance, and
-asked for a few pennies.
-
-"Get out of my way, you little beggar!" she said, in a disagreeable
-tone. "Ain't you ashamed of yourself, going round begging, instead of
-earning money like honest people?"
-
-"I've been trying to earn money all day," said Mark, rather indignant
-at this attack.
-
-"Oh no doubt," sneered the woman. "I don't think you'll hurt yourself
-with work."
-
-"I was round the streets all day trying to sell matches," said Mark.
-
-"You mustn't believe what he says, mother," said the boy. "They're all
-a set of humbugs, and will lie as fast as they can talk."
-
-"I've no doubt of it, Roswell," said Mrs. Crawford. "Such little
-impostors never get anything out of me. I've got other uses for my
-money."
-
-Mark was a gentle, peaceful boy, but such attacks naturally made him
-indignant.
-
-"I am not an impostor, and I neither lie nor steal," he said, looking
-alternately from the mother to the son.
-
-"Oh, you're a fine young man. I've no doubt," said Roswell, with a
-sneer. "But we'd better be getting on, mother, unless you mean to stop
-in Fulton Market all night."
-
-So mother and son passed on, leaving Mark with a sense of mortification
-and injury. He would have given the ten cents he had, not to have asked
-charity of this woman who had answered him so unpleasantly.
-
-Those of my readers who have read the two preceding volumes of
-this series will recognize in Roswell Crawford and his mother old
-acquaintances who played an important part in the former stories. As,
-however, I may have some new readers, it may be as well to explain that
-Roswell was a self-conceited boy, who prided himself on being "the
-son of a gentleman," and whose great desire was to find a place where
-the pay would be large and the duties very small. Unfortunately for
-his pride, his father had failed in business shortly before he died,
-and his mother had been compelled to keep a boarding-house. She, too,
-was troubled with a pride very similar to that of her son, and chafed
-inwardly at her position, instead of reconciling herself to it, as many
-better persons have done.
-
-Roswell was not very fortunate in retaining the positions he obtained,
-being generally averse to doing anything except what he was absolutely
-obliged to do. He had lost a situation in a dry-goods store in Sixth
-Avenue, because he objected to carrying bundles, considering it beneath
-the dignity of a gentleman's son. Some months before he had tried
-to get Richard Hunter discharged from his situation in the hope of
-succeeding him in it; but this plot proved utterly unsuccessful, as is
-fully described in "Fame and Fortune."
-
-We shall have more to do with Roswell Crawford in the course of the
-present story. At present he was employed in a retail bookstore up
-town, on a salary of six dollars a week.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII.
-
-ON THE FERRY-BOAT.
-
-
-Mark had made two applications for charity, and still had but ten
-cents. The manner in which Mrs. Crawford met his appeal made the
-business seem more disagreeable than ever. Besides, he was getting
-tired. It was not more than eight o'clock, but he had been up early,
-and had been on his feet all day. He leaned against one of the stalls,
-but in so doing he aroused the suspicions of the vigilant old woman who
-presided over it.
-
-"Just stand away there," she said. "You're watchin' for a chance to
-steal one of them apples."
-
-"No, I'm not," said Mark, indignantly. "I never steal."
-
-"Don't tell me," said the old woman, who had a hearty aversion to boys,
-some of whom, it must be confessed, had in times past played mean
-tricks on her; "don't tell me! Them that beg will steal, and I see you
-beggin' just now."
-
-To this Mark had no reply to make. He saw that he was already classed
-with the young street beggars, many of whom, as the old woman implied,
-had no particular objection to stealing, if they got a chance.
-Altogether he was so disgusted with his new business, that he felt it
-impossible for him to beg any more that night. But then came up the
-consideration that this would prevent his returning home. He very well
-knew what kind of a reception Mother Watson would give him, and he had
-a very unpleasant recollection and terror of the leather strap.
-
-But where should he go? He must pass the night somewhere, and he
-already felt drowsy. Why should he not follow Ben Gibson's suggestions,
-and sleep on the Fulton ferry-boat? It would only cost two cents to get
-on board, and he might ride all night. Fortunately he had more than
-money enough for that, though he did not like to think how he came by
-the ten cents.
-
-When Mark had made up his mind, he passed out of one of the entrances
-of the market, and, crossing the street, presented his ten cents at
-the wicket, where stood the fare-taker.
-
-Without a look towards him, that functionary took the money, and pushed
-back eight cents. These Mark took, and passed round into the large room
-of the ferry-house.
-
-The boat was not in, but he already saw it halfway across the river,
-speeding towards its pier.
-
-There were a few persons waiting besides himself, but the great rush
-of travel was diminished for a short time. It would set in again about
-eleven o'clock when those who had passed the evening at some place of
-amusement in New York would be on their way home.
-
-Mark with the rest waited till the boat reached its wharf. There was
-the usual bump, then the chain rattled, the wheel went round, and the
-passengers began to pour out upon the wharf. Mark passed into the boat,
-and went at once to the "gentlemen's cabin," situated on the left-hand
-side of the boat. Generally, however, gentlemen rather unfairly crowd
-into the ladies' cabin, sometimes compelling the ladies, to whom it of
-right belongs, to stand, while they complacently monopolize the seats.
-The gentlemen's cabin, so called, is occupied by those who have a
-little more regard to the rights of ladies, and by the smokers, who are
-at liberty to indulge in their favorite comfort here.
-
-When Mark entered, the air was redolent with tobacco-smoke, generally
-emitted from clay pipes and cheap cigars, and therefore not so
-agreeable as under other circumstances it might have been. But it was
-warm and comfortable, and that was a good deal.
-
-In the corner Mark espied a wide seat nearly double the size of an
-ordinary seat, and this he decided would make the most comfortable
-niche for him.
-
-He settled himself down there as well as he could. The seat was hard,
-and not so comfortable as it might have been; but then Mark was not
-accustomed to beds of down, and he was so weary that his eyes closed
-and he was soon in the land of dreams.
-
-He was dimly conscious of the arrival at the Brooklyn side, and the
-ensuing hurried exit of passengers from that part of the cabin in which
-he was, but it was only a slight interruption, and when the boat,
-having set out on its homeward trip, reached the New York side, he was
-fast asleep.
-
-"Poor little fellow!" thought more than one, with a hasty glance at the
-sleeping boy. "He is taking his comfort where he can."
-
-But there was no good Samaritan to take him by the hand, and inquire
-into his hardships, and provide for his necessities, or rather there
-was one, and that one well known to us.
-
-Richard Hunter and his friend Henry Fosdick had been to Brooklyn that
-evening to attend an instructive lecture which they had seen announced
-in one of the daily papers. The lecture concluded at half-past nine,
-and they took the ten o'clock boat over the Fulton ferry.
-
-They seated themselves in the first cabin, towards the Brooklyn side,
-and did not, therefore, see Mark until they passed through the other
-cabin on the arrival of the boat at New York.
-
-"Look there, Fosdick," said Richard Hunter. "See that poor little chap
-asleep in the corner. Doesn't it remind you of the times we used to
-have, when we were as badly off as he?"
-
-"Yes, Dick, but I don't think I ever slept on a ferry-boat."
-
-"That's because you were not on the streets long I took care of myself
-eight years, and more than once took a cheap bed for two cents on a
-boat like this. Most likely I've slept in that very corner."
-
-"It was a hard life, Dick."
-
-"Yes, and a hard bed too; but there's a good many that are no better
-off now. I always feel like doing something to help along those like
-this little chap here."
-
-"I wonder what he is,--a boot-black?"
-
-"He hasn't got any brush or box with him. Perhaps he's a newsboy. I
-think I'll give him a surprise."
-
-"Wake him up, do you mean?"
-
-"No, poor little chap! Let him sleep. I'll put fifty cents in his
-pocket, and when he wakes up he won't know where it came from."
-
-"That's a good idea, Dick. I'll do the same. All right."
-
-"Here's the money. Put mine in with yours. Don't wake him up."
-
-Dick walked softly up to the match boy, and gently inserted the
-money--one dollar--in one of the pockets of his ragged vest.
-
-Mark was so fast asleep that he was entirely unconscious of the
-benevolent act.
-
-"That'll make him open his eyes in the morning," he said.
-
-"Unless somebody relieves him of the money during his sleep."
-
-"Not much chance of that. Pickpockets won't be very apt to meddle with
-such a ragged little chap as that, unless it's in a fit of temporary
-aberration of mind."
-
-"You're right, Dick. But we must hurry out now, or we shall be carried
-back to Brooklyn."
-
-"And so get more than our money's worth. I wouldn't want to cheat the
-corporation so extensively as that."
-
-So the two friends passed out of the boat, and left the match boy
-asleep in the cabin, quite unconscious that good fortune had hovered
-over him, and made him richer by a dollar, while he slept.
-
-While we are waiting for him to awake, we may as well follow Richard
-Hunter and his friend home.
-
-Fosdick's good fortune, which we recorded in the earlier chapters
-of this volume had made no particular change in their arrangements.
-They were already living in better style than was usual among youths
-situated as they were. There was this difference, however, that whereas
-formerly Dick paid the greater part of the joint expense it was now
-divided equally. It will be remembered that Fosdick's interest on the
-twenty bank shares purchased in his name amounted to one hundred and
-sixty dollars annually, and this just about enabled him to pay his own
-way, though not leaving him a large surplus for clothing and incidental
-expenses. It could not be long, however, before his pay would be
-increased at the store, probably by two dollars a week. Until that time
-he could economize a little; for upon one thing he had made up his
-mind,--not to trench upon his principal except in case of sickness or
-absolute necessity.
-
-The boys had not forgotten or neglected the commission which they had
-undertaken for Mr. Hiram Bates. They had visited, on the evening after
-he left, the Newsboys' Lodging House, then located at the corner of
-Fulton and Nassau Streets, in the upper part of the "Sun" building, and
-had consulted Mr. O'Connor, the efficient superintendent, as to the boy
-of whom they were in search. But he had no information to supply them
-with. He promised to inquire among the boys who frequented the lodge,
-as it was possible that there might be some among them who might have
-fallen in with a boy named Talbot.
-
-Richard Hunter also sought out some of his old acquaintances, who were
-still engaged in blacking boots, or selling newspapers, and offered a
-reward of five dollars for the discovery of a boy of ten, named Talbot,
-or John Talbot.
-
-As the result of this offer a red-haired boy was brought round to the
-counting-room one day, who stoutly asserted that his name was John
-Talbot, and his guide in consequence claimed the reward. Dick, however,
-had considerable doubt as to the genuineness of this claim, and called
-the errand-boy, known to the readers of earlier volumes, as Micky
-Maguire.
-
-"Micky," said Richard, "this boy says he is John Talbot. Do you know
-him?"
-
-"Know him!" repeated Micky; "I've knowed him ever since he was so high.
-He's no more John Talbot than I am. His name is Tim Hogan, and I'll
-defy him to say it isn't."
-
-Tim looked guilty, and his companion gave up the attempt to obtain the
-promised reward. He had hired Tim by the promise of a dollar to say he
-was John Talbot, hoping by the means to clear four dollars for himself.
-
-"That boy'll rise to a seat in the Common Council if he lives long
-enough," said Dick. "He's an unusually promising specimen."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX.
-
-A PLEASANT DISCOVERY.
-
-
-The night wore away, and still Mark, the match boy, continued to sleep
-soundly in the corner of the cabin where he had established himself.
-One of the boat hands passing through noticed him, and was on the point
-of waking him, but, observing his weary look and thin attire, refrained
-from an impulse of compassion. He had a boy of about the same age, and
-the thought came to him that some time his boy might be placed in the
-same situation, and this warmed his heart towards the little vagrant.
-
-"I suppose I ought to wake him up," he reflected, "but he isn't doing
-any harm there, and he may as well have his sleep out."
-
-So Mark slept on,--a merciful sleep, in which he forgot his poverty
-and friendless condition; a sleep which brought new strength and
-refreshment to his limbs.
-
-When he woke up it was six o'clock in the morning. But it was quite
-dark still, for it was in December, and, so far as appearances went,
-it might have been midnight. But already sleepy men and boys were on
-their way to the great city to their daily work. Some were employed a
-considerable distance up town, and must be at their posts at seven.
-Others were employed in the markets and must be stirring at an early
-hour. There were keepers of street-stands, who liked to be ready
-for the first wave in the tide of daily travel that was to sweep
-without interruption through the city streets until late at night.
-So, altogether, even at this early hour there was quite a number of
-passengers.
-
-Mark rubbed his eyes, not quite sure where he was, or how he got there.
-He half expected to hear the harsh voice of Mother Watson, which
-usually aroused him to his daily toil. But there was no Mother Watson
-to be seen, only sleepy, gaping men and boys, clad in working dresses.
-
-Mark sat up and looked around him.
-
-"Well, young chap, you've had a nap, haven't you?" said a man at his
-side, who appeared, from a strong smell of paint about his clothes, to
-be a journeyman painter.
-
-"Yes," said Mark. "Is it morning?"
-
-"To be sure it is. What did you expect it was?"
-
-"Then I've been sleeping all night," said the match boy, in surprise.
-
-"Where?"
-
-"Here."
-
-"In that corner?" asked the painter.
-
-"Yes," said Mark; "I came aboard last night, and fell asleep, and
-that's the last I remember."
-
-"It must be rather hard to the bones," said the painter. "I think that
-I should prefer a regular bed."
-
-"I do feel rather sore," said the match boy; "but I slept bully."
-
-"A little chap like you can curl up anywhere. I don't think I could
-sleep very well on these seats. Haven't you got any home?"
-
-"Yes," said Mark, "a sort of a home."
-
-"Then why didn't you sleep at home?"
-
-"I knew I should get a beating if I went home without twenty-five
-cents."
-
-"Well, that's hard luck. I wonder how I should feel," he continued,
-laughing, "if my wife gave me a beating when I came home short of
-funds."
-
-But here the usual bump indicated the arrival of the boat at the slip,
-and all the passengers, the painter included, rose, and hurried to the
-edge of the boat.
-
-With the rest went Mark. He had no particular object in going thus
-early; but his sleep was over, and there was no inducement to remain
-longer in the boat.
-
-The rain was over also. The streets were still wet from the effects of
-the quantity that had fallen, but there was no prospect of any more.
-Mark's wet clothes had dried in the warm, dry atmosphere of the cabin,
-and he felt considerably better than on the evening previous.
-
-Now, however, he could not help wondering what Mother Watson had
-thought of his absence.
-
-"She'll be mad, I know," he thought. "I suppose she'll whip me when I
-get back."
-
-This certainly was not a pleasant thought. The leather strap was an
-old enemy of his, which he dreaded, and with good reason. He was afraid
-that he would get a more severe beating, for not having returned the
-night before, at the hands of the angry old woman.
-
-"I wish I didn't live with Mother Watson," he thought.
-
-Straight upon this thought came another. "Why should he?"
-
-Mother Watson had no claim upon him. Upon his mother's death she had
-assumed the charge of him, but, as it turned out, rather for her own
-advantage than his. She had taken all his earnings, and given him in
-return a share of her miserable apartment, a crust of bread or two,
-daily seasoned with occasional assaults with the leather strap. It had
-never occurred to Mark before, but now for the first time it dawned
-upon him that he had the worst of the bargain. He could live more
-comfortably by retaining his earnings, and spending them upon himself.
-
-Mark was rather a timid, mild-mannered boy, or he would sooner have
-rebelled against the tyranny and abuse of Mother Watson. But he had
-had little confidence in himself, and wanted somebody to lean on. In
-selecting the old woman, who had acted thus far as his guardian, he
-had leaned upon a broken reed. The last night's experience gave him
-a little courage. He reflected that he could sleep in the Newsboys'
-Lodging House for five cents, or on the ferry-boat again for two, while
-the fare at his old home was hardly so sumptuous but that he could
-obtain the same without very large expense.
-
-So Mark thought seriously of breaking his yoke and declaring himself
-free and independent. A discovery which he made confirmed him in his
-half-formed resolution.
-
-He remembered that after paying his toll he had eight cents left, which
-he had placed in his vest-pocket. He thought that these would enable
-him to get some breakfast, and drew them out. To his astonishment there
-were two silver half-dollars mingled with the coppers. Mark opened his
-eyes wide in astonishment. Where could they have come from? Was it
-possible that the tollman had given him them by mistake for pennies?
-That could not be, for two reasons: First, he remembered looking at
-the change as it was handed him, and he knew that there were no
-half-dollars among them. Again, the eight pennies were all there, the
-silver coins making the number ten.
-
-It was certainly very strange and surprising, and puzzled Mark not a
-little. We, who know all about it, find the explanation very easy, but
-to the little match boy it was an unfathomable mystery.
-
-The surprise, however, was of an agreeable character. With so much
-money in his possession, Mark felt like a man with a handsome balance
-at his banker's, and with the usual elasticity of youth he did not look
-forward to the time when this supply would be exhausted.
-
-"I won't go back to Mother Watson," he determined. "She's beaten me
-times enough. I'll take care of myself."
-
-While these thoughts were passing through his mind, he had walked up
-Fulton Street, and reached the corner of Nassau. Here he met his friend
-of the night before, Ben Gibson.
-
-Ben looked rather sleepy. He had been at the Old Bowery Theatre the
-night before until twelve o'clock, and, having no money left to invest
-in a night's lodging, he had crept into a corner of the "Times"
-printing office, and slept, but had not quite slept off his fatigue.
-
-"Hallo, young 'un!" said he. "Where did you come from?"
-
-"From Fulton Ferry," said Mark. "I slept on the boat."
-
-"Did you? How'd you like it?"
-
-"Pretty good," said Mark. "It was rather hard."
-
-"How'd you make out begging?"
-
-"Not very well. I got ten cents."
-
-"So you didn't dare to go home to the old woman?"
-
-"I shan't go home there any more," said the match boy.
-
-"Do you mean it?"
-
-"Yes, I do."
-
-"Bully for you! I like your pluck. I wouldn't go back and get a
-licking, if I were you. What'll Mother Watson say?"
-
-"She'll be mad, I expect," said Mark.
-
-"Keep a sharp lookout for her. I'll tell you what you can do: stay near
-me, and if she comes prowlin' round I'll manage her."
-
-"Could you?" said Mark, quickly, who, from certain recollections, had
-considerable fear of his stout tyrant.
-
-"You may just bet on that. What you goin' to do?"
-
-"I think I shall go and get some breakfast," said Mark.
-
-"So would I, if I had any tin; but I'm dead broke,--spent my last cent
-goin' to the Old Bowery. I'll have to wait till I've had one or two
-shines before I can eat breakfast."
-
-"Are you hungry?"
-
-"I'll bet I am."
-
-"Because," said Mark, hesitating, "I'll lend you money enough for
-breakfast, and you can pay me when you earn it."
-
-"You lend me money!" exclaimed Ben, in astonishment. "Why, you haven't
-got but eight cents."
-
-"Yes, I have," said Mark, producing the two half-dollars.
-
-"Where'd you get them?" asked the boot-black, in unfeigned surprise,
-looking at Mark as if he had all at once developed into an Astor or a
-Stewart. "You haven't been begging this morning, have you?"
-
-"No," said the match boy, "and I don't mean to beg again if I can help
-it."
-
-"Then where'd you get the money?"
-
-"I don't know."
-
-"Don't know! You haven't been stealin', have you?"
-
-Mark disclaimed the imputation indignantly.
-
-"Then you found a pocket-book?"
-
-"No, I didn't."
-
-"Then where did you get the money?"
-
-"I don't know any more than you do. When I went to sleep on the boat I
-didn't have it, but this morning when I felt in my pocket it was there."
-
-"That's mighty queer," said Ben, whistling.
-
-"So I think."
-
-"It's good money, aint it?"
-
-"Try it and see."
-
-Ben tossed up one of the coins. It fell with a clear, ringing sound on
-the sidewalk.
-
-"Yes, that's good," he said. "I just wish somebody'd treat me that way.
-Maybe it's the vest? If 'tis I'd like to buy it."
-
-"I don't think it's that," said Mark, laughing.
-
-"Anyway you've got the money. I'll borrow twenty cents of you, and
-we'll go and get some breakfast."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X.
-
-ON THE WAR PATH.
-
-
-Ben led the way to a cheap restaurant, where for eighteen cents each
-of the boys got a breakfast, which to their not very fastidious tastes
-proved very satisfactory.
-
-"There," said Ben, with a sigh of satisfaction, as they rose from the
-table, "now I feel like work; I'll pay up that money afore night."
-
-"All right," said Mark.
-
-"What are you goin' to do?"
-
-"I don't know," said Mark, irresolutely.
-
-"You're a match boy,--aint you?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Where's your matches?"
-
-"In Mother Watson's room."
-
-"You might go and get 'em when she's out."
-
-"No," said Mark, shaking his head. "I won't do that."
-
-"Why not? You aint afraid to go round there,--be you?"
-
-"It isn't that,--but the matches are hers, not mine."
-
-"What's the odds?"
-
-"I won't take anything of hers."
-
-"Well, you can buy some of your own, then. You've got money enough."
-
-"So I will," said Mark. "It's lucky that money came to me in my sleep."
-
-"That's a lucky boat. I guess I'll go there and sleep to-night."
-
-Mark did as he proposed. With the money he had he was able to purchase
-a good supply of matches, and when it became light enough he began to
-vend them.
-
-Hitherto he had not been very fortunate in the disposal of his wares,
-being timid and bashful; but then he was working for Mother Watson, and
-expected to derive very little advantage for himself from his labors.
-Now he was working for himself, and this seemed to put new spirit and
-courage into him. Then again he felt that he had shaken off the hateful
-thraldom in which Mother Watson had held him, and this gave him a
-hopefulness which he had not before possessed.
-
-The consequence was that at noon he found that he had earned forty
-cents in addition to his investment. At that time, too, Ben was ready
-to pay him his loan, so that Mark found himself twenty-two cents better
-off than he had been in the morning, having a capital of a dollar and
-thirty cents, out of which, however, he must purchase his dinner.
-
-While he is getting on in such an encouraging manner we must go back to
-Mother Watson.
-
-When Mark did not return the night before she grumbled considerably,
-but no thought of his intentional desertion dawned upon her. Indeed,
-she counted upon his timidity and lack of courage, knowing well that
-a more spirited boy would have broken her chain long before. She only
-thought, therefore, that he had not got the twenty-five cents, and did
-not dare to come back, especially as she had forbidden him to do so.
-
-So, determining to give him a taste of the leather strap in the
-morning, she went to bed, first taking a fresh potation from the
-whiskey bottle, which was her constant companion.
-
-Late in the morning Mother Watson woke, feeling as usual, at that
-hour of the day, cross and uncomfortable, and with a strong desire to
-make some one else uncomfortable. But Mark, whom she usually made to
-bear the burden of her temper, was still away. For the first time the
-old woman began to feel a little apprehensive that he had deserted
-her. This was far from suiting her, as she found his earnings very
-convenient, and found it besides pleasant to have somebody to scold.
-
-She hastily dressed, without paying much attention to her toilet.
-Indeed, to do Mother Watson justice, her mind was far from being filled
-with the vanity of dress, and if she erred on that subject it was in
-the opposite extreme.
-
-When her simple toilet was accomplished she went downstairs, and
-knocked at Mrs. Flanagan's door.
-
-"Come in!" said a hearty voice.
-
-Mrs. Flanagan was hard at work at her wash-tub, and had been for a good
-couple of hours. She raised her good-natured face as the old woman
-entered.
-
-"The top of the morning to you, Mother Watson," she said. "I
-hope you're in fine health this morning, mum." "Then you'll be
-disappointed," said Mrs. Watson. "I've got a bad feeling at my stomach,
-and have it most every morning."
-
-"It's the whiskey," thought Mrs. Flanagan; but she thought it best not
-to intimate as much, as it might lead to hostilities.
-
-"Better take a cup of tea," said she.
-
-"I haven't got any," said the old woman. "I wouldn't mind a sup if
-you've got some handy."
-
-"Sit down then," said Mrs. Flanagan, hospitably. "I've got some left
-from breakfast, only it's cold, but if you'll wait a bit, I'll warm it
-over for you."
-
-Nothing loth, Mother Watson sank into a chair, and began to give a full
-account of her ailments to her neighbor, who tried hard to sympathize
-with her, though, knowing the cause of the ailments, she found this
-rather difficult.
-
-"Have you seen anything of my boy this morning?" she asked after a
-while.
-
-"What, Mark?" said Mrs. Flanagan. "Didn't he come home last night?"
-
-"No," said the old woman, "and he isn't home yet. When he does come
-I'll give him a dose of the strap. He's a bad, lazy, shiftless boy,
-and worries my life out."
-
-"You're hard on the poor boy, Mother Watson. You must remember he's but
-a wisp of a lad, and hasn't much strength."
-
-"He's strong enough," muttered Mother Watson. "It's lazy he is. Just
-let him come home, that's all!"
-
-"You told him not to come home unless he had twenty-five cents to bring
-with him."
-
-"So I did, and why didn't he do it?"
-
-"He couldn't get the money, it's likely, and he's afraid of bein' bate."
-
-"Well, he will be bate then, Mrs. Flanagan, you may be sure of that,"
-said the old woman, diving her hand into her pocket to see that the
-strap was safe.
-
-"Then you're a bad, cruel woman, to bate that poor motherless child,"
-said Mrs. Flanagan, with spirit.
-
-"Say that again, Mrs. Flanagan," ejaculated Mother Watson, irefully.
-"My hearin' isn't as good as it was, and maybe I didn't hear you right."
-
-"No wonder your hearin' isn't good," said Mrs. Flanagan, who now broke
-bounds completely. "I shouldn't think you'd have any sense left with
-the whiskey you drink."
-
-"Perhaps you mean to insult me," said the old woman, glaring at her
-hostess with one of the frowns which used to send terror to the heart
-of poor Mark.
-
-"Take it as you please, mum," said Mrs. Flanagan, intrepidly. "I'm
-entirely willin'. I've been wanting to spake my mind a long while, and
-now I've spoke it."
-
-Mother Watson clutched the end of the strap in her pocket, and eyed
-her hostess with a half wish that it would do to treat her as she had
-treated Mark so often; but Mrs. Flanagan with her strong arms and
-sturdy frame looked like an antagonist not very easily overcome, and
-Mrs. Watson forbore, though unwillingly.
-
-Meanwhile the tea was beginning to emit quite a savory odor, and the
-wily old woman thought it best to change her tactics.
-
-Accordingly she burst into tears, and, rocking backward and forward,
-declared that she was a miserable old woman, and hadn't a friend in the
-world, and succeeded in getting up such a display of misery that the
-soft heart of Mrs. Flanagan was touched, and she apologized for the
-unpleasant personal observations she had made, and hoped Mother Watson
-would take the tea.
-
-To this Mother Watson finally agreed, and intimating that she was
-faint, Mrs. Flanagan made some toast for her, of which the cunning
-old woman partook with exceeding relish, notwithstanding her state of
-unhappiness.
-
-"Come in any time, Mother Watson," said Mrs. Flanagan, "when you want a
-sip of tea, and I'll be glad to have you take some with me."
-
-"Thank you, Mrs. Flanagan; maybe I'll look in once in a while. A sip of
-tea goes to the right spot when I feel bad at my stomach."
-
-"Must you be goin', Mother Watson?"
-
-"Yes," said the old woman; "I'm goin' out on a little walk, to see my
-sister that keeps a candy-stand by the Park railins. If Mark comes in,
-will you tell him he'll find the matches upstairs?"
-
-This Mrs. Flanagan promised to do, and the old woman went downstairs,
-and into the street.
-
-But she had not stated her object quite correctly. It was true that she
-had a sister, who was in the confectionery and apple line, presiding
-over one of the stalls beside the Park railings. But the two sisters
-were not on very good terms, chiefly because the candy merchant,
-who was more industrious and correct in her habits than her sister,
-declined to lend money to Mother Watson,--a refusal which led to a
-perfect coolness between them. It was not therefore to see her that the
-old woman went out. She wanted to find Mark. She did not mean to lose
-her hold upon him, if there was any chance of retaining it, and she
-therefore made up her mind to visit the places where he was commonly to
-be found, and, when found, to bring him home, by violence, if necessary.
-
-So with an old plaid cloak depending from her broad shoulders, and her
-hand grasping the strap in her pocket, she made her way to the square,
-peering about on all sides with her ferret-like eyes in the hope of
-discovering the missing boy.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI.
-
-MARK'S VICTORY.
-
-
-Meanwhile Mark, rejoicing in his new-found freedom, had started on
-a business walk among the stores and offices at the lower part of
-Nassau Street, and among the law and banking offices of Wall Street.
-Fortunately for Mark there had been a rise in stocks, and Wall Street
-was in a good-humor. So a few of the crumbs from the tables of the
-prosperous bankers and brokers fell in his way. One man, who had just
-realized ten thousand dollars on a rise in some railway securities,
-handed Mark fifty cents, but declined to take any of his wares. So this
-was all clear profit and quite a windfall for the little match boy.
-Again, in one or two cases he received double price for some of his
-matches, and the result was that he found himself by eleven o'clock the
-possessor of two dollars and a quarter, with a few boxes of matches
-still left.
-
-Mark could hardly realize his own good fortune. Somehow it seemed a
-great deal more profitable as well as more agreeable to be in business
-for himself, than to be acting as the agent of Mother Watson. Mark
-determined that he would never go back to her unless he was actually
-obliged to do so.
-
-He wanted somebody to sympathize with him in his good fortune, and, as
-he had nearly sold out, he determined to hunt up Ben Gibson, and inform
-him of his run of luck.
-
-Ben, as he knew, was generally to be found on Nassau Street, somewhere
-near the corner of Spruce Street. He therefore turned up Nassau Street
-from Wall, and in five minutes he reached the business stand of his
-friend Ben.
-
-Ben had just finished up a job as Mark came up. His patron was a
-young man of verdant appearance, who, it was quite evident, hailed
-from the country. He wore a blue coat with brass buttons, and a tall
-hat in the style of ten years before, with an immense top. He gazed
-with complacency at the fine polish which Ben had imparted to his
-boots,--a pair of stout cowhides,--and inquired with an assumption of
-indifference:--
-
-"Well, boy, what's the tax?"
-
-"Twenty-five cents," said Ben, coolly.
-
-"Twenty-five cents!" ejaculated the customer, with a gasp of amazement.
-"Come now, you're jokin'."
-
-"No, I aint," said Ben.
-
-"You don't mean to say you charge twenty-five cents for five minutes'
-work?"
-
-"Reg'lar price," said Ben.
-
-"Why I don't get but twelve and a half cents an hour when I work out
-hayin'," said the young man in a tone expressive of his sense of the
-unfairness of the comparative compensation.
-
-"Maybe you don't have to pay a big license," said Ben.
-
-"A license for blackin' boots?" ejaculated the countryman, in surprise.
-
-"In course. I have to deposit five hundred dollars, more or less, in
-the city treasury, before I can black boots."
-
-"Five--hundred--dollars!" repeated the customer, opening his eyes wide
-at the information.
-
-"In course," said Ben. "If I didn't they'd put me in jail for a year."
-
-"And does he pay a license too?" asked the countryman, pointing to
-Mark, who had just come up.
-
-"He only has to pay two hundred and fifty dollars," said Ben. "They
-aint so hard on him as on us."
-
-The young man drew out his wallet reluctantly, and managed to raise
-twenty-three cents, which he handed to Ben.
-
-"I wouldn't have had my boots blacked, if I'd known the price," he
-said. "I could have blacked 'em myself at home. They didn't cost but
-three dollars, and it don't pay to give twenty-five cents to have 'em
-blacked."
-
-"It'll make 'em last twice as long," said Ben. "My blackin' is the
-superiorest kind, and keeps boots from wearin' out."
-
-"I havn't got the other two cents," said the young man. "Aint that near
-enough?"
-
-"It'll do," said Ben, magnanimously, "seein' you didn't know the price."
-
-The victimized customer walked away, gratified to have saved the two
-cents, but hardly reconciled to have expended almost quarter of a
-dollar on a piece of work which he might have done himself before
-leaving home.
-
-"Well, what luck, Mark?" said Ben. "I took in that chap neat, didn't I?"
-
-"But you didn't tell the truth," said Mark. "You don't have to buy a
-license."
-
-"Oh, what's the odds?" said Ben, whose ideas on the subject of truth
-were far from being strict. "It's all fair in business. Didn't that
-chap open his eyes when I told him about payin' five hundred dollars?"
-
-"I don't think it's right, Ben," said Mark, seriously.
-
-"Don't you go to preachin', Mark," said Ben, not altogether pleased.
-"You've been tied to an old woman's apron-string too long,--that's
-what's the matter with you."
-
-"Mother Watson didn't teach me the truth," said Mark. "She don't care
-whether I tell it or not except to her. It was my mother that told me I
-ought always to tell the truth."
-
-"Women don't know anything about business," said Ben. "Nobody in
-business speaks the truth. Do you see that sign?"
-
-Mark looked across the street, and saw a large placard, setting forth
-that a stock of books and stationery was selling off at less than cost.
-
-"Do you believe that?" asked Ben.
-
-"Perhaps it's true," said Mark.
-
-"Then you're jolly green, that's all I've got to lay," said Ben. "But
-you haven't told me how much you've made."
-
-"See here," said Mark, and he drew out his stock of money.
-
-"Whew!" whistled Ben, in amazement. "You're in luck. I guess you've
-been speculatin' on your license too."
-
-"No," said Mark; "one gentleman gave me fifty cents, and two others
-paid me double price."
-
-"Why, you're gettin' rich!" said Ben. "Aint you glad you've left the
-old woman?"
-
-But just then Mark lifted up his eyes, and saw a sight that blanched
-his cheek. There, bearing down upon him, and already but a few feet
-distant, was Mother Watson! She was getting over the ground as fast
-as her stoutness would allow. She had already caught sight of Mark,
-and her inflamed eyes were sparkling with triumphant joy. Mark saw
-with terror that her hand was already feeling in the pocket where she
-kept the leather strap. Much as he always feared the strap, the idea
-of having it applied to him in the public street made it even more
-distasteful.
-
-"What shall I do, Ben?" he said, clutching the arm of his companion.
-
-"What are you afraid of? Do you see a copp after you?"
-
-A "copp" is the street-boy's name for a policeman.
-
-"No," said Mark; "there's Mother Watson coming after me. Don't you see
-her?"
-
-"That's Mother Watson, is it?" asked Ben, surveying the old body with a
-critical eye. "She's a beauty, she is!"
-
-"What shall I do, Ben? She'll beat me."
-
-"No, she won't," said Ben. "You just keep quiet, and leave her to me.
-Don't be afraid. She shan't touch you."
-
-"She might strike you," said Mark, apprehensively.
-
-"She'd better not!" said Ben, very decidedly; "not unless she wants to
-be landed in the middle of next week at very short notice."
-
-By this time Mother Watson came up, puffing and panting with the
-extraordinary efforts she had made She could not speak at first, but
-stood and glared at the match boy in a vindictive way.
-
-"What's the matter with you, old lady?" asked Ben, coolly. "You aint
-took sick, be you? I'd offer to support your delicate form, but I'm
-afraid you'd be too much for me."
-
-"What do you mean by runnin' away from home, you little thief?" said
-the old woman, at length regaining her breath. Of course her remark was
-addressed to Mark.
-
-"You're very polite, old lady," said Ben; "but I've adopted that boy,
-and he's goin' to live with me now."
-
-"I aint speakin' to you, you vagabone!" said Mother Watson, "so you
-needn't give me no more of your impertinence. I'm a-speakin' to him."
-
-"I'm not going to live with you any more," said Mark, gaining a little
-courage from the coolness of his friend, the boot-black.
-
-"Aint a goin' to live with me?" gasped the old woman, who could hardly
-believe she heard aright. "Come right away, sir, or I'll drag you home."
-
-"Don't you stir, Mark," said Ben.
-
-Mother Watson drew out her strap, and tried to get at the match boy,
-but Ben put himself persistently in her way.
-
-"Clear out, you vagabone!" said the old lady, "or I'll give you
-something to make you quiet."
-
-"You'd better keep quiet yourself," said Ben, not in the least
-frightened. "Don't you be afraid, Mark. If she kicks up a rumpus, I'll
-give her over to a copp. He'll settle her."
-
-Mother Watson by this time was very much incensed. She pulled out her
-strap, and tried to get at Mark, but the boot-black foiled her efforts
-constantly.
-
-Carried away with anger, she struck Ben with the strap.
-
-"Look here, old lady," said Ben, "that's goin' a little too far. You
-won't use that strap again;" and with a dexterous and vigorous grasp he
-pulled it out of her hand.
-
-"Give me that strap, you vagabone!" screamed the old woman, furiously.
-
-"Look here, old lady, what are you up to?" demanded the voice of one
-having authority.
-
-Mother Watson, turning round, saw an object for which she never had
-much partiality,--a policeman.
-
-"O sir," said she, bursting into maudlin tears, "it's my bad boy that I
-want to come home, and he won't come."
-
-"Which is your boy,--that one?" asked the policeman, pointing to Ben
-Gibson.
-
-"No, not that vagabone!" said the old woman, spitefully. "I wouldn't
-own him. It's that other boy."
-
-"Do you belong to her?" asked the officer, addressing Mark.
-
-"No, sir," said the match boy.
-
-"He does," vociferated the old woman.
-
-"Is he your son?"
-
-"No," she said, after a moment's hesitation.
-
-"Is he any relation of yours?"
-
-"Yes, he's my nephew," said Mother Watson, making up her mind to a
-falsehood as the only means of recovering Mark.
-
-"Is this true?" asked the officer.
-
-"No, it isn't," said Mark. "She's no relation to me, but when my mother
-died she offered to take care of me. Instead of that she's half starved
-me, and beaten me with a strap when I didn't bring home as much money
-as she wanted."
-
-"Then you don't want to go back with her?"
-
-"No, I'm going to take care of myself."
-
-"Is there anybody that will prove the truth of what you say?"
-
-"Yes," said Mark, "I'll call Mrs. Flanagan."
-
-"Who is she?"
-
-"She lives in the same house with us."
-
-"Shall he call her, or will you give him up?" asked the officer. "By
-the way, I think you're the same woman I saw drunk in the street last
-week."
-
-Mother Watson took alarm at this remark, and, muttering that it was
-hard upon a poor widder woman to take her only nephew from her,
-shuffled off, leaving Mark and Ben in full possession of the field,
-with the terrible strap thrown in as a trophy of the victory they had
-won.
-
-"I know her of old," said the policeman. "I guess you'll do as well
-without her as with her."
-
-Satisfied that there would be no more trouble, he resumed his walk, and
-Mark felt that now in truth he was free and independent.
-
-As Mother Watson will not reappear in this story, it may be said that
-only a fortnight later she was arrested for an assault upon her sister,
-the proprietor of the apple-stand, from whom she had endeavored in
-vain to extort a loan, and was sentenced to the island for a period of
-three months, during which she ceased to grace metropolitan society.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XII.
-
-THE NEWSBOYS' LODGING HOUSE.
-
-
-When Mother Watson had turned the corner, Mark breathed a sigh of
-relief.
-
-"Don't you think she'll come back again?" he asked anxiously of Ben
-Gibson.
-
-"No," said Ben, "she's scared of the copp. If she ever catches you
-alone, and tries to come any of her games, just call a copp, and she'll
-be in a hurry to leave."
-
-"Well," said Mark, "I guess I'll try to sell the rest of my matches. I
-haven't got but a few."
-
-"All right; I'll try for another shine, and then we'll go and have some
-dinner. I'd like to get hold of another greeny."
-
-Mark started with his few remaining matches. The feeling that he was
-his own master, and had a little hoard of money for present expenses,
-gave him courage, and he was no longer deterred by his usual timidity.
-In an hour he had succeeded in getting rid of all his matches, and he
-was now the possessor of two dollars and seventy-five cents, including
-the money Ben Gibson owed him. Ben also was lucky enough to get two
-ten-cent customers, which helped his receipts by twenty cents. Ben,
-it may be remarked, was not an advocate of the one-price system.
-He blacked boots for five cents when he could get no more. When he
-thought there was a reasonable prospect of getting ten cents, that was
-his price. Sometimes, as in the case of the young man from the rural
-districts, he advanced his fee to twenty-five cents. I don't approve
-Ben's system for my part. I think it savors considerably of sharp
-practice, and that fair prices in the long run are the best for all
-parties.
-
-The boys met again at one o'clock, and adjourned to a cheap underground
-restaurant on Nassau Street, where they obtained what seemed to them a
-luxurious meal of beefsteak, with a potato, a small plate of bread, and
-a cup of what went by the name of coffee. The steak was not quite up
-to the same article at Delmonico's, and there might be some reasonable
-doubts as to whether the coffee was a genuine article; but as neither
-of the boys knew the difference, we may quote Ben's familiar phrase,
-and say, "What's the odds?"
-
-Indeed, the free and easy manner in which Ben threw himself back in his
-chair, and the condescending manner in which he assured the waiter that
-the steak was "a prime article," could hardly have been surpassed in
-the most aristocratic circles.
-
-"Well, Mark, have you had enough?" asked Ben.
-
-"Yes," said Mark.
-
-"Well, I haven't," said Ben. "I guess I'll have some puddin'. Look
-here, Johnny," to the colored waiter, "just bring a feller a plate of
-apple dump with both kinds of sauce."
-
-After giving this liberal order Ben tilted his chair back, and began to
-pick his teeth with his fork. He devoted himself with assiduity to the
-consumption of the pudding, and concluded his expensive repast by the
-purchase of a two-cent cigar, with which he ascended to the street.
-
-"Better have a cigar, Mark," he said.
-
-"No, thank you," said the match boy. "I think I'd rather not."
-
-"Oh, you're feared of being sick. You'll come to it in time. All
-business men smoke."
-
-It is unnecessary to dwell upon the events of the afternoon. Mark was
-satisfied with the result of his morning's work, and waited about with
-Ben till the close of the afternoon, when the question came up, as to
-where the night should be passed.
-
-"I guess we'd better go to the Lodge," said Ben. "Were you ever there?"
-
-"No," said Mark.
-
-"Well, come along. They'll give us a jolly bed, all for six cents, and
-there's a good, warm room to stay in. Then we can get breakfast in the
-mornin' for six cents more."
-
-"All right," said Mark. "We'll go."
-
-The down-town Newsboys' Lodging House was at that time located at
-the corner of Fulton and Nassau Streets. It occupied the fifth and
-sixth stories of the building then known as the "Sun" building, owned
-by Moses S. Beach, the publisher of that journal. In the year 1868
-circumstances rendered it expedient to remove the Lodge to a building
-in Park Place. It is to be hoped that at some day not far distant the
-Children's Aid Society, who carry on this beneficent institution, will
-be able to erect a building of their own in some eligible locality,
-which can be permanently devoted to a purpose so praiseworthy.
-
-Ben and Mark soon reached the entrance to the Lodge on Fulton Street.
-They ascended several flights of narrow stairs till they reached the
-top story. Then, opening a door at the left, they found themselves in
-the main room of the Lodge. It was a low-studded room of considerable
-dimensions, amply supplied with windows, looking out on Fulton and
-Nassau Streets. At the side nearest the door was a low platform,
-separated from the rest of the room by a railing. On this platform
-were a table and two or three chairs. This was the place for the
-superintendent, and for gentlemen who from time to time address the
-boys.
-
-The superintendent at that time was Mr. Charles O'Connor, who still
-retains the office. Probably no one could be found better adapted to
-the difficult task of managing the class of boys who avail themselves
-of the good offices of the Newsboys' Home. His mild yet firm manner,
-and more than all the conviction that he is their friend, and feels a
-hearty interest in their welfare, secure a degree of decorum and good
-behavior which could hardly be anticipated. Oaths and vulgar speech,
-however common in the street, are rarely heard here, or, if heard, meet
-with instant rebuke.
-
-The superintendent was in the room when Ben and Mark entered.
-
-"Well, Ben, what luck have you had to-day?" said Mr. O'Connor.
-
-"Pretty good," said Ben.
-
-"And who is that with you?"
-
-"Mother Watson's nephew," said Ben, with a grimace.
-
-"He's only joking, sir," said Mark. "My name is Mark Manton."
-
-"I am glad to see you, Mark," said the superintendent. "What is your
-business?"
-
-"I sell matches, sir."
-
-"Have you parents living?"
-
-"No, sir; they are both dead."
-
-"Where have you been living?"
-
-"In Vandewater Street."
-
-"With any one?"
-
-"Yes, with a woman they call Mother Watson."
-
-"Is she a relation of yours?"
-
-"No, sir," said Mark, hastily.
-
-"What sort of a woman is she?"
-
-"Bad enough, sir. She gets drunk about every day and used to beat me
-with a strap when I did not bring home as much money as she expected."
-
-"So you have left her?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"Have you ever been up here before?"
-
-"No, sir."
-
-"I suppose you know the rules of the place."
-
-"Yes, sir; Ben has told me."
-
-"You had better go and wash. We shall have supper pretty quick. Have
-you any money?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-Mark took out his hoard of money, and showed it to the superintendent,
-who was surprised at the amount.
-
-"How did you get so much?" he asked.
-
-"Part of it was given me," said Mark.
-
-"What are you going to do with it? You don't need it all?"
-
-"Will you keep it for me, sir?"
-
-"I will put as much of it as you can spare into the bank for you. This
-is our bank."
-
-He pointed to a table beside the railing on the outside. The top of
-it was pierced with narrow slits, each having a number attached. Each
-compartment was assigned to any boy who desired it, and his daily
-earnings were dropped in at the end of the day. Once a month the bank
-was opened, and the depositor was at liberty to withdraw his savings if
-he desired it. This is an excellent arrangement, as it has a tendency
-to teach frugal habits to the young patrons of the Lodge. Extravagance
-is one of their besetting sins. Many average a dollar and over as
-daily earnings, yet are always ragged and out at elbows, and often are
-unsupplied with the small price of a night's lodging at the Home. The
-money is squandered on gambling, cigars, and theatre-going, while the
-same sum would make them comfortable and independent of charity. The
-disposition to save is generally the first encouraging symptom in a
-street boy, and shows that he has really a desire to rise above his
-circumstances, and gain a respectable position in the world.
-
-Ben, who had long frequented the Lodging House off and on, led the
-way to the washing-room, where Mark, to his satisfaction, was able to
-cleanse himself from the dust and impurity of the street. At Mother
-Watson's he had had no accommodations of the kind, as the old lady was
-not partial to water either internally or externally. He was forced to
-snatch such opportunities as he could find.
-
-"Now," said Ben, "we'll go into the gymnasium."
-
-A room opposite the main room had been fitted up with a few of the
-principal appliances of a gymnasium, and these were already in use by
-quite a number of boys.
-
-Mark looked on, but did not participate, partly from bashfulness, and
-partly because he did not very well understand the use of the different
-appliances.
-
-"How do you like it?" asked Ben.
-
-"Very much," said Mark, with satisfaction. "I'm glad you brought me
-here."
-
-"I'll show you the beds by and by," said Ben.
-
-The rooms on the floor below were used for lodging. Tiers of neat beds,
-some like those in a steamboat or a hospital, filled a large room.
-They were very neat in appearance, and looked comfortable. In order to
-insure their continuing neat, the superintendent requires such as need
-it to wash their feet before retiring to bed.
-
-The supper was of course plain, but of good quality and sufficient
-quantity.
-
-About nine o'clock Mark got into the neat bed which was assigned
-him, and felt that it was more satisfactory even than the cabin of a
-Brooklyn ferry-boat. He slept peacefully except towards morning, when
-he dreamed that his old persecutor, Mother Watson, was about to apply
-the dreaded strap. He woke up terrified, but soon realized with deep
-satisfaction that he was no longer in her clutches.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIII.
-
-WHAT BEFELL THE MATCH BOY.
-
-
-During the next three months Mark made his home at the Lodging House.
-He was easily able to meet the small charges of the Lodge for bed and
-breakfast, and saved up ten dollars besides in the bank. Ben Gibson
-began to look upon him as quite a capitalist.
-
-"I don't see how you save up so much money, Mark," he said. "You don't
-earn more'n half as much as I do."
-
-"It's because you spend so much, Ben. It costs you considerable for
-cigars and such things, you know, and then you go to the Old Bowery
-pretty often."
-
-"A feller must have some fun," said Ben. "They've got a tearin' old
-play at the Bowery now. You'd better come to-night."
-
-Mark shook his head.
-
-"I feel pretty tired when it comes night," he said. "I'd rather stay at
-home."
-
-"You aint so tough as I am," said Ben.
-
-"No," said Mark, "I don't feel very strong. I think something's the
-matter with me."
-
-"Nothin' aint ever the matter with me," said Ben, complacently; "but
-you're a puny little chap, that look as if you might blow away some
-day."
-
-It was now April, and the weather was of that mild character that saps
-the strength and produces a feeling of weakness and debility. Mark had
-been exposed during the winter to the severity of stormy weather, and
-more than once got thoroughly drenched. It was an exposure that Ben
-would only have laughed at, but Mark was slightly built, without much
-strength of constitution, and he had been feeling very languid for a
-few days, so that it was with an effort that he dragged himself round
-during the day with his little bundle of matches.
-
-This conversation with Ben took place in the morning just as both boys
-were going to work.
-
-They separated at the City Hall Park, Ben finding a customer in front
-of the "Times" building, while Mark, after a little deliberation,
-decided to go on to Pearl Street with his matches. He had visited the
-offices in most of the lower streets, but this was a new region to him,
-and he thought he might meet with better success there. So he kept on
-his way.
-
-The warm sun and the sluggish air made his head ache, and he felt
-little disposition to offer his wares for sale. He called at one or two
-offices, but effected no sales. At length he reached a large warehouse
-with these names displayed on the sign over the door:--
-
-  "ROCKWELL & COOPER."
-
-This, as the reader will remember, was the establishment in which
-Richard Hunter, formerly Ragged Dick, was now book-keeper.
-
-At this point a sudden faintness came over Mark, and he sank to the
-ground insensible.
-
-A moment before Richard Hunter handed a couple of letters to the office
-boy,--known to the readers of the earlier volumes in this series as
-Micky Maguire,--and said, "Michael, I should like to have you carry
-these at once to the post-office. On the way you may stop at Trescott
-& Wayne's, and get this bill cashed, if possible."
-
-"All right, Mr. Hunter," said Michael, respectfully.
-
-Richard Hunter and Micky Maguire had been boot-blacks together, and
-had had more than one contest for the supremacy. They had been sworn
-enemies, and Micky had done his utmost to injure Richard, but the
-latter, by his magnanimity, had finally wholly overcome the antipathy
-of his former foe, and, when opportunity offered, had lifted him to a
-position in the office where he was himself employed. In return, Micky
-had become an enthusiastic admirer of Richard, and, so far from taking
-advantage of their former relations, had voluntarily taken up the habit
-of addressing him as Mr. Hunter.
-
-Michael went out on his errand, but just outside the door came near
-stepping upon the prostrate form of the little match boy.
-
-"Get up here!" he said, roughly, supposing at first that Mark had
-thrown himself down out of laziness and gone to sleep.
-
-Mark didn't answer, and Micky, bending over, saw his fixed expression
-and waxen pallor.
-
-"Maybe the little chap's dead," he thought, startled, and, without
-more ado, took him up in his strong arms and carried him into the
-counting-room.
-
-"Who have you got there, Michael?" asked Richard Hunter, turning round
-in surprise.
-
-"A little match boy that was lyin' just outside the door. He looks as
-if he might be dead."
-
-Richard jumped at once from his stool, and, approaching the boy, looked
-earnestly in his face.
-
-"He has fainted away," he said, after a pause. "Bring some water,
-quick!"
-
-Micky brought a glass of water, which was thrown in the face of Mark.
-The match boy gave a little shiver, and, opening his eyes, fixed them
-upon Richard Hunter.
-
-"Where am I?" he asked, vacantly.
-
-"You are with friends," said Richard, gently. "You were found at our
-door faint. Do you feel sick?"
-
-"I feel weak," said Mark.
-
-"Have you been well lately?"
-
-"No, I've felt tired and weak."
-
-"Are you a match boy?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Have you parents living?"
-
-"No," said Mark.
-
-"Poor fellow!" said Richard. "I know how to pity you. I have no parents
-either."
-
-"But you have got money," said Mark. "You don't have to live in the
-street."
-
-"I was once a street boy like you."
-
-"You!" repeated the match boy, in surprise.
-
-"Yes. But where do you sleep?"
-
-"At the Lodging House."
-
-"It is a good place. Michael, you had better go to the post-office now."
-
-Mark looked about him a little anxiously.
-
-"Where are my matches?" he asked.
-
-"Just outside; I'll get them," said Michael, promptly.
-
-He brought them in, and then departed on his errand.
-
-"I guess I'd better be going," said Mark, rising feebly.
-
-"No," said Richard. "You are not able. Come here and sit down. You will
-feel stronger by and by. Did you eat any breakfast this morning?"
-
-"A little," said Mark, "but I was not very hungry."
-
-"Do you think you could eat anything now?" Mark shook his head.
-
-"No," he said, "I don't feel hungry. I only feel tired."
-
-"Would you like to rest?"
-
-"Yes. That's all I want."
-
-"Come here then, and I will see what I can do for you."
-
-Mark followed his new friend into the warehouse, where Richard found
-a soft bale of cotton, and told Mark he might lie down upon it. This
-the poor boy was glad enough to do. In his weakness he was disposed
-to sleep, and soon closed his eyes in slumber. Several times Richard
-went out to look at him, but found him dozing, and was unwilling to
-interrupt him.
-
-The day wore away, and afternoon came.
-
-Mark got up from his cotton bale, and with unsteady steps came to the
-door of the counting-room.
-
-"I'm going," he said.
-
-Richard turned round.
-
-"Where are you going?"
-
-"I'm going to the Lodge. I think I won't sell any more matches to-day."
-
-"I'll take all you've left," said Richard. "Don't trouble yourself
-about them. But you are not going to the Lodge."
-
-Mark looked at him in surprise.
-
-"I shall take you home with me to-night," he said. "You are not well,
-and I will look after you. At the Lodge there will be a crowd of boys,
-and the noise will do you harm."
-
-"You are very kind," said Mark; "but I'm afraid I'll trouble you."
-
-"No," said Richard, "I shan't count it a trouble. I was once a poor boy
-like you, and I found friends. I'll be your friend. Go back and lie
-down again, and in about an hour I shall be ready to take you with me."
-
-It seemed strange to Mark to think that there was somebody who proposed
-to protect and look after him. In many of the offices which he visited
-he met with rough treatment, and was ordered out of the way, as if he
-were a dog, and without human feelings. Many who treated him in this
-way were really kind-hearted men who had at home children whom they
-loved, but they appeared to forget that these neglected children of the
-street had feelings and wants as well as their own, who were tenderly
-nurtured. They did not remember that they were somebody's children,
-and that cold, and harshness, and want were as hard for them to bear
-as for those in a higher rank of life. But Mark was in that state of
-weakness when it seemed sweet to throw off all care or thought for the
-future, and to sink back upon the soft bale with the thought that he
-had nothing to do but to rest.
-
-"That boy is going to be sick," thought Richard Hunter to himself. "I
-think he is going to have a fever."
-
-It was because of this thought that he decided to carry him home. He
-had a kind heart, and he knew how terrible a thing sickness is to these
-little street waifs, who have no mother or sister to smooth their
-pillows, or cheer them with gentle words. The friendless condition of
-the little match boy touched his heart, and he resolved that, as he had
-the means of taking care of him, he would do so.
-
-"Michael," he said, at the close of business hours, "I wish you would
-call a hack."
-
-"What, to come here?" asked Micky, surprised.
-
-"Yes. I am going to take that little boy home with me. I think he is
-going to be sick, and I am afraid he would have a hard time of it if I
-sent him back into the street."
-
-"Bully for you, Mr. Hunter!" said Micky, who, though rough in his
-outward manners, was yet capable of appreciating kindness in others.
-There were times indeed in the past when he had treated smaller boys
-brutally, but it was under the influence of passion. He had improved
-greatly since, and his better nature was beginning to show itself.
-
-Micky went out, and soon returned in state inside a hack. He was
-leaning back, thinking it would be a very good thing if he had a
-carriage of his own to ride in. But I am afraid that day will never
-come. Micky has already turned out much better than was expected, but
-he is hardly likely to rise much higher than the subordinate position
-he now occupies. In capacity and education he is far inferior to his
-old associate, Richard Hunter, who is destined to rise much higher than
-at present.
-
-Richard Hunter went to the rear of the warehouse where Mark still lay
-on his bale.
-
-"Come," he said; "we'll go home now."
-
-Mark rose from his recumbent position, and walked to the door. He saw
-with surprise the carriage, the door of which Micky Maguire held open.
-
-"Are we going to ride in that?" he asked.
-
-"Yes," said Richard Hunter. "Let me help you in."
-
-The little match boy sank back in the soft seat in vague surprise at
-his good luck. He could not help wondering what Ben Gibson would say if
-he could see him now.
-
-Richard Hunter sat beside him, and supported Mark's head. The driver
-whipped up his horse, and they were speedily on their way up the Bowery
-to St. Mark's Place.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIV.
-
-RICHARD HUNTER'S WARD.
-
-
-It was about half-past five o'clock in the afternoon when the carriage
-containing Richard Hunter and the match boy stopped in front of his
-boarding-place in St. Mark's Place. Richard helped the little boy out,
-saying, cheerfully, "Well, we've got home."
-
-"Is this where you live?" asked Mark, faintly.
-
-"Yes. How do you like it?"
-
-"It's a nice place. I am afraid you are taking too much trouble about
-me."
-
-"Don't think of that. Come in."
-
-Richard had ascended the front steps, after paying the hackman, and
-taking out his night-key opened the outside door.
-
-"Come upstairs," he said.
-
-They ascended two flights of stairs, and Richard threw open the door
-of his room. A fire was already burning in the grate, and it looked
-bright and cheerful.
-
-"Do you feel tired?" asked Richard.
-
-"Yes, a little."
-
-"Then lie right down on the bed. You are hungry too,--are you not?"
-
-"A little."
-
-"I will have something sent up to you."
-
-Just then Fosdick, who, it will be remembered, was Richard Hunter's
-room-mate, entered the room. He looked with surprise at Mark, and then
-inquiringly at Richard.
-
-"It is a little match boy," explained the latter, "who fell in a
-fainting-fit in front of our office. I think the poor fellow is going
-to be sick, so I brought him home, and mean to take care of him till he
-is well."
-
-"You must let me share the expense, Dick," said Fosdick.
-
-"No, but I'll let you share the care of him. That will do just as well."
-
-"But I would rather share the expense. He reminds me of the way I was
-situated when I fell in with you. What is your name?"
-
-"Mark Manton," said the match boy.
-
-"I've certainly seen him somewhere before," said Fosdick, reflectively.
-"His face looks familiar to me."
-
-"So it does to me. Perhaps I've seen him about the streets somewhere."
-
-"I have it," said Fosdick, suddenly; "don't you remember the boy we saw
-sleeping in the cabin of the Fulton Ferry-boat?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"I think he is the one. Mark," he continued, turning to the match boy,
-"didn't you sleep one night on a Brooklyn ferry-boat about three months
-ago?"
-
-"Yes," said Mark.
-
-"And did you find anything in your vest-pocket in the morning?"
-
-"Yes," said the match boy with interest. "I found a dollar, and didn't
-know where it came from. Was it you that put it in?"
-
-"He had a hand in it," said Fosdick, pointing with a smile to his
-room-mate.
-
-"I was very glad to get it," said Mark. "I only had eight cents
-besides, and that gave me enough to buy some matches. That was at the
-time I ran away."
-
-"Who did you run away from?"
-
-"From Mother Watson."
-
-"Mother Watson?" repeated Dick. "I wonder if I don't know her. She is a
-very handsome old lady, with a fine red complexion, particularly about
-the nose."
-
-"Yes," said Mark, with a smile.
-
-"And she takes whiskey when she can get it?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"How did you fall in with her?"
-
-"She promised to take care of me when my mother died, but instead of
-that she wanted me to earn money for her."
-
-"Yes, she was always a very disinterested old lady. So it appears you
-didn't like her as a guardian?"
-
-"No."
-
-"Then suppose you take me. Would you like to be my ward?"
-
-"I think I would, but I don't know what it means," said Mark.
-
-"It means that I'm to look after you," said Dick, "just as if I was
-your uncle or grandfather. You may call me grandfather if you want to."
-
-"Oh, you're too young," said Mark, amused in spite of his weakness.
-
-"Then we won't decide just at present about the name. But I forgot all
-about your being hungry."
-
-"I'm not very hungry."
-
-"At any rate you haven't had anything to eat since morning, and need
-something. I'll go down and see Mrs. Wilson about it."
-
-Richard Hunter soon explained matters to Mrs. Wilson, to whom he
-offered to pay an extra weekly sum for Mark, and arranged that a small
-single bed should be placed in one corner of the room temporarily in
-which the match boy should sleep. He speedily reappeared with a bowl of
-broth, a cup of tea, and some dry toast. The sight of these caused the
-match boy's eyes to brighten, and he was able to do very good justice
-to all.
-
-"Now," said Richard Hunter, "I will call in a doctor, and find out what
-is the matter with my little ward."
-
-In the course of the evening Dr. Pemberton, a young dispensary
-physician, whose acquaintance Richard had casually made, called at his
-request and looked at the patient.
-
-"He is not seriously sick," he pronounced. "It is chiefly debility that
-troubles him, brought on probably by exposure, and over-exertion in
-this languid spring weather."
-
-"Then you don't think he is going to have a fever?" said Dick.
-
-"No, not if he remains under your care. Had he continued in the street,
-I think he would not have escaped one."
-
-"What shall we do for him?"
-
-"Rest is most important of all. That, with nourishing food and freedom
-from exposure, will soon bring him round again."
-
-"He shall have all these."
-
-"I suppose you know him, as you take so much interest in him?"
-
-"No, I never saw him but once before to-day, but I am able to befriend
-him, and he has no other friends."
-
-"There are not many young men who would take all this trouble about a
-poor match boy," said the doctor.
-
-"It's because they don't know how hard it is to be friendless and
-neglected," said Dick. "I've known that feeling, and it makes me pity
-those who are in the same condition I once was."
-
-"I wish there were more like you, Mr. Hunter," said Dr. Pemberton.
-"There would be less suffering in the world. As to our little patient
-here, I have no doubt he will do well, and soon be on his legs again."
-
-Indeed Mark was already looking better and feeling better. The rest
-which he had obtained during the day, and the refreshment he had just
-taken, were precisely what he needed. He soon fell asleep, and Richard
-and Fosdick, lighting the gas lamp on the centre-table, sat down to
-their evening studies.
-
-In a few days Mark was decidedly better, but it was thought best that
-he should still keep the room. He liked it very well in the evening
-when Dick and Fosdick were at home, but he felt rather lonesome in the
-daytime. Richard Hunter thought of this one day, and said, "Can you
-read, Mark?"
-
-"Yes," said the match boy.
-
-"Who taught you? Not Mother Watson, surely."
-
-"No, she couldn't read herself. It was my mother who taught me."
-
-"I think I must get you two or three books of stories to read while we
-are away in the daytime."
-
-"You are spending too much money for me, Mr Hunter."
-
-"Remember I am your guardian, and it is my duty to take care of you."
-
-The next morning on his way down town, Richard Hunter stepped into a
-retail bookstore on Broadway. As he entered, a boy, if indeed it be
-allowable to apply such a term to a personage so consequential in his
-manners, came forward.
-
-"What, Roswell Crawford, are you here?" asked Richard Hunter, in
-surprise.
-
-Roswell, who has already been mentioned in this story, and who figured
-considerably in previous volumes of this series, answered rather
-stiffly to this salutation.
-
-"Yes," he said. "I am here for a short time. I came in to oblige Mr.
-Baker."
-
-"You were always very obliging, Roswell," said Richard, good-humoredly.
-
-Roswell did not appear to appreciate this compliment. He probably
-thought it savored of irony.
-
-"Do you want to buy anything this morning?" he said, shortly.
-
-"Yes; I would like to look at some books of fairy stories."
-
-"For your own reading, I suppose," said Roswell.
-
-"I may read them, but I am getting them for my ward."
-
-"Is he a boot-black?" sneered Roswell, who knew all about Dick's early
-career.
-
-"No," said Richard, "he's a match boy; so if you've got any books that
-you can warrant to be just the thing for match boys, I should like to
-see them."
-
-"We don't have many customers of that class," said Roswell,
-unpleasantly. "They generally go to cheaper establishments, when they
-are able to read."
-
-"Do they?" said Dick. "I'm glad you've got into a place where you
-only meet the cream of society," and Dick glanced significantly at a
-red-nosed man who came in to buy a couple of sheets of notepaper.
-
-Roswell colored.
-
-"There are some exceptions," he said, and glanced pointedly at Richard
-Hunter himself.
-
-"Well," said Dick, after looking over a collection of juvenile books,
-"I'll take these two."
-
-He drew out his pocket-book, and handed Roswell a ten-dollar bill.
-Roswell changed it with a feeling of jealousy and envy. He was the "son
-of a gentleman," as he often boasted, but he never had a ten-dollar
-bill in his pocket. Indeed, he was now working for six dollars a week,
-and glad to get that, after having been out of a situation for several
-months.
-
-Just then Mr. Gladden, of the large down-town firm of Gladden & Co.,
-came into the store, and, seeing Richard, saluted him cordially.
-
-"How are you this morning, Mr. Hunter?" he said. "Are you on your way
-down town?"
-
-"Yes, sir," said Richard.
-
-"Come with me. We will take an omnibus together;" and the two walked
-out of the store in familiar conversation.
-
-"I shouldn't think such a man as Mr. Gladden would notice a low
-boot-black," said Roswell, bitterly.
-
-The rest of the day he was made unhappy by the thought of Dick's
-prosperity, and his own hard fate, in being merely a clerk in a
-bookstore with a salary of six dollars a week.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XV.
-
-MARK GETS A PLACE.
-
-
-In a week from the purchase of the books, Mark felt that he was fully
-recovered. He never had much color, but the unhealthy pallor had left
-his cheeks, and he had an excellent appetite.
-
-"Well, Mark, how do you feel to-night?" asked Richard, on his return
-from the store one evening.
-
-"I'm all right, now, Mr. Hunter. I think I will go to work to-morrow
-morning."
-
-"What sort of work?"
-
-"Selling matches."
-
-"Do you like to sell matches?"
-
-"I like it better than selling papers, or blacking boots."
-
-"But wouldn't you like better to be in a store?"
-
-"I couldn't get a place," said Mark.
-
-"Why not?"
-
-"My clothes are ragged," said the match boy with some hesitation.
-"Besides I haven't got anybody to refer to."
-
-"Can't you refer to your guardian?" asked Richard Hunter, smiling.
-
-"Do you think I had better try to get a place in a store, Mr. Hunter?"
-asked Mark.
-
-"Yes, I think it would be much better for you than to sell matches on
-the street. You are not a strong boy, and the exposure is not good
-for you. As to your clothes, we'll see if we cannot supply you with
-something better than you have on."
-
-"But," said Mark, "I want to pay for my clothes myself. I have got ten
-dollars in the bank at the Newsboys' Lodge."
-
-"Very well. You can go down to-morrow morning and get it. But we
-needn't wait for that. I will go and get you some clothes before I go
-to business."
-
-In the morning Richard Hunter went out with the match boy, and for
-twenty dollars obtained for him a very neat gray suit, besides a supply
-of under-clothing. Mark put them on at once, and felt not a little
-pleased with the improvement in his appearance.
-
-"You can carry your old clothes to Mr. O'Connor," said Richard. "They
-are not very good, but they are better than none, and he may have an
-opportunity of giving them away."
-
-"You have been very kind to me, Mr. Hunter," said Mark, gratefully.
-"Good-by."
-
-"Good-by? What makes you say that?"
-
-"Because I am going now to the Newsboys' Lodge."
-
-"Yes, but you are coming back again."
-
-"But I think I had better go there to live now. It will be much
-cheaper, and I ought not to put you to so much expense."
-
-"You're a good boy, Mark, but you must remember that I am your
-guardian, and am to be obeyed as such. You're not going back to
-the Lodge to live. I have arranged to have you stay with me at my
-boarding-place. As soon as you have got a place you will work in the
-daytime, and every Saturday night you will bring me your money. In the
-evening I shall have you study a little, for I don't want you to grow
-up as ignorant as I was at your age."
-
-"Were you ignorant, Mr. Hunter?" asked Mark, with interest.
-
-"Yes, I was," said Richard. "When I was fourteen, I couldn't read nor
-write."
-
-"I can hardly believe that, Mr. Hunter," said Mark. "You're such a fine
-scholar."
-
-"Am I?" asked Richard, smiling, yet well pleased with the compliment.
-
-"Why, you can read French as fast as I can read English, and write
-beautifully."
-
-"Well, I had to work hard to do it," said Richard Hunter. "But I
-feel paid for all the time I've spent in trying to improve myself.
-Sometimes I've thought I should like to spend the evening at some place
-of amusement rather than in study; but if I had, there'd be nothing
-to show for it now. Take my advice, Mark, and study all you can, and
-you'll grow up respectable and respected."
-
-"Now," he added, after a pause, "I'll tell you what you may do. You
-may look in my 'Herald' every morning, and whenever you see a boy
-advertised for you can call, or whenever, in going along the street,
-you see a notice 'Boy wanted,' you may call in, and sooner or later
-you'll get something. If they ask for references, you may refer to
-Richard Hunter, book-keeper for Rockwell & Cooper."
-
-"Thank you, Mr. Hunter," said Mark. "I will do so."
-
-On parting with his guardian the match boy went down town to the
-Lodging House. The superintendent received him kindly.
-
-"I didn't know what had become of you, Mark," he said. "If it had been
-some of the boys, I should have been afraid they had got into a scrape,
-and gone to the Island. But I didn't think that of you."
-
-"I hope you'll never hear that of me, Mr. O'Connor," said Mark.
-
-"I hope not. I'm always sorry to hear of any boy's going astray.
-But you seem to have been doing well since I saw you;" and the
-superintendent glanced at Mark's new clothes.
-
-"I've met with some kind friends," said the match boy. "I have been
-sick, and they took care of me."
-
-"And now you have come back to the Lodge."
-
-"Yes, but not to stay. I came for the money that I have saved up in the
-bank. It is going for these clothes."
-
-"Very well. You shall have it. What is the name of the friend who has
-taken care of you?"
-
-"Richard Hunter."
-
-"I know him," said the superintendent. "He is an excellent young man.
-You could not be in better hands."
-
-On leaving the Lodge Mark felt a desire to find his old ally, Ben
-Gibson, who, though rather a rough character, had been kind to him.
-
-Ben was not difficult to find. During business hours he was generally
-posted on Nassau Street, somewhere between Fulton Street and Spruce
-Street.
-
-He was just polishing off a customer's boots when Mark came up, and
-touched him lightly on the shoulder. Ben looked up, but did not at
-first recognize the match boy in the neatly dressed figure before him.
-
-"Shine yer boots!" he asked, in a professional tone.
-
-"Why, Ben, don't you know me?" asked Mark, laughing.
-
-"My eyes, if it aint Mark, the match boy!" exclaimed Ben, in surprise.
-"Where've you been all this while, Mark?"
-
-"I've been sick, Ben."
-
-"I'd like to be sick too, if that's the way you got them clo'es. I
-didn't know what had 'come of you."
-
-"I found some good friends," said Mark.
-
-"If your friends have got any more good clo'es they want to get rid
-of," said Ben, "tell 'em you know a chap that can take care of a few.
-Are you in the match business now?"
-
-"I haven't been doing anything for three weeks," said Mark.
-
-"Goin' to sell matches again?"
-
-"No."
-
-"Sellin' papers?"
-
-"No, I'm trying to find a place in a store."
-
-"I don't think I'd like to be in a store," said Ben, reflectively.
-"I'm afraid my delicate constitution couldn't stand the confinement.
-Besides, I'm my own boss now, and don't have nobody to order me round."
-
-"But you don't expect to black boots all your life, Ben, do you?"
-
-"I dunno," said Ben. "Maybe when I'm married, I'll choose some other
-business. It would be rather hard to support a family at five cents a
-shine. Are you comin' to the Lodge to-night?"
-
-"No," said Mark, "I'm boarding up at St. Mark's Place."
-
-"Mother Watson hasn't opened a fashionable boardin'-house up there, has
-she?"
-
-"I guess not," said Mark, smiling. "I can't think what has become of
-her. I haven't seen her since the day she tried to carry me off."
-
-"I've heard of her," said Ben. "She's stoppin' with some friends at the
-Island. They won't let her come away on account of likin' her company
-so much."
-
-"I hope I shall never see her again," said Mark, with a shudder. "She
-is a wicked old woman. But I must be going, Ben."
-
-"I s'pose you'll come and see a feller now and then."
-
-"Yes, Ben, when I get time. But I hope to get a place soon."
-
-Mark walked leisurely up Broadway. Having been confined to the house
-for three weeks, he enjoyed the excitement of being out in the street
-once more. The shop windows looked brighter and gayer than before, and
-the little match boy felt that the world was a very pleasant place
-after all.
-
-He had passed Eighth Street before he was fairly aware of the distance
-he had traversed. He found himself looking into the window of a
-bookstore. While examining the articles in the window his eye suddenly
-caught the notice pasted in the middle of the glass on a piece of white
-paper:--
-
-  "BOY WANTED."
-
-"Perhaps they'll take me," thought Mark, suddenly. "At any rate I'll go
-in and see."
-
-Accordingly he entered the store, and looked about him a little
-undecidedly.
-
-"Well, sonny, what do you want?" asked a clerk.
-
-"I see that you want a boy," said Mark.
-
-"Yes. Do you want a place?"
-
-"I am trying to get one."
-
-"Well, go and see that gentleman about it."
-
-He pointed to a gentleman who was seated at a desk in the corner of the
-store.
-
-"Please, sir, do you want a boy?" he asked.
-
-"Yes," said the gentleman. "How old are you?"
-
-"Ten years old."
-
-"You are rather young. Have you been in any place before?"
-
-"No, sir."
-
-"Do you know your way about the city pretty well?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"I want a boy to deliver papers and magazines, and carry small parcels
-of books. Do you think you could do that?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"Without stopping to play on the way?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"I have just discharged one boy, because he was gone an hour and a
-half on an errand to Twentieth Street. You are the first boy that has
-answered my advertisement. I'll try you on a salary of three dollars a
-week, if you can go to work at once. What is your name?"
-
-"Mark Manton."
-
-"Very well, Mark. Go to Mr. Jones, behind the counter there, and he
-will give you a parcel to carry to West Twenty-First Street."
-
-"I'm in luck," thought Mark. "I didn't expect to get a place so
-easily."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVI.
-
-MARK'S FIRST IMPRESSIONS.
-
-
-Probably my readers already understand that the bookstore in which Mark
-has secured a place is the same in which Roswell Crawford is employed.
-This circumstance, if Mark had only known it, was likely to make his
-position considerably less desirable than it would otherwise have been.
-Mr. Baker, the proprietor of the store, was very considerate in his
-treatment of those in his employ, and Mr. Jones, his chief clerk, was
-good-natured and pleasant. But Roswell was very apt to be insolent and
-disagreeable to those who were, or whom he considered to be, in an
-inferior position to himself, while his lofty ideas of his own dignity
-and social position as the "son of a gentleman," made him not very
-desirable as a clerk. Still he had learned something from his bad luck
-thus far. He had been so long in getting his present place, that he
-felt it prudent to sacrifice his pride in some extent for the sake of
-retaining it. But if he could neglect his duties without attracting
-attention, he resolved to do it, feeling that six dollars was a
-beggarly salary for a young gentleman of his position and capacity. It
-was unfortunate for him, and a source of considerable annoyance, that
-he could get no one except his mother to assent to his own estimate
-of his abilities. Even his Cousin Gilbert, who had been Rockwell &
-Cooper's book-keeper before Richard Hunter succeeded to the position,
-did not conceal his poor opinion of Roswell; but this the latter
-attributed to prejudice, being persuaded in his own mind that his
-cousin was somewhat inclined to be envious of his superior abilities.
-
-At the time that Mark was so suddenly engaged by Mr. Baker, Roswell had
-gone out to dinner. When he returned, Mark had gone out with the parcel
-to West Twenty-first Street. So they missed each other just at first.
-
-"Well, Crawford," said Mr. Jones, as Roswell re-entered the store, "Mr.
-Baker has engaged a new boy."
-
-"Has he? What sort of a fellow is he?"
-
-"A little fellow. He doesn't look as if he was more than ten years old."
-
-"Where is he?"
-
-"Mr. Baker sent him on an errand to Twenty-first Street."
-
-"Humph!" said Roswell, a little discontented, "I was going to recommend
-a friend of mine."
-
-"There may be a chance yet. This boy may not suit."
-
-In about five minutes Mr. Baker and Mr. Jones both went out to dinner.
-It was the middle of the day, when there is very little business, and
-it would not be difficult for Roswell to attend to any customers who
-might call.
-
-As soon as he was left alone, Roswell got an interesting book from the
-shelves, and, sitting down in his employer's chair, began to read,
-though this was against the rules in business hours. To see the pompous
-air with which Roswell threw himself back in his chair, it might have
-been supposed that he was the proprietor of the establishment, though
-I believe it is true, as a general rule, that employers are not in the
-habit of putting on so many airs, unless the position is a new one, and
-they have not yet got over the new feeling of importance which it is
-apt to inspire at first.
-
-While Roswell was thus engaged Mark returned from his errand.
-
-He looked about him in some uncertainty on entering the store, not
-seeing either Mr. Baker or the chief clerk.
-
-"Come here," said Roswell, in a tone of authority.
-
-Mark walked up to the desk.
-
-"So you are the new boy?" said Roswell, after a close scrutiny.
-
-"Yes."
-
-"It would be a little more polite to say 'Yes sir.'"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"What is your age?"
-
-"Ten years."
-
-"Humph! You are rather young. If I had been consulted I should have
-said 'Get a boy of twelve years old.'"
-
-"I hope I shall suit," said Mark.
-
-"I hope so," said Roswell, patronizingly. "You will find us very easy
-to get along with if you do your duty. We were obliged to send away a
-boy this morning because he played instead of going on his errands at
-once."
-
-Mark could not help wondering what was Roswell's position in the
-establishment. He talked as if he were one of the proprietors; but his
-youthful appearance made it difficult to suppose that.
-
-"What is your name?" continued Roswell.
-
-"Mark Manton."
-
-"Have you been in any place before?"
-
-"No, sir."
-
-"Do you live with your parents?"
-
-"My parents are dead."
-
-"Then whom do you live with?"
-
-"With my guardian."
-
-"So you have a guardian?" said Roswell, a little surprised. "What is
-his name?"
-
-"Mr. Hunter."
-
-"Hunter!" repeated Roswell, hastily. "What is his first name?"
-
-"Richard I believe."
-
-"Dick Hunter!" exclaimed Roswell, scornfully, "Do you mean to say that
-he has charge of you?"
-
-"Yes," said Mark, firmly, for he perceived the tone in which his friend
-was referred to, and resented it. Moreover the new expression which
-came over Roswell's face brought back to his recollection the evening
-when, for the first time in his life, he had begged in Fulton Market,
-and been scornfully repulsed by Roswell and his mother. Roswell's
-face had at first seemed familiar to him, but it was only now that he
-recognized him. Roswell, on the other hand, was not likely to identify
-the neatly dressed boy before him with the shivering little beggar of
-the market. But it recurred to him all at once that Dick had referred
-to his ward as a match boy.
-
-"You were a match boy?" he said, in the manner of one making a grave
-accusation.
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"Then why didn't you keep on selling matches, and not try to get a
-place in a respectable store?"
-
-"Because Mr. Hunter thought it better for me to go into a store."
-
-"Mr. Hunter! Perhaps you don't know that your guardian, as you call
-him, used to be a boot-black."
-
-"Yes, he told me so."
-
-"They called him 'Ragged Dick' then," said Roswell, turning up his
-nose. "He couldn't read or write, I believe."
-
-"He's a good scholar now," said Mark.
-
-"Humph! I suppose he told you so. But you mustn't believe all he tells
-you."
-
-"He wouldn't tell anything but the truth," said Mark, who was bolder in
-behalf of his friend than he would have been for himself.
-
-"So he did tell you he was a good scholar? I thought so."
-
-"No, he told me nothing about it; but since I have lived with him I've
-heard him read French as well as English."
-
-"Perhaps that isn't saying much," said Roswell, with a sneer. "Can you
-read yourself?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"That is more than I expected. What induced Mr. Baker to take a boy
-from the street is more than I can tell."
-
-"I suppose I can run errands just as well, if I was once a match boy,"
-said Mark, who did not fancy the tone which Roswell assumed towards
-him, and began to doubt whether he was a person of as much importance
-as he at first supposed.
-
-"We shall see," said Roswell, loftily. "But there's one thing I'll
-advise you, young man, and that is, to treat me with proper respect.
-You'll find it best to keep friends with me. I can get you turned away
-any time."
-
-Mark hardly knew whether to believe this or not. He already began to
-suspect that Roswell was something of a humbug, and though it was not
-in his nature to form a causeless dislike, he certainly did not feel
-disposed to like Roswell. He did not care as much for any slighting
-remarks upon himself, as for the scorn with which Roswell saw fit to
-speak of his friend, Richard Hunter, who by his good offices had won
-the little boy's lasting gratitude. Mark did not reply to the threat
-contained in these last words of Roswell.
-
-"Is there anything for me to do?" he asked.
-
-"Yes, you may dust off those books on the counter. There's the duster
-hanging up."
-
-This was really Roswell's business, and he ought to have been at work
-in this way instead of reading; but it was characteristic of him to
-shift his duties upon others. He was not aware of how much time had
-passed, and supposed that Mark would be through before Mr. Barker
-returned. But that gentleman came in while Roswell was busily engaged
-in reading.
-
-"Is that the way you do your work, Roswell?" asked his employer.
-
-Roswell jumped to his feet in some confusion.
-
-"I thought I had better set the new boy to work," he said.
-
-"Dusting the books is your work, not his."
-
-"He was doing nothing, sir."
-
-"He will have plenty to do in carrying out parcels. Besides, I don't
-know that it is any worse for him to be idle than you. You were reading
-also, which you know is against the rules of the store." Roswell made
-no reply, but it hurt his pride considerably to be censured thus in
-presence of Mark, to whom he had spoken with such an assumption of
-power and patronage.
-
-"I wish I had a store of my own," he thought, discontentedly. "Then I
-could do as I pleased without having anybody to interfere with me."
-
-But Roswell did not understand, and there are plenty of boys in the
-same state of ignorance, that those who fill subordinate positions
-acceptably are most likely to rise to stations where they will
-themselves have control over others.
-
-"I suppose you have not been to dinner," said Mr. Baker, turning to
-Mark.
-
-"No, sir."
-
-"You board in St. Mark's Place, I think you said?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"Very well, here is a parcel to go to East Ninth Street. You may call
-and leave that at the address marked upon it, and may stay out long
-enough for dinner. But don't be gone more than an hour in all."
-
-"No, sir."
-
-"I am glad that boy isn't my employer," thought Mark, referring of
-course to Roswell Crawford, who, by the way, would have been indignant
-at such an appellation. "I like Mr. Baker a great deal better."
-
-Mark was punctual to his appointment, and in a little less than an hour
-reported himself at the store again for duty.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVII.
-
-BAD ADVICE.
-
-
-Roswell pursued his way home with a general sense of discontent. Why
-should he be so much worse off than Richard Hunter, who had only been a
-ragged boot-black three years before? The whole world seemed to be in a
-conspiracy to advance Richard, and to keep him down. To think he should
-be only earning six dollars a week, while Dick, whom he considered so
-far beneath him, was receiving twenty, was really outrageous. And now
-he had pushed a low dependent of his into Baker's store where Roswell
-was obliged to associate with him!
-
-Certainly Roswell's grievances were numerous. But there was one thing
-he did not understand, that the greatest obstacle to his advancement
-was himself. If he had entered any situation with the determination
-to make his services valuable, and discharge his duties, whatever
-they might be, with conscientious fidelity, he would have found his
-relations with his employer much more agreeable and satisfactory.
-
-Mrs. Crawford still kept the house in Clinton Place, letting nearly all
-the rooms to lodgers. In this way she succeeded in making both ends
-meet, though with considerable difficulty, so that she had not the
-means to supply Roswell with the spending money he desired. Her nephew,
-James Gilbert, Richard Huntley's predecessor as book-keeper, still
-boarded with her. It will be remembered by the readers of "Fame and
-Fortune," that this Gilbert, on being questioned by Mr. Rockwell as to
-his share in the plot against Dick, had angrily resigned his position,
-thinking, probably, that he should lose it at any rate.
-
-It so happened that business was generally depressed at this time, and
-it was three months before he succeeded in obtaining another place, and
-then he was compelled to work for eight hundred dollars, or two hundred
-less than he had formerly received. This was a great disappointment to
-him, and did not help his temper much, which had never been very sweet.
-He felt quite exasperated against Dick, whom, very much against his
-wishes, he had seen the means of promoting to his own place. Indeed,
-on this point, he sympathized heartily with Roswell, whose dislike to
-Richard Hunter has already been shown.
-
-"Well, mother," said Roswell, as he entered Mrs. Crawford's presence,
-"I'm getting tired of Baker's store."
-
-"Don't say so, Roswell," said his mother, in alarm. "Remember how long
-it took you to get the place."
-
-"I have to work like a dog for six dollars a week," said Roswell.
-
-"Yes," said his cousin, with a sneer, "that's precisely the way you
-work. Dogs spend their time running round the street doing nothing."
-
-"Well, I have to work hard enough," said Roswell, "but I wouldn't mind
-that so much, if I didn't have to associate with low match boys."
-
-"What do you mean, Roswell?" asked his mother, who did not understand
-the allusion.
-
-"Baker hired a new boy to-day, and who do you think he turns out to be?"
-
-"Not that boy, Ragged Dick?"
-
-"No, you don't think he would give up Cousin James' place, where he
-gets a thousand dollars a year, to go into Baker's as boy?"
-
-"Who was it, then?"
-
-"He used to be a ragged match boy about the streets. Dick Hunter picked
-him up somewhere, and got him a situation in our store, on purpose to
-spite me, I expect."
-
-As the reader is aware, Roswell was mistaken in his supposition, as
-Mark obtained the place on his own responsibility.
-
-"The boot-black seems to be putting on airs," said Mrs. Crawford.
-
-"Yes, he pretends to be the guardian of this match boy."
-
-"What's the boy's name?"
-
-"Mark Manton."
-
-"If I were Mr. Baker," said Mrs. Crawford, "I should be afraid to take
-a street boy into my employ. Very likely he isn't honest."
-
-"I wish he would steal something," said Roswell, not very charitably.
-"Then we could get rid of him, and the boot-black would be pretty well
-mortified about it."
-
-"He'll be found out sooner or later," said Mrs. Crawford. "You may
-depend on that. You'd better keep a sharp lookout for him, Roswell. If
-you catch him in stealing, it will help you with Mr. Baker, or ought
-to."
-
-This would have comforted Roswell more, but that he was privately of
-opinion that Mark was honest, and would not be likely to give him any
-chance of detecting him in stealing. Still, by a little management
-on his part, he might cause him to fall under suspicion. It would of
-course be miserably mean on his part to implicate a little boy in a
-false charge; but Roswell _was_ a mean boy, and he was not scrupulous
-where his dislike was concerned. He privately decided to think over
-this new plan for getting Mark into trouble.
-
-"Isn't dinner ready, mother?" he asked, rather impatiently.
-
-"It will be in about ten minutes."
-
-"I'm as hungry as a bear."
-
-"You can always do your part at the table," said his cousin
-unpleasantly.
-
-"I don't know why I shouldn't. I have to work hard enough."
-
-"You are always talking about your hard work. My belief is that you
-don't earn your wages."
-
-"I should think it was a pity if I didn't earn six dollars a week,"
-said Roswell.
-
-"Come, James, you're always hard on Roswell," said Mrs. Crawford. "I am
-sure he has hard times enough without his own relations turning against
-him."
-
-James Gilbert did not reply. He was naturally of a sarcastic turn,
-and, seeing Roswell's faults, was not inclined to spare them. He might
-have pointed them out, however, in a kindly manner, and then his young
-cousin might possibly been benefited; but Gilbert felt very little
-interest in Roswell.
-
-Immediately after dinner Roswell took up his cap. His mother observed
-this, and inquired, "Where are you going, Roswell?"
-
-"I'm going out to walk."
-
-"Why don't you go with your cousin?"
-
-James Gilbert had also taken his hat.
-
-"He don't want to be bothered with me," said Roswell, and this
-statement Gilbert did not take the trouble to contradict.
-
-"Why can't you stay in and read?"
-
-"I haven't got anything to read. Besides I've been cooped up in the
-store all day, and I want to breathe a little fresh air."
-
-There was reason in this, and his mother did not gainsay it, but still
-she felt that it was not quite safe for a boy to spend his evenings out
-in a large city, without any one to look after him.
-
-Roswell crossed Broadway, and, proceeding down Eighth Street, met a boy
-of about his own age in front of the Cooper Institute.
-
-"How long have you been waiting, Ralph?" he asked.
-
-"Not long. I only just came up."
-
-"I couldn't get away as soon as I expected. Dinner was rather late."
-
-"Have a cigar, Roswell?" asked Ralph.
-
-"Yes," said Roswell, "I don't mind."
-
-"You'll find these cigars pretty good. I paid ten cents apiece."
-
-"I don't see how you can afford it," said Roswell. "Your cigars must
-cost you considerable."
-
-"I don't always buy ten-centers. Generally I pay only five cents."
-
-"Well, that mounts up when you smoke three or four in a day. Let me
-see, what wages do you get?"
-
-"Seven dollars a week."
-
-"That's only a dollar more than I get," said Roswell.
-
-"I know one thing, it's miserably small," said Ralph. "We ought to get
-twice what we do."
-
-"These shop-keepers are awfully mean," said Roswell, beginning to puff
-away at his cigar.
-
-"That's so."
-
-"But still you always seem to have plenty of money. That's what puzzles
-me," said Roswell. "I'm always pinched. I have to pay my mother all
-my wages but a dollar a week. And what's a dollar?" he repeated,
-scornfully.
-
-"Well," said Ralph, "my board costs me all but a dollar. So we are
-about even there."
-
-"Do you pay your board out of your earnings?"
-
-"I have to. My governor won't foot the bills, so I have to."
-
-"Still you seem to have plenty of money," persisted Roswell.
-
-"Yes, I look out for that," said Ralph Graham, significantly.
-
-"But I don't see how you manage. I might look out all day, and I
-wouldn't be any the better off."
-
-"Perhaps you don't go the right way to work," said his companion,
-taking the cigar from his mouth, and knocking off the ashes.
-
-"Then I wish you'd tell me the right way."
-
-"Why, the fact is," said Ralph, slowly, "I make my employer pay me
-higher wages than he thinks he does."
-
-"I don't see how you can do that," said Roswell, who didn't yet
-understand.
-
-Ralph took the cigar, now nearly smoked out, from his mouth, and threw
-it on the pavement. He bent towards Roswell, and whispered something in
-his ear. Roswell started and turned pale.
-
-"But," he said, "that's dishonest."
-
-"Hush!" said Ralph, "don't speak so loud. Oughtn't employers to pay
-fair wages,--tell me that?"
-
-"Certainly."
-
-"But if they don't and won't, what then?"
-
-"I don't know."
-
-"Well, I do. We must help ourselves, that is all."
-
-"But," said Roswell, "what would be thought of you if it were found
-out?"
-
-"There's plenty of clerks that do it. Bless you, it's expected. I heard
-a man say once that he expected to lose about so much by his clerks."
-
-"But I think it would be better to pay good wages."
-
-"So do I, only you see they won't do it."
-
-"How much do you--do you make outside of your salary?" asked Roswell.
-
-"From three to five dollars a week."
-
-"I should think they'd find you out."
-
-"I don't let them. I'm pretty careful. Well, what shall we do this
-evening? There's a pretty good play at Niblo's. Suppose we go there."
-
-"I haven't got money enough," said Roswell.
-
-"Well, I'll pay for both to-night. You can pay another time."
-
-"All right!" said Roswell, though he did not know when he should have
-money enough to return the favor. They crossed to Broadway, and walked
-leisurely to Niblo's Garden. The performance lasted till late, and it
-was after eleven when Roswell Crawford got into bed.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVIII.
-
-THE FIRST STEP.
-
-
-To do Roswell Crawford justice, the idea of taking money from his
-employer had never occurred to him until the day when it was suggested
-to him by Ralph Graham. The suggestion came to him at an unfortunate
-time. He had always felt with a sense of bitter injustice that his
-services were poorly compensated, and that his employer was making
-money out of him. Yet he knew very well that there was no chance of
-an advance. Besides, he really felt the need of more money to keep up
-appearances equal to Ralph Graham, and some other not very creditable
-acquaintances that he had managed to pick up. So Roswell allowed
-Ralph's suggestion to recur to his mind with dangerous frequency. He
-was getting familiar with what had at first startled and shocked him.
-
-But it was not at once that he brought his mind to the point. He was
-not possessed of much courage, and could not help fearing that he would
-get himself into a scrape. It needed a little more urging on the part
-of Ralph.
-
-"Well, Roswell," said Ralph, a few evenings after the conversation
-recorded in the last chapter, "when are you going to take me to the
-theatre?"
-
-"I didn't know I was going to take you at all," said Roswell.
-
-"Come, there's no use in crawling off that way. Didn't I take you to
-Niblo's last week?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"And didn't you promise to take me some night in return?"
-
-"I should like to do it well enough," said Roswell, "but I never have
-any money."
-
-"You might have some if you chose."
-
-"The way you mentioned?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"I don't like to try it."
-
-"Then you are foolish. It's what half the clerks do. They have to."
-
-"Do you think many do it?" said Roswell, irresolutely.
-
-"To be sure they do," said Ralph, confidently.
-
-"But I am sure it would be found out."
-
-"Not if you're careful."
-
-"I shouldn't know how to go about it."
-
-"Then I'll tell you. You're in the store alone some of the time, I
-suppose."
-
-"Yes, when Mr. Baker and Mr. Jones are gone to dinner."
-
-"Where is the money kept?"
-
-"There are two drawers. The one that has the most money in it is kept
-locked, and Mr. Baker carries away the key with him. He leaves a few
-dollars in another drawer, but nothing could be taken from that drawer
-without being missed."
-
-"Does he keep much money in the first drawer?"
-
-"I expect so."
-
-"Then," said Ralph, promptly, "you must manage to get into that."
-
-"But how am I to do it?" asked Roswell. "Didn't I tell you that it was
-kept locked, and that Mr. Baker took the key?"
-
-"I can't say you are very smart. Roswell," said Ralph, a little
-contemptuously.
-
-"Tell me what you mean, then."
-
-"What is easier than to get a key made that will fit the drawer?
-All you'll have to do is to take an impression of the lock with
-sealing-wax, and carry it to a locksmith. He'll make you a key for two
-shillings."
-
-"I don't know," said Roswell, undecidedly. "I don't quite like to do
-it."
-
-"Do just as you please," said Ralph; "only if I carry you to the
-theatre I expect you to return the compliment."
-
-"Well, I'll think of it," said Roswell.
-
-"There is another way you can do," suggested Ralph, who was full of
-evil suggestions, and was perhaps the most dangerous counsellor that
-Roswell could have had at this time.
-
-"What is it?"
-
-"If you make any sales while you are alone you might forget to put the
-money into the drawer."
-
-"Yes, I might do that."
-
-"And ten to one Baker would never suspect. Of course he doesn't know
-every book he has in his store or the exact amount of stationery he
-keeps on hand."
-
-"No, I suppose not."
-
-"You might begin that way. There couldn't be any danger of detection."
-
-This suggestion struck Roswell more favorably than the first, as it
-seemed safer. Without giving any decided answer, he suffered the
-thought to sink into his mind, and occupy his thoughts.
-
-The next day when about the middle of the day Roswell found himself
-alone, a customer came in and bought a package of envelopes, paying
-twenty-five cents.
-
-With a half-guilty feeling Roswell put this sum into his pocket.
-
-"Mr. Baker will never miss a package of envelopes," he thought.
-
-He sold two or three other articles, but the money received for these
-he put into the drawer. He did not dare to take too much at first.
-Indeed, he took a little credit to himself, so strangely had his ideas
-of honesty got warped, for not taking more when he might have done so
-as well as not.
-
-Mr. Baker returned, and nothing was said. As might have been expected,
-he did not miss the small sum which Roswell had appropriated.
-
-That evening Roswell bought a couple of cigars with the money he had
-stolen (we might as well call things by their right names), and treated
-Ralph to one.
-
-"There's a splendid play on at Wallack's," said he, suggestively.
-
-"Perhaps we'll go to-morrow evening," said Roswell.
-
-"That's the way to talk," said Ralph, looking keenly at Roswell. "Is
-there anything new with you?"
-
-"Not particularly," said Roswell, coloring a little, for he did not
-care to own what he had done to his companion, though it was from him
-that he had received the advice.
-
-The next day when Roswell was again alone, a lady entered the shop.
-
-"Have you got La Fontaine's Fables in English?" she asked. "I have
-asked at half a dozen stores, but I can't find it. I am afraid it is
-out of print."
-
-"Yes, I believe we have it," said Roswell.
-
-He remembered one day when he was looking for a book he wanted to read,
-that he had come across a shop-worn copy of La Fontaine's Fables. It
-was on a back shelf, in an out of-the-way place. He looked for it, and
-found his memory had served him correctly.
-
-"Here it is," he said, handing it down.
-
-"I am very glad to get it," said the lady. "How much will it be?"
-
-"The regular price is a dollar and a quarter, but as this is a little
-shop-worn you may have it for a dollar."
-
-"Very well."
-
-The lady drew out a dollar bill from her purse, and handed it to
-Roswell.
-
-He held it in his hand till she was fairly out of the door. Then the
-thought came into his mind, "Why should I not keep this money? Mr.
-Baker would never know. Probably he has quite forgotten that such a
-book was in his stock."
-
-Besides, as the price of a ticket to the family circle at Wallack's
-was only thirty cents, this sum would carry in him and his friend, and
-there would be enough left for an ice-cream after they had got through.
-
-The temptation was too much for poor Roswell I call him poor, because I
-pity any boy who foolishly yields to such a temptation for the sake of
-a temporary gratification.
-
-Roswell put the money into his vest-pocket, and shortly afterwards Mr.
-Baker returned to the store.
-
-"Have you sold anything, Roswell?" he inquired, on entering.
-
-"Yes, sir. I have sold a slate, a quire of notepaper, and one of Oliver
-Optic's books."
-
-Roswell showed Mr. Baker the slate, on which, as required by his
-employer, he had kept a record of sales.
-
-Mr. Baker made no remark, but appeared to think all was right.
-
-So the afternoon passed away without any incident worthy of mention.
-
-In the evening Roswell met Ralph Graham, as he had got into the habit
-of doing.
-
-"Well, Roswell, I feel just like going to the theatre to-night," were
-his first words of salutation.
-
-"Well, we'll go," said Roswell.
-
-"Good! You've got money to buy the tickets, then?"
-
-"Yes," said Roswell, with an air of importance. "What's the play?"
-
-"It's a London play that's had a great run. Tom Hastings tells me it is
-splendid. You take me there to night, and I'll take you to the New York
-Circus some evening next week."
-
-This arrangement was very satisfactory to Roswell, who had never
-visited the circus, and had a great desire to do so. At an early hour
-the boys went to the theatre, and succeeded in obtaining front seats
-in the family circle. Roswell managed to enjoy the play, although
-unpleasant thoughts of how the money was obtained by which the tickets
-were procured, would occasionally intrude upon him. But the fascination
-of the stage kept them from troubling him much.
-
-When the performance was over, he suggested an ice-cream.
-
-"With all my heart," said Ralph. "I feel warm and thirsty, and an
-ice-cream will cool my throat."
-
-So they adjourned to a confectionery establishment nearly opposite, and
-Roswell, with an air of importance, called for the creams. They sat
-leisurely over them, and it was nearly half past eleven when Roswell
-got home.
-
-"What keeps you out so late, Roswell?" asked his mother, anxiously, for
-she was still up.
-
-"I was at the theatre," said Roswell.
-
-"Where did you get the money?"
-
-"It's only thirty cents to the family circle," said Roswell,
-carelessly. "I'm tired, and will go right up to bed."
-
-So he closed the discussion, not caring to answer many inquiries as to
-his evening's amusement. His outlay for tickets and for the ice-cream
-afterwards had just used up the money he had stolen, and all that
-he had to compensate for the loss of his integrity was a headache,
-occasioned by late hours, and the warm and confined atmosphere at the
-theatre.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIX.
-
-RICHARD HUNTER IS PROMOTED.
-
-
-It was with eager impatience that Mark awaited the return of Richard
-Hunter, to communicate to him his good luck in securing a place. The
-thought that he had secured it by his own exertions gave him great
-satisfaction.
-
-"I've got a place," were his first words, as Richard entered the house.
-
-"Already?" asked Richard Hunter. "You have been quite smart, Mark. How
-did you manage to obtain it?"
-
-Mark gave the particulars, which need not be repeated.
-
-"What kind of a store is it?"
-
-"A bookstore."
-
-"What is the name of your employer?"
-
-"Baker."
-
-"Baker's bookstore!" repeated Richard, turning to Fosdick. "That is
-where our particular friend, Roswell Crawford, is employed."
-
-"Yes," said Mark; "there's a boy there about sixteen or seventeen. I
-believe that is his name."
-
-"I am not sure whether his being there will make it pleasant to you.
-Does he know that you are a friend of mine?"
-
-"Yes," said Mark; "he inquired particularly about you, Mr. Hunter."
-
-"He's very fond of me," said Dick; "I suppose he sent me his love."
-
-"No," said Mark, smiling; "he didn't speak as if he loved you very
-much."
-
-"He doesn't like me very much. I am afraid when he gets to be president
-I shan't stand much chance of an office. He didn't try to bully
-you,--did he?"
-
-"He said he could get me sent off if I wasn't careful to please him."
-
-"That sounds like Roswell."
-
-"He talked as if he was one of the firm," said Mark; "but when Mr.
-Baker came in, he began to scold him for not dusting the books. After
-that I didn't think so much of what he said."
-
-"It's a way he has," said Fosdick. "He don't like me much either, as I
-got a place that he was trying for."
-
-"If he bullies you, just let me know," said Richard. "Perhaps I can
-stop it."
-
-"I am not afraid," said Mark. "Mr. Baker is there most of the time, and
-he wouldn't dare to bully me before him."
-
-Sunday morning came,--a day when the noisy streets were hushed, and the
-hum of business was stilled. Richard Hunter and Fosdick still attended
-the Sunday school, to which they had now belonged for over two years.
-They were still members of Mr. Greyson's class, and were much better
-informed in religious matters than formerly. Frequently--for they were
-favorite scholars with Mr. Greyson--he invited them home to dine at
-his handsome residence. Both boys were now perfectly self-possessed
-on such occasions. They knew how to behave at the table with perfect
-decorum, and no one would have judged from their dress, manners, or
-conversation, that they had not always been accustomed to the same
-style of living.
-
-Mr. and Mrs. Greyson noticed with pleasure the great improvement in
-their protegés, and always welcomed them with kind hospitality. But
-there was another member of the family who always looked forward with
-pleasure to seeing them. This was Ida, now a young lady of thirteen,
-who had from the first taken an especial fancy to Dick, as she always
-called him.
-
-"Well, Mark," said Richard Hunter, on Sunday morning, "wouldn't you
-like to go to Sunday school with me?"
-
-"Yes," said Mark. "Mother always wanted me to go to Sunday school, but
-she was so poor that she could not dress me in suitable clothes."
-
-"There is nothing to prevent your going now. We shall be ready in about
-half an hour."
-
-At the appointed time the three set out. The distance was not great,
-the church being situated four blocks farther up town on Fifth Avenue.
-They chanced to meet Mr. Greyson on the church steps.
-
-"Good-morning, Richard. Good-morning, Henry," he said. Then, glancing
-at Mark, "Who is your young friend?"
-
-"His name is Mark Manton," said Richard. "He is my ward."
-
-"Indeed! I had not thought of you in the character of a guardian," said
-Mr. Greyson, smiling.
-
-"I should like to have him enter one of the younger classes," said
-Richard.
-
-"Certainly, I will gladly find a place for him. Perhaps you can take
-him in your class."
-
-"In my class!" repeated Richard, in surprise.
-
-"Yes, I thought I had mentioned to you that Mr. Benton was about to
-leave the city, and is obliged to give up his class. I would like to
-have you take it."
-
-"But am I qualified to be a teacher?" asked Richard, who had never
-before thought of being invited to take a class.
-
-"I think you have excellent qualifications for such a position. It
-speaks well for you, however, that you should feel a modest hesitation
-on the subject."
-
-"I think Fosdick would make a better teacher than I."
-
-"Oh, I intend to draft him into the service also. I shall ask him to
-take the next vacancy."
-
-The class assigned to our friend Dick (we are sometimes tempted to
-call him by his old, familiar name) consisted of boys of from ten to
-eleven years of age. Among these Mark was placed. Although he had
-never before attended a Sunday school, his mother, who was an excellent
-woman, had given him considerable religious instruction, so that he was
-about as well advanced as the rest of the class.
-
-Richard easily adapted himself to the new situation in which he was
-placed. He illustrated the lesson in a familiar and oftentimes quaint
-manner, so that he easily commanded the attention of the boys, who were
-surprised when the time came for the lesson to close.
-
-"I am glad you are my teacher, Mr. Hunter," said one of the boys at the
-close of the service.
-
-"Thank you," said Richard, who felt gratified at the compliment. "It's
-new business to me, but I hope I shall be able to interest you."
-
-"Won't you come and dine with us?" asked Mr. Greyson, as they were
-leaving the church.
-
-Richard Hunter hesitated.
-
-"I don't know if Mark can find his way home," he said with hesitation.
-
-"Yes, I can, Mr. Hunter," said Mark. "Don't trouble yourself about me."
-
-"But I mean to have him come too," said Mr. Greyson. "Our table is a
-large one, as you know, and we can accommodate three as well as two."
-
-"Do come, Dick," said Ida Greyson.
-
-Richard was seldom able to resist a request preferred by Ida, and
-surrendered at discretion. So, as usual, Fosdick walked on with Mr.
-Greyson, this time with Mark beside him, while Richard walked with Ida.
-
-"Who is that little boy, Dick?" asked the young lady.
-
-"That's my ward, Miss Ida," said Richard.
-
-"You don't mean to say you are his guardian, Dick?"
-
-"Yes, I believe I am."
-
-"Why," said the lively young lady, "I always thought guardians were
-old, and cross, and bald-headed."
-
-"I don't know but that description will suit me after a while," said
-Dick. "My hair has been coming out lately."
-
-"Has it, really?" said Ida, who took this seriously. "I hope you won't
-be bald. I don't think you would look well."
-
-"But I might wear a wig."
-
-"I don't like wigs," said the young lady, decidedly. "If you were a
-lady now, you might wear a cap. How funny you'd look in a cap!" and she
-burst out into a peal of merry laughter.
-
-"I think a cap would be more becoming to you," said Richard.
-
-"Do you ever scold your ward?" asked Ida.
-
-"No, he's a pretty good boy. He don't need it."
-
-"Where did you get acquainted with him? Have you known him long?"
-
-"He was taken sick at the door of our office one day. So I had him
-carried to my boarding-place, and took care of him till he got well."
-
-"That was very good of you," said Ida, approvingly. "What did he use to
-do?"
-
-"He was a match boy."
-
-"Does he sell matches now?"
-
-"No; he has got a place in a bookstore."
-
-"What did you say his name was?"
-
-"Mark."
-
-"That's a pretty good name, but I don't like it so well as Dick."
-
-"Thank you," said Richard. "I am glad you like my name."
-
-At this moment they were passing the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Standing on
-the steps were two acquaintances of ours, Roswell Crawford and Ralph
-Graham. They had cigars in their mouths, and there was a swaggering
-air about them, which was not likely to prepossess any sensible person
-in their favor. They had not been to church, but had spent the morning
-in sauntering about the city, finally bringing up at the Fifth Avenue
-Hotel, where, posting themselves conspicuously on the steps, they
-watched the people passing by on their way from church.
-
-Richard Hunter bowed to Roswell, as it was his rule never to be found
-wanting in politeness. Roswell was ill-mannered enough not to return
-the salutation.
-
-"Who is that, Roswell?" asked Ralph Graham.
-
-"It's a boot-black," said Roswell, sneeringly.
-
-"What do you mean? I am speaking of that nice-looking young fellow that
-bowed to you just now."
-
-"His name is Hunter. He used to be a boot-black, as I told you; but
-he's got up in the world, and now he's putting on airs."
-
-"He seems to have got into good company, at any rate. He is walking
-with the daughter of Mr. Greyson, a rich merchant down town."
-
-"He's got impudence enough for anything," said Roswell, with a feeling
-of bitter envy which he could not conceal. "It really makes me sick to
-see him strutting about as if he were a gentleman's son."
-
-"Like you," suggested Ralph, slyly; for he had already been informed by
-Roswell, on various occasions, that he was "a gentleman's son."
-
-"Yes," said Roswell, "I'm a gentleman's son, if I'm not so lucky as
-some people. Did you see that small boy in front?"
-
-"Walking with Mr. Greyson?"
-
-"Yes, I suppose so."
-
-"What of him?"
-
-"That's our errand boy."
-
-"Is it?" asked Ralph, in some surprise. "He seems to be one of the
-lucky kind too."
-
-"He sold matches about the streets till a few weeks ago," said Roswell,
-spitefully.
-
-"He sold them to some purpose, it seems, for he's evidently going home
-to dine with Mr. Greyson."
-
-"Mr. Greyson seems to be very fond of low company. That's all I can
-say."
-
-"When you and I get to be as rich as he is, we can choose our own
-company."
-
-"I hope I shall choose better than he."
-
-"Well, let's drop them," said Ralph, who was getting tired of the
-subject. "I must be getting home to dinner."
-
-"So must I."
-
-"Come round to my room, after dinner, and we'll have another smoke."
-
-"Yes, I'll come round. I suppose mother'll be wanting me to go to
-church with her, but I've got tired of going to church."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XX.
-
-THE MADISON CLUB.
-
-
-Two days afterwards, when Roswell as usual met his friend Ralph, the
-latter said, with an air of importance:--
-
-"I've got news for you, Roswell."
-
-"What is it?" inquired Roswell.
-
-"You've been unanimously elected a member of our club."
-
-"Your club?"
-
-"Yes; didn't I ever mention it to you?"
-
-"No."
-
-"Well, I believe I didn't. You see I intended to propose your name as a
-member, and not feeling certain whether you would be elected, I thought
-I had better not mention it to you."
-
-"What is the name of the club?" asked Roswell, eagerly.
-
-"The Madison Club."
-
-"What made you call it that?"
-
-"Why, you see, there's one fellow in the club that lives on Madison
-Avenue, and we thought that would be an aristocratic name, so we chose
-it."
-
-Roswell liked whatever was aristocratic, and the name pleased him.
-
-"Did you say I was unanimously elected, Ralph?" he asked.
-
-"Yes; I proposed your name at our meeting last night. It was on account
-of that, that I couldn't meet you as usual. But hereafter we can go
-together to the meetings."
-
-"How many fellows belong?"
-
-"Twenty. We don't mean to have more than twenty-five. We are quite
-particular whom we elect."
-
-"Of course," said Roswell, in a tone of importance. "You wouldn't want
-a set of low fellows like that Dick Hunter."
-
-"No. By the way, I've got somewhere your notification from the
-secretary. Here it is."
-
-He drew from his pocket a note adorned with a large and elaborate seal,
-which Roswell, opening found read as follows:--
-
-  "MADISON CLUB.
-
-  "Mr. ROSWELL CRAWFORD.
-
-  "Sir:--I have the honor of informing you that at the last regular
-  meeting of the Madison Club you were unanimously elected a member.
-
-  "Yours respectfully,
-
-  "JAMES TRACY."
-
-This document Roswell read with much satisfaction. It sounded well
-to say that he was a member of the Madison Club, and his unanimous
-election could only be regarded as a high compliment.
-
-"I will join," he said, pompously. "When is the next meeting?"
-
-"Next Tuesday evening."
-
-"Where does the society meet?"
-
-"In a room on Fourth Avenue. You can come round early, and we will go
-together."
-
-"All right. What do you do at the meetings?"
-
-"Well, we smoke, and tell stories, and have a good time. Generally
-there are some eatables provided. However, you'll know all about it,
-when you join. Oh, by the way, there's one thing I forgot to tell you,"
-added Ralph. "There's an initiation fee of five dollars."
-
-"A fee of five dollars!" repeated Roswell, soberly.
-
-"Yes."
-
-"What is it for?"
-
-"To defray expenses, of course. There's the rent, and lights, and
-stationery, and the eatables. They always, I think, have an initiation
-fee at clubs."
-
-"Are there any other expenses?"
-
-"Not much. There's only a dollar a month. That isn't much."
-
-"I don't know how I'm going to raise the five dollars," said Roswell,
-soberly. "I could manage the dollar a month afterwards."
-
-"Oh, you'll think of some way," said Ralph.
-
-"My mother wouldn't give it to me, so there's no use asking her."
-
-"Why can't you pay it out of your extra wages?" said Ralph,
-significantly.
-
-"I shouldn't dare to take such a large sum," said Roswell. "They would
-find me out."
-
-"Not if you're careful."
-
-"They don't keep but a few dollars in the drawer at one time."
-
-"But didn't you tell me there was another drawer?"
-
-"Yes; but that is always kept locked."
-
-"Open it then."
-
-"I have no key."
-
-"Get one that will fit it then."
-
-"I don't like to do that."
-
-"Well, it's nothing to me," said Ralph, "only I should like to have
-you belong to the club, and you can't unless you are able to pay the
-initiation fee."
-
-"I would like very much to belong," said Roswell, irresolutely.
-
-"I know you would enjoy it. We have splendid times."
-
-"I'll see what I can do to raise the money," said Roswell.
-
-"That's the way to talk. You'll manage to get it some way."
-
-It was a great temptation to Roswell. The more he thought of it, the
-more he thought he should like to say that he was a member of the
-Madison Club. He had a weak love of gentility, and he was persuaded
-that it would improve his social standing. But he did not wish to adopt
-the course recommended by Ralph if there was any other way of getting
-the money. He determined, therefore, first to make the effort to obtain
-the money from his mother on some pretext or other. By the time he
-reached home, which was at an earlier hour than usual, he had arranged
-his pretext.
-
-"I am glad you are home early," said Mrs. Crawford.
-
-"Yes, I thought I'd come home early to-night. Mother, I wish you'd let
-me have four dollars."
-
-"What for, Roswell?"
-
-"I want to buy a new hat. This one is getting shabby."
-
-Roswell's plan was, if he could obtain the four dollars from his
-mother, to make up the extra dollar out of sales unaccounted for. As to
-the failure to buy the hat, he could tell his mother that he had lost
-the money, or make some other excuse. That thought did not trouble him
-much. But he was not destined to succeed.
-
-"I am sorry you are dissatisfied with your hat, Roswell," said Mrs.
-Crawford, "for I cannot possibly spare you the money now."
-
-"So you always say," grumbled Roswell.
-
-"But it's true," said his mother. "I'm very short just now. The rent
-comes due in a few days, and I am trying hard to get together money
-enough to pay it."
-
-"I thought you had money coming in from your lodgers."
-
-"There's Mr. Bancroft hasn't paid me for six weeks, and I'm afraid I am
-going to lose his room-rent. It's hard work for a woman to get along.
-Everybody takes advantage of her," said Mrs. Crawford, sighing.
-
-"Can't you possibly let me have the money by Saturday, mother?"
-
-"No, Roswell. Perhaps in a few weeks I can. But I don't think your hat
-looks bad. You can go and get it pressed if you wish."
-
-But Roswell declared that wouldn't do, and left the room in an
-ill-humor. Instead of feeling for his mother, and wishing to help her,
-he was intent only upon his own selfish gratifications.
-
-So much, then, was plain,--in his efforts to raise the money for the
-initiation fee at the club, he could not expect any help from his
-mother. He must rely upon other means.
-
-Gradually Roswell came to the determination to follow the dangerous
-advice which had been proffered him by Ralph Graham. He could not bear
-to give up the project of belonging to the club, and was willing to
-commit a dishonest act rather than forego the opportunity.
-
-He began to think now of the manner in which he could accomplish what
-he had in view. The next day when noon came he went round to the locked
-drawer, and, lighting a piece of sealing-wax which he had taken from
-one of the cases, he obtained a clear impression of the lock.
-
-"I think that will do," thought Roswell.
-
-At that moment a customer entered the store, and he hurried the stick
-of sealing-wax into his pocket.
-
-When the store closed, Roswell went round to a locksmith, whose sign he
-remembered to have seen in Third Avenue.
-
-He entered the shop with a guilty feeling at his heart, though he had a
-plausible story arranged for the occasion.
-
-"I want a key made," he said, in a business-like manner; "one that will
-fit this lock."
-
-Here he displayed the wax impression.
-
-"What sort of a lock is it?" asked the locksmith, looking at it.
-
-"It is a bureau drawer," said Roswell. "We have lost the key, and can't
-open it. So I took the impression in wax. How soon can you let me have
-it?"
-
-"Are you in a hurry for it?"
-
-"Yes; didn't I tell you we couldn't open the drawer?"
-
-"Well, I'll try to let you have it by to-morrow night."
-
-"That will do," said Roswell.
-
-He left the locksmith's shop with mixed feelings of satisfaction and
-shame at the thought of the use to which he was intending to put the
-key. It was a great price he had determined to pay for the honor of
-belonging to the Madison Club.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXI.
-
-ROSWELL JOINS THE MADISON CLUB.
-
-
-It was not until Saturday night that Roswell obtained the key. The
-locksmith, like tradesmen and mechanics in general, kept putting him
-off, to Roswell's great annoyance.
-
-As he did not get the key till Saturday night, of course there would
-be no opportunity of using it till Monday. The only time then was the
-hour in which Mr. Baker and Mr. Jones were absent, and Roswell was left
-alone. But to his great vexation, an old gentleman came in directly
-after Mr. Baker went out, and inquired for him.
-
-"He's gone to dinner," said Roswell.
-
-"I think I'll wait till he returns," said the visitor, coolly sitting
-down in Mr. Baker's arm-chair.
-
-Roswell was in dismay, for this would of course prevent his using the
-key which he had taken so much trouble to obtain.
-
-"Mr. Baker is always out a good while," said Roswell.
-
-"Never mind, I can wait for him. I came in from the country this
-morning, and shall not need to start back till four."
-
-"Perhaps," suggested Roswell, "you could go out and do the rest of your
-errands, and come back at two o'clock. Mr. Baker will be sure to be
-back then."
-
-"Who told you I had any more errands to do?" asked the old gentleman,
-sharply.
-
-"I thought you might have," said Roswell, somewhat confused.
-
-"You are very considerate; but, as my business is over for the day, I
-will ask your permission to remain till my nephew returns."
-
-So this was Mr. Baker's uncle, a shrewd old gentlemen, if he did live
-in the country.
-
-"Certainly," said Roswell, but not with a very good grace, adding to
-himself; "there'll be no chance for me to get the money to-day. I hope
-the old fellow won't come round again to-morrow."
-
-The next day was Tuesday. In the evening the club was to meet, so there
-was no time to lose.
-
-Fortunately, as Roswell thought, the coast was clear.
-
-"Suppose the key won't fit?" he thought with uneasiness.
-
-It would have been lucky for Roswell if the key had not fitted. But it
-proved to fit exactly. Turning it in the lock, the drawer opened, and
-before him lay a pile of bills.
-
-How much or how little there might be Roswell did not stop to examine.
-He knew that a customer might come in at any time, and he must do
-at once what he meant to do. At the top of the pile there was a
-five-dollar bill. He took it, slipped it hastily into his vest-pocket,
-relocked the drawer, and, walking away from it, began to dust the books
-upon the counter.
-
-He felt that he had taken the decisive step. He was supplied with the
-necessary money to pay the initiation fee. The question was, would Mr.
-Baker find it out?
-
-Suppose he should, how would it be possible to evade suspicion, or to
-throw it upon some one else?
-
-"If I could make him think it was the match boy," thought Roswell,
-"I should be killing two birds with one stone. I must see what can be
-done."
-
-When Mr. Baker returned, Roswell feared he would go to the drawer, but
-he did not seem inclined to do this.
-
-He just entered the store, and said, "Mr. Jones, I am obliged to go
-over to Brooklyn on a little business, and I may not be back this
-afternoon."
-
-"Very well, sir," said Mr. Jones.
-
-Roswell breathed freer after he had left the shop. It had occurred to
-him as possible that if the money were missed, he might be searched,
-in which case the key and the bill in his pocket would be enough to
-convict him. Now he should not see Mr. Baker again till the next day
-probably, when the money would be disposed of.
-
-Mr. Baker, as he anticipated, did not return from Brooklyn before
-Roswell left the store.
-
-Roswell snatched a hasty supper, and went over to his friend, Ralph
-Graham's room, immediately afterwards.
-
-"Glad to see you, Roswell," said Ralph; "are you coming to the club
-with me to-night?"
-
-"Yes," said Roswell.
-
-"Have you got the five dollars?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"How did you manage it?"
-
-"Oh, I contrived to get it," said Roswell, who did not like to confess
-in what way he had secured possession of the money.
-
-"Well, it's all right, as long as you've got it. I was afraid you
-wouldn't succeed."
-
-"So was I," said Roswell. "I had hard work of it. What time do the club
-meetings begin?" he asked.
-
-"At eight o'clock, but I generally go round about half an hour before.
-Generally, some of the fellows are there, and we can have a social
-chat. I guess we'll go round at half-past seven, and that will give me
-a chance to introduce you to some of the members before the meeting
-begins."
-
-"I should like that," said Roswell.
-
-In a short time the boys set out. They paused before a small house on
-Fourth Avenue, and rang the bell. The summons was answered by a colored
-man.
-
-"Any members of the club upstairs?" inquired Ralph.
-
-"Yes, sir," said the attendant. "There's Mr. Tracy, Mr. Wilmot, and Mr.
-Burgess."
-
-"Very well, I'll go up."
-
-"Jackson," said Ralph, "this gentleman is Mr. Crawford, a new member."
-
-"Glad to make your acquaintance, sir," said Jackson.
-
-"Thank you," said Roswell.
-
-"Jackson takes care of the club-room," explained Ralph, "and is in
-attendance to admit the members on club nights. Now let us go upstairs."
-
-They went up one flight of stairs, and opened the door of a back room.
-
-It was not a very imposing-looking apartment, being only about twenty
-feet square, the floor covered with a faded carpet, while the furniture
-was not particularly sumptuous. At one end of the room was a table,
-behind which were two arm-chairs.
-
-"That is where the president and secretary sit," said Ralph.
-
-There were already three or four youths in the room. One of them came
-forward and offered his hand to Ralph.
-
-"How are you, Graham?" he said.
-
-"How are you, Tracy?" returned Ralph. "This is Mr. Crawford, who was
-elected a member at our last meeting. Roswell, this is Mr. Tracy, our
-secretary."
-
-"I am glad to see you, Mr. Crawford," said Tracy. "I hope you received
-the notification of your election which I sent you."
-
-"Yes," said Roswell. "I am much obliged to you."
-
-"I hope you intend to accept."
-
-"It will give me great pleasure," said Roswell. "You must have very
-pleasant meetings."
-
-"I hope you will find them pleasant. By the way, here is our president,
-Mr. Brandon. Brandon, let me introduce you to a new member of our
-society, Mr. Crawford."
-
-The president, who was a tall young man of eighteen, bowed graciously
-to Roswell.
-
-"Mr. Crawford," said he, "allow me, in the name of the society, to bid
-you welcome to our gay and festive meetings. We are a band of good
-fellows, who like to meet together and have a social time. We are proud
-to receive you into our ranks."
-
-"And I am very glad to belong," said Roswell, who felt highly pleased
-at the cordial manner in which he was received.
-
-"You'd better go to the secretary, and enter your name in the books of
-the club," suggested Ralph. "You can pay him the five dollars at the
-same time. Here, Tracy, Mr. Crawford wants to enroll his name."
-
-"All right," said Tracy; "walk this way if you please, Mr. Crawford."
-
-Roswell wrote down his name, residence, and the store where he was
-employed.
-
-"I see, Mr. Crawford, you are engaged in literary pursuits," said the
-secretary.
-
-"Yes, for the present," said Roswell. "I don't think I shall remain
-long, as the book business doesn't give me scope enough; but I shall
-not leave at present, as it might inconvenience Mr. Baker. What is your
-initiation fee?"
-
-"Five dollars."
-
-"I happen to have the money with me, I believe," said Roswell. "Here it
-is."
-
-"Thank you; that is right. I will enter you as paid. The monthly
-assessments are one dollar, as perhaps Graham told you."
-
-"Yes, I think he mentioned it. It is quite reasonable, I think," said
-Roswell, in a tone which seemed to indicate that he was never at a loss
-for money.
-
-"Yes, I think so, considering our expenses. You see we have to pay for
-the room; then we pay Jackson's wages, and there are cigars, etc., for
-the use of the members. Have you ever before belonged to a club?"
-
-"No," said Roswell. "I have always declined hitherto (he had never
-before received an invitation) but I was so much pleased with what I
-heard of the Madison Club from my friend Graham, that I determined to
-join. I am glad that you are particular whom you admit as members of
-the club."
-
-"Oh, yes, we are very exclusive," said Tracy. "We are not willing to
-admit anybody and everybody."
-
-Meanwhile there had been numerous arrivals, until probably nearly all
-the members of the club were present.
-
-"Order, gentlemen!" said the president, assuming the chair, and
-striking the table at the same time. "The club will please come to
-order."
-
-There was a momentary confusion, but at length the members settled into
-their seats, and silence prevailed. Roswell Crawford took a seat beside
-Ralph Graham.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXII.
-
-A CLUB NIGHT.
-
-
-"The secretary will read the journal of the last meeting," said
-President Brandon.
-
-Tracy rose, and read a brief report, which was accepted, according to
-form.
-
-"Is there any business to come before the club?" inquired the president.
-
-"I would like to nominate a friend of mine as a member of the club,"
-said Burgess.
-
-"What's his name?" inquired a member.
-
-"Henry Drayton."
-
-"Will Mr. Burgess give some account of his friend, so that the members
-can vote intelligently on his election?" requested Brandon.
-
-"He's a jolly sort of fellow, and a good singer," said Burgess. "He'll
-help make our meetings lively. He's about my age--"
-
-"In his second childhood," suggested Wilmot.
-
-This produced a laugh at the expense of Burgess, who took it
-good-naturedly.
-
-"Has he got five dollars?" inquired another member.
-
-"His father is a rich man," said Burgess. "There will be no fear about
-his not paying his assessments."
-
-"That's the principal thing," said Wilmot. "I second the nomination."
-
-A vote was taken which was unanimously affirmative.
-
-"Mr. Drayton is unanimously elected a member of the Madison Club,"
-announced the president. "Notification will be duly sent him by the
-secretary. Is there any other business to come before the club?"
-
-As there appeared to be none, Brandon added, "Then we will proceed to
-the more agreeable duties which have brought us hither."
-
-He rang a small bell.
-
-Jackson answered the summons.
-
-"Jackson, is the punch ready?" inquired the president.
-
-"Yes, sir," said Jackson.
-
-"Then bring it in. I appoint Wilmot and Burgess to lend you the
-necessary aid."
-
-A large flagon of hot whiskey punch was brought in and placed on a
-table. Glasses were produced from a closet in the corner of the room,
-and it was served out to the members.
-
-"How do you like it, Roswell?" inquired Ralph Graham.
-
-"It's--rather strong," said Roswell, coughing.
-
-"Oh, you'll soon be used to it. The fellows will begin to be jolly
-after they've drunk a glass or two."
-
-"Do they ever get tight?" whispered Roswell.
-
-"A little lively,--that's all."
-
-The effect predicted soon followed.
-
-"Wilmot, give us a song," said Burgess.
-
-"What will you have?" said Wilmot, whose flushed face showed that the
-punch had begun to affect him.
-
-"Oh, you can give us an air from one of the operas."
-
-"Villikens and his Dinah?" suggested Tracy.
-
-"Very good," said Wilmot.
-
-Wilmot was one of those, who, with no voice or musical ear, are under
-the delusion that they are admirable singers. He executed the song
-in his usual style, and was rewarded with vociferous applause, which
-appeared to gratify him.
-
-"Gentleman," he said, laying his hand upon his heart, "I am deeply
-grateful for your kind appreciation of my--"
-
-"Admirable singing," suggested Dunbar.
-
-"Of my admirable singing," repeated Wilmot, gravely.
-
-This speech was naturally followed by an outburst of laughter. Wilmot
-looked around him in grave surprise.
-
-"I don't see what you fellows are laughing at," he said, "unless you're
-all drunk."
-
-He sat down amid a round of applause, evidently puzzled to understand
-the effect of his words.
-
-After this, David Green arose, and rehearsed amid great applause a
-stump speech which he had heard at some minstrel entertainment which he
-had attended.
-
-"How do you like it, Roswell?" again inquired Ralph Graham.
-
-"It's splendid," said Roswell, enthusiastically.
-
-"Are you glad you joined?"
-
-"Yes; I wouldn't have missed it for a good deal."
-
-"I knew you'd say so. Have your glass filled. Here Jackson, fill this
-gentleman's glass."
-
-Roswell was beginning to feel a little light-headed; but the punch had
-excited him, and he had become in a degree reckless of consequences. So
-he made no opposition to the proposal, but held out his glass, which
-was soon returned to him filled to the brim.
-
-"Speech from the new member!" called Dunbar, after a while.
-
-"Yes, speech, speech!"
-
-All eyes were turned towards Roswell.
-
-"You'd better say something," said Ralph.
-
-Roswell rose to his feet, but found it necessary to hold on to his
-chair for support.
-
-"Mr. President," commenced Roswell, gazing about him in a vacant way,
-"this is a great occasion."
-
-"Of course it is," said Burgess.
-
-"We are assembled to-night--"
-
-"So we are. Bright boy!" said David Green.
-
-"I am a gentleman's son," continued Roswell.
-
-"What's the gentleman's name?" interrupted Wilmot.
-
-"And I think it's a shame that I should only be paid six dollars a week
-for my services."
-
-"Bring your employer here, and we'll lynch him," said Tracy. "Such mean
-treatment of a member of the Madison Club should meet with the severest
-punishment. Go ahead."
-
-"I don't think I've got anything more to say," said Roswell. "As my
-head doesn't feel just right, I'll sit down."
-
-There was a round of applause, and Wilmot arose.
-
-"Mr. President," he said, gravely, "I have been very much impressed
-with the remarks of the gentleman who has just sat down. They do equal
-credit to his head and his heart. His reference to his salary was most
-touching. If you will allow me, I will pause a moment and wipe away
-an unbidden tear." (Here amid laughter and applause, Wilmot made an
-imposing demonstration with a large handkerchief. He then proceeded.)
-"Excuse my emotion, gentlemen. I merely arose to make the motion that
-the gentleman should furnish us a copy of his remarks, that they may
-be engrossed on parchment, and a copy sent to the principal libraries
-in Europe and America."
-
-Roswell was hardly in a condition to understand that fun was being made
-of him, but listened soberly, sipping from time to time from his glass.
-
-"The motion is not in order," said Brandon. "The hour for business has
-gone by."
-
-The punch was now removed, and cards were produced. The remainder of
-the evening was spent in playing euchre and other games. Roswell took
-a hand, but found he was too dizzy to play correctly, and for the
-remainder of the evening contented himself with looking on. Small sums
-were staked among some of the players, and thus a taste for gambling
-was fostered which might hereafter lead to moral shipwreck and ruin.
-
-This was the way in which the members of the Madison Club spent
-their evenings,--a very poor way, as my young readers will readily
-acknowledge. I heartily approve of societies organized by young people
-for debate and mutual improvement. They are oftentimes productive of
-great good. Some of our distinguished men date their first impulse to
-improve and advance themselves to their connection with such a society.
-But the Madison Club had no salutary object in view. It was adapted to
-inspire a taste for gambling and drinking, and the money spent by the
-members to sustain it was worse than wasted.
-
-Roswell, however, who would have found nothing to interest or attract
-him in a Debating Society, was very favorably impressed by what he
-had seen of the Madison Club. He got an erroneous impression that it
-was likely to introduce him into the society of gentlemen, and his
-aristocratic predilections were, as we know, one of Roswell's hobbies.
-
-It was about eleven when the club broke up its meeting. Previous to
-this there was a personal difficulty between Wilmot and Tracy, which
-resulted in a rough-and-tumble fight, in which Wilmot got the worst of
-it. How the quarrel arose no one could remember,--the principals least
-of all. At last they were reconciled, and were persuaded to shake hands.
-
-They issued into the street, a noisy throng. Roswell's head ached, the
-punch, to which he was not accustomed, having affected him in this way.
-Besides this he felt a little dizzy.
-
-"I wish you'd come home with me, Ralph," he said to his friend. "I
-don't feel quite right."
-
-"Oh, you'll feel all right to-morrow. Your head will become as strong
-as mine after a while. I'm as cool as a cucumber."
-
-"It's rather late, isn't it?" asked Roswell.
-
-"Hark, there's the clock striking. I'll count the strokes. Eleven
-o'clock!" he said, after counting. "That isn't very late."
-
-Ralph accompanied Roswell to the door of his mother's house in Clinton
-Place.
-
-"Good-night, old fellow!" he said. "You'll be all right in the morning."
-
-"Good-night," said Roswell.
-
-He crept up to bed, but his brain was excited by the punch he had
-drank, and it was only after tossing about for two hours that he at
-length sank into a troubled sleep.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXIII.
-
-WHO WAS THE THIEF?
-
-
-When Roswell rose the next morning he felt cross and out of sorts. His
-head still ached a little, and he wished he were not obliged to go to
-the store. But it was out of the question to remain at home, so he
-started about half an hour after the usual time, and of course arrived
-late.
-
-"You are late this morning," said Mr. Baker. "You must be more
-particular about being here in good season."
-
-Roswell muttered something about not feeling quite well.
-
-Putting his hand into his pocket by chance, his fingers came in contact
-with the key which he had made to open the cash drawer. Just as he was
-passing Mark, he drew it out and let it drop into the side-pocket of
-his jacket. So, if suspicion were excited, the key would be found on
-Mark, not on him.
-
-The critical moment came sooner than he had anticipated.
-
-A Mr. Gay, one of the regular customers of the bookstore, entered a few
-minutes later.
-
-"Good-morning, Mr. Baker," he said. "Have you got a 'Tribune' this
-morning?"
-
-"Yes, here is one. By the way, you are just the man I wanted to see."
-
-"Indeed, I feel complimented."
-
-"Wait till you hear what I am going to say. You bought a copy of
-'Corinne' here on Monday?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"And handed me a five-dollar bill on the Park Bank?"
-
-"Yes."
-
-"Well, I find the bill was a skilfully executed counterfeit."
-
-"Indeed! I didn't examine it very closely. But I know where I took it,
-and will give you a good bill in exchange for it."
-
-"I locked it up lest it should get out," said Mr. Baker.
-
-He went to the drawer which Roswell had opened. Roswell listened to
-this conversation with dismay. He realized that he was in a tight
-place, for it was undoubtedly the five-dollar counterfeit which he
-had taken, and paid to the Secretary of the Madison Club. He awaited
-nervously the result of Mr. Baker's examination.
-
-"Don't you find it?" asked Mr. Gay.
-
-"It is very strange," said Mr. Baker. "I placed it at the top of a pile
-of bills, and now it is gone."
-
-"Look through the pile. Perhaps your memory is at fault," said Mr. Gay.
-
-Mr. Baker did so.
-
-"No," he said, "the bill has disappeared."
-
-"Do you miss anything else?"
-
-"No. The money is just five dollars short."
-
-"Perhaps you forget yourself, and paid it away to a customer."
-
-"Impossible; I always make change out of this drawer."
-
-"Well, when you find it, I will make it right. I am in a hurry this
-morning."
-
-Mr. Gay went out.
-
-"Has any one been to this drawer?" inquired Mr. Baker, abruptly.
-
-"You always keep it locked,--do you not?" said Mr. Jones.
-
-"And keep the key myself. Yes."
-
-"Then I don't see how it could have been opened."
-
-"There was nothing peculiar about the lock. There might easily be
-another key to fit it."
-
-"I hope you don't suspect me, Mr. Baker?"
-
-"No, Mr. Jones, you have been with me five years, and I have perfect
-confidence in you."
-
-"Thank you, sir."
-
-"I hope you don't suspect me, sir," said Roswell, boldly. "I am willing
-to turn my pockets inside-out, to show that I have no key that will fit
-the lock."
-
-"Very well. You may do so."
-
-Roswell turned his pockets inside-out, but of course no key was found.
-
-"How lucky I got rid of it!" he thought.
-
-"Now it's your turn, Mark," he said.
-
-"I'm perfectly willing," said Mark, promptly.
-
-He put his hand into his pocket, and, to his unutterable astonishment
-and dismay, drew out a key.
-
-"I didn't know I had this in my pocket," he said, startled.
-
-"Hand me that key," said Mr. Baker, sternly.
-
-Mark handed it to him mechanically.
-
-Mr. Baker went behind the counter, and fitted the key in the lock. It
-proved to open the drawer with ease.
-
-"Where did you get this key?" he said.
-
-"I didn't know I had it, sir," said Mark, earnestly. "I hope you will
-believe me."
-
-"I don't understand how you can hope anything of the kind. It seems
-very clear that you have been at my drawer, and taken the missing
-money. When did you take it?"
-
-"I have never opened the drawer, nor taken your money," said Mark, in a
-firm voice, though his cheek was pale, and his look was troubled.
-
-"I am sorry to say that I do not believe you," said Mr. Baker, coldly.
-"Once more, when did you take the five dollars?"
-
-"I did not take it at all, sir."
-
-"Have you lent the key to any one?"
-
-"No, sir. I did not know I had it."
-
-"I don't know what to do in the matter," said the bookseller, turning
-to Mr. Jones, his assistant. "It seems clear to me that the boy took
-the missing bill."
-
-"I am afraid so," said Jones, who was a kind-hearted man, and pitied
-Mark. "But I don't know when he could have had the chance. He is never
-left alone in the store."
-
-"Roswell," said Mr. Baker, "have you left Mark alone in the store at
-any time within two or three days?"
-
-Roswell saw the point of the inquiry, and determined, as a measure of
-safety, to add falsehood to his former offence.
-
-"Yes, sir," he said, in an apologetic tone, "I left him in the store
-for two or three minutes yesterday."
-
-"Why did you leave him? Did you go out of the store?"
-
-"Yes, sir. A friend was passing, and I went out to speak to him. I
-don't think I stayed more than two or three minutes."
-
-"And Mark was left alone in the store?"
-
-"Yes, sir. I had no idea that any harm would come of it."
-
-Mark looked intently at Roswell when he uttered this falsehood.
-
-"You had better confess, Mark, that you took the money when Roswell was
-out of the store," said his employer. "If you make a full confession, I
-will be as lenient with you as I can, considering your youth."
-
-"Mr. Baker," said Mark, quietly, more at his ease now, since he began
-to understand that there was a plot against him, "I cannot confess what
-is not true. I don't know what Roswell means by what he has just said,
-but I was not left alone in the store for a moment all day yesterday,
-nor did Roswell go out to speak to a friend while I was about."
-
-"There seems to be a conflict of evidence here," said Mr. Baker.
-
-"I hope the word of a gentleman's son is worth more than that of a
-match boy," said Roswell, haughtily.
-
-"To whom do you refer, when you speak of a match boy?"
-
-"To _him_," said Roswell, pointing to Mark. "He used to be a vagabond
-boy about the streets selling matches, and sleeping anywhere he
-could. No wonder he steals."
-
-"I never stole in my life," said Mark, indignantly. "It is true that I
-sold matches about the streets, and I should have been doing it now, if
-it had not been for my meeting with kind friends."
-
-"As to his having been a match boy, that has no bearing upon the
-question," said Mr. Baker. "It is the discovery of the key in his
-pocket that throws the gravest suspicion upon him. I must see his
-friends, and inquire into the matter."
-
-"Of course they will stand by him," said Roswell.
-
-"We may get some light thrown upon his possession of the key, at any
-rate, and can judge for ourselves."
-
-"I shall keep you employed until this matter is investigated," said
-Mr. Baker to Mark. "Here is a parcel of books to be carried to
-Twenty-Seventh Street. Come back as soon as they are delivered."
-
-Mark went out with a heavy heart, for it troubled him to think he was
-under suspicion. Theft, too, he had always despised. He wondered if
-Richard Hunter would believe him guilty. He could not bear to think
-that so kind a friend should think so ill of him.
-
-But Mark's vindication was not long in coming. He had been out scarcely
-ten minutes when Roswell, on looking up, saw to his dismay Tracy, the
-secretary of the Madison Club, entering the store. His heart misgave
-him as to the nature of the business on which he had probably come.
-
-He went forward hastily to meet him.
-
-"How are you, Crawford?" said Tracy.
-
-"Pretty well. I am very busy now. I will see you, after the store
-closes, anywhere you please."
-
-"Oh," said Tracy, in a voice loud enough for Mr. Baker to hear, "it
-won't take a minute. The bill you gave me last night was a bad one. Of
-course you didn't know it."
-
-Roswell turned red and pale, and hoped Mr. Baker did not hear. But Mr.
-Baker had caught the words, and came forward.
-
-"Show me the bill, if you please, young gentleman," he said. "I have a
-good reason for asking."
-
-"Certainly, sir," said Tracy, rather surprised. "Here it is."
-
-A moment's glance satisfied Mr. Baker that it was the missing bill.
-
-"Did Roswell pay you this bill?" he asked.
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"For what did he owe it?"
-
-"I am the secretary of the Madison Club, and this was paid as the
-entrance fee."
-
-"I recognize the bill," said Mr. Baker. "I will take it, if you please,
-and you can look to him for another."
-
-"Very well," said Tracy, puzzled by the words, the motive of which he
-did not understand.
-
-"Perhaps you will explain this," said Mr. Baker, turning to Roswell.
-"It seems that you took this bill."
-
-Roswell's confidence deserted him, and he stood pale and downcast.
-
-"The key I presume, belonged to you."
-
-"Yes, sir," he ejaculated, with difficulty.
-
-"And you dropped it into Mark's pocket,--thus meanly trying to
-implicate him in a theft which you had yourself committed."
-
-Roswell was silent.
-
-"Have you taken money before?"
-
-"I never opened the drawer but once."
-
-"That was not my question. Make a full confession, and I will not have
-you arrested, but shall require you to make restitution of all the sums
-you have stolen. I shall not include this bill, as it is now returned
-to my possession. Here is a piece of paper. Write down the items."
-
-Roswell did so. They footed up a little over six dollars.
-
-Mr. Baker examined it.
-
-"Is this all?" he said.
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"Half a week's wages are due you, I will therefore deduct three dollars
-from this amount. The remainder I shall expect you to refund. I shall
-have no further occasion for your services."
-
-Roswell took his cap, and was about to leave the store.
-
-"Wait a few minutes. You have tried to implicate Mark in your theft.
-You must wait till his return, and apologize to him for what you have
-attempted to do."
-
-"Must I do this?" asked Roswell, ruefully.
-
-"You must," said Mr. Baker, firmly.
-
-When Mark came in, and was told how he had been cleared of suspicion,
-he felt very happy. Roswell made the apology dictated to him, with a
-very bad grace, and then was permitted to leave the store.
-
-At home he tried to hide the circumstances attending his discharge from
-his mother and his cousin; but the necessity of refunding the money
-made that impossible.
-
-It was only a few days afterwards that Mrs. Crawford received a
-letter, informing her of the death of a brother in Illinois, and that
-he had left her a small house and farm. She had found it so hard a
-struggle for a livelihood in the city, that she decided to remove
-thither, greatly to Roswell's disgust, who did not wish to be immured
-in the country. But his wishes could not be gratified, and, sulky and
-discontented, he was obliged to leave the choice society of the Madison
-Club, and the attractions of New York, for the quiet of a country town.
-Let us hope that, away from the influences of the city, his character
-may be improved, and become more manly and self-reliant. It is only
-just to say that he was led to appropriate what did not belong to him,
-by the desire to gratify his vanity, and through the influence of a
-bad adviser. If he can ever forget that he is "the son of a gentleman,"
-I shall have some hopes for him.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXIV.
-
-AN EXCURSION TO FORT HAMILTON.
-
-
-Towards the close of May there was a general holiday, occasioned by
-the arrival of a distinguished stranger in the city. All the stores
-were to be closed, there was to be a turnout of the military, and a
-long procession. Among those released from duty were our three friends,
-Fosdick, Richard Hunter, and his ward Mark.
-
-"Well, Dick, what are you going to do to-morrow?" inquired Fosdick, on
-the evening previous.
-
-"I was expecting an invitation to ride in a barouche with the mayor,"
-said Richard; "but probably he forgot my address and couldn't send
-it. On the whole I'm glad of it, being rather bashful and not used to
-popular enthusiasm."
-
-"Shall you go out and see the procession?" continued Fosdick.
-
-"No," said Dick; "I have been thinking of another plan, which I think
-will be pleasanter."
-
-"What is it?"
-
-"It's a good while since we took an excursion. Suppose we go to Fort
-Hamilton to-morrow."
-
-"I should like that," said Fosdick. "I was never there. How do we get
-there?"
-
-"Cross over Fulton Ferry to Brooklyn, and there we might take the cars
-to Fort Hamilton. It's seven or eight miles out there."
-
-"Why do you say 'might' take the cars?"
-
-"Because the cars will be crowded with excursionists, and I have been
-thinking we might hire a carriage on the Brooklyn side, and ride out
-there in style. It'll cost more money, but we don't often take a
-holiday, and we can afford it for once. What you do say, Mark?"
-
-"Do you mean me to go?" asked Mark, eagerly.
-
-"Of course I do. Do you think your guardian would trust you to remain
-in the city alone?"
-
-"I go in for your plan, Dick," said Fosdick. "What time do you want to
-start?"
-
-"About half-past nine o'clock. That will give us plenty of time to go.
-Then, after exploring the fort, we can get dinner at the hotel, and
-drive where we please afterwards. I suppose there is sea-bathing near
-by."
-
-Dick's idea was unanimously approved, and by no one more than by Mark.
-Holidays had been few and far between with him, and he anticipated the
-excursion with the most eager delight. He was only afraid that the
-weather would prove unpropitious. He was up at four, looking out of the
-window; but the skies were clear, and soon the sun came out with full
-radiance, dissipating the night-shadows, and promising a glorious day.
-
-Breakfast was later than usual, as people like to indulge themselves
-in a little longer sleep on Sundays and holidays; but it was over by
-half-past eight, and within a few minutes from that time the three had
-taken the cars to Fulton Ferry.
-
-In about half an hour the ferry was reached, and, passing through,
-the party went on board the boat. They had scarcely done so, when an
-exclamation of surprise was heard, proceeding from feminine lips, and
-Dick heard himself called by name.
-
-"Why, Mr. Hunter, this is an unexpected pleasure. I am _so_ glad to
-have met you."
-
-Turning his head, Dick recognized Mr. and Mrs. Clifton. Both had
-been fellow-boarders with him in Bleecker Street. The latter will be
-remembered by the readers of "Fame and Fortune" as Miss Peyton. When
-close upon the verge of old-maidenhood she had been married, for the
-sake of a few thousand dollars which she possessed, by Mr. Clifton,
-a clerk on a small salary, in constant pecuniary difficulties. With
-a portion of his wife's money he had purchased a partnership in a
-dry-goods store on Eighth Avenue; but the remainder of her money Mrs.
-Clifton had been prudent enough to have settled upon herself.
-
-Mrs. Clifton still wore the same ringlets, and exhibited the same
-youthful vivacity which had characterized her when an inmate of Mrs.
-Browning's boarding-house, and only owned to being twenty-four, though
-she looked full ten years older.
-
-"How d'e do, Hunter?" drawled Mr. Clifton, upon whose arm his wife was
-leaning.
-
-"Very well, thank you," said Dick. "I see Mrs. Clifton is as
-fascinating as ever."
-
-"O you wicked flatterer!" said Mrs. Clifton, shaking her ringlets, and
-tapping Dick on the shoulder with her fan. "And here is Mr. Fosdick
-too, I declare. How do you do, Mr. Fosdick?"
-
-"Quite well, thank you, Mrs. Clifton."
-
-"I declare I've a great mind to scold you for not coming round to see
-us. I should so much like to hear you sing again."
-
-"My friend hasn't sung since your marriage, Mrs. Clifton," said Dick.
-"He took it very much to heart. I don't think he has forgiven Clifton
-yet for cutting him out."
-
-"Mr. Hunter is speaking for himself," said Fosdick, smiling. "He has
-sung as little as I have."
-
-"Yes, but for another reason," said Dick. "I did not think it right
-to run the risk of driving away the boarders; so, out of regard to my
-landlady, I repressed my natural tendency to warble."
-
-"I see you're just as bad as ever," said Mrs. Clifton, in excellent
-spirits. "But really you must come round and see us. We are boarding in
-West Sixteenth Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues."
-
-"If your husband will promise not to be jealous," said Dick.
-
-"I'm not subject to that complaint," said Clifton, coolly. "Got a cigar
-about you, Hunter?"
-
-"No. I don't smoke."
-
-"No, don't you though? I couldn't get along without it. It's my great
-comfort."
-
-"Yes, he's always smoking," said Mrs. Clifton, with some asperity. "Our
-rooms are so full of tobacco smoke, that I don't know but some of my
-friends will begin to think I smoke myself."
-
-"A man must have some pleasure," said Clifton, not appearing to be much
-discomposed by his wife's remarks.
-
-It may be mentioned that although Mrs. Clifton was always gay and
-vivacious in company, there were times when she could display
-considerable ill-temper, as her husband frequently had occasion to
-know. Among the sources of difficulty and disagreement was that portion
-of Mrs. Clifton's fortune which had been settled upon herself, and
-of which she was never willing to allow her husband the use of a
-single dollar. In this, however, she had some justification, as he was
-naturally a spendthrift, and, if placed in his hands, it would soon
-have melted away.
-
-"Where are you going, Mr. Hunter?" inquired Mrs. Clifton, after a pause.
-
-"Fosdick and I have planned to take a carriage and ride to Fort
-Hamilton."
-
-"Delightful!" said Mrs. Clifton. "Why can't we go too, Mr. Clifton?"
-
-"Why, to tell the plain truth," said her husband, "I haven't got money
-enough with me. If you'll pay for the carriage, I'm willing to go."
-
-Mrs. Clifton hesitated. She had money enough with her, but was not
-inclined to spend it. Still the prospect of making a joint excursion
-with Richard Hunter and Fosdick was attractive, and she inquired:--
-
-"How much will it cost?"
-
-"About five dollars probably."
-
-"Then I think we'll go," she said, "that is, if our company would not
-be disagreeable to Mr. Hunter."
-
-"On the contrary," said Dick. "We will get separate carriages, but I
-will invite you both to dine with us after visiting the fort."
-
-Mr. Clifton brightened up at this, and straightway became more social
-and cheerful.
-
-"Mrs. Clifton," said Richard Hunter, "I believe I haven't yet
-introduced you to my ward."
-
-"Is that your ward?" inquired the lady, looking towards Mark. "What is
-his name?"
-
-"Mark Manton."
-
-"How do you like your guardian?" inquired Mrs. Clifton.
-
-"Very much," said Mark, smiling.
-
-"Then I won't expose him," said Mrs. Clifton. "We used to be great
-friends before I married."
-
-"Since that sad event I have never recovered my spirits," said Dick.
-"Mark will tell you what a poor appetite I have."
-
-"Is that true, Mark?" asked the lady.
-
-"I don't think it's _very_ poor," said Mark, with a smile.
-
-Probably my readers will not consider this conversation very brilliant;
-but Mrs. Clifton was a silly woman, who was fond of attention, and was
-incapable of talking sensibly. Richard would have preferred not to have
-her husband or herself in the company, but, finding it inevitable,
-submitted to it with as good a grace as possible.
-
-Carriage were secured at a neighboring stable, and the two parties
-started. The drive was found to be very pleasant, particularly
-the latter portion, when a fresh breeze from the sea made the air
-delightfully cool. As they drove up beside the fort, they heard the
-band within, playing a march, and, giving their horses in charge, they
-were soon exploring the interior. The view from the ramparts proved to
-be fine, commanding a good view of the harbor and the city of New York,
-nearly eight miles distant to the north.
-
-"It is a charming view," said Mrs. Clifton, with girlish enthusiasm.
-
-"I know what will be more charming," said her husband.
-
-"What is it?"
-
-"A prospect of the dinner-table. I feel awfully hungry."
-
-"Mr. Clifton never thinks of anything but eating," said his wife.
-
-"By Jove! you can do your share at that," retorted her husband not very
-gallantly. "You'd ought to see her eat, Hunter."
-
-"I don't eat more than a little bird," said Mrs. Clifton, affectedly.
-"I appeal to Mr. Hunter."
-
-"If any little bird ate as much as you, he'd be sure to die of
-_dyspepsy_," said her husband. If the word in italics is incorrectly
-spelled, I am not responsible, as that is the way Mr. Clifton
-pronounced it.
-
-"I confess the ride has given me an appetite also," said Dick. "Suppose
-we go round to the hotel, and order dinner."
-
-They were soon seated round a bountifully spread dinner-table, to which
-the whole party, not excepting Mrs. Clifton, did excellent justice. It
-will not be necessary or profitable to repeat the conversation which
-seasoned the repast, as, out of deference to Mrs. Clifton's taste, none
-of the party ventured upon any sensible remarks.
-
-After dinner they extended their drive, and then parted, as Mr. and
-Mrs. Clifton decided to make a call upon some friends living in the
-neighborhood.
-
-About four o'clock Richard Hunter and his friends started on their
-return home. They had about reached the Brooklyn city line, when
-Fosdick suddenly exclaimed:--
-
-"Dick, there's a carriage overturned a little ways ahead of us. Do you
-see it?"
-
-Looking in the direction indicated, Dick saw that Fosdick was correct.
-
-"Let us hurry on," he said. "Perhaps we may be able to render some
-assistance."
-
-Coming up, they found that a wheel had come off, and a gentleman of
-middle age was leaning against a tree with an expression of pain upon
-his features, while a boy of about seventeen was holding the horse.
-
-"Frank Whitney!" exclaimed Dick, in joyful recognition.
-
-To Frank Whitney Dick was indebted for the original impulse which led
-him to resolve upon gaining a respectable position in society, as will
-be remembered by the readers of "Ragged Dick;" and for this he had
-always felt grateful.
-
-"Dick!" exclaimed Frank, in equal surprise. "I am really glad to see
-you. You are a friend in need."
-
-"Tell me what has happened."
-
-"The wheel of our carriage came off, as you see and my uncle was
-pitched out with considerable violence, and has sprained his ankle
-badly. I was wondering what to do, when luckily you came up."
-
-"Tell me how I can help you," said Dick, promptly, "and I will do so."
-
-"We are stopping at the house of a friend in Brooklyn. If you will give
-my uncle a seat in your carryall, for he is unable to walk, and carry
-him there, it will be a great favor. I will remain and attend to the
-horse and carriage."
-
-"With pleasure, Frank. Are you going to remain in this neighborhood
-long?"
-
-"I shall try to gain admission to the sophomore class of Columbia
-College this summer, and shall then live in New York, where I hope
-to see you often. I intended to enter last year, but decided for
-some reasons to delay a year. However, if I am admitted to advanced
-standing, I shall lose nothing. Give me your address, and I will call
-on you very soon."
-
-"I am afraid I shall inconvenience you," said Mr. Whitney.
-
-"Not at all," said Dick, promptly. "We have plenty of room, and I shall
-be glad to have an opportunity of obliging one to whom I am indebted
-for past kindness."
-
-Mr. Whitney was assisted into the carriage, and they resumed their
-drive, deviating from their course somewhat, in order to leave him at
-the house of the friend with whom he was stopping.
-
-"I am very glad to have met Frank again," thought Dick: "I always liked
-him."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXV.
-
-AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY.
-
-
-Mark remained in the bookstore on the same footing as before. He was
-not old enough to succeed to Rowell's vacant place, but Mr. Baker, as
-a mark of his satisfaction with him, and partly also to compensate
-for the temporary suspicions which he had entertained of his honesty,
-advanced his wages a dollar a week. He therefore now received four
-dollars, which yielded him no little satisfaction, as it enabled him to
-pay a larger share of his expenses.
-
-They were all seated in Richard Hunter's pleasant room in St. Mark's
-Place one evening, when Dick said suddenly:--
-
-"Oh, by the way, Fosdick, I forgot to tell you that I had a letter from
-Mr. Bates to-day."
-
-"Did you? What does he say?"
-
-"I will read it to you."
-
-Richard drew the letter from the envelope, and read as follows:--
-
-  "MY DEAR MR. HUNTER:--I have received your letter, reporting that
-  you have as yet obtained no trace of my unfortunate grandson, John
-  Talbot. I thank you sincerely for your kind and persistent efforts. I
-  fear that he may have left New York, possibly in the care of persons
-  unfit to take charge of him. It is a great source of anxiety to me
-  lest he should be suffering privation and bad treatment at this
-  moment, when I, his grandfather, have abundance of worldly means, and
-  have it in my power to rear him handsomely. I cannot help feeling
-  that it is a fitting punishment for the cruel harshness with which
-  I treated his mother. Now I am amassing wealth but I have no one to
-  leave it to. I feel that I have small object in living. Yet I cannot
-  give up the thought that my grandson is still living. I cannot help
-  indulging the hope that some day, by the kind favor of Providence, he
-  may be given back to me.
-
-  "If it will not be too much trouble to you and Mr. Fosdick, I shall
-  feel indebted if you will still continue on the watch for the lost
-  boy. Any expenses which you may incur, as I have already assured you,
-  will be most cheerfully paid by your obliged friend and servant,
-
-  "HIRAM BATES."
-
-While Richard was reading this letter, Mark listened attentively.
-Looking up, Richard observed this.
-
-"Did you ever meet with a boy named John Talbot, Mark?" he inquired.
-
-"No," said Mark, "not _John_ Talbot."
-
-"Did you ever meet any boy named Talbot? It is not certain that the
-name is John."
-
-"Talbot used to be my name," said Mark.
-
-"Used to be your name!" exclaimed Richard, in surprise. "I thought it
-was Manton."
-
-"Some of the boys gave me that name, because there was a story came out
-in one of the story papers about Mark Manton. After a while I got to
-calling myself so, but my real name is Mark Talbot."
-
-"It would be strange if he should turn out to be the right boy after
-all, Dick," said Fosdick. "Where is the photograph? That will soon
-settle the question."
-
-Richard Hunter opened his desk, and took out the card photograph which
-Mr. Bates had left with him.
-
-"Mark," he said, "did you ever see any one who looked like that
-picture?"
-
-Mark took the picture in his hand. No sooner did his eyes rest upon it
-than they filled with tears.
-
-"That is my mother" he said. "Where did you get it?"
-
-"Your mother! Are you sure?"
-
-"Yes; I should know it anywhere, though it looks younger than she did."
-
-"Do you know what her name was, before she was married?"
-
-"Yes; she has told me often. It was Irene Bates."
-
-"How strange!" exclaimed Richard and Fosdick together. "Mark,"
-continued Richard, "I think you are the very boy I had been in search
-of for several months. I had succeeded without knowing it."
-
-"Please tell me all about it," said Mark. "I don't understand."
-
-"I have a great piece of good luck to announce to you, Mark. Your
-grandfather is a rich man, formerly in business in New York, but now a
-successful merchant in Milwaukie. He has no child, no descendant except
-yourself. He has been anxiously seeking for you, intending to give you
-all the advantages which his wealth can procure."
-
-"Do you think I shall like him?" asked Mark, timidly.
-
-"Yes; I think he will be very kind to you."
-
-"But he was not kind to my mother. Although he was rich, he let her
-suffer."
-
-"He has repented of this, and will try to make up to you his neglect to
-your mother."
-
-Mark was still thoughtful. "If it had come sooner, my poor mother might
-still have been alive," he said.
-
-"I think I had better telegraph to Mr. Bates to-morrow," said Richard.
-"The news will be so welcome that I don't like to keep it back a single
-day."
-
-"Perhaps it will be better," said Fosdick. "You will have to give up
-your ward, Dick."
-
-"Yes; but as it will be for his good, I will not object."
-
-The next morning the following message was flashed over the wires to
-Milwaukie:--
-
-  "HIRAM BATES.
-
-  "Your grandson is found. He is well, and in my charge.
-
-  "RICHARD HUNTER."
-
-In the course of the forenoon, the following answer was received:--
-
-  "RICHARD HUNTER.
-
-  "How can I thank you! I take the next train for New York.
-
-  "HIRAM BATES."
-
-On the afternoon succeeding, Mr. Bates entered Richard's counting-room.
-He clasped his hand with fervor.
-
-"Mr. Hunter," he said, "I do not know how to thank you. Where is my
-boy?"
-
-"I am just going up to the house," said Richard. "If you will accompany
-me, you shall soon see him."
-
-"I am impatient to hear all the particulars," said Mr. Bates.
-"Remember, I know nothing as yet. I only received your telegram
-announcing his discovery. When did you find him?"
-
-"That is the strangest part of it," said Richard. "I found him sick
-just outside the office door several weeks since. I took him home,
-and when he recovered let him get a place in a bookstore; but, having
-become interested in him, I was unwilling to lose sight of him, and
-still kept him with me. All this while I was searching for your
-grandson, and had not the least idea that he was already found."
-
-"How did you discover this at last?"
-
-"By his recognition of his mother's photograph. It was lucky you
-thought of leaving it with me."
-
-"Is his name John?"
-
-"He says his name is Mark, but for his last name he had adopted a
-different one, or I should have made the discovery sooner."
-
-"How did he make a living before you found him? Poor boy!" said Mr.
-Bates, sighing, "I fear he must have suffered many privations."
-
-"He was selling matches for some time,--what we call a match boy. He
-had suffered hardships, but I leave him to tell you his story himself."
-
-"How does he feel about meeting me?" asked Mr. Bates.
-
-"You are a stranger to him, and he naturally feels a little timid, but
-he will soon be reassured when he gets acquainted with you."
-
-Mark had already arrived. As they entered the room, Mr. Bates said with
-emotion, "Is that he?"
-
-"Yes, sir."
-
-"Come here, Mark," he said, in a tone which took away Mark's
-apprehension. "Do you know who I am?"
-
-"Are you my grandfather?"
-
-"Yes, I have come to take care of you, and to see that you suffer no
-more from poverty."
-
-Mr. Bates stooped down and pressed a kiss upon the boy's forehead.
-
-"I can see Irene's look in his eyes," he said. "It is all the proof I
-need that he is my grandchild."
-
-It was arranged that in three days, for he had some business to
-transact, he should go back to Milwaukie carrying Mark with him. He
-went round to Mr. Baker's store the next morning with his grandson and
-explained to him why he should be obliged to withdraw him from his
-employ.
-
-"I am sorry to lose him," said Mr. Baker. "He is quick and attentive to
-his duties, and has given me excellent satisfaction; but I am glad of
-his good fortune."
-
-"It gives me pleasure to hear so good an account of him," said Mr.
-Bates. "Though he will be under no necessity of taking another
-situation, but will for several years devote himself to study, the
-same good qualities for which you give him credit will insure his
-satisfactory progress in school."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXVI.
-
-CONCLUSION.
-
-
-It was not long before Mark felt quite at home with his grandfather. He
-no longer felt afraid of him, but began to look forward with pleasant
-anticipations to his journey West, and the life that was to open before
-him in Milwaukie. It was a relief to think that he would not now be
-obliged to take care of himself, but would have some one both able and
-willing to supply his wants, and provide him with a comfortable home.
-
-He felt glad again that he was going to school. He remembered how
-anxious his poor mother had been that he should receive a good
-education, and now his grandfather had promised to send him to the best
-school in Milwaukie.
-
-The next morning after their meeting, Mr. Bates took Mark to a large
-clothing establishment, and had him fitted out with new clothes in the
-most liberal manner. He even bought him a silver watch, of which Mark
-felt very proud.
-
-"Now, Mark," said his grandfather, "if there is any one that was kind
-to you when you were a poor match boy, I should like to do something to
-show my gratitude for their kindness. Can you think of any one?"
-
-"Yes," said Mark; "there's Ben Gibson."
-
-"And who is Ben Gibson?"
-
-"He blacks boots down on Nassau Street. When I ran away from Mother
-Watson, who treated me so badly, he stood by me, and prevented her from
-getting hold of me again."
-
-"Is there any one besides?"
-
-"Yes," said Mark, after a pause; "there is Mrs. Flanagan. She lives in
-the same tenement-house where I used to. When I was almost starved she
-used to give me something to eat, though she was poor herself."
-
-"I think we will call and see her first," said Mr. Bates. "I am going
-to let you give her a hundred dollars."
-
-"She will be delighted," said Mark, his eyes sparkling with joy. "It
-will seem a fortune to her. Let us go at once."
-
-"Very well," said his grandfather. "Afterwards we will try to find your
-friend Ben."
-
-I forgot to mention that Mr. Bates was stopping at the Fifth Avenue
-Hotel.
-
-They took the University Place cars, which landed them at the junction
-of Barclay Street and Broadway. From thence it was but a short distance
-to Vandewater Street, where Mark lived when first introduced to the
-reader.
-
-They climbed the broken staircase, and paused in front of Mrs.
-Flanagan's door.
-
-Mark knocked.
-
-Mrs. Flanagan opened the door, and stared with some surprise at her
-visitors.
-
-"Don't you know me, Mrs. Flanagan?" asked Mark.
-
-"Why, surely it isn't Mark, the little match boy?" said Mrs. Flanagan,
-amazed.
-
-"Yes, it is. So you didn't know me?"
-
-"And it's rale delighted I am to see you lookin' so fine. And who is
-this gentleman?"
-
-"It is my grandfather, Mrs. Flanagan. I'm going out West to live with
-him."
-
-Mrs. Flanagan dropped a courtesy to Mr. Bates, who said, "My good
-woman, Mark tells me that you were kind to him when he stood in need of
-kindness."
-
-"And did he say that?" said Mrs. Flanagan, her face beaming with
-pleasure. "Shure it was little I did for him, bein' poor myself; but
-that little he was heartily welcome to, and I'm delighted to think he's
-turned out so lucky. The ould woman trated him very bad. I used to feel
-as if I'd like to break her ould bones for her."
-
-"Mark and I both want to thank you for your kindness to him, and he has
-a small gift to give you."
-
-"Here it is," said Mark, drawing from his pocket a neat pocket-book,
-containing a roll of bills. "You'll find a hundred dollars inside, Mrs.
-Flanagan," he said. "I hope they will help you."
-
-"A hundred dollars!" ejaculated Mrs. Flanagan, hardly believing her
-ears. "Does this good gentleman give me a hundred dollars!"
-
-"No it is Mark's gift to you," said Mr. Bates.
-
-"It's rich I am with so much money," said the good woman. "May the
-saints bless you both! Now I can buy some clothes for the childer, and
-have plenty left beside. This is a happy day entirely. But won't you
-step in, and rest yourselves a bit? It's a poor room, but--"
-
-"Thank you, Mrs. Flanagan," said Mr. Bates, "but we are in haste this
-morning. Whenever Mark comes to New York he shall come and see you."
-
-They went downstairs, leaving Mrs. Flanagan so excited with her good
-fortune, that she left her work, and made a series of calls upon her
-neighbors, in which she detailed Mark's good fortune and her own.
-
-"Now we'll go and find your friend, Ben Gibson," said Mr. Bates.
-
-"I think we'll find him on Nassau Street," said Mark.
-
-He was right.
-
-In walking down Nassau Street on the east side, Mr. Bates was accosted
-by Ben himself.
-
-"Shine yer boots?"
-
-"How are you, Ben?" said Mark.
-
-Ben stared in surprise till he recognized his old companion.
-
-"Blest if it aint Mark," he said. "How you're gettin on!"
-
-"Ben, this is my grandfather," said Mark.
-
-"Well, you're a lucky chap," said Ben, enviously. "I wish I could find
-a rich grandfather. I don't believe I ever had a grandfather."
-
-"How are you getting on, my lad?" inquired Mr. Bates.
-
-"Middlin'," said Ben. "I haven't laid by a fortun' yet."
-
-"No, I suppose not. How do you like blacking boots?"
-
-"Well, there's other things I might like better," said Ben,--"such as
-bein' a rich merchant; but that takes rather more capital than blackin'
-boots."
-
-"I see you are an original," said Mr. Bates, smiling.
-
-"Am I?" said Ben. "Well, I'm glad of it, though I didn't know it
-before. I hope it aint anything very bad."
-
-"Mark says you treated him kindly when he lived about the street."
-
-"It wasn't much," said Ben.
-
-"I want to do something for you. What shall I do?"
-
-"Well," said Ben, "I should like a new brush. This is most worn out."
-
-"How would you like to go to Milwaukie with Mark, if I will get you a
-place there?"
-
-"Do you mean it?" said Ben, incredulously.
-
-"Certainly."
-
-"I haven't any money to pay for goin' out there."
-
-"I will take care of that," said Mr. Bates.
-
-"Then I'll go," said Ben, "and I'm much obliged to you. Mark, you're a
-brick, and so's your grandfather. I never expected to have such good
-luck."
-
-"Then you must begin to make arrangements at once. Mark, here is some
-money. You may go with Ben, see that he takes a good bath, and then buy
-him some clothes. I am obliged to leave you to do it, as I must attend
-to some business in Wall Street. I shall expect to see you both at the
-Fifth Avenue Hotel at two o'clock."
-
-At two o'clock, Mr. Bates found the two boys awaiting him. There was a
-great change in Ben's appearance. He had faithfully submitted to the
-bath, and bloomed out in a tasteful suit of clothes, selected by Mark.
-Mark had taken him besides to a barber's and had his long hair cut. So
-he now made quite a presentable appearance, though he felt very awkward
-in his new clothes.
-
-"It don't seem natural to be clean," he confessed to Mark.
-
-"You'll get used to it after a while," said Mark, laughing.
-
-"Maybe I will; but I miss my old clothes. They seemed more comfortable."
-
-The next day they were to start. Ben remained at the hotel with his
-friend Mark, feeling, it must be confessed, a curious sensation at his
-unusual position.
-
-They went to make a farewell call on Richard Hunter.
-
-"Mr. Hunter," said Mr. Bates, "money will not pay you for the service
-you have done me, but I shall be glad if you will accept this cheque."
-
-Richard saw that it was a cheque for a thousand dollars.
-
-"Thank you for your liberality, Mr. Bates" he said; "but I do not
-deserve it."
-
-"Let me be the judge of that."
-
-"I will accept it on one condition."
-
-"Name it, Mr. Hunter."
-
-"That you will allow me to give it to the Newsboys' Lodge, where I once
-found shelter, and where so many poor boys are now provided for."
-
-"I will give an equal sum to that institution," said Mr. Bates, "and
-I thank you for reminding me of it. As for this money, oblige me by
-keeping it yourself."
-
-"Then," said Richard, "I will keep it as a charity fund, and whenever I
-have an opportunity of helping along a boy who is struggling upward as
-I once had to struggle, I will do it."
-
-"A noble resolution, Mr. Hunter! You have found out the best use of
-money."
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-Mark is now at an excellent school in Milwaukie, pursuing his studies.
-He is the joy and solace of his grandfather's life, hitherto sad
-and lonely, and is winning the commendation of his teachers by his
-devotion to study. A place was found for Ben Gibson, where he had some
-advantages of education, and he is likely to do well. He has been
-persuaded by Mark to leave off smoking,--a habit which he had formed
-in the streets of New York. The shrewdness which his early experiences
-taught him will be likely to benefit him in the business career which
-lies before him.
-
-Every year Mark sends a substantial present to Mrs. Flanagan, under his
-grandfather's direction, and thus makes the worthy woman's life much
-more comfortable and easy. From time to time Mark receives a letter
-from Richard Hunter, who has not lost his interest in the little match
-boy who was once his ward.
-
-So the trials of Mark, the Match Boy, as far as they proceeded from
-poverty and privation, are at an end. He has found a comfortable and
-even luxurious home, and a relative whose great object in life is to
-study his happiness. I hope that the record of his struggles will be
-read with interest by my young readers, and shall hope to meet them all
-again in the next volume of this series, which will be called:
-
-  ROUGH AND READY;
-
-  OR,
-
-  LIFE AMONG THE NEW YORK NEWSBOYS.
-
-
-
-
-FAMOUS STANDARD JUVENILE LIBRARIES.
-
-ANY VOLUME SOLD SEPARATELY AT $1.00 PER VOLUME
-
-(Except the Sportsman's Club Series, Frank Nelson Series and Jack
-Hazard Series.).
-
-Each Volume Illustrated. l2mo. Cloth.
-
-
-
-
-HORATIO ALGER, JR.
-
-
-The enormous sales of the books of Horatio Alger, Jr., show the
-greatness of his popularity among the boys, and prove that he is one
-of their most favored writers. I am told that more than half a million
-copies altogether have been sold, and that all the large circulating
-libraries in the country have several complete sets, of which only two
-or three volumes are ever on the shelves at one time. If this is true,
-what thousands and thousands of boys have read and are reading Mr.
-Alger's books! His peculiar style of stories, often imitated but never
-equaled, have taken a hold upon the young people, and, despite their
-similarity, are eagerly read as soon as they appear.
-
-Mr. Alger became famous with the publication of that undying book,
-"Ragged Dick, or Street Life in New York." It was his first book for
-young people, and its success was so great that he immediately devoted
-himself to that kind of writing. It was a new and fertile field for a
-writer then, and Mr. Alger's treatment of it at once caught the fancy
-of the boys. "Ragged Dick" first appeared in 1868, and ever since then
-it has been selling steadily, until now it is estimated that about
-200,000 copies of the series have been sold.
-
-  --_Pleasant Hours for Boys and Girls._
-
-A writer for boys should have an abundant sympathy with them. He should
-be able to enter into their plans, hopes, and aspirations. He should
-learn to look upon life as they do. Boys object to be written down to.
-A boy's heart opens to the man or writer who understands him.
-
-  --From _Writing Stories for Boys_, by Horatio Alger, Jr.
-
-
-RAGGED DICK SERIES.
-
-  6 vols.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $6.00
-
-  Ragged Dick.
-  Fame and Fortune.
-  Mark the Match Boy.
-  Rough and Ready.
-  Ben the Luggage Boy.
-  Rufus and Rose.
-
-
-TATTERED TOM SERIES--First Series.
-
-  4 vols.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $4.00
-
-  Tattered Tom.
-  Paul the Peddler.
-  Phil the Fiddler.
-  Slow and Sure.
-
-
-TATTERED TOM SERIES--Second Series.
-
-  4 vols.    $4.00
-
-  Julius.
-  The Young Outlaw.
-  Sam's Chance.
-  The Telegraph Boy.
-
-
-CAMPAIGN SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $3.00
-
-  Frank's Campaign.
-  Paul Prescott's Charge.
-  Charlie Codman's Cruise.
-
-
-LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--First Series.
-
-  4 vols.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $4.00
-
-  Luck and Pluck.
-  Sink or Swim.
-  Strong and Steady.
-  Strive and Succeed.
-
-
-LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES--Second Series.
-
-  4 vols.    $4.00
-
-  Try and Trust.
-  Bound to Rise.
-  Risen from the Ranks.
-  Herbert Carter's Legacy.
-
-
-BRAVE AND BOLD SERIES.
-
-  4 vols.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $4.00
-
-  Brave and Bold.
-  Jack's Ward.
-  Shifting for Himself.
-  Wait and Hope.
-
-
-NEW WORLD SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $3.00
-
-  Digging for Gold.
-  Facing the World.
-  In a New World.
-
-
-VICTORY SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $3.00
-
-  Only an Irish Boy.
-  Victor Vane, or the Young Secretary.
-  Adrift in the City.
-
-
-FRANK AND FEARLESS SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $3.00
-
-  Frank Hunter's Peril.
-  The Young Salesman.
-  Frank and Fearless.
-
-
-GOOD FORTUNE LIBRARY.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $3.00
-
-  Walter Sherwood's Probation.
-  The Young Bank Messenger.
-  A Boy's Fortune.
-
-
-RUPERT'S AMBITION.
-
-  1 vol.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $1.00
-
-JED, THE POOR-HOUSE BOY.
-
-  1 vol.      BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.      $1.00
-
-
-
-
-HARRY CASTLEMON.
-
-HOW I CAME TO WRITE MY FIRST BOOK.
-
-
-When I was sixteen years old I belonged to a composition class. It was
-our custom to go on the recitation seat every day with clean slates,
-and we were allowed ten minutes to write seventy words on any subject
-the teacher thought suited to our capacity. One day he gave out "What a
-Man Would See if He Went to Greenland." My heart was in the matter, and
-before the ten minutes were up I had one side of my slate filled. The
-teacher listened to the reading of our compositions, and when they were
-all over he simply said: "Some of you will make your living by writing
-one of these days." That gave me something to ponder upon. I did not
-say so out loud, but I knew that my composition was as good as the best
-of them. By the way, there was another thing that came in my way just
-then. I was reading at that time one of Mayne Reid's works which I had
-drawn from the library, and I pondered upon it as much as I did upon
-what the teacher said to me. In introducing Swartboy to his readers
-he made use of this expression: "No visible change was observable in
-Swartboy's countenance." Now, it occurred to me that if a man of his
-education could make such a blunder as that and still write a book, I
-ought to be able to do it, too. I went home that very day and began a
-story, "The Old Guide's Narrative," which was sent to the _New York
-Weekly_, and came back, respectfully declined. It was written on both
-sides of the sheets but I didn't know that this was against the rules.
-Nothing abashed, I began another, and receiving some instruction, from
-a friend of mine who was a clerk in a book store, I wrote it on only
-one side of the paper. But mind you, he didn't know what I was doing.
-Nobody knew it; but one day, after a hard Saturday's work--the other
-boys had been out skating on the brick-pond--I shyly broached the
-subject to my mother. I felt the need of some sympathy. She listened
-in amazement, and then said: "Why, do you think you could write a book
-like that?" That settled the matter, and from that day no one knew what
-I was up to until I sent the first four volumes of Gunboat Series to
-my father. Was it work? Well, yes; it was hard work, but each week I
-had the satisfaction of seeing the manuscript grow until the "Young
-Naturalist" was all complete.
-
-  --_Harry Castlemon in the Writer._
-
-
-GUNBOAT SERIES.
-
-  6 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $6.00
-
-  Frank the Young Naturalist.
-  Frank on a Gunboat.
-  Frank in the Woods.
-  Frank before Vicksburg.
-  Frank on the Lower Mississippi.
-  Frank on the Prairie.
-
-
-ROCKY MOUNTAIN SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.00
-
-  Frank Among the Rancheros.
-  Frank at Don Carlos' Rancho.
-  Frank in the Mountains.
-
-
-SPORTSMAN'S CLUB SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.75
-
-  The Sportsman's Club in the Saddle.
-  The Sportsman's Club Afloat.
-  The Sportsman's Club Among the Trappers.
-
-
-FRANK NELSON SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.75
-
-  Snowed up.
-  Frank in the Forecastle.
-  The Boy Traders.
-
-
-BOY TRAPPER SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.00
-
-  The Buried Treasure.
-  The Boy Trapper.
-  The Mail Carrier.
-
-
-ROUGHING IT SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.00
-
-  George in Camp.
-  George at the Fort.
-  George at the Wheel.
-
-
-ROD AND GUN SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.00
-
-  Don Gordon's Shooting Box.
-  The Young Wild Fowlers.
-  Rod and Gun Club.
-
-
-GO-AHEAD SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.00
-
-  Tom Newcombe.
-  Go-Ahead.
-  No Moss.
-
-
-WAR SERIES.
-
-  6 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $6.00
-
-  True to His Colors.
-  Rodney the Partisan.
-  Rodney the Overseer.
-  Marcy the Blockade-Runner.
-  Marcy the Refugee.
-  Sailor Jack the Trader.
-
-
-HOUSEBOAT SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.00
-
-  The Houseboat Boys.
-  The Mystery of Lost River Caņon.
-  The Young Game Warden.
-
-
-AFLOAT AND ASHORE SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.00
-
-  Rebellion in Dixie.
-  A Sailor in Spite of Himself.
-  The Ten-Ton Cutter.
-
-
-THE PONY EXPRESS SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY HARRY CASTLEMON.      $3.00
-
-  The Pony Express Rider.
-  The White Beaver.
-  Carl, The Trailer.
-
-
-
-
-EDWARD S. ELLIS.
-
-
-Edward S. Ellis, the popular writer of boys' books, is a native of
-Ohio, where he was born somewhat more than a half-century ago. His
-father was a famous hunter and rifle shot, and it was doubtless his
-exploits and those of his associates, with their tales of adventure
-which gave the son his taste for the breezy backwoods and for depicting
-the stirring life of the early settlers on the frontier.
-
-Mr. Ellis began writing at an early age and his work was acceptable
-from the first. His parents removed to New Jersey while he was a boy
-and he was graduated from the State Normal School and became a member
-of the faculty while still in his teens. He was afterward principal of
-the Trenton High School, a trustee and then superintendent of schools.
-By that time his services as a writer had become so pronounced that
-he gave his entire attention to literature. He was an exceptionally
-successful teacher and wrote a number of text-books for schools, all of
-which met with high favor. For these and his historical productions,
-Princeton College conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts.
-
-The high moral character, the clean, manly tendencies and the admirable
-literary style of Mr. Ellis' stories have made him as popular on the
-other side of the Atlantic as in this country. A leading paper remarked
-some time since, that no mother need hesitate to place in the hands of
-her boy any book written by Mr. Ellis. They are found in the leading
-Sunday-school libraries, where, as may well be believed, they are in
-wide demand and do much good by their sound, wholesome lessons which
-render them as acceptable to parents as to their children. All of his
-books published by Henry T. Coates & Co. are re-issued in London, and
-many have been translated into other languages. Mr. Ellis is a writer
-of varied accomplishments, and, in addition to his stories, is the
-author of historical works, of a number of pieces of popular music
-and has made several valuable inventions. Mr. Ellis is in the prime
-of his mental and physical powers, and great as have been the merits
-of his past achievements, there is reason to look for more brilliant
-productions from his pen in the near future.
-
-
-DEERFOOT SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.      $3.00
-
-  Hunters of the Ozark.
-  Camp in the Mountains.
-  The Last War Trail.
-
-
-LOG CABIN SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.      $3.00
-
-  Lost Trail.
-  Camp-Fire and Wigwam.
-  Footprints in the Forest.
-
-
-BOY PIONEER SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.      $3.00
-
-  Ned in the Block-House.
-  Ned in the Woods.
-  Ned on the River.
-
-
-THE NORTHWEST SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.      $3.00
-
-  Two Boys in Wyoming.
-  A Strange Craft and its Wonderful Voyage.
-  Cowmen and Rustlers.
-
-
-BOONE AND KENTON SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.      $3.00
-
-  Shod with Silence.
-  Phantom of the River.
-  In the Days of the Pioneers.
-
-
-IRON HEART, WAR CHIEF OF THE IROQUOIS.
-
-  1 vol.      BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.      $1.00
-
-
-THE NEW DEERFOOT SERIES.
-
-  3 vols.      BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.      $3.00
-
-  Deerfoot in the Forest.
-  Deerfoot in the Mountains.
-  Deerfoot on the Prairie.
-
-
-
-
-J. T. TROWBRIDGE.
-
-
-Neither as a writer does he stand apart from the great currents of life
-and select some exceptional phase or odd combination of circumstances.
-He stands on the common level and appeals to the universal heart, and
-all that he suggests or achieves is on the plane and in the line of
-march of the great body of humanity.
-
-The Jack Hazard series of stories, published in the late _Our Young
-Folks_, and continued in the first volume of _St. Nicholas_, under the
-title of "Fast Friends," is no doubt destined to hold a high place
-in this class of literature. The delight of the boys in them (and of
-their seniors, too) is well founded. They go to the right spot every
-time. Trowbridge knows the heart of a boy like a book, and the heart
-of a man, too, and he has laid them both open in these books in a most
-successful manner. Apart from the qualities that render the series so
-attractive to all young readers, they have great value on account of
-their portraitures of American country life and character. The drawing
-is wonderfully accurate, and as spirited as it is true. The constable,
-Sellick, is an original character, and as minor figures where will
-we find anything better than Miss Wansey, and Mr. P. Pipkin, Esq.
-The picture of Mr. Dink's school, too, is capital, and where else in
-fiction is there a better nick-name than that the boys gave to poor
-little Stephen Treadwell, "Step Hen," as he himself pronounced his name
-in an unfortunate moment when he saw it in print for the first time in
-his lesson in school.
-
-On the whole, these books are very satisfactory, and afford the
-critical reader the rare pleasure of the works that are just adequate,
-that easily fulfill themselves and accomplish all they set out to
-do.--_Scribner's Monthly._
-
-
-JACK HAZARD SERIES.
-
-  6 vols.      BY J. T. TROWBRIDGE.      $7.25
-
-  Jack Hazard and His Fortunes.
-  The Young Surveyor.
-  Fast Friends.
-  Doing His Best.
-  A Chance for Himself.
-  Lawrence's Adventures.
-
-
-
-
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-Testament printed in red, and the words of Christ in the New Testament
-printed in red; also Christian Workers' Testament and Christian
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-indexed and marked in red.
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-For sale by all booksellers. Catalog of Books and Bibles mailed on
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-HURLBUT'S STORY OF THE BIBLE
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-
-[Illustration]
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-=THE BIBLE MADE FASCINATING TO CHILDREN.=--The heroes and the noble men
-and women of the Bible are made to appear as living, acting people. The
-book is an original work, and in no sense an imitation. It has been in
-preparation for a number of years.
-
-=THE DISTINGUISHED AUTHOR.=--Dr. Hurlbut has long been associated
-with, and director of, the Sunday School work of one of the largest
-denominations, and he has been more closely associated with the detail
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-
-=REMARKABLE FOR THE BEAUTY AND NUMBER OF ITS ILLUSTRATIONS.=--There are
-sixteen pictures in color prepared for this work by the distinguished
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-  child or man."--REV. F. E. CLARK, Pres. Society of Christian Endeavor.
-
-  "It is a beautiful book. I hope every family in the land will secure
-  'Hurlbut's Story of the Bible.'"--GENERAL O. O. HOWARD.
-
-  "The best book of its kind, and that kind the most important."--REV.
-  JAMES A. WORDEN, Presbyterian B'd. of Pub. and S. S. Work.
-
-  "I like very much the vocabulary you have used, and I can see how
-  careful you have been in choosing understandable words."--MR. PHILIP
-  E. HOWARD, _Sunday-School Times_, Philadelphia.
-
-  "It is the completest and best thing of the kind I have seen. The
-  book is splendidly illustrated." MARIAN LAWRANCE, General Secretary
-  International Sunday-School Association.
-
-  "Many will be drawn to the Bible who otherwise might look upon it as
-  only adapted for older people."--HON. DAVID J. BREWER, Justice of the
-  Supreme Court of the United States.
-
-  _8vo, cloth. 750 pages. 16 color plates. 162 half-tone engravings.
-  Net $1.50_
-
-The JOHN C. WINSTON CO.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-
-
-Transcriber's Notes.
-  1. Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully
-     as possible.
-  2. Obvious punctuation, simple spelling, grammar, and typographical
-     errors have been silently corrected.
-  3. Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold text
-     by =equal signs=.
-
-
-
-
-
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