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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Struggling Upward, by Horatio Alger
+#13 in our series by Horatio Alger
+
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+Title: Struggling Upward
+       or Luke Larkin's Luck
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: April, 2004 [EBook #5417]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on July 13, 2002]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRUGGLING UPWARD ***
+
+
+
+
+Digitized by Cardinalis Etext Press [C.E.K.]
+Modified for Project Gutenberg by Andrew Sly
+
+
+
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+
+
+
+STRUGGLING UPWARD
+
+OR
+
+LUKE LARKIN'S LUCK
+
+
+BY HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE WATERBURY WATCH
+
+
+One Saturday afternoon in January a lively and animated
+group of boys were gathered on the western side of a large pond
+in the village of Groveton. Prominent among them was a tall,
+pleasant-looking young man of twenty-two, the teacher of the
+Center Grammar School, Frederic Hooper, A. B., a recent graduate
+of Yale College. Evidently there was something of importance
+on foot. What it was may be learned from the words of the teacher.
+
+"Now, boys," he said, holding in his hand a Waterbury watch, of
+neat pattern, "I offer this watch as a prize to the boy who will
+skate across the pond and back in the least time. You will all
+start together, at a given signal, and make your way to the mark
+which I have placed at the western end of the lake, skate around
+it, and return to this point. Do you fully understand?"
+
+"Yes, sir!" exclaimed the boys, unanimously.
+
+Before proceeding, it may be well to refer more particularly
+to some of the boys who were to engage in the contest.
+
+First, in his own estimation, came Randolph Duncan, son of Prince
+Duncan, president of the Groveton Bank, and a prominent town
+official. Prince Duncan was supposed to be a rich man, and lived in
+a style quite beyond that of his neighbors. Randolph was his only
+son, a boy of sixteen, and felt that in social position and blue
+blood he was without a peer in the village. He was a tall, athletic
+boy, and disposed to act the part of boss among the Groveton boys.
+
+Next came a boy similar in age and physical strength, but in other
+respects very different from the young aristocrat. This was Luke
+Larkin, the son of a carpenter's widow, living on narrow means, and
+so compelled to exercise the strictest economy. Luke worked where
+he could, helping the farmers in hay-time, and ready to do odd jobs
+for any one in the village who desired his services. He filled the
+position of janitor at the school which he attended, sweeping out
+twice a week and making the fires. He had a pleasant expression,
+and a bright, resolute look, a warm heart, and a clear intellect,
+and was probably, in spite of his poverty, the most popular boy in
+Groveton. In this respect he was the opposite of Randolph Duncan,
+whose assumption of superiority and desire to "boss" the other boys
+prevented him from having any real friends. He had two or three
+companions, who flattered him and submitted to his caprices because
+they thought it looked well to be on good terms with the young
+aristocrat.
+
+These two boys were looked upon as the chief contestants for
+the prize offered by their teacher. Opinions differed as to which
+would win.
+
+"I think Luke will get the watch," said Fred Acken, a younger boy.
+
+"I don't know about that," said Tom Harper. "Randolph skates
+just as well, and he has a pair of club skates. His father sent
+to New York for them last week. They're beauties, I tell you.
+Randolph says they cost ten dollars."
+
+"Of course that gives him the advantage," said Percy Hall. "Look
+at Luke's old-fashioned wooden skates! They would be dear at
+fifty cents!"
+
+"It's a pity Luke hasn't a better pair," said Harry Wright. "I don't
+think the contest is a fair one. Luke ought to have an allowance of
+twenty rods, to make up for the difference in skates."
+
+"He wouldn't accept it," said Linton Tomkins, the son of a
+manufacturer in Groveton, who was an intimate friend of Luke, and
+preferred to associate with him, though Randolph had made advances
+toward intimacy, Linton being the only boy in the village whom he
+regarded as his social equal. "I offered him my club skates, but
+he said he would take the chances with his own."
+
+Linton was the only boy who had a pair of skates equal to Randolph's.
+He, too, was a contestant, but, being three years younger than Luke
+and Randolph, had no expectation of rivaling them.
+
+Randolph had his friends near him, administering the adulation he so
+much enjoyed.
+
+"I have no doubt you'll get the watch, Randolph," said Sam Noble.
+"You're a better skater any day than Luke Larkin."
+
+"Of course you are!" chimed in Tom Harper.
+
+"The young janitor doesn't think so," said Randolph, his lips
+curling.
+
+"Oh, he's conceited enough to think he can beat you, I make
+no doubt," said Sam.
+
+"On those old skates, too! They look as if Adam might have used them
+when he was a boy!"
+
+This sally of Tom's created a laugh.
+
+"His skates are old ones, to be sure," said Randolph, who was
+quick-sighted enough to understand that any remark of this kind
+might dim the luster of his expected victory. "His skates are old
+enough, but they are just as good for skating as mine."
+
+"They won't win him the watch, though," said Sam.
+
+"I don't care for the watch myself," said Randolph, loftily.
+"I've got a silver one now, and am to have a gold one when
+I'm eighteen. But I want to show that I am the best skater.
+Besides, father has promised me ten dollars if I win."
+
+"I wish I had ten dollars," said Sam, enviously.
+
+He was the son of the storekeeper, and his father allowed him only
+ten cents a week pocket-money, so that ten dollars in his eyes was
+a colossal fortune.
+
+"I have no doubt you would, Sam," said Tom, joyously; "but you
+couldn't be trusted with so much money. You'd go down to New York
+and try to buy out A. T. Stewart."
+
+"Are you ready, boys?" asked Mr. Hooper.
+
+Most of the boys responded promptly in the affirmative; but Luke,
+who had been tightening his straps, said quickly: "I am not ready,
+Mr. Hooper. My strap has broken!"
+
+"Indeed, Luke, I am sorry to hear it," said the teacher, approaching
+and examining the fracture. "As matters stand, you can't skate."
+
+Randolph's eyes brightened. Confident as he professed to feel, he
+knew that his chances of success would be greatly increased by
+Luke's withdrawal from the list.
+
+"The prize is yours now," whispered Tom.
+
+"It was before," answered Randolph, conceitedly.
+
+Poor Luke looked disappointed. He knew that he had at least an even
+chance of winning, and he wanted the watch. Several of his friends
+of his own age had watches, either silver or Waterbury, and this
+seemed, in his circumstances, the only chance of securing one. Now
+he was apparently barred out.
+
+"It's a pity you shouldn't skate, Luke," said Mr. Hooper, in a tone
+of sympathy. "You are one of the best skaters, and had an excellent
+chance of winning the prize. Is there any boy willing to lend Luke
+his skates?"
+
+"I will," said Frank Acken.
+
+"My dear boy," said the teacher, "you forget that your feet
+are several sizes smaller than Luke's."
+
+"I didn't think of that," replied Frank, who was only twelve
+years old.
+
+"You may use my skates, Luke," said Linton Tomkins. "I think they
+will fit you."
+
+Linton was only thirteen, but he was unusually large for his age.
+
+"You are very kind, Linton," said Luke, "but that will keep you out
+of the race."
+
+"I stand no chance of winning," said Linton, "and I will do my
+skating afterward."
+
+"I don't think that fair," said Randolph, with a frown. "Each boy
+ought to use his own skates."
+
+"There is nothing unfair about it," said the teacher, "except that
+Luke is placed at disadvantage in using a pair of skates he is
+unaccustomed to."
+
+Randolph did not dare gainsay the teacher, but he looked sullen.
+
+"Mr. Hooper is always favoring that beggar!" he said in a low
+voice, to Tom Harper.
+
+"Of course he is!" chimed in the toady.
+
+"You are very kind, Linny," said Luke, regarding his friend
+affectionately. "I won't soon forget it."
+
+"Oh, it's all right, Luke," said Linton. "Now go in and win!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+TOM HARPER'S ACCIDENT
+
+
+Tom Harper and Sam Noble were not wholly disinterested in their
+championship of Randolph. They were very ordinary skaters, and stood
+no chance of winning the match themselves. They wished Randolph to
+win, for each hoped, as he had a silver watch himself already, he
+might give the Waterbury to his faithful friend and follower.
+Nothing in Randolph's character granted such a hope, for he was by
+no means generous or open-handed, but each thought that he might
+open his heart on this occasion. Indeed, Tom ventured to hint as
+much.
+
+"I suppose, Randolph," he said, "if you win the watch you will give
+it to me?"
+
+"Why should I?" asked Randolph, surveying Tom with a cold glance.
+
+"You've got a nice silver watch yourself, you know."
+
+"I might like to have two watches."
+
+"You'll have the ten dollars your father promised you."
+
+"What if I have? What claim have you on me?"
+
+Tom drew near and whispered something in Randolph's ear.
+
+"I'll see about it," said Randolph, nodding.
+
+"Are you ready?" asked the teacher, once more.
+
+"Aye, aye!" responded the boys.
+
+"One--two--three--go!"
+
+The boys darted off like arrows from a bow. Luke made a late start,
+but before they were half across the pond he was even with Randolph,
+and both were leading. Randolph looked sidewise, and shut his
+mouth tight as he saw his hated rival on equal terms with him and
+threatening to pass him. It would be humiliating in the extreme,
+he thought, to be beaten by such a boy.
+
+But beaten he seemed likely to be, for Luke was soon a rod in
+advance and slowly gaining. Slowly, for Randolph was really a fine
+skater and had no rival except Luke. But Luke was his superior, as
+seemed likely to be proved.
+
+Though only these two stood any chance of final success, all the
+boys kept up the contest.
+
+A branch of a tree had been placed at the western end of the pond,
+and this was the mark around which the boys were to skate. Luke
+made the circuit first, Randolph being about half a dozen rods
+behind. After him came the rest of the boys in procession, with one
+exception. This exception was Tom Harper, who apparently gave up
+the contest when half-way across, and began skating about, here and
+there, apparently waiting for his companions to return.
+
+"Tom Harper has given up his chance," said Linton to the teacher.
+
+"So it seems," replied Mr. Hooper, "but he probably had no
+expectation of succeeding."
+
+"I should think he would have kept on with the rest. I would
+have done so, though my chance would have been no better than his."
+
+Indeed, it seemed strange that Tom should have given up so quickly.
+It soon appeared that it was not caprice, but that he had an object
+in view, and that a very discreditable one.
+
+He waited till the boys were on their way back. By this time Luke
+was some eight rods in advance of his leading competitor. Then Tom
+began to be on the alert. As Luke came swinging on to victory he
+suddenly placed himself in his way. Luke's speed was so great that
+he could not check himself. He came into collision with Tom, and in
+an instant both were prostrate. Tom, however, got the worst of it.
+He was thrown violently backward, falling on the back of his head,
+and lay stunned and motionless on the ice. Luke fell over him, but
+was scarcely hurt at all. He was up again in an instant, and might
+still have kept the lead, but instead he got down on his knees
+beside Tom and asked anxiously: "Are you much hurt, Tom?"
+
+Tom didn't immediately answer, but lay breathing heavily, with his
+eyes still closed.
+
+Meanwhile, Randolph, with a smile of triumph, swept on to his now
+assured victory. Most of the boys, however, stopped and gathered
+round Luke and Tom.
+
+This accident had been watched with interest and surprise from
+the starting-point.
+
+"Tom must be a good deal hurt," said Linton. "What could possibly
+have made him get in Luke's way?"
+
+"I don't know," said the teacher, slowly; "it looks strange."
+
+"It almost seemed as if he got in the way on purpose," Linton
+continued.
+
+"He is a friend of Randolph Duncan, is he not?" asked the teacher,
+abruptly.
+
+"They are together about all the time."
+
+"Ha!" commented the teacher, as if struck by an idea. He didn't,
+however, give expression to the thought in his mind.
+
+A minute more, and Randolph swept into the presence of the teacher.
+
+"I believe I have won?" he said, with a smile of gratification on
+his countenance.
+
+"You have come in first," said the teacher coldly.
+
+"Luke was considerably ahead when he ran into Tom," suggested
+Linton.
+
+"That's not my lookout," said Randolph, shrugging his shoulders.
+"The point is that I have come in first."
+
+"Tom Harper is a friend of yours, is he not?" asked the teacher.
+
+"Oh, yes!" answered Randolph, indifferently.
+
+"He seems to be a good deal hurt. It was very strange that
+he got in Luke's way."
+
+"So it was," said Randolph, without betraying much interest.
+
+"Will you lend me your skates, Randolph?" asked Linton.
+"I should like to go out and see if I can help Tom in any way."
+
+If any other boy than Linton had made the request, Randolph would
+have declined, but he wished, if possible, to add Linton to his
+list of friends, and graciously consented.
+
+Before Linton could reach the spot, Tom had been assisted to his
+feet, and, with a dazed expression, assisted on either side by
+Luke and Edmund Blake, was on his way back to the starting-point.
+
+"What made you get in my way, Tom?" asked Luke, puzzled.
+
+"I don't know," answered Tom, sullenly.
+
+"Are you much hurt?"
+
+"I think my skull must be fractured," moaned Tom.
+
+"Oh, not so bad as that," said Luke, cheerfully. "I've fallen
+on my head myself, but I got over it."
+
+"You didn't fall as hard as I did," groaned Tom.
+
+"No, I presume not; but heads are hard, and I guess you'll be all
+right in a few days."
+
+Tom had certainly been severely hurt. There was a swelling on the
+back of his head almost as large as a hen's egg.
+
+"You've lost the watch, Luke," said Frank Acken. "Randolph has got
+in first."
+
+"Yes, I supposed he would," answered Luke, quietly.
+
+"And there is Linton Tomkins coming to meet us on Randolph's skates."
+
+"Randolph is sitting down on a log taking it easy. What is your
+loss, Luke, is his gain."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I think he might have come back to inquire after you, Tom, as you
+are a friend of his."
+
+Tom looked resentfully at Randolph, and marked his complacent look,
+and it occurred to him also that the friend he had risked so much
+to serve was very ungrateful. But he hoped now, at any rate, to get
+the watch, and thought it prudent to say nothing.
+
+The boys had now reached the shore.
+
+"Hope you're not much hurt, Tom?" said Randolph, in a tone of
+mild interest.
+
+"I don't know but my skull is fractured," responded Tom, bitterly.
+
+"Oh, I guess not. It's the fortune of war. Well, I got in first."
+
+Randolph waited for congratulations, but none came. All the boys
+looked serious, and more than one suspected that there had been
+foul play. They waited for the teacher to speak.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+RANDOLPH GETS THE WATCH
+
+
+"It is true," said the teacher, slowly. "Randolph has won the race."
+
+Randolph's face lighted up with exultation.
+
+"But it is also evident," continued Mr. Hooper, "that he would
+not have succeeded but for the unfortunate collision between Luke
+Larkin and Tom Harper."
+
+Here some of Luke's friends brightened up.
+
+"I don't know about that," said Randolph. "At any rate, I
+came in first."
+
+"I watched the race closely," said the teacher, "and I have
+no doubt on the subject. Luke had so great a lead that he would
+surely have won the race."
+
+"But he didn't," persisted Randolph, doggedly.
+
+"He did not, as we all know. It is also clear that had he not
+stopped to ascertain the extent of Tom's injuries he still might
+have won."
+
+"That's so!" said half a dozen boys.
+
+"Therefore I cannot accept the result as indicating the superiority
+of the successful contestant."
+
+"I think I am entitled to the prize," said Randolph.
+
+"I concede that; but, under the circumstances, I suggest to you
+that it would be graceful and proper to waive your claim and try
+the race over again."
+
+The boys applauded, with one or two exceptions.
+
+"I won't consent to that, Mr. Hooper," said Randolph, frowning.
+"I've won the prize fairly and I want it."
+
+"I am quite willing Randolph should have it, sir," said Luke. "I
+think I should have won it if I had not stopped with Tom, but that
+doesn't affect the matter one way or the other. Randolph came in
+first, as he says, and I think he is entitled to the watch."
+
+"Then," said Mr. Hooper, gravely, "there is nothing more to be said.
+Randolph, come forward and receive the prize."
+
+Randolph obeyed with alacrity, and received the Waterbury watch
+from the hands of Mr. Hooper. The boys stood in silence and offered
+no congratulations.
+
+"Now, let me say," said the teacher, "that I cannot understand
+why there was any collision at all. Tom Harper, why did you get
+in Luke's way?"
+
+"Because I was a fool, sir," answered Tom, smarting from his
+injuries, and the evident indifference of Randolph, in whose
+cause he had incurred them.
+
+"That doesn't answer my question. Why did you act like a fool, as
+you expressed it?"
+
+"I thought I could get out of the way in time," stammered Tom, who
+did not dare to tell the truth.
+
+"You had no other reason?" asked the teacher, searchingly.
+
+"No, sir. What other reason could I have?" said Tom, but his manner
+betrayed confusion.
+
+"Indeed, I don't know," returned the teacher, quietly. "Your
+action, however, spoiled Luke's chances and insured the success
+of Randolph."
+
+"And got me a broken head," muttered Tom, placing his hand upon the
+swelling at the back of his head.
+
+"Yes, you got the worst of it. I advise you to go home and apply
+cold water or any other remedy your mother may suggest."
+
+Randolph had already turned away, meaning to return home. Tom joined
+him. Randolph would gladly have dispensed with his company, but had
+no decent excuse, as Tom's home lay in the same direction as his.
+
+"Well, Randolph, you've won the watch," said Tom, when they were
+out of hearing of the other boys.
+
+"Yes," answered Randolph, indifferently. "I don't care so much for
+that as for the ten dollars my father is going to give me."
+
+"That's what I thought. You've got another watch, you know--more
+valuable."
+
+"Well, what of it?" said Randolph, suspiciously.
+
+"I think you might give me the Waterbury. I haven't got any."
+
+"Why should I give it to you?" answered Randolph, coldly.
+
+"Because but for me you wouldn't have won it, nor the ten
+dollars, neither."
+
+"How do you make that out?"
+
+"The teacher said so himself."
+
+"I don't agree to it."
+
+"You can't deny it. Luke was seven or eight rods ahead when
+I got in his way."
+
+"Then it was lucky for me."
+
+"It isn't lucky for me. My head hurts awfully."
+
+"I'm very sorry, of course."
+
+"That won't do me any good. Come, Randolph, give me the watch, like
+a good fellow."
+
+"Well, you've got cheek, I must say. I want the watch myself."
+
+"And is that all the satisfaction I am to get for my broken head?"
+exclaimed Tom, indignantly.
+
+Randolph was a thoroughly mean boy, who, if he had had a dozen
+watches, would have wished to keep them all for himself.
+
+"I've a great mind to tell Luke and the teacher of the arrangement
+between us."
+
+"There wasn't any arrangement," said Randolph, sharply. "However,
+as I'm really sorry for you, I am willing to give you a quarter.
+There, now, don't let me hear any more about the matter."
+
+He drew a silver quarter from his vest pocket and tendered it
+to Tom.
+
+Tom Harper was not a sensitive boy, but his face flushed with
+indignation and shame, and he made no offer to take the money.
+
+"Keep your quarter, Randolph Duncan," he said scornfully. "I think
+you're the meanest specimen of a boy that I ever came across. Any
+boy is a fool to be your friend. I don't care to keep company with
+you any longer."
+
+"This to me!" exclaimed Randolph, angrily. "This is the pay I
+get for condescending to let you go with me."
+
+"You needn't condescend any longer," said Tom, curtly, and he
+crossed to the other side of the street.
+
+Randolph looked after him rather uneasily. After all, he was
+sorry to lose his humble follower.
+
+"He'll be coming round in a day or two to ask me to take him back,"
+he reflected. "I would be willing to give him ten cents more, but
+as for giving him the watch, he must think me a fool to part with
+that."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+LUKE'S NIGHT ADVENTURE
+
+
+"I am sorry you have lost the watch, Luke," said the teacher,
+after Randolph's departure. "You will have to be satisfied with
+deserving it."
+
+"I am reconciled to the disappointment, sir," answered Luke. "I
+can get along for the present without a watch."
+
+Nevertheless, Luke did feel disappointed. He had fully expected to
+have the watch to carry home and display to his mother. As it was,
+he was in no hurry to go home, but remained for two hours skating
+with the other boys. He used his friend Linton's skates, Linton
+having an engagement which prevented his remaining.
+
+It was five o'clock when Luke entered the little cottage which
+he called home. His mother, a pleasant woman of middle age,
+was spreading the cloth for supper. She looked up as he entered.
+
+"Well, Luke?" she said inquiringly.
+
+"I haven't brought home the watch, mother," he said. "Randolph
+Duncan won it by accident. I will tell you about it."
+
+After he had done so, Mrs. Larkin asked thoughtfully. "Isn't it
+a little singular that Tom should have got in your way?"
+
+"Yes; I thought so at the time."
+
+"Do you think there was any arrangement between him and Randolph?"
+
+"As you ask me, mother, I am obliged to say that I do."
+
+"It was a very mean trick!" said Mrs. Larkin, resentfully.
+
+"Yes, it was; but poor Tom was well punished for it. Why, he's got
+a bunch on the back of his head almost as large as a hen's egg."
+
+"I don't pity him," said Mrs. Larkin.
+
+"I pity him, mother, for I don't believe Randolph will repay him
+for the service done him. If Randolph had met with the same accident
+I am not prepared to say that I should have pitied him much."
+
+"You might have been seriously injured yourself, Luke."
+
+"I might, but I wasn't, so I won't take that into consideration.
+However, mother, watch or no watch, I've got a good appetite.
+I shall be ready when supper is."
+
+Luke sat down to the table ten minutes afterward and proved his
+words good, much to his mother's satisfaction.
+
+While he is eating we will say a word about the cottage. It was
+small, containing only four rooms, furnished in the plainest
+fashion. The rooms, however, were exceedingly neat, and presented an
+appearance of comfort. Yet the united income of Mrs. Larkin and Luke
+was very small. Luke received a dollar a week for taking care of the
+schoolhouse, but this income only lasted forty weeks in the year.
+Then he did odd jobs for the neighbors, and picked up perhaps as
+much more. Mrs. Larkin had some skill as a dressmaker, but Groveton
+was a small village, and there was another in the same line, so that
+her income from this source probably did not average more than three
+dollars a week. This was absolutely all that they had to live on,
+though there was no rent to pay; and the reader will not be
+surprised to learn that Luke had no money to spend for watches.
+
+"Are you tired, Luke?" asked his mother, after supper.
+
+"No, mother. Can I do anything for you?"
+
+"I have finished a dress for Miss Almira Clark. I suppose she
+will want to wear it to church to-morrow. But she lives so far
+away, I don't like to ask you to carry it to her."
+
+"Oh, I don't mind. It won't do me any harm."
+
+"You will get tired."
+
+"If I do, I shall sleep the better for it."
+
+"You are a good son, Luke."
+
+"I ought to be. Haven't I got a good mother?"
+
+So it was arranged. About seven o'clock, after his chores were
+done--for there was some wood to saw and split--Luke set out, with
+the bundle under his arm, for the house of Miss Clark, a mile and
+a half away.
+
+It was a commonplace errand, that on which Luke had started, but
+it was destined to be a very important day in his life. It was to
+be a turning-point, and to mark the beginning of a new chapter of
+experiences. Was it to be for good or ill? That we are not prepared
+to reveal. It will be necessary for the reader to follow his career,
+step by step, and decide for himself.
+
+Of course, Luke had no thought of this when he set out. To him it
+had been a marked day on account of the skating match, but this
+had turned out a disappointment. He accomplished his errand, which
+occupied a considerable time, and then set out on his return. It was
+half-past eight, but the moon had risen and diffused a mild radiance
+over the landscape. Luke thought he would shorten his homeward way
+by taking a path through the woods. It was not over a quarter of a
+mile, but would shorten the distance by as much more. The trees were
+not close together, so that it was light enough to see. Luke had
+nearly reached the edge of the wood, when he overtook a tall man,
+a stranger in the neighborhood, who carried in his hand a tin box.
+Turning, he eyed Luke sharply.
+
+"Boy, what's your name?" he asked.
+
+"Luke Larkin," our hero answered, in surprise.
+
+"Where do you live?"
+
+"In the village yonder."
+
+"Will you do me a favor?"
+
+"What is it, sir?"
+
+"Take this tin box and carry it to your home. Keep it under lock
+and key till I call for it."
+
+"Yes, sir, I can do that. But how shall I know you again?"
+
+"Take a good look at me, that you may remember me."
+
+"I think I shall know you again, but hadn't you better give me
+a name?"
+
+"Well, perhaps so," answered the other, after a moment's thought.
+"You may call me Roland Reed. Will you remember?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I am obliged to leave this neighborhood at once, and can't
+conveniently carry the box," explained the stranger. "Here's
+something for your trouble."
+
+Luke was about to say that he required no money, when it occurred
+to him that he had no right to refuse, since money was so scarce
+at home. He took the tin box and thrust the bank-bill into his
+vest pocket. He wondered how much it was, but it was too dark to
+distinguish.
+
+"Good night!" said Luke, as the stranger turned away.
+
+"Good night!" answered his new acquaintance, abruptly.
+
+If Luke could have foreseen the immediate consequences of this
+apparently simple act, and the position in which it would soon
+place him, he would certainly have refused to take charge of the
+box. And yet in so doing it might have happened that he had made a
+mistake. The consequences of even our simple acts are oftentimes
+far-reaching and beyond the power of human wisdom to foreknow.
+
+Luke thought little of this as, with the box under his arm, he
+trudged homeward.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+LUKE RECEIVES AN INVITATION
+
+
+"What have you there, Luke?" asked Mrs. Larkin, as Luke entered the
+little sitting-room with the tin box under his arm.
+
+"I met a man on my way home, who asked me to keep it for him."
+
+"Do you know the man?" asked his mother, in surprise.
+
+"No," answered Luke.
+
+"It seems very singular. What did he say?"
+
+"He said that he was obliged to leave the neighborhood at once, and
+could not conveniently carry the box."
+
+"Do you think it contains anything of value?"
+
+"Yes, mother. It is like the boxes rich men have to hold their
+stocks and bonds. I was at the bank one day, and saw a gentleman
+bring in one to deposit in the safe."
+
+"I can't understand that at all, Luke. You say you did not know
+this man?"
+
+"I never met him before."
+
+"And, of course, he does not know you?"
+
+"No, for he asked my name."
+
+"Yet he put what may be valuable property in your possession."
+
+"I think," said Luke, shrewdly, "he had no one else to trust
+it to. Besides, a country boy wouldn't be very likely to make
+use of stocks and bonds."
+
+"No, that is true. I suppose the tin box is locked?"
+
+"Yes, mother. The owner--he says his name is Roland Reed--wishes
+it put under lock and key."
+
+"I can lock it up in my trunk, Luke."
+
+"I think that will be a good idea."
+
+"I hope he will pay you for your trouble when he takes away
+the tin box."
+
+"He has already. I forgot to mention it," and Luke drew from his
+vest pocket, the bank-note he had thrust in as soon as received.
+"Why, it's a ten-dollar bill!" he exclaimed. "I wonder whether he
+knew he was giving me as much?"
+
+"I presume so, Luke," said his mother, brightening up. "You are
+in luck!"
+
+"Take it, mother. You will find a use for it."
+
+"But, Luke, this money is yours."
+
+"No, it is yours, for you are going to take care of the box."
+
+It was, indeed, quite a windfall, and both mother and son retired
+to rest in a cheerful frame of mind, in spite of Luke's failure in
+the race.
+
+"I have been thinking, Luke," said his mother, at the breakfast-table,
+"that I should like to have you buy a Waterbury watch out of this
+money. It will only cost three dollars and a half, and that is only
+one-third."
+
+"Thank you, mother, but I can get along without the watch. I
+cared for it chiefly because it was to be a prize given to the
+best skater. All the boys know that I would have won but for
+the accident, and that satisfies me."
+
+"I should like you to have a watch, Luke."
+
+"There is another objection, mother. I don't want any one
+to know about the box or the money. If it were known that we
+had so much property in the house, some attempt might be made
+to rob us."
+
+"That is true, Luke. But I hope it won't be long before you
+have a watch of your own."
+
+When Luke was walking, after breakfast, he met Randolph
+Duncan, with a chain attached to the prize watch ostentatiously
+displayed on the outside of his vest. He smiled complacently,
+and rather triumphantly, when he met Luke. But Luke looked
+neither depressed nor angry.
+
+"I hope your watch keeps good time, Randolph," he said.
+
+"Yes; it hasn't varied a minute so far. I think it will keep
+as good time as my silver watch."
+
+"You are fortunate to have two watches."
+
+"My father has promised me a gold watch when I am eighteen,"
+said Randolph, pompously.
+
+"I don't know if I shall have any watch at all when I am eighteen."
+
+"Oh, well, you are a poor boy. It doesn't matter to you."
+
+"I don't know about that, Randolph. Time is likely to be
+of as much importance to a poor boy as to a rich boy."
+
+"Oh, ah! yes, of course, but a poor boy isn't expected to wear
+a watch."
+
+Here the conversation ended. Luke walked on with an amused smile
+on his face.
+
+"I wonder how it would seem to be as complacent and self-satisfied
+as Randolph?" he thought. "On the whole, I would rather be as I am."
+
+"Good morning, Luke!"
+
+It was a girl's voice that addressed him. Looking up, he met the
+pleasant glance of Florence Grant, considered by many the prettiest
+girl in Groveton. Her mother was a widow in easy circumstances,
+who had removed from Chicago three years before, and occupied a
+handsome cottage nearly opposite Mr. Duncan's residence. She was a
+general favorite, not only for her good looks, but on account of
+her pleasant manner and sweet disposition.
+
+"Good morning, Florence," said Luke, with an answering smile.
+
+"What a pity you lost the race yesterday!"
+
+"Randolph doesn't think so."
+
+"No; he is a very selfish boy, I am afraid."
+
+"Did you see the race?" asked Luke.
+
+"No, but I heard all about it. If it hadn't been for Tom Harper
+you would have won, wouldn't you?"
+
+"I think so."
+
+"All the boys say so. What could have induced Tom to get in the way?"
+
+"I don't know. It was very foolish, however. He got badly hurt."
+
+"Tom is a friend of Randolph," said Florence significantly.
+
+"Yes," answered Luke; "but I don't think Randolph would
+stoop to such a trick as that."
+
+"You wouldn't, Luke, but Randolph is a different boy.
+Besides, I hear he was trying for something else."
+
+"I know; his father offered him ten dollars besides."
+
+"I don't see why it is that some fare so much better than
+others," remarked Florence, thoughtfully. "The watch and the
+money would have done you more good."
+
+"So they would, Florence, but I don't complain. I may be
+better off some day than I am now."
+
+"I hope you will, Luke," said Florence, cordially.
+
+"I am very much obliged to you for your good wishes," said
+Luke, warmly.
+
+"That reminds me, Luke, next week, Thursday, is my birthday,
+and I am to have a little party in the evening. Will you come?"
+
+Luke's face flushed with pleasure. Though he knew Florence
+very well from their being schoolfellows, he had never visited
+the house. He properly regarded the invitation as a compliment,
+and as a mark of friendship from one whose good opinion he
+highly valued.
+
+"Thank you, Florence," he said. "You are very kind, and I shall
+have great pleasure in being present. Shall you have many?"
+
+"About twenty. Your friend Randolph will be there."
+
+"I think there will be room for both of us," said Luke, with
+a smile.
+
+The young lady bade him good morning and went on her way.
+
+Two days later Luke met Randolph at the dry-goods store in
+the village.
+
+"What are you buying?" asked Randolph, condescendingly.
+
+"Only a spool of thread for my mother."
+
+"I am buying a new necktie to wear to Florence Grant's birthday
+party," said Randolph, pompously.
+
+"I think I shall have to do the same," said Luke, enjoying
+the surprise he saw expressed on Randolph's face.
+
+"Are you going?" demanded Randolph, abruptly.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Have you been invited?"
+
+"That is a strange question," answered Luke, indignantly. "Do you
+think I would go without an invitation?"
+
+"Really, it will be quite a mixed affair," said Randolph, shrugging
+his shoulders.
+
+"If you think so, why do you go?"
+
+"I don't want to disappoint Florence."
+
+Luke smiled. He was privately of the opinion that the disappointment
+wouldn't be intense.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+PREPARING FOR THE PARTY
+
+
+The evening of the party arrived. It was quite a social event at
+Groveton, and the young people looked forward to it with pleasant
+anticipation. Randolph went so far as to order a new suit for the
+occasion. He was very much afraid it would not be ready in time,
+but he was not to be disappointed. At five o'clock on Thursday
+afternoon it was delivered, and Randolph, when arrayed in it,
+surveyed himself with great satisfaction. He had purchased a
+handsome new necktie, and he reflected with pleasure that no boy
+present--not even Linton--would be so handsomely dressed as himself.
+He had a high idea of his personal consequence, but he was also of
+the opinion that "fine feathers make fine birds," and his suit was
+of fine cloth and stylish make.
+
+"I wonder what the janitor will wear?" he said to himself, with a
+curl of the lip. "A pair of overalls, perhaps. They would be very
+appropriate, certainly."
+
+This was just the question which was occupying Luke's mind. He
+did not value clothes as Randolph did, but he liked to look neat.
+Truth to tell, he was not very well off as to wardrobe. He had his
+every-day suit, which he wore to school, and a better suit, which he
+had worn for over a year. It was of mixed cloth, neat in appearance,
+though showing signs of wear; but there was one trouble. During the
+past year Luke had grown considerably, and his coat-sleeves were
+nearly two inches too short, and the legs of his trousers deficient
+quite as much. Nevertheless, he dressed himself, and he, too,
+surveyed himself, not before a pier-glass, but before the small
+mirror in the kitchen.
+
+"Don't my clothes look bad, mother?" he asked anxiously.
+
+"They are neat and clean, Luke," said his mother, hesitatingly.
+
+"Yes, I know; but they are too small."
+
+"You have been growing fast in the last year, Luke," said his
+mother, looking a little disturbed. "I suppose you are not sorry
+for that?"
+
+"No," answered Luke, with a smile, "but I wish my coat and
+trousers had grown, too."
+
+"I wish, my dear boy, I could afford to buy you a new suit."
+
+"Oh, never mind, mother," said Luke, recovering his cheerfulness.
+"They will do for a little while yet. Florence didn't invite me
+for my clothes."
+
+"No; she is a sensible girl. She values you for other reasons."
+
+"I hope so, mother. Still, when I consider how handsomely Randolph
+will be dressed, I can't help thinking that there is considerable
+difference in our luck."
+
+"Would you be willing to exchange with him, Luke?"
+
+"There is one thing I wouldn't like to exchange."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"I wouldn't exchange my mother for his," said Luke, kissing the
+widow affectionately. "His mother is a cold, proud, disagreeable
+woman, while I have the best mother in the world."
+
+"Don't talk foolishly, Luke," said Mrs. Larkin; but her face
+brightened, and there was a warm feeling in her heart, for it
+was very pleasant to her to hear Luke speak of her in this way.
+
+"I won't think any more about it, mother," said Luke. "I've got
+a new necktie, at any rate, and I will make that do."
+
+Just then there was a knock at the door, and Linton entered.
+
+"I thought I would come round and go to the party with you,
+Luke," he said.
+
+Linton was handsomely dressed, though he had not bought a suit
+expressly, like Randolph. He didn't appear to notice Luke's scant
+suit. Even if he had, he would have been too much of a gentleman
+to refer to it.
+
+"I think we shall have a good time," he said. "We always do at
+Mrs. Grant's. Florence is a nice girl, and they know how to make
+it pleasant. I suppose we shall have dancing."
+
+"I don't know how to dance," said Luke, regretfully. "I should like
+to have taken lessons last winter when Professor Bent had a class,
+but I couldn't afford it."
+
+"You have seen dancing?"
+
+"Oh, yes."
+
+"It doesn't take much knowledge to dance a quadrille, particularly
+if you get on a side set. Come, we have an hour before it is time
+to go. Suppose I give you a lesson?"
+
+"Do you think I could learn enough in that time to venture?"
+
+"Yes, I do. If you make an occasional mistake it won't matter. So,
+if your mother will give us the use of the sitting-room, I will
+commence instructions."
+
+Luke had looked at some dancers in the dining-room at the hotel, and
+was not wholly a novice, therefore. Linton was an excellent dancer,
+and was clear in his directions. It may also be said that Luke was
+a ready learner. So it happened at the end of the hour that the
+pupil had been initiated not only in the ordinary changes of the
+quadrille, but also in one contra dance, the Virginia Reel, which
+was a great favorite among the young people of Groveton.
+
+"Now, I think you'll do, Luke," said Linton, when the lesson
+was concluded. "You are very quick to learn."
+
+"You think I won't be awkward, Linton?"
+
+"No, if you keep cool and don't get flustered."
+
+"I am generally pretty cool. But I shall be rather surprised
+to see myself on the floor," laughed Luke.
+
+"No doubt others will be, but you'll have a great deal more fun."
+
+"So I shall. I don't like leaning against the wall while others
+are having a good time."
+
+"If you could dance as well as you can skate you would have no
+trouble, Luke."
+
+"No; that is where Randolph has the advantage of me."
+
+"He is a very great dancer, though he can't come up to you in
+skating. However, dancing isn't everything. Dance as well as he
+may, he doesn't stand as high in the good graces of Florence Grant
+as he would like to do."
+
+"I always noticed that he seemed partial to Florence."
+
+"Yes, but it isn't returned. How about yourself, Luke?"
+
+Luke, being a modest boy, blushed.
+
+"I certainly think Florence a very nice girl," he said.
+
+"I was sure of that," said Linton, smiling.
+
+"But I don't want to stand in your way, Linton," continued Luke,
+with a smile.
+
+"No danger, Luke. Florence is a year older than I am. Now, you are
+nearly two years older than she, and are better matched. So you
+needn't consider me in the matter."
+
+Of course, this was all a joke. It was true, however, that of all
+the girls in Groveton, Luke was more attracted by Florence Grant
+than by any other, and they had always been excellent friends. It
+was well known that Randolph also was partial to the young lady,
+but he certainly had never received much encouragement.
+
+Finally the boys got out, and were very soon at the door of Mrs.
+Grant's handsome cottage. It was large upon the ground, with a
+broad veranda, in the Southern style. In fact, Mrs. Grant was
+Southern by birth, and, erecting the house herself, had it built
+after the fashion of her Southern birthplace.
+
+Most of the young visitors had arrived when Luke and Linton
+put in an appearance. They had been detained longer than they
+were aware by the dancing-lesson.
+
+Randolph and Sam Noble were sitting side by side at one end
+of the room, facing the entrance.
+
+"Look," said Randolph, with a satirical smile, to his companion,
+"there comes the young janitor in his dress suit. Just look
+at his coat-sleeves and the legs of his trousers. They are at
+least two inches too short. Any other boy would be ashamed to
+come to a party in such ridiculous clothes."
+
+Sam looked and tittered. Luke's face flushed, for, though he
+did not hear the words, he guessed their tenor. But he was made
+to forget them when Florence came forward and greeted Linton
+and himself with unaffected cordiality.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+FLORENCE GRANT'S PARTY
+
+
+Luke's uncomfortable consciousness of his deficiencies in dress soon
+passed off. He noticed the sneer on Randolph's face and heard Sam's
+laugh, but he cared very little for the opinion of either of them.
+No other in the company appeared to observe his poor dress, and he
+was cordially greeted by them all, with the two exceptions already
+named.
+
+"The janitor ought to know better than to intrude into the society
+of his superiors," said Randolph to Sam.
+
+"He seems to enjoy himself," said Sam.
+
+This was half an hour after the party had commenced, when all were
+engaged in one of the plays popular at a country party.
+
+"I am going to have a party myself in a short time," continued
+Randolph, "but I shall be more select than Florence in my invitations.
+I shall not invite any working boys."
+
+"Right you are, Randolph," said the subservient Sam. "I hope
+you won't forget me."
+
+"Oh, no; I shall invite you. Of course, you don't move exactly
+in my circle, but, at any rate, you dress decently."
+
+If Sam Noble had had proper pride he would have resented the
+insolent assumption of superiority in this speech, but he was
+content to play second fiddle to Randolph Duncan. His family,
+like himself, were ambitious to be on good terms with the leading
+families in the village, and did not mind an occasional snub.
+
+"Shall you invite Tom Harper?" he asked.
+
+He felt a little jealous of Tom, who had vied with him in flattering
+attentions to Randolph.
+
+"No, I don't think so. Tom isn't here, is he?"
+
+"He received an invitation, but ever since his accident he has been
+troubled with severe headaches, and I suppose that keeps him away."
+
+"He isn't up to my standard," said Randolph, consequentially. "He
+comes of a low family."
+
+"You and he have been together a good deal."
+
+"Oh, I have found him of some service, but I have paid for it."
+
+Yet this was the boy who, at his own personal risk, had obtained
+for Randolph the prize at the skating-match. Privately, Sam thought
+Randolph ungrateful, but he was, nevertheless, pleased at having
+distanced Tom in the favor of the young aristocrat.
+
+After an hour, spent in various amusements, one of the company
+took her place at the piano, and dancing began.
+
+"Now is your time, Luke," said Linton. "Secure a partner. It is
+only a quadrille."
+
+"I feel a little nervous," said Luke. "Perhaps I had better wait
+till the second dance."
+
+"Oh, nonsense! Don't be afraid."
+
+Meanwhile, Randolph, with a great flourish, had invited Florence
+to dance.
+
+"Thank you," she answered, taking his arm.
+
+Randolph took his place with her as head couple. Linton and Annie
+Comray faced them. To Randolph's amazement, Luke and Fanny Pratt
+took their places as one of the side couples. Randolph, who was
+aware that Luke had never taken lessons, remarked this with equal
+surprise and disgust. His lip curled as he remarked to his partner:
+"Really, I didn't know that Luke Larkin danced."
+
+"Nor I," answered Florence.
+
+"I am sorry he is in our set."
+
+"Why?" asked Florence, regarding him attentively.
+
+"He will probably put us out by his clownish performance."
+
+"Wouldn't it be well to wait and see whether he does or not?"
+responded Florence, quietly.
+
+Randolph shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I pity his partner, at any rate," he said.
+
+"I can't join in any such conversation about one of my guests,"
+said Florence, with dignity.
+
+Here the first directions were given, and the quadrille commenced.
+
+Luke felt a little nervous, it must be confessed, and for
+that reason he watched with unusual care the movements of the
+head couples. He was quick to learn, and ordinarily cool and
+self-possessed. Besides, he knew that no one was likely to
+criticize him except Randolph. He saw the latter regarding him with
+a mocking smile, and this stimulated him to unusual carefulness.
+The result was that he went through his part with quite as much ease
+and correctness as any except the most practiced dancers. Florence
+said nothing, but she turned with a significant smile to Randolph.
+The latter looked disappointed and mortified. His mean disposition
+would have been gratified by Luke's failure, but this was a
+gratification he was not to enjoy.
+
+The dance was at length concluded, and Luke, as he led his
+partner to a seat, felt that he had scored a success.
+
+"May I have the pleasure of dancing with you next time, Florence?"
+asked Randolph.
+
+"Thank you, but I should not think it right to slight my other
+guests," said the young lady.
+
+Just then Luke came up and preferred the same request. He would
+not have done so if he had not acquitted himself well in the
+first quadrille.
+
+Florence accepted with a smile.
+
+"I was not aware that dancing was one of your accomplishments,
+Luke," she said.
+
+"Nor I, till this evening," answered Luke. "There stands my
+teacher," and he pointed to Linton.
+
+"You do credit to your teacher," said Florence. "I should not
+have known you were such a novice."
+
+Luke was pleased with this compliment, and very glad that he had
+been spared the mortification of breaking down before the eyes of
+his ill-wisher, Randolph Duncan. It is hardly necessary to say that
+he did equally well in the second quadrille, though he and Florence
+were head couple.
+
+The next dance was the Virginia Reel. Here Florence had Linton for
+a partner, and Luke secured as his own partner a very good dancer.
+From prudence, however, he took his place at some distance from the
+head, and by dint of careful watching he acquitted himself as well
+as in the quadrilles.
+
+"Really, Luke, you are doing wonderfully well," said Linton, when
+the dance was over. "I can hardly believe that you have taken but
+one lesson, and that from so poor a teacher as I am."
+
+"I couldn't have had a better teacher, Lin," said Luke. "I owe my
+success to you."
+
+"Didn't you say Luke couldn't dance?" asked Sam Noble of Randolph,
+later in the evening.
+
+"He can't," answered Randolph, irritably.
+
+"He gets along very well, I am sure. He dances as well as I do."
+
+"That isn't saying much," answered Randolph, with a sneer. He could
+not help sneering even at his friends, and this was one reason why
+no one was really attached to him.
+
+Sam walked away offended.
+
+The party broke up at half-past ten. It was an early hour, but late
+enough considering the youth of the participants. Luke accompanied
+home one of the girls who had no brother present, and then turned
+toward his own home.
+
+He had nearly reached it, when a tall figure, moving from the
+roadside, put a hand on his shoulder.
+
+"You are Luke Larkin?" said the stranger, in questioning tone.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Is the tin box safe?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That is all--for the present," and the stranger walked quickly away.
+
+"Who can he be," thought Luke, in wonder, "and why should he have
+trusted a complete stranger--and a boy?"
+
+Evidently there was some mystery about the matter. Had the stranger
+come honestly by the box, or was Luke aiding and abetting a thief?
+He could not tell.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+MISS SPRAGUE DISCOVERS A SECRET
+
+
+About this time it became known to one person in the village that
+the Larkins had in their possession a tin box, contents unknown.
+
+This is the way it happened:
+
+Among the best-known village residents was Miss Melinda Sprague,
+a maiden lady, who took a profound interest in the affairs of her
+neighbors. She seldom went beyond the limits of Groveton, which
+was her world. She had learned the business of dressmaking, and
+often did work at home for her customers. She was of a curious and
+prying disposition, and nothing delighted her more than to acquire
+the knowledge of a secret.
+
+One day--a few days after Florence Grant's party--Mrs. Larkin was
+in her own chamber. She had the trunk open, having occasion to take
+something from it, when, with a light step, Miss Sprague entered
+the room. The widow, who was on her knees before the trunk, turning,
+recognized the intruder, not without displeasure.
+
+"I hope you'll excuse my coming in so unceremoniously, Mrs. Larkin,"
+said Melinda, effusively. "I knocked, but you didn't hear it, being
+upstairs, and I took the liberty, being as we were so well
+acquainted, to come upstairs in search of you."
+
+"Yes, certainly," answered Mrs. Larkin, but her tone was
+constrained.
+
+She quickly shut the lid of the trunk. There was only one thing
+among its contents which she was anxious to hide, but that Miss
+Melinda's sharp eyes had already discovered. Unfortunately, the
+tin box was at one side, in plain sight.
+
+"What on earth does Mrs. Larkin do with a tin box?" she asked
+herself, with eager curiosity. "Can she have property that people
+don't know of? I always thought she was left poor."
+
+Melinda asked no questions. The sudden closing of the trunk
+showed her that the widow would not be inclined to answer any
+questions.
+
+"I won't let her think I saw anything," she said to herself.
+"Perhaps she'll get anxious and refer to it."
+
+"We will go downstairs, Melinda," said Mrs. Larkin. "It will be
+more comfortable."
+
+"If you have anything to do up here, I beg you won't mind me," said
+the spinster.
+
+"No, I have nothing that won't wait."
+
+So the two went down into the sitting-room.
+
+"And how is Luke?" asked Miss Sprague, in a tone of friendly interest.
+
+"Very well, thank you."
+
+"Luke was always a great favorite of mine," continued the spinster.
+"Such a manly boy as he is!"
+
+"He is a great help to me," said Mrs. Larkin.
+
+"No doubt he is. He takes care of the schoolhouse, doesn't he?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How much pay does he get?"
+
+"A dollar a week."
+
+"I hope he will be able to keep the position."
+
+"What do you mean, Melinda?" asked the widow, not without anxiety.
+
+"You know Doctor Snodgrass has resigned on the school committee,
+and Squire Duncan has been elected in his place."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Mrs. Flanagan went to him yesterday to ask to have her son Tim
+appointed janitor in place of Luke, and I heard that she received
+considerable encouragement from the squire."
+
+"Do they find any fault with Luke?" asked Mrs. Larkin, jealously.
+
+"No, not as I've heard; but Mrs. Flanagan said Luke had had
+it for a year, and now some one else ought to have the chance."
+
+"Are you quite sure of this, Melinda?"
+
+Miss Sprague, though over forty, was generally called by her first
+name, not as a tribute to her youth, but to the fact of her being
+still unmarried.
+
+"Yes, I am; I had it from Mrs. Flanagan herself."
+
+"I don't think Tim would do as well as Luke. He has never been
+able to keep a place yet."
+
+"Just so; but, of course, his mother thinks him a polygon." Probably
+Miss Sprague meant a paragon--she was not very careful in her
+speech, but Mrs. Larkin did not smile at her mistake. She was too
+much troubled at the news she had just heard. A dollar a week may
+seem a ridiculous trifle to some of my readers, but, where the
+entire income of the family was so small, it was a matter of some
+consequence.
+
+"I don't think Luke has heard anything of this," said the widow. "He
+has not mentioned it to me."
+
+"Perhaps there won't be any change, after all," said Melinda. "I am
+sure Tim Flanagan wouldn't do near as well as Luke."
+
+Miss Melinda was not entirely sincere. She had said to Mrs. Flanagan
+that she quite agreed with her that Luke had been janitor long
+enough, and hoped Tim would get the place. She was in the habit of
+siding with the person she chanced to be talking with at the moment,
+and this was pretty well understood.
+
+Luke, however, had heard of this threatened removal. For this, it
+may be said, Randolph was partly responsible. Just after Mrs.
+Flanagan's call upon the squire to solicit his official influence,
+Prince Duncan mentioned the matter to his son.
+
+"How long has Luke Larkin been janitor at the schoolhouse?"
+he asked.
+
+"About a year. Why do you ask?"
+
+"Does he attend to the duties pretty well?"
+
+"I suppose so. He's just fit to make fires and sweep the floor,"
+answered Randolph, his lip curling.
+
+"Mrs. Flanagan has been here to ask me to appoint her son Tim in
+Luke's place."
+
+"You'd better do it, pa," said Randolph, quickly.
+
+"Why? You say Luke is well fitted for the position."
+
+"Oh, anybody could do as well, but Luke puts on airs. He feels
+too big for his position."
+
+"I suppose Mrs. Larkin needs the money."
+
+"So does Mrs. Flanagan," said Randolph.
+
+"What sort of a boy is Tim? I have heard that he is lazy."
+
+"Oh, I guess he'll do. Of course, I am not well acquainted with a
+boy like him," said the young aristocrat. "But I'm quite disgusted
+with Luke. He was at Florence Grant's party the other evening, and
+was cheeky enough to ask her to dance with him."
+
+"Did she do so?"
+
+"Yes; I suppose it was out of pity. He ought to have known better
+than to attend a party with such a suit. His coat and pantaloons
+were both too small for him, but he flourished around as if he
+were fashionably dressed."
+
+Squire Duncan made no reply to his son's comments, but he felt
+disposed, for reasons of his own, to appoint Tim Flanagan. He was
+hoping to be nominated for representative at the next election, and
+thought the appointment might influence the Irish vote in his favor.
+
+"Shall you appoint Tim, pa?" asked Randolph.
+
+"I think it probable. It seems only right to give him a chance.
+Rotation in office is a principle of which I approve."
+
+"That's good!" thought Randolph, with a smile of gratification.
+"It isn't a very important place, but Luke will be sorry to
+lose it. The first time I see him I will give him a hint of it."
+
+Randolph met Luke about an hour later in the village street.
+He did not often stop to speak with our hero, but this time he
+had an object in doing so.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+LUKE LOSES HIS POSITION
+
+
+"Luke Larkin!"
+
+Luke turned, on hearing his name called, and was rather surprised
+to see Randolph hastening toward him.
+
+"How are you, Randolph?" he said politely.
+
+"Where are you going?" asked Randolph, not heeding the inquiry.
+
+"To the schoolhouse, to sweep out."
+
+"How long have you been janitor?" asked Randolph, abruptly.
+
+"About a year," Luke answered, in surprise.
+
+"That's a good while."
+
+Luke was puzzled. Why should Randolph feel such an interest,
+all at once, in his humble office?
+
+"I suppose you know that my father is now on the school committee?"
+Randolph continued.
+
+"Yes; I heard so."
+
+"He thinks of appointing Tim Flanagan janitor in your place."
+
+Luke's face showed his surprise and concern. The loss of his modest
+income would, as he knew, be severely felt by his mother and
+himself. The worst of it was, there seemed no chance in Groveton
+of making it up in any other way.
+
+"Did your father tell you this?" he asked, after a pause.
+
+"Yes; he just told me," answered Randolph, complacently.
+
+"Why does he think of removing me? Are there any complaints of
+the way I perform my duties?"
+
+"Really, my good fellow," said Randolph, languidly, "I can't
+enlighten you on that point. You've held the office a good while,
+you know."
+
+"You are very kind to tell me--this bad news," said Luke, pointedly.
+
+"Oh, don't mention it. Good morning. Were you fatigued after your
+violent exercise at Florence Grant's party?"
+
+"No. Were you?"
+
+"I didn't take any," said Randolph, haughtily. "I danced--I didn't
+jump round."
+
+"Thank you for the compliment. Is there anything more you wish to
+say to me?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Then good morning."
+
+When Luke was left alone he felt serious. How was he going to make
+up the dollar a week of which he was to be deprived? The more he
+considered the matter the further he was from thinking anything. He
+was not quite sure whether the news was reliable, or merely invented
+by Randolph to tease and annoy him. Upon this point, however, he was
+soon made certain. The next day, as he was attending to his duties
+in the schoolhouse, Tim Flanagan entered.
+
+"Here's a note for you, Luke," he said.
+
+Luke opened the note and found it brief but significant. It ran
+thus:
+
+"LUKE LARKIN: I have appointed the bearer, Timothy Flanagan, janitor
+in your place. You will give him the key of the schoolhouse, and he
+will at once assume your duties.
+
+"PRINCE DUNCAN."
+
+"Well, Tim," said Luke, calmly, "it appears that you are going
+to take my place."
+
+"Yes, Luke, but I don't care much about it. My mother went to the
+squire and got me the job. The pay's a dollar a week, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"That isn't enough."
+
+"It isn't very much, but there are not many ways of earning
+money here in Groveton."
+
+"What do you have to do?"
+
+"Make the fire every morning and sweep out twice a week.
+Then there's dusting, splitting up kindlings, and so on."
+
+"I don't think I'll like it. I ain't good at makin' fires."
+
+"Squire Duncan writes you are to begin at once."
+
+"Shure, I'm afraid I won't succeed."
+
+"I'll tell you what, Tim. I'll help you along till you've got
+used to the duties. After a while they'll get easy for you."
+
+"Will you now? You're a good feller, Luke. I thought you
+would be mad at losin' the job."
+
+"I am not mad, but I am sorry. I needed the money, but no
+doubt you do, also. I have no grudge against you."
+
+Luke had just started in his work. He explained to Tim how
+to do it, and remained with him till it was done.
+
+"I'll come again to-morrow, Tim," he said. "I will get you
+well started, for I want to make it easy for you."
+
+Tim was by no means a model boy, but he was warm-hearted,
+and he was touched by Luke's generous treatment.
+
+"I say, Luke," he exclaimed, "I don't want to take your job. Say
+the word, and I'll tell mother and the squire I don't want it."
+
+"No, Tim, it's your duty to help your mother. Take it and
+do your best."
+
+On his way home Luke chanced to meet the squire, walking in his
+usual dignified manner toward the bank, of which he was president.
+
+"Squire Duncan," he said, walking up to him in a manly way, "I
+would like to speak a word to you."
+
+"Say on, young man."
+
+"Tim Flanagan handed me a note from you this morning
+ordering me to turn over my duties as janitor to him."
+
+"Very well?"
+
+"I have done so, but I wish to ask you if I have been removed
+on account of any complaints that my work was not well done?"
+
+"I have heard no complaints," answered the squire. "I appointed
+Timothy in your place because I approved of rotation in office.
+It won't do any good for you to make a fuss about it."
+
+"I don't intend to make a fuss, Squire Duncan," said Luke,
+proudly. "I merely wished to know if there were any charges
+against me."
+
+"There are none."
+
+"Then I am satisfied. Good morning, sir."
+
+"Stay, young man. Is Timothy at the schoolhouse?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I gave him some instruction about the work, and
+promised to go over to-morrow to help him."
+
+"Very well."
+
+Squire Duncan was rather relieved to find that Luke did not propose
+to make any fuss. His motive, as has already been stated, was a
+political one. He wished to ingratiate himself with Irish voters
+and obtain an election as representative; not that he cared so much
+for this office, except as a stepping-stone to something higher.
+
+Luke turned his steps homeward. He dreaded communicating the news
+to his mother, for he knew that it would depress her, as it had
+him. However, it must be known sooner or later, and he must not
+shrink from telling her.
+
+"Mother," he said, as he entered the room where she was sewing, "I
+have lost my job as janitor."
+
+"I expected you would, Luke," said his mother, soberly.
+
+"Who told you?" asked Luke, in surprise.
+
+"Melinda Sprague was here yesterday and told me Tim Flanagan
+was to have it."
+
+"Miss Sprague seems to know everything that is going on."
+
+"Yes, she usually hears everything. Have you lost the place already?"
+
+"Tim brought me a note this morning from Squire Duncan informing me
+that I was removed and he was put in my place."
+
+"It is going to be a serious loss to us, Luke," said Mrs. Larkin,
+gravely.
+
+"Yes, mother, but I am sure something will turn up in its place."
+
+Luke spoke confidently, but it was a confidence he by no means felt.
+
+"It is a sad thing to be so poor as we are," said Mrs. Larkin,
+with a sigh.
+
+"It is very inconvenient, mother, but we ought to be glad that we
+have perfect health. I am young and strong, and I am sure I can
+find some other way of earning a dollar a week."
+
+"At any rate, we will hope so, Luke."
+
+Luke went to bed early that night. The next morning, as they were
+sitting at breakfast, Melinda Sprague rushed into the house and
+sank into a chair, out of breath.
+
+"Have you heard the news?"
+
+"No. What is it?"
+
+"The bank has been robbed! A box of United States bonds has been
+taken, amounting to thirty or forty thousand dollars!"
+
+Luke and his mother listened in amazement.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+MELINDA MAKES MISCHIEF
+
+
+"Where did you hear this, Melinda?" asked Mrs. Larkin.
+
+"I called on Mrs. Duncan just now--I was doing some work for
+her--and she told me. Isn't it awful?"
+
+"Was the bank broken open last night, Miss Sprague?" asked Luke.
+
+"I don't know when it was entered."
+
+"I don't understand it at all," said Luke, looking puzzled.
+
+"All I know is that, on examining the safe, the box of bonds
+was missing."
+
+"Then it might have been taken some time since?"
+
+"Yes, it might."
+
+The same thought came to Luke and his mother at once. Was the
+mysterious stranger the thief, and had he robbed the bank and
+transferred the tin box to Luke? It might be so, but, as this
+happened more than a fortnight since, it would have been strange in
+that case that the box had not been missed sooner at the bank. Luke
+longed to have Miss Sprague go, that he might confer with his mother
+on this subject. He had been told to keep the possession of the box
+secret, and therefore he didn't wish to reveal the fact that he had
+it unless it should prove to be necessary.
+
+"Were any traces of the robber discovered?" he added.
+
+"Not that I heard of; but I pity the thief, whoever he is,"
+remarked Melinda. "When he's found out he will go to jail,
+without any doubt."
+
+"I can't understand, for my part, how an outside party could
+open the safe," said Mrs. Larkin. "It seems very mysterious."
+
+"There's many things we can't understand," said Melinda,
+shaking her head sagely. "All crimes are mysterious."
+
+"I hope they'll find out who took the bonds," said the widow.
+"Did they belong to the bank?"
+
+"No, they belonged to a gentleman in Cavendish, who kept them in
+the bank, thinking they would be safer than in his own house. Little
+did he know what iniquity there was even in quiet country places
+like Groveton."
+
+"Surely, Melinda, you don't think any one in Groveton robbed the
+bank?" said Mrs. Larkin.
+
+"There's no knowing!" said Miss Sprague, solemnly. "There's those
+that we know well, or think we do, but we cannot read their hearts
+and their secret ways."
+
+"Have you any suspicions, Miss Sprague?" asked Luke, considerably
+amused at the portentous solemnity of the visitor.
+
+"I may and I may not, Luke," answered Melinda, with the air of one
+who knew a great deal more than she chose to tell; "but it isn't
+proper for me to speak at present."
+
+Just then Miss Sprague saw some one passing who, she thought, had
+not heard of the robbery, and, hastily excusing herself, she left
+the house.
+
+"What do you think, Luke?" asked his mother, after the spinster had
+gone. "Do you think the box we have was taken from the bank?"
+
+"No, I don't, mother. I did think it possible at first, but it
+seems very foolish for the thief, if he was one, to leave the box
+in the same village, in the charge of a boy. It would have been
+more natural and sensible for him to open it, take out the bonds,
+and throw it away or leave it in the woods."
+
+"There is something in that," said Mrs. Larkin, thoughtfully. "There
+is certainly a mystery about our box, but I can't think it was
+stolen from the bank."
+
+Meanwhile, Miss Sprague had formed an important resolve. The more
+she thought of it, the more she believed the missing box was the one
+of which she had caught a glimpse of in Mrs. Larkin's trunk. True,
+Luke and the widow had not betrayed that confusion and embarrassment
+which might have been anticipated when the theft was announced, but
+she had noticed the look exchanged between them, and she was sure it
+meant something. Above all, her curiosity was aroused to learn how
+it happened that a woman as poor as the Widow Larkin should have a
+tin box in her trunk, the contents of which might be presumed to be
+valuable.
+
+"I don't like to get Luke and his mother into trouble," Melinda said
+to herself, "but I think it my duty to tell all I know. At any rate,
+they will have to tell how the box came into their possession, and
+what it contains. I'll go to the bank and speak to Squire Duncan."
+
+Prince Duncan had called an extra meeting of the directors to
+consider the loss which had been discovered, and they were now
+seated in the bank parlor. There were three of them present, all
+of whom resided in Groveton--Mr. Manning, the hotelkeeper; Mr.
+Bailey, a storekeeper, and Mr. Beane, the Groveton lawyer.
+
+Miss Sprague entered the bank and went up to the little window
+presided over by the paying-teller.
+
+"Is Squire Duncan in the bank?" she asked.
+
+"Yes, Miss Sprague."
+
+"I would like to speak with him."
+
+"That is impossible. He is presiding at a directors' meeting."
+
+"Still, I would like to see him," persisted Melinda.
+
+"You will have to wait," said the paying-teller, coldly. He had no
+particular respect or regard for Miss Sprague, being quite familiar
+with her general reputation as a gossip and busybody.
+
+"I think he would like to see me," said Melinda, nodding her head
+with mysterious significance. "There has been a robbery at the bank,
+hasn't there?"
+
+"Do you know anything about it, Miss Sprague?" demanded the teller,
+in surprise.
+
+"Maybe I do, and maybe I don't; but I've got a secret to tell to
+Squire Duncan."
+
+"I don't believe it amounts to anything," thought the teller. "Well,
+I will speak to Squire Duncan," he said aloud.
+
+He went to the door of the directors' room, and after a brief
+conference with Prince Duncan he returned with the message, "You
+may go in, Miss Sprague."
+
+She nodded triumphantly, and with an air of conscious importance
+walked to the bank parlor.
+
+Prince Duncan and his associates were sitting round a mahogany table.
+
+Melinda made a formal curtsy and stood facing them.
+
+"I understand, Miss Sprague, that you have something to communicate
+to us in reference to the loss the bank has just sustained," said
+the squire, clearing his throat.
+
+"I thought it my duty to come and tell you all I knew, Squire Duncan
+and gentlemen," said Melinda.
+
+"Quite right, Miss Sprague. Now, what can you tell us?"
+
+"The article lost was a tin box, was it not?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"About so long?" continued Miss Sprague, indicating a length of
+about fifteen inches.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What was there in it?"
+
+"Government bonds."
+
+"I know where there is such a box," said Miss Sprague, slowly.
+
+"Where? Please be expeditious, Miss Sprague."
+
+"A few days since I was calling on Mrs. Larkin--Luke's mother--just
+happened in, as I may say, and, not finding her downstairs, went up
+into her chamber. I don't think she heard me, for when I entered the
+chamber and spoke to her she seemed quite flustered. She was on her
+knees before an open trunk, and in that trunk I saw the tin box."
+
+The directors looked at each other in surprise, and Squire Duncan
+looked undeniably puzzled.
+
+"I knew the box was one such as is used to hold valuable papers and
+bonds," proceeded Melinda, "and, as I had always looked on the widow
+as very poor, I didn't know what to make of it."
+
+"Did you question Mrs. Larkin about the tin box?" asked Mr. Beane.
+
+"No; she shut the trunk at once, and I concluded she didn't want
+me to see it."
+
+"Then you did not say anything about it?"
+
+"No; but I went in just now to tell her about the bank being robbed."
+
+"How did it seem to affect her?" asked Mr. Bailey.
+
+"She and Luke--Luke was there, too--looked at each other in dismay.
+It was evident that they were thinking of the box in the trunk."
+
+Melinda continued her story, and the directors were somewhat impressed.
+
+"I propose," said Mr. Manning, "that we get out a search-warrant and
+search Mrs. Larkin's cottage. That box may be the one missing from
+the bank."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+LUKE IS ARRESTED
+
+
+Just after twelve o'clock, when Luke was at home eating dinner, a
+knock was heard at the front door.
+
+"I'll go, mother," said Luke, and he rose from the table, and, going
+into the entry, opened the outer door.
+
+His surprise may be imagined when he confronted Squire Duncan and
+the gentlemen already mentioned as directors of the Groveton bank.
+
+"Did you wish to see mother?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; we have come on important business," said Squire Duncan,
+pompously.
+
+"Walk in, if you please."
+
+Luke led the way into the little sitting-room, followed by the
+visitors. The dinner-table was spread in the kitchen adjoining.
+The room looked very much filled up with the unwonted company,
+all being large men.
+
+"Mother," called Luke, "here are some gentlemen who wish to
+see you."
+
+The widow entered the room, and looked with surprise from one to
+another. All waited for Squire Duncan, as the proper person, from
+his official position, to introduce the subject of their visit.
+
+"Mrs. Larkin," said the squire, pompously, "it has possibly come
+to your ears that the Groveton Bank, of which you are aware that I
+am the president, has been robbed of a box of bonds?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I was so informed by Miss Melinda Sprague this morning."
+
+"I am also informed that you have in your custody a tin box similar
+to the one that has been taken."
+
+He expected to see Mrs. Larkin show signs of confusion, but she
+answered calmly: "I have a box in my custody, but whether it
+resembles the one lost I can't say."
+
+"Ha! you admit that you hold such a box?" said the squire, looking
+significantly at his companions.
+
+"Certainly. Why should I not?"
+
+"Are you willing to show it to us?"
+
+"Yes, we are willing to show it," said Luke, taking it upon himself
+to answer, "but I have no idea that it will do you any good."
+
+"That is for us to decide, young man," said Squire Duncan.
+
+"Do you suppose it is the box missing from the bank, sir?"
+
+"It may be."
+
+"When did you miss the box?"
+
+"Only this morning, but it may have been taken a month ago."
+
+"This box has been in our possession for a fortnight."
+
+"Such is your statement, Luke."
+
+"It is the truth," said Luke, flushing with indignation.
+
+"My boy," said Mr. Beane, "don't be angry. I, for one, have no
+suspicion that you have done anything wrong, but it is our duty
+to inquire into this matter."
+
+"Who told you that we had such a box, Mr. Beane?"
+
+"Miss Melinda Sprague was the informant."
+
+"I thought so, mother," said Luke. "She is a prying old maid, and
+it is just like her."
+
+"Miss Sprague only did her duty," said the squire. "But we are
+losing time. We require you to produce the box."
+
+"I will get it, gentlemen," said the widow, calmly.
+
+While she was upstairs, Mr. Manning inquired: "Where did you get
+the box, Luke?"
+
+"If you identify it as the box taken from the bank," answered Luke,
+"I will tell you. Otherwise I should prefer to say nothing, for it
+is a secret of another person."
+
+"Matters look very suspicious, in my opinion, gentlemen," said
+Squire Duncan, turning to his associates.
+
+"Not necessarily," said Mr. Beane, who seemed inclined to favor
+our hero. "Luke may have a good reason for holding his tongue."
+
+Here Mrs. Larkin presented herself with the missing box. Instantly
+it became an object of attention.
+
+"It looks like the missing box," said the squire.
+
+"Of course, I can offer no opinion," said Mr. Beane, "not having
+seen the one lost. Such boxes, however, have a general resemblance
+to each other."
+
+"Have you the key that opens it?" asked the squire.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Squire Duncan," asked Mr. Beane, "have you the key unlocking
+the missing box?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Squire Duncan, after a slight pause.
+
+"Then I don't think we can decide as to the identity of the
+two boxes."
+
+The trustees looked at each other in a state of indecision. No one
+knew what ought to be done.
+
+"What course do you think we ought to take, Squire Duncan?"
+asked Mr. Bailey.
+
+"I think," said the bank president, straightening up, "that there
+is sufficient evidence to justify the arrest of this boy Luke."
+
+"I have done nothing wrong, sir," said Luke, indignantly. "I am no
+more of a thief than you are."
+
+"Do you mean to insult me, you young jackanapes?" demanded Mr.
+Duncan, with an angry flush on his face.
+
+"I intend to insult no one, but I claim that I have done nothing
+wrong."
+
+"That is what all criminals say," sneered the squire.
+
+Luke was about to make an angry reply, but Mr. Beane, waving his
+hand as a signal for our hero to be quiet, remarked calmly: "I
+think, Duncan, in justice to Luke, we ought to hear his story as
+to how the box came into his possession."
+
+"That is my opinion," said Mr. Bailey. "I don't believe Luke
+is a bad boy."
+
+Prince Duncan felt obliged to listen to that suggestion, Mr.
+Bailey and Mr. Beane being men of consideration in the village.
+
+"Young man," he said, "we are ready to hear your story. From whom
+did you receive this box?"
+
+"From a man named Roland Reed," answered Luke.
+
+The four visitors looked at each other in surprise.
+
+"And who is Roland Reed?" asked the president of the bank. "It seems
+very much like a fictitious name."
+
+"It may be, for aught I know," said Luke, "but it is the name given
+me by the person who gave me the box to keep for him."
+
+"State the circumstances," said Mr. Beane.
+
+"About two weeks since I was returning from the house of Miss Almira
+Clark, where I had gone on an errand for my mother. To shorten
+my journey, I took my way through the woods. I had nearly passed
+through to the other side, when a tall man, dark-complexioned, whom
+I had never seen before stepped up to me. He asked me my name, and,
+upon my telling him, asked if I would do him a favor. This was to
+take charge of a tin box, which he carried under his arm."
+
+"The one before us?" asked Mr. Manning.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Did he give any reason for making this request?"
+
+"He said he was about to leave the neighborhood, and wished it taken
+care of. He asked me to put it under lock and key."
+
+"Did he state why he selected you for this trust?" asked Mr. Beane.
+
+"No, sir; he paid me for my trouble, however. He gave me a
+bank-note, which, when I reached home, I found to be a ten-dollar
+bill."
+
+"And you haven't seen him since?"
+
+"Once only."
+
+"When was that?"
+
+"On the evening of Florence Grant's party. On my way home the same
+man came up to me and asked if the box was safe. I answered, 'Yes.'
+He said, 'That is all--for the present,' and disappeared. I have not
+seen him since."
+
+"That is a very pretty romance," said Prince Duncan, with a sneer.
+
+"I can confirm it," said Mrs. Larkin, calmly. "I saw Luke bring in
+the box, and at his request I took charge of it. The story he told
+at that time is the same that he tells now."
+
+"Very possibly," said the bank president. "It was all cut
+and dried."
+
+"You seem very much prejudiced against Luke," said Mrs. Larkin,
+indignantly.
+
+"By no means, Mrs. Larkin. I judge him and his story from the
+standpoint of common sense. Gentlemen, I presume this story makes
+the same impression on you as on me?"
+
+Mr. Beane shook his head. "It may be true; it is not impossible,"
+he said.
+
+"You believe, then, there is such a man as Roland Reed?"
+
+"There may be a man who calls himself such."
+
+"If there is such a man, he is a thief."
+
+"It may be so, but that does not necessarily implicate Luke."
+
+"He would be a receiver of stolen property."
+
+"Not knowing it to be such."
+
+"At all events, I feel amply justified in causing the arrest
+of Luke Larkin on his own statement."
+
+"Surely you don't mean this?" exclaimed Mrs. Larkin, in dismay.
+
+"Don't be alarmed, mother," said Luke, calmly. "I am innocent
+of wrong, and no harm will befall me."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+LUKE AS A PRISONER
+
+
+Prince Duncan, who was a magistrate, directed the arrest of Luke
+on a charge of robbing the Groveton Bank. The constable who was
+called upon to make the arrest performed the duty unwillingly.
+
+"I don't believe a word of it, Luke," he said. "It's perfect
+nonsense to say you have robbed the bank. I'd as soon believe
+myself guilty."
+
+Luke was not taken to the lock-up, but was put in the personal
+custody of Constable Perkins, who undertook to be responsible for
+his appearance at the trial.
+
+"You mustn't run away, or you'll get me into trouble, Luke," said
+the good-natured constable.
+
+"It's the last thing I'd be willing to do, Mr. Perkins," said
+Luke, promptly. "Then everybody would decide that I was guilty.
+I am innocent, and want a chance to prove it."
+
+What was to be done with the tin box, was the next question.
+
+"I will take it over to my house," said Squire Duncan.
+
+"I object," said Mr. Beane.
+
+"Do you doubt my integrity?" demanded the bank president, angrily.
+
+"No; but it is obviously improper that any one of us should take
+charge of the box before it has been opened and its contents
+examined. We are not even certain that it is the one missing from
+the bank."
+
+As Mr. Beane was a lawyer, Prince Duncan, though unwillingly, was
+obliged to yield. The box, therefore, was taken to the bank and
+locked up in the safe till wanted.
+
+It is hardly necessary to say that the events at the cottage of Mrs.
+Larkin, and Luke's arrest, made a great sensation in the village.
+The charge that Luke had robbed the bank was received not only with
+surprise, but with incredulity. The boy was so well and so favorably
+known in Groveton that few could be found to credit the charge.
+There were exceptions, however. Melinda Sprague enjoyed the sudden
+celebrity she had achieved as the original discoverer of the thief
+who had plundered the bank. She was inclined to believe that Luke
+was guilty, because it enhanced her own importance.
+
+"Most people call Luke a good boy," she said, "but there was always
+something about him that made me suspicious. There was something in
+his expression--I can't tell you what--that set me to thinkin' all
+wasn't right. Appearances are deceitful, as our old minister used
+to say."
+
+"They certainly are, if Luke is a bad boy and a thief," retorted the
+other, indignantly. "You might be in better business, Melinda, than
+trying to take away the character of a boy like Luke."
+
+"I only did my duty," answered Melinda, with an air of superior
+virtue. "I had no right to keep secret what I knew about the
+robbery."
+
+"You always claimed to be a friend of the Larkins. Only last week
+you took tea there."
+
+"That's true. I am a friend now, but I can't consent to cover up
+inquiry. Do you know whether the bank has offered any reward for
+the detection of the thief?"
+
+"No," said the other, shortly, with a look of contempt at the eager
+spinster. "Even if it did, and poor Luke were found guilty, it would
+be blood-money that no decent person would accept."
+
+"Really, Mrs. Clark, you have singular ideas," said the discomfited
+Melinda. "I ain't after no money. I only mean to do my duty, but if
+the bank should recognize the value of my services, it would be only
+right and proper."
+
+There was another who heard with great satisfaction of Luke's
+arrest. This was Randolph Duncan. As it happened, he was late in
+learning that his rival had got into trouble, not having seen his
+father since breakfast.
+
+"This is great news about Luke," said his friend Sam Noble, meeting
+him on the street.
+
+"What news? I have heard nothing," said Randolph, eagerly.
+
+"He has been arrested."
+
+"You don't say so!" exclaimed Randolph. "What has he done?"
+
+"Robbed the bank of a tin box full of bonds. It was worth an awful
+lot of money."
+
+"Well, well!" ejaculated Randolph. "I always thought he was a boy
+of no principle."
+
+"The tin box was found in his mother's trunk."
+
+"What did Luke say? Did he own up?"
+
+"No; he brazened it out. He said the box was given him to take
+care of by some mysterious stranger."
+
+"That's too thin. How was it traced to Luke?"
+
+"It seems Old Maid Sprague"--it was lucky for Melinda's peace of
+mind that she did not hear this contemptuous reference to her--"went
+to the Widow Larkin's house one day and saw the tin box in her trunk."
+
+"She didn't leave the trunk open, did she?"
+
+"No; but she had it open, looking into it, when old Melinda crept
+upstairs softly and caught her at it."
+
+"I suppose Luke will have to go to State's prison," said Randolph,
+with a gratified smile.
+
+"I hope it won't be quite so bad as that," said Sam, who was not
+equal in malice to his aristocratic friend.
+
+"I haven't any pity for him," said Randolph, decidedly. "If he
+chooses to steal, he must expect to be punished."
+
+Just then Mr. Hooper, the grammar-school teacher, came up.
+
+"Mr. Hooper," said Randolph, eagerly, "have you heard
+about Luke?"
+
+"I have heard that he has been removed from his janitorship, and
+I'm sorry for it."
+
+"If he goes to jail he wouldn't be able to be janitor," said
+Randolph.
+
+"Goes to jail! What do you mean?" demanded the teacher, sharply.
+
+Hereupon Randolph told the story, aided and assisted by Sam Noble,
+to whom he referred as his authority.
+
+"This is too ridiculous!" said Mr. Hooper, contemptuously. "Luke
+is no thief, and if he had the tin box he has given the right
+explanation of how he came by it."
+
+"I know he is a favorite of yours, Mr. Hooper, but that won't save
+him from going to jail," said Randolph, tartly.
+
+"If he is a favorite of mine," said the teacher, with dignity,
+"it is for a very good reason. I have always found him to be a
+high-minded, honorable boy, and I still believe him to be so, in
+spite of the grave accusation that has been brought against him."
+
+There was something in the teacher's manner that deterred Randolph
+from continuing his malicious attack upon Luke. Mr. Hooper lost no
+time in inquiring into the facts of the case, and then in seeking
+out Luke, whom he found in the constable's house.
+
+"Luke," he said, extending his hand, "I have heard that you were
+in trouble, and I have come to see what I can do for you."
+
+"You are very kind, Mr. Hooper," said Luke, gratefully. "I hope
+you don't believe me guilty."
+
+"I would as soon believe myself guilty of the charge, Luke."
+
+"That's just what I said, Mr. Hooper," said Constable Perkins.
+"Just as if there wasn't more than one tin box in the world."
+
+"You never told any one that you had a tin box in your custody,
+I suppose, Luke?"
+
+"No, sir; the man who asked me to take care of it especially
+cautioned me to say nothing about it."
+
+"What was his name?"
+
+"Roland Reed."
+
+"Do you know where to find him? It would be of service to you if
+you could obtain his evidence. It would clear you at once."
+
+"I wish I could, sir, but I have no idea where to look for him."
+
+"That is unfortunate," said the teacher, knitting his brows in
+perplexity. "When are you to be brought to trial?"
+
+"To-morrow, I hear."
+
+"Well, Luke, keep up a good heart and hope for the best."
+
+"I mean to, sir."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+IN THE COURT-ROOM
+
+
+It was decided that Luke should remain until his trial in the
+personal custody of Constable Perkins. Except for the name of it,
+his imprisonment was not very irksome, for the Perkins family
+treated him as an honored guest, and Mrs. Perkins prepared a nicer
+supper than usual. When Mr. Perkins went out he said to his wife,
+with a quizzical smile: "I leave Luke in your charge. Don't let
+him run away."
+
+"I'll look out for that," said Mrs. Perkins, smiling.
+
+"Perhaps I had better leave you a pistol, my dear?"
+
+"I am afraid I should not know how to use it."
+
+"You might tie my hands," suggested Luke.
+
+"That wouldn't prevent your walking away."
+
+"Then my feet."
+
+"It won't be necessary, husband," said Mrs. Perkins. "I've got
+the poker and tongs ready."
+
+But, though treated in this jesting manner, Luke could not help
+feeling a little anxious. For aught he knew, the tin box taken from
+his mother's trunk might be the same which had been stolen from the
+bank. In that case Roland Reed was not likely to appear again, and
+his story would be disbelieved. It was a strange one, he could
+not help admitting to himself. Yet he could not believe that the
+mysterious stranger was a burglar. If he were, it seemed very
+improbable that he would have left his booty within half a mile of
+the bank, in the very village where the theft had been committed.
+It was all very queer, and he could not see into the mystery.
+
+"I should like to do something," thought Luke. "It's dull work
+sitting here with folded hands."
+
+"Isn't there something I can do, Mrs. Perkins?" he said. "I am not
+used to sitting about the house idle."
+
+"Well, you might make me some pies," said Mrs. Perkins.
+
+"You'd never eat them if I did. I can boil eggs and fry potatoes.
+Isn't there some wood to saw and split?"
+
+"Plenty out in the shed."
+
+"I understand that, at any rate. Have you any objection to my
+setting to work?"
+
+"No, if you won't run away."
+
+"Send out Charlie to watch me."
+
+Charlie was a youngster about four years of age, and very fond of
+Luke, who was a favorite with most young children.
+
+"Yes, that will do. Charlie, go into the shed and see Luke
+saw wood."
+
+"Yes, mama."
+
+"Don't let him run away."
+
+"No, I won't," said Charlie, gravely.
+
+Luke felt happier when he was fairly at work. It took his mind off
+his troubles, as work generally does, and he spent a couple of hours
+in the shed. Then Mrs. Perkins came to the door and called him.
+
+"Luke," she said, "a young lady has called to see the prisoner."
+
+"A young lady! Who is it?"
+
+"Florence Grant."
+
+Luke's face brightened up with pleasure; he put on his coat and went
+into the house.
+
+"Oh, Luke, what a shame!" exclaimed Florence, hastening to him with
+extended hand. "I only just heard of it."
+
+"Then you're not afraid to shake hands with a bank burglar?"
+said Luke.
+
+"No, indeed! What nonsense it is! Who do you think told me of
+your arrest?"
+
+"Randolph Duncan."
+
+"You have guessed it."
+
+"What did he say? Did he seem to be shocked at my iniquity?"
+
+"I think he seemed glad of it. Of course, he believes you guilty."
+
+"I supposed he would, or pretend to, at any rate. I think his father
+is interested to make me out guilty. I hope you don't think there is
+any chance of it?"
+
+"Of course not, Luke. I know you too well. I'd sooner suspect
+Randolph. He wanted to know what I thought of you now."
+
+"And what did you answer?"
+
+"That I thought the same as I always had--that you were one of the
+best boys in the village. 'I admire your taste,' said Randolph,
+with a sneer. Then I gave him a piece of my mind."
+
+"I should like to have heard you, Florence."
+
+"I don't know; you have no idea what a virago I am when I am mad.
+Now sit down and tell me all about it."
+
+Luke obeyed, and the conversation was a long one, and seemed
+interesting to both. In the midst of it Linton Tomkins came in.
+
+"Have you come to see the prisoner, also, Linton?" asked Florence.
+
+"Yes, Florence. What a desperate-looking ruffian he is! I don't dare
+to come too near. How did you break into the bank, Luke?"
+
+First Luke smiled, then he became grave. "After all, it is no joke
+to me, Linny," he said. "Think of the disgrace of being arrested
+on such a charge."
+
+"The disgrace is in being a burglar, not in being arrested for one,
+Luke. Of course, it's absurd. Father wants me to say that if you are
+bound over for trial he will go bail for you to any amount."
+
+"Your father is very kind, Linny. I may need to avail myself of his
+kindness."
+
+The next day came, and at ten o'clock, Luke, accompanied by
+Constable Perkins, entered the room in which Squire Duncan sat as
+trial justice. A considerable number of persons were gathered, for
+it was a trial in which the whole village was interested. Among
+them was Mrs. Larkin, who wore an anxious, perturbed look.
+
+"Oh, Luke," she said sorrowfully, "how terrible it is to have you
+here!"
+
+"Don't be troubled, mother," said Luke. "We both know that I am
+innocent, and I rely on God to stand by me."
+
+"Luke," said Mr. Beane, "though I am a bank trustee, I am
+your friend and believe you innocent. I will act as your lawyer."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Beane. I shall be very glad to accept your services."
+
+The preliminary proceedings were of a formal character. Then Miss
+Melinda Sprague was summoned to testify. She professed to be very
+unwilling to say anything likely to injure her good friends, Luke
+and his mother, but managed to tell, quite dramatically, how she
+first caught a glimpse of the tin box.
+
+"Did Mrs. Larkin know that you saw it?" asked the squire.
+
+"She didn't know for certain," answered Melinda, "but she was
+evidently afraid I would, for she shut the trunk in a hurry, and
+seemed very much confused. I thought of this directly when I heard
+of the bank robbery, and I went over to tell Luke and his mother."
+
+"How did they receive your communication?"
+
+"They seemed very much frightened."
+
+"And you inferred that they had not come honestly by the tin box?"
+
+"It grieves me to say that I did," said Melinda, putting her
+handkerchief to her eyes to brush away an imaginary tear.
+
+Finally Melinda sat down, and witnesses were called to testify to
+Luke's good character. There were more who wished to be sworn
+than there was time to hear. Mr. Beane called only Mr. Hooper, Mr.
+Tomkins and Luke's Sunday-school teacher. Then he called Luke to
+testify in his own defense.
+
+Luke told a straightforward story--the same that he had told
+before--replying readily and easily to any questions that were
+asked him.
+
+"I submit, Squire Duncan," said Mr. Beane, "that my client's
+statement is plain and frank and explains everything. I hold that it
+exonerates him from all suspicion of complicity with the robbery."
+
+"I differ with you," said Squire Duncan, acidly. "It is a wild,
+improbable tale, that does not even do credit to the prisoner's
+invention. In my opinion, this mysterious stranger has no existence.
+Is there any one besides himself who has seen this Roland Reed?"
+
+At this moment there was a little confusion at the door. A tall,
+dark-complexioned stranger pushed his way into the court-room. He
+advanced quickly to the front.
+
+"I heard my name called," he said. "There is no occasion to doubt
+my existence. I am Roland Reed!"
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+AN IMPORTANT WITNESS
+
+
+The effect of Roland Reed's sudden appearance in the court-room,
+close upon the doubt expressed as to his existence, was electric.
+Every head was turned, and every one present looked with eager
+curiosity at the mysterious stranger. They saw a dark-complexioned,
+slender, but wiry man, above the middle height, with a pair of keen
+black eyes scanning, not without sarcastic amusement, the faces
+turned toward him.
+
+Luke recognized him at once.
+
+"Thank God!" he ejaculated, with a feeling of intense relief.
+"Now my innocence will be made known."
+
+Squire Duncan was quite taken aback. His face betrayed his
+surprise and disappointment.
+
+"I don't know you," he said, after a pause.
+
+"Perhaps not, Mr. Duncan," answered the stranger, in a significant
+tone, "but I know you."
+
+"Were you the man who gave this tin box to the defendant?"
+
+"Wouldn't it be well, since this is a court, to swear me as a
+witness?" asked Roland Reed, quietly.
+
+"Of course, of course," said the squire, rather annoyed to be
+reminded of his duty by this stranger.
+
+This being done, Mr. Beane questioned the witness in the interest
+of his client.
+
+"Do you know anything about the tin box found in the possession
+of Luke Larkin?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Did you commit it to his charge for safe-keeping?"
+
+"I did."
+
+"Were you previously acquainted with Luke?"
+
+"I was not."
+
+"Was it not rather a singular proceeding to commit what is
+presumably of considerable value to an unknown boy?"
+
+"It would generally be considered so, but I do many strange things.
+I had seen the boy by daylight, though he had never seen me, and I
+was sure I could trust him."
+
+"Why, if you desired a place of safe-keeping for your box, did you
+not select the bank vaults?"
+
+Roland Reed laughed, and glanced at the presiding justice.
+
+"It might have been stolen," he said.
+
+"Does the box contain documents of value?"
+
+"The contents are valuable to me, at any rate."
+
+"Mr. Beane," said Squire Duncan, irritably, "I think you are
+treating the witness too indulgently. I believe this box to be
+the one taken from the bank."
+
+"You heard the remark of the justice," said the lawyer. "Is this the
+box taken from the bank?"
+
+"It is not," answered the witness, contemptuously, "and no one knows
+this better than Mr. Duncan."
+
+The justice flushed angrily.
+
+"You are impertinent, witness," he said. "It is all very well to
+claim this box as yours, but I shall require you to prove ownership."
+
+"I am ready to do so," said Roland Reed, quietly. "Is that the box
+on the table?"
+
+"It is."
+
+"Has it been opened?"
+
+"No; the key has disappeared from the bank."
+
+"The key is in the hands of the owner, where it properly belongs.
+With the permission of the court, I will open the box."
+
+"I object," said Squire Duncan, quickly.
+
+"Permit me to say that your refusal is extraordinary," said Mr.
+Beane, pointedly. "You ask the witness to prove property, and
+then decline to allow him to do so."
+
+Squire Duncan, who saw that he had been betrayed into a piece of
+folly, said sullenly: "I don't agree with you, Mr. Beane, but I
+withdraw my objection. The witness may come forward and open the
+box, if he can."
+
+Roland Reed bowed slightly, advanced to the table, took a bunch of
+keys from his pocket, and inserting one of the smallest in the lock
+easily opened the box.
+
+Those who were near enough, including the justice, craned their
+necks forward to look into the box.
+
+The box contained papers, certificates of stock, apparently, and
+a couple of bank-books.
+
+"The box missing from the vault contained government bonds,
+as I understand, Squire Duncan?" said the lawyer.
+
+"Yes," answered the justice, reluctantly.
+
+"Are there any government bonds in the box, Mr. Reed."
+
+"You can see for yourself, sir."
+
+The manner of the witness toward the lawyer was courteous,
+though in the tone in which he addressed the court there had
+been a scarcely veiled contempt.
+
+"I submit, then, that my young client has been guilty of no wrong.
+He accepted the custody of the box from the rightful owner, and
+this he had a clear right to do."
+
+"How do you know that the witness is the rightful owner of the box?"
+demanded the justice, in a cross tone. "He may have stolen it from
+some other quarter."
+
+"There is not a shadow of evidence of this," said the lawyer,
+in a tone of rebuke.
+
+"I am not sure but that he ought to be held."
+
+"You will hold me at your peril, Mr. Duncan," said the witness, in
+clear, resolute tones. "I have a clear comprehension of my rights,
+and I do not propose to have them infringed."
+
+Squire Duncan bit his lips. He had only a smattering of law, but
+he knew that the witness was right, and that he had been betrayed
+by temper into making a discreditable exhibition of himself.
+
+"I demand that you treat me with proper respect," he said angrily.
+
+"I am ready to do that," answered the witness, in a tone whose
+meaning more than one understood. It was not an apology calculated
+to soothe the ruffled pride of the justice.
+
+"I call for the discharge of my young client, Squire Duncan,"
+said the lawyer. "The case against him, as I hardly need say, has
+utterly failed."
+
+"He is discharged," said the justice, unwillingly.
+
+Instantly Luke's friends surrounded him and began to shower
+congratulations upon him. Among them was Roland Reed.
+
+"My young friend," he said, "I am sincerely sorry that by any act
+of mine I have brought anxiety and trouble upon you. But I can't
+understand how the fact that you had the box in your possession
+became known."
+
+This was explained to him.
+
+"I have a proposal to make to you and your mother," said Roland
+Reed, "and with your permission I will accompany you home."
+
+"We shall be glad to have you, sir," said Mrs. Larkin, cordially.
+
+As they were making their way out of the court-room, Melinda
+Sprague, the cause of Luke's trouble, hurried to meet them. She
+saw by this time that she had made a great mistake, and that her
+course was likely to make her generally unpopular. She hoped to
+make it up with the Larkins.
+
+"I am so glad you are acquitted, Luke," she began effusively. "I
+hope, Mrs. Larkin, you won't take offense at what I did. I did what
+I thought to be my duty, though with a bleeding heart. No one is
+more rejoiced at dear Luke's vindication."
+
+"Miss Sprague," said she, "if you think you did your duty, let the
+consciousness of that sustain you. I do not care to receive any
+visits from you hereafter."
+
+"How cruel and unfeeling you are, Mrs. Larkin," said the spinster,
+putting her handkerchief to her eyes.
+
+Mrs. Larkin did not reply.
+
+Miss Sprague found herself so coldly treated in the village that
+she shortly left Groveton on a prolonged visit to some relatives in
+a neighboring town. It is to be feared that the consciousness of
+having done her duty did not wholly console her. What she regretted
+most, however, was the loss of the reward which she had hoped to
+receive from the bank.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+THE LARKINS ARE IN LUCK
+
+
+Luke and his mother, accompanied by Roland Reed, took their way from
+the court-room to the widow's modest cottage.
+
+"You may take the tin box, Luke," said the stranger, "if you are not
+afraid to keep in your charge what has given you so much trouble."
+
+"All's well that ends well!" said Luke.
+
+"Yes; I don't think it will occasion you any further anxiety."
+
+Roland Reed walked in advance with Mrs. Larkin, leaving Luke
+to follow.
+
+"What sort of a man is this Mr. Duncan?" he asked abruptly.
+
+"Squire Duncan?"
+
+"Yes, if that is his title."
+
+"He is, upon the whole, our foremost citizen," answered the
+widow, after a slight hesitation.
+
+"Is he popular?"
+
+"I can hardly say that."
+
+"He is president of the bank, is he not?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How long has he lived in Groveton?"
+
+"Nearly twenty years."
+
+"Was he born in this neighborhood?"
+
+"I think he came from the West."
+
+"Does he say from what part of the western country?"
+
+"He says very little about his past life."
+
+Roland Reed smiled significantly.
+
+"Perhaps he has his reasons," he said meditatively.
+
+"Is he thought to be rich?" he asked, after a pause.
+
+"Yes, but how rich no one knows. He is taxed for his house and
+grounds, but he may have a good deal of property besides. It is
+generally thought he has."
+
+"He does not appear to be friendly toward your son."
+
+"No," answered Mrs. Larkin, with a trace of indignation, "though
+I am sure he has no cause to dislike him. He seemed convinced
+that Luke had come by your tin box dishonestly."
+
+"It seemed to me that he was prejudiced against Luke. How do you
+account for it?"
+
+"Perhaps his son, Randolph, has influenced him."
+
+"So he has a son--how old?"
+
+"Almost Luke's age. He thinks Luke beneath him, though why he should
+do so, except that Luke is poor, I can't understand. Not long since
+there was a skating match for a prize of a Waterbury watch, offered
+by the grammar-school teacher, which Luke would have won had not
+Randolph arranged with another boy to get in his way and leave the
+victory to him."
+
+"So Randolph won the watch?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I suppose he had a watch of his own already."
+
+"Yes, a silver one, while Luke had none. This makes it meaner
+in him."
+
+"I don't mind it now, mother," said Luke, who had overheard the last
+part of the conversation. "He is welcome to his watches--I can wait."
+
+"Has Squire Duncan shown his hostility to Luke in any other way?"
+inquired the stranger.
+
+"Yes; Luke has for over a year been janitor at the school-house.
+It didn't bring much--only a dollar a week--but it was considerable
+to us. Lately Squire Duncan was appointed on the school committee
+to fill a vacancy, and his first act was to remove Luke from his
+position."
+
+"Not in favor of his son, I conclude."
+
+Luke laughed.
+
+"Randolph would be shocked at the mere supposition," he said. "He is
+a young man who wears kid gloves, and the duties of a school janitor
+he would look upon as degrading."
+
+"I really think, Luke, you have been badly treated," said Roland
+Reed, with a friendly smile.
+
+"I have thought so, too, sir, but I suppose I have no better claim
+to the office than any other boy."
+
+"You needed the income, however."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+By this time they were at the door of the cottage.
+
+"Won't you come in, sir?" asked Mrs. Larkin, cordially.
+
+"Thank you. I will not only do so, but as I don't care to stay at
+the hotel, I will even crave leave to pass the night under your
+roof."
+
+"If you don't mind our poor accommodations, you will be
+very welcome."
+
+"I am not likely to complain, Mrs. Larkin. I have not been nursed
+in the lap of luxury. For two years I was a California miner, and
+camped out. For that long period I did not know what it was to sleep
+in a bed. I used to stretch myself in a blanket, and lie down on the
+ground."
+
+"You won't have to do that here, Mr. Reed," said Luke, smiling.
+"But it must have been great fun."
+
+"How can you say so, Luke?" expostulated his mother. "It must
+have been very uncomfortable, and dangerous to the health."
+
+"I wouldn't mind it a bit, mother," said Luke, stoutly.
+
+Roland Reed smiled.
+
+"I am not surprised that you and your mother regard the matter from
+different points of view," he said. "It is only natural. Women are
+not adapted to roughing it. Boys like nothing better, and so with
+young men. But there comes a time--when a man passes forty--when he
+sets a higher value on the comforts of life. I don't mind confessing
+that I wouldn't care to repeat my old mining experiences."
+
+"I hope you were repaid for your trouble and privations, sir."
+
+"Yes, I was handsomely repaid. I may soon be as rich as your local
+magnate, Prince Duncan, but I have had to work harder for it,
+probably."
+
+"So you know the squire's name?" said Mrs. Larkin, in some surprise.
+
+"I must have heard it somewhere," remarked Roland Reed.
+"Have I got it right?"
+
+"Yes; it's a peculiar name."
+
+When they reached the cottage Mrs. Larkin set about getting supper.
+In honor of her guest she sent out for some steak, and baked some
+biscuit, so that the table presented an inviting appearance when
+the three sat down to it. After supper was over, Roland Reed said:
+"I told you that I wished to speak to you on business, Mrs. Larkin.
+It is briefly this: Are you willing to receive a boarder?"
+
+"I am afraid, sir, that you would hardly be satisfied with our
+humble accommodations."
+
+"Oh, I am not speaking of myself, but of a child. I am a widower,
+Mrs. Larkin, and have a little daughter eight years of age. She is
+now boarding in New York, but I do not like the people with whom
+I have placed her. She is rather delicate, also, and I think a
+country town would suit her better than the city air. I should like
+to have her under just such nice motherly care as I am sure you
+would give her."
+
+"I shall be very glad to receive her," said Mrs. Larkin, with
+a flush of pleasure.
+
+"And for the terms?"
+
+"I would rather you would name them, sir."
+
+"Then I will say ten dollars a week."
+
+"Ten dollars!" exclaimed the widow, in amazement. "It won't be
+worth half that."
+
+"I don't pay for board merely, but for care and attendance as well.
+She may be sick, and that would increase your trouble."
+
+"She would in that case receive as much care as if she were my
+own daughter; but I don't ask such an exorbitant rate of board."
+
+"It isn't exorbitant if I choose to pay it, Mrs. Larkin," said
+Mr. Reed, smiling. "I am entirely able to pay that price, and
+prefer to do so."
+
+"It will make me feel quite rich, sir," said the widow, gratefully.
+"I shall find it useful, especially as Luke has lost his situation."
+
+"Luke may find another position."
+
+"When do you wish your daughter to come?" asked Mrs. Larkin.
+
+"Luke will accompany me to the city to-morrow, and bring her
+back with him. By the way, I will pay you four weeks in advance."
+
+He drew four ten-dollar bills from his pocket and put them
+into the widow's hand.
+
+"I am almost afraid this is a dream," said Mrs. Larkin.
+"You have made me very happy."
+
+"You mustn't become purse-proud, mother," said Luke, "because
+you have become suddenly rich."
+
+"Can you be ready to take the first train to New York with
+me in the morning, Luke?" asked Roland Reed.
+
+"Yes, sir; it starts at half-past seven."
+
+"Your breakfast will be ready on time," said the widow,
+"and Luke will call you."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+LUKE'S VISIT TO NEW YORK
+
+
+The morning train to New York carried among its passengers Luke and
+his new friend. The distance was thirty-five miles, and the time
+occupied was a trifle over an hour. The two sat together, and Luke
+had an opportunity of observing his companion more closely. He was
+a man of middle age, dark complexion, with keen black eyes, and the
+expression of one who understood the world and was well fitted to
+make his way in it. He had already given the Larkins to understand
+that he had been successful in accumulating money.
+
+As for Luke, he felt happy and contented. The tide of fortune seemed
+to have turned in his favor, or rather in favor of his family. The
+handsome weekly sum which would be received for the board of Mr.
+Reed's little daughter would be sufficient of itself to defray the
+modest expenses of their household. If he, too, could obtain work,
+they would actually feel rich.
+
+"Luke," said his companion, "does your mother own the cottage where
+you live?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Free of incumbrance?"
+
+"Not quite. There is a mortgage of three hundred dollars held by
+Squire Duncan. It was held by Deacon Tibbetts, but about three
+months since Squire Duncan bought it."
+
+"What could be his object in buying it?"
+
+"I don't know, sir. Perhaps the deacon owed him money."
+
+"I am surprised, then, that he deprived you of your position as
+janitor, since it would naturally make it more difficult for you
+to meet the interest."
+
+"That is true, sir. I wondered at it myself."
+
+"Your house is a small one, but the location is fine. It would
+make a building lot suitable for a gentleman's summer residence."
+
+"Yes, sir; there was a gentleman in the village last summer who
+called upon mother and tried to induce her to sell."
+
+"Did he offer her a fair price?"
+
+"No, sir; he said he should have to take down the cottage, and
+he only offered eight hundred dollars. Mother would have sold for
+a thousand."
+
+"Tell her not to accept even that offer, but to hold on to the
+property. Some day she can obtain considerably more."
+
+"She won't sell unless she is obliged to," replied Luke. "A few
+days since I thought we might have to do it. Now, with the generous
+sum which you allow for your little girl's board there will be
+no necessity."
+
+"Has Squire Duncan broached the subject to your mother?"
+
+"He mentioned it one day, but he wanted her to sell for seven
+hundred dollars."
+
+"He is evidently sharp at a bargain."
+
+"Yes, sir; he is not considered liberal."
+
+There was one thing that troubled Luke in spite of the pleasure
+he anticipated from his visit to New York. He knew very well that
+his clothes were shabby, and he shrank from the idea of appearing
+on Broadway in a patched suit too small for him. But he had never
+breathed a word of complaint to his mother, knowing that she could
+not afford to buy him another suit, and he did not wish to add to
+her troubles. It might have happened that occasionally he fixed a
+troubled look on his clothes, but if Roland Reed noticed it he did
+not make any comment.
+
+But when they reached New York, and found themselves on Broadway,
+his companion paused in front of a large clothing store with large
+plate-glass windows, and said, quietly: "Come in, Luke. I think
+you need some new clothes."
+
+Luke's face flushed with pleasure, but he said, "I have no money,
+Mr. Reed."
+
+"I have," said Roland Reed, significantly.
+
+"You are very kind, sir," said Luke, gratefully.
+
+"It costs little to be kind when you have more money than you know
+what to do with," said Reed. "I don't mean that I am a Vanderbilt
+or an Astor, but my income is much greater than I need to spend on
+myself."
+
+A suit was readily found which fitted Luke as well as if it had been
+made for him. It was of gray mixed cloth, made in fashionable style.
+
+"You may as well keep it on, Luke." Then to the shopman: "Have you
+a nice suit of black cloth, and of the same size?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered the salesman, readily.
+
+"He may as well have two while we are about it. As to the old suit,
+it is too small, and we will leave it here to be given away to
+some smaller boy."
+
+Luke was quite overwhelmed by his new friend's munificence.
+
+"I don't think mother will know me," he said, as he surveyed
+himself in a long mirror.
+
+"Then I will introduce you or give you a letter of introduction.
+Have you a watch, Luke?"
+
+"No, sir; you know I did not get the prize at the skating match."
+
+"True; then I must remedy the deficiency."
+
+They took the roadway stage down below the Astor House--it was
+before the days of Jacob Sharp's horse railway--and got out at
+Benedict's. There Mr. Reed made choice of a neat silver watch,
+manufactured at Waltham, and bought a plated chain to go with it.
+
+"Put that in your vest pocket," he said. "It may console you for
+the loss of the Waterbury."
+
+"How can I ever repay you for your kindness, Mr. Reed?" said Luke,
+overjoyed.
+
+"I have taken a fancy to you, Luke," said his companion. "I hope
+to do more for you soon. Now we will go uptown, and I will put my
+little girl under your charge."
+
+Luke had dreaded making a call at a nice city house in his old suit.
+Now he looked forward to it with pleasure, especially after his new
+friend completed his benefactions by buying him a new pair of shoes
+and a hat.
+
+"Luke," asked his companion, as they were on their way uptown in a
+Sixth Avenue car, "do you know who owned the box of bonds taken from
+the Groveton Bank?"
+
+"I have heard that it was a Mr. Armstrong, now traveling in Europe."
+
+"How did he come to leave the box in a village bank?"
+
+"He is some acquaintance of Squire Duncan, and spent some weeks last
+summer at the village hotel."
+
+"Then probably he left the box there at the suggestion of Duncan,
+the president."
+
+"I don't know, sir, but I think it very likely."
+
+"Humph! This is getting interesting. The contents of the box were
+government bonds, I have heard."
+
+"I heard Squire Duncan say so."
+
+"Were they coupon or registered?"
+
+"What difference would that make, sir?"
+
+"The first could be sold without trouble by the thief, while
+the last could not be disposed of without a formal transfer from
+the owner."
+
+"Then it would not pay to steal them?"
+
+"Just so. Luke, do you know, a strange idea has come into my head."
+
+"What is it, sir?"
+
+"I think Prince Duncan knows more about how those bonds were
+spirited away than is suspected."
+
+Luke was greatly surprised.
+
+"You don't think he took them himself, do you?" he asked.
+
+"That remains to be seen. It is a curious affair altogether. I may
+have occasion to speak of it another time. Are you a good writer?"
+
+"Fair, I believe, sir."
+
+"I have recently come into possession of a business in a city in
+Ohio, which I carry on through a paid agent. Among other things,
+I have bought out the old accounts. I shall need to have a large
+number of bills made out, covering a series of years, which I shall
+then put into the hands of a collector and realize so far as I can.
+This work, with a little instruction, I think you can do."
+
+"I shall be very glad to do it, sir."
+
+"You will be paid fairly for the labor."
+
+"I don't need any pay, Mr. Reed. You have already paid me
+handsomely."
+
+"You refer to the clothing and the watch? Those are gifts. I will
+pay you thirty cents an hour for the time employed, leaving you to
+keep the account. The books of the firm I have at the house where my
+daughter is boarding. You will take them back to Groveton with you."
+
+"This is a fortunate day for me," said Luke. "It will pay me much
+better than the janitorship."
+
+"Do your duty, Luke, and your good fortune will continue. But here
+is our street."
+
+They left the car at the corner of Fourteenth Street and Sixth
+Avenue, and turning westward, paused in front of a four-story
+house of good appearance.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+RANDOLPH IS MYSTIFIED
+
+
+In an hour, Luke, with the little girl under his charge, was on
+his way to the depot, accompanied by Mr. Reed, who paid for their
+tickets, and bade them good-bye, promising to communicate with Luke.
+
+Rosa Reed was a bright little girl of about eight years of age. She
+made no opposition to going with Luke, but put her hand confidently
+in his, and expressed much pleasure at the prospect of living in
+the country. She had been under the care of two maiden ladies, the
+Misses Graham, who had no love for children, and had merely accepted
+the charge on account of the liberal terms paid them by the father.
+They seemed displeased at the withdrawal of Rosa, and clearly
+signified this by their cold, stiff reception of Mr. Reed and Luke.
+
+"The old girls don't like to part with Rosa," he said, with a smile,
+as they emerged into the street.
+
+"Are you sorry to leave them, Rosa?" he inquired.
+
+"No; they ain't a bit pleasant," answered the little girl, decidedly.
+
+"Were they strict with you?" asked Luke.
+
+"Yes; they were always saying, 'Little girls should be seen and not
+heard!' They didn't want me to make a bit of noise, and wouldn't let
+me have any little girls in to play with me. Are there any little
+girls at your home?"
+
+"No, but there are some living near by, and they will come
+to see you."
+
+"That will be nice," said Rosa, with satisfaction.
+
+Directions were left to have the little girl's trunk go to Groveton
+by express, and, therefore, Luke was encumbered only by a small
+satchel belonging to his new charge.
+
+Of the details of the journey it is unnecessary to speak. The two
+young travelers arrived at Groveton, and, as it chanced, reached
+Luke's cottage without attracting much observation. The door was
+opened by the widow, whose kind manner at once won the favor of
+the child.
+
+"I like you much better than Miss Graham," she said, with childish
+frankness.
+
+"I am glad of that, my child," said Mrs. Larkin. "I will try
+to make this a pleasant home for you."
+
+"I like Luke, too," said Rosa.
+
+"Really, Rosa, you make me blush," said Luke. "I am not used to
+hearing young ladies say they like me."
+
+"I think he is a good boy," said Rosa, reflectively. "Isn't he,
+Mrs. Larkin?"
+
+"I think so, my dear," said the widow, smiling.
+
+"Then I suppose I shall have to behave like one," said Luke.
+"Do you think I have improved in appearance, mother?"
+
+"I noticed your new suit at once, Luke."
+
+"I have another in this bundle, mother; and that isn't all. Do
+you see this watch? I sha'n't mourn the loss of the Waterbury
+any longer."
+
+"Mr. Reed is certainly proving a kind friend, Luke. We have
+much reason to be grateful."
+
+"He has also provided me with employment for a time, mother."
+And then Luke told his mother about the copying he had engaged to do.
+
+It is hardy necessary to say that the heart of the widow was
+unfeignedly thankful for the favorable change in their fortunes,
+and she did not omit to give thanks to Providence for raising up
+so kind and serviceable a friend.
+
+About the middle of the afternoon Luke made his appearance in the
+village street. Though I hope my readers will not suspect him of
+being a dude, he certainly did enjoy the consciousness of being well
+dressed. He hoped he should meet Randolph, anticipating the surprise
+and disappointment of the latter at the evidence of his prosperity.
+
+When Luke was arrested, Randolph rejoiced as only a mean and
+spiteful boy would be capable of doing at the humiliation and
+anticipated disgrace of a boy whom he disliked. He had indulged in
+more than one expression of triumph, and sought every opportunity
+of discussing the subject, to the disgust of all fair-minded
+persons. Even Sam Noble protested, though a toady of Randolph.
+
+"Look here, Randolph," he said, "I don't like Luke overmuch, and I
+know he doesn't like me, but I don't believe he's a thief, and I am
+sorry he is in trouble."
+
+"Then you are no friend of mine," said Randolph, looking black.
+
+"Oh, I say, Randolph, you know better than that. Haven't I always
+stood up for you, and done whatever you wanted me to?"
+
+"If you were my friend you wouldn't stand up for Luke."
+
+"I am not a friend of his, and I am a friend of yours, but I don't
+want him to go to prison."
+
+"I do, if he deserves it."
+
+"I don't believe he does deserve it."
+
+"That is what I complain of in you."
+
+"The fact is, Randolph, you expect too much. If you want to break
+friendship, all right."
+
+Randolph was amazed at this unexpected independence on the part of
+one whom he regarded as his bond slave; but, being hardly prepared
+to part with him, especially as his other follower, Tom Harper,
+had partially thrown off his allegiance, thought it prudent to be
+satisfied with Sam's expressions of loyalty, even if they did not
+go as far as he wished.
+
+Randolph missed Luke at school on the day after the trial. Of
+course, he had no idea that our hero was out of school, and hastily
+concluded that on account of his trial he was ashamed to show
+himself.
+
+"I don't wonder he doesn't want to show himself," he remarked to
+Tom Harper.
+
+"Why not? He has been acquitted."
+
+"Never mind. He has been under arrest, and may yet be guilty in
+spite of his acquittal. Have you seen him to-day?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Probably he is hiding at home. Well, it shows some sort of shame."
+
+On his way home from school Randolph was destined to be surprised.
+Not far from his own house he met Luke, arrayed in his new suit,
+with a chain that looked like gold crossing his waistcoat. Instead
+of looking confused and ashamed, Luke looked uncommonly bright and
+cheerful.
+
+Randolph was amazed. What could it all mean? He had intended not
+to notice Luke, but to pass him with a scornful smile, but his
+curiosity got the better of him.
+
+"Why were you not at school to-day?" he asked, abruptly.
+
+Luke smiled.
+
+"I didn't think you would miss me, Randolph."
+
+"I didn't, but wondered at your absence."
+
+"I was detained by business. I expect to have the pleasure of seeing
+you there to-morrow."
+
+"Humph! You seem to have invested in a new suit."
+
+"Yes; my old suit was getting decidedly shabby, as you kindly
+remarked at Florence Grant's party."
+
+"Where did you get them?"
+
+"In New York."
+
+"In New York!" repeated Randolph, in surprise. "When did you
+go there?"
+
+"This morning. It was that which detained me from school."
+
+"I see you've got a new watch-chain, too."
+
+Randolph emphasized the word "chain" satirically, being under
+the impression that no watch was attached.
+
+"Yes; you may like to see my new watch." And Luke, with pardonable
+triumph, produced his new watch, which was a stem-winder, whereas
+Randolph's was only a key-winder.
+
+Randolph condescended to take the watch in his hands and examine it.
+
+"Where was this bought?" he asked.
+
+"At Benedict's."
+
+"You seem to have plenty of money," he said, with unpleasant
+significance.
+
+"I should like more."
+
+"Only you are rather imprudent in making such extensive purchases
+so soon after your trial."
+
+"What do you mean?" demanded Luke quickly.
+
+"What should I mean? It is evident that you robbed the bank,
+after all. I shall tell my father, and you may find your trouble is
+not over."
+
+"Look here, Randolph Duncan!" said Luke sternly, "I look upon that
+as an insult, and I don't mean to be insulted. I am no more a thief
+than you are, and that you know."
+
+"Do you mean to charge me with being a thief?" fumed Randolph.
+
+"No; I only say you are as much a thief as I am. If you repeat your
+insult, I shall be obliged to knock you down."
+
+"You impudent loafer!" screamed Randolph. "You'll be sorry for this.
+I'll have you arrested over again."
+
+"I have no doubt you would if you had the power. I sha'n't lie
+awake nights thinking of it. If you have nothing more to say I will
+leave you."
+
+Randolph did not reply, probably because he was at a loss what to
+say, but went home angry and mystified. Where could Luke have got
+his watch and new suit? He asked himself this many times, but no
+possible explanation suggested itself.
+
+Scarcely had Luke parted with Randolph when he met his friend
+Linton, who surveyed Luke's improved appearance with pleasure
+and surprise.
+
+"I say, Luke, are you setting up for a dude?"
+
+"I thought a little of it," answered Luke, with a smile--and then he
+explained the cause of his good fortune. "I have only one regret,"
+he added, "Randolph seems to be grieved over it. He liked me better
+in my old suit. Besides, I have a new watch, and it turns out to be
+better than his."
+
+Here he displayed his new silver watch. Linton felt a generous
+pleasure in Luke's luck, and it may truly be said rejoiced more
+at it than he would at any piece of good fortune to himself.
+
+"By the way, Luke," he said, "I am going to give a party next
+Thursday evening, and I give you the very first invitation. It is
+my birthday, you know."
+
+"I accept with pleasure, sir. I look upon you as my warmest friend,
+and as long as I retain your friendship I shall not care for
+Randolph's malice."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+MR. DUNCAN'S SECRET
+
+
+About two weeks later, Prince Duncan sat at his desk with a troubled
+look. Open before him were letters. One was post-marked London, and
+ran as follows:
+
+
+"MY DEAR SIR: I have decided to shorten my visit, and shall leave
+Liverpool next Saturday en route for New York. You will see,
+therefore, that I shall arrive nearly as soon as the letter I am
+now writing. I have decided to withdraw the box of securities I
+deposited in your bank, and shall place it in a safe-deposit vault
+in New York. You may expect to see me shortly.
+
+"Yours in haste,
+
+"JOHN ARMSTRONG."
+
+
+Drops of perspiration gathered on the brow of Prince Duncan as he
+read this letter. What would Mr. Armstrong say when he learned that
+the box had mysteriously disappeared? That he would be thoroughly
+indignant, and make it very unpleasant for the president of
+Groveton Bank, was certain. He would ask, among other things,
+why Mr. Duncan had not informed him of the loss by cable, and no
+satisfactory explanation could be given. He would ask, furthermore,
+why detectives had not been employed to ferret out the mystery,
+and here again no satisfactory explanation could be given. Prince
+Duncan knew very well that he had a reason, but it was not one
+that could be disclosed.
+
+He next read the second letter, and his trouble was not diminished.
+It was from a Wall Street broker, informing him that the Erie shares
+bought for him on a margin had gone down two points, and it would be
+necessary for him to deposit additional margin, or be sold out.
+
+"Why did I ever invest in Erie?" thought Duncan ruefully. "I was
+confidently assured that it would go up--that it must go up--and
+here it is falling, and Heaven knows how much lower it will go."
+
+At this point the door opened, and Randolph entered. He had a
+special favor to ask. He had already given his father several hints
+that he would like a gold watch, being quite dissatisfied with his
+silver watch now that Luke Larkin possessed one superior to his. He
+had chosen a very unfavorable moment for his request, as he soon
+found out.
+
+"Father," he said, "I have a favor to ask."
+
+"What is it?" asked Prince Duncan, with a frown.
+
+"I wish you would buy me a gold watch."
+
+"Oh, you do!" sneered his father. "I was under the impression that
+you had two watches already."
+
+"So I have, but one is a Waterbury, and the other a cheap
+silver one."
+
+"Well, they keep time, don't they?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then what more do you want?"
+
+"Luke Larkin has a silver watch better than mine--a stem-winder."
+
+"Suppose he has?"
+
+"I don't want a working boy like him to outshine me."
+
+"Where did he get his watch?"
+
+"I don't know; he won't tell. Will you buy me a gold one, father?
+Then I can look down upon him again."
+
+"No, I can't. Money is very scarce with me just now."
+
+"Then I don't want to wear a watch at all," said Randolph pettishly.
+
+"Suit yourself," said his father coldly. "Now you may leave the
+room. I am busy."
+
+Randolph left the room. He would have slammed the door behind him,
+but he knew his father's temper, and he did not dare to do so.
+
+"What am I to do?" Prince Duncan asked himself anxiously. "I must
+send money to the brokers, or they will sell me out, and I shall
+meet with a heavy loss."
+
+After a little thought he wrote a letter enclosing a check, but
+dated it two days ahead.
+
+"They will think it a mistake," he thought, "and it will give
+me time to turn around. Now for money to meet the check when it
+arrives."
+
+Prince Duncan went up-stairs, and, locking the door of his chamber,
+opened a large trunk in one corner of the room. From under a pile of
+clothing he took out a tin box, and with hands that trembled with
+excitement he extracted therefrom a dozen government bonds. One was
+for ten thousand dollars, one for five, and the remainder were for
+one thousand dollars each.
+
+"If they were only sold, and the money deposited in the bank to my
+credit," he thought. "I am almost sorry I started in this thing.
+The risk is very great, but--but I must have money."
+
+At this moment some one tried the door.
+
+Prince Duncan turned pale, and the bonds nearly fell from his hands.
+
+"Who's there?" he asked.
+
+"It is I, papa," answered Randolph.
+
+"Then you may go down-stairs again," answered his father angrily.
+"I don't want to be disturbed."
+
+"Won't you open the door a minute? I just want to ask a question."
+
+"No, I won't. Clear out!" exclaimed the bank president angrily.
+
+"What a frightful temper father has!" thought the discomfited
+Randolph.
+
+There was nothing for it but to go down-stairs, and he did so in a
+very discontented frame of mind.
+
+"It seems to me that something is going contrary," said Duncan to
+himself. "It is clear that it won't do to keep these bonds here any
+longer. I must take them to New York to-morrow--and raise money on
+them."
+
+On second thought, to-morrow he decided only to take the
+five-thousand-dollar bond, and five of the one thousand, fearing
+that too large a sale at one time might excite suspicion.
+
+Carefully selecting the bonds referred to, he put them away in a
+capacious pocket, and, locking the trunk, went down-stairs again.
+
+"There is still time to take the eleven-o'clock train," he said,
+consulting his watch. "I must do it."
+
+Seeking his wife, he informed her that he would take the next train
+for New York.
+
+"Isn't this rather sudden?" she asked, in surprise.
+
+"A little, perhaps, but I have a small matter of business to attend
+to. Besides, I think the trip will do me good. I am not feeling
+quite as well as usual."
+
+"I believe I will go, too," said Mrs. Duncan unexpectedly. "I want
+to make some purchases at Stewart's."
+
+This suggestion was very far from agreeable to her husband.
+
+"Really--I am"--he said, "I must disappoint you. My time will be
+wholly taken up by matters of business, and I can't go with you."
+
+"You don't need to. I can take care of myself, and we can meet at
+the depot at four o'clock."
+
+"Besides, I can't supply you with any money for shopping."
+
+"I have enough. I might have liked a little more, but I can make
+it do."
+
+"Perhaps it will look better if we go in company," thought Prince
+Duncan. "She needn't be in my way, for we can part at the station."
+
+"Very well, Jane," he said quietly. "If you won't expect me to
+dance attendance upon you, I withdraw my objections."
+
+The eleven-o'clock train for New York had among its passengers Mr.
+and Mrs. Duncan.
+
+There was another passenger whom neither of them noticed--a small,
+insignificant-looking man--who occasionally directed a quick glance
+at the portly bank president.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+EFFECTING A LOAN
+
+
+Prince Duncan was unusually taciturn during the railroad journey--so
+much so that his wife noticed it, and inquired the reason.
+
+"Business, my dear," answered the bank president. "I am rather
+perplexed by a matter of business."
+
+"Business connected with the bank, Mr. Duncan?" asked his wife.
+
+"No, private business."
+
+"Have you heard anything yet of the stolen bonds?"
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"Have you any suspicion?"
+
+"None that I am at liberty to mention," answered Duncan, looking
+mysterious.
+
+"I suppose you no longer suspect that boy Luke?"
+
+"I don't know. The man who owns to having given him the tin box for
+safe-keeping is, in my opinion, a suspicious character. I shouldn't
+be at all surprised if he were a jailbird."
+
+The small man already referred to, who occupied a seat just across
+the aisle, here smiled slightly, but whether at the president's
+remark, is not clear.
+
+"What did he call himself?"
+
+"Roland Reed--no doubt an alias."
+
+"It seems to me you ought to follow him up, and see if you can't
+convict him of the theft."
+
+"You may be sure, Jane, that the president and directors of the
+Groveton Bank will do their duty in this matter," said Mr. Duncan
+rather grandiloquently. "By the way, I have received this morning
+a letter from Mr. Armstrong, the owner of the stolen bonds, saying
+that he will be at home in a few days."
+
+"Does he know of the loss?"
+
+"Not yet."
+
+"How will he take it?"
+
+"Really, Jane, you are very inquisitive this morning. I presume
+he will be very much annoyed."
+
+The car had become quite warm, and Mr. Duncan, who had hitherto kept
+on his overcoat, rose to take it off. Unfortunately for him he quite
+forgot the bonds he had in the inside pocket, and in his careless
+handling of the coat the package fell upon the floor of the car, one
+slipping out of the envelope a bond for one thousand dollars.
+
+Prince Duncan turned pale, and stooped to pick up the package. But
+the small man opposite was too quick for him. He raised the package
+from the floor, and handing it to the bank president with a polite
+bow, said, with a smile: "You wouldn't like to lose this, sir."
+
+"No," answered Duncan gruffly, angry with the other for anticipating
+him, "it was awkward of me."
+
+Mrs. Duncan also saw the bond, and inquired with natural curiosity.
+"Do they belong to the bank, Mr. Duncan?"
+
+"No; they are my own."
+
+"I am glad of that. What are you going to do with them?"
+
+"Hush! It is dangerous to speak of them here. Some one might hear,
+and I might be followed. I am very much annoyed that they have
+been seen at all."
+
+This closed Mrs. Duncan's mouth, but she resolved to make further
+inquiries when they were by themselves.
+
+Prince Duncan looked askance at his opposite neighbor. He was a man
+who had come to Groveton recently, and had opened a billiard saloon
+and bar not far from the bank. He was not regarded as a very
+desirable citizen, and had already excited the anxiety of parents
+by luring into the saloon some of the boys and young men of the
+village. Among them, though Squire Duncan did not know it, was his
+own son Randolph, who had already developed quite a fondness for
+playing pool, and even occasionally patronized the bar. This, had
+he known it, would have explained Randolph's increased applications
+for money.
+
+Whether Tony Denton--his full name was Anthony Denton--had any
+special object in visiting New York, I am unable to state. At all
+events it appeared that his business lay in the same direction as
+that of Prince Duncan, for on the arrival of the train at the New
+York depot, he followed the bank president at a safe distance,
+and was clearly bent upon keeping him in view.
+
+Mr. Duncan walked slowly, and appeared to be plunged in anxious
+thought. His difficulties were by no means over. He had the bonds
+to dispose of, and he feared the large amount might occasion
+suspicion. They were coupon bonds, and bore no name or other
+evidence of ownership. Yet the mere fact of having such a large
+amount might occasion awkward inquiries.
+
+"Here's yer mornin' papers!" called a negro newsboy, thrusting his
+bundle in front of the country banker.
+
+"Give me a Herald," said Mr. Duncan. Opening the paper, his eye
+ran hastily over the columns. It lighted up as he saw a particular
+advertisement.
+
+"The very thing," he said to himself.
+
+This was the advertisement:
+
+
+"LOAN OFFICE--We are prepared to loan sums to suit, on first-class
+security, at a fair rate of interest. Call or address Sharp &
+Ketchum, No. -- Wall Street. Third floor."
+
+
+"I will go there," Prince Duncan suddenly decided. "I will borrow
+what I can on these bonds, and being merely held on collateral,
+they will be kept out of the market. At the end of six months, say,
+I will redeem them, or order them sold, and collect the balance,
+minus the interest."
+
+Having arrived at this conclusion, he quickened his pace, his
+expression became more cheerful, and he turned his steps toward
+Wall Street.
+
+"What did the old fellow see in the paper?" thought Tony. Denton,
+who, still undiscovered, followed Mr. Duncan closely. "It is
+something that pleased him, evidently."
+
+He beckoned the same newsboy, bought a Herald also, and turning to
+that part of the paper on which the banker's eyes had been resting,
+discovered Sharp & Ketchum's advertisement.
+
+"That's it, I'll bet a hat," he decided. "He is going to raise money
+on the bonds. I'll follow him."
+
+When Duncan turned into Wall Street, Tony Denton felt that he had
+guessed correctly. He was convinced when the bank president paused
+before the number indicated in the advertisement.
+
+"It won't do for me to follow him in," he said to himself, "nor
+will it be necessary--I can remember the place and turn it to my
+own account by and by."
+
+Prince Duncan went up-stairs, and paused before a door on which
+was inscribed:
+
+
+SHARP & KETCHUM
+BANKERS
+LOANS NEGOTIATED
+
+
+He opened the door, and found the room furnished in the style of
+a private banking-office.
+
+"Is Mr. Sharp or Mr. Ketchum in?" he inquired of a sharp-faced young
+clerk, the son, as it turned out, of the senior partner.
+
+"Yes, sir, Mr. Sharp is in."
+
+"Is he at leisure? I wish to see him on business."
+
+"Go in there, sir," said the clerk, pointing to a small private
+room in the corner of the office. Following the directions, Mr.
+Duncan found himself in the presence of a man of about fifty,
+with a hatchet face, much puckered with wrinkles, and a very
+foxy expression.
+
+"I am Mr. Sharp," he said, in answer to an inquiry.
+
+Prince Duncan unfolded his business. He wished to borrow eight or
+nine thousand dollars on ten thousand dollars' worth of United
+States Government bonds.
+
+"Why don't you sell at once?" asked Sharp keenly.
+
+"Because I wish, for special reasons, to redeem these identical
+bonds, say six months hence."
+
+"They are your own?" asked Mr. Sharp.
+
+"They are a part of my wife's estate, of which I have control. I do
+not, however, wish her to know that I have raised money on them,"
+answered Duncan, with a smooth falsehood.
+
+"Of course, that makes a difference. However, I will loan you seven
+thousand dollars, and you will give me your note for seven thousand
+five hundred, at the usual interest, with permission to sell the
+bonds at the end of six months if the note remains unpaid then, I
+to hand you the balance."
+
+Prince Duncan protested against these terms as exorbitant, but was
+finally obliged to accede to them. On the whole, he was fairly
+satisfied. The check would relieve him from all his embarrassments
+and give him a large surplus.
+
+"So far so good!" said Tony Denton, as he saw Mr. Duncan emerge into
+the street. "If I am not greatly mistaken this will prove a lucky
+morning for me."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+LUKE TALKS WITH A CAPITALIST
+
+
+Luke worked steadily on the task given him by his new patron.
+During the first week he averaged three hours a day, with an
+additional two hours on Saturday, making, in all, twenty hours,
+making, at thirty cents per hour, six dollars. This Luke
+considered fair pay, considering that he was attending school
+and maintaining good rank in his classes.
+
+"Why don't we see more of you, Luke?" asked his friend Linton one
+day. "You seem to stay in the house all the time."
+
+"Because I am at work, Linny. Last week I made six dollars."
+
+"How?" asked Linton, surprised.
+
+"By copying and making out bills for Mr. Reed."
+
+"That is better than being janitor at a dollar a week."
+
+"Yes, but I have to work a good deal harder."
+
+"I am afraid you are working too hard."
+
+"I shouldn't like to keep it up, but it is only for a short time.
+If I gave up school I should find it easy enough, but I don't
+want to do that."
+
+"No, I hope you won't; I should miss you, and so would all
+the boys."
+
+"Including Randolph Duncan?"
+
+"I don't know about that. By the way, I hear that Randolph is
+spending a good deal of his time at Tony Denton's billiard saloon."
+
+"I am sorry to hear it. It hasn't a very good reputation."
+
+
+ * * * * * * * * *
+
+
+One day Luke happened to be at the depot at the time of the arrival
+of the train from New York. A small, elderly man stepped upon the
+platform whom Luke immediately recognized as John Armstrong, the
+owner of the missing box of bonds. He was surprised to see him,
+having supposed that he was still in Europe. Mr. Armstrong, as
+already stated, had boarded for several weeks during the preceding
+summer at Groveton.
+
+He looked at Luke with a half-glance of recognition.
+
+"Haven't I seen you before?" he said. "What is your name?"
+
+"My name is Luke Larkin. I saw you several times last summer."
+
+"Then you know me?"
+
+"Yes, sir, you are Mr. Armstrong. But I thought you were
+in Europe."
+
+"So I was till recently. I came home sooner than I expected."
+
+Luke was not surprised. He supposed that intelligence of
+the robbery had hastened Mr. Armstrong's return.
+
+"I suppose it was the news of your box that hurried you home,"
+Luke ventured to say.
+
+"No, I hadn't heard of it till my arrival in New York can you
+tell me anything about the matter? Has the box been found?"
+
+"Not that I have heard, sir."
+
+"Was, or is, anybody suspected?"
+
+"I was suspected," answered Luke, smiling, "but I don't think
+any one suspects me now."
+
+"You!" exclaimed the capitalist, in evident astonishment.
+"What could induce any one to suspect a boy like you of robbing
+a bank?"
+
+"There was some ground for it," said Luke candidly. "A tin box,
+of the same appearance as the one lost, was seen in our house.
+I was arrested on suspicion, and tried."
+
+"You don't say so! How did you prove your innocence?"
+
+"The gentleman who gave me the box in charge appeared and
+testified in my favor. But for that I am afraid I should have
+fared badly."
+
+"That is curious. Who was the gentleman?"
+
+Luke gave a rapid history of the circumstances already known
+to the reader.
+
+"I am glad to hear this, being principally interested in the matter.
+However, I never should have suspected you. I claim to be something
+of a judge of character and physiognomy, and your appearance is in
+your favor. Your mother is a widow, I believe?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And you are the janitor of the schoolhouse?"
+
+Mr. Armstrong was a close observer, and though having large
+interests of his own, made himself familiar with the affairs of
+those whom others in his position would wholly have ignored.
+
+"I was janitor," Luke replied, "but when Mr. Duncan became a
+member of the school committee he removed me."
+
+"For what reason?" asked Mr. Armstrong quickly.
+
+"I don't think he ever liked me, and his son Randolph and I have
+never been good friends."
+
+"You mean Mr. Duncan, the president of the bank?"
+
+"Yes, sir?"
+
+"Why are not you and his son friends?"
+
+"I don't know, sir. He has always been in the habit of sneering
+at me as a poor boy--a working boy--and unworthy to associate
+with him."
+
+"You don't look like a poor boy. You are better dressed than I was
+at your age. Besides, you have a watch, I judge from the chain."
+
+"Yes, sir; but all that is only lately. I have found a good friend
+who has been very kind to me."
+
+"Who is he?"
+
+"Roland Reed, the owner of the tin box I referred to."
+
+"Roland Reed! I never heard the name. Where is he from?"
+
+"From the West, I believe, though at present he is staying in
+New York."
+
+"How much were you paid as janitor?"
+
+"A dollar a week."
+
+"That is very little. Is the amount important to you?"
+
+"No, sir, not now." And then Luke gave particulars of the good
+fortune of the family in having secured a profitable boarder, and,
+furthermore, in obtaining for himself profitable employment.
+
+"This Mr. Reed seems to be a kind-hearted and liberal man. I am
+glad for your sake. I sympathize with poor boys. Can you guess
+the reason?"
+
+"Were you a poor boy yourself, sir?"
+
+"I was, and a very poor boy. When I was a boy of thirteen and
+fourteen I ran around in overalls and bare-footed. But I don't think
+it did me any harm," the old man added, musingly. "It kept me from
+squandering money on foolish pleasures, for I had none to spend; it
+made me industrious and self-reliant, and when I obtained employment
+it made me anxious to please my employer."
+
+"I hope it will have the same effect on me, sir."
+
+"I hope so, and I think so. What sort of a boy is this son of
+Mr. Duncan?"
+
+"If his father were not a rich man, I think he would be more
+agreeable. As it is, he seems to have a high idea of his own
+importance."
+
+"So his father has the reputation of being a rich man, eh?"
+
+"Yes, sir. We have always considered him so."
+
+"Without knowing much about it?"
+
+"Yes, sir; we judged from his style of living, and from his being
+president of a bank."
+
+"That amounts to nothing. His salary as president is only moderate."
+
+"I am sorry you should have met with such a loss, Mr. Armstrong."
+
+"So am I, but it won't cripple me. Still, a man doesn't like to lose
+twenty-five thousand dollars and over."
+
+"Was there as much as that in the box, sir?" asked Luke, in
+surprise.
+
+"Yes, I don't know why I need make any secret of it. There were
+twenty-five thousand dollars in government bonds, and these, at
+present rates, are worth in the neighborhood of thirty thousand
+dollars."
+
+"That seems to me a great deal of money," said Luke.
+
+"It is, but I can spare it without any diminution of comfort. I
+don't feel, however, like pocketing the loss without making a strong
+effort to recover the money. I didn't expect to meet immediately
+upon arrival the only person hitherto suspected of accomplishing
+the robbery."
+
+He smiled as he spoke, and Luke saw that, so far as Mr. Armstrong
+was concerned, he had no occasion to feel himself under suspicion.
+
+"Are you intending to remain long in Groveton, Mr. Armstrong?"
+he asked.
+
+"I can't say. I have to see Mr. Duncan about the tin box, and
+concoct some schemes looking to the discovery of the person or
+persons concerned in its theft. Have there been any suspicious
+persons in the village during the last few weeks?"
+
+"Not that I know of, sir."
+
+"What is the character of the men employed in the bank, the
+cashier and teller?"
+
+"They seem to be very steady young men, sir. I don't think
+they have been suspected."
+
+"The most dangerous enemies are those who are inside, for they
+have exceptional opportunities for wrongdoing. Moreover, they have
+the best chance to cover up their tracks."
+
+"I don't think there is anything to charge against Mr. Roper and Mr.
+Barclay. They are both young married men, and live in a quiet way."
+
+"Never speculate in Wall Street, eh? One of the soberest, steadiest
+bank cashiers I ever knew, who lived plainly and frugally, and
+was considered by all to be a model man, wrecked the man he was
+connected with--a small country banker--and is now serving a term
+in State's prison. The cause was Wall Street speculation. This is
+more dangerous even than extravagant habits of living."
+
+A part of this conversation took place on the platform of the
+railroad-station, and a part while they were walking in the
+direction of the hotel. They had now reached the village inn,
+and, bidding our hero good morning, Mr. Armstrong entered, and
+registered his name.
+
+Ten minutes later he set out for the house of Prince Duncan.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI
+
+THE DREADED INTERVIEW
+
+
+Mr. Duncan had been dreading the inevitable interview with Mr.
+Armstrong. He knew him to be a sharp man of business, clear-sighted
+and keen, and he felt that this part of the conference would be an
+awkward and embarrassing one. He had tried to nerve himself for
+the interview, and thought he had succeeded, but when the servant
+brought Mr. Armstrong's card he felt a sinking at his heart, and
+it was in a tone that betrayed nervousness that he said: "Bring
+the gentleman in."
+
+"My dear sir," he said, extending his hand and vigorously shaking
+the hand of his new arrival, "this is an unexpected pleasure."
+
+"Unexpected? Didn't you get my letter from London?" said Mr.
+Armstrong, suffering his hand to be shaken, but not returning
+the arm pressure.
+
+"Certainly--"
+
+"In which I mentioned my approaching departure?"
+
+"Yes, certainly; but I didn't know on what day to expect you.
+Pray sit down. It seems pleasant to see you home safe and well."
+
+"Humph!" returned Armstrong, in a tone by no means as cordial.
+"Have you found my box of bonds?"
+
+"Not yet, but--"
+
+"Permit me to ask you why you allowed me to remain ignorant of so
+important a matter? I was indebted to the public prints, to which
+my attention was directed by an acquaintance, for a piece of news
+which should have been communicated to me at once."
+
+"My dear sir, I intended to write you as soon as I heard of your
+arrival. I did not know till this moment that you were in America."
+
+"You might have inferred it from the intimation in my last letter.
+Why did you not cable me the news?"
+
+"Because," replied Duncan awkwardly, "I did not wish to spoil your
+pleasure, and thought from day to day that the box would turn up."
+
+"You were very sparing of my feelings," said Armstrong, dryly--
+"too much so. I am not a child or an old woman, and it was your
+imperative duty, in a matter so nearly affecting my interests,
+to apprise me at once."
+
+"I may have erred in judgment," said Duncan meekly, "but I beg
+you to believe that I acted as I supposed for the best."
+
+"Leaving that out of consideration at present, let me know what
+steps you have taken to find out how the box was spirited away,
+or who was concerned in the robbery."
+
+"I think that you will admit that I acted promptly," said the bank
+president complacently, "when I say that within twenty-four hours I
+arrested a party on suspicion of being implicated in the robbery,
+and tried him myself."
+
+"Who was the party?" asked the capitalist, not betraying the
+knowledge he had already assessed on the subject.
+
+"A boy in the village named Luke Larkin."
+
+"Humph! What led you to think a boy had broken into the bank?
+That does not strike me as very sharp on your part."
+
+"I had positive evidence that the boy in question had a tin box
+concealed in his house--in his mother's trunk. His poverty made
+it impossible that the box could be his, and I accordingly had
+him arrested."
+
+"Well, what was the result of the trial?"
+
+"I was obliged to let him go, though by no means satisfied of
+his innocence."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"A man--a stranger--a very suspicious-looking person, presented
+himself, and swore that the box was his, and that he had committed
+it to the charge of this boy."
+
+"Well, that seems tolerably satisfactory, doesn't it?--that is,
+if he furnished evidence confirming his statement. Did he open the
+box in court?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"And the bonds were not there?"
+
+"The bonds were not there only some papers, and what appeared to be
+certificates of stock."
+
+"Yet you say you are still suspicious of this man and boy."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Explain your grounds."
+
+"I thought," replied the president, rather meekly, "he might have
+taken the bonds from the box and put in other papers."
+
+"That was not very probable. Moreover, he would hardly be likely
+to leave the box in the village in the charge of a boy."
+
+"The boy might have been his confederate."
+
+"What is the boy's reputation in the village? Has he ever been
+detected in any act of dishonesty?"
+
+"Not that I know of, but there is one suspicious circumstance to
+which I would like to call your attention."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Since this happened Luke has come out in new clothes, and wears
+a silver watch. The family is very poor, and he could not have
+had money to buy them unless he obtained some outside aid."
+
+"What, then, do you infer?"
+
+"That he has been handsomely paid for his complicity in the
+robbery."
+
+"What explanation does he personally give of this unusual
+expenditure?"
+
+"He admits that they were paid for by this suspicious stranger."
+
+"Has the stranger--what is his name, by the way?"
+
+"Roland Reed, he calls himself, but this, probably, is not his
+real name."
+
+"Well, has this Reed made his appearance in the village since?"
+
+"If so, he has come during the night, and has not been seen
+by any of us."
+
+"I can't say I share your suspicion against Mr. Reed. Your theory
+that he took out the bonds and substituted other papers is
+far-fetched and improbable. As to the boy, I consider him honest
+and reliable."
+
+"Do you know Luke Larkin?" asked Mr. Duncan quickly.
+
+"Last summer I observed him somewhat, and never saw anything
+wrong in him."
+
+"Appearances are deceitful," said the bank president sententiously.
+
+"So I have heard," returned Mr. Armstrong dryly. "But let us go on.
+What other steps have you taken to discover the lost box?"
+
+"I have had the bank vaults thoroughly searched," answered Duncan,
+trying to make the best of a weak situation.
+
+"Of course. It is hardly to be supposed that it has been mislaid.
+Even if it had been it would have turned up before this. Did you
+discover any traces of the bank being forcibly entered?"
+
+"No; but the burglar may have covered his tracks."
+
+"There would have been something to show an entrance. What is the
+character of the cashier and teller."
+
+"I know nothing to their disadvantage."
+
+"Then neither have fallen under suspicion?"
+
+"Not as yet," answered the president pointedly.
+
+"It is evident," thought John Armstrong, "that Mr. Duncan is
+interested in diverting suspicion from some quarter. He is willing
+that these men should incur suspicion, though it is clear he has
+none in his own mind."
+
+"Well, what else have you done? Have you employed detectives?" asked
+Armstrong, impatiently.
+
+"I was about to do so," answered Mr. Duncan, in some embarrassment,
+"when I heard that you were coming home, and I thought I would defer
+that matter for your consideration."
+
+"Giving time in the meanwhile for the thief or thieves to dispose of
+their booty? This is very strange conduct, Mr. Duncan."
+
+"I acted for the best," said Prince Duncan.
+
+"You have singular ideas of what is best, then," observed Mr.
+Armstrong coldly. "It may be too late to remedy your singular
+neglect, but I will now take the matter out of your hands, and
+see what I can do."
+
+"Will you employ detectives?" asked Duncan, with evident uneasiness.
+
+Armstrong eyed him sharply, and with growing suspicion.
+
+"I can't say what I will do."
+
+"Have you the numbers of the missing bonds?" asked Duncan anxiously.
+
+"I am not sure. I am afraid I have not."
+
+Was it imagination, or did the bank president look relieved at
+this statement? John Armstrong made a mental note of this.
+
+After eliciting the particulars of the disappearance of the bonds,
+John Armstrong rose to go. He intended to return to the city, but
+he made up his mind to see Luke first. He wanted to inquire the
+address of Roland Reed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII
+
+LUKE SECURES A NEW FRIEND
+
+
+Luke was engaged in copying when Mr. Armstrong called. Though he
+felt surprised to see his visitor, Luke did not exhibit it in
+his manner, but welcomed him politely, and invited him into the
+sitting-room.
+
+"I have called to inquire the address of your friend, Mr. Roland
+Reed," said Mr. Armstrong. Then, seeing a little uneasiness in
+Luke's face, he added quickly: "Don't think I have the slightest
+suspicion of him as regards the loss of the bonds. I wish only
+to consult him, being myself at a loss what steps to take. He
+may be able to help me."
+
+Of course, Luke cheerfully complied with his request.
+
+"Has anything been heard yet at the bank?" he asked.
+
+"Nothing whatever. In fact, it does not appear to me that
+any very serious efforts have been made to trace the robber
+or robbers. I am left to undertake the task myself."
+
+"If there is anything I can do to help you, Mr. Armstrong,
+I shall be very glad to do so," said Luke.
+
+"I will bear that in mind, and may call upon you. As yet, my
+plans are not arranged. Perhaps Mr. Reed, whom I take to be an
+experienced man of the world, may be able to offer a suggestion.
+You seem to be at work," he added, with a look at the table at
+which Luke had been sitting.
+
+"Yes, sir, I am making out some bills for Mr. Reed."
+
+"Is the work likely to occupy you long?"
+
+"No, sir; I shall probably finish the work this week."
+
+"And then your time will be at your disposal?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Pardon me the question, but I take it your means are limited?"
+
+"Yes, sir; till recently they have been very limited--now, thanks
+to Mr. Reed, who pays a liberal salary for his little girl's board,
+we are very comfortable, and can get along very well, even if I do
+not immediately find work."
+
+"I am glad to hear that. If I should hear of any employment
+likely to please you I will send you word."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"Would you object to leave home?"
+
+"No, sir; there is little or no prospect in Groveton, and though
+my mother would miss me, she now has company, and I should feel
+easier about leaving her."
+
+"If you can spare the time, won't you walk with me to the depot?"
+
+"With great pleasure, sir," and Luke went into the adjoining
+room to fetch his hat, at the same time apprising his mother that
+he was going out.
+
+On the way to the depot Mr. Armstrong managed to draw out Luke with
+a view to getting better acquainted with him, and forming an idea
+of his traits of character. Luke was quite aware of this, but talked
+frankly and easily, having nothing to conceal.
+
+"A thoroughly good boy, and a smart boy, too!" said Armstrong to
+himself. "I must see if I can't give him a chance to rise. He seems
+absolutely reliable."
+
+On the way to the depot they met Randolph Duncan, who eyed them
+curiously. He recognized Mr. Armstrong as the owner of the stolen
+bonds--and was a good deal surprised to see him in such friendly
+conversation with Luke. Knowing Mr. Armstrong to be a rich man,
+he determined to claim acquaintance.
+
+"How do you do, Mr. Armstrong?" he said, advancing with an
+ingratiating smile.
+
+"This is Randolph Duncan," said Luke--whom, by the way, Randolph
+had not thought it necessary to notice.
+
+"I believe I have met the young gentleman before," said Mr.
+Armstrong politely, but not cordially.
+
+"Yes, sir, I have seen you at our house," continued Randolph--"my
+father is president of the Groveton Bank. He will be very glad to
+see you. Won't you come home with me?"
+
+"I have already called upon your father," said Mr. Armstrong.
+
+"I am very sorry your bonds were stolen, Mr. Armstrong."
+
+"Not more than I am, I assure you," returned Mr. Armstrong,
+with a quizzical smile.
+
+"Could I speak with you a moment in private, sir?" asked
+Randolph, with a significant glance at Luke.
+
+"Certainly; Luke, will you cross the road a minute? Now, young man!"
+
+"Probably you don't know that the boy you are walking with was
+suspected of taking the box from the bank."
+
+"I have heard so; but he was acquitted of the charge, wasn't he?"
+
+"My father still believes that he had something to do with it, and
+so do I," added Randolph, with an emphatic nod of his head.
+
+"Isn't he a friend of yours?" asked Mr. Armstrong quietly.
+
+"No, indeed; we go to the same school, though father thinks
+of sending me to an academy out of town soon, but there is no
+friendship between us. He is only a working boy."
+
+"Humph! That is very much against him," observed Mr. Armstrong,
+but it was hard to tell from his tone whether he spoke in earnest
+or ironically.
+
+"Oh, well, he has to work, for the family is very poor. He's come
+out in new clothes and a silver watch since the robbery. He says
+the strange man from whom he received a tin box just like yours
+gave them to him."
+
+"And you think he didn't get them in that way?"
+
+"Yes, I think they were leagued together. I feel sure that man
+robbed the bank."
+
+"Dear me, it does look suspicious!" remarked Armstrong.
+
+"If Luke was guiding you to the train, I will take his place, sir."
+
+"Thank you, but perhaps I had better keep him with me, and
+cross-examine him a little. I suppose I can depend upon your
+keeping your eyes upon him, and letting me know of any suspicious
+conduct on his part?"
+
+"Yes, sir, I will do it with pleasure," Randolph announced promptly.
+He felt sure that he had excited Mr. Armstrong's suspicions, and
+defeated any plans Luke might have cherished of getting in with
+the capitalist.
+
+"Have you anything more to communicate?" asked Mr. Armstrong,
+politely.
+
+"No, sir; I thought it best to put you on your guard."
+
+"I quite appreciate your motives, Master Randolph. I shall keep
+my eyes open henceforth, and hope in time to discover the real
+perpetrator of the robbery. Now, Luke."
+
+"I have dished you, young fellow!" thought Randolph, with a
+triumphant glance at the unconscious Luke. He walked away
+in high self-satisfaction.
+
+"Luke," said Mr. Armstrong, as they resumed their walk, "Randolph
+seems a very warm friend of yours."
+
+"I never thought so," said Luke, with an answering smile. "I am
+glad if he has changed."
+
+"What arrangements do you think I have made with him?"
+
+"I don't know, sir."
+
+"I have asked him to keep his eye on you, and, if he sees anything
+suspicious, to let me know."
+
+Luke would have been disturbed by this remark, had not the smile
+on Mr. Armstrong's face belied his words.
+
+"Does he think you are in earnest, sir?"
+
+"Oh, yes, he has no doubt of it. He warned me of your character,
+and said he was quite sure that you and your friend Mr. Reed were
+implicated in the bank robbery. I told him I would cross-examine
+you, and see what I could find out. Randolph told me that you were
+only a working boy, which I pronounced to be very much against you."
+
+Luke laughed outright.
+
+"I think you are fond of a practical joke, Mr. Armstrong," he said.
+"You have fooled Randolph very neatly."
+
+"I had an object in it," said Mr. Armstrong quietly. "I may have
+occasion to employ you in the matter, and if so, it will be
+well that no arrangement is suspected between us. Randolph will
+undoubtedly inform his father of what happened this morning."
+
+"As I said before, sir, I am ready to do anything that lies in
+my power."
+
+Luke could not help feeling curious as to the character of the
+service he would be called upon to perform. He found it difficult
+to hazard a conjecture, but one thing at least seemed clear, and
+this was that Mr. Armstrong was disposed to be his friend, and as
+he was a rich man his friendship was likely to amount to some thing.
+
+They had now reached the depot, and in ten minutes the train
+was due.
+
+"Don't wait if you wish to get to work, Luke," said Mr.
+Armstrong kindly.
+
+"My work can wait; it is nearly finished," said Luke.
+
+The ten minutes passed rapidly, and with a cordial good-bye,
+the capitalist entered the train, leaving Luke to return to his
+modest home in good spirits.
+
+"I have two influential friends, now," he said to himself--"Mr.
+Reed and Mr. Armstrong. On the whole, Luke Larkin, you are in luck,
+your prospects look decidedly bright, even if you have lost the
+janitorship."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII
+
+RANDOLPH AND HIS CREDITOR
+
+
+Though Randolph was pleased at having, as he thought, put a spoke
+in Luke's wheel, and filled Mr. Armstrong's mind with suspicion, he
+was not altogether happy. He had a little private trouble of his
+own. He had now for some time been a frequenter of Tony Denton's
+billiard saloon, patronizing both the table and the bar. He had
+fallen in with a few young men of no social standing, who flattered
+him, and, therefore, stood in his good graces. With them he played
+billiards and drank. After a time he found that he was exceeding
+his allowance, but in the most obliging way Tony Denton had offered
+him credit.
+
+"Of course, Mr. Duncan"--Randolph felt flattered at being addressed
+in this way--"of course, Mr. Duncan, your credit is good with me.
+If you haven't the ready money, and I know most young gentlemen are
+liable to be short, I will just keep an account, and you can settle
+at your convenience."
+
+This seemed very obliging, but I am disposed to think that a boy's
+worst enemy is the one who makes it easy for him to run into debt.
+Randolph was not wholly without caution, for he said: "But suppose,
+Tony, I am not able to pay when you want the money?"
+
+"Oh, don't trouble yourself about that, Mr. Duncan," said Tony
+cordially. "Of course, I know the standing of your family, and I
+am perfectly safe. Some time you will be a rich man."
+
+"Yes, I suppose I shall," said Randolph, in a consequential tone.
+
+"And it is worth something to me to have my saloon patronized
+by a young gentleman of your social standing."
+
+Evidently, Tony Denton understood Randolph's weak point, and played
+on it skillfully. He assumed an air of extra consequence, as he
+remarked condescendingly: "You are very obliging, Tony, and I shall
+not forget it."
+
+Tony Denton laughed in his sleeve at the boy's vanity, but his
+manner was very respectful, and Randolph looked upon him as an
+humble friend and admirer.
+
+"He is a sensible man, Tony; he understands what is due to my
+position," he said to himself.
+
+After Denton's visit to New York with Prince Duncan, and the
+knowledge which he then acquired about the president of the
+Groveton Bank, he decided that the time had come to cut short
+Randolph's credit with him. The day of reckoning always comes
+in such cases, as I hope my young friends will fully understand.
+Debt is much more easily contracted than liquidated, and this
+Randolph found to his cost.
+
+One morning he was about to start on a game of billiards, when
+Tony Denton called him aside.
+
+"I would like to speak a word to you, Mr. Duncan," he said smoothly.
+
+"All right, Tony," said Randolph, in a patronizing tone. "What can
+I do for you?"
+
+"My rent comes due to-morrow, Mr. Duncan, and I should be glad if
+you would pay me a part of your account. It has been running some
+time--"
+
+Randolph's jaw fell, and he looked blank.
+
+"How much do I owe you?" he asked.
+
+Tony referred to a long ledgerlike account-book, turned to a certain
+page, and running his fingers down a long series of items, answered,
+"Twenty-seven dollars and sixty cents."
+
+"It can't be so much!" ejaculated Randolph, in dismay. "Surely you
+have made a mistake!"
+
+"You can look for yourself," said Tony suavely. "Just reckon it up;
+I may have made a little mistake in the sum total."
+
+Randolph looked over the items, but he was nervous, and the page
+swam before his eyes. He was quite incapable of performing the
+addition, simple as it was, in his then frame of mind.
+
+"I dare say you have added it up all right," he said, after an
+abortive attempt to reckon it up, "but I can hardly believe that
+I owe you so much."
+
+"'Many a little makes a mickle,' as we Scotch say," answered Tony
+cheerfully. "However, twenty-seven dollars is a mere trifle to a
+young man like you. Come, if you'll pay me to-night, I'll knock
+off the sixty cents."
+
+"It's quite impossible for me to do it," said Randolph, ill at ease.
+
+"Pay me something on account--say ten dollars."
+
+"I haven't got but a dollar and a quarter in my pocket."
+
+"Oh, well, you know where to go for more money," said Tony, with
+a wink. "The old gentleman's got plenty."
+
+"I am not so sure about that--I mean that he is willing to pay
+out. Of course, he's got plenty of money invested," added Randolph,
+who liked to have it thought that his father was a great financial
+magnate.
+
+"Well, he can spare some for his son, I am sure."
+
+"Can't you let it go for a little while longer, Tony?" asked
+Randolph, awkwardly.
+
+"Really, Mr. Duncan, I couldn't. I am a poor man, as you know, and
+have my bills to pay."
+
+"I take it as very disobliging, Tony; I sha'n't care to patronize
+your place any longer," said Randolph, trying a new tack.
+
+Tony Denton shrugged his shoulders.
+
+"I only care for patrons who are willing to pay their bills,"
+he answered significantly. "It doesn't pay me to keep my place
+open free."
+
+"Of course not; but I hope you are not afraid of me?"
+
+"Certainly not. I am sure you will act honorably and pay your bills.
+If I thought you wouldn't, I would go and see your father about it."
+
+"No, you mustn't do that," said Randolph, alarmed. "He doesn't know
+I come here."
+
+"And he won't know from me, if you pay what you owe."
+
+Matters were becoming decidedly unpleasant for Randolph. The
+perspiration gathered on his brow. He didn't know what to do. That
+his father would not give him money for any such purpose, he very
+well knew, and he dreaded his finding out where he spent so many
+of his evenings.
+
+"Oh, don't trouble yourself about a trifle," said Tony smoothly.
+"Just go up to your father, frankly, and tell him you want the
+money."
+
+"He wouldn't give me twenty-seven dollars," said Randolph gloomily.
+
+"Then ask for ten, and I'll wait for the balance till next week."
+
+"Can't you put it all off till next week?"
+
+"No; I really couldn't, Mr. Duncan. What does it matter to you
+this week, or next?"
+
+Randolph wished to put off as long as possible the inevitable
+moment, though he knew it would do him no good in the end. But
+Tony Denton was inflexible--and he finally said: "Well, I'll make
+the attempt, but I know I shall fail."
+
+"That's all right; I knew you would look at it in the right light.
+Now, go ahead and play your game."
+
+"No, I don't want to increase my debt."
+
+"Oh, I won't charge you for what you play this evening. Tony Denton
+can be liberal as well as the next man. Only I have to collect money
+to pay my bills."
+
+Randolph didn't know that all this had been prearranged by the
+obliging saloon-keeper, and that, in now pressing him, he had
+his own object in view.
+
+The next morning, Randolph took an opportunity to see his
+father alone.
+
+"Father," he said, "will you do me a favor?"
+
+"What is it, Randolph?"
+
+"Let me have ten dollars."
+
+His father frowned.
+
+"What do you want with ten dollars?" he asked.
+
+"I don't like to go round without money in my pocket. It doesn't
+look well for the son of a rich man."
+
+"Who told you I was a rich man?" said his father testily.
+
+"Why, you are, aren't you? Everybody in the village says so."
+
+"I may, or may not, be rich, but I don't care to encourage my son
+in extravagant habits. You say you have no money. Don't you have
+your regular allowance?"
+
+"It is only two dollars a week."
+
+"Only two dollars a week!" repeated the father angrily. "Let me
+tell you, young man, that when I was of your age I didn't have
+twenty-five cents a week."
+
+"That was long ago. People lived differently from what they do now."
+
+"How did they?"
+
+"They didn't live in any style."
+
+"They didn't spend money foolishly, as they do now. I don't see for
+my part what you can do with even two dollars a week."
+
+"Oh, it melts away, one way or another. I am your only son, and
+people expect me to spend money. It is expected of one in my
+position."
+
+"So you can. I consider two dollars a week very liberal."
+
+"You'd understand better if you were a young fellow like me how
+hard it is to get along on that."
+
+"I don't want to understand," returned his father stoutly. "One
+thing I understand, and that is, that the boys of the present day
+are foolishly extravagant. Think of Luke Larkin! Do you think he
+spends two dollars even in a month?"
+
+"I hope you don't mean to compare me with a working boy like Luke?"
+Randolph said scornfully.
+
+"I am not sure but Luke would suit me better than you in some
+respects."
+
+"You are speaking of Luke," said Randolph, with a lucky thought.
+"Well, even he, working boy as he is, has a better watch than I,
+who am the son of the president of the Groveton Bank."
+
+"Do you want the ten dollars to buy a better watch?" asked
+Prince Duncan.
+
+"Yes," answered Randolph, ready to seize on any pretext
+for the sake of getting the money.
+
+"Then wait till I go to New York again, and I will look at some
+watches. I won't make any promise, but I may buy you one. I don't
+care about Luke outshining you."
+
+This by no means answered Randolph's purpose.
+
+"Won't you let me go up to the city myself, father?" he asked.
+
+"No, I prefer to rely upon my own judgment in a purchase
+of that kind."
+
+It had occurred to Randolph that he would go to the city, and
+pretend on his return that he had bought a watch but had his pocket
+picked. Of course, his father would give him more than ten dollars
+for the purpose, and he could privately pay it over to Tony Denton.
+
+But this scheme did not work, and he made up his mind at last that
+he would have to tell Tony he must wait.
+
+He did so. Tony Denton, who fully expected this, and, for reasons
+of his own, did not regret it, said very little to Randolph, but
+decided to go round and see Prince Duncan himself. It would give
+him a chance to introduce the other and more important matter.
+
+It was about this time that Linton's birthday-party took place.
+Randolph knew, of course, that he would meet Luke, but he no longer
+had the satisfaction of deriding his shabby dress. Our hero wore his
+best suit, and showed as much ease and self-possession as Randolph
+himself.
+
+"What airs that boy Luke puts on!" ejaculated Randolph, in disgust.
+"I believe he thinks he is my equal."
+
+In this Randolph was correct. Luke certainly did consider himself
+the social equal of the haughty Randolph, and the consciousness of
+being well dressed made him feel at greater ease than at Florence
+Grant's party. He had taken additional lessons in dancing from his
+friend Linton, and, being quick to learn, showed no awkwardness on
+the floor. Linton's parents, by their kind cordiality, contributed
+largely to the pleasure of their son's guests, who at the end of the
+evening unanimously voted the party a success.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV
+
+A COMMISSION FOR LUKE
+
+
+Upon his return to the city, John Armstrong lost no time in sending
+for Roland Reed. The latter, though rather surprised at the summons,
+answered it promptly. When he entered the office of the old merchant
+he found him sitting at his desk.
+
+"Mr. Armstrong?" he said inquiringly.
+
+"That's my name. You, I take it, are Roland Reed."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"No doubt you wonder why I sent for you," said Mr. Armstrong.
+
+"Is it about the robbery of the Groveton Bank?"
+
+"You have guessed it. You know, I suppose, that I am the owner
+of the missing box of bonds?"
+
+"So I was told. Have you obtained any clue?"
+
+"I have not had time. I have only just returned from Europe. I
+have done nothing except visit Groveton."
+
+"What led you to send for me? Pardon my curiosity, but I can't
+help asking."
+
+"An interview with a protege of yours, Luke Larkin."
+
+"You know that Luke was arrested on suspicion of being connected
+with the robbery, though there are those who pay me the compliment
+of thinking that I may have had something to do with it."
+
+"I think you had as much to do with it as Luke Larkin," said
+Armstrong, deliberately.
+
+"I had--just as much," said Reed, with a smile. "Luke is a good
+boy, Mr. Armstrong."
+
+"I quite agree with you. If I had a son I should like him to
+resemble Luke."
+
+"Give me your hand on that, Mr. Armstrong," said Roland Reed,
+impulsively. "Excuse my impetuosity, but I've taken a fancy to
+that boy."
+
+"There, then, we are agreed. Now, Mr. Reed, I will tell you why I
+have taken the liberty of sending for you. From what Luke said, I
+judged that you were a sharp, shrewd man of the world, and might
+help me in this matter, which I confess puzzles me. You know the
+particulars, and therefore, without preamble, I am going to ask
+you whether you have any theory as regards this robbery. The box
+hasn't walked off without help. Now, who took it from the bank?"
+
+"If I should tell you my suspicion you might laugh at me."
+
+"I will promise not to do that."
+
+"Then I believe that Prince Duncan, president of the Groveton
+Bank, could tell you, if he chose, what has become of the box."
+
+"Extraordinary!" ejaculated John Armstrong.
+
+"I supposed you would be surprised--probably indignant, if you are
+a friend of Duncan--but, nevertheless, I adhere to my statement."
+
+"You mistake the meaning of my exclamation. I spoke of it as
+extraordinary, because the same suspicion has entered my mind,
+though, I admit, without a special reason."
+
+"I have a reason."
+
+"May I inquire what it is?"
+
+"I knew Prince Duncan when he was a young man, though he does not
+know me now. In fact, I may as well admit that I was then known
+by another name. He wronged me deeply at that time, being guilty
+of a crime which he successfully laid upon my shoulders. No one in
+Groveton--no one of his recent associates--knows the real nature
+of the man as well as I do."
+
+"You prefer not to go into particulars?"
+
+"Not at present."
+
+"At all events you can give me your advice. To suspect amounts to
+little. We must bring home the crime to him. It is here that I
+need your advice."
+
+"I understand that the box contained government bonds."
+
+"Yes."
+
+"What were the denominations?"
+
+"One ten thousand dollar bond, one five, and ten of one thousand
+each."
+
+"It seems to me they ought to be traced. I suppose, of course,
+they were coupon, not registered."
+
+"You are right. Had they been registered, I should have been at
+no trouble, nor would the thief have reaped any advantage."
+
+"If coupon, they are, of course, numbered. Won't that serve as
+a clue, supposing an attempt is made to dispose of them?"
+
+"You touch the weak point of my position. They are numbered, and
+I had a list of the numbers, but that list has disappeared. It is
+either lost or mislaid. Of course, I can't identify them."
+
+"That is awkward. Wouldn't the banker of whom you bought them be
+able to give you the numbers?"
+
+"Yes, but I don't know where they were bought. I had at the time in
+my employ a clerk and book-keeper, a steady-going and methodical man
+of fifty-odd, who made the purchase, and no doubt has a list of the
+numbers of the bonds."
+
+"Then where is your difficulty?" asked Roland Reed, in surprise.
+"Go to the clerk and put the question. What can be simpler?"
+
+"But I don't know where he is."
+
+"Don't know where he is?" echoed Reed, in genuine surprise.
+
+"No; James Harding--this is his name--left my employ a year since,
+having, through a life of economy, secured a competence, and went
+out West to join a widowed sister who had for many years made her
+residence there. Now, the West is a large place, and I don't know
+where this sister lives, or where James Harding is to be found."
+
+"Yet he must be found. You must send a messenger to look for him."
+
+"But whom shall I send? In a matter of this delicacy I don't want to
+employ a professional detective. Those men sometimes betray secrets
+committed to their keeping, and work up a false clue rather than
+have it supposed they are not earning their money. If, now, some
+gentleman in whom I had confidence--someone like yourself--would
+undertake the commission, I should esteem myself fortunate."
+
+"Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Armstrong, more especially as
+you are putting confidence in a stranger, but I have important work
+to do that would not permit me to leave New York at present. But I
+know of someone whom I would employ, if the business were mine."
+
+"Well?"
+
+"Luke Larkin."
+
+"But he is only a boy. He can't be over sixteen."
+
+"He is a sharp boy, however, and would follow instructions."
+
+John Armstrong thought rapidly. He was a man who decided quickly.
+
+"I will take your advice," he said. "As I don't want to have it
+supposed that he is in my employ, will you oblige me by writing to
+him and preparing him for a journey? Let it be supposed that he is
+occupied with a commission for you."
+
+"I will attend to the matter at once."
+
+The next morning Luke received the following letter:
+
+
+"MY DEAR LUKE: I have some work for you which will occupy some
+time and require a journey. You will be well paid. Bring a supply
+of underclothing, and assure your mother that she need feel under
+no apprehensions about you. Unless I am greatly mistaken, you will
+be able to take care of yourself.
+
+"Your friend,
+
+"ROLAND REED."
+
+
+Luke read the letter with excitement and pleasure. He was to go
+on a journey, and to a boy of his age a journey of any sort is
+delightful. He had no idea of the extent of the trip in store
+for him, but thought he might possibly be sent to Boston, or
+Philadelphia, and either trip he felt would yield him much pleasure.
+He quieted the natural apprehensions of his mother, and, satchel in
+hand, waited upon his patron in the course of a day. By him he was
+taken over to the office of Mr. Armstrong, from whom he received
+instructions and a supply of money.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV
+
+MR. J. MADISON COLEMAN
+
+
+Luke didn't shrink from the long trip before him. He enjoyed the
+prospect of it, having always longed to travel and see distant
+places. He felt flattered by Mr. Armstrong's confidence in him, and
+stoutly resolved to deserve it. He would have been glad if he could
+have had the company of his friend Linton, but he knew that this
+was impossible. He must travel alone.
+
+"You have a difficult and perplexing task, Luke," said the
+capitalist. "You may not succeed."
+
+"I will do my best, Mr. Armstrong."
+
+"That is all I have a right to expect. If you succeed, you will
+do me a great service, of which I shall show proper appreciation."
+
+He gave Luke some instructions, and it was arranged that our hero
+should write twice a week, and, if occasion required, oftener, so
+that his employer might be kept apprised of his movements.
+
+Luke was not to stop short of Chicago. There his search was to
+begin; and there, if possible, he was to obtain information that
+might guide his subsequent steps.
+
+It is a long ride to Chicago, as Luke found. He spent a part of
+the time in reading, and a part in looking out of the window at
+the scenery, but still, at times, he felt lonely.
+
+"I wish Linton Tomkins were with me," he reflected. "What a jolly
+time we would have!"
+
+But Linton didn't even know what had become of his friend. Luke's
+absence was an occasion for wonder at Groveton, and many questions
+were asked of his mother.
+
+"He was sent for by Mr. Reed," answered the widow. "He is at work
+for him."
+
+"Mr. Reed is in New York, isn't he?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+It was concluded, therefore, that Luke was in New York, and one
+or two persons proposed to call upon him there, but his mother
+professed ignorance of his exact residence. She knew that he was
+traveling, but even she was kept in the dark as to where he was, nor
+did she know that Mr. Armstrong, and not Mr. Reed, was his employer.
+
+Some half dozen hours before reaching Chicago, a young man of
+twenty-five, or thereabouts, sauntered along the aisle, and sat
+down in the vacant seat beside Luke.
+
+"Nice day," he said, affably.
+
+"Very nice," responded Luke.
+
+"I suppose you are bound to Chicago?"
+
+"Yes, I expect to stay there awhile."
+
+"Going farther?"
+
+"I can't tell yet."
+
+"Going to school out there?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Perhaps you are traveling for some business firm, though you
+look pretty young for that."
+
+"No, I'm not a drummer, if that's what you mean. Still, I have
+a commisison from a New York business man."
+
+"A commission--of what kind?" drawled the newcomer.
+
+"It is of a confidential character," said Luke.
+
+"Ha! close-mouthed," thought the young man. "Well, I'll get it
+out of him after awhile."
+
+He didn't press the question, not wishing to arouse suspicion
+or mistrust.
+
+"Just so," he replied. "You are right to keep it to yourself, though
+you wouldn't mind trusting me if you knew me better. Is this your
+first visit to Chicago?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Suppose we exchange cards. This is mine."
+
+He handed Luke a card, bearing this name.
+
+
+J. MADISON COLEMAN
+
+
+At the bottom of the card he wrote in pencil, "representing
+H. B. Claflin & Co."
+
+"Of course you've heard of our firm," he said.
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"I don't have the firm name printed on my card, for Claflin won't
+allow it. You will notice that I am called for old President
+Madison. He was an old friend of my grandfather. In fact,
+grandfather held a prominent office under his administration--
+collector of the port of New York."
+
+"I have no card with me," responded Luke. "But my name is
+Luke Larkin."
+
+"Good name. Do you live in New York?"
+
+"No; a few miles in the country."
+
+"And whom do you represent?"
+
+"Myself for the most part," answered Luke, with a smile.
+
+"Good! No one has a better right to. I see there's something
+in you, Luke."
+
+"You've found it out pretty quick," thought Luke.
+
+"And I hope we will get better acquainted. If you're not permanently
+employed by this party, whose name you don't give, I will get you
+into the employ of Claflin & Co., if you would like it."
+
+"Thank you," answered Luke, who thought it quite possible that he
+might like to obtain a position with so eminent a firm. "How long
+have you been with them?"
+
+"Ten years--ever since I was of your age," promptly answered
+Mr. Coleman.
+
+"Is promotion rapid?" Luke asked, with interest.
+
+"Well, that depends on a man's capacity. I have been pushed right
+along. I went there as a boy, on four dollars a week; now I'm a
+traveling salesman--drummer as it is called--and I make about four
+thousand a year."
+
+"That's a fine salary," said Luke, feeling that his new acquaintance
+must be possessed of extra ability to occupy so desirable a position.
+
+"Yes, but I expect next year to get five thousand--Claflin knows
+I am worth it, and as he is a liberal man, I guess he will give it
+sooner than let me go."
+
+"I suppose many do not get on so well, Mr. Coleman."
+
+"I should say so! Now, there is a young fellow went there the same
+time that I did--his name is Frank Bolton. We were schoolfellows
+together, and just the same age, that is, nearly--he was born in
+April, and I in May. Well, we began at the same time on the same
+salary. Now I get sixty dollars a week and he only twelve--and he
+is glad to get that, too."
+
+"I suppose he hasn't much business capacity."
+
+"That's where you've struck it, Luke. He knows about enough to be
+clerk in a country store--and I suppose he'll fetch up there some
+day. You know what that means--selling sugar, and tea, and dried
+apples to old ladies, and occasionally measuring off a yard of
+calico, or selling a spool of cotton. If I couldn't do better
+than that I'd hire out as a farm laborer."
+
+Luke smiled at the enumeration of the duties of a country salesman.
+It was clear that Mr. Coleman, though he looked city-bred, must
+at some time in the past have lived in the country.
+
+"Perhaps that is the way I should turn out," he said. "I might not
+rise any higher than your friend Mr. Bolton."
+
+"Oh, yes, you would. You're smart enough, I'll guarantee. You
+might not get on so fast as I have, for it isn't every young man
+of twenty-six that can command four thousand dollars a year, but
+you would rise to a handsome income, I am sure."
+
+"I should be satisfied with two thousand a year at your age."
+
+"I would be willing to guarantee you that," asserted Mr. Coleman,
+confidently. "By the way, where do you propose to put up in
+Chicago?"
+
+"I have not decided yet."
+
+"You'd better go with me to the Ottawa House."
+
+"Is it a good house?"
+
+"They'll feed you well there, and only charge two dollars a day"
+
+"Is it centrally located?"
+
+"It isn't as central as the Palmer, or Sherman, or Tremont, but it
+is convenient to everything."
+
+I ought to say here that I have chosen to give a fictitious name
+to the hotel designated by Mr. Coleman.
+
+"Come, what do you say?"
+
+"I have no objection," answered Luke, after a slight pause
+for reflection.
+
+Indeed, it was rather pleasant to him to think that he would have a
+companion on his first visit to Chicago who was well acquainted with
+the city, and could serve as his guide. Though he should not feel
+justified in imparting to Mr. Coleman his special business, he
+meant to see something of the city, and would find his new friend
+a pleasant companion.
+
+"That's good," said Coleman, well pleased. "I shall be glad to
+have your company. I expected to meet a friend on the train, but
+something must have delayed him, and so I should have been left
+alone."
+
+"I suppose a part of your time will be given to business?"
+suggested Luke.
+
+"Yes, but I take things easy; when I work, I work. I can accomplish
+as much in a couple of hours as many would do in a whole day. You
+see, I understand my customers. When soft sawder is wanted, I am
+soft sawder. When I am dealing with a plain, businesslike man, I
+talk in a plain, businesslike way. I study my man, and generally I
+succeed in striking him for an order, even if times are hard and
+he is already well stocked."
+
+"He certainly knows how to talk," thought Luke. In fact, he was
+rather disposed to accept Mr. Coleman at his own valuation,
+though that was a very high one.
+
+"Do you smoke?"
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"Not even a cigarette?"
+
+"Not even a cigarette."
+
+"I was intending to ask you to go with me into the smoking-car for
+a short time. I smoke a good deal; it is my only vice. You know we
+must all have some vices."
+
+Luke didn't see the necessity, but he assented, because it seemed
+to be expected.
+
+"I won't be gone long. You'd better come along, too, and smoke
+a cigarette. It is time you began to smoke. Most boys begin
+much earlier."
+
+Luke shook his head.
+
+"I don't care to learn," he said.
+
+"Oh, you're a good boy--one of the Sunday-school kind," said
+Coleman, with a slight sneer. "You'll get over that after a
+while. You'll be here when I come back?"
+
+Luke promised that he would, and for the next half hour he was left
+alone. As his friend Mr. Coleman left the car, he followed him with
+his glance, and surveyed him more attentively than he had hitherto
+done. The commercial traveler was attired in a suit of fashionable
+plaid, wore a showy necktie, from the center of which blazed a
+diamond scarfpin. A showy chain crossed his vest, and to it was
+appended a large and showy watch, which looked valuable, though
+appearances are sometimes deceitful.
+
+"He must spend a good deal of money," thought Luke. "I wonder that
+he should be willing to go to a two-dollar-a-day hotel."
+
+Luke, for his own part, was quite willing to go to the Ottawa House.
+He had never fared luxuriously, and he had no doubt that even at
+the Ottawa House he should live better than at home.
+
+It was nearer an hour than half an hour before Coleman came back.
+
+"I stayed away longer than I intended," he said. "I smoked three
+cigars, instead of one, seeing you wasn't with me to keep me
+company. I found some social fellows, and we had a chat."
+
+Mr. Coleman absented himself once or twice more. Finally, the
+train ran into the depot, and the conductor called out, "Chicago!"
+
+"Come along, Luke!" said Coleman.
+
+The two left the car in company. Coleman hailed a cab--gave the
+order, Ottawa House--and in less than five minutes they were
+rattling over the pavements toward their hotel.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI
+
+THE OTTAWA HOUSE
+
+
+There was one little circumstance that led Luke to think favorably
+of his new companion. As the hackman closed the door of the
+carriage, Luke asked: "How much is the fare?"
+
+"Fifty cents apiece, gentlemen," answered cabby.
+
+Luke was about to put his hand into his pocket for the money, when
+Coleman touching him on the arm, said: "Never mind, Luke, I have the
+money," and before our hero could expostulate he had thrust a dollar
+into the cab-driver's hand.
+
+"All right, thanks," said the driver, and slammed to the door.
+
+"You must let me repay you my part of the fare, Mr. Coleman,"
+said Luke, again feeling for his pocketbook.
+
+"Oh, it's a mere trifle!" said Coleman. "I'll let you pay next
+time, but don't be so ceremonious with a friend."
+
+"But I would rather pay for myself," objected Luke.
+
+"Oh, say no more about it, I beg. Claflin provides liberally
+for my expenses. It's all right."
+
+"But I don't want Claflin to pay for me."
+
+"Then I assure you I'll get it out of you before we part. Will
+that content you?"
+
+Luke let the matter drop, but he didn't altogether like to find
+himself under obligations to a stranger, notwithstanding his
+assurance, which he took for a joke. He would have been surprised
+and startled if he had known how thoroughly Coleman meant what he
+said about getting even. The fifty cents he had with such apparent
+generosity paid out for Luke he meant to get back a hundred-fold.
+His object was to gain Luke's entire confidence, and remove any
+suspicion he might possibly entertain. In this respect he was
+successful. Luke had read about designing strangers, but he
+certainly could not suspect a man who insisted on paying his
+hack fare.
+
+"I hope you will not be disappointed in the Ottawa House," observed
+Mr. Coleman, as they rattled through the paved streets. "It isn't a
+stylish hotel."
+
+"I am not used to stylish living," said Luke, frankly. "I have
+always been used to living in a very plain way."
+
+"When I first went on the road I used to stop at the tip-top houses,
+such as the Palmer at Chicago, the Russell House in Detroit, etc.,
+but it's useless extravagance. Claflin allows me a generous sum for
+hotels, and if I go to a cheap one, I put the difference into my own
+pocket."
+
+"Is that expected?" asked Luke, doubtfully.
+
+"It's allowed, at any rate. No one can complain if I choose to
+live a little plainer. When it pays in the way of business to stop
+at a big hotel, I do so. Of course, your boss pays your expenses?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then you'd better do as I do--put the difference in your own
+pocket."
+
+"I shouldn't like to do that."
+
+"Why not? It is evident you are a new traveler, or you would know
+that it is a regular thing."
+
+Luke did not answer, but he adhered to his own view. He meant to
+keep a careful account of his disbursements and report to Mr.
+Armstrong, without the addition of a single penny. He had no doubt
+that he should be paid liberally for his time, and he didn't care
+to make anything by extra means.
+
+The Ottawa House was nearly a mile and a half distant. It was on one
+of the lower streets, near the lake. It was a plain building with
+accommodations for perhaps a hundred and fifty guests. This would
+be large for a country town or small city, but it indicated a hotel
+of the third class in Chicago. I may as well say here, however,
+that it was a perfectly respectable and honestly conducted hotel,
+notwithstanding it was selected by Mr. Coleman, who could not with
+truth be complimented so highly. I will also add that Mr. Coleman's
+selection of the Ottawa, in place of a more pretentious hotel, arose
+from the fear that in the latter he might meet someone who knew him,
+and who would warn Luke of his undesirable reputation.
+
+Jumping out of the hack, J. Madison Coleman led the way into the
+hotel, and, taking pen in hand, recorded his name in large,
+flourishing letters--as from New York.
+
+Then he handed the pen to Luke, who registered himself also
+from New York.
+
+"Give us a room together," he said to the clerk.
+
+Luke did not altogether like this arrangement, but hardly felt
+like objecting. He did not wish to hurt the feelings of J. Madison
+Coleman, yet he considered that, having known him only six hours,
+it was somewhat imprudent to allow such intimacy. But he who
+hesitates is lost, and before Luke had made up his mind whether
+to object or not, he was already part way upstairs--there was no
+elevator--following the bellboy, who carried his luggage.
+
+The room, which was on the fourth floor, was of good size, and
+contained two beds. So far so good. After the ride he wished to wash
+and put on clean clothes. Mr. Coleman did not think this necessary,
+and saying to Luke that he would find him downstairs, he left our
+hero alone.
+
+"I wish I had a room alone," thought Luke. "I should like it much
+better, but I don't want to offend Coleman. I've got eighty dollars
+in my pocketbook, and though, of course, he is all right, I don't
+want to take any risks."
+
+On the door he read the regulations of the hotel. One item attracted
+his attention. It was this:
+
+
+"The proprietors wish distinctly to state that they will not be
+responsible for money or valuables unless left with the clerk to
+be deposited in the safe."
+
+
+Luke had not been accustomed to stopping at hotels, and did not
+know that this was the usual custom. It struck him, however, as
+an excellent arrangement, and he resolved to avail himself of it.
+
+When he went downstairs he didn't see Mr. Coleman.
+
+"Your friend has gone out," said the clerk. "He wished me to say
+that he would be back in half an hour."
+
+"All right," answered Luke. "Can I leave my pocketbook with you?"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+The clerk wrapped it up in a piece of brown paper and put it
+away in the safe at the rear of the office, marking it with Luke's
+name and the number of his room.
+
+"There, that's safe!" thought Luke, with a feeling of relief. He had
+reserved about three dollars, as he might have occasion to spend a
+little money in the course of the evening. If he were robbed of this
+small amount it would not much matter.
+
+A newsboy came in with an evening paper. Luke bought a copy and sat
+down on a bench in the office, near a window. He was reading busily,
+when someone tapped him on the shoulder. Looking up, he saw that it
+was his roommate, J. Madison Coleman.
+
+"I've just been taking a little walk," he said, "and now I am
+ready for dinner. If you are, too, let us go into the dining-room."
+
+Luke was glad to accept this proposal, his long journey having
+given him a good appetite.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII
+
+COLEMAN ACTS SUSPICIOUSLY
+
+
+After dinner, Coleman suggested a game of billiards, but as this was
+a game with which Luke was not familiar, he declined the invitation,
+but went into the billiard-room and watched a game between his
+new acquaintance and a stranger. Coleman proved to be a very good
+player, and won the game. After the first game Coleman called for
+drinks, and invited Luke to join them.
+
+"Thank you," answered Luke, "but I never drink."
+
+"Oh, I forgot; you're a good boy," said Coleman. "Well, I'm no
+Puritan. Whisky straight for me."
+
+Luke was not in the least troubled by the sneer conveyed in
+Coleman's words. He was not altogether entitled to credit for
+refusing to drink, having not the slightest taste for strong
+drink of any kind.
+
+About half-past seven Coleman put up his cue, saying: "That'll do
+for me. Now, Luke, suppose we take a walk."
+
+Luke was quite ready, not having seen anything of Chicago as yet.
+They strolled out, and walked for an hour. Coleman, to do him
+justice, proved an excellent guide, and pointed out whatever they
+passed which was likely to interest his young companion. But at
+last he seemed to be tired.
+
+"It's only half-past eight," he said, referring to his watch.
+"I'll drop into some theater. It is the best way to finish up the
+evening."
+
+"Then I'll go back to the hotel," said Luke. "I feel tired, and
+mean to go to bed early."
+
+"You'd better spend an hour or two in the theater with me."
+
+"No, I believe not. I prefer a good night's rest."
+
+"Do you mind my leaving you?"
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"Can you find your way back to the hotel alone?"
+
+"If you'll direct me, I think I can find it."
+
+The direction was given, and Coleman was turning off, when, as if
+it had just occurred to him, he said: "By the way, can you lend me
+a five? I've nothing less than a fifty-dollar bill with me, and I
+don't want to break that."
+
+Luke congratulated himself now that he had left the greater
+part of his money at the hotel.
+
+"I can let you have a dollar," he said.
+
+Coleman shrugged his shoulders, but answered: "All right;
+let me have the one."
+
+Luke did so, and felt now that he had more than repaid the fifty
+cents his companion had paid for hack fare. Though Coleman had
+professed to have nothing less than fifty, Luke knew that he had
+changed a five-dollar bill at the hotel in paying for the drinks,
+and must have over four dollars with him in small bills and change.
+
+"Why, then," thought he, "did Coleman want to borrow five dollars
+of me?"
+
+If Luke had known more of the world he would have understood that
+it was only one of the tricks to which men like Coleman resort to
+obtain a loan, or rather a gift, from an unsuspecting acquaintance.
+
+"I suppose I shall not see my money back," thought Luke. "Well, it
+will be the last that he will get out of me."
+
+He was already becoming tired of his companion, and doubted whether
+he would not find the acquaintance an expensive one. He was sorry
+that they were to share the same room. However, it was for one night
+only, and to-morrow he was quite resolved to part company.
+
+Shortly after nine o'clock Luke went to bed, and being fatigued with
+his long journey, was soon asleep. He was still sleeping at twelve
+o'clock, when Coleman came home.
+
+Coleman came up to his bed and watched him attentively.
+
+"The kid's asleep," he soliloquized. "He's one of the good
+Sunday-school boys. I can imagine how shocked he would be if he
+knew that, instead of being a traveler for H. B. Claflin, I have
+been living by my wits for the last half-dozen years. He seems to
+be half asleep. I think I can venture to explore a little."
+
+He took Luke's trousers from the chair on which he had laid them,
+and thrust his fingers into the pockets, but brought forth only
+a penknife and a few pennies.
+
+"He keeps his money somewhere else, it seems," said Coleman.
+
+Next he turned to the vest, and from the inside vest pocket
+drew out Luke's modest pocketbook.
+
+"Oh, here we have it," thought Coleman, with a smile. "Cunning boy;
+he thought nobody would think of looking in his vest pocket. Well,
+let us see how much he has got."
+
+He opened the pocketbook, and frowned with disappointment when he
+discovered only a two-dollar bill.
+
+"What does it mean? Surely he hasn't come to Chicago with only
+this paltry sum!" exclaimed Coleman. "He must be more cunning than
+I thought."
+
+He looked in the coat pockets, the shoes, and even the socks of his
+young companion, but found nothing, except the silver watch, which
+Luke had left in one of his vest pockets.
+
+"Confound the boy! He's foiled me this time!" muttered Coleman.
+"Shall I take the watch? No; it might expose me, and I could not
+raise much on it at the pawnbroker's. He must have left his money
+with the clerk downstairs. He wouldn't think of it himself, but
+probably he was advised to do so before he left home. I'll get up
+early, and see if I can't get in ahead of my young friend."
+
+Coleman did not venture to take the two-dollar bill, as that
+would have induced suspicion on the part of Luke, and would have
+interfered with his intention of securing the much larger sum of
+money, which, as he concluded rightly, was in the safe in the office.
+
+He undressed and got into bed, but not without observation. As he
+was bending over Luke's clothes, examining them, our hero's eyes
+suddenly opened, and he saw what was going on. It flashed upon him
+at once what kind of a companion he had fallen in with, but he had
+the wisdom and self-control to close his eyes again immediately. He
+reflected that there was not much that Coleman could take, and if
+he took the watch he resolved to charge him openly with it. To make
+a disturbance there and then might be dangerous, as Coleman, who
+was much stronger than he, might ill-treat and abuse him, without
+his being able to offer any effectual resistance.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII
+
+COLEMAN'S LITTLE PLAN
+
+
+Though Coleman went to bed late, he awoke early. He had the power
+of awaking at almost any hour that he might fix. He was still quite
+fatigued, but having an object in view, overcame his tendency to
+lie longer, and swiftly dressing himself, went downstairs. Luke was
+still sleeping, and did not awaken while his companion was dressing.
+
+Coleman went downstairs and strolled up to the clerk's desk,
+
+"You're up early," said that official.
+
+"Yes, it's a great nuisance, but I have a little business to attend
+to with a man who leaves Chicago by an early train. I tried to find
+him last night, but he had probably gone to some theater. That is
+what has forced me to get up so early this morning."
+
+"I am always up early," said the clerk.
+
+"Then you are used to it, and don't mind it. It is different
+with me."
+
+Coleman bought a cigar, and while he was lighting it, remarked,
+as if incidentally:
+
+"By the way, did my young friend leave my money with you
+last evening?"
+
+"He left a package of money with me, but he didn't mention
+it was yours."
+
+"Forgot to, I suppose. I told him to leave it here, as I was going
+out to the theater, and was afraid I might have my pocket picked.
+Smart fellows, those pickpockets. I claim to be rather smart myself,
+but there are some of them smart enough to get ahead of me.
+
+"I was relieved of my pocketbook containing over two hundred dollars
+in money once. By Jove! I was mad enough to knock the fellow's head
+off, if I had caught him."
+
+"It is rather provoking."
+
+"I think I'll trouble you to hand me the money the boy left with
+you, as I have to use some this morning."
+
+Mr. Coleman spoke in an easy, off-hand way, that might have taken in
+some persons, but hotel clerks are made smart by their positions.
+
+"I am sorry, Mr. Coleman," said the clerk, "but I can only give it
+back to the boy."
+
+"I commend your caution, my friend," said Coleman, "but I can assure
+you that it's all right. I sent it back by Luke when I was going to
+the theater, and I meant, of course, to have him give my name with
+it. However, he is not used to business, and so forgot it."
+
+"When did you hand it to him?" asked the clerk, with newborn suspicion.
+
+"About eight o'clock. No doubt he handed it in as soon as he came
+back to the hotel."
+
+"How much was there?"
+
+This question posed Mr. Coleman, as he had no idea how much money
+Luke had with him.
+
+"I can't say exactly," he answered. "I didn't count it. There might
+have been seventy-five dollars, though perhaps the sum fell a little
+short of that."
+
+"I can't give you the money, Mr. Coleman," said the clerk, briefly.
+"I have no evidence that it is yours."
+
+"Really, that's ludicrous," said Coleman, with a forced laugh. "You
+don't mean to doubt me, I hope," and Madison Coleman drew himself
+up haughtily.
+
+"That has nothing to do with it. The rule of this office is to
+return money only to the person who deposited it with us. If we
+adopted any other rule, we should get into no end of trouble."
+
+"But, my friend," said Coleman, frowning, "you are putting me to
+great inconvenience. I must meet my friend in twenty minutes and
+pay him a part of this money."
+
+"I have nothing to do with that," said the clerk.
+
+"You absolutely refuse, then?"
+
+"I do," answered the clerk, firmly. "However, you can easily
+overcome the difficulty by bringing the boy down here to authorize
+me to hand you the money."
+
+"It seems to me that you have plenty of red tape here," said
+Coleman, shrugging his shoulders. "However, I must do as you
+require."
+
+Coleman had a bright thought, which he proceeded to carry
+into execution.
+
+He left the office and went upstairs. He was absent long enough to
+visit the chamber which he and Luke had occupied together. Then he
+reported to the office again.
+
+"The boy is not dressed," he said, cheerfully. "However, he has
+given me an order for the money, which, of course, will do as well."
+
+He handed a paper, the loose leaf of a memorandum book,
+on which were written in pencil these words:
+
+
+"Give my guardian, Mr. Coleman, the money I left on deposit
+at the office.                             LUKE LARKIN."
+
+
+"That makes it all right, doesn't it?" asked Coleman, jauntily.
+"Now, if you'll be kind enough to hand me my money at once, I'll
+be off."
+
+"It won't do, Mr. Coleman," said the clerk. "How am I to know
+that the boy wrote this?"
+
+"Don't you see his signature?"
+
+The clerk turned to the hotel register, where Luke had enrolled
+his name.
+
+"The handwriting is not the same," he said, coldly.
+
+"Oh, confound it!" exclaimed Coleman, testily. "Can't you
+understand that writing with a pencil makes a difference?"
+
+"I understand," said the clerk, "that you are trying to get
+money that does not belong to you. The money was deposited a couple
+of hours sooner than the time you claim to have handed it to the
+boy--just after you and the boy arrived."
+
+"You're right," said Coleman, unabashed. "I made a mistake."
+
+"You cannot have the money."
+
+"You have no right to keep it from me," said Coleman, wrathfully.
+
+"Bring the boy to the office and it shall be delivered to him;
+then, if he chooses to give it to you, I have nothing to say."
+
+"But I tell you he is not dressed."
+
+"He seems to be," said the clerk, quietly, with a glance at the
+door, through which Luke was just entering.
+
+Coleman's countenance changed. He was now puzzled for a moment.
+Then a bold plan suggested itself. He would charge Luke with having
+stolen the money from him.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX
+
+MR. COLEMAN IS FOILED IN HIS ATTEMPT
+
+
+Luke looked from Coleman to the clerk in some surprise. He saw from
+their looks that they were discussing some matter which concerned
+him.
+
+"You left some money in my charge yesterday, Mr. Larkin," said
+the clerk.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Your friend here claims it. Am I to give it to him?"
+
+Luke's eyes lighted up indignantly.
+
+"What does this mean, Mr. Coleman?" he demanded, sternly.
+
+"It means," answered Coleman, throwing off the mask, "that the
+money is mine, and that you have no right to it."
+
+If Luke had not witnessed Coleman's search of his pockets during
+the night, he would have been very much astonished at this brazen
+statement. As it was, he had already come to the conclusion that
+his railroad acquaintance was a sharper.
+
+"I will trouble you to prove your claim to it," said Luke, not at
+all disturbed by Coleman's impudent assertion.
+
+"I gave it to you yesterday to place in the safe. I did not
+expect you would put it in in your own name," continued Coleman,
+with brazen hardihood.
+
+"When did you hand it to me?" asked Luke, calmly.
+
+"When we first went up into the room."
+
+This change in his original charge Coleman made in consequence
+of learning the time of the deposit.
+
+"This is an utter falsehood!" exclaimed Luke, indignantly.
+
+"Take care, young fellow!" blustered Coleman. "Your reputation for
+honesty isn't of the best. I don't like to expose you, but a boy
+who has served a three months' term in the penitentiary had better
+be careful how he acts."
+
+Luke's breath was quite taken away by this unexpected attack. The
+clerk began to eye him with suspicion, so confident was Coleman's
+tone.
+
+"Mr. Lawrence," said Luke, for he had learned the clerk's name,
+"will you allow me a word in private?"
+
+"I object to this," said Coleman, in a blustering tone. "Whatever
+you have to say you can say before me."
+
+"Yes," answered the clerk, who did not like Coleman's bullying
+tone, "I will hear what you have to say."
+
+He led the way into an adjoining room, and assumed an air of
+attention.
+
+"This man is a stranger to me," Luke commenced. "I saw him yesterday
+afternoon for the first time in my life."
+
+"But he says he is your guardian."
+
+"He is no more my guardian than you are. Indeed, I would much sooner
+select you."
+
+"How did you get acquainted?"
+
+"He introduced himself to me as a traveler for H. B. Claflin, of
+New York. I did not doubt his statement at the time, but now I do,
+especially after what happened in the night."
+
+"What was that?" asked the clerk, pricking up his ears.
+
+Luke went on to describe Coleman's search of his pockets.
+
+"Did you say anything?"
+
+"No. I wished to see what he was after. As I had left nearly all
+my money with you, I was not afraid of being robbed."
+
+"I presume your story is correct. In fact, I detected him in a
+misstatement as to the time of giving you the money. But I don't
+want to get into trouble."
+
+"Ask him how much money I deposited with you," suggested Luke.
+"He has no idea, and will have to guess."
+
+"I have asked him the question once, but will do so again."
+
+The clerk returned to the office with Luke. Coleman eyed them
+uneasily, as if he suspected them of having been engaged in a
+conspiracy against him.
+
+"Well," he said, "are you going to give me my money?"
+
+"State the amount," said the clerk, in a businesslike manner.
+
+"I have already told you that I can't state exactly. I handed
+the money to Luke without counting it."
+
+"You must have some idea, at any rate," said the clerk.
+
+"Of course I have. There was somewhere around seventy-five dollars."
+
+This he said with a confidence which he did not feel, for it
+was, of course, a mere guess.
+
+"You are quite out in your estimate, Mr. Coleman. It is evident to
+me that you have made a false claim. You will oblige me by settling
+your bill and leaving the hotel."
+
+"Do you think I will submit to such treatment?" demanded
+Coleman, furiously.
+
+"I think you'll have to," returned the clerk, quietly. "You can
+go in to breakfast, if you like, but you must afterward leave the
+hotel. John," this to a bellboy, "go up to number forty-seven and
+bring down this gentleman's luggage."
+
+"You and the boy are in a conspiracy against me!" exclaimed
+Coleman, angrily. "I have a great mind to have you both arrested!"
+
+"I advise you not to attempt it. You may get into trouble."
+
+Coleman apparently did think better of it. Half an hour later he
+left the hotel, and Luke found himself alone. He decided that he
+must be more circumspect hereafter.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX
+
+A DISCOVERY
+
+
+Luke was in Chicago, but what to do next he did not know. He might
+have advertised in one or more of the Chicago papers for James
+Harding, formerly in the employ of John Armstrong, of New York,
+but if this should come to the knowledge of the party who had
+appropriated the bonds, it might be a revelation of the weakness of
+the case against them. Again, he might apply to a private detective,
+but if he did so, the case would pass out of his hands.
+
+Luke had this piece of information to start upon. He had been
+informed that Harding left Mr. Armstrong's employment June 17, 1879,
+and, as was supposed, at once proceeded West. If he could get hold
+of a file of some Chicago daily paper for the week succeeding, he
+might look over the last arrivals, and ascertain at what hotel
+Harding had stopped. This would be something.
+
+"Where can I examine a file of some Chicago daily paper for 1879,
+Mr. Lawrence?" he asked of the clerk.
+
+"Right here," answered the clerk. "Mr. Goth, the landlord, has a
+file of the Times for the last ten years."
+
+"Would he let me examine the volume for 1879?" asked Luke, eagerly.
+
+"Certainly. I am busy just now, but this afternoon I will have the
+papers brought down to the reading-room."
+
+He was as good as his word, and at three o'clock in the afternoon
+Luke sat down before a formidable pile of papers, and began his
+task of examination.
+
+He began with the paper bearing date June 19, and examined that and
+the succeeding papers with great care. At length his search was
+rewarded. In the paper for June 23 Luke discovered the name of James
+Harding, and, what was a little singular, he was registered at the
+Ottawa House.
+
+Luke felt quite exultant at this discovery. It might not lead to
+anything, to be sure, but still it was an encouragement, and seemed
+to augur well for his ultimate success.
+
+He went with his discovery to his friend the clerk.
+
+"Were you here in June, 1879, Mr. Lawrence?" he asked.
+
+"Yes. I came here in April of that year."
+
+"Of course, you could hardly be expected to remember a
+casual guest?"
+
+"I am afraid not. What is his name?"
+
+"James Harding."
+
+"James Harding! Yes, I do remember him, and for a very good reason.
+He took a very severe cold on the way from New York, and he lay here
+in the hotel sick for two weeks. He was an elderly man, about
+fifty-five, I should suppose."
+
+"That answers to the description given me. Do you know where he
+went to from here?"
+
+"There you have me. I can't give you any information on
+that point."
+
+Luke began to think that his discovery would lead to nothing.
+
+"Stay, though," said the clerk, after a moment's thought. "I
+remember picking up a small diary in Mr. Harding's room after he
+left us. I didn't think it of sufficient value to forward to him,
+nor indeed did I know exactly where to send."
+
+"Can you show me the diary?" asked Luke, hopefully.
+
+"Yes. I have it upstairs in my chamber. Wait five minutes and
+I will get it for you."
+
+A little later a small, black-covered diary was put in Luke's hand.
+He opened it eagerly, and began to examine the items jotted down.
+It appeared partly to note down daily expenses, but on alternate
+pages there were occasional memorandums. About the fifteenth of May
+appeared this sentence: "I have reason to think that my sister, Mrs.
+Ellen Ransom, is now living in Franklin, Minnesota. She is probably
+in poor circumstances, her husband having died in poverty a year
+since. We two are all that is left of a once large family, and now
+that I am shortly to retire from business with a modest competence,
+I feel it will be alike my duty and my pleasure to join her, and do
+what I can to make her comfortable. She has a boy who must now be
+about twelve years old."
+
+"Come," said Luke, triumphantly, "I am making progress decidedly.
+My first step will be to go to Franklin, Minnesota, and look up Mr.
+Harding and his sister. After all, I ought to be grateful to Mr.
+Coleman, notwithstanding his attempt to rob me. But for him I should
+never have come to the Ottawa House, and thus I should have lost an
+important clue."
+
+Luke sat down immediately and wrote to Mr. Armstrong, detailing the
+discovery he had made--a letter which pleased his employer, and led
+him to conclude that he had made a good choice in selecting Luke
+for this confidential mission.
+
+The next day Luke left Chicago and journeyed by the most direct
+route to Franklin, Minnesota. He ascertained that it was forty miles
+distant from St. Paul, a few miles off the railroad. The last part
+of the journey was performed in a stage, and was somewhat wearisome.
+He breathed a sigh of relief when the stage stopped before the door
+of a two-story inn with a swinging sign, bearing the name Franklin
+House.
+
+Luke entered his name on the register and secured a room. He decided
+to postpone questions till he had enjoyed a good supper and felt
+refreshed. Then he went out to the desk and opened a conversation
+with the landlord, or rather submitted first to answering a series
+of questions propounded by that gentleman.
+
+"You're rather young to be travelin' alone, my young friend," said
+the innkeeper.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Where might you be from?"
+
+"From New York."
+
+"Then you're a long way from home. Travelin' for your health?"
+
+"No," answered Luke, with a smile. "I have no trouble with
+my health."
+
+"You do look pretty rugged, that's a fact. Goin' to settle
+down in our State?"
+
+"I think not."
+
+"I reckon you're not travelin' on business? You're too young
+for a drummer."
+
+"The fact is, I am in search of a family that I have been told
+lives, or used to live, in Franklin."
+
+"What's the name?"
+
+"The lady is a Mrs. Ransom. I wish to see her brother-in-law,
+Mr. James Harding."
+
+"Sho! You'll have to go farther to find them."
+
+"Don't they live here now?" asked Luke, disappointed.
+
+"No; they moved away six months ago."
+
+"Do you know where they went?" asked Luke, eagerly.
+
+"Not exactly. You see, there was a great stir about gold being
+plenty in the Black Hills, and Mr. Harding, though he seemed to
+be pretty well fixed, thought he wouldn't mind pickin' up a little.
+He induced his sister to go with him--that is, her boy wanted to
+go, and so she, not wantin' to be left alone, concluded to go, too."
+
+"So they went to the Black Hills. Do you think it would be
+hard to find them?"
+
+"No; James Harding is a man that's likely to be known wherever
+he is. Just go to where the miners are thickest, and I allow
+you'll find him."
+
+Luke made inquiries, and ascertaining the best way of reaching
+the Black Hills, started the next day.
+
+"If I don't find James Harding, it's because I can't," he said
+to himself resolutely.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI
+
+TONY DENTON'S CALL
+
+
+Leaving Luke on his way to the Black Hills, we will go back to
+Groveton, to see how matters are moving on there.
+
+Tony Denton had now the excuse he sought for calling upon Prince
+Duncan. Ostensibly, his errand related to the debt which Randolph
+had incurred at his saloon, but really he had something more
+important to speak of. It may be remarked that Squire Duncan, who
+had a high idea of his own personal importance, looked upon Denton
+as a low and insignificant person, and never noticed him when they
+met casually in the street. It is difficult to play the part of an
+aristocrat in a country village, but that is the role which Prince
+Duncan assumed. Had he been a prince in reality, as he was by name,
+he could not have borne himself more loftily when he came face to
+face with those whom he considered his inferiors.
+
+When, in answer to the bell, the servant at Squire Duncan's
+found Tony Denton standing on the doorstep, she looked at him
+in surprise.
+
+"Is the squire at home?" asked the saloon keeper.
+
+"I believe so," said the girl, doubtfully.
+
+"I would like to see him. Say Mr. Denton wishes to see him on
+important business."
+
+The message was delivered.
+
+"Mr. Denton!" repeated the squire, in surprise. "Is it Tony Denton?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"What can he wish to see me about?"
+
+"He says it's business of importance, sir."
+
+"Well, bring him in."
+
+Prince Duncan assumed his most important attitude and bearing when
+his visitor entered his presence.
+
+"Mr.--ahem!--Denton, I believe?" he said, as if he found difficulty
+in recognizing Tony.
+
+"The same."
+
+"I am--ahem!--surprised to hear that you have any business with me."
+
+"Yet so it is, Squire Duncan," said Tony, not perceptibly overawed
+by the squire's grand manner.
+
+"Elucidate it!" said Prince Duncan, stiffly.
+
+"You may not be aware, Squire Duncan, that your son Randolph has
+for some time frequented my billiard saloon and has run up a sum of
+twenty-seven dollars."
+
+"I was certainly not aware of it. Had I been, I should have
+forbidden his going there. It is no proper place for my son
+to frequent."
+
+"Well, I don't know about that. It's respectable enough, I guess.
+At any rate, he seemed to like it, and at his request, for he was
+not always provided with money, I trusted him till his bill comes
+to twenty-seven dollars--"
+
+"You surely don't expect me to pay it!" said the squire, coldly.
+"He is a minor, as you very well know, and when you trusted him
+you knew you couldn't legally collect your claim."
+
+"Well, squire, I thought I'd take my chances," said Tony,
+carelessly. "I didn't think you'd be willing to have him owing
+bills around the village. You're a gentleman, and I was sure
+you'd settle the debt."
+
+"Then, sir, you made a very great mistake. Such bills as that I do
+not feel called upon to pay. Was it all incurred for billiards?"
+
+"No; a part of it was for drinks."
+
+"Worse and worse! How can you have the face to come here, Mr.
+Denton, and tell me that?"
+
+"I don't think it needs any face, squire. It's an honest debt."
+
+"You deliberately entrapped my son, and lured him into your saloon,
+where he met low companions, and squandered his money and time in
+drinking and low amusements."
+
+"Come, squire, you're a little too fast. Billiards ain't low. Did
+you ever see Schaefer and Vignaux play?"
+
+"No, sir; I take no interest in the game. In coming here you
+have simply wasted your time. You will get no money from me."
+
+"Then you won't pay your son's debt?" asked Tony Denton.
+
+"No."
+
+Instead of rising to go, Tony Denton kept his seat. He regarded
+Squire Duncan attentively.
+
+"I am sorry, sir," said Prince Duncan, impatiently. "I shall have
+to cut short this interview."
+
+"I will detain you only five minutes, sir. Have you ascertained
+who robbed the bank?"
+
+"I have no time for gossip. No, sir."
+
+"I suppose you would welcome any information on the subject?"
+
+Duncan looked at his visitor now with sharp attention.
+
+"Do you know anything about it?" he asked.
+
+"Well, perhaps I do."
+
+"Were you implicated in it?" was the next question.
+
+Tony Denton smiled a peculiar smile.
+
+"No, I wasn't," he answered. "If I had been, I don't think I
+should have called upon you about the matter. But--I think I know
+who robbed the bank."
+
+"Who, then?" demanded the squire, with an uneasy look.
+
+Tony Denton rose from his chair, advanced to the door, which
+was a little ajar, and closed it. Then he resumed.
+
+"One night late--it was after midnight--I was taking a walk, having
+just closed my saloon, when it happened that my steps led by the
+bank. It was dark--not a soul probably in the village was awake
+save myself, when I saw the door of the bank open and a muffled
+figure came out with a tin box under his arm. I came closer, yet
+unobserved, and peered at the person. I recognized him."
+
+"You recognized him?" repeated the squire, mechanically, his face
+pale and drawn.
+
+"Yes; do you want to know who it was?"
+
+Prince Duncan stared at him, but did not utter a word.
+
+"It was you, the president of the bank!" continued Denton.
+
+"Nonsense, man!" said Duncan, trying to regain his self-control.
+
+"It is not nonsense. I can swear to it."
+
+"I mean that it is nonsense about the robbery. I visited the bank
+to withdraw a box of my own."
+
+"Of course you can make that statement before the court?" said Tony
+Denton, coolly.
+
+"But--but--you won't think of mentioning this circumstance?"
+muttered the squire.
+
+"Will you pay Randolph's bill?"
+
+"Yes--yes; I'll draw a check at once."
+
+"So far, so good; but it isn't far enough. I want more."
+
+"You want more?" ejaculated the squire.
+
+"Yes; I want a thousand-dollar government bond. It's cheap enough
+for such a secret."
+
+"But I haven't any bonds."
+
+"You can find me one," said Tony, emphatically, "or I'll tell what I
+know to the directors. You see, I know more than that."
+
+"What do you know?" asked Duncan, terrified.
+
+"I know that you disposed of a part of the bonds on Wall Street, to
+Sharp & Ketchum. I stood outside when you were up in their office."
+
+Great beads of perspiration gathered upon the banker's brow. This
+blow was wholly unexpected, and he was wholly unprepared for it.
+He made a feeble resistance, but in the end, when Tony Denton left
+the house he had a thousand-dollar bond carefully stowed away in
+an inside pocket, and Squire Duncan was in such a state of mental
+collapse that he left his supper untasted.
+
+Randolph was very much surprised when he learned that his father had
+paid his bill at the billiard saloon, and still more surprised that
+the squire made very little fuss about it.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII
+
+ON THE WAY TO THE BLACK HILLS
+
+
+Just before Luke started for the Black Hills, he received the
+following letter from his faithful friend Linton. It was sent to
+New York to the care of Mr. Reed, and forwarded, it not being
+considered prudent to have it known at Groveton where he was.
+
+
+"Dear Luke," the letter commenced, "it seems a long time since
+I have seen you, and I can truly say that I miss you more than
+I would any other boy in Groveton. I wonder where you are--your
+mother does not seem to know. She only knows you are traveling
+for Mr. Reed.
+
+"There is not much news. Groveton, you know, is a quiet place. I
+see Randolph every day. He seems very curious to know where you are.
+I think he is disturbed because you have found employment elsewhere.
+He professes to think that you are selling newspapers in New York,
+or tending a peanut stand, adding kindly that it is all you are
+fit for. I have heard a rumor that he was often to be seen playing
+billiards at Tony Denton's, but I don't know whether it is true. I
+sometimes think it would do him good to become a poor boy and have
+to work for a living.
+
+"We are going to Orchard Beach next summer, as usual, and in the
+fall mamma may take me to Europe to stay a year to learn the French
+language. Won't that be fine? I wish you could go with me, but I am
+afraid you can't sell papers or peanuts enough--which is it?--to pay
+expenses. How long are you going to be away? I shall be glad to see
+you back, and so will Florence Grant, and all your other friends,
+of whom you have many in Groveton. Write soon to your affectionate
+friend,
+
+"LINTON."
+
+
+This letter quite cheered up Luke, who, in his first absence from
+home, naturally felt a little lonely at times.
+
+"Linny is a true friend," he said. "He is just as well off as
+Randolph, but never puts on airs. He is as popular as Randolph
+is unpopular. I wish I could go to Europe with him."
+
+Upon the earlier portions of Luke's journey to the Black Hills we
+need not dwell. The last hundred or hundred and fifty miles had
+to be traversed in a stage, and this form of traveling Luke found
+wearisome, yet not without interest. There was a spice of danger,
+too, which added excitement, if not pleasure, to the trip. The Black
+Hills stage had on more than one occasion been stopped by highwaymen
+and the passengers robbed.
+
+The thought that this might happen proved a source of nervous alarm
+to some, of excitement to others.
+
+Luke's fellow passengers included a large, portly man, a merchant
+from some Western city; a clergyman with a white necktie, who was
+sent out by some missionary society to start a church at the Black
+Hills; two or three laboring men, of farmerlike appearance, who were
+probably intending to work in the mines; one or two others, who
+could not be classified, and a genuine dude, as far as appearance
+went, a slender-waisted, soft-voiced young man, dressed in the
+latest style, who spoke with a slight lisp. He hailed from the city
+of New York, and called himself Mortimer Plantagenet Sprague. As
+next to himself, Luke was the youngest passenger aboard the stage,
+and sat beside him, the two became quite intimate. In spite of his
+affected manners and somewhat feminine deportment, Luke got the
+idea that Mr. Sprague was not wholly destitute of manly traits, if
+occasion should call for their display.
+
+One day, as they were making three miles an hour over a poor road,
+the conversation fell upon stage robbers.
+
+"What would you do, Colonel Braddon," one passenger asked of the
+Western merchant, "if the stage were stopped by a gang of ruffians?"
+
+"Shoot 'em down like dogs, sir," was the prompt reply. "If
+passengers were not so cowardly, stages would seldom be robbed."
+
+All the passengers regarded the valiant colonel with admiring
+respect, and congratulated themselves that they had with them
+so doughty a champion in case of need.
+
+"For my part," said the missionary, "I am a man of peace, and I must
+perforce submit to these men of violence, if they took from me the
+modest allowance furnished by the society for traveling expenses."
+
+"No doubt, sir," said Colonel Braddon. "You are a minister, and men
+of your profession are not expected to fight. As for my friend Mr.
+Sprague," and he directed the attention of the company derisively
+to the New York dude, "he would, no doubt, engage the robbers
+single-handed."
+
+"I don't know," drawled Mortimer Sprague. "I am afraid I couldn't
+tackle more than two, don't you know."
+
+There was a roar of laughter, which did not seem to disturb Mr.
+Sprague. He did not seem to be at all aware that his companions
+were laughing at him.
+
+"Perhaps, with the help of my friend, Mr. Larkin," he added,
+"I might be a match for three."
+
+There was another burst of laughter, in which Luke could not
+help joining.
+
+"I am afraid I could not help you much, Mr. Sprague," he said.
+
+"I think, Mr. Sprague," said Colonel Braddon, "that you and I will
+have to do the fighting if any attack is made. If our friend the
+minister had one of his sermons with him, perhaps that would scare
+away the highwaymen."
+
+"It would not be the first time they have had an effect on godless
+men," answered the missionary, mildly, and there was another laugh,
+this time at the colonel's expense.
+
+"What takes you to the Black Hills, my young friend?" asked Colonel
+Braddon, addressing Luke.
+
+Other passengers awaited Luke's reply with interest. It was
+unusual to find a boy of sixteen traveling alone in that region.
+
+"I hope to make some money," answered Luke, smiling. "I suppose
+that is what we are all after."
+
+He didn't think it wise to explain his errand fully.
+
+"Are you going to dig for gold, Mr. Larkin?" asked Mortimer Sprague.
+"It's awfully dirty, don't you know, and must be dreadfully hard on
+the back."
+
+"Probably I am more used to hard work than you, Mr. Sprague,"
+answered Luke.
+
+"I never worked in my life," admitted the dude. "I really don't know
+a shovel from a hoe."
+
+"Then, if I may be permitted to ask," said Colonel Braddon, "what
+leads you to the Black Hills, Mr. Sprague?"
+
+"I thought I'd better see something of the country, you know.
+Besides, I had a bet with another feller about whether the hills
+were weally black, or not. I bet him a dozen bottles of champagne
+that they were not black, after all."
+
+This statement was received with a round of laughter, which
+seemed to surprise Mr. Sprague, who gazed with mild wonder at his
+companions, saying: "Weally, I can't see what you fellers are
+laughing at. I thought I'd better come myself, because the other
+feller might be color-blind, don't you know."
+
+Here Mr. Sprague rubbed his hands and looked about him to see if
+his joke was appreciated.
+
+"It seems to me that the expense of your journey will foot up
+considerably more than a dozen bottles of champagne," said one
+of the passengers.
+
+"Weally, I didn't think of that. You've got a great head,
+old fellow. After all, a feller's got to be somewhere, and,
+by Jove!-- What's that?"
+
+This ejaculation was produced by the sudden sinking of the two
+left wheels in the mire in such a manner that the ponderous
+Colonel Braddon was thrown into Mr. Sprague's lap.
+
+"You see, I had to go somewhere," said Braddon, humorously.
+
+"Weally, I hope we sha'n't get mixed," gasped Sprague. "If it's
+all the same to you, I'd rather sit in your lap."
+
+"Just a little incident of travel, my dear sir," said Braddon,
+laughing, as he resumed his proper seat.
+
+"I should call it rather a large incident," said Mr. Sprague,
+recovering his breath.
+
+"I suppose," said Braddon, who seemed rather disposed to chaff
+his slender traveling companion, "if you like the Black Hills;
+you may buy one of them."
+
+"I may," answered Mr. Sprague, letting his glance rest calmly
+on his big companion. "Suppose we buy one together."
+
+Colonel Braddon laughed, but felt that his joke had not been
+successful.
+
+The conversation languished after awhile. It was such hard work
+riding in a lumbering coach, over the most detestable roads, that
+the passengers found it hard to be sociable. But a surprise was
+in store. The coach made a sudden stop. Two horsemen appeared at
+the window, and a stern voice said: "We'll trouble you to get out,
+gentlemen. We'll take charge of what money and valuables you have
+about you."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII
+
+TWO UNEXPECTED CHAMPIONS
+
+
+It may well be imagined that there was a commotion among the
+passengers when this stern summons was heard. The highwaymen were
+but two in number, but each was armed with a revolver, ready for
+instant use.
+
+One by one the passengers descended from the stage, and stood
+trembling and panic-stricken in the presence of the masked robbers.
+There seems to be something in a mask which inspires added terror,
+though it makes the wearers neither stronger nor more effective.
+
+Luke certainly felt startled and uncomfortable, for he felt that
+he must surrender the money he had with him, and this would be
+inconvenient, though the loss would not be his, but his employer's.
+
+But, singularly enough, the passenger who seemed most nervous and
+terrified was the stalwart Colonel Braddon, who had boasted most
+noisily of what he would do in case the stage were attacked. He
+nervously felt in his pockets for his money, his face pale and
+ashen, and said, imploringly: "Spare my life, gentlemen; I will
+give you all I have."
+
+"All right, old man," said one of the stage robbers, as he took
+the proffered pocketbook. "Haven't you any more money?"
+
+"No; on my honor, gentlemen. It will leave me penniless."
+
+"Hand over your watch."
+
+With a groan, Colonel Braddon handed over a gold stem-winder,
+of Waltham make.
+
+"Couldn't you leave me the watch, gentlemen?" he said, imploringly.
+"It was a present to me last Christmas."
+
+"Can't spare it. Make your friends give you another."
+
+Next came the turn of Mortimer Sprague, the young dude.
+
+"Hand over your spondulics, young feller," said the second
+gentleman of the road.
+
+"Weally, I'm afraid I can't, without a good deal of twouble."
+
+"Oh, curse the trouble; do as I bid, or I'll break your silly head."
+
+"You see, gentlemen, I keep my money in my boots, don't you know."
+
+"Take off your boots, then, and be quick about it."
+
+"I can't; that is, without help. They're awfully tight, don't
+you know."
+
+"Which boot is your money in?" asked the road agent, impatiently.
+
+"The right boot."
+
+"Hold it up, then, and I'll help you."
+
+The road agent stooped over, not suspecting any danger, and in doing
+so laid down his revolver.
+
+In a flash Mortimer Sprague electrified not only his assailants,
+but all the stage passengers, by producing a couple of revolvers,
+which he pointed at the two road agents, and in a stern voice,
+wholly unlike the affected tones in which he had hitherto spoken,
+said: "Get out of here, you ruffians, or I'll fire!"
+
+The startled road agent tried to pick up his revolver, but Sprague
+instantly put his foot on it, and repeated the command.
+
+The other road agent, who was occupied with the minister, turned
+to assist his comrade, when he, too, received a check from an
+unexpected source.
+
+The minister, who was an old man, had a stout staff, which he used
+to guide him in his steps. He raised it and brought it down with
+emphasis on the arm which held the revolver, exclaiming. "The sword
+of the Lord and of Gideon! I smite thee, thou bold, bad man, not in
+anger, but as an instrument of retribution."
+
+"Well done, reverend doctor!" exclaimed Mortimer Sprague. "Between
+us we will lay the rascals out!"
+
+Luke, who was close at hand, secured the fallen revolver be fore the
+road agent's arm had got over tingling with the paralyzing blow
+dealt by the minister, who, in spite of his advanced age, possessed
+a muscular arm.
+
+"Now git, you two!" exclaimed Mortimer Sprague. "Git, if you want
+to escape with whole bones!"
+
+Never, perhaps, did two road agents look more foolish than these who
+had suffered such a sudden and humiliating discomfiture from those
+among the passengers whom they had feared least.
+
+The young dude and the old missionary had done battle for the entire
+stage-load of passengers, and vanquished the masked robbers, before
+whom the rest trembled.
+
+"Stop!" said Colonel Braddon, with a sudden thought. "One of the
+rascals has got my pocketbook!"
+
+"Which one?" asked Mortimer.
+
+The colonel pointed him out.
+
+Instantly the dude fired, and a bullet whistled within a few inches
+of the road agent's head.
+
+"Drop that pocketbook!" he exclaimed, "or I'll send another
+messenger for it; that was only a warning!"
+
+With an execration the thoroughly terrified robber threw down the
+pocketbook, and the relieved owner hastened forward to pick it up.
+
+"I thought I'd fetch him, don't you know," said the dude, relapsing
+into his soft drawl.
+
+By this time both the road agents were at a safe distance, and the
+rescued passengers breathed more freely.
+
+"Really, Mr. Sprague," said Colonel Braddon, pompously, "you are
+entitled to a great deal of credit for your gallant behavior; you
+did what I proposed to do. Of course, I had to submit to losing my
+pocketbook, but I was just preparing to draw my revolver when you
+got the start of me."
+
+"If I'd only known it, colonel," drawled Mr. Sprague, "I'd have
+left the job for you. Weally, it would have saved me a good deal
+of trouble. But I think the reverend doctor here is entitled to
+the thanks of the company. I never knew exactly what the sword
+of the Lord and of Gideon was before, but I see it means a good,
+stout stick."
+
+"I was speaking figuratively, my young friend," said the missionary
+"I am not sure but I have acted unprofessionally, but when I saw
+those men of violence despoiling us, I felt the natural man rise
+within me, and I smote him hip and thigh."
+
+"I thought you hit him on the arm, doctor," said Mr. Sprague.
+
+"Again I spoke figuratively, my young friend. I cannot say I regret
+yielding to the impulse that moved me. I feel that I have helped to
+foil the plans of the wicked."
+
+"Doctor," said one of the miners, "you've true grit. When you preach
+at the Black Hills, count me and my friends among the listeners.
+We're all willing to help along your new church, for you're one of
+the right sort."
+
+"My friends, I will gladly accept your kind proposal, but I trust
+it will not be solely because I have used this arm of flesh in your
+defense. Mr. Sprague and I have but acted as humble instruments in
+the hands of a Higher Power."
+
+"Well, gentlemen," said Colonel Braddon, "I think we may as well get
+into the stage again and resume our journey."
+
+"What shall I do with this revolver?" asked Luke, indicating the one
+he had picked up.
+
+"Keep it," said the colonel. "You'll make better use of it than the
+rascal who lost it."
+
+"I've got an extra one here," said Mortimer Sprague, raising the one
+on which he had put his foot. "I don't need it myself, so I will
+offer it to the reverend doctor."
+
+The missionary shook his head.
+
+"I should not know how to use it," he said, "nor indeed am I sure
+that I should feel justified in doing so."
+
+"May I have it, sir?" asked one of the miners.
+
+"Certainly, if you want it," said Mr. Sprague.
+
+"I couldn't afford to buy one; but I see that I shall need one
+out here."
+
+In five minutes the stage was again on its way, and no further
+adventures were met with. About the middle of the next day the
+party arrived at Deadwood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV
+
+FENTON'S GULCH
+
+
+Deadwood, at the time of Luke's arrival, looked more like a mining
+camp than a town. The first settlers had neither the time nor the
+money to build elaborate dwellings. Anything, however rough, that
+would provide a shelter, was deemed sufficient. Luxury was not
+dreamed of, and even ordinary comforts were only partially supplied.
+Luke put up at a rude hotel, and the next morning began to make
+inquiries for Mr. Harding. He ascertained that the person of whom he
+was in search had arrived not many weeks previous, accompanied by
+his sister. The latter, however, soon concluded that Deadwood was no
+suitable residence for ladies, and had returned to her former home,
+or some place near by. Mr. Harding remained, with a view of trying
+his luck at the mines.
+
+The next point to be ascertained was to what mines he had directed
+his steps. This information was hard to obtain. Finally, a man who
+had just returned to Deadwood, hearing Luke making inquiries of the
+hotel clerk, said:
+
+"I say, young chap, is the man you are after an old party over
+fifty, with gray hair and a long nose?"
+
+"I think that is the right description," said Luke, eagerly. "Can
+you tell me anything about him?"
+
+"The party I mean, he may be Harding, or may be somebody else, is
+lying sick at Fenton's Gulch, about a day's journey from here--say
+twenty miles."
+
+"Sick? What is the matter with him?"
+
+"He took a bad cold, and being an old man, couldn't stand it as well
+as if he were twenty years younger. I left him in an old cabin lying
+on a blanket, looking about as miserable as you would want to see.
+Are you a friend of his?"
+
+"I am not acquainted with him," answered Luke, "but I am sent out by
+a friend of his in the East. I am quite anxious to find him. Can you
+give me directions?"
+
+"I can do better. I can guide you there. I only came to Deadwood
+for some supplies, and I go back to-morrow morning."
+
+"If you will let me accompany you I will be very much obliged."
+
+"You can come with me and welcome. I shall be glad of your company.
+Are you alone?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Seems to me you're rather a young chap to come out here alone."
+
+"I suppose I am," returned Luke, smiling, "but there was no one
+else to come with me. If I find Mr. Harding, I shall be all right."
+
+"I can promise you that. It ain't likely he has got up from his
+sick-bed and left the mines. I reckon you'll find him flat on his
+back, as I left him."
+
+Luke learned that his mining friend was known as Jack Baxter. He
+seemed a sociable and agreeable man, though rather rough in his
+outward appearance and manners. The next morning they started in
+company, and were compelled to travel all day. Toward sunset they
+reached the place known as Fenton's Gulch. It was a wild and
+dreary-looking place, but had a good reputation for its yield
+of gold dust.
+
+"That's where you'll find the man you're after," said Baxter,
+pointing to a dilapidated cabin, somewhat to the left of the mines.
+
+Luke went up to the cabin, the door of which was open, and
+looked in.
+
+On a pallet in the corner lay a tall man, pale and emaciated.
+He heard the slight noise at the door, and without turning his
+head, said: "Come in, friend, whoever you are."
+
+Upon this, Luke advanced into the cabin.
+
+"Is this Mr. James Harding?" he asked.
+
+The sick man turned his head, and his glance rested with surprise
+upon the boy of sixteen who addressed him.
+
+"Have I seen you before?" he asked.
+
+"No, sir. I have only just arrived at the Gulch. You are Mr.
+Harding?"
+
+"Yes, that is my name; but how did you know it?"
+
+"I am here in search of you, Mr. Harding."
+
+"How is that?" asked the sick man, quickly. "Is my sister sick?"
+
+"Not that I know of. I come from Mr. Armstrong, in New York."
+
+"You come from Mr. Armstrong?" repeated the sick man, in evident
+surprise. "Have you any message for me from him?"
+
+"Yes, but that can wait. I am sorry to find you sick. I hope that
+it is nothing serious."
+
+"It would not be serious if I were in a settlement where I could
+obtain a good doctor and proper medicines. Everything is serious
+here. I have no care or attention, and no medicines."
+
+"Do you feel able to get away from here? It would be better for you
+to be at Deadwood than here."
+
+"If I had anyone to go with me, I might venture to start for
+Deadwood."
+
+"I am at your service, Mr. Harding."
+
+The sick man looked at Luke with a puzzled expression.
+
+"You are very kind," he said, after a pause. "What is your name?"
+
+"Luke Larkin."
+
+"And you know Mr. Armstrong?"
+
+"Yes. I am his messenger."
+
+"But how came he to send a boy so far? It is not like him."
+
+Luke laughed.
+
+"No doubt you think him unwise," he said. "The fact was, he took me
+for lack of a better. Besides, the mission was a confidential one,
+and he thought he could trust me, young as I am."
+
+"You say you have a message for me?" queried Harding.
+
+"Yes!"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"First, can I do something for your comfort? Can't I get you some
+breakfast?"
+
+"The message first."
+
+"I will give it at once. Do you remember purchasing some government
+bonds for Mr. Armstrong a short time before you left his
+employment?"
+
+"Yes. What of them?"
+
+"Have you preserved the numbers of the bonds?" Luke inquired,
+anxiously.
+
+"Why do you ask?"
+
+"Because Mr. Armstrong has lost his list, and they have been stolen.
+Till he learns the numbers, he will stand no chance of identifying
+or recovering them."
+
+"I am sure I have the numbers. Feel in the pocket of my coat yonder,
+and you will find a wallet. Take it out and bring it to me."
+
+Luke obeyed directions.
+
+The sick man opened the wallet and began to examine the contents.
+Finally he drew out a paper, which he unfolded.
+
+"Here is the list. I was sure I had them."
+
+Luke's eyes lighted up with exultation.
+
+It was clear that he had succeeded in his mission. He felt that
+he had justified the confidence which Mr. Armstrong had reposed
+in him, and that the outlay would prove not to have been wasted.
+
+"May I copy them?" he asked.
+
+"Certainly, since you are the agent of Mr. Armstrong--or you may
+have the original paper."
+
+"I will copy them, so that if that paper is lost, I may still have
+the numbers. And now, what can I do for you?"
+
+The resources of Fenton's Gulch were limited, but Luke succeeded in
+getting together materials for a breakfast for the sick man. The
+latter brightened up when he had eaten a sparing meal. It cheered
+him, also, to find that there was someone to whom he could look
+for friendly services.
+
+To make my story short, on the second day he felt able to start
+with Luke for Deadwood, which he reached without any serious
+effect, except a considerable degree of fatigue.
+
+Arrived at Deadwood, where there were postal facilities, Luke lost
+no time in writing a letter to Mr. Armstrong, enclosing a list of
+the stolen bonds. He gave a brief account of the circumstances under
+which he had found Mr. Harding, and promised to return as soon as he
+could get the sick man back to his farm in Minnesota.
+
+When this letter was received, Roland Reed was in the merchant's
+office.
+
+"Look at that, Mr. Reed," said Armstrong, triumphantly. "That boy
+is as smart as lightning. Some people might have thought me a fool
+for trusting so young a boy, but the result has justified me. Now
+my course is clear. With the help of these numbers I shall soon be
+able to trace the theft and convict the guilty party."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV
+
+BACK IN GROVETON
+
+
+Meanwhile, some things occurred in Groveton which require to be
+chronicled. Since the visit of Tony Denton, and the knowledge that
+his secret was known, Prince Duncan had changed in manner and
+appearance. There was an anxious look upon his face, and a haggard
+look, which led some of his friends to think that his health was
+affected. Indeed, this was true, for any mental disturbance is
+likely to affect the body. By way of diverting attention from the
+cause of this altered appearance, Mr. Duncan began to complain of
+overwork, and to hint that he might have to travel for his health.
+It occurred to him privately that circumstances might arise which
+would make it necessary for him to go to Canada for a lengthened
+period.
+
+With his secret in the possession of such a man as Tony Denton,
+he could not feel safe. Besides, he suspected the keeper of the
+billiard-room would not feel satisfied with the thousand-dollar bond
+he had extorted from him, but would, after awhile, call for more.
+
+In this he was right.
+
+Scarcely a week had elapsed since his first visit, when the
+servant announced one morning that a man wished to see him.
+
+"Do you know who it is, Mary?" asked the squire.
+
+"Yes, sir. It's Tony Denton."
+
+Prince Duncan's face contracted, and his heart sank within him.
+He would gladly have refused to see his visitor, but knowing
+the hold that Tony had upon him, he did not dare offend him.
+
+"You may tell him to come in," he said, with a troubled look.
+
+"What can the master have to do with a man like that?" thought Mary,
+wondering. "I wouldn't let him into the house if I was a squire."
+
+Tony Denton entered the room with an assumption of ease which was
+very disagreeable to Mr. Duncan.
+
+"I thought I'd call to see you, squire," he said.
+
+"Take a seat, Mr. Denton," said the squire coldly.
+
+Tony did not seem at all put out by the coldness of his reception.
+
+"I s'pose you remember what passed at our last meeting, Mr. Duncan,"
+he said, in a jaunty way.
+
+"Well, sir," responded Prince Duncan, in a forbidding tone.
+
+"We came to a little friendly arrangement, if you remember,"
+continued Denton.
+
+"Well, sir, there is no need to refer to the matter now."
+
+"Pardon me, squire, but I am obliged to keep to it."
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because I've been unlucky??"
+
+"I suppose, Mr. Denton," said the squire haughtily, "you are capable
+of managing your own business. If you don't manage it well, and meet
+with losses, I certainly am not responsible, and I cannot understand
+why you bring the matter to me."
+
+"You see, squire," said Tony, with a grin, "I look upon you as a
+friend, and so it is natural that I should come to you for advice."
+
+"I wish I dared kick the fellow out of the house," thought Prince
+Duncan. "He is a low scamp, and I don't like the reputation of
+having such visitors."
+
+Under ordinary circumstances, and but for the secret which Tony
+possessed, he would not have been suffered to remain in the squire's
+study five minutes, but conscience makes cowards of us all, and Mr.
+Duncan felt that he was no longer his own master.
+
+"I'll tell you about the bad luck, squire," Tony resumed. "You know
+the bond you gave me the last time I called?"
+
+Mr. Duncan winced, and he did not reply.
+
+"I see you remember it. Well, I thought I might have the luck to
+double it, so I went up to New York, and went to see one of them
+Wall Street brokers. I asked his advice, and he told me I'd better
+buy two hundred shares of some kind of stock, leaving the bond with
+him as margin. He said I was pretty sure to make a good deal of
+money, and I thought so myself. But the stock went down, and
+yesterday I got a letter from him, saying that the margin was all
+exhausted, and I must give him another, Or he would sell out the
+stock."
+
+"Mr. Denton, you have been a fool!" exclaimed Mr. Duncan irritably.
+"You might have known that would be the result of your insane folly.
+You've lost your thousand dollars, and what have you got to show
+for it?"
+
+"You may be right, squire, but I don't want to let the matter end
+so. I want you to give me another bond."
+
+"You do, eh?" said Duncan indignantly. "So you want to throw away
+another thousand dollars, do you?"
+
+"If I make good the margin, the stock'll go up likely, and I won't
+lose anything."
+
+"You can do as you please, of course, but you will have to go
+elsewhere for your money."
+
+"Will I?" asked Tony coolly. "There is no one else who would let
+me have the money."
+
+"I won't let you have another cent, you may rely upon that!"
+exclaimed Prince Duncan furiously.
+
+"I guess you'll think better of that, squire," said Tony, fixing
+his keen black eyes on the bank president.
+
+"Why should I?" retorted Duncan, but his heart sank within him,
+for he understood very well what the answer would be.
+
+"Because you know what the consequences of refusal would be,"
+Denton answered coolly.
+
+"I don't understand you," stammered the squire, but it was
+evident from his startled look that he did.
+
+"I thought you would," returned Tony Denton quietly. "You know
+very well that my evidence would convict you, as the person who
+robbed the bank."
+
+"Hush!" ejaculated Prince Duncan, in nervous alarm.
+
+Tony Denton smiled with a consciousness of power.
+
+"I have no wish to expose you," he said, "if you will stand
+my friend."
+
+In that moment Prince Duncan bitterly regretted the false step
+he had taken. To be in the power of such a man was, indeed,
+a terrible form of retribution.
+
+"Explain your meaning," he said reluctantly.
+
+"I want another government bond for a thousand dollars."
+
+"But when I gave you the first, you promised to preserve
+silence, and trouble me no more."
+
+"I have been unfortunate, as I already explained to you."
+
+"I don't see how that alters matters. You took the risk voluntarily.
+Why should I suffer because you were imprudent and lost your money?"
+
+"I can't argue with you, squire," said Tony, with an insolent smile.
+"You are too smart for me. All I have to say is, that I must have
+another bond."
+
+"Suppose I should give it to you--what assurance have I that you
+will not make another demand?"
+
+"I will give you the promise in writing, if you like."
+
+"Knowing that I could not make use of any such paper with out
+betraying myself."
+
+"Well, there is that objection, certainly, but I can't do anything
+better."
+
+"What do you propose to do with the bond?"
+
+"Deposit it with my broker, as I have already told you."
+
+"I advise you not to do so. Make up your mind to lose the first,
+and keep the second in your own hands."
+
+"I will consider your advice, squire."
+
+But it was very clear that Tony Denton would not follow it.
+
+All at once Prince Duncan brightened up. He had a happy thought.
+Should it be discovered that the bonds used by Tony Denton belonged
+to the contents of the stolen box, might he not succeed in throwing
+the whole blame on the billiard-saloon keeper, and have him arrested
+as the thief? The possession and use of the bonds would be very
+damaging, and Tony's reputation was not such as to protect him.
+Here seemed to be a rift in the clouds--and it was with comparative
+cheerfulness that Mr. Duncan placed the second bond in the hands of
+the visitor.
+
+"Of course," he said, "it will be for your interest not to let any
+one know from whom you obtained this."
+
+"All right. I understand. Well, good morning, squire; I'm glad
+things are satisfactory."
+
+"Good morning, Mr. Denton."
+
+When Tony had left the room, Prince Duncan threw himself back in his
+chair and reflected. His thoughts were busy with the man who had
+just left him, and he tried to arrange some method of throwing the
+guilt upon Denton. Yet, perhaps, even that would not be necessary.
+So far as Mr. Duncan knew, there was no record in Mr. Armstrong's
+possession of the numbers of the bonds, and in that case they would
+not be identified.
+
+"If I only knew positively that the numbers would not turn up, I
+should feel perfectly secure, and could realize on the bonds at any
+time," he thought. "I will wait awhile, and I may see my way clear."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI
+
+A LETTER FROM LUKE
+
+
+"There's a letter for you, Linton," said Henry Wagner, as he met
+Linton Tomkins near the hotel. "I just saw your name on the list."
+
+In the Groveton post-office, as in many country offices, it was the
+custom to post a list of those for whom letters had been received.
+
+"It must be from Luke," thought Linton, joyfully, and he bent his
+steps immediately toward the office. No one in the village, outside
+of Luke's family, missed him more than Linton. Though Luke was two
+years and a half older, they had always been intimate friends.
+Linton's family occupied a higher social position, but there was
+nothing snobbish about Linton, as there was about Randolph, and it
+made no difference to him that Luke lived in a small and humble
+cottage, and, till recently, had been obliged to wear old and shabby
+clothes. In this democratic spirit, Linton was encouraged by his
+parents, who, while appreciating the refinement which is apt to be
+connected with liberal means, were too sensible to undervalue
+sterling merit and good character.
+
+Linton was right. His letter was from Luke. It read thus:
+
+
+"DEAR LINNY: I was very glad to receive your letter. It made me
+homesick for a short time. At any rate, it made me wish that I could
+be back for an hour in dear old Groveton. I cannot tell you where I
+am, for that is a secret of my employer. I am a long way from home;
+I can tell you that much. When I get home, I shall be able to tell
+you all. You will be glad to know that I have succeeded in the
+mission on which I was sent, and have revived a telegram of thanks
+from my employer.
+
+"It will not be long now before I am back in Groveton. I wonder if
+my dear friend Randolph will be glad to see me? You can remember me
+to him when you see him. It will gratify him to know that I am well
+and doing well, and that my prospects for the future are excellent.
+
+"Give my regards to your father and mother, who have always been
+kind to me. I shall come and see you the first thing after I return.
+If you only knew how hard I find it to refrain from telling you all,
+where I am and what adventures I have met with, how I came near
+being robbed twice, and many other things, you would appreciate my
+self-denial. But you shall know all very soon. I have had a good
+time--the best time in my life. Let mother read this letter, and
+believe me, dear Lin,
+
+"Your affectionate friend,
+
+"LUKE LARKIN."
+
+
+Linton's curiosity was naturally excited by the references in
+Luke's letter.
+
+"Where can Luke be?" he asked. "I wish he were at liberty to tell."
+
+Linton never dreamed, however, that his friend was two thousand
+miles away, in the wild West. It would have seemed to him utterly
+improbable.
+
+He was folding up the letter as he was walking homeward, when he
+met Randolph Duncan.
+
+"What's that, Linton?" he asked. "A love-letter?"
+
+"Not much; I haven't got so far along. It is a letter from
+Luke Larkin."
+
+"Oh!" sneered Randolph. "I congratulate you on your correspondent.
+Is he in New York?"
+
+"The letter is postmarked in New York, but he is traveling."
+
+"Traveling? Where is he traveling?"
+
+"He doesn't say. This letter is forwarded by Mr. Reed."
+
+"The man who robbed the bank?"
+
+"What makes you say that? What proof have you that he robbed the
+bank?"
+
+"I can't prove it, but my father thinks he is the robber. There
+was something very suspicious about that tin box which he handed
+to Luke."
+
+"It was opened in court, and proved to contain private papers."
+
+"Oh, that's easily seen through. He took out the bonds, and put in
+the papers. I suppose he has experience in that sort of thing."
+
+"Does your father think that?"
+
+"Yes, he does. What does Luke say?"
+
+"Wait a minute, and I will read you a paragraph," said Linton,
+with a mischievous smile. Thereupon he read the paragraph in
+which Randolph was mentioned.
+
+"What does he mean by calling me his dear friend?" exclaimed
+Randolph indignantly. "I never was his dear friend, and never
+want to be."
+
+"I believe you, Randolph. Shall I tell you what he means?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"He means it for a joke. He knows you don't like him, and he isn't
+breaking his heart over it."
+
+"It's pretty cheeky in him! Just tell him when you write that he
+needn't call me his dear friend again."
+
+"You might hurt his feelings," said Linton, gravely.
+
+"That for his feelings!" said Randolph, with a snap of his fingers.
+"You say he's traveling. Shall I tell you what I think he is doing?"
+
+"If you like."
+
+"I think he is traveling with a blacking-box in his hand. It's just
+the business for him."
+
+"I don't think you are right. He wouldn't make enough in that way
+to pay traveling expenses. He says he has twice come near being
+robbed."
+
+Randolph laughed derisively.
+
+"A thief wouldn't make much robbing him," he said. "If he got
+twenty-five cents he'd be lucky."
+
+"You forget that he has a nice silver watch?"
+
+Randolph frowned. This with him was a sore reflection. Much as he
+was disposed to look down upon Luke, he was aware that Luke's watch
+was better than his, and, though he had importuned his father more
+than once to buy him a gold watch, he saw no immediate prospect of
+his wish being granted.
+
+"Oh, well, I've talked enough of Luke Larkin," he said, snappishly.
+"He isn't worth so many words. I am very much surprised that a
+gentleman's son like you, Linton, should demean himself by keeping
+company with such a boy."
+
+"There is no boy in the village whom I would rather associate with,"
+said Linton, with sturdy friendship.
+
+"I don't admire your taste, then," said Randolph. "I don't
+believe your father and mother like you to keep such company."
+
+"There you are mistaken," said Linton, with spirit. "They have an
+excellent opinion of Luke, and if he should ever need a friend, I
+am sure my father would be willing to help him."
+
+"Well, I must be going," said Randolph, by no means pleased with
+this advocacy of Luke. "Come round and see me soon. You never come
+to our house."
+
+Linton answered politely, but did not mean to become intimate with
+Randolph, who was by no means to his taste. He knew that it was only
+his social position that won him the invitation, and that if his
+father should suddenly lose his property, Randolph's cordiality
+would be sensibly diminished. Such friendship, he felt, was not to
+be valued.
+
+"What are you thinking about? You seem in a brown study," said a
+pleasant voice.
+
+Looking up, Linton recognized his teacher, Mr. Hooper.
+
+"I was thinking of Luke Larkin," answered Linton.
+
+"By the by, where is Luke? I have not seen him for some time."
+
+"He is traveling for Mr. Reed, I believe."
+
+"The man who committed the tin box to his care?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Do you know where he is?"
+
+"No, sir. I have just received a letter from him, but he says he
+is not at liberty to mention where he is."
+
+"Will he be home soon?"
+
+"Yes, I think so."
+
+"I shall be glad to see him. He is one of the most promising of
+my pupils."
+
+Linton's expressive face showed the pleasure he felt at this
+commendation of his friend. He felt more gratified than if Mr.
+Hooper had directly praised him.
+
+"Luke can stand Randolph's depreciation," he reflected, "with such
+a friend as Mr. Hooper."
+
+Linton was destined to meet plenty of acquaintances. Scarcely had he
+parted from Mr. Hooper, when Tony Denton met him. The keeper of the
+billiard-room was always on the alert to ingratiate himself with the
+young people of the village, looking upon them as possible patrons
+of his rooms. He would have been glad to draw in Linton, on account
+of his father's prominent position in the village.
+
+"Good day, my young friend," he said, with suavity.
+
+"Good day, Mr. Denton," responded Linton, who thought it due to
+himself to be polite, though he did not fancy Mr. Denton.
+
+"I should be very glad to have you look in at my billiard-room,
+Mr. Linton," continued Tony.
+
+"Thank you sir, but I don't think my father would like to have me
+visit a billiard-saloon--at any rate, till I am older."
+
+"Oh, I'll see that you come to no harm. If you don't want to play,
+you can look on."
+
+"At any rate, I am obliged to you for your polite invitation."
+
+"Oh, I like to have the nice boys of the village around me. Your
+friend Randolph Duncan often visits me."
+
+"So I have heard," replied Linton.
+
+"Well, I won't keep you, but remember my invitation."
+
+"I am not very likely to accept," thought Linton. "I have heard that
+Randolph visits the billiard-room too often for his good."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII
+
+AN INCIDENT ON THE CARS
+
+
+As soon as possible, Luke started on his return to New York. He
+had enjoyed his journey, but now he felt a longing to see home
+and friends once more. His journey to Chicago was uneventful. He
+stayed there a few hours, and then started on his way home. On his
+trip from Chicago to Detroit he fell in with an old acquaintance
+unexpectedly.
+
+When about thirty miles from Detroit, having as a seatmate a very
+large man, who compressed him within uncomfortable limits, he took
+his satchel, and passing into the car next forward, took a seat
+a few feet from the door. He had scarcely seated himself when,
+looking around, he discovered, in the second seat beyond, his old
+Chicago acquaintance, Mr. J. Madison Coleman. He was as smooth
+and affable as ever, and was chatting pleasantly with a rough,
+farmerlike-looking man, who seemed very much taken with his
+attractive companion.
+
+"I wonder what mischief Coleman is up to now?" thought Luke.
+
+He was so near that he was able to hear the conversation that
+passed between them.
+
+"Yes, my friend," said Mr. Coleman, "I am well acquainted with
+Detroit. Business has called me there very often, and it will
+give me great pleasure to be of service to you in any way."
+
+"What business are you in?" inquired the other.
+
+"I am traveling for H. B. Claflin & Co., of New York. Of course you
+have heard of them. They are the largest wholesale dry-goods firm
+in the United States."
+
+"You don't say so!" returned the farmer respectfully. "Do you get
+pretty good pay?"
+
+"I am not at liberty to tell just what pay I get," said Mr. Coleman,
+"but I am willing to admit that it is over four thousand dollars."
+
+"You don't say so!" ejaculated the farmer. "My! I think myself
+pretty lucky when I make a thousand dollars a year."
+
+"Oh, well, my dear sir, your expenses are very light compared to
+mine. I spend about ten dollars a day on an average."
+
+"Jehu!" ejaculated the farmer. "Well, that is a pile. Do all the men
+that travel for your firm get as much salary as you?"
+
+"Oh, no; I am one of the principal salesmen, and am paid extra. I am
+always successful, if I do say it myself, and the firm know it, and
+pay me accordingly. They know that several other firms are after me,
+and would get me away if they didn't pay me my price."
+
+"I suppose you know all about investments, being a business man?"
+
+"Yes, I know a great deal about them," answered Mr. Coleman, his
+eyes sparkling with pleasure at this evidence that his companion
+had money. "If you have any money to invest, I shall be very glad
+to advise you."
+
+"Well, you see, I've just had a note for two hundred and fifty
+dollars paid in by a neighbor who's been owin' it for two years, and
+I thought I'd go up to Detroit and put it in the savings-bank."
+
+"My good friend, the savings-bank pays but a small rate of interest.
+I think I know a business man of Detroit who will take your money
+and pay you ten per cent."
+
+"Ten per cent.!" exclaimed the farmer joyfully. "My! I didn't think
+I could get over four or six."
+
+"So you can't, in a general way," answered Coleman. "But business
+men, who are turning over their money once a month, can afford to
+pay a good deal more."
+
+"But is your friend safe?" he inquired, anxiously.
+
+"Safe as the Bank of England," answered Coleman. "I've lent him a
+thousand dollars at a time, myself, and always got principal and
+interest regularly. I generally have a few thousand invested," he
+added, in a matter-of-course manner.
+
+"I'd be glad to get ten per cent.," said the farmer. "That would be
+twenty-five dollars a year on my money."
+
+"Exactly. I dare say you didn't get over six per cent. on the note."
+
+"I got seven, but I had to wait for the interest sometimes."
+
+"You'll never have to wait for interest if you lend to my friend.
+I am only afraid he won't be willing to take so small a sum. Still,
+I'll speak a good word for you, and he will make an exception in
+your favor."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said the farmer gratefully. "I guess I'll let
+him have it."
+
+"You couldn't do better. He's a high-minded, responsible man. I
+would offer to take the money myself, but I really have no use
+for it. I have at present two thousand dollars in bank waiting
+for investment."
+
+"You don't say so!" said the farmer, eying Coleman with the respect
+due to so large a capitalist.
+
+"Yes, I've got it in the savings-bank for the time being. If my
+friend can make use of it, I shall let him have it. He's just as
+safe as a savings-bank."
+
+The farmer's confidence in Mr. Coleman was evidently fully
+established. The young man talked so smoothly and confidently that
+he would have imposed upon one who had seen far more of the world
+than Farmer Jones.
+
+"I'm in luck to fall in with you, Mr.--"
+
+"Coleman," said the drummer, with suavity. "J. Madison Coleman.
+My grandfather was a cousin of President James Madison, and that
+accounts for my receiving that name."
+
+The farmer's respect was further increased. It was quite an event
+to fall in with so near a relative of an illustrious ex-President,
+and he was flattered to find that a young man of such lineage was
+disposed to treat him with such friendly familiarity.
+
+"Are you going to stay long in Detroit?" asked the farmer.
+
+"Two or three days. I shall be extremely busy, but I shall find
+time to attend to your business. In fact, I feel an interest in you,
+my friend, and shall be glad to do you a service."
+
+"You are very kind, and I'm obleeged to you," said the farmer
+gratefully.
+
+"Now, if you will excuse me for a few minutes, I will go into the
+smoking-car and have a smoke."
+
+When he had left the car, Luke immediately left his seat, and went
+forward to where the farmer was sitting.
+
+"Excuse me," he said, "but I saw you talking to a young man
+just now."
+
+"Yes," answered the farmer complacently, "he's a relative of
+President Madison."
+
+"I want to warn you against him. I know him to be a swindler."
+
+"What!" exclaimed the farmer, eying Luke suspiciously. "Who be you?
+You're nothing but a boy."
+
+"That is true, but I am traveling on business. This Mr. Coleman
+tried to rob me about a fortnight since, and nearly succeeded. I
+heard him talking to you about money."
+
+"Yes, he was going to help me invest some money I have with me. He
+said he could get me ten per cent."
+
+"Take my advice, and put it in a savings-bank. Then it will be
+safe. No man who offers to pay ten per cent. for money can be
+relied upon."
+
+"Perhaps you want to rob me yourself?" said the farmer suspiciously.
+
+"Do I look like it?" asked Luke, smiling. "Isn't my advice good, to
+put the money in a savings-bank? But I will tell you how I fell in
+with Mr. Coleman, and how he tried to swindle me, and then you can
+judge for yourself."
+
+This Luke did briefly and his tone and manner carried conviction.
+The farmer became extremely indignant at the intended fraud,
+and promised to have nothing to do with Coleman.
+
+"I will take my old seat, then," said Luke. "I don't want Coleman to
+know who warned you."
+
+Presently, Coleman came back and was about to resume his seat beside
+the farmer.
+
+"You see I have come back," he said.
+
+"You needn't have troubled yourself," said the farmer, with a
+lowering frown. "You nearly took me in with your smooth words,
+but I've got my money yet, and I mean to keep it. Your friend can't
+have it."
+
+"What does all this mean, my friend?" asked Coleman, in real
+amazement. "Is it possible you distrust me? Why, I was going to
+put myself to inconvenience to do you a service."
+
+"Then you needn't. I know you. You wanted to swindle me out of
+my two hundred and fifty dollars."
+
+"Sir, you insult me!" exclaimed Coleman, with lofty indignation.
+"What do I--a rich man--want of your paltry two hundred and
+fifty dollars?"
+
+"I don't believe you are a rich man. Didn't I tell you, I have
+been warned against you?"
+
+"Who dared to talk against me?" asked Coleman indignantly. Then,
+casting his eyes about, he noticed Luke for the first time. Now it
+was all clear to him.
+
+Striding up to Luke's seat, he said threateningly, "Have you been
+talking against me, you young jackanapes?"
+
+"Yes, Mr. Coleman, I have," answered Luke steadily. "I thought it
+my duty to inform this man of your character. I have advised him to
+put his money into a savings-bank."
+
+"Curse you for an impertinent meddler!" said Coleman wrathfully.
+"I'll get even with you for this!"
+
+"You can do as you please," said Luke calmly.
+
+Coleman went up to the farmer and said, abruptly, "You've been
+imposed upon by an unprincipled boy. He's been telling you lies
+about me."
+
+"He has given me good advice," said the farmer sturdily, "and I
+shall follow it."
+
+"You are making a fool of yourself!"
+
+"That is better than to be made fool of, and lose my money."
+
+Coleman saw that the game was lost, and left the car. He would
+gladly have assaulted Luke, but knew that it would only get him
+into trouble.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII
+
+LUKE'S RETURN
+
+
+Mr. Armstrong was sitting in his office one morning when the door
+opened, and Luke entered, his face flushed with health, and his
+cheeks browned by exposure.
+
+"You see I've got back, Mr. Armstrong," he said, advancing with a
+smile.
+
+"Welcome home, Luke!" exclaimed the merchant heartily, grasping our
+hero's hand cordially.
+
+"I hope you are satisfied with me," said Luke.
+
+"Satisfied! I ought to be. You have done yourself the greatest
+credit. It is seldom a boy of your age exhibits such good
+judgment and discretion."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Luke gratefully. "I was obliged to spend a
+good deal of money," he added, "and I have arrived in New York
+with only three dollars and seventy-five cents in my pocket."
+
+"I have no fault to find with your expenses," said Mr. Armstrong
+promptly. "Nor would I have complained if you had spent twice as
+much. The main thing was to succeed, and you have succeeded."
+
+"I am glad to hear you speak so," said Luke, relieved. "To me it
+seemed a great deal of money. You gave me two hundred dollars, and
+I have less than five dollars left. Here it is!" and Luke drew the
+sum from his pocket, and tendered it to the merchant.
+
+"I can't take it," said Mr. Armstrong. "You don't owe me any money.
+It is I who am owing you. Take this on account," and he drew a
+roll of bills from his pocketbook and handed it to Luke. "Here are
+a hundred dollars on account," he continued.
+
+"This is too much, Mr. Armstrong," said Luke, quite overwhelmed
+with the magnitude of the gift.
+
+"Let me be the judge of that," said Mr. Armstrong kindly. "There
+is only one thing, Luke, that I should have liked to have you do."
+
+"What is that, sir?"
+
+"I should like to have had you bring me a list of the numbers
+certified to by Mr. Harding."
+
+Luke's answer was to draw from the inside pocket of his vest a paper
+signed by the old bookkeeper, containing a list of the numbers,
+regularly subscribed and certified to.
+
+"Is that what you wished, sir?" he asked.
+
+"You are a wonderful boy," said the merchant admiringly. "Was this
+your idea, or Mr. Harding's?"
+
+"I believe I suggested it to him," said Luke modestly.
+
+"That makes all clear sailing," said Mr. Armstrong. "Here are fifty
+dollars more. You deserve it for your thoughtfulness."
+
+"You have given me enough already," said Luke, drawing back.
+
+"My dear boy, it is evident that you still have something to learn
+in the way of business. When a rich old fellow offers you money,
+which he can well afford, you had better take it."
+
+"That removes all my objections," said Luke. "But I am afraid you
+will spoil me with your liberality, Mr. Armstrong."
+
+"I will take the risk of it. But here is another of your friends."
+
+The door had just opened, and Roland Reed entered. There was another
+cordial greeting, and Luke felt that it was pleasant, indeed, to
+have two such good friends.
+
+"When are you going to Groveton, Luke?" asked Mr. Reed.
+
+"I shall go this afternoon, if there is nothing more you wish me
+to do. I am anxious to see my mother."
+
+"That is quite right, Luke. Your mother is your best friend, and
+deserves all the attention you can give her. I shall probably go
+to Groveton myself to-morrow."
+
+After Luke had left the office, Mr. Reed remained to consult
+with the merchant as to what was the best thing to do. Both were
+satisfied that Prince Duncan, the president of the bank, was the
+real thief who had robbed the bank. There were two courses open--a
+criminal prosecution, or a private arrangement which should include
+the return of the stolen property. The latter course was determined
+upon, but should it prove ineffective, severer measures were to be
+resorted to.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIX
+
+HOW LUKE WAS RECEIVED
+
+
+Luke's return to Groveton was received with delight by his mother
+and his true friend Linton. Naturally Randolph displayed the same
+feelings toward him as ever. It so chanced that he met Luke only
+an hour after his arrival. He would have passed him by unnoticed
+but for the curiosity he felt to know where he had been, and what
+he was intending to do.
+
+"Humph! so you're back again!" he remarked.
+
+"Yes," answered Luke, with a smile. "I hope you haven't missed me
+much, Randolph."
+
+"Oh, I've managed to live through it," returned Randolph, with
+what he thought to be cutting sarcasm.
+
+"I am glad of that."
+
+"Where were you?" asked Randolph, abruptly.
+
+"I was in New York a part of the time," said Luke.
+
+"Where were you the rest of the time?"
+
+"I was traveling."
+
+"That sounds large. Perhaps you were traveling with a hand-organ."
+
+"Perhaps I was."
+
+"Well, what are you going to do now?"
+
+"Thank you for your kind interest in me, Randolph. I will tell you
+as soon as I know."
+
+"Oh, you needn't think I feel interest in you."
+
+"Then I won't."
+
+"You are impertinent," said Randolph, scowling. It dawned upon him
+that Luke was chaffing him.
+
+"I don't mean to be. If I have been, I apologize. If you know of
+any situation which will pay me a fair sum, I wish you would
+mention me."
+
+"I'll see about it," said Randolph, in an important tone. He was
+pleased at Luke's change of tone. "I don't think you can get back
+as janitor, for my father doesn't like you."
+
+"Couldn't you intercede for me, Randolph?"
+
+"Why, the fact is, you put on so many airs, for a poor boy, that I
+shouldn't feel justified in recommending you. It is your own fault."
+
+"Well, perhaps it is," said Luke.
+
+"I am glad you acknowledge it. I don't know but my father will give
+you a chance to work round our house, make fires, and run errands."
+
+"What would he pay?" asked Luke, in a businesslike tone.
+
+"He might pay a dollar and a half a week."
+
+"I'm afraid I couldn't support myself on that."
+
+"Oh, well, that's your lookout. It's better than loafing round
+doing nothing."
+
+"You're right there, Randolph."
+
+"I'll just mention it to father, then."
+
+"No, thank you. I shouldn't wonder if Mr. Reed might find something
+for me to do."
+
+"Oh, the man that robbed the bank?" said Randolph, turning up
+his nose.
+
+"It may soon be discovered that some one else robbed the bank."
+
+"I don't believe it."
+
+Here the two boys parted.
+
+"Luke," said Linton, the same day, "have you decided what you
+are going to do?"
+
+"Not yet; but I have friends who, I think, will look out for me."
+
+"Because my father says he will find you a place if you fail to
+get one elsewhere."
+
+"Tell your father that I think he is very kind. There is no one to
+whom I would more willingly be indebted for a favor. If I should
+find myself unemployed, I will come to him."
+
+"All right! I am going to drive over to Coleraine"--the next
+town--"this afternoon. Will you go with me?"
+
+"I should like nothing better."
+
+"What a difference there is between Randolph and Linton!"
+thought Luke.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XL
+
+THE BANK ROBBER IS FOUND
+
+
+Tony Denton lost no time in going up to the city with the second
+bond he had extracted from the fears of Prince Duncan. He went
+directly to the office of his brokers, Gay & Sears, and announced
+that he was prepared to deposit additional margin.
+
+The bond was received, and taken to the partners in the back office.
+Some four minutes elapsed, and the clerk reappeared.
+
+"Mr. Denton, will you step into the back office?" he said.
+
+"Certainly," answered Tony cheerfully.
+
+He found the two brokers within.
+
+"This is Mr. Denton?" said the senior partner.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"You offer this bond as additional margin on the shares we hold
+in your name?"
+
+"Yes, of course."
+
+"Mr. Denton," said Mr. Gay searchingly, "where did you get
+this bond?"
+
+"Where did I get it?" repeated Denton nervously. "Why, I
+bought it."
+
+"How long since?"
+
+"About a year."
+
+The two partners exchanged glances.
+
+"Where do you live, Mr. Denton?"
+
+"In Groveton."
+
+"Ahem! Mr. Sears, will you be kind enough to draw out the
+necessary papers?"
+
+Tony Denton felt relieved. The trouble seemed to be over.
+
+Mr. Gay at the same time stepped into the main office and gave
+a direction to one of the clerks.
+
+Mr. Sears drew out a large sheet of foolscap, and began, in very
+deliberate fashion, to write. He kept on writing for some minutes.
+Tony Denton wondered why so much writing should be necessary in a
+transaction of this kind. Five minutes later a young man looked
+into the office, and said, addressing Mr. Gay. "All right!"
+
+Upon that Mr. Sears suspended writing.
+
+"Mr. Denton," said Mr. Gay, "are you aware that this bond which
+you have brought us was stolen from the Groveton Bank?"
+
+"I--don't--believe--it," gasped Denton, turning pale.
+
+"The numbers of the stolen bonds have been sent to all the bankers
+and brokers in the city. This is one, and the one you brought us
+not long since is another. Do you persist in saying that you bought
+this bond a year ago?"
+
+"No, no!" exclaimed Denton, terrified.
+
+"Did you rob the bank?"
+
+"No, I didn't!" ejaculated the terrified man, wiping the
+perspiration from his brow.
+
+"Where, then, did you get the bonds?"
+
+"I got them both from Prince Duncan, president of the bank."
+
+Both partners looked surprised.
+
+One of them went to the door of the office, and called in Mr.
+Armstrong, who, as well as a policeman, had been sent for.
+
+Tony Denton's statement was repeated to him.
+
+"I am not surprised," he said. "I expected it."
+
+Tony Denton now made a clean breast of the whole affair, and his
+words were taken down.
+
+"Are you willing to go to Groveton with me, and repeat this in
+presence of Mr. Duncan?" asked Mr. Armstrong.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Will you not have him arrested?" asked Mr. Gay.
+
+"No, he has every reason to keep faith with me."
+
+It was rather late in the day when Mr. Armstrong, accompanied by
+Tony Denton, made their appearance at the house of Prince Duncan.
+When the banker's eyes rested on the strangely assorted pair, his
+heart sank within him. He had a suspicion of what it meant.
+
+"We have called on you, Mr. Duncan, on a matter of importance,"
+said Mr. Armstrong.
+
+"Very well," answered Duncan faintly.
+
+"It is useless to mince matters. I have evidence outside of this
+man's to show that it was you who robbed the bank of which you
+are president, and appropriated to your own use the bonds which
+it contained."
+
+"This is a strange charge to bring against a man in my position.
+Where is your proof?" demanded Duncan, attempting to bluster.
+
+"I have Mr. Denton's evidence that he obtained two thousand-dollar
+bonds of you."
+
+"Very well, suppose I did sell him two such bonds?"
+
+"They were among the bonds stolen."
+
+"It is not true. They were bonds I have had for five years."
+
+"Your denial is useless. The numbers betray you."
+
+"You did not have the numbers of the bonds."
+
+"So you think, but I have obtained them from an old book-keeper of
+mine, now at the West. I sent a special messenger out to obtain the
+list from him. Would you like to know who the messenger was?"
+
+"Who was it?"
+
+"Luke Larkin."
+
+"That boy!" exclaimed Duncan bitterly.
+
+"Yes, that boy supplied me with the necessary proof. And now, I have
+a word to say; I can send you to prison, but for the sake of your
+family I would prefer to spare you. But the bonds must be given up."
+
+"I haven't them all in my possession."
+
+"Then you must pay me the market price of those you have used. The
+last one given to this man is safe."
+
+"It will reduce me to poverty," said Prince Duncan in great agitation.
+
+"Nevertheless, it must be done!" said Mr. Armstrong sternly.
+"Moreover, you must resign your position as president of the bank,
+and on that condition you will be allowed to go free, and I will
+not expose you."
+
+Of course, Squire Duncan was compelled to accept these terms. He
+saved a small sum out of the wreck of his fortune, and with his
+family removed to the West, where they were obliged to adopt a very
+different style of living. Randolph is now an office boy at a salary
+of four dollars a week, and is no longer able to swagger and boast
+as he has done hitherto. Mr. Tomkins, Linton's father, was elected
+president of the Groveton Bank in place of Mr. Duncan, much to the
+satisfaction of Luke.
+
+Roland Reed, much to the surprise of Luke, revealed himself as a
+cousin of Mr. Larkin, who for twenty-five years had been lost
+sight of. He had changed his name, on account of some trouble into
+which he had been betrayed by Prince Duncan, and thus had not been
+recognized.
+
+"You need be under no anxiety about Luke and his prospects," he
+said to Mrs. Larkin. "I shall make over to him ten thousand dollars
+at once, constituting myself his guardian, and will see that he is
+well started in business. My friend Mr. Armstrong proposes to take
+him into his office, if you do not object, at a liberal salary."
+
+"I shall miss him very much," said Mrs. Larkin, "though I am
+thankful that he is to be so well provided for."
+
+"He can come home every Saturday night, and stay until Monday
+morning," said Mr. Reed, who, by the way, chose to retain his
+name in place of his old one. "Will that satisfy you?"
+
+"It ought to, surely, and I am grateful to Providence for all the
+blessings which it has showered upon me and mine."
+
+There was another change. Mr. Reed built a neat and commodious house
+in the pleasantest part of the village and there Mrs. Larkin removed
+with his little daughter, of whom she still had the charge. No one
+rejoiced more sincerely at Luke's good fortune than Linton, who
+throughout had been a true and faithful friend. He is at present
+visiting Europe with his mother, and has written an earnest letter,
+asking Luke to join him. But Luke feels that he cannot leave a good
+business position, and must postpone the pleasure of traveling till
+he is older.
+
+Mr. J. Madison Coleman, the enterprising drummer, has got into
+trouble, and is at present an inmate of the State penitentiary at
+Joliet, Illinois. It is fortunate for the traveling public, so many
+of whom he has swindled, that he is for a time placed where he can
+do no more mischief.
+
+So closes an eventful passage in the life of Luke Larkin. He has
+struggled upward from a boyhood of privation and self-denial into
+a youth and manhood of prosperity and honor. There has been some
+luck about it, I admit, but after all he is indebted for most of
+his good fortune to his own good qualities.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Struggling Upward, by Horatio Alger
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRUGGLING UPWARD ***
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