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diff --git a/old/54621.txt b/old/54621.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4aa4103..0000000 --- a/old/54621.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9733 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Rupert's Ambition, by Horatio Alger - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: Rupert's Ambition - - -Author: Horatio Alger - - - -Release Date: April 28, 2017 [eBook #54621] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RUPERT'S AMBITION*** - - -E-text prepared by David Edwards, Martin Pettit, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images -generously made available by Internet Archive (https://archive.org) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustration. - See 54621-h.htm or 54621-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/54621/54621-h/54621-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/54621/54621-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - https://archive.org/details/rupertsambition00alge - - - - - -RUPERT'S AMBITION - -by - -HORATIO ALGER, JR. - -Author of "Chester Rand," "Lester's Luck," "Ragged Dick Series," -etc., etc. - - - - - - -The John C. Winston Co. -Philadelphia -Chicago Toronto - -Copyright, 1899, by -Henry T. Coates & Co. - - -[Illustration: A DANGEROUS LUNATIC.] - - - - -CONTENTS. - -CHAPTER PAGE - I. RUPERT LOSES HIS PLACE, 1 - - II. OUT OF WORK, 11 - - III. IN A TIGHT PLACE, 22 - - IV. A FALSE REPORT, 32 - - V. MRS. MARLOW'S SCHEME, 42 - - VI. RUPERT AS A DETECTIVE, 52 - - VII. A LUCKY MEETING, 62 - - VIII. JULIAN LORIMER, 73 - - IX. RUPERT BECOMES A BELL-BOY, 83 - - X. A BELL-BOY'S EXPERIENCES, 93 - - XI. RUPERT RECEIVES A COMMISSION, 103 - - XII. CLAYTON'S SCHEME, 113 - - XIII. CLAYTON'S DISAPPOINTMENT, 124 - - XIV. THE YOUNG NEWSBOY, 134 - - XV. MR. SYLVESTER'S BIRTHDAY, 144 - - XVI. JULIAN HAS TWO DISAPPOINTMENTS, 154 - - XVII. MR. PACKARD OF COLORADO, 164 - - XVIII. A SCENE AT DELMONICO'S, 174 - - XIX. WHAT HAPPENED IN NO. 61, 184 - - XX. MR. PACKARD'S GIFT, 191 - - XXI. RUPERT BECOMES A CONFIDANT, 198 - - XXII. TRYING TO BE AN ACTOR, 205 - - XXIII. A BAFFLED SCHEME, 215 - - XXIV. LESLIE'S PROGRESS, 225 - - XXV. LESLIE WATERS AS A DRAMATIC STAR, 234 - - XXVI. TRIUMPHANT OVER OBSTACLES, 245 - - XXVII. AN INGENIOUS TRICK, 251 - - XXVIII. RUPERT RESIGNS HIS SITUATION, 257 - - XXIX. THE ST. JAMES HOTEL, IN DENVER, 265 - - XXX. PACKARD'S HOME AT RED GULCH, 275 - - XXXI. BEN BOONE, 280 - - XXXII. AN UNPLEASANT BEDFELLOW, 285 - - XXXIII. BEN BOONE'S TEMPTATION, 295 - - XXXIV. RUPERT'S PREDICAMENT, 305 - - XXXV. RUPERT MAKES A DISCOVERY, 310 - - XXXVI. A LUCKY ENCOUNTER, 315 - - XXXVII. AN INDIAN GUIDE, 326 - -XXXVIII. HOW TO MANAGE A ROGUE, 336 - - XXXIX. NEW PLANS, 347 - - XL. CONCLUSION, 356 - - - - -RUPERT'S AMBITION. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -RUPERT LOSES HIS PLACE. - - -"Rupert, the superintendent wishes to see you." - -Rupert Rollins, a tall boy of sixteen, was engaged in folding some -pieces of cloth which had been shown during the day to customers. It was -the principal salesroom of Tenney & Rhodes, who conducted a large -wholesale dry goods house in the lower part of New York city. - -"Very well, Harry," he said. "I will go at once. I wonder what he wants -to see me about." - -"I don't know. I hope it is to raise your wages." - -"That isn't likely in these dull times, though a raise would be very -welcome." - -When Rupert had finished folding the pieces he was upon he left his -place and knocked at the door of a small room occupied by the -superintendent. - -A man of about forty was seated at a desk writing. - -"Mr. Frost," said Rupert, respectfully, "I hear you wish to speak with -me." - -"Yes; take a seat." - -Rupert was tired, for he had been on his feet all day, and was glad to -sink into a chair near the door. - -"How long have you been in our employ?" asked the superintendent, in the -quick tones habitual to him. - -"Nearly six months." - -"So I supposed. You are one of the last clerks taken on." - -"Yes, sir." - -"I am sorry, I have bad news for you. Mr. Tenney feels, in view of the -dullness in business, that it will be advisable to diminish his clerical -force. As you are one of the last taken on, he has selected you and a -few others for discharge." - -Rupert turned pale. What a terrible misfortune this would be to him he -well knew. The future seemed to him dark indeed. - -"I hope, sir," he said, in an unsteady voice, "that the firm is not -dissatisfied with me." - -"Oh, no. No indeed! I have heard only good reports of you. We shall be -glad to recommend you to any other firm." - -"Thank you, sir. When do you wish me to go?" - -"You can stay till the end of the week." - -Rupert bowed and left the room. His head was in a whirl, and he felt -that a calamity had indeed fallen upon him. His wages were but five -dollars a week, but this sum, small as it was, was the main support of -his mother and sister, the latter a chronic invalid, only two years -younger than himself. What they were to do when this small income was -taken away he could not conjecture. He felt that he must look out at -once for a new place. - -"Well, Rupert, what business did the superintendent have with you?" -asked Harry Bacon, Rupert's most intimate friend in the store. - -"Only to tell me that I was discharged," said Rupert, quietly. - -"Why, that's a shame!" exclaimed Harry, impetuously. "What are you -discharged for?" - -"Only on account of dull times. The house will give me a -recommendation." - -"It seems too bad you are to go. Why didn't they discharge me, too?" - -"You have been here longer, and it is only those last taken on who must -go. I suppose it is all right, but it is hard." - -"Keep up your courage, Rupert. It isn't as if you were discharged for -cause. With a recommendation from Tenney & Rhodes you ought to find -another place here." - -"Yes, in ordinary times, but you know business is dull elsewhere as well -as with us. It isn't a good time to change places." - -"Well, you'll get something else. All branches of business may not be as -dull as ours." - -Harry Bacon had a sanguine disposition, and always looked on the bright -side. His assurances encouraged Rupert a little, and he determined to -do his best to find something to do, no matter what. - -At five o'clock the store closed. Retail stores kept open later, but -early hours are one of the advantages of a wholesale establishment. - -Rupert bent his steps towards Elizabeth Street. In an upper apartment in -one of the shabby houses fronting on this thoroughfare lived his mother -and sister. It was only a three-story house, and there were but two -flights of stairs to ascend. - -Entering the principal room, Rupert saw his mother with her head bent in -an attitude of despondency over the table. Through a door he could see -his sister lying uneasily on a bed in a small inner room, her face -showing that she was suffering pain. - -Rupert stepped forward and with tender sympathy strove to raise his poor -mother from her position of despondency. - -"What is the matter, mother?" he asked. "Are you not well?" - -"Yes, Rupert," she answered, raising her head, "but for the moment I -felt discouraged. Grace has been suffering more than usual to-day. -Sickness and poverty, too, are hard to bear." - -"That is true, mother," and Rupert's heart sank as he remembered that by -the end of the week the poverty would become destitution. - -"Grace has been unable to eat anything to-day. She thought she could eat -an orange, but I absolutely didn't have money enough to buy one." - -"She shall have an orange," said Rupert, in a low voice. - -The sick girl heard, and her face brightened. It was an instinctive -craving, such as a sick person sometimes has. - -"I should enjoy an orange," she said, faintly. "I think I could sleep -after eating one." - -"I will go right out and get one." - -Rupert put on his hat and went down stairs. - -"You may buy a loaf of bread, Rupert," said his mother, as he was -starting, "that is, if you have money enough." - -"Yes, mother." - -There was an Italian fruit vender's stall at the next corner. As he -stepped out on the sidewalk Rupert took out his slender purse and -examined its contents. It held but thirty-five cents, and this must last -till Saturday night, when he would receive his weekly wages. - -Going to the stand, he examined the Italian's stock. He saw some large, -attractive oranges marked "five cents." There were some smaller ones -marked three cents, but Rupert judged that they were sour, and would not -please his sister. Yet five cents was considerable for him to pay under -the circumstances. It represented one-seventh of his scanty stock of -money. - -"Won't you let me have one of these oranges for four cents?" he asked. - -Nicolo, the Italian, shook his head. - -"No," he answered. "It is good-a orange. It is worth more than I ask." - -Rupert sighed and hesitated. - -"I suppose I shall have to pay it," he said, regretfully. - -He drew out his purse and took out a nickel. - -"I'll take an orange," he said. - -"Is it for yourself?" asked a gentle voice. - -Rupert turned, and saw a tiny woman, not over five feet in height, with -a pleasant, kindly face. - -"No," he said, "it is for my sister." - -"Is your sister sick?" - -"Yes. She has taken a fancy to an orange, and I want her to have one, -but--it is extravagant for one in my circumstances to pay a nickel for -one." - -"Would you mind," said the little woman, hesitatingly, "would you mind -if I sent an orange to your sister?" - -Rupert hesitated. He was proud, but not foolishly so, and he saw that -the offer was meant in kindness. - -"I should say it was very kind in you," he said, candidly. - -The little woman nodded contentedly, and spoke a low word to the -Italian. - -He selected four oranges and put them in a paper bag. - -"But that is too many," expostulated Rupert. - -"No," answered the little woman, with a smile. "Keep the rest for -to-morrow," and before Rupert had a chance to thank her she had paid -Nicolo and was hurrying down the street. - -The spontaneous kindness of the little woman, who was a perfect -stranger, helped to cheer Rupert. He felt that there were some kind -people in the world, and his trust in Providence was increased. He went -to a baker's, near by, and purchased a ten-cent loaf of bread. Then he -made his way back to his humble home in Elizabeth Street. - -As he entered the room, the sick girl looked up eagerly. Rupert emptied -the oranges on the table, and her face brightened as she saw the yellow -fruit which she craved. - -"Rupert, I am afraid you were extravagant," said his mother. "These -oranges must have cost five cents each." - -"Yes, they did." - -"We cannot afford such a large purchase in our circumstances." - -"They cost me nothing, mother. They are a present to Grace from a lady -who met me at the stand." - -"She must have a kind heart. Do you know who she was?" - -"No, I never saw her before." - -"The world is not all unkind. Grace, I will prepare an orange for you. I -hope you will relish it." - -The sick girl enjoyed the fruit, and after eating it lay back content. - -"May I have another in the morning?" she asked. - -"Yes, my child." - -So the evening passed not wholly unhappily, but still Rupert could not -help thinking of the next week, when he would be out of a position. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -OUT OF WORK. - - -On Saturday Rupert received his last week's wages at the store. - -"I am awfully sorry you are going, Rupert," said Harry Bacon. "It is a -shame you are discharged." - -"No, it is not a shame. It is only because business is dull that I have -to go. I can't blame the firm." - -Rupert ascended the stairway at his humble home in Elizabeth Street with -a slow step. He felt that he could no longer conceal his discharge from -his mother, and he knew what a blow it would be to her. So as he handed -the money to Mrs. Rollins he said: "I have bad news for you, mother. I -am discharged." - -"Discharged!" repeated his mother, in dismay. "Why? What have you done?" - -"There is no dissatisfaction with me. I am discharged because times are -dull, and business has fallen off." - -"I am glad at least that no fault is found with you, but what shall we -do? Your salary was all we had to depend upon except the little I make -by sewing." - -"Don't be discouraged, mother. I shall start to find a place Monday -morning. I am allowed to refer to the old firm." - -"But--do you think there is any chance to get in elsewhere? Won't other -firms be affected by the dull times?" - -This was precisely what troubled Rupert, but he answered his mother -cheerfully. - -"To-morrow is Sunday," he said. "Don't let us think of the future till -Monday morning. I am sure something will turn up. At the worst, I can -earn something by selling papers." - -When Monday morning came Rupert started out on his quest. He had been -sent on errands to several houses in the same line, and he resolved to -go from one to another in the hope of finding a vacancy. - -At the first he was pleasantly received. He was recognized as coming -from Tenney & Rhodes, and it was supposed he came on an errand from -them. When he asked for a place the superintendent looked distrustful. - -"Why do you leave Tenney & Rhodes?" he was asked. - -"Because the times are dull, and they are parting with some of their -clerks." - -"Will they recommend you?" - -"Yes. Here is a recommendation," and Rupert took a folded paper from the -envelope in which he had placed it. - -"That is satisfactory," said the superintendent, his face clearing, "but -the same dullness which has reduced their business affects ours. So far -from taking on new clerks, we may have to discharge some of those at -present in our employ." - -Of course there was no more to be said. Rupert visited five other firms, -but in each case the answer was the same. They had no vacancy, and did -not expect to have any. - -It was one o'clock, time for lunch, but Rupert did not feel hungry. His -anxiety had taken away his appetite. He rested for an hour on one of -the benches in City Hall Park, and then started out again. He resolved -now to apply for a position of any kind, since there seemed to be no -opening in the business to which he had been trained. - -But he met with no better success. Everywhere there were complaints of -hard times. - -"You are doing better than I am, my boy," said one business man bluntly. - -Rupert looked about the large store in which he was standing, and said: -"I don't see how that can be, sir, I am making nothing." - -"And I am making less than nothing. Last month I fell behind five -hundred dollars." - -"I am sorry to hear it, sir," said Rupert, in a tone of sympathy. - -The merchant looked at him approvingly. - -"You appear to be a good boy," he said. "I wish I had a place for you. I -can send you on an errand, if that will be any object to you." - -"Anything, sir, will be welcome." - -"Then you may take a note from me to a firm in Astor Place. Wait five -minutes and it will be ready." - -Rupert took a seat, and in five minutes the merchant reappeared with a -sealed note. - -"This is the note," he said, "and here is a quarter for taking it." - -"Thank you, sir." - -The sum was not large, but Rupert was pleased to think that he would -earn something. - -"Well," said his mother, when at five o'clock he entered the room. "Have -you found a place?" - -"No, mother, places seem to be scarce. Still, I have earned something." - -She looked at him inquiringly. - -"It isn't much--only twenty-five cents. I received it for going on an -errand." - -"It is better than nothing." - -"Yes, it will buy our supper." - -Two days more passed. They were equally barren of results. It was -nearing the end of the week, and except the silver quarter Rupert had -earned nothing. - -Things began to look serious. But little was left of his last week's -wages, and the time was coming when they would be entirely destitute. -Rupert, as he passed through the business district, reflected sadly that -while thousands were at work there seemed to be no place and no work for -him. He was going down Chambers Street toward the Elevated station when -he saw in front of him a young man, perhaps thirty years of age, whose -unsteady movements seemed to indicate that he was under the influence of -liquor. He came near falling as Rupert neared him. - -"Can't I assist you?" asked Rupert, stepping to his side. - -The young man glanced at the boy who addressed him with a look of -inquiry. - -"Yes," he said. "Take my arm." - -Rupert did so. - -"Where do you wish to go?" he asked. - -"I live in Harlem--at One-hundred-and-Seventeenth Street," replied the -young man. "Have you a couple of hours to spare?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Then see me home. I will make it worth your while." - -"I shall be glad to do so," said Rupert, cheerfully. - -"I suppose you understand what is the matter with me?" - -"I should think you had been drinking too much." - -"You are right. I have. Shameful, isn't it?" - -"Well, it isn't altogether creditable," said Rupert, not wishing to hurt -the other's feelings. - -"I should say not. However, it isn't quite so bad as it seems. I haven't -been drinking hard, only I am so constituted that I can drink but little -without its affecting me." - -They had now reached the stairway leading up to the Elevated road. - -"Help me upstairs, boy. What is your name?" - -"Rupert." - -"Very well, Rupert." - -When they reached the landing the young man took his purse from his -pocket. - -"Pay out of that," he said. - -Rupert selected a dime and bought two tickets. Then they passed the box -where the tickets were to be deposited, and entered a train which had -just arrived. They took seats in one corner, and the young man sat down -with an air of relief. - -"I feel sleepy," he said. "If I should fall asleep, wake me up at -One-hundred-and-Sixteenth Street Station." - -"Yes, sir." - -Rupert was able now to examine his companion a little more closely. He -did not have a dissipated look, and Rupert judged that he was not in the -habit of allowing himself to be overcome by liquor. Indeed, he had -rather a refined look. It seemed to the boy a pity that he could not -resist the temptation to drink. - -As they were approaching One-hundred-and-Sixteenth Street Rupert aroused -his companion, who opened his eyes in a bewildered way. - -"Eh? What?" he asked. - -"This is where we are to get out, sir." - -"Oh, yes, I remember. Let me take your arm." - -With this help he got down stairs, and they turned to the left. - -"It is perhaps ten minutes' walk," said the young man. "You will see me -all the way home?" - -"Yes, sir. Do you feel any better?" - -"I can walk a little more steadily. You are sure I am not putting you -out?" - -"Oh, yes, sir. I have plenty of time on my hands, for I am out of work." - -"Indeed! And are you poor?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Don't you live with your father?" - -"My father is dead. I am helping to support my mother and sister." - -"Why, that is too bad!" said the young man, in a tone of sympathy. "I am -out of work, too, but then I am rich." - -"I am not troubled in that way," said Rupert, smiling. - -"I live with my mother. I am glad she is out of the city, so that she -won't see me in my present condition." - -"Don't you think of working, sir? I shouldn't think you would know how -to pass the time." - -"I only lately returned from Europe. I may go into business after -awhile. To be sure I don't need to earn anything, but if I have some -steady employment I shall be less likely to disgrace myself." - -"May I ask your name, sir?" - -"Certainly. My name is Frank Sylvester, I hope you are not a newspaper -reporter." - -"Oh, no, sir," said Rupert, smiling again. - -"I should not like to have this little adventure of mine get into the -papers. Do you see that house yonder?" - -"Yes." - -"It is the one where I live. If you have a little more time to spare -won't you come in and stay a short time?" - -"Yes, sir, if you desire it." - -They reached the house and Sylvester rang the bell. - -The door was opened by a maid servant about forty years of age. She -looked at Sylvester's companion curiously. - -"A young friend of mine, Rachel," said the young man. "Get ready a -little supper for us, will you? Some tea, cold meat and toast." - -"All right, Mr. Frank." - -They went into a pleasant sitting-room, where Rupert was invited to sit -down. - -"That was an old family servant," exclaimed Sylvester. "If you hadn't -been with me she would have taken me to task, for she saw I had been -drinking." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -IN A TIGHT PLACE. - - -Presently Rachel announced tea. Sylvester had bathed his face, and thus -removed some of the indications of his conviviality. - -The house was handsomely furnished. The room in which the tea table was -spread was particularly cozy and comfortable, and when he took his seat -at the table, Rupert could not help wishing that his mother could be -with him. - -"What are you thinking about, Rupert?" asked Frank Sylvester, who -noticed his expression. - -Rupert hesitated. - -"Come, tell me. I am your friend." - -"I couldn't help thinking of the very different supper my mother will -have." - -"To be sure. You are a good boy for thinking of her. Where do you live?" - -"At 117 Elizabeth Street." - -Frank Sylvester took out a note book and jotted down the address. - -Rachel Clark waited upon the table. Sylvester saw that her curiosity was -excited about Rupert, and he decided to gratify it. - -"I suppose you are wondering where I met my new friend, Rachel?" he -said. - -"Yes, sir." - -"He met me. I had been drinking too much, and I am afraid I should have -got into trouble if he had not taken charge of me." - -Rachel beamed upon Rupert. - -"He was very kind," she said, "but oh, Mr. Frank----" - -"I know just what you are going to say, Rachel," said Sylvester, -good-humoredly. "I am going to have Rupert come and see me often, and he -will help keep me straight. And by the way, Rachel, his mother is poor, -and I want you to put up some cold meat and other nice things in a -basket. I will send them to her." - -"I shall be very glad to do so, Mr. Frank." - -"You will stand high in Rachel's good graces, Rupert," said Sylvester, -as she left the room. "She thinks everything of me, and evidently -believes I am safe in your company. Suppose I make you my guardian?" - -"I am afraid you wouldn't look up to me with the proper respect, Mr. -Sylvester." - -"Then for respect we will substitute attachment. Now tell me a little -about yourself. How does it happen that you are out of a place?" - -"It's the dull times, Mr. Sylvester. I was in the employ of Tenney & -Rhodes." - -"I know the firm." - -"And they would have retained me if business had been good, but I was -laid off on Saturday." - -"What wages did they pay you?" - -"Five dollars a week." - -"And you lived on that?" - -"We tried to." - -"While I have had and wasted large sums of money. If I were in business -I would give you a place. As it is, I will see if any of my friends want -a clerk." - -When supper was over, Rupert said he must go. - -"Won't you stay the evening?" asked his new friend. "At least wait a -few minutes. Rachel is putting up a basket for you." - -The servant presently appeared with a basket neatly covered with a -napkin. - -"Perhaps I had better send it by an expressman, Rupert." - -"Oh, no, sir. I shall be glad to carry it myself. It will be very -acceptable at home." - -As Rupert lifted it, Sylvester took from his pocket the purse from which -Rupert had paid the car fare and handed it to him. - -"Accept it," he said, "in return for your friendly services." - -"You are paying me too liberally, Mr. Sylvester." - -"Let me judge of that." - -In the street Rupert did not wait to examine the purse. It was growing -late, and he was in haste to get home. He feared that his mother might -feel anxious about him, and he made his way as quickly as possible to -the nearest Elevated station. - -The train was only partly full, and Rupert found a seat near the door. -He placed the basket on the floor in front of him. - -Next to him sat a young woman rather showily dressed. Rupert casually -took out the purse which had just been given him with the intention of -examining the contents, but it occurred to him that he might find a more -suitable place than an Elevated car, and he put it back again. His -actions had, however, been noticed by the girl at his side. - -At Fiftieth Street she rose to leave the car, but had not quite reached -the door when she put her hand into her pocket and uttered a cry. - -"I have been robbed," she exclaimed. - -"Of what have you been robbed?" asked the guard. - -"Of a purse." - -"Where were you sitting?" - -"Just here." - -"Do you suspect anyone of taking your purse?" - -"Yes, this boy took it. I am almost sure of it." - -As she spoke she pointed to Rupert, who flushed with indignation. - -"It is false," he said. - -"If you don't believe me," said the girl, "search him. I am sure he has -the purse in his pocket." - -"What kind of a purse was it?" asked a quiet-looking man, sitting on the -opposite side. - -"It was a morocco purse," and the girl described the purse Rupert had in -his pocket. - -"Young man we will have to search you," said the guard. "If you have a -purse in your pocket, produce it." - -Rupert did so mechanically. - -"There!" said the girl, triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you? Give it to me -and I won't say anything more about it." - -"I can't do that," said Rupert, sturdily, "for it belongs to me." - -"What barefaced depravity!" groaned a severe-looking old lady opposite. -"And so young, too." - -"You're right, ma'am. It's shocking," said the girl. "I didn't think -he'd go to do it, but you can't tell from appearances." - -"Young man, you'd better give up the purse," said the guard, who was -quite deceived by the young woman's assurance. - -"No, sir!" said Rupert, pale but resolute. "The purse is mine, and I -will keep it." - -"Did you ever hear the like!" said the girl. "You'd better call an -officer. I did mean to get off here, but I'll stay till I get my purse." - -"Stop a minute," said the quiet-looking man opposite. "How much money -was there in the purse you say the boy took from you?" - -"I can't rightly say," repeated the girl, hesitating. - -"You can give some idea." - -"Well, there was a little over two dollars in silver change." - -"My boy," said the new actor in the scene, "will you trust me with the -purse while I ascertain whether this young woman is correct." - -"Yes, sir," answered Rupert, who felt confidence in the good will of his -new acquaintance. - -The lawyer, for he was one, opened the purse, and his eye lighted up, as -he looked inside. - -"Did you say there was as much as five dollars in the purse?" he asked. - -"No, sir, there wasn't as much as that," answered the girl, positively. - -The lawyer nodded as if a suspicion were verified. - -"Then the purse isn't yours," he said. - -"There may have been more," said the girl, finding she had made a -mistake. "Yes, I remember now there was, for my sister paid me back some -money she was owing me." - -"That won't do," said the lawyer, quietly. "The purse isn't yours." - -"If it isn't hers," said the old lady sharply, "how did she happen to -describe it so exactly?" and she looked round triumphantly. - -"I could have described it just as accurately," returned the lawyer. - -"You're smart!" said the severe-looking old lady, with a sneer. - -"Not at all. Soon after the boy got in the car he took out the purse, so -that anyone could see it. The person who charges him with taking it from -her saw it in his hands, and scrutinized it closely. I understand now -the object she had in doing so." - -"It's a shame," said the girl, with a last desperate effort at -imposition. "It's a shame that a poor girl should be robbed, and a -gentleman like you," she added spitefully, "should try to protect the -thief." - -"So I say," put in the old lady, frowning severely at Rupert. "I don't -know who you are, young woman, but I advise you to call an officer and -have the young scamp arrested." - -Rupert felt uneasy, for he knew that in an arrest like this he might not -be able to clear himself. - -"Why don't you ask the boy how much money there is in the purse?" -continued the old lady. - -"Well thought of. My boy, can you tell me what the purse contains?" - -Rupert colored. He saw at once that he was in a tight place. He wished -now that he had examined the purse when he left the house in Harlem. - -"No," he answered. "I do not know." - -"Didn't I tell you?" cried the old lady, venomously. - -Even the lawyer looked surprised. - -"How is it that you can't tell, if the purse is yours?" he asked. - -"Because, sir, it was given me this evening by a gentleman in Harlem, -and I have not yet had time to examine it." - -"Your story may be true," said the lawyer, "but it does not seem -probable." - -"Oho!" the old lady said, "the boy owns up that he is a thief. If he -didn't get it from this young woman he stole it from a man in Harlem." - -Rupert glanced from one to the other, and he realized that things looked -dark for him. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -A FALSE REPORT. - - -"What was the name of the gentleman in Harlem from whom you say you -obtained the purse?" asked the lawyer. - -"Mr. Frank Sylvester," answered Rupert, promptly. - -The lawyer looked interested. - -"I know Mr. Sylvester," he said. "I live on the same street." - -"He gave me this basket of provisions also," added Rupert. - -"Why did he give you the purse?" - -"Because I met him down town feeling ill, and at his request went home -with him." - -"The boy is all right," said the lawyer, looking satisfied. "Here is the -purse. It is undoubtedly yours." - -"And where do I come in?" asked the young woman. "Is that boy going off -with my money?" - -Just then they reached the next station, and among those who boarded -the train was a policeman. The girl evidently recognized him, for she -turned away to escape attention. - -Before the officer had a chance to speak to her the old lady broke in -with: - -"Policeman, there's a poor girl been robbed of her purse by that boy, -and that gentleman there is protecting him." - -The policeman laughed. - -"So, Kate, you have had your purse stolen, have you?" he asked. - -The girl looked embarrassed. - -"I may be mistaken," she admitted. - -"I am afraid you have been up to one of your tricks." - -"Do you know the girl?" asked the lawyer. - -"I have arrested her more than once for playing a confidence game. It is -only three weeks since I had her up before the Jefferson Market Police -Court." - -"Well, I declare!" exclaimed the old lady, astounded. - -The girl sprang from her seat when the next station was reached, and -hastily left the car. - -"My boy," said the lawyer, "I must ask your pardon for doubting you -even for a moment. This good lady, too, ought to apologize to you." - -The old lady sniffed contemptuously. - -"I never apologize to boys," she said. - -"Then, madam, take care you don't do them injustice," said the lawyer -gravely. - -"I am old enough to manage my own affairs," cried the old lady, with -asperity. - -"You are certainly old enough, but----" - -"Don't you speak to me again, sir." - -The lawyer smiled, and crossing the car sat down at Rupert's side. - -"My boy," he said, "you came near getting into a scrape because you did -not know how much the purse contained. Suppose you count the money now." - -Rupert took out the purse and followed this friendly advice. To his -gratification and surprise he found a ten-dollar gold piece and two -dollars and a half in silver. - -His face expressed the joy he felt. - -"That is a godsend," he said. "Do you think Mr. Sylvester knew about the -gold?" - -"I have no doubt of it. He is a very kind-hearted and generous man. You -may keep the money without hesitation." - -The time soon came when Rupert was to leave the Elevated train. He -hurried home with joyful heart, feeling that he was carrying good news. -When he entered the little room he found his mother again in an attitude -of despondency. - -"What is the matter, mother?" he asked. - -"I don't know what we shall do, Rupert," she said. "I went round to Mr. -Jacob Grubb's clothing store this afternoon for more work, and he said -business was so dull he would not have any more work for a month." - -"Then you can take a vacation, mother," said Rupert, lightly. - -"But how shall we live in that case, Rupert? You are out of work." - -"Mother, don't worry. I have made more to-day than in any week when I -had regular work. First, here is a basketful of provisions," and he -removed the cover from the basket, displaying the contents. "Have you -had supper yet?" - -"No." - -"Then suppose you make some tea, and we will have a nice supper." - -"You didn't buy those provisions, Rupert?" - -"No, they were given me by a new friend. But that isn't all. What do you -say to this?" and he emptied the purse on the table. - -"Truly you have been fortunate," said Mrs. Rollins, with new -cheerfulness. "It has come in good time, too, for our rent will fall due -on Saturday." - -"Then, mother, you had better take this money, and take care of it till -it is wanted." - -Just as Mrs. Rollins was placing the purse in a bureau drawer Mrs. -Marlow, who lived on the floor below, opened the door and entered the -room without knocking. - -"Excuse my comin' in without knockin'," she said. "I didn't think." - -Mrs. Marlow was in the habit of moving about in a noiseless, stealthy -way, and was not a favorite with Rupert or his mother. They felt that -there was something suspicious and underhanded about her. - -"What can I do for you, Mrs. Marlow?" asked Mrs. Rollins, civilly. - -"I'm all out of matches. Can you give me a few?" - -"Certainly." - -Mrs. Marlow took the matches, but did not go. She sank into a chair and -grew social. - -"And how is the times affectin' you, Mrs. Rollins?" she asked. - -"Rupert is out of employment. All he has to depend upon are odd jobs." - -Mrs. Marlow darted a curious glance at the bureau drawer in which her -neighbor had deposited the purse. - -"It don't make so much difference as long as a body has got money to -fall back upon," she said. - -"That is not my condition." - -"I'm sorry for it. I surmised you might have money ahead. You're better -off than I am, for I have no boy to work for me." - -"If I am better off than anybody," said Mrs. Rollins, with a faint -smile, "I suppose I ought not to complain." - -"My! What a nice lot of provisions!" exclaimed Mrs. Marlow, espying for -the first time the open basket. "Sure, you buy things by the quantity." - -"That was a present to Rupert from a rich gentleman whose acquaintance -he made." - -"It's a nice thing to have rich friends. Rupert, would you mind tellin' -the gentleman that you know a poor widder that would be thankful for his -kind assistance?" - -"I don't feel well enough acquainted with Mr. Sylvester for that," said -Rupert, annoyed. - -"Sure his name is Sylvester, is it? And where does he live?" - -"In Harlem." - -"And what's the street and number?" - -"I should prefer not to tell you." - -"Ah, it's selfish you are. You want to keep him to yourself." - -"I don't expect to see him again." - -"Then why do you mind tellin' me where he lives?" - -"I don't want to annoy him." - -Mrs. Marlow turned her attention to his mother. - -"Would you mind givin' me a small bit of meat for my supper, you've got -so much?" she said. - -Her request was complied with, and she at length left the room. - -"What a disagreeable woman!" exclaimed Rupert. "She was prying about all -the time she was here." - -"Yes. I don't enjoy her company much, but I can't order her out of the -room." - -They had a nice supper, which Mrs. Rollins and Grace enjoyed. Rupert sat -down at the table, but confined himself to a cup of tea, having already -supped at Mr. Sylvester's. - -The next day he resumed his hunt for a place, knowing well that his good -luck of the day previous would not take the place of regular employment. -But in dull times searching for a place is discouraging work. - -He was indeed offered a position in a drug store up town at three -dollars a week, but there were two objections to accepting it. The small -pay would not more than half defray the expenses of their little -household, and, besides, the hours would be very long. - -Resolving to leave no means untried, Rupert decided to remain out till -five o'clock. Perhaps something might turn up for him at the last -moment. He was walking in front of the Metropolitan Hotel when a boy -hailed him in evident surprise. - -"Are you all right?" he asked. - -"Why shouldn't I be all right, George?" asked Rupert, in great surprise. - -"I thought you had broken your leg." - -"Who told you such nonsense?" - -"There was a slip of paper brought to your mother early this afternoon, -saying that you had been run over by a horse car, and had been carried -into a drug store near Thirtieth Street." - -Rupert was amazed. - -"Who brought the paper?" - -"A messenger boy." - -"And I suppose my mother was very much frightened?" - -"She went out directly, and took the car up to Thirtieth Street." - -"What can it mean?" - -"I don't know," said George Parker, shaking his head. "I am glad it -isn't true." - -"If anybody played this trick on purpose, I'd like to give him a good -shaking." - -"You'd better go home and let your mother know you are all right." - -"I will." - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -MRS. MARLOW'S SCHEME. - - -Mrs. Marlow was of a covetous disposition, and not overburdened with -principle. When she saw Mrs. Rollins drop a purse into her bureau -drawer, she immediately began to consider how she could manage to -appropriate it. It was necessary to get into the room when the widow was -out, but unfortunately for her plans, Mrs. Rollins seldom left her -daughter. - -"Why can't she go out and get a bit of amusement like other folks?" she -muttered. - -Presently Mrs. Marlow had a bright idea. If the widow could suspect that -some accident had happened to Rupert her absence could be secured. - -She made her way to a district messenger office, and wrote a message -announcing that Rupert had been run over and had his leg broken. - -Then she went home and waited for the success of her stratagem. - -Opening her door, she soon saw the young messenger ascend the stairs. - -"Where does Mrs. Rollins live?" he asked. - -"On the next floor," she answered, smiling with satisfaction. - -Soon--almost immediately--Mrs. Rollins came down stairs in a terrible -state of anxiety. She scarcely noticed Mrs. Marlow, who was watching her -through the open door of her room, but hurried on her sad errand. - -"Now's my chance!" thought Mrs. Marlow. "I hope the brat's asleep." - -She crept softly up stairs and stealthily opened the door of her -neighbor's room without knocking. Once in the room, she looked -cautiously toward the bed. Grace had her face turned toward the wall and -was in a light slumber. - -"Heaven be praised!" thought Mrs. Marlow. - -She walked on tiptoe to the bureau and opened the upper drawer. There -was the purse! Mrs. Rollins had gone out in such a hurry that she had -not thought to take it. - -Mrs. Marlow took it hurriedly and dropped it into her capacious pocket. - -Before she could leave the room Grace woke, and turning her head saw -her. - -"What's the matter, Mrs. Marlow? Why are you here?" she asked, in a -startled voice. - -"Drat the child!" muttered Mrs. Marlow, under her breath. Then aloud, "I -thought you was asleep, my dear, and I didn't want to disturb you." - -"But why are you here? Where is my mother?" - -"She went out in a hurry like as if she had heard bad news. I saw her go -out, and thought you might want something. So I came up, but I didn't -want to disturb you." - -Grace was surprised. It was not like Mrs. Marlow to be so thoughtful and -considerate. - -"No," she said, "I don't want anything--except my mother." - -"She won't be gone long, my dear." - -"Did she say anything to you when she went out?" - -"No; but I saw a telegraph boy come upstairs with a message like, and -she went out directly afterwards." - -"I wish I knew what she went out for." - -"You'll know soon. I must hurry back now, for my kettle will be bilin'." - -Once in her own room Mrs. Marlow opened the purse, after she had locked -the door. Her delight at discovering the gold piece was great. - -"And it's a gold piece you've got, Mrs. Rollins!" she exclaimed. "Sure -you're in luck, Maggie Marlow, for once in your life. It's ten dollars, -as sure as you live. And I might be passin' it off for a quarter. I'll -have to get it changed quick." - -Mrs. Rollins had taken a dollar in silver, but there was a dollar and a -half left besides the gold piece. - -After she got into her own room it occurred to her that she might have -hunted up the basket of provisions and helped herself from what was -left. - -"But it don't matter," she reflected. "With all this money I can buy -what I like." - -She put on her bonnet and shawl, and going down stairs went to the -nearest grocery store. - -"What can I do for you, Mrs. Marlow?" asked the grocer. - -"You may give me a pound of tea, a pound of butter, a pound of sugar and -a loaf of bread," answered Mrs. Marlow, volubly. - -"Are you sure you've got money enough to pay for them?" asked the -grocer, doubtfully. - -"Yes, and more, too." - -Upon this assurance the articles were put up, and Mrs. Marlow passed -over the gold eagle. - -"A ten-dollar gold piece!" exclaimed the grocer, in surprise. "And where -did you get so much money? Have you come into a fortune?" - -"Sure it was given me by a cousin of my husband--he's a rich man, and -lives uptown. It isn't often he thinks of me, but he opened his heart -this time." - -This explanation seemed plausible, and the grocer gave Mrs. Marlow her -change--about nine dollars. - -"I'm glad you are so lucky," he remarked. "I shall be glad to have you -come again--as long as the money lasts," he added, with a laugh. - -"Sure I made a good excuse. He'll never mistrust," said Mrs. Marlow to -herself, as she went back to her room. "Now, Mrs. Rollins, you may come -back as soon as you like." - -Mrs. Rollins was away three hours. She visited the locality mentioned in -the note she had received, but could hear nothing of a boy being run -over by the cars and having his leg broken. She went into a drug store, -but neither the druggist nor his clerks had heard of any such accident. - -"Where can they have taken my boy?" she moaned. "If I could only find -him, and have him brought home!" - -There seemed to be absolutely no clew. After a while she bethought her -of the sick girl she had left behind. - -"If Grace wakes up she won't know what has become of me, and will feel -frightened. I ought to have told her, or left word with Mrs. Marlow." - -Weary and disheartened, she went home and toiled up the stairs to her -own room. - -"Where have you been, mother?" asked Grace, anxiously, "and what did you -go out for?" - -Mrs. Rollins sank into a chair, and could not answer at first for very -weariness. - -"What message did the telegraph boy bring you, mother?" - -"What do you know about the telegraph boy, Grace? Were you awake when I -went out?" - -"No, mother. Mrs. Marlow told me." - -"She told you about a telegraph boy calling on me?" - -"Yes. I waked up and saw her in the room. She said you had gone out, and -she thought the telegraph boy had brought you bad news." - -"So he did, Grace," said the widow, and she burst into tears. - -"What is it, mother? Anything about Rupert?" - -"Yes. Your poor brother has been run over by the cars and got his leg -broken." - -"Did you see him? Where is he?" asked Grace, anxiously. - -"No. I couldn't find him. I went to where the note mentioned, but could -not hear anything about him." - -"Perhaps he was taken to some hospital." - -"Yes, I didn't think of that. I am sure he will send me a message as -soon as he gets a chance. I wish I knew where he is." - -Mrs. Marlow was aware that the widow had returned, but hesitated about -going upstairs. She was afraid some questions might be asked that would -involve her in trouble. Besides, Mrs. Rollins might discover the loss of -the purse, and the evidence of Grace might expose her to suspicion. - -"Drat the child? I wish she hadn't waked up. Then I could deny that I -had been in the room at all." - -But Mrs. Rollins did not have occasion to go to the bureau. She was -absorbed in thoughts of Rupert. She did not know what course to take to -get further knowledge of him. It seemed hard, but she could think of -nothing except to wait for some message from him. - -All at once she heard a familiar step on the stairs. - -"It sounds like Rupert," said Grace, half-rising from the bed in her -eagerness. - -Mrs. Rollins rose and hurried to the door. She reached it just as Rupert -opened it and dashed into the room. - -"Oh, Rupert!" exclaimed the mother, joyfully. "Then your leg isn't -broken?" - -"I should say not. I should like to settle with the one that told you -so. Tell me all about it, mother." - -"So it was a telegraph boy who brought the message?" he said, -thoughtfully, after the explanation. - -"Yes." - -"Let me see the message." - -Rupert examined it, but the handwriting was not one that he was familiar -with. - -"Give it to me, mother. I'll find out the office it came from, and -perhaps in that way I can get some light on the mystery." - -"I don't see what object anyone could have in playing such a cruel trick -on me," said the widow. "Thank heaven, it isn't true." - -Rupert took the note and went to the nearest messenger office. - -"Was any messenger boy sent from here this afternoon to Elizabeth -Street?" - -The superintendent looked over the books. - -"Yes," he answered. - -"Can you tell who left the message?" - -"It was a stout woman, of medium height." - -"What did she wear?" - -"She had on a faded shawl. I don't remember what kind of a hat she -wore." - -But a light had already dawned on Rupert. - -"It was Mrs. Marlow!" he said to himself. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -RUPERT AS A DETECTIVE. - - -The next question that suggested itself to Rupert was, "What object -could Mrs. Marlow have in sending off his mother on a wild goose chase?" -The answer occurred immediately. "The purse." - -He hurried home, and fairly ran up stairs. - -"Mother," he cried, entering out of breath, "where did you put the purse -I gave you?" - -"In the bureau drawer." - -"Will you look and see if it is there now?" - -Wondering at his earnestness, Mrs. Rollins opened the bureau drawer. - -"It is gone!" she said, with a startled look. - -"I think I know where it has gone," said Rupert, his suspicions now -become certainties. - -"Where?" - -"Mrs. Marlow can probably tell you." - -"Do you mean that she has taken it, Rupert?" said his mother. - -"I have found out that Mrs. Marlow sent the messenger giving you the -false report of my accident. You can guess her motive." - -"It hardly seems credible." - -"I think there can be no doubt of it." - -"What shall we do?" - -"I will try to get some further evidence. You remember that Grace woke -up and saw her in the room." - -"You did not see her go near the bureau, Grace?" asked Mrs. Rollins. - -"No, she was just leaving the room when I woke up." - -"Wait here a minute, mother." - -Rupert darted down stairs and made his way to the grocery store which he -judged Mrs. Marlow would be likely to visit. - -"What can I do for you, Rupert?" asked the grocer, pleasantly. - -"Has Mrs. Marlow been here to-day?" - -"Yes," laughed the grocer. "The old lady seems to be in funds. What do -you think, Rupert? She changed a ten-dollar gold piece here." - -"I thought so," said Rupert. "That gold piece was stolen from my -mother." - -"You don't tell me so!" ejaculated the grocer, opening wide his eyes in -astonishment. - -"It's a fact. How did she account for having so much money?" - -"She said it was given her by a cousin of her late husband--a very rich -man." - -"That was a fiction of Mrs. Marlow's." - -"It's too bad, Rupert. What do you want me to do? I can't give you the -gold piece, for I gave Mrs. Marlow the change, about nine dollars. I -can't afford to lose so much." - -"You can help me to get back that money. When I call upon you, you can -testify that she paid it to you." - -"So I will, Rupert. I didn't think the woman was such a mean thief." - -Five minutes later Rupert knocked at Mrs. Marlow's door. - -The widow opened it herself, and when she saw her visitor she suspected -his errand, but she was resolved to deny all knowledge of the money. - -"How do you do, Rupert?" she said. "I thought you had met with an -accident?" - -"Did you? How came you to think so?" asked Rupert, looking her full in -the face. - -"The boy told me--the telegraph boy." - -"Did he? That is strange. The note he brought my mother was sealed." - -"Then he must have opened it. You can't trust them boys." - -"How are you getting along, Mrs. Marlow? I see you have been buying some -groceries," for the packages were on the table. - -"Yes. I got a few things that I needed," said the widow, uneasily. "Then -you didn't have your leg broken, after all?" - -"If I did, it's well again. By the way, Mrs. Marlow, when my mother was -out a purse was taken from the room." - -"You don't tell me!" said Mrs. Marlow, flushing. "Them thieves is so -bold. I must look and see if I haven't had something taken." - -"I believe you came into the room while mother was gone." - -"So I did," answered Mrs. Marlow, with engaging frankness. "I went in to -see if your dear sister wanted anything done." - -"You found her asleep?" - -"She waked up just as I entered the room. She was only having a cat nap. -I told her why your mother had gone out, she seemed so alarmed like." - -"And then you went to the table drawer and took out the purse." - -"It was in the bureau drawer----" - -Here Mrs. Marlow stopped short, feeling that she had betrayed herself. - -"You are right. You have good reason to know. You went to the bureau -drawer and took out the purse." - -"It's a lie, whoever says it," exclaimed the widow. "You're in good -business, Rupert Rollins, to be comin' round accusin' a poor woman of -stealin'--me that's as honest as the babe unborn." - -"It may be so, Mrs. Marlow, but where did you get the gold piece you -paid to Mr. Graves?" - -"Sure, where did he hear that?" thought the widow, quite taken aback. - -"Where did you get it?" demanded Rupert, sternly. - -"Sure I got it from a cousin of my late husband, who sent it to me -yesterday." - -"Where does he live?" - -"On Lexington Avenue." - -"What is his name?" - -"John Sheehan," answered Mrs. Marlow, after a pause. - -"At what number does he live?" - -"I don't just remember," answered the widow, warily. - -"You can tell between what streets he lives." - -"I think it's somewhere between Thirtieth and Fortieth Streets, but my -memory isn't good." - -"There is no need of making up any more stories, Mrs. Marlow. The purse -contained eleven dollars and a half, including the gold piece. You spent -a dollar at the grocery store. I want the balance." - -"Sure you're very cruel to a poor widow, Rupert Rollins," said Mrs. -Marlow, bursting into tears, which she could command when occasion -required. "I never was called a thafe before." - -As she spoke she drew out her handkerchief, but, unfortunately, there -was something entangled with it, and the purse was twitched out and fell -on the floor. - -Rupert sprang forward and secured it, though Mrs. Marlow tried to put -her foot on it. - -"This is the purse that was taken from mother," said Rupert. "How came -it in your pocket?" - -"I don't know," faltered the widow. "I can't account for it." - -"I can. Hereafter, Mrs. Marlow, if you ever enter our room again I will -send for a policeman." - -"It's my own purse!" asserted Mrs. Marlow, deciding to brazen it out. - -For answer Rupert opened it, and showed written inside the name "Frank -Sylvester." - -"Do you see that, Mrs. Marlow? That is the name of the gentleman who -gave me the purse." - -"Why didn't I say that was my cousin's name?" thought Mrs. Marlow, but -it was too late. - -Rupert counted the contents of the purse, and found them intact, except -the dollar which Mrs. Marlow had spent. - -"I won't say anything about the money you spent," he said, "though I -might claim the groceries. Good afternoon, and try to lead a better -life." - -Mrs. Marlow sank into a rocking-chair, and began to cry dismally. Her -plans had miscarried for a certainty, and she felt angry with herself. - -"Why didn't I put the purse in my trunk?" she asked herself. "Then he -wouldn't have found out. Sure I cheated myself." - -Rupert went upstairs with a light heart. - -"Well, did you hear anything of the purse?" asked his mother. - -For answer he held it up. - -"Where did you get it?" - -"It came from Mrs. Marlow's pocket." - -"What a wicked woman!" exclaimed Grace. "She must have taken it when I -was asleep." - -"Did she give it up willingly? I thought she would have denied it." - -"So she did, mother, but your son is a detective. I'll tell you how I -managed it," and he told the story. - -"There's only a dollar gone," he said in conclusion. "Don't leave it in -the bureau drawer again, though I don't think Mrs. Marlow will trouble -you with another call." - -A day or two later the rent came due, and eight dollars had to be taken -from the scanty fund, which left the family again very near destitution. - -Rupert did not relax his efforts to secure a place, but when business is -dull the difficulty of securing a position is much increased. He became -anxious, and the prospect seemed very dark. - -"I must do something," he said to himself, "if it's only selling papers. -That will be better than blacking boots, though that is an honest -business." - -To make matters worse, his mother was unable to procure vests to make -from any of the readymade clothing establishments. - -"We've got all the hands we need," was the invariable answer to her -applications. - -They tried to economize more closely, but there was small chance for -that. They had not eaten meat for three days, and remained contented -with bread and tea, leaving out sugar, for they felt that this was a -superfluity in their circumstances. It was emphatically a dull time, and -there seemed no chance to earn anything. - -"Rupert," said his mother, drawing a ring from her finger, "take this -ring and pawn it. There seems no other way." - -"Isn't it your wedding ring, mother?" - -"Yes, Rupert, but I cannot afford to keep it while we are so poor." - -Rupert took the ring, and bent his steps towards Simpson's, for he felt -that there he would be likely to meet fair treatment. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A LUCKY MEETING. - - -It saddened Rupert to think his mother's wedding ring must be -sacrificed, but when they were actually in need of food sentiment must -not be considered. After that, when they had no longer anything to pawn -except articles of clothing, Rupert shuddered to think what might lay -before them. - -He entered Simpson's with a slow step. A woman was ahead of him and he -waited for his turn. - -"Well," said an attendant, courteously, "what can I do for you?" - -"What will you give me on this ring?" - -"What do you want on it?" - -"Two dollars," answered Rupert. - -"No doubt it is worth that, but we have so many rings in stock that we -are not anxious to receive more. We will give you a dollar and a -quarter." - -Rupert hesitated, when to his surprise some one tapped him on the -shoulder. - -"What brings you here, Rupert?" were the words that reached his ear. - -He turned round in surprise. - -"Mr. Sylvester!" he exclaimed. - -"I see you have not forgotten me. What brings you here?" - -"Sad necessity, Mr. Sylvester. But--I didn't expect to find you here. -Surely you----" - -"No, I have not come here to pawn anything," said the young man, -smiling. "On the contrary, I want to redeem a watch for an old -schoolmate who was obliged to pawn it. He has a wife and child and was -thrown out of employment four weeks since. Fortunately I ran across him, -and have got him a place." - -"I will wait till you have attended to your business." - -Soon a gold watch was placed in Mr. Sylvester's hands, and he paid the -pawnbroker twenty dollars and sixty cents. It had been pledged not quite -a month for twenty dollars. The sixty cents represented the three per -cent. a month interest allowed by the laws regulating pawn shops. - -"Now, young man," said the attendant, "do you want the dollar and a -quarter I offered you on your ring?" - -"Yes," answered Rupert. - -"No," interposed Frank Sylvester, quietly. "What ring is this, Rupert?" - -"My mother's wedding ring." - -"And you are actually reduced to pawning it?" - -"Yes, Mr. Sylvester, I can't get anything to do, and we are out of -money." - -"You have a mother and sister, I think you told me?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"I think we can do better than pawn the ring. Where do you live?" - -"In Elizabeth Street." - -"Does your mother prefer the city to the country?" - -"No, sir; but she has no choice." - -"Suppose I obtain for her a position as housekeeper in the family of an -elderly gentleman in Rutherford, about ten miles out on the Erie -Railroad, would she accept?" - -"She would be glad to do so but for Grace. She could not be separated -from her." - -"There would be no occasion. My uncle lives alone in a large house, and -a child would make the house pleasanter." - -"Some gentlemen don't like children." - -"That is not the case with Uncle Ben. But let us go out. You have no -further business here. We will go into the Astor House reading room and -have a chat." - -Rupert followed his friend to the Astor House and they ascended to the -reading room on the second floor. Taking adjoining armchairs, Mr. -Sylvester drew from his pocket the following letter which he showed to -Rupert. It ran thus: - - - "My housekeeper is about to leave me, to join her married daughter - in Wisconsin. I must supply her place, but I know of no one in - Rutherford who would suit me. Can't you find me some one--a - pleasant, ladylike person, who would make my house homelike and - attractive? I think you know my tastes. Please give this matter - your early attention. - - BENJAMIN STRATHMORE." - - -"Now," continued Mr. Sylvester, "I was quite at a loss whom to -recommend, but I think your mother would suit Uncle Ben." - -"Suppose you call and make her acquaintance, Mr. Sylvester. Then you can -tell better. That is, if you don't object to visiting our poor home." - -"My dear Rupert, I shall be delighted to meet your mother. One thing I -am sure of in advance, she is a lady." - -"She is, Mr. Sylvester," said Rupert, warmly. - -Mrs. Rollins was a good deal surprised when Rupert entered the room, -followed by a handsomely-dressed young man, and she rose from her seat -in some trepidation. - -"Mother," said Rupert, "this is Mr. Sylvester, who was kind enough to -give us the money and provisions I brought home the other day." - -"I am glad to meet so kind a friend," said the widow, with simple -dignity. "Ask him to take a seat." - -"I came to make you a business proposal," began Mr. Sylvester, who was -already favorably impressed with Rupert's mother. "Your son thinks you -might be willing to accept the position of housekeeper in my uncle's -family, in Rutherford." - -Mrs. Rollins instinctively looked towards Grace. - -"I see what you are thinking of," interposed her caller. "There will be -no difficulty about taking your daughter with you." - -"Then I shall be glad to accept. And Rupert----" - -"Rupert, I am sure, will prefer to remain in the city. I will find him a -place. Till then he can stay with me." - -Rupert brightened up at this suggestion. He had no desire to go to the -country, but would like nothing more than a place in some city -establishment. - -"How soon could you arrange to go, Mrs. Rollins?" - -"Next Monday." - -"That will answer. I will apprise my uncle. Now as to the compensation." - -"If I have Grace with me I shall hardly feel justified in asking -compensation." - -"My uncle would not think of making any account of the little girl's -board. I think he paid your predecessor twenty-five dollars a month. -Will that be satisfactory?" - -"It is very liberal, sir." - -"You will allow me to offer you a month's salary in advance. I can -settle it with Uncle Ben." - -This relieved Mrs. Rollins from a great embarrassment, as she needed to -replenish her wardrobe to some extent. - -"I will go out with you on Monday, and take Rupert with me, as he will -wish to see how his mother and sister are situated." - -"How kind you are, Mr. Sylvester!" said Rupert, gratefully. - -"Don't give me too much credit, Rupert. You have helped me out of an -embarrassment. I expected to have a long hunt for a housekeeper. Thanks -to your mother I have escaped all that." - -"You don't know how much it means to us, Mr. Sylvester." - -"Well, perhaps, I have some idea. It seems a good arrangement for all of -us. Well, good morning. Oh, by the way, you meet me at the Astor House -to-morrow morning at eleven o'clock." - -"Yes, sir, with pleasure." - -Mrs. Marlow was a very observing woman. She always kept her door ajar, -and saw every one who went upstairs. Her curiosity was considerably -excited when she saw Rupert's companion. - -"My stars!" she said to herself. "What a fine-looking young man! He -looks like a real gentleman--I wonder does he know them Rollinses." - -Mrs. Marlow would liked to have listened at the door and heard the -conversation between her neighbors and the distinguished-looking -visitor. But this was not practicable. However, as Mr. Sylvester came -down stairs she ventured out and intercepted him. - -"Sure, you've been callin' on my friend, Mrs. Rollins," she said. - -"Is she a friend of yours?" asked Sylvester, looking at her curiously. - -"Indeed she is, and she's a fine lady. But she's been very unfortunate. -I would like to have helped her, but I am poor myself, and----" - -"Won't you accept this?" said Sylvester, offering her a dollar as the -easiest way of getting rid of her. - -"Thank you, sir," said Mrs. Marlow, with a profound courtesy. "It's easy -to see you're a kindhearted man." - -"What a curious woman! I should hardly think Mrs. Rollins would have -made choice of her as a friend!" soliloquized the young man as he pushed -on to the street. - -"I wonder what his name is and where he lives," speculated Mrs. Marlow. -"He must be the young man that gave the Rollinses the purse and the -basket of provisions. If I knew where he lived I'd go and see him -often." - -There is very little doubt that Mrs. Marlow would have kept her word, -but unfortunately she had no clew to the residence of her new -acquaintance. - -When Rupert came downstairs, she put herself in his way. - -"You had a call from a nice gentleman this morning," she said, -insinuatingly. - -Rupert felt too happy to slight even Mrs. Marlow, and he answered, -courteously, - -"Yes." - -"I hope he brought a present for your mother." - -"No, Mrs. Marlow, but he brought something better." - -"And what can that be?" asked the widow, with intense curiosity. - -"He engaged mother to take a place as housekeeper for a gentleman in the -country." - -"You don't say! And what'll be done with your sister? I'll board her -cheap, and be like a mother to her." - -Rupert could not help smiling at the idea of leaving his sister in such -hands. He explained that Grace would go with her mother. - -"Sure your mother's a lucky woman! I'd like to be a housekeeper myself. -Wouldn't you speak to the gentleman for me?" - -"I'll mention it if you like." - -Rupert could promise this safely, for he would take care that Mr. -Sylvester understood the character of their unscrupulous neighbor. - -"If you'll do it, Rupert, dear, I'll pay you back the dollar I borrowed -the other day, when I get my first week's wages." - -"Some folks is lucky!" soliloquized Mrs. Marlow. "The young man ought to -have taken me. I'm much stronger than Mrs. Rollins, and I would have -made a better housekeeper, but maybe my turn will come next." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -JULIAN LORIMER. - - -On Monday Rupert saw his mother and sister established at Rutherford. -Their new home was a large old-fashioned mansion, exceedingly -comfortable. One of the best chambers was assigned to Mrs. Rollins, with -a small room opening out of it for Grace. - -Benjamin Strathmore was a stout old gentleman of seventy, tall, and -patriarchal-looking with his abundant white hair. - -"How do you like my selection of housekeeper, Uncle Ben?" asked -Sylvester, when he had a chance to be alone with the old gentleman. - -"She will just suit me," said Mr. Strathmore, emphatically. "She is -evidently a lady, and she will be an agreeable companion if I am not -mistaken. Mrs. Martin was a good housekeeper, but she had no idea -outside of her duties. I could not chat with her unless I talked about -cooking. My evenings were solitary. She spent the time in the kitchen or -in her own room. Now the house will be really social." - -"I am delighted to have suited you, Uncle Ben." - -"Where in the world did you come across Mrs. Rollins? Have you known her -long?" - -"I became acquainted through her son Rupert, to whom I introduced you." - -"He seems a fine, manly boy. He can stay here, too. I will find -something for him to do." - -"Thank you, Uncle Ben, but I shall find him a place in New York. He -prefers the city, and it will afford him more opportunities of -advancement. Rupert is ambitious, and I predict that he will rise in -time to an excellent position." - -"Just as you think best, Frank; but remember that if ever there is need, -or he becomes sick, there is room for him here." - -To anticipate a little. Mr. Strathmore was not disappointed in Mrs. -Rollins. It came to be her custom to spend the evenings with her -employer. Sometimes she read aloud to him. At others, while she was -engaged in needlework, and Grace, now restored to health, was occupied -with her books, the old gentleman sat back in his easy chair, and with -calm content watched his companions. He no longer felt his former burden -of solitude. - -"I have never been happier," he wrote later on to his nephew. "I -regretted the loss of Mrs. Martin, but now I feel that it was for my -happiness, since it has opened the way for such an acceptable -substitute." - -Rupert went at first to the house of Mr. Sylvester, where their -acquaintance soon ripened into friendship. - -They were walking down Broadway one day, when Frank Sylvester noticed a -sudden start on the part of his young companion. - -"What is the matter, Rupert?" he asked. - -"Do you see that stout man on the opposite side of the street, Mr. -Sylvester?" said Rupert. - -"Yes. What of him?" - -"He was the cause of my poor father's failure and death." - -"How was that?" - -"My father was a merchant in Buffalo, and that man was his partner. -During a three months' absence in California, where he went partly for -his health, the business was managed by Mr. Lorimer in such a way that -the firm became deeply involved and was brought to the brink of failure. - -"My father was greatly astonished at the sudden change, for when he left -all was prosperous. He could not account for the disappearance of assets -and the accumulation of claims against the firm except on the theory -that large sums had been appropriated by his partner. He could prove -nothing, however, and the firm was dissolved. When the business was -closed there was barely enough money left to pay the creditors. My -father found himself with nothing, and soon died of grief and -mortification." - -"What became of Lorimer?" - -"I have not seen him till to-day. I heard that he had come to New York -and established himself on Third Avenue somewhere, in the same business. -If so, he must have had capital, and this must have been the sum of -which he defrauded my father." - -"The story is a sad one, Rupert. You and your mother must have suffered -from the change in circumstances." - -"We did. We did not care to stay in Buffalo, where we had been -accustomed to live in good style, so we came to New York, where we could -live according to our change in circumstances among those who had never -known us. I thought I might get employment that would enable me to -support my mother and sister in tolerable comfort. I did get a place -with Tenney & Rhodes, but I only earned five dollars a week. Just before -meeting you I lost that, and had you not come to our assistance I don't -know what would have become of us." - -"I feel repaid for whatever I have done for you," said Frank Sylvester, -kindly. "Has this Mr. Lorimer a family?" - -"He has a wife and one son." - -"Were your families intimate?" - -"Yes. We occupied adjoining houses. Julian Lorimer was about my age, and -attended the same school. I never liked him, however. He had a very -high opinion of himself, and put on airs which made him generally -unpopular." - -"Did he put on airs with you?" - -"Not till after the failure. My father moved out of his house, but Mr. -Lorimer remained in his, and appeared to live in about the same style as -before, while we moved into a few rooms in an unfashionable part of the -city. After this Julian took very little notice of me." - -"You haven't met him since you came to New York?" - -"No; I rather wonder I haven't, but I suppose I shall some day." - -The time came sooner than he anticipated. - -Rupert was crossing Eighth Avenue near Forty-second Street one day, when -he came near being run into by a bicycle. The rider gave a note of -warning, and then stopped short in surprise. - -"Rupert Rollins!" he said, in a half tone of inquiry. - -"Is it you, Julian?" asked Rupert, recognizing his former schoolmate. - -"Yes. Are you living in New York?" - -"Yes." - -"Whereabouts?" - -"At present I am staying in Harlem." - -"I heard you and your mother were living in a tenement house down town." - -"My mother is not living in the city," returned Rupert, coldly. - -He did not care to give Julian any more information than was absolutely -necessary. - -"Where is she, then?" - -"In Rutherford, New Jersey." - -"Why don't you live there, too?" - -"Because I expect to be employed in New York." - -"Then you are out of work now?" - -"Yes." - -"Why don't you live in the Newsboys' Lodge? That is cheap." - -"Have you ever lived there?" - -"Do you mean to insult me? I live in a nice house on One Hundred and -Sixteenth Street." - -"So do I." - -"You are bluffing." - -"Why should I? What good would it do me?" - -Further inquiry developed the fact that they lived in neighboring -blocks. - -"I don't see how you can afford to live on such a street." - -"I am at present visiting a friend--Mr. Sylvester." - -"Is he rich?" - -"Yes. I believe so." - -"I suppose you know that my father has a nice new store on Third Avenue, -near Forty-second Street?" - -"I heard something of the kind," said Rupert, briefly. - -"He's doing a staving business--a good deal larger than he did in -Buffalo." - -Rupert made no comment. - -"You said you were out of employment, didn't you?" - -"Yes." - -"You might call round at the store. Perhaps pa can find a place for you -as a cash boy, though you would be rather large for that." - -"How much does he pay his cash boys?" - -"Two and a half a week." - -"I hardly think I could live on that," said Rupert, smiling. - -"It is better than being out of work." - -"That is true, but I shouldn't like to be getting more and more -behindhand every week. Are you attending school?" - -"Yes, but I think of going into business soon." - -"Perhaps," suggested Rupert, "you will take one of the cash boys' -places." - -"You must be crazy. When I go into business it won't be into a retail -store. I will get a place in some wholesale establishment. There's a -better chance to rise there." - -"I didn't know but you would go to college." - -"I am not very fond of study. Pa would send me to Columbia College or to -Harvard, if I wanted to go, but I prefer a life of business. I want to -become a merchant prince." - -"It would certainly be agreeable. I shall be satisfied if I can be -successful enough to support my mother and sister in comfort. That is my -ambition." - -"Oh, I dare say. You are a poor boy, you know." - -"Look here, Julian, there's one thing I don't understand. Your father -and mine were partners, and I supposed in the same circumstances. Both -failed together. Yet your father now has a large store of his own, and -we are poor. Can you tell me why?" - -"I'm not good at conundrums. I'll have to be going. If you want a place -as cash boy I'll ask pa to fit you out. Ta ta!" And Julian dashed off on -his wheel. - -"I hope some time to be a successful and honorable man of business," -thought Rupert, as he followed his former schoolfellow with his glance. -"My ambition would not be satisfied with anything short of this." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -RUPERT BECOMES A BELL-BOY. - - -Rupert found a pleasant home at the house of Mr. Sylvester, but he was -anxious as soon as possible to secure employment. His friend was active -in his behalf, but the general depression in business was such that -there seemed to be no opening anywhere. - -One evening at supper Mr. Sylvester said: "I have been hoping to find -you a place in a wholesale establishment in Pearl Street. I learned that -one of the younger clerks was about to leave, but he has decided to stay -six months longer, and, of course, we can't wait as long as that." - -"No, Mr. Sylvester, it would seem like six years to me." - -"Even if your wants were all provided for in that time?" - -"I feel that I ought to be at work, and not depending on your -generosity. I would rather work for two dollars a week than remain -idle." - -"That is the right spirit, Rupert. You will be glad, then, to hear that -I have at last found employment for you." - -"But I thought you just said----" - -"That I could not get you a place in Pearl Street. True, but this is a -different position--very different. It is that of bell-boy in a hotel." - -"What are the duties, Mr. Sylvester?" - -"You will be at the command of the clerk, and will have to run up and -downstairs, answering calls from the guests, or carrying messages from -the office. In fact, you will be a general utility clerk, and I have no -doubt will get terribly tired the first few days." - -"Never mind. I can stand that. If I make enough to pay my way I shall be -satisfied." - -"You will be better paid than if you were in a mercantile house. You -will receive five dollars a week and get your meals at the hotel." - -Rupert's face brightened. - -"Why, that is excellent," he said. "When I was at Tenney & Rhodes' I -only received five dollars weekly and had to furnish my own meals." - -"True, but you were then in the line of promotion. Here you cannot -expect to rise any higher unless you qualify yourself to be a hotel -man." - -"At any rate I am willing to try it. Where is the hotel?" - -"It is the Somerset House, on lower Broadway. It is not a fashionable -hotel, but comfortable and of good reputation. I am somewhat acquainted -with the office clerk, who was an old schoolmate of mine, and at my -request he has given you this position." - -"I hope I shall give satisfaction. I shall be a green hand." - -"The duties are easily understood and learned. If you show that you are -desirous of succeeding you will make a good impression, and you will get -on well." - -"When am I to commence work?" asked Rupert. - -"I will take you down town with me to-morrow morning, and introduce you -to Mr. Malcolm, the clerk. I suppose you will be expected to go to work -directly." - -"I should prefer that." - -"One thing I must tell you. You will have to secure a room outside, as -the employees are not expected to sleep in the hotel. All the rooms are -reserved for guests." - -"What will my hours be?" - -"From seven in the morning till seven in the evening. By this -arrangement you will have your evenings to yourself." - -Rupert went to bed in good spirits. He was of an active temperament, and -enjoyed occupation. It would be pleasant to him also to feel that he was -earning his own living. - -In the morning Mr. Sylvester went down town with him. - -The Somerset House was a hotel of moderate size, only five stories in -height, which is low for a city hotel. I may as well say here that I -have not given the correct name of the hotel for obvious reasons. So far -as our story is concerned, the name I have chosen will do as well as any -other. - -"Those who frequent this hotel are not of the fashionable class," -explained Mr. Sylvester, "but it is largely patronized by traveling -salesmen and people from the country. The rates are moderate, and those -come here who would not feel able to afford the Fifth Avenue or hotels -of that grade." - -The entrance was neat, and Rupert was well pleased with the aspect of -his new place of employment. - -At some distance from the doorway was the office, and behind the reading -room. - -"Mr. Malcolm," said Sylvester to a pleasant-looking man of thirty-five, -who stood behind a counter, "this is the young man I mentioned to you. -He will be glad to fill the position of bell-boy, and from my -acquaintance with him I feel quite sure he will suit you. His name is -Rupert Rollins." - -The clerk smiled pleasantly. - -"We shall soon know each other better," he said. "I hope you are strong, -for you will have a good deal of exercise here." - -"I think I can stand it," said Rupert. "I shall soon get used to it." - -"I have a plan of the rooms here," went on the clerk. "Take it and go -upstairs and look about you on the different floors. It will be -necessary that you should learn the location of the rooms." - -"I will leave you now, Rupert," said Mr. Sylvester. "You can come back -to my house to-night, and to-morrow you can look up a room near the -hotel." - -For the first few days Rupert got very tired. He would have to go -upstairs perhaps thirty or forty times during the day, sometimes to the -fifth floor. There was an elevator in the Somerset Hotel, but the -bell-boys were not allowed to use it. - -When a guest registered and was assigned to a room on one of the upper -floors he was conducted to the elevator, but the bell-boy, carrying his -valise, was obliged to walk upstairs, and meet him at the landing-place. -Often Rupert felt that there was an injustice in this, and that no harm -would be done if he were also allowed to use the elevator. However, he -was not foolish enough make any complaint, but by his pleasant manners -and cheerful alacrity won the good opinion of Mr. Malcolm, the clerk. - -The Somerset Hotel was on the European and American systems combined. If -a guest preferred simply to lodge at the hotel he could do so, and take -his meals either at the hotel restaurant or in any other. - -One day a guest registered who was assigned to No. 143, on the fifth -floor. - -To Rupert was assigned the duty of carrying up the valise. He found it -unusually heavy, and more than once as he climbed the stairs he felt -that he would be glad to reach his destination. At the elevator landing -he met the owner of the valise, a middle-aged man with a brown, -sunburned face. - -"You found it rather a heavy tug, didn't you?" he asked, with a smile. - -"Your clothes seem to be heavy," returned Rupert. - -"It isn't clothes merely," said the stranger. "I come from Colorado, and -I have some specimens of quartz inside. Here, give me the valise, and -lead the way to my room." - -Rupert did so. - -When they reached No. 143 the stranger drew a fifty cent piece from his -pocket and handed it to Rupert. - -"Take it," he said. "You deserve something for carrying such a load." - -"Thank you, sir," said Rupert. "I don't find many guests so liberal." - -"Shall I tell you why I am so liberal? It is because when I was a boy, -rather older than you, I was for four months a bell-boy in a Chicago -hotel." - -"Were you, indeed, sir?" said Rupert, with interest. "Did you retire on -a fortune?" - -"No; fees were few and far between. However, I saved a little and -borrowed a little more, and made my way first to Nevada, and afterwards -to Colorado. I have been pretty well prospered, and now I come home to -see my old father and mother in Maine." - -"I hope you will find them well." - -"Thank you, my boy, I heartily hope so. It is seventeen years since I -have seen their dear old faces, and it will be a good day for me when we -meet again." - -"Are your father and mother both living?" - -"Both at last accounts." - -"Then you are luckier than I am. My father is dead." - -"That is unfortunate. You are young to have lost a parent." - -"Can I do anything for you, sir? Have you all that you need?" - -"Yes," answered the guest, with a look at the washstand. "What I want -first is water and towels, for I have just got in from a long railroad -journey. Those seem to be provided. If I want anything else I will -ring." - -"Fifty cents!" repeated Rupert. "I wish I could be as well paid every -time I carry a valise up stairs. Then I should get rich fast." - -During the second week a tall, thin man with long hair flowing down over -his coat collar registered at the Somerset. - -"No. 119," said the clerk. "Front!" - -Rupert answered the summons. - -"Take this gentleman's valise to No. 119." - -Rupert thought the stranger a very singular-looking man. His long, -unkempt locks were of yellowish hue, and his eyes were shifty and -evasive. But of course in a hotel frequented by all sorts of people, no -special attention was paid to any particular guest. - -Rupert met him upstairs and conducted him to his room. - -"Take the valise inside," said the guest. - -Rupert did so, when he was startled by the guest locking the door, -making him a prisoner. - -"Now, boy," he said, his eyes lighted with an insane gleam, "you must -prepare to die!" - -"What?" exclaimed Rupert, startled. "What do you mean?" - -"I am commanded by God to offer you up as a sacrifice, even as Abraham -offered up his son Isaac." - -As he spoke he drew a knife from his breast and advanced toward the -hapless bell-boy. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -A BELL-BOY'S EXPERIENCES. - - -It was evident that the guest whom Rupert had conducted to his room was -a maniac of the most dangerous character. The man's face was terrible to -look upon. His small, ferret-like eyes seemed to dilate with ferocious -cunning. He was a man not perhaps robust or strong, but too strong for a -boy of sixteen. And Rupert was alone with him. - -It was terrible to think that he was to become the victim of such a man. -Apart from the pain of death, it was made more terrible at the hands of -an insane man. - -What should he do? - -Rupert had read somewhere that to openly combat an insane person is -dangerous. It is advisable to humor his delusions. Fortunately he had -read a story recently in which a man had escaped death by this very -means. It was a desperate chance, but Rupert resolved to make use of -it. Instead of showing the fear he really felt, he forced himself to -appear calm. - -"You are mistaken," he said; "the boy you are to sacrifice is under the -bed." - -The maniac was just about to lunge with his knife, but Rupert's words -made him pause. - -"Look under the bed and you will see him," continued the bell-boy. - -The bed was at the other end of the room. The maniac went over to it, -and, getting on his knees, began to peer underneath. - -Here was Rupert's opportunity. He sprang to the door, turned the key, -but did not dare to stop to lock it on the outside, and dashed into the -entry. The door of the next room chanced to be open. He darted inside, -and bolted himself in. - -He was just in time. The maniac, discovering the ruse, rose to his feet, -and, knife in hand, ran into the hall with a blood-curdling cry. He -looked in vain for Rupert, who was nowhere to be seen. The staircase was -near. He ran down, flight after flight, till he reached the office -floor, and made a great sensation as he dashed through it with his drawn -knife. - -Here, however, he had some one more formidable than a boy to contend -with. Two burly porters sprang upon him, and felled him to the floor. -The knife was taken from him, and the clerk, horror-struck, leaning over -him, asked, "What did you do with the boy?" - -"I tried to kill him, but he escaped," said the lunatic. "But I will -have him yet!" - -"Call two policemen," said Mr. Malcolm. "One of you go upstairs and find -the bell-boy." - -Rupert remained in his temporary refuge, not daring to come out. He -heard his unpleasant acquaintance leaving the adjoining room, but was -apprehensive that he might return. At length he heard some one calling, -"Rupert, where are you?" and recognized it as the voice of one of the -other bell-boys. He opened the door and came out. - -"Where is the insane man?" he asked quickly. - -"He was captured in the office, and his knife taken from him. How did -you escape from him?" - -"Wait till I go down stairs and I will tell you." - -When Rupert reached the office he was eagerly questioned. He gave the -particulars of his unpleasant interview with the crank. - -"I congratulate you on your presence of mind," said the clerk. "You had -a narrow escape from a terrible fate." - -"Where is he now?" - -"On his way to the station-house. You need not be afraid that he will -come back. He is sure to be locked up." - -Later in the day the proprietor of the hotel sent for Rupert. - -"My boy," he said, "you ran a terrible risk this morning. It was in my -service, and I feel that I ought in some way to express my appreciation -of your remarkable courage and presence of mind. Here are fifty dollars, -which I hope you will find of service." - -It was not alone the gift, but the kind words, that gratified Rupert. He -was able to buy a new suit for best, and a few other articles of which -he had need. - -During the day he had a call from a man connected with one of the daily -papers, who wished his photograph to reproduce in connection with an -account of the incident. This, however, Rupert declined to give, not -caring for notoriety. The account of the crank's onset, however, -appeared, and a good many curious visitors were attracted to the -Somerset Hotel. - -Among these was Julian Lorimer. Rupert's name had not been mentioned in -the account, and Julian was surprised to meet him. - -"How came you here?" he asked. - -"I am employed here," answered Rupert, quietly. - -"What are you?" - -"A bell-boy." - -"Is that so? Can you tell me who it was that was nearly killed by a -crazy crank yesterday?" - -"I was the one." - -"You don't say so!" exclaimed Julian, in amazement. "Was he really so -dangerous?" - -"He came near killing me." - -"Humph! That was rather unpleasant. Do you get good pay here?" - -"Yes, very good--enough to support me." - -"It isn't much of a position, though." - -"If you will find me a better one I will give this up," said Rupert, -smiling. - -"I am expecting to go into a wholesale house soon." - -"I hope you will succeed in getting such a place. It is rather hard -getting business positions now." - -"Oh, my father is well known in the city. He can find me one." - -"That will be in your favor." - -Here Rupert was called off by a summons from the office, and the -interview terminated. He had not told Julian of the handsome gift -received from the proprietor, as he knew that his old schoolfellow had -no real interest in his welfare. - -One who is employed in an American hotel has an excellent opportunity to -study human nature. It is free to all comers, and among those who sit in -the lobby or use the reading room there are always some who are not -guests. The larger proportion of these are respectable persons, but some -are adventurers who may be on the lookout for victims. - -One young man, stylishly dressed and sporting an eyeglass and a cane, -Rupert had more than once noticed. He came in from time to time, bought -a sheet of paper and an envelope at the news stand, and wrote a letter -at one of the tables in the reading room. Rupert, whose acquaintance -with the city was limited, decided from his dress that he belonged to -some prominent family. It was noteworthy, however, that he always -entered alone. He sometimes, however, entered into conversation with one -of the guests of the hotel. Those from the country seemed to have his -preference. - -This surprised Rupert, who wondered what attraction rural visitors could -have for a young man of his elegant appearance. - -One day an old man of sixty registered from a town in Orange County. His -face was weather-beaten, and he looked like a farmer. His clothing was -rusty, and appeared to have been worn for several years. - -He might have been taken for a poor man, but Rupert had seen him draw -out a large wallet full of bills, and judged that, if not rich, he was -in comfortable circumstances. - -It so happened that the young man already referred to had also seen the -wallet, and he at once began to pay attention to the rural visitor. -Watching his opportunity, he sat down beside him in the reading room one -afternoon. - -"It is a pleasant day, sir," he said, sociably. - -"So 'tis, so 'tis," said the old man, feeling flattered by attention -from a young man of such distinguished appearance. - -"I suppose you live in the country?" - -"Yes, I am from Orange County." - -"The finest part of the State. If my business did not keep me in the -city I should like very much to make my residence there." - -"What might your business be?" asked the old man, with natural -curiosity. - -"I am a broker, sir, in Wall Street. Of course you have heard of Wall -Street." - -"Oh, yes," answered the old man, proud of his familiarity with the name -of this famous street. "Is it a pooty good business?" - -"Well, that depends on circumstances. Sometimes I make money hand over -hand, but for the last month I give you my word I probably haven't made -over two hundred dollars." - -"Two hundred dollars in a month!" repeated the farmer. "Why, that's -doing first rate, I call it." - -The young man shrugged his shoulders. - -"Not for a broker," he said. "Why if I make less than five hundred I -don't call it much." - -"Five hundred dollars a month?" asked the farmer, much impressed. - -"Yes." - -"Why, that's six thousand dollars a year." - -"Exactly. You are good in arithmetic," said the young man, languidly. - -"Is--is there any chance to go into that business?" asked the Orange -County man, eagerly. - -"My friend, I would hardly advise you to go into it. You are rather old -to begin a new business." - -"That's so, but I don't ask for myself. I've got a son--he's my -youngest son--a young man of twenty-five, who's anxious to get something -to do in the city. He ain't much good on a farm--don't seem to like it. -He's read a good many books and stories about New York city, and he -wants to come here. I wish I could get him a chance to learn the broker -business. You haven't a place in your office now, have you?" - -The young swell laughed in his sleeve. - -"I've hooked the old man," he said to himself. "Now if I work my cards -right, I shall be able to make something out of him." - -"My friend," he said, "I can't tell you at once, but I will think it -over, and--see you to-morrow morning." - -He had not intended to finish his sentence thus, but just then he espied -at the door of the reading room a small, quiet-looking man whose glance -rested for a moment upon him. He knew--he had reason to know--that this -was Richard Darke, a well-known detective. - -He rose from his seat and sauntered to the door, and in two minutes he -was one of the motley crowd that throng Broadway. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -RUPERT RECEIVES A COMMISSION. - - -The detective, as he left the reading room, passed Rupert, who was just -entering. - -"Let me see," he said, tapping Rupert on the shoulder, "you are the -bell-boy who came near being murdered by a crank?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"You escaped very cleverly. You are evidently a sharp boy. Keep your -eyes open, don't you?" - -"Yes, sir; except when I'm asleep." - -"We detectives have to keep our eyes open all the time, but we can't be -everywhere at once. Now I feel a little inclined to make you my -deputy--not permanently, but for a time." - -"All right, sir." - -"Have you noticed rather a flashy young man, looking like a dude, with -an eyeglass and cane?" - -"Yes, sir; he is frequently in the hotel." - -"You know, of course, that he isn't a guest?" - -"Yes, sir. We bell-boys know who are guests and who are not." - -"Possibly you may have wondered what his business is here?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"He is a confidence man. His business is to pick up victims, and make -what he can out of them. Do you see that old gentleman over by the -window?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"He is an honest and probably well-to-do old farmer, I judge. That -fellow has been having a talk with him. When he saw me he had business -elsewhere. But he hasn't given up his scheme for bleeding the old man. -Probably he will have another interview with him to-morrow. Now I should -like to have you keep your eye on the two. Find out if you can what the -man is after. I can't, for he knows me by sight. I want to foil his -schemes and save the old man from loss. Here is my address." - -The detective placed in Rupert's hand a small, plain card, bearing the -name, - - RICHARD DARKE. - -Below he put his address, which need not be given here. - -"Don't say anything about this," he said, "except to me. Should you -mention it to anyone else in the hotel the fellow would soon see that he -was watched, and we might fail to catch him. I am reposing considerable -confidence in a boy." - -"Yes, sir, but you will not regret it." - -"I believe you," said the detective, cordially. "I'll see you again -soon." - -"One moment, Mr. Darke. What is the young man's name?" - -"He has several. The one he uses most frequently is Clarence Clayton." - -"I will remember it, sir." - -Clarence Clayton left the Somerset Hotel in good spirits. He felt like -an angler who was on the point of landing a fine fish. - -"I wonder if old Darke saw me talking with that old Granger," he -soliloquized. "I hope not. Probably he knows me, though thus far I have -escaped having my picture in the Rogues' Gallery. Those old fellows know -everybody. Fortunately there is no regular detective at the Somerset, -and I shall be able to finish my negotiations with my country friend -before he drops in again." - -Mr. Clarence Clayton was getting low in funds. Somehow fortune had not -favored him of late, and the sums he had realized out of recent victims -were very small. Yet he felt so confident of success in the present -instance that he sauntered up to the Sinclair House, at the corner of -Broadway and Eighth Street, and going into the restaurant, which has a -high reputation for choice viands, he ordered an appetizing repast at a -cost of a dollar. - -He was scarcely half through when a young man, got up in very much the -same style, came in and sat down opposite him. - -"Ha, Clayton!" he said, "so you're in luck." - -"How do, Mortimer? What makes you think so?" - -"Your extravagant spread. It isn't permitted to failures like your -humble servant to dine in such princely style." - -"Then why come here at all?" - -"I am only going to order fish balls and coffee, but I want those good, -and shall get them good here. Have you made a ten-strike?" - -"No; business is dull with me, but I think I'm on the track of a fair -thing." - -"What is it, and where?" - -"Wouldn't you like to know, Mortimer?" said Clarence, putting one finger -waggishly on one side of his nose. "There isn't enough in it for two." - -"Oh, I don't want to interfere with you, of course. I thought I'd like -to know whereabouts you are operating at present." - -"What do you say to the Windsor Hotel?" - -"Isn't that rash? Don't the detective know you?" - -"He can't be everywhere, the worthy man. Your friend Clarence knows what -he is about. You won't interfere with me?" - -"Of course not." - -In spite of this assurance Mortimer made it in his way to drop into the -Windsor Hotel later in the evening, but of course he did not see -Clarence Clayton, who had put him on the wrong scent. - -A good dinner was not the end of Clayton's extravagance. He dropped into -the Star Theatre, and enjoyed an attractive play, though it cost him a -dollar. - -"Josiah Onthank will pay for it, I hope," he said, for he had -ascertained from the hotel register the name of his Orange County -friend. "It will cost something," he laughed, "to get his son into my -office in Wall Street. Oh, Clarence, you're a sly one, you are!" - -Rupert was free from his duties at seven o'clock, but, remembering the -commission he had received, he sought out the farmer and opened a -conversation with him. - -"How do you like New York?" he asked. - -"It's a big city," answered the farmer. "I haven't been here before for -twenty years." - -"Have you ever traveled on the Elevated cars?" - -"No, I'm a little mite afeard to travel so high in the air. Suppose the -train should go through?" - -"I don't think there's any danger, sir. The road is strongly built." - -"I s'pose I'm timid, but I guess I won't ventur'. My son Ephraim -wouldn't mind. I came to the city mostly on his account. He wanted me to -see if there wasn't an opening here. He's got sick of the farm and wants -to be a city man. Are you at work here?" - -"Yes, I'm a bell-boy in this hotel." - -"Does it pay you well?" - -"Yes, sir. I get five dollars a week and my board." - -"That's good for a boy like you. It's more than I pay my hired man, and -he's twenty-eight. Is your work hard?" - -"I have to run upstairs and down a good deal. I got pretty tired at -first." - -"I met quite a slick young man here this afternoon; he says he's a -broker in Wall Street. He knows how to make money." - -"Does he, sir?" inquired Rupert, getting interested. - -"Yes; he says he made two hundred dollars last month, and he thinks -that pretty small." - -"I should think it a good deal to make." - -"He doesn't have to work very hard, either. Ephraim would like being a -broker. He always did like to dress up, but at home he can't do it till -evenin' after he has milked the cows and finished the chores." - -"Did the gentleman mention his name to you?" - -"Yes, he said his name was Clarence Clayton. He thinks he may be able to -take my son Ephraim into his office." - -"Did he tell you where his office was?" - -"Well, down in Wall Street somewhere. I s'pose there's a good deal of -money made in Wall Street." - -"And a good deal lost, too," suggested Rupert. - -"When are you going to see Mr. Clayton again?" - -"To-morrow morning. He's goin' down to show me his office, and he'll -think it over whether he can take Ephraim or not." - -"I suppose he is a rich man." - -"I expect he is. He dresses fine. Ephraim would like to dress that way, -but he hasn't the shape for it. I should feel proud to have him doin' as -well as Mr. Clayton." - -"I hope you won't mind my giving you a little advice, Mr. Onthank, even -if I am a boy." - -"Go ahead, sonny! I'm sure you mean well." - -"Don't make any arrangements with Mr. Clayton to take your son till you -have had a chance to talk over the matter with some one. I have a -friend, a very experienced man, and I am sure his advice would be worth -taking." - -"You don't think there's anything wrong about Mr. Clayton, do you?" -asked the farmer, startled. - -"I don't say that, but if he wants you to pay him some money for giving -your son a a place, don't do it till you have mentioned it to me." - -"I won't. There won't be no harm in that." - -"And don't tell him who it is you are going to consult. Supposing he -wasn't all right, it would put him on his guard." - -"Thank you, sonny, you are a young boy, but I guess you've got a level -head." - -"I hope so," laughed Rupert. - -"Do you know where there's a good place to take supper--a good country -supper? I've been to the hotel eatin' houses, but it don't exactly suit -my country taste." - -"Yes, Mr. Onthank, I think I can find a place that will suit you." - -Rupert took the farmer to a plain restaurant not far away, where he got -some cream toast, a good cup of strong tea, and a piece of apple pie. - -"That's good," said the farmer, with a sigh of satisfaction. "It's -better than all them fancy dishes I get at some places. There ain't -nothing like plain home livin'." - -Rupert didn't part from Mr. Onthank till nine o'clock, when the farmer -expressed a wish to go to bed. - -"I always go to bed at nine o'clock when I'm to home," he said. "Folks -here in York seem to sit up all night." - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -CLAYTON'S SCHEME. - - -About ten o'clock in the forenoon Clarence Clayton entered the Somerset -Hotel and looked about for the Orange County farmer. Clayton was clean -shaved, his shoes were brilliantly polished, and there was a rose in his -buttonhole. - -"My dear old friend," he said, with effusion, as he espied Josiah -Onthank sitting near the door, "I hope you are feeling in the best of -health this fine morning." - -"Thank you, Mr. Clayton. I feel pooty smart. Why, you're all dressed up. -You look as if you'd just come out of a bandbox." - -"Men in my position have to be particular about their appearance. Now if -I was in the country I wouldn't care, but I have an appointment with Mr. -Vanderbilt this morning, and, of course, I must be particular." - -"Do you know Mr. Vanderbilt?" asked Mr. Onthank, considerably -impressed. - -"Intimately. I dined at his house last week." - -Mr. Clayton took in with a quick glance the dress and outward appearance -of his rustic friend. Mr. Onthank certainly did not look as if he had -just stepped out of a bandbox. His clothing was dusty, and his shoes -were innocent of blacking. - -"My friend," he said, "if you will pardon the suggestion, it would be -well to have your boots blacked." - -"I didn't bring any blacking with me," responded the farmer. "Besides, I -had 'em blacked last Sunday." - -"As you are going to Wall Street, and may meet some of the prominent -people of the city, it will be well to have them blacked this morning. -Leave it to me. I will find a boy who will do it for a nickel." - -"I always black my own boots when I am to home." - -"In the city we employ bootblacks." - -"Five cents seems pooty good pay for blackin' boots. It don't take -more'n five minutes." - -"Oh, well, the poor boys need the money. I look upon it in that light." - -"To be sure!" and Mr. Onthank began to look upon his companion as a very -kind-hearted man. - -Out in the street they came upon a boy who was quite ready to undertake -the job. Before he got through, however, he began to think there wasn't -much profit in it. The farmer's shoes were of cowhide, and absorbed a -great deal of blacking. Still the boy was an expert, and made them look -better than they ever had before. - -"That's worth a dime," he said. - -"I won't pay it," declared the farmer. "Ten cents for blackin' a pair of -boots! Why it's ridiculous!" - -There might have been an angry discussion, but Clayton drew a dime from -his pocket and put it into the boy's outstretched palm. - -"Very likely he's got a mother to support," he said. "Besides, he's made -your boots look fine." - -"That's so," assented the farmer, looking complacently at the boy's -work. "He seems to know his business. Mrs. Onthank would be surprised if -she could see me now." - -He walked along with unwonted pride, ever and anon glancing delightedly -at his renovated boots. - -"I can't make 'em look like that," he said. "They look better than they -did when they was new, but ten cents is an awful price to pay." - -They walked along Broadway till they reached Wall Street, down which -they turned. - -Mr. Onthank was considerably impressed by the tall and stately buildings -on Broadway. - -"Is your office near here, Mr. Clayton?" he asked. - -"Yes, quite near." - -Near the junction of Wall and New Streets Clayton led the way into a -handsome office, occupied by a firm of well-known brokers. - -"This is my office," he said. "Don't ask me any questions till we come -out." - -They entered the room, but many were entering, and no particular notice -was taken of them. - -"There's a sight of clerks," said the farmer. "You must do a big -business." - -"We do. Wait here a minute till I speak to my cashier." - -He went up to a window, and in a tone inaudible to Mr. Onthank asked the -price of a particular stock. Of course an answer was given, so that they -appeared to be conferring together. Then he rejoined his Orange County -friend, and they walked slowly to the end of the counter. - -"Now we'll go out," said Clayton. "I have one or two calls to make on -the street." - -"Do you trust your clerks to do the work while you are away?" - -"Oh, yes, they understand their duties. Things will go on like -clockwork. You see we have a perfect system." - -"You don't do business alone, do you?" - -"No, there are several of us in the firm. I may say frankly that I only -have one-fourth interest in the business. Still I am well paid, very -well paid." - -"I s'pose you have to pay a big rent." - -"Ten thousand dollars a year." - -"You don't say! Why, you can get a big store where I live for only -twelve dollars a month." - -"Very likely; but there is a good deal of difference between the country -and the city. Now let us walk along Broadway, down to the Battery. We -will sit down there, and I will tell you what I can offer your son." - -In a few minutes they were sitting on one of the benches, looking out to -Governor's Island. - -"It's a great privilege to live in New York, Mr. Onthank. I think your -son would enjoy it." - -"I know he would. Why, Ephraim would give all his old boots to be at -work here." - -"If they were all cowhide boots like yours the offer wouldn't be very -tempting," thought Clayton. - -"Yes," he said, "I can easily believe it. May I ask what wages your son -would expect." - -"Well, I reckon twenty-five to thirty dollars a month would satisfy -him." - -"Twenty-five to thirty dollars a month! Why, my dear friend, what are -you thinking of?" - -"I thought he couldn't live in the city in good style for less," said -the farmer, deprecatingly. - -"Of course, of course, but you don't understand me. I wouldn't think of -offering him less than seventy-five dollars a month, to begin with." - -"Gosh! you don't mean it?" said the farmer, his eyes opened wide. - -"Certainly I do. That is the minimum salary I pay my clerks." - -"Why, Ephraim would feel as rich as a king with that salary. When can -you make room for him?" he added anxiously. - -"I must ask a few questions first. Has your son a fair education?" - -"He attended the district school till he was fifteen." - -"Then I suppose he is well up in the fundamental rules of arithmetic?" - -"What's them?" - -"I suppose he can add, subtract and multiply." - -"Oh, yes." - -"And write a fair hand?" - -"He's pooty good at writin'." - -"I presume he will do. Now, Mr. Onthank, I will tell you how I am -placed. There will be a vacancy next week, but a merchant up town wants -me very much to take his son. He will pay a liberal premium." - -"What's that?" - -"We always expect our clerks to pay a premium on entering our service. -How much money have you brought with you?" - -"I've got two hundred dollars in my wallet. But what has that to do with -it?" - -"A great deal, my friend. The premium must be paid down at once, and -that guarantees your son the place." - -"How much do you ask?" - -"The merchant I refer to is willing to pay two hundred dollars, but -between ourselves I don't favor engaging his son. I have been told that -he drinks. I hope your son doesn't drink?" - -"Ephraim drinks cider at Thanksgivin', but he never drinks anything -stronger." - -"I am glad to hear it. Intemperance is very objectionable in our -business. Now about the premium. I will agree to take your son for a -hundred and fifty dollars, though I have never before accepted less than -two hundred." - -"A hundred and fifty dollars is a good deal of money," said Ezekiel, -cautiously. - -"So it is, but think of the advantages. Think of his getting -seventy-five dollars a month, to begin with. Why in six months I shall -probably raise him to a hundred dollars a month." - -Ezekiel Onthank was dazzled, and Clayton saw that he was. He felt that -he had almost landed the fish for which he was angling. - -"I guess I'll take a day to think on't," said the farmer. - -"I would advise you to accept at once. The other party may get in ahead -of you." - -"Can't you give us the refusal of it for a day?" - -"Really I don't see how I can." - -"A hundred and fifty dollars is a good deal of money, and I want to -think it over." - -"My dear friend, I don't see the need of it. Such situations are not to -be had every day. Why, the young man's salary the first year, supposing -he were promoted in six months, would amount to over a thousand dollars. -Deducting the premium, that would leave your son nearly nine hundred -dollars. That's a good income, isn't it?" - -"Yes, so 'tis. Why our minister only gets six hundred dollars a year, -and he's a man of forty-odd." - -"Exactly. You see what a brilliant prospect Ephraim will have. Really I -ought to insist on the full premium of two hundred dollars." - -Clayton did his utmost to induce the farmer to decide at once, but Mr. -Onthank had promised Rupert not to do anything without talking the -matter over with him, and he kept his word. - -"Well," said Clayton, "I'll give in to you. I'll give you twenty-four -hours to think over the matter, but of course I must ask you to pay me -something for the favor. Give me five dollars on account of the premium, -and you shall have a day to make up your mind." - -This Mr. Onthank finally agreed to, and when the matter was settled they -walked back to the Somerset Hotel. - -"You had better not say much about our negotiation," Clayton advised, -"till the matter is decided." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -CLAYTON'S DISAPPOINTMENT. - - -Josiah Onthank never for a moment doubted the good faith of the clever -swindler who was dazzling him with the prospect of a fine situation for -his son. He was a man well to do, and over and above his farm was easily -worth five thousand dollars in bonds and money interest. - -Still he was reluctant to part with a hundred and fifty dollars, for -this seemed to him a good deal of money. Yet if it would secure his son -a position in the city with a large income it would be worth while. At -any rate he would lay the matter before Rupert, and ask his advice. - -During the afternoon he had a chance to speak with the bell-boy. - -"I've got something to tell you," he said. - -"All right, sir." - -"I've seen the young man I spoke to you about." - -"Did he make you any offer?" - -"Yes; he promised to give my son a place in his office at seventy-five -dollars a month." - -"Where is his office?" - -"In Wall Street. It's big and fine. He must do a raft of business." - -"He is very kind to give your son a place." - -"Yes, but he wants a premium of a hundred and fifty dollars. That's what -bothers me. A hundred and fifty dollars is a pile of money. What do you -think of it?" - -"If you could really get a place for your son at seventy-five dollars a -month--a permanent place--it would be worth the money." - -"So 'twould, so 'twould. Then you'd advise me to pay the money?" - -"He wants it in advance, doesn't he?" - -"Yes." - -"Did you get into the office?" - -"Yes." - -"How do you know it is his?" - -"He told me so," answered Mr. Onthank, in surprise. - -"Is that all the evidence you have?" - -"He went and spoke to one of the men--his cashier, he told me. You don't -think there's anything wrong, do you?" - -"I think, Mr. Onthank, the man is trying to swindle you." - -"You don't say!" ejaculated the farmer. - -"Have you given him any money?" - -"No. Yes, come to think on't, I have. I gave him five dollars for a -refusal of the place. He said another man was after it." - -"You haven't lost much yet. If you should give him a hundred and fifty -dollars you would lose it all." - -"What makes you think so? He seems like a gentleman." - -"My information comes from a private detective." - -"Well, well, I guess I've been a fool," said the farmer, in a tone of -disappointment and mortification. "What do you advise me to do?" - -"I will consult with the detective first, and tell you." - -The next day Clarence Clayton made his appearance. Though, not quite so -sanguine as at first, he still hoped to carry out his original plan and -obtain possession of the bulk of the farmer's money. - -He found Mr. Onthank waiting for him in the reading room. - -"Well, my friend," he said, "I presume you have made up your mind to -secure a position for your son?" - -"You don't think you could let me have it for less?" asked Mr. Onthank, -who had been instructed what to say. - -"I don't see how I can. Nor can I give you long to decide. The other -party is waiting for me at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and if you don't come -to terms he will." - -"You see it's rather a risk," said the farmer. "Suppose I pay my money -and you don't keep your part of the agreement." - -"You seem to be very suspicious, Mr. Onthank," returned Clayton, -assuming indignation. "I am well known in the city as a man of the -highest honor." - -"Just so," said the farmer. "Still, I should like to have you give me a -paper, agreein' to give Ephraim a position. Then I should feel safe." - -"I see no objection to that," said Clayton. "I'll make it out here." - -He sat down at the table, and in a few minutes handed Ezekiel Onthank -the following agreement: - - - "In consideration of a hundred and fifty dollars paid to me by Mr. - Ezekiel Onthank, of Orange County, New York, I hereby promise to - give his son Ephraim a place in my Wall Street office, with a - salary to begin with of seventy-five dollars per month. The - engagement is to commence on the first of next month. - - CLARENCE CLAYTON." - - -"Is that satisfactory, Mr. Onthank?" he asked. - -"I reckon so," said the farmer, reading the document slowly. "Do you -want the money to-day?" - -"Certainly." - -"Then I will go and get it." - -Mr. Clayton leaned back in his chair in a pleasant frame of mind. He -chuckled to himself as he thought of the ease with which he had imposed -upon his rural dupe. - -"Mr. Onthank thinks he is sharp," he soliloquized. "He may change his -opinion after awhile." - -The farmer did not keep him waiting long. He re-entered the reading -room, but not alone. Richard Darke was with him. - -Clarence Clayton started to his feet in dismay. He recognized the -detective at once. - -"Sit down, Mr. Clayton," said Darke, smoothly. "I see you have been -doing a stroke of business with my friend, Mr. Onthank." - -Clayton did not speak. He did not know what to say. - -"Let me see the paper, Mr. Onthank." - -The farmer handed it to the detective, who read it aloud slowly. - -"You agree to give his son a situation in your Wall Street office? By -the way, where is the office?" and the detective bent a penetrating -glance on the face of the adventurer. - -"I believe I made a little mistake," muttered Clayton. "Give me back the -paper, and I will correct it." - -"It is quite immaterial. It will do as it stands. You have not told me -where your office is." - -"I took him into it." - -"Have you given him any money, Mr. Onthank?" - -"I gave him five dollars yesterday." - -"What for?" - -"To get the refusal of the place." - -"Very good. I see Mr. Clayton is a man of business. On the whole, -however, I don't think you have got full value for your money. Young -man, I will trouble you to return the five dollars to my country -friend." - -"I--I am afraid I haven't got it with me," said Clayton, uncomfortably. - -"How much have you?" - -After searching his pockets the adventurer produced two dollars. - -"Will it be convenient for you to remain in the city and prosecute this -man?" asked the detective, turning to the farmer. - -"No--no. I want to leave town this afternoon." - -"Then I am afraid we shall have to let him go. The three dollars you -have lost you must consider paid for experience. If it makes you more -cautious in future it will be well expended." - -"So 'twill, so 'twill," said the farmer. "Much obleeged to ye, squire, -for gettin' me out of a scrape." - -"You are still more indebted to the young bell-boy," indicating Rupert. -"Let me suggest that you can't do better than to offer him the money you -have saved from our sharp friend here." - -"I'll do better than that," said the farmer. "I will give him ten -dollars. He has saved me from making a fool of myself." - -"You see, Clayton," said the detective, "that it is better to be honest -than a knave. The bell-boy has made more in this affair than you." - -"Can I go?" asked Clayton, crestfallen. - -"Yes, and don't let me see you here again. I shall have my eye on you, -and the next time you won't get off so easily." - -Clayton lost no time in availing himself of this permission. In sadness -and disappointment he left the hotel, inwardly resolving never to enter -it again. - -"Why wasn't I satisfied with the five dollars?" he asked himself. -"Confound that young bell-boy! He has spoiled my game. But for him I -would be able to live in clover for a couple of months." - -The farmer started on his return to Orange County in the afternoon. -Before going he handed Rupert a ten-dollar bill. - -The bell-boy was surprised. He knew nothing of Mr. Darke's -recommendation, and did not expect such liberality from Ezekiel Onthank, -whom he looked upon as a poor man. - -"I don't think I ought to take it, Mr. Onthank," he said. - -"You needn't hesitate, sonny. I can afford it. I don't wear as good -clothes as the young sprig that tried to swindle me, but I ain't a poor -man by no means. If you ever have time to pay me a visit in Orange -County I'll make you welcome and see that you have a good time." - -"Thank you, Mr. Onthank. If I should hear of a good situation for your -son I will let you know, and I won't charge a hundred and fifty dollars -for it, either. I haven't got an office in Wall Street, though." - -"That was a good joke. That 'ere Clayton was a pooty smart rascal, after -all." - -"Ho, ho!" laughed the farmer. - -"Shall you invite him to visit you in Orange County, Mr. Onthank?" - -"I guess he wouldn't accept. We live plain, and he's a rich Wall Street -broker. But we'll be glad to see you at any time." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE YOUNG NEWSBOY. - - -Rupert had engaged a room on Bleecker Street. It is not a fashionable -locality, but the time was when A. T. Stewart and other men of social -standing lived upon it. - -Rupert's room, a small hall bedroom, cost him two dollars per week. It -was rather large for a hall room, and was clean and well furnished, -beyond the average of such rooms in that locality. The house was kept by -a widow, a Mrs. Stetson, a good, hard-working woman, who deserved a -better fate than the position of a lodging-house keeper. - -Usually Rupert reached his room about eight o'clock in the evening. He -left the hotel at seven, and stopped for supper on the way. Arrived at -his room he generally spent an hour in reading or studying (he had -undertaken to review his arithmetic, thinking that some time he might -obtain a situation where a good knowledge of that science might be -needed). - -He had nearly reached the house where he lodged on the evening after the -departure of Mr. Onthank from the Somerset Hotel, when his attention was -drawn to a boy of ten with a bundle of the "Evening News" under his arm. -He was shedding tears quietly. Rupert had a warm heart and was always -kind to younger boys. - -He was touched by the little fellow's evident distress and spoke to him. - -"What is the matter, Johnny?" he asked. - -"I can't sell my papers," answered the boy. - -"How many have you got left?" - -"Twelve copies." - -"How many did you have in the first place?" - -"Twenty." - -"Then you have only sold eight?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"So that you are behindhand unless you sell more. Have you a father and -mother living?" - -The boy answered in the affirmative. - -"I shouldn't think they would let you go out selling papers so late." - -"They are very poor," answered the boy, in a sorrowful tone. - -"Doesn't your father work?" - -"Yes, he works for Mr. Lorimer, on Third Avenue." - -Rupert's attention was aroused. This Lorimer, as the reader has already -been told, was his father's former partner, and, as Rupert believed, the -cause of his failure. - -"If your father has a position I should think he would be able to -support his family." - -"Mr. Lorimer only pays him five dollars a week," explained the boy. - -"Only five dollars a week!" repeated Rupert, in amazement. "Doesn't he -pay more to his other salesmen?" - -"Yes, but he knew father was poor, so he told him he must work for that -or leave the store." - -Rupert was not altogether surprised to hear this, as he knew that -Lorimer was a mean man who had no consideration for the poor. - -"Where do you live?" he asked. - -"In that big house," answered the boy, pointing to a tall tenement, one -of the shabbiest on the street. "We live on the fifth floor, but I guess -well have to move out to-morrow." - -"Why?" - -"Father hasn't been able to save enough to pay the rent." - -"What rent do you pay?" - -"Six dollars. Father has only got three dollars toward it." - -"What is your name?" - -"Harry Benton." - -"Well, Harry, I am not very rich, but I can help you a little. I will -take all your papers, to begin with." - -The little boy's face brightened. - -"You are very kind," he said. - -"And now you may take me to your home. Perhaps I can think of some way -to relieve your father." - -"Come this way, then," said Harry. - -Rupert followed him to the entrance of the tenement house. - -"I don't know but you'll be tired going up so many stairs," he said. -"We live on the top floor." - -"I'm not a very old man yet," laughed Rupert. "I guess I can stand it if -you can." - -The halls were dark and dingy, and there was an unwholesome -tenement-house odor. Through one open door Rupert caught sight of a -drunken man lying prone on the floor. Evidently the occupants of the -house were for the most part of a low class. But when Rupert followed -his little guide into the home of his parents on the upper floor, he -found respectable, and not squalid, poverty. There was an air of -neatness pervading the room, while Harry's parents looked thoroughly -honest. Mr. Benton gazed inquiringly at Rupert. - -"I hope you'll excuse my intrusion," said Rupert, politely, "but your -little boy seemed in trouble and I ventured to come upstairs with him." - -"I couldn't sell my papers," explained Harry. "He took all I had left," -indicating Rupert. - -"You were very kind to my little boy," said Mrs. Benton, gratefully. -"Won't you sit down? This is my husband." - -Mr. Benton was a man of medium size. His features were worn and sad. - -"Pray take a seat," he said. "We haven't many callers and fewer friends. -We can appreciate kindness, as we meet with it so seldom." - -"Harry tells me you are in the employ of Mr. Lorimer on Third Avenue." - -"Yes." - -"He says you are poorly paid." - -"Five dollars a week can hardly be considered liberal," returned Mr. -Benton, with a faint smile. - -"Mr. Lorimer is a very mean man." - -"Do you know him?" - -"Yes. He was my father's partner in Buffalo." - -"Your father is not in business with him now?" - -"My poor father died. I have every reason to think that Mr. Lorimer -swindled him out of a large sum of money, and brought on his financial -ruin." - -"I am sorry to hear it," said Benton, gravely. - -"Does he pay other salesmen as poorly as he pays you?" - -"There may be two or three others as poorly paid, but I think that he -knew of my poverty and took advantage of it. At any rate he called me to -the office one day, and told me that I must accept a reduction from -eight dollars to five or leave his service. You can imagine how I -decided. With my wife and child to be supported I had no choice. That -was a month since, and my life has been a hard struggle from that time. -I have been obliged to let Harry sell papers in the streets, though the -poor boy cannot earn more than from ten to fifteen cents a day in that -way." - -"Harry told me that you would have difficulty in paying your rent." - -"Yes," answered Mr. Benton, despondently. "We lack three dollars of the -sum required, and our landlord is a hard man. I am afraid we shall be -turned into the street." - -"If you will allow me I will lend you the amount you need." - -"But I am afraid I shall not be able to repay you." - -"I will take my risk of that." - -"Then I will not refuse. It will lift a burden from my mind. But how can -you afford to be so kind? You don't look rich." - -"I am a bell-boy in a hotel, but I am pretty well paid, and I received -to-day a handsome present from a guest. It is because I am poor myself -that I can sympathize with the poor. Besides, you have suffered from the -meanness of the man who ruined my poor father. That alone gives you a -claim upon me." - -"I should like to know the name of my new friend." - -"My name is Rupert Rollins." - -"I shall remember it. I hope you will come to see us sometimes." - -"I shall be glad to do so." - -"Are none of your family living?" - -"Yes, I have a mother and sister in Rutherford, a few miles from the -city. They are pleasantly situated, and mother is earning her living as -a housekeeper. But I won't intrude on you longer to-night. I will call -again soon." - -It seemed strange to Rupert that he should again be reminded of his -father's old partner. Mr. Lorimer apparently had not changed for the -better since he had removed from Buffalo to New York. He was the same -mean, selfish man he had always been. Yet he seemed to be prosperous, -while his victims were suffering the ills of poverty. - -Rupert could not understand it. It was a difficult problem for him to -solve. This is not surprising, for it has puzzled a great many older and -wiser persons than Rupert. - -"Well," he reflected, "I have parted with three dollars out of ten that -Mr. Onthank gave me. But no matter. The three dollars will do more good -to the Bentons than to me. I can spare it, and I would not care to have -it back." - -An idea came to Rupert. The hall bedroom which he occupied was lonely -and not homelike. If he could only make his home with a refined family -like the Bentons he would find it much more agreeable. If they, with the -help of the eight dollars a month, which his rent cost him, could take a -small flat, it would be a good arrangement all round. - -At present there were difficulties in the way, as they were unable to -raise even the small rent which they were paying now. Still -circumstances might change. He resolved to keep up the acquaintance, and -watch for some way of helping Mr. Benton to a better position. Even ten -dollars a week would be a poor salary for a good dry-goods salesman, yet -upon this he would be able to live comfortably. - -Rupert had the curiosity to enter a drug store and look up the name of -Mr. Lorimer in the directory. He ascertained that the dry-goods merchant -lived on Lexington Avenue, between Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth -Streets. This was a desirable location, and the house, as he afterwards -learned, was a handsome, high-stoop residence, probably worth -twenty-five thousand dollars. - -But Rupert did not envy his father's old partner. "I would rather be -poor and honest," he reflected, "than live in a fine house, surrounded -by luxury, gained by grinding the faces of the poor." - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -MR. SYLVESTER'S BIRTHDAY. - - -The next day Rupert received a letter at the Somerset Hotel. It was -signed by Frank Sylvester, and ran thus: - - - "DEAR RUPERT: To-morrow is my birthday. Come and spend the evening - with me. I will wait dinner till you come. - - "Your Friend, - "FRANK SYLVESTER." - - -Rupert decided at once to accept the invitation. He had learned to like -Sylvester, as indeed he had reason to do. - -He was in doubt as to whether there would be much company, but he was -not provided with a nice suit, so that he need not be ashamed of his -appearance. Arrived at his friend's residence, he found to his surprise -that there was but one other guest besides himself, a Mr. Maxwell, a -stout, pleasant-looking man of forty-five. - -"Rupert," said Sylvester, "this is my cousin, John Maxwell. He is not -an idler like myself, but is a partner in a large dry-goods house down -on Grand Street. John, this is a special friend of mine. When we first -met he was able to do me a service which I shall long remember. I am -rather young to adopt him, having only reached the age of twenty-five." - -"Quarter of a century," laughed Maxwell. - -"That sounds older, to be sure. At any rate I look upon him as a younger -brother, and so have invited him here to my birthday dinner, as a -relative." - -"You don't seem to have many relatives, Mr. Sylvester," said Rupert. "I -thought there might be quite a party." - -"Most of my relatives live in the West. However, I am satisfied to have -you here and my Cousin John." - -"If you are Frank's brother, I suppose I am your cousin also, Rupert," -said Mr. Maxwell. - -"I shall feel proud to have you regard me so, Mr. Maxwell." - -"May I ask if you are in the same business as Frank?" - -"Doing nothing at all," laughed Sylvester. - -"I am a bell-boy at the Somerset Hotel," answered Rupert. - -He watched Maxwell to see if the revelation of his position would affect -that gentleman's opinion of him. - -"I hope you are well paid." - -"Yes; I receive five dollars a week and my board." - -"That is better than you would do with us." - -"Mr. Maxwell," said Rupert, with a sudden thought, "I wish I knew you -better." - -"Why?" - -"Because then I might ask you a favor." - -"To enter our employment? I will take you if you wish, but I advise you -to stay where you are." - -"It is not for myself that I ask, but for an experienced salesman who is -in very hard luck. He is working for Stephen Lorimer, of Third Avenue, -at five dollars a week." - -"Five dollars!" exclaimed Maxwell, in surprise. "And you say he is an -experienced salesman?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"But why should he work for such low wages then?" - -"Mr. Lorimer knew that he was poor, had a family, and was therefore in -his power. He told him to choose between five dollars a week and -dismissal." - -"That is like Lorimer. He has the reputation of being the meanest man in -the business. How did you become acquainted with the man you recommend?" - -Rupert told the story, and both Sylvester and Maxwell were interested. - -"I suppose you don't know Mr. Lorimer?" said Maxwell. - -"I know him only too well," answered Rupert. "He was my father's partner -in Buffalo, and was the cause of his ruin and death." - -"Was the firm name 'Rollins & Lorimer?'" asked Maxwell. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Then I have met your father. I was for several years a traveling -salesman, and sold goods to the firm in Buffalo. I always preferred -dealing with your father. I didn't like Lorimer." - -"I am very glad to meet any one who knew my father," said Rupert, -brightening up. - -"I can hardly refuse your request now, Rupert. Tell your friend--what's -his name?" - -"Henry Benton." - -"Tell Mr. Benton to call at our store early next Monday morning and -inquire for me. Give him a letter, so that I may know he is the right -party. We are not taking on any salesmen, but one in the dress -department is about to leave us and enter the employment of a firm in -Chicago. I will put your friend in his place at a salary of twelve -dollars a week." - -"I can't tell you how much I thank you," said Rupert, gratefully. "You -will bring happiness to a deserving family, and I don't think you will -have occasion to regret it." - -The dinner was an excellent one, and was enjoyed by the small company -who partook of it. - -"I must tell you, Rupert," said Sylvester, "that I have peculiar reasons -for enjoying my twenty-fifth birthday, even if I have, as Cousin John -expresses it, lived a quarter of a century. An old uncle left me fifty -thousand dollars some years ago, directing that it should pass into my -possession at the age of twenty-five." - -"I congratulate you, Mr. Sylvester. I am sure you will make good use of -it." - -"I am not so sure of that, but I hope so. I have begun to make use of it -already. You shake your head, Cousin John, but I don't think you will -disapprove my expenditure. I have invested seventy-five dollars in a -gold watch for Rupert, and thirty-five more in a gold chain." - -He drew from his pocket a watch and chain which he handed to the -astonished bell-boy. - -"I don't know what to say, Mr. Sylvester," said Rupert, gratefully. - -"Your face speaks for you. I want no other thanks." - -"I don't know what they will say at the hotel. They will think I am -putting on style for a bell-boy." - -"I want some one to share my good fortune. I believe it is the best way -to show my gratitude to Providence. As Cousin John has done something -for your new friend, Mr. Benton, I will follow his example. Here are -twenty-five dollars, which you may give him with my best wishes." - -"This gives me even more pleasure than the watch," said Rupert, with -radiant face. "I wish you could see how much happiness your gift will -carry to a worthy family." - -"I will call with you and make their acquaintance some day." - -The evening passed pleasantly, and it was with a happy heart that Rupert -returned to his humble home. That is, it seemed humble compared with the -fine house in which he had spent the evening. - -It was not until the next night that he was able to call on his friends -in Bleecker Street. - -He toiled up to the fifth floor, and knocked at the door. - -There was a low "Come in," and he lifted the latch and entered. - -He was startled to see that Mrs. Benton had been shedding tears, and her -husband was leaning back in his chair, with a look of sadness and -despondency. - -"What is the matter?" he asked quickly. - -"I thought we could not be any worse off," said Mrs. Benton, tearfully, -"but I was mistaken. To-day Mr. Lorimer discharged my husband." - -"What! in the middle of the week?" - -"No; he is to leave on Saturday." - -"But why is this?" - -"I will tell you," said Mr. Benton. "Do you know Mr. Benton's son, -Julian?" - -"Yes; he is a very disagreeable boy." - -"I got into trouble with him to-day. He interfered with me in my work, -and I reproved him. The consequence is that he spoke to his father -against me, and got me discharged." - -"You can imagine what this means to us," said Mrs. Benton. "It was hard -enough to live on five dollars a week, even with the help of the few -pennies that Harry brings in, but now we must live on nothing. I don't -know what will become of us." - -"But Mr. Benton may secure another position." - -"There is very little chance of it. No one is taking on new salesmen." - -"Nevertheless Mr. Benton can go to work next Monday in a store on Grand -Street at a salary more than double what he is now getting." - -"Surely you are not in earnest?" - -"Quite so. I will give him a letter to Gilbert & Maxwell, and he will be -set to work at once." - -"But this seems incredible." - -"I will explain it to you." - -"You are our good angel," said Mrs. Benton, when Rupert had concluded -his account. "You come to us in our sorrow with the best news we have -had for many a day." - -"Now, Mr. Benton, I have a proposal to make. I want you to hire a nice -flat in a better neighborhood and take me as a lodger. I am willing to -pay you eight dollars a month. For twenty I think you can hire a -desirable tenement, which will only leave you twelve dollars to pay." - -"We shall be very much pleased to do so. If only we had a little ready -money----" - -"I came near forgetting something important. I am the bearer of a gift -to you from a good friend of mine, Mr. Sylvester, of Harlem. Yesterday -was his birthday. He has given me a gold watch and chain, and to you he -sends twenty-five dollars." - -Mrs. Benton's joy can be imagined. - -"You have indeed proved a friend," she said. - -"It is a satisfaction to me to feel that the malice of Julian Lorimer -will be disappointed. If I see him to-morrow I shall not hesitate to -give him a piece of my mind." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -JULIAN HAS TWO DISAPPOINTMENTS. - - -Had Julian Lorimer been older, and in political life, he would have -aspired to the position of a boss. He enjoyed power, and desired to have -his power acknowledged by others. When Mr. Benton reproved him for -interfering with him he felt outraged and determined to have revenge -upon the independent salesman. Therefore he complained to his father, -and a discharge was the result. - -Mr. Lorimer, however, regretted afterwards giving in to the wishes of -his son. He recognized the fact that Benton was an experienced salesman -whose services were valuable, and that he was getting these at an -extraordinary low rate of wages. He could secure a man in his place, -doubtless, but it would not be so easy to get one so competent as -cheaply. - -Accordingly, on the morning succeeding the dismissal he had a -conversation with Julian at the breakfast table. - -"I think I shall have to take Benton back, Julian," he said. - -"What, after his impudence to me?" exclaimed Julian, frowning. - -"Probably you provoked him. At any rate he is a valuable man. I don't -see how I can spare him." - -"There are lots of clerks out of employment." - -"That may be, but he has long experience." - -"If you take him back, pa, he will insult me again. I should think you -would have more consideration for me." - -"I can require him to apologize to you. The man is poor as poverty, and -won't dare to refuse." - -"Can't you cut down his pay?" - -"Not very well. I pay him very little now. You see, Julian, this is a -matter of business. I think you are too much in the store, as you have -no employment there. If you want to go to work, that will be a different -matter." - -"No, thank you. When I go into business I want to be a banker or a -wholesale merchant." - -"If you will be at the store at noon I will have Benton apologize to -you." - -Mr. Benton was at work in his place when Julian passed through the store -and paused in front of his counter. - -"Pa wants to see you in the office," he said, abruptly. - -"Very well, as soon as I fold up these goods," answered the salesman. - -"You'd better hurry up if you know what's best for yourself." - -"And you'd better cease talking to me in that way or I may teach you -better manners." - -Julian Lorimer flushed, and his eyes blazed with anger. - -"Oho!" he said, "you don't seem to know who I am." - -"I know that you are an impudent boy." - -Julian nodded vigorously, and went at once to his father. - -"Well, I told Benton to come, and he said he'd come as soon as he got -ready." - -"Are you repeating what he said exactly?" - -"Yes, that is, he said he'd come when he'd folded up some goods." - -"That is a different matter." - -"He called me an impudent boy and threatened to lick me." - -Mr. Lorimer did not reply to this. He had a suspicion that Julian had -represented matters worse than they were. - -Two minutes later Henry Benton presented himself at the office. He was -quiet and calm. - -"I understand you wish to see me, Mr. Lorimer," he said. - -"Yes. My son has complained of you." - -"You will excuse my saying that I am not in his employ, but in yours. If -he were your partner he would have a right to speak to me about my work. -As it is he is only your son, and I don't concede his right." - -"As my son he is entitled to your respect." - -"He would have been treated with respect had he treated me -respectfully." - -"Did you ever hear the like?" Julian burst in. - -"Silence, Julian!" said his father. "In your circumstances, Mr. Benton, -I think you have acted very unwisely." - -"How?" asked Benton, briefly. - -"You depend upon the wages I pay you for your livelihood." - -"Very well, sir." - -"And you make an enemy in my family and endanger your remaining in my -service." - -"I understood that you discharged me yesterday." - -"Ahem! yes, but I don't want to be too hard upon you. You have a family, -have you not?" - -"I have a wife and young son." - -"If I should discharge you they would suffer." - -"What does this mean?" thought Benton. - -"Therefore I have decided to recall the discharge, on condition that you -will apologize to Julian for treating him with insolence." - -"If I am to retain my position on that condition, Mr. Lorimer, I prefer -to leave the store." - -"I am surprised at your folly!" said the merchant, sharply. "Here, I -give you a chance to retain your place and your ill-timed pride steps in -and interferes with your interest." - -"May I ask what I am to apologize to your son for, Mr. Lorimer?" - -"You did not treat him with the respect due to my son," answered Mr. -Lorimer, pompously. - -"Do you sustain him in interfering with my work?" asked Benton, calmly. - -"I see you are incorrigible," said Lorimer, angrily. "If your family -suffers in consequence of your obstinacy, don't blame me." - -"I shall not have occasion to blame you or anyone else." - -"What do you mean by that? I don't understand you." - -"I mean only that though I shall leave your employment I have another -place waiting for me. I shall not be idle for a day." - -"Is this true?" asked Lorimer, astonished. - -"Yes, sir, quite true." - -"For whom are you going to work?" - -"You must excuse my keeping that a secret for the present." - -"When did you make application for a place?" - -"I made no application at all. It was offered to me." - -"I shall not give you any recommendation." - -"None will be necessary, sir. I have worked elsewhere, and my former -employer will recommend me." - -"I don't believe he's got a place, pa," put in Julian. "I'll bet he's -bluffing." - -Benton regarded Julian with contempt, but did not say a word. - -"What pay are you to get?" asked Lorimer. - -"More than twice what you are paying me, sir. You took advantage of my -poverty and my necessities to reduce me to five dollars a week, a lower -price, probably, than is paid by any dry-goods merchant in the city to -an experienced salesman." - -"It seems to me you are getting very independent," said Lorimer, -annoyed. - -"I feel more independent than I did yesterday. I have one favor to ask." - -"I have already told you that I cannot give you a recommendation." - -"I don't care for one. If you can conveniently spare me I should like to -retire from your service to-day." - -"Let him go, pa." - -But Mr. Lorimer did not agree with Julian. - -"I prefer that you should remain here till your week expires. If there -is any failure to get the situation you expect, I will continue you in -my service at six dollars a week." - -"Thank you, sir, but I don't think there is any doubt about my -situation. If you have nothing further to say to me I will return to my -work." - -When Benton had retired Mr. Lorimer turned to Julian angrily. - -"There," he said, "I have lost one of my best salesmen, whom I was -getting dirt cheap, on account of your misconduct." - -Julian was rather taken aback at this reproach. - -"You can get lots of men in his place, pa," he said. - -"Not at the same wages. Now go away, I am busy." - -"I wish I knew where he is going to work," thought Julian. "I might -write an anonymous letter to his employer. I hate him. He puts on too -many airs for a cheap clerk." - -Julian's malicious plot had certainly failed signally. The next day -about one o'clock he was passing the Somerset Hotel, on lower Broadway, -just as Rupert was coming out on an errand. - -Julian at once noticed the watch chain. As he had never known of -Rupert's owning a watch, his curiosity was excited. - -"What time is it?" he asked, jeeringly. - -Rupert took out his watch. - -"Five minutes after one," he answered. - -The watch was a handsome one, as Julian noticed. - -"Is that your watch?" he asked, abruptly. - -"Yes." - -"Is it oroide?" - -"No; it is gold. Do you wish to look at it?" - -Julian's curiosity was such that he took it into his hand. He could see -at once that it was a genuine and probably expensive gold watch. - -"You must be making high pay to afford a watch like this," he said, in a -tone of annoyance. - -"It was a present." - -"From whom?" - -"A friend up town." - -Julian dropped the watch and went on his way in an ill humor. He had a -watch himself, but it was of less than half the value of Rupert's. He -inwardly resolved to ask his father for a new one. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -MR. PACKARD OF COLORADO. - - -In a short time the Bentons were settled in a neat flat located near -Washington Square. They purchased additional furniture on the -installment plan, and were able to offer Rupert a home more desirable -than the room he had occupied. The new prosperity was reflected in the -faces of the now happy wife and mother. - -"It is you who have brought this happy change in our circumstances, -Rupert," she said. "I tremble to think what would have been our -condition but for you." - -"In return you give me a pleasant home," said Rupert. - -At the hotel things went on pleasantly. Rupert's services were -appreciated, and this was pleasant, though his salary had not been -increased. - -Clarence Clayton never entered the hotel now. Rupert wondered what had -become of him. But one Thursday afternoon--his afternoon off--he strayed -down to the Battery. - -Seated on one of the benches, looking out towards Governor's Island, -Rupert's attention was drawn after a while to two men who occupied a -neighboring bench. One of those he recognized at once as Clayton. The -other he also recognized as a guest at the Somerset Hotel, a new -arrival. He was a man of middle age who had the appearance of a -Westerner. Rupert now remembered that he had entered himself on the -hotel register as from Colorado. - -"I wonder what mischief Clayton is up to now?" Rupert asked himself. - -The benches were so near that he was able to hear the conversation -between the two men. Clayton had a showy gold watch in his hand which he -was endeavoring to sell to his new acquaintance. - -"The fact is, my friend," Rupert heard him say, "I am awfully hard up. I -need money badly, and that is why I offer you such a bargain. This watch -is nearly new and cost me one hundred and fifty dollars in cold cash. I -offer it to you for fifty." - -"How did you get so hard up?" asked the stranger. - -"I took a flyer in Wall Street. I have a friend who is a broker, and he -gave me a pointer. I don't blame him, for he believed it, and invested -himself. However, things didn't turn out as we expected, and I was -cleaned out." - -"How about him?" - -"He lost a good deal more than I did, but he could stand it and I -couldn't." - -The Western man took the watch in his hand. - -"It seems a good watch," he said. "I suppose it is solid gold?" - -"Undoubtedly." - -"I don't know much about watches myself, though I come from a mineral -producing State. We have plenty of miners there, but I am a cattleman." - -"Indeed! Is that a paying business?" - -"Well, I've made a little money at it," said the other in a complacent -tone. - -"I am looking for a paying business myself." - -The stranger laughed. - -"You are a city man," he said. "You wouldn't do for the West. You -wouldn't make much of a cowboy." - -"I don't suppose I should." - -"You couldn't wear patent-leather shoes in Colorado." - -"Then I'll give it up if you say so. To tell the truth, I am better -fixed than you would suppose. I have an income of a thousand dollars a -year, paid me quarterly by the trustees of my late uncle's estate, but -the next payment won't come due for a month. I must tide over till then. -That is why I offer you this watch for fifty dollars." - -"I shouldn't think you would like to make such a sacrifice." - -"Oh, well, I need the money. Besides, what is my loss is your gain." - -"You seem to take matters philosophically." - -"That's my way. Seriously, though, it will be a great favor to me if you -take the watch. Fifty dollars isn't much, but with economy it will -carry me through till my next payment." - -"Well, if you put it on that ground, I don't know but I will oblige -you." - -The Colorado man took from his pocket a large wallet, evidently stuffed -with bills, and was about to consummate the bargain when Rupert rose -from his seat hastily. He felt that it was about time for him to take a -hand in the transaction. - -"Mr. Packard," he said, "you'll excuse my interfering, but I advise you -not to buy that watch." - -Clarence Clayton looked up quickly. He recognized Rupert only too well, -and would liked to have pitched him into the bay. What was to be done? -He determined to brazen it out. - -"Young man," he said sharply, "you'd better mind your own business." - -"How do you know my name?" asked the man from Colorado, not recognizing -Rupert. - -"I am one of the bell-boys at the Somerset Hotel, where you are -boarding." - -"Why do you give this warning? Can you judge of the value of the -watch?" - -"No, sir; but I know this man." - -"That is false," asserted Clayton; "I never saw you before to my -knowledge." - -"I don't know what to think," said the cattleman, looking puzzled. "You -say you know this man?" - -"Yes. He came near cheating one of our guests not long since by offering -to give his son a place in an office in Wall Street for a hundred and -fifty dollars." - -"The boy lies," exclaimed Clayton. "I have a good mind to give you in -charge, you young rascal." - -"You are quite welcome to do it," said Rupert, coolly. - -"I hope my word is as good as this boy's," continued Clayton. - -"Don't take either, Mr. Packard. I am no judge of watches. Suppose you -go to a jeweler's and ask him the value of it. If it is worth even a -hundred dollars, you can venture to give this man what he asks, that is, -supposing he has come by it honestly." - -"That is a sensible proposal. I accept it." - -"But I don't!" said Clayton. "I feel that I have been insulted, and I -decline to sell the watch. As for you, you young rascal, I shall -remember your interference with me in my business." - -He rose and went off with his head very high in the air. - -"Sit down and tell me all about this fellow," said the cattleman. "I -suspect you have saved me from being imposed upon." - -Rupert told the story, and the stranger thanked him heartily. - -"I have always been told that I must look out for myself in New York, -and I begin to realize it. How does it happen you are so far away from -the hotel?" - -"It is my afternoon off." - -They sat and chatted of Colorado, about which Rupert felt considerable -curiosity. At the end of fifteen minutes their attention was drawn to a -man of prosperous appearance who seemed in trouble. He paused as he -reached their bench, and asked anxiously, "Has either of you seen a -young man, nicely dressed and carrying a cane?" and he went on to -describe Clarence Clayton. - -"Yes," answered Packard and Rupert, simultaneously, "the fellow was -sitting here less than half an hour since." - -"He has stolen my gold watch," said the new acquaintance. - -"He tried to sell it to me. He said it cost a hundred and fifty -dollars." - -"So it did, and more, too." - -"He offered it for fifty dollars." - -"How did it happen that you did not buy it?" - -"I was about to do so, but this boy told me he was a confidence man." - -"Then you knew him?" asked the stranger. - -"Yes," answered Rupert. - -"Can you suggest any way in which I can recover my property?" - -"Yes, sir. Report the matter to the police, and ask to have Richard -Darke, a well-known detective, put on the case. I will give you a line -to him. He will know at once who it is." - -"I will do so. Where can I find you again?" - -"At the Somerset Hotel, on Broadway." - -"Thank you. If I receive it I will gladly compensate you for your -suggestion." - -"I thank you, but do not wish any compensation. If I can defeat this -man's dishonest scheme I shall feel well repaid." - -"Our cunning friend will soon be overhauled, I suspect," said the -cattleman. "Did you say you were off this afternoon?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"I am new to the city and want a guide. Are you open to an engagement?" - -"Yes, sir," answered Rupert, with a smile. "But I don't care for pay." - -"Then we don't go. Business is business, and there is no reason why I -should take up your time without paying you a fair sum." - -"Just as you like, sir." - -The two spent the next three or four hours in visiting different objects -of interest in New York. The Colorado man seemed much pleased with his -young companion. - -"You must come out to Colorado some time, Rupert," he said. "You are a -boy who would succeed there, or indeed anywhere. We have some men come -out there who are failures at the East, and they are surprised that they -don't succeed in the West. But I tell you that it takes as much brains -to win success in Colorado as in New York." - -"Is that always the case? I have heard of men getting rich in the West -who were poor at home." - -"That is true. Perhaps they were in the wrong business. I don't mind -saying that was the case with me. I was in the insurance business in -Hartford, but I wasn't particularly well adapted for it. I couldn't -talk. Out in Colorado I have learned to understand cattle, and they have -made me rich." - -"Mr. Clayton can talk." - -"Yes, a little too well. Unfortunately he is not honest, and a dishonest -man ought not to thrive anywhere. In Colorado he wouldn't live wrong. -Thieves are summarily dealt with." - -About seven o'clock Mr. Packard invited Rupert to dine with him at -Delmonico's. - -Rupert had heard a great deal about this celebrated restaurant, and was -glad to accept the invitation. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -A SCENE AT DELMONICO'S. - - -The two friends entered Delmonico's on the Broadway side, and took seats -at one of the windows. Rupert, after giving the order, looked about him. -He was curious to see that famous restaurant. He was destined to a -surprise. At the second table, sitting with his back to Mr. Packard and -himself, was a person whom he had the best reason to remember. - -It was Clarence Clayton. - -He touched Mr. Packard's arm, and silently pointed to Clayton. - -"Well, I'll be jiggered!" exclaimed the cattleman, in surprise. "That -fellow has got nerve." - -Mr. Clayton was evidently enjoying himself. Beside his plate stood a -pint bottle of champagne of Delmonico's special brand. His dinner would -probably involve an expense of five dollars. - -"He must have sold or pawned the watch," suggested Rupert in a low -voice. - -At this moment Clayton looked around. He at once recognized the two whom -he had last seen at the Battery. - -"So we meet again?" he said, coolly. - -"Yes," answered the cattleman. "You appear to be having a pleasant -time." - -"I generally do," returned Clayton. - -"You seem to have negotiated a loan." - -"I met a party who seemed to know more about gold watches than you do." - -"I congratulate you," said Packard, dryly. - -Clayton returned to the discussion of his dinner, and soon the two -friends were served. - -"Shall I order some champagne, Rupert?" asked the man from Colorado. - -"Not for me. I have promised my mother to avoid drink." - -"You are wise. Far be it from me to tempt you. I have seen too much of -the evil done by intemperance." - -Clarence Clayton evidently had no such objection to drink. He drained -the bottle, and calling for a cigar, leaned back in his chair, with a -self-satisfied smile. - -"That fellow is a curiosity," Packard said. "He probably has good -abilities, and would meet with success in an honest career. He has made -poor use of his talents. I wonder if he ever reflects upon the -inevitable end of his dishonesty?" - -"It doesn't seem to trouble him much," returned Rupert. - -Neither he nor Clayton observed the quiet entrance of a small, -unobtrusive man, with sharp eyes, who, taking rapid glances at the -guests, moved towards the table occupied by the adventurer. - -Sitting in pleasant enjoyment of his cigar, Clayton's attention was -drawn by a slight tap on his shoulder. Looking up in momentary -impatience he saw the newcomer at his side. - -Stifling an ejaculation he stared at him in dismay. - -"Mr. Clayton," said Detective Darke, in a low voice, "I see you know -me." - -"No, I can't say I have the pleasure," stammered Clayton. - -"You are polite to call it a pleasure. I am Richard Darke." - -"Can I offer you a glass of champagne, Mr. Darke?" - -"There doesn't seem to be any left in the bottle." - -"I will order another." - -"I won't put you to that trouble. I have business with you, and must -request you to go with me." - -"But----" - -"I can take no denial," said the detective, sharply. "Go up to the desk, -settle your bill, and then we will go out together. There will be no -scene, and no one will know my errand, if you obey my directions." - -Clayton went up to the desk, paid his check, and then, turning to the -detective, said, - -"I am at your service." - -By this time Rupert noticed what was going on, and silently called the -attention of Mr. Packard to it. - -"Poor chap!" said the cattleman, as Clayton and his unwelcome companion -left the restaurant, "his punishment has come sooner than I anticipated. -He will be punished, but I am afraid the owner of the watch stands a -poor chance of recovering his property." - -"Probably he will get possession of the pawn ticket and so secure the -watch, though it may cost him twenty-five dollars." - -"It will be some time before the thief gets another such dinner as he -has eaten to-night." - -After supper Packard said, - -"Are you feeling tired, Rupert?" - -"Oh, no, sir." - -"Then suppose we go to some theatre." - -"All right, sir. What theatre do you prefer?" - -"I leave the choice to you." - -"Palmer's Theatre is very near." - -"Then let us go there." - -They reached the theatre just as the curtain was rising. Mr. Packard -bought two choice seats, and they were soon seated in the orchestra. As -soon as he had a chance to look about him, Rupert discovered to his -surprise that Mr. Lorimer and Julian were sitting directly in front of -him. At the sound of his voice Julian turned, and was greatly surprised -to see the bell-boy occupying as high-priced a seat as himself. When the -first act was ended, he took measures to gratify his curiosity. - -"I am surprised to see you here," he said. - -"It is a mutual surprise," responded Rupert. - -"You know what I mean. It is not usual to meet bell-boys in orchestra -seats." - -"I was not asked at the ticket office what was my employment." - -"Are you here alone?" - -"No; let me introduce my friend, Mr. Packard, of Colorado." - -Julian glanced at the cattleman, and was not impressed. Mr. Packard's -clothing was by no means stylish. Julian naturally supposed him to be a -person of small means and no particular consequence. He gave him a -slight nod, and turned his face towards the stage. - -"What is the name of that boy?" asked the cattleman. - -"Julian Lorimer." - -"Is he related to Stephen Lorimer?" - -"Stephen Lorimer is his father. Do you know him?" asked Rupert, in -surprise. - -"Stephen Lorimer is a cousin of mine." - -"There he is, next to Julian." - -Mr. Lorimer's ears caught the sound of his own name, and, turning, he -recognized Rupert, but not his cousin. - -"You here, Rupert Rollins?" he said, in surprise. - -"Yes, sir. Do you know this gentleman with me?" - -Stephen Lorimer regarded the cattleman blankly. - -"No," he answered slowly. "I don't know him." - -"Perhaps you will remember the name of Giles Packard," said the -cattleman, but his tone was cold and not cordial. - -"Are you Giles Packard?" - -"Yes." - -Stephen Lorimer looked embarrassed. - -"I hope you are prosperous," he said. - -"Thank you--I am doing well now." - -"Where do you live?" - -"In Colorado." - -"Ah! Mines?" - -"No, cattle." - -"Call and see me. Rupert will tell you where I may be found." - -"I may do so." - -"Is he a cowboy?" asked Julian, in an audible whisper. - -Giles Packard heard the words and he looked at Rupert with a smile. - -"He is like his father," he said. - -They did not again speak. After the play Stephen Lorimer went out of the -theatre without even a look at his new-found relative. Rupert and the -man from Colorado, following slowly, made the best of their way down -Broadway to the Somerset House. - -"How came you to know Stephen Lorimer?" asked Packard. - -"He and my father were in business together in Buffalo some years since. -They failed, and I have always believed that my father was defrauded. -At any rate he lost everything, while his old partner had money enough -to start in the dry-goods business in New York." - -"History repeats itself," said Packard. "Many years ago, when I was -twenty-two, I was the partner of Stephen Lorimer." - -"You!" - -"Yes. In fact I furnished three-fourths of the capital. At the end of -eighteen months we failed. I never could understand why, for our -business had been good. Stephen kept the books, and I examined without -being able to understand them. The upshot of it was that I was thrown -upon the world penniless, while he soon went into business for himself -in another place. I have not seen Lorimer for twenty years, till -accident brought us together to-night." - -"I am glad you are prosperous again." - -"Yes. I have far more money than when I belonged to the firm of Lorimer -& Packard." - -"Perhaps Mr. Lorimer would take you in as partner again." - -"I have no desire to be associated with him in any way. I believe him -to be a thoroughly dishonest man. I am sorry that your father has -suffered also at his hands." - -Rupert accompanied Mr. Packard to the hotel, having agreed to relieve -another bell-boy from midnight till six o'clock the next morning. - -When he reached the hotel he found it a scene of excitement. The bell of -No. 61 had been ringing violently for some time. - -The other bell-boy had come downstairs in a panic. - -"I can't get into No. 61," he reported. "There is somebody dead or -murdered there." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -WHAT HAPPENED IN NO. 61. - - -"Come upstairs with me, Rupert," said Mr. Malcolm, the clerk. "You've -got a head on your shoulders. We'll soon find out what's the matter." - -They ascended in the elevator to the third floor, and made their way -hurriedly to No. 61. - -There was a sound of a child crying inside. Mr. Malcolm tried the door -but it was locked. - -"Open the door!" he called out. - -"I can't," was the answer, in a young child's voice. "It's locked." - -"Can't you turn the key?" - -"No; I don't know how." - -"You will have to get through the transom," said the clerk. "If we only -had a step-ladder." - -"Lift me up and I'll get through," said Rupert. "I have practiced in a -gymnasium." - -"Very well, if you think you can." - -The clerk bent over, and Rupert, standing on his shoulders, was lifted -so that he could reach the transom. - -Then, by a skillful movement, he raised himself still farther till he -could look inside. - -"What do you see?" asked Malcolm. - -"There is a man lying on his face on the floor. He must have had a fit -or something." - -"Can you get through and lower yourself to the floor?" - -"I think so. I will try." - -"It is the only way to get into the room." - -In very quick time Rupert accomplished his object. He turned the key and -opened the door. - -It was as he had said. A man lay prone upon the floor, and beside him, -crying bitterly, was a pretty little boy of five, who was evidently very -much frightened. - -"Papa sick," he said. - -Malcolm bent over the prostrate man, and tearing open his vest placed -his hand on his heart. - -"The man is dead!" he said, gravely, turning to Rupert. - -The child was undressed, and the appearance of the bed showed that he at -least had occupied it. - -"How long has your papa been lying here?" asked Malcolm. - -"I don't know. I woke up a little while ago, and I saw him on the -floor." - -"Is he cold?" asked Rupert. - -"Yes; he must have been lying here for some time. Probably he was about -to undress, when he had an attack of some kind, and fell as we see him. -Call Dr. Bancroft." - -A physician from Massachusetts was one of the guests of the hotel, and -occupied Room 57. - -Summoned by Rupert, he entered the room, and immediately made an -examination of the body. - -"Died of heart disease!" he said, briefly. - -"Will papa soon be well?" asked the little boy, anxiously. - -"We can tell better to-morrow," said the physician, pityingly. "You had -better go with this gentleman, so as not to disturb your father, and we -will do what we can for him." - -Soothed by this assurance, for the little fellow did not understand that -his father was beyond earthly help, the boy was led away and put in -charge of a sympathetic lady guest for the night. - -"Has he been dead long, doctor?" asked Malcolm. - -"Probably for over an hour. What is his name?" - -"I have forgotten. It is on the register." - -"Perhaps we may find a letter in his pocket that will throw light on the -matter." - -Malcolm put his hand in the inside coat pocket and drew out, first, a -letter addressed to - - PAUL HARVEY, - Albany, - New York. - -The other had no envelope and seemed to be an open letter. It ran thus: - - - To whom it may concern-- - - "My doctor tells me that I am liable at any moment to drop dead - from heart disease. I do not dread death for myself, but when I - think of my little Fred, soon to be left fatherless, as he is - already motherless, I am filled with anxiety. I am practically - alone in the world, and there is no one to whom I can confide. - Should death come to me suddenly, I trust some kind-hearted person - will adopt Freddie, and supply a father's place to him. In my - inside vest pocket will be found securities amounting to eleven - hundred dollars. After defraying my funeral expenses there will - probably be a thousand dollars left. I leave it to any one who will - undertake the care and maintenance of my dear little boy. - - PAUL HARVEY." - - -The three looked at one another after the clerk had read the letter. - -"Here is a responsibility for some one," said Dr. Bancroft. "I wish it -were in my power to take the little boy, but I am only here as a guest, -and circumstances will not permit." - -"I am a bachelor, and should find it impossible to assume such a -charge," said the clerk, "though I feel for the little fellow." - -An inspiration had come to Rupert. His heart had gone out to the little -boy so tragically deprived of his natural protector. - -"I will take the little boy if you are willing," he said. - -"You! A boy! What can you do with him?" asked Malcolm. - -"I am boarding in a nice family," he said. "I will put him under the -care of Mrs. Benton, who has a young son of her own." - -"But do you realize what a responsibility you are assuming?" - -"I do, and I am not afraid. I never had a little fellow, and I shall be -very fond of Fred." - -"What do you think, doctor?" asked the clerk. - -"I think from the little I know of this boy, that, though a young -guardian, he will be a reliable one. I recommend that Fred, if that's -his name, be put under his charge." - -"In that case, according to the father's direction, the money will go to -Rupert." - -"Please take charge of it, Mr. Malcolm, till the funeral is over. Then -we will place it in some bank." - -"It will not go very far towards paying for the boy's board and -education. He can't be more than five or six." - -"When it is gone I will support him." - -No objection was made, and it was agreed that Rupert should have the -custody of the little orphan, not yet conscious of his loss. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -MR. PACKARD'S GIFT. - - -It was not until the next day that Giles Packard knew of the tragedy in -No. 61. He had gone to bed at once on reaching the hotel, and had not -heard of Rupert's adopting a child. - -"What is this I hear, Rupert?" he asked, on meeting the bell-boy. "I -hear you have an adopted son." - -"Yes," answered Rupert, with a smile. - -"Won't you get tired of the care and responsibility?" - -"I think not." - -"Besides, there will be considerable expense." - -"The money left by his father will pay that till I am older and am -earning more." - -"Not many boys of your age would dare to assume such a charge." - -"Perhaps not, but Fred is such a sweet boy I cannot help loving him." - -"Look here, Rupert, won't you let me share the expense? I am rich and -have no family ties?" - -"Thank you, Mr. Packard. I am very much obliged to you, but I should -like to feel that I am Fred's sole guardian. I want him to learn to love -me." - -"I don't know but you are right. I won't interfere if you don't wish me -to." - -That evening Rupert took Fred to Mr. Benton's. - -"I have brought you another boarder," he said. - -Mrs. Benton looked surprised. - -"Is it a relation of yours?" she asked. - -"He is my son." - -The good lady looked amazed. - -"My adopted son," amended Rupert, with a smile; and then he told her of -the sudden death at the hotel, and little Fred's bereavement. Mrs. -Benton's heart went out to the little orphan, and she stooped and kissed -him. - -"Will you live with me?" she asked. - -"I am going to live with him," said little Fred, taking Rupert's hand. - -"He will live here, too." - -"Then I will stay," answered the child, gravely. "I am to stay with him -till papa comes back." - -They had told the little boy that his father had gone on a long journey, -and wished him to stay with Rupert during his absence. He had acquiesced -quietly, for he was a docile child, and transferred his affection to -Rupert, of whose love he felt assured. - -"Now, Mrs. Benton, I must make a bargain with you for Fred's board." - -Mrs. Benton at first refused to accept anything, protesting that a child -would be little expense, but Rupert told her that the father had left -money, and finally induced her to accept three dollars a week. - -"I am afraid that is too little," said the bell-boy. - -"No; it will help pay the rent, and I shall like to have Freddie here as -a companion for Harry." - -So it was arranged, and the little boy was provided with a happy and -comfortable home at small expense. - -Two days later Giles Packard sought out Rupert during an interval of the -bell-boy's labors. - -"How is the little boy?" asked the cattleman. - -"He is well, and he seems to be happy. He thinks his father is away on a -journey." - -"The journey we must all take some time," said Packard, gravely. "Then -you won't accept my help towards paying for the child's maintenance?" - -"It won't be necessary, Mr. Packard. I am to pay only three dollars a -week for his board." - -"His clothing will cost something." - -"Mrs. Benton will manage that. She says it won't cost over fifty dollars -a year." - -"I foresaw that you wouldn't let me help support the boy, so I have got -even with you in another way." - -"How is that?" asked Rupert, puzzled. - -Mr. Packard, smiled. - -"I decided to make you a present," he said. "You won't refuse that?" - -"No; I am sure you are a good friend, and I won't reject your kindness." - -Rupert fancied Mr. Packard might be intending to give him fifty dollars, -or something like that, and he felt that it would be ungracious to -refuse. - -The man from Colorado drew from his pocket a large-sized envelope, and -from it took a legal document. - -"This," he said, "is a deed of two lots in Harlem, not far from -One-hundred-and-twenty-fifth Street. The deed is made out to you, and -establishes your ownership." - -"I didn't know you had any lots in Harlem," said Rupert, in surprise. - -"Neither had I till yesterday. I bought them through a real estate agent -on Third Avenue, after carefully considering several others." - -"But, Mr. Packard, they must have cost you a good deal of money." - -"Two thousand dollars." - -"And you give me such a valuable present?" - -"Yes, Rupert, and I am glad to do so. Don't think I have pinched myself -to do it. I am a rich man, and I haven't a chick or child, except--well, -except you," he continued, with a smile. - -"I don't know that I ought to accept such a handsome present, though I -fully appreciate your great kindness." - -"I don't quite see that you have any choice. The deed is made out in -your name, and in due time you will find that you will have to pay taxes -on them." - -"Then I suppose I must submit. I don't know how to thank you." - -"Then don't do it. It would make me feel awkward. I will give you some -good advice before I leave you. Those lots I believe will advance in -price very rapidly. Building is going on very near them, and they are in -the path of improvement. My advice is that you hold on to them at least -five years. They may realize you a small fortune." - -"I will certainly be guided by your advice. Do you know, Mr. Packard, I -imagine there are very few bell-boys in New York who are as rich as I -am?" - -"I don't think I have ever heard of a bell-boy millionaire," said the -cattleman, smiling, "though I hope the one before me may make the first -exception to a general rule. Did I tell you that I expect to start on my -return to Colorado to-morrow?" - -"So soon as that?" - -"Yes; I have received news from my agent there--good news, mind--that -makes it advisable for me to abridge my visit. May I hope that you will -write me sometimes?" - -"I shall be glad to do so, Mr. Packard." - -"Mind, it is a compact. Some time I expect you to visit me out there." - -"When my child gets a little older," said Rupert, with a smile. - -"And if at any time you find the expense too great for your means, let -me help you." - -"I will." - -So the two friends parted, and Rupert resumed his regular routine as a -bell-boy. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -RUPERT BECOMES A CONFIDANT. - - -Some three months later Rupert's attention was called to a boy of -seventeen or thereabouts, with long black hair and a high forehead, who -registered as a guest, and took one of the cheapest rooms in the hotel. -The boy seemed to have no companion, and to know very little about the -city. - -"Can you direct me to Palmer's Theatre?" he asked, rather diffidently. - -"It is on Broadway, corner of Thirtieth Street," answered Rupert. - -"And Daly's?" - -"That is nearly opposite, on the other side of Broadway." - -The boy took out a memorandum-book and noted down these addresses. - -"What can he want at those theatres?" thought Rupert. - -Of course he might want to buy a reserved seat in advance, but Rupert -did not think it likely. - -After getting his information the boy went out (it was about ten -o'clock), and did not reappear till four o'clock in the afternoon. -Rupert noticed him as he entered the hotel, and observed that he looked -anxious and despondent. He did not go upstairs at once, but sank into a -chair near Rupert, and apparently gave way to sorrowful reflections. - -"He has some secret trouble," thought the bell-boy. "If he would speak -to me I might be able to comfort him." - -On the impulse of the moment he went up to the young guest, and asked, -in a low tone of sympathy, - -"Are you in any trouble?" - -The boy started, flushed, and looked at Rupert half suspiciously. But -there was something so friendly and sympathetic in Rupert's face that he -was assured of his being a safe confidant. - -"Yes," he said, "I am in trouble." - -"If you will tell me, perhaps I can help you." - -The boy looked about him hesitatingly. - -"I shouldn't like to tell you here," he answered. "There are too many -people round." - -"I shall be at leisure after six o'clock. Will that do?" - -"Yes. Could you come up to my room?" - -"I will come with pleasure." - -"I want a confidant. I want advice. You are younger than I am--at least -you look so--but you have lived in the city while I am from the -country." - -"At any rate I will give you the best advice I can." - -"Thank you. I feel better for having found a friend. I will go and take -a walk, and you will find me here at six o'clock." - -When Rupert got through work he found the boy waiting for him in the -same place. - -"I can go upstairs with you now." - -"All right!" said the young guest, rising from his seat quickly. "We -will take the elevator, for my room is on the top floor." - -"In business hours," said Rupert, "I am not allowed to use the elevator. -Now I am no longer a bell-boy, but your visitor." - -The room was a small hall bedroom. It was one that was let for -seventy-five cents a day, while the better and larger rooms ranged -upwards to a dollar and a half. The room contained one chair only. - -"Please take a seat," said the young host. - -"But where will you sit?" - -"I will sit on the bed. I don't know but you will laugh at me," he went -on, "when I tell you what brought me to New York." - -"Oh, no. I shall not laugh at you. But first, as we are to be friends, -let me tell you my name and ask yours. I am Rupert Rollins." - -"That is a nice name. It sounds like a story name. Mine is Leslie -Waters." - -"Where do you live?"' - -"I was born and brought up in Rahway. That is in New Jersey, about -twenty miles from New York. My father lives about a mile from the -village. He has a small farm." - -"And you were brought up to work on the farm?" - -"Well, it isn't exactly a farm, but we raise vegetables and fruits for -the New York market. I went to school till a year ago. Then I -graduated, and since then I have worked for my father." - -"Did you like it?" - -"No, I don't like working on land. I feel," continued Leslie, flushing, -"that I was born for something better and nobler. Besides, I don't want -to live in the country. I prefer the city. There's something going on -here." - -"Yes, that is true." - -"And I wanted to be in the excitement. I'd rather live half as long in -the city. You can live more here in a year than in the country in two -years." - -"Was there any particular thing that you wished to do?" - -"Yes, I am coming to that. When I attended school there was one exercise -that many of the boys did not like, but I did. I liked to declaim. I -began with such pieces as 'Casabianca'--you know that, don't you?" - -"Oh, yes," said Rupert, smiling. "I have spoken it more than once -myself." - -"But of course I got beyond that after a while. I used to speak pieces -from Shakespeare and other dramatic authors. There was one I liked to -speak in particular. It begins: - - - "The warrior bowed his crested head and tamed his heart of fire, - And sued the haughty king to free his long-imprisoned sire." - - -"Yes, I know the poem." - -"I got a prize for speaking it at one of our closing examinations," said -Leslie, proudly. "Would you like to have me speak it for you now?" - -"I afraid it would attract attention in some of the neighboring rooms, -as it is a spirited piece." - -Leslie looked disappointed but continued. "Then I have spoken 'Young -Lochinvar' also--I liked that." - -"Did you never speak any prose pieces?" - -"No, I didn't care for prose. I like poetry best. I wish we were alone, -so I could speak something for you." - -"We will go on an excursion some Sunday--say to Weehawken--and then I -shall have a chance to hear you." - -"I am afraid I shall not be able to stay in the city," said Leslie, -gloomily. "I have met nothing but disappointment since I came here." - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -TRYING TO BE AN ACTOR. - - -"Have you inquired for work?" asked Rupert. - -"Yes." - -"What kind of work?" - -"I wanted to be an actor. So I applied at Palmer's Theatre and Daly's -this forenoon, and this afternoon I went to others." - -"How were you received?" asked Rupert, in considerable curiosity. - -"They wouldn't talk with me," answered Leslie, indignantly. "One of the -managers laughed at me when I asked if he would let me speak a piece, so -that he might judge of my ability." - -"Perhaps they had no vacancy," suggested Rupert, trying to keep his -countenance. - -"They asked me if I had ever acted. Of course I can't till I get the -chance. I told him I would be willing to work for five dollars a week -till I got some experience. I told them they might try me in small -parts. One of them asked me if I had ever played Hamlet. He must have -been in fun." - -"I should think so." - -"Of course great actors like Booth must have served an apprenticeship. I -was reading an account of Booth's early life lately, and he began just -as I want to begin." - -"I expect the profession must be crowded. There was an actor staying at -the hotel last week. He is out of employment, and I think he must be out -of funds, for he got me to go out and pawn an overcoat for him." - -"I am sure I could succeed if I only had a show," continued Leslie. "You -don't happen to know any manager, do you?" - -"No. Perhaps you would stand a better chance of getting into a variety -theatre. Can you sing or dance?" - -"No; I should not be willing to. I don't think Booth ever did, or -Irving, or Forrest." - -"No. I don't think they did." - -"And I'll get some time to be a famous actor, so I wouldn't like to -have it mentioned in my biographies that I ever played in a variety -theatre." - -"Are you going to make any more applications, Leslie?" - -"I shall apply to every manager in the city," answered Leslie, -energetically. - -"I like your pluck. You deserve to succeed." - -"Didn't you ever think of being an actor?" - -"No; I don't think I have any talent for it." - -"Don't you like to speak pieces?" - -"Pretty well, but I like to write compositions better. How long do you -expect to stay in the city?" - -"Well, I'll tell you how I am situated. I had twelve dollars in a -savings bank in Newark, and I took it out without letting my father -know. I was sure he wouldn't approve it, especially if he thought I was -trying to go on the stage. You see he doesn't approve of theatres. It is -very strange, considering that the greatest man that ever lived was an -actor and dramatic author." - -"You mean Shakespeare?" - -"Yes. However, father is old-fashioned in his ideas. I should like to -become a great actor, and make piles of money. Then he might be proud of -me." - -Leslie's face flushed and his voice trembled, he was so carried away by -the thought of becoming a dramatic star. - -"You said you had twelve dollars?" remarked Rupert, by way of bringing -him back to solid ground. - -"Yes; but I have spent four dollars, though I have tried to be -economical. I pay seventy-five cents a day for my room, and that counts -up." - -"Yes, so it does. If you were going to stop long in the city I think I -could get a room for you at two dollars a week." - -"I should like that, but I can't pay even that if I don't get something -to do." - -"In that case I suppose you would go home." - -"I should have to. I suppose my father is very angry at me." - -"Did you leave home without letting him know?" - -"Yes; I knew he wouldn't let me come if he knew my plans." - -"Didn't you leave a note for him?" - -"Yes. I'll tell you what I wrote. I have a copy of it here." - -Leslie drew from his pocket a half sheet of note paper, and read aloud -the following words: - - - "DEAR FATHER-- - - "When you read these words I shall be far from home. I suppose I - ought not to go, but I am tired of the country, and I want to win - fame and fortune. I have a plan in view which I have considered for - years. I won't tell you what it is now, for though strictly - honorable, you might not approve it. I think I understand myself - better than you do, though you are my father. I will let you hear - from me soon. Your son, - - LESLIE WATERS." - - -"Of course you don't know how this was received by your father?" - -"I met a boy from Rahway this morning. He told me that father was mad, -and said he washed his hands of me, that I was a fool, and would very -soon find it out." - -"Then you don't think he will pursue you?" - -"No, he isn't that kind of a man." - -"It will be rather awkward for you to go home." - -"Yes. I wouldn't like to do that." - -"Suppose you don't get a chance to go on the stage, would you be willing -to take a business place?" - -"Yes, I would rather do that than go home. Here I should be in the midst -of life, and if I bided my time I might get a chance to go on the stage -after all." - -"That is true. Now I will tell you why I asked. One of the bell-boys -here is going to leave. I might get the position for you." - -"You are a bell-boy, are you not?" - -"Yes." - -"How much do you get?" - -"Five dollars a week and my meals. I have to hire a room outside." - -"And you say I can get a room for two dollars a week?" - -"Yes. Perhaps for a dollar and a half." - -"Then I could get along." - -"You might not like the duties of a bell-boy." - -"What are they?" - -Rupert explained. - -"How early should I get off at night?" - -"At six o'clock. The bell-boy who is about to leave is on through the -day like myself." - -"That would suit me. I could go to the theatre in the evening." - -"True." - -"If I don't get a chance to act to-day I will take the place if you can -get it for me. It will be much better than going back to Rahway. -Besides, my father will think better of me if he hears that I have found -a place where I can make my expenses." - -"Does he know that you have had thoughts of becoming an actor?" - -"No; I never told him, but my mother knows it." - -"What does she say to it?" - -"She thinks I am smart enough to succeed, but fears I might get into bad -company." - -"There is danger of that." - -"Not for me. I don't care for drinking, and I belong to the temperance -society." - -"So do I." - -"When a boy is ambitious to be great I don't think he is likely to get -dissipated." - -"Perhaps you are right. One thing I must say to you, Leslie. If you take -the place of bell-boy you must try to give satisfaction." - -"I will, for it will keep me in the city. In Rahway there is no chance -of my rising in life." - -Rupert foresaw that there was very little chance of his new friend -getting a position in any theatre, and he spoke at once to the manager -of the hotel about giving a place as bell-boy to Leslie. - -"Is he a friend of yours, Rupert?" asked the manager. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Have you known him long?" - -"Not long enough to be sure that he will be satisfactory. Still you -might be willing to take him on trial." - -"I will try him for a week. If at the end of that time he suits me -moderately well I will retain him." - -"I will coach him a little and instruct him in his duties." - -"That will help." - -In the evening Leslie came home just before Rupert got through his day's -work. He did not look as if he had succeeded. Still he was not as sober -as the day before. - -"Well?" said Rupert. "What luck?" - -"I don't get a place. In some of the theatres they did not treat me -respectfully, though one manager admitted that he went on the stage -earlier than I did." - -"Where was that?" - -"In Brooklyn." - -"Then I suppose you will be ready to accept the place of bell-boy?" - -"Yes; but if a chance should come of my going on the stage I should want -to resign it." - -"You had better not say anything about that. Wait till the chance -comes." - -"I have one piece of good news," said Leslie, more cheerfully. "In two -weeks a spectacular piece will be put on the stage at Niblo's, and they -have promised me a place as supe." - -"How much will you be paid?" - -"Only twenty-five cents a night, but it will be a beginning. I shall -have a place behind the footlights. More than one actor has made his -start in that way." - -"I am glad for you. I will go and see you when you make your first -appearance." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -A BAFFLED SCHEME. - - -Both Julian Lorimer and his father felt mortified at the failure of -their attempt to humiliate Mr. Benton. They had supposed he had neither -friends nor influence and were very much surprised at his securing -another position elsewhere at an advanced salary. They tried to find out -where he was now employed, but without success. Julian inquired of -Rupert one day when he met him, but the bell-boy refused to tell. - -"Oh, it's a secret, is it?" sneered Julian. - -"Yes, to you," answered Rupert. "Why did you wish to know?" - -Rupert was confident that Julian meant mischief, and in the interest of -Mr. Benton he declined to give him any information. - -Of course this made Julian all the more anxious to gain his point. He -got in the way of visiting every dry-goods store, and scanning the -clerks and salesmen. But there are a good many such stores in New York, -and it was some time before he made any discovery. - -One day, however, he strayed into Grand Street, and entered a large -store in quest of some cheap neckties which he saw exposed outside. -Julian was rather a dude, and these ties had attracted his notice. - -As he was passing through the store without any special thought of his -father's old clerk, he chanced to pass by the counter where dress goods -were sold. His face lighted up with malicious joy when he saw Benton -measuring off a dress pattern for a lady. He stopped until the salesman -was at leisure. Then, stepping up to the counter, he said, "Good -morning, Mr. Benton." - -Benton certainly was not pleased to see his old persecutor. Perhaps his -countenance expressed his feelings as he answered, "Good morning, -Julian." - -"So it is here you are employed?" - -"Yes, as you see." - -"Did you come here directly from pa's store?" - -"Yes. How did you find out that I was here?" - -"I didn't find out till just now." - -"Can I do anything for you? Do you wish to buy anything in my line?" - -"No. I came in for some neckties. Do you ever see anything of Rupert -Rollins?" - -"Yes, he has a room at my house." - -"Oho, I didn't know that. That accounts for his interest in you." - -"I am glad he has an interest in me. He is a very good friend of mine." - -"A poor boy like him isn't much of a friend. He can't do much for you." - -"He got me this position." - -"Did he?" said Julian, in some surprise. - -"Yes." - -Benton might have told Julian that Rupert owned two valuable lots in -Harlem, but he thought it more proper that Rupert himself should make it -known whenever he saw fit. - -"Well, so long. I may see you again before long." - -"I am not in the least desirous of it," thought Benton, but he answered -civilly. - -"Well, pa," said Julian, at dinner, "I saw your old clerk, Benton, -to-day." - -"Did you, indeed," said Mr. Lorimer, interested. "Is he out of work?" - -"No; he's employed in a Grand Street store." - -"Did you speak to him?" - -"Yes." - -"How did he appear?" - -"He was better dressed than when he worked for you." - -"I mean was he cordial?" - -"Not very. I don't think he was very glad to see me. Good reason why." - -"I wonder whether he is well paid?" - -"I didn't ask him, for I knew he wouldn't tell me if I did. I have no -doubt he gets a good deal more than what you paid him." - -"They must have taken him without a recommendation," mused Lorimer. - -"You wouldn't give him a recommendation, would you?" - -"No, I should have to say that he was insubordinate and gave me -trouble." - -Julian Lorimer could be depended upon to act meanly and maliciously, -without any scruples of conscience. Two days later Mr. Benton was -summoned to the superintendent's room. - -"You wished to see me, sir?" he said. - -"Yes. I wish to show you a letter which the firm has received." - -Henry Benton took the proffered letter, and read with what feelings can -be imagined the following communication: - - - "GENTLEMEN-- - - "In visiting your store yesterday I saw a Mr. Benton behind the - dress goods counter who used to work in our, that is, my father's - store. I was surprised that you should employ him. He brought no - recommendation from us, or if he presented one it was forged. My - father found him unsatisfactory, and was quite glad to get rid of - him. He is a poor man, and I don't want to injure him, but I - thought it only right that I should tell you what my father thinks - of him. He would not tell us where he was going, and it was only by - chance that I found out. - - Yours truly, - "JULIAN LORIMER." - - -"Well, Mr. Wilson, I have read the letter," said Benton. "Is there -anything you would like to ask me in reference to it?" - -"Is the writer correct in his statements?" - -"So far from it that his father asked me to stay longer, and offered me -an additional dollar a week." - -"Did you have any trouble when in Mr. Lorimer's store?" - -"Yes; this boy Julian, who has nothing to do with the business, -interfered with my work and was very insolent. I rebuked him and he -succeeded in getting his father to discharge me. Afterward his father -revoked the dismissal and wished me to stay. But I had already a -situation offered me here, and I declined. I hope this letter will not -prejudice you against me." - -"By no means. Even without your explanation I understood pretty well the -character of the writer of the note." - -"Shall you answer it?" - -"Yes; I have a curiosity to see the boy." - -Julian Lorimer smiled with satisfaction when he received a letter -inviting him to call at the Grand Street store. - -"Things are working as I desired," he said to himself. "I think, Mr. -Benton, your career will be brief, and you will soon be looking for -another position." - -He entered the store about ten o'clock, and took good care to walk by -the counter behind which Mr. Benton was employed. The latter saw him, -but after his interview with the superintendent he did not feel anxious. - -"I am Julian Lorimer," announced Julian, as he entered the presence of -the superintendent. - -"You wrote us a letter, I believe?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"In relation to a clerk in our employ?" - -"Yes. Mr. Benton." - -"He used to work for your father?" - -"Yes, sir. He was in father's employ rather more than a year." - -"He stayed some time, then?" - -"Yes; father didn't want to discharge him as he had a family." - -"Very considerate on your father's part, certainly," said Mr. Wilson, in -a peculiar tone, in which Julian did not detect the sarcasm. - -"On the whole, your father did not find him satisfactory? What was the -matter? Isn't he a good salesman?" - -"Pretty fair," answered Julian. "Nothing alarming." - -"Then what fault did he find with him? I suppose he was honest?" - -"Yes, so far as we know." - -"And still your father found him unsatisfactory. There must have been -some cause of complaint?" - -"He was impudent," said Julian. "He felt too large for his position." - -"Was he impudent to your father?" - -"No." - -"To whom, then?" - -"To me." - -"Oh, to you. Were you employed in the store?" - -"No, sir." - -"Then I don't see how you could have come in contact with him." - -"I used to go into the store sometimes. That was very natural, as it was -my father's store." - -"And on one of these occasions he was impudent to you?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"This is a serious charge. What would you advise me to do? Do you think -I ought to discharge him?" - -"I will only say this, that my father would not have him in the store." - -"You said in your letter that you did not wish to injure him. If he -should be discharged that would certainly be an injury." - -"Yes, sir, I suppose so," answered Julian, with hesitation. - -He was puzzled and could not understand what Mr. Wilson was driving at. - -"I will send for Mr. Benton." - -When Benton came into the presence of the superintendent, Mr. Wilson -said, - -"Mr. Benton, this boy, Mr. Julian Lorimer, has been bringing charges -against you." - -"I am not surprised to hear it, sir." - -"He says you did not treat him respectfully when you were in his -father's store; that, in short, you were impudent to him." - -"There is some truth in my not treating him respectfully. He came up to -my counter and interfered with my work." - -"You were aware that he was Mr. Lorimer's son?" - -"Oh, yes, sir." - -"And yet you rebuked or snubbed him?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"He thinks that a serious matter. He thinks I ought to discharge you. My -own feeling is that you treated him just right." - -Julian looked paralyzed. - -"And to make up to you for his malicious attempt to injure you, I will -raise your salary two dollars a week." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"As for you, young man, I don't wish to see you in the store again. -James, you may show Mr. Lorimer out." - -Julian lost no time in getting out of the place. He had never felt so -humiliated before. It would be hard to describe his blended rage and -mortification. It was certainly aggravating to reflect that he had only -succeeded in raising Mr. Benton's salary. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -LESLIE'S PROGRESS. - - -Leslie Waters obtained the situation of bell-boy through Rupert's -recommendation, and entered upon his duties at once. He had failed in -his ambition to become an actor. With his elevated ideas of the position -of a member of the profession, he did not immediately become reconciled -to figuring as a bell-boy, but it enabled him to live in the great city, -which became daily more and more attractive to him. - -Rupert engaged for him a small hall bedroom in the same house in which -he was himself living. The price agreed upon was only a dollar and a -half weekly, which, with his salary, he could pay without inconvenience. - -Rupert was afraid that Leslie would prove too flighty and impracticable -for his humble duties, but was agreeably disappointed. Accustomed to -work on a farm in a quiet country town, Leslie found hotel life very -attractive, and labored zealously to give satisfaction. The day after he -went to work he wrote to his father in Rahway as follows: - - - "DEAR FATHER-- - - "I hope you are not angry at my leaving home so suddenly. I had got - tired of country life, and felt that I was destined to a career in - the city. I was not sure what employment awaited me, but hoped in - some way to make a living. I have succeeded--I have secured a - position in the Somerset Hotel, on Broadway. I take my meals at the - hotel, and am paid a salary of five dollars per week besides. I - have to pay a dollar and a half for a room, and the balance of my - pay will defray the rest of my expenses. - - "I owe my success to a very friendly boy, not quite as old as I am, - who is employed in the hotel. My hours are from six to six, so that - I have my evenings to myself. I think you will agree that I am - doing better and earning more than I ever did in Rahway. Of course - I hope to be promoted, perhaps to go into some more congenial - business when I get better acquainted in the city. If you should - come to the city at any time I shall be glad to have you call at - the hotel. - - "Your son, - "LESLIE WATERS." - - -In reply, Leslie received the following letter, written in a cramped -hand, indicating that the writer was not accustomed to epistolary -composition: - - - "SON LESLIE-- - - "I have received your letter, and am glad to learn that you are not - quite so foolish as I supposed. I was afraid you had the foolish - notion of becoming a play actor. I never knew one in that - profession who was a solid, sensible man. To my mind it is a very - poor business. It is all very well for boys to speak pieces at - school exhibitions, but when they start in to speak pieces for a - livelihood it is very foolish. I surmised from some things I had - observed in you that you had such a notion in your head, but I am - glad I was mistaken. - - "The hotel business is a good business, I am told. You don't tell - me what your duties are, but you seem to be earning pretty good - pay. I hope you will give satisfaction. You never earned even three - dollars a week at farming, so that perhaps it may be well for you - to stay where you are really earning a good income. Some time you - may be qualified to keep a hotel yourself. Your mother's cousin - keeps a hotel somewhere in Kansas, and I hear that he is making - money. You did wrong to leave home without permission, but I will - not find fault with you under the circumstances. When I go to New - York I will call in and see how you are getting along. Your mother - will make up a bundle of clothing and send you by express. - - "Your father, - "JETHRO WATERS." - - -Leslie showed this letter to Rupert. - -"Your father doesn't suspect that you came to the city intending to go -on the stage?" he said. - -"No, he thinks I have given up my ambition to become an actor. He has no -idea what a glorious profession it is. I don't suppose he ever went to -the theatre in his life. I wish he could see Edwin Booth, or Irving, or -Joseph Jefferson. Yet I suppose he would rather have me keep a hotel -than become as great as either of these." - -"It takes a smart man to keep a hotel, Leslie. Very likely Booth or -Irving wouldn't succeed in that line." - -"I hope some time I may get a chance on the stage. Will you go with me -to-night to see Mansfield in 'Jekyll and Hyde'?" - -"Yes; I have no other engagement." - -That evening the two bell-boys had front seats in the gallery of a -Broadway theatre, and saw Mr. Mansfield in his remarkable impersonation -of the two contrasted characters. Leslie was filled with admiration. - -"Do you know, Rupert, I think I will learn to act those parts in time?" - -"You might succeed in Jekyll, but it would be more difficult to play the -part of Hyde." - -"Perhaps so. Indeed, I know you are right. But it is a part which I -should enjoy. I have a great mind to make a study of it." - -"If I were you I would try something easier." - -"It is the hard parts that are best worth acting," said Leslie, grandly. - -Rupert thought little more of this conversation, but two evenings later, -as he sat playing checkers with Harry Benton, there was a knock at the -door of Mrs. Benton's apartment. On the door being opened, Mrs. Spenser -appeared. She was the lady of whom Leslie hired his room. She seemed to -be quite excited. - -"Oh, Mr. Rollins," she exclaimed, addressing Rupert, "I wanted to see -you. I am so frightened." - -Rupert looked up in surprise. - -"What is the matter, Mrs. Spenser?" - -"Your friend, Mr. Waters, is making a terrible noise. Is he subject to -fits?" - -"Not that I ever heard." - -"I don't dare to go in. He is acting like a wild man. I never heard -anything to equal it. Do you know if any of his family were ever crazy?" - -"I will go and see what is the matter. I don't think you need be -alarmed." - -"If he is really crazy," continued Mrs. Spenser, "I don't think I can -keep him, though I need the money he pays for room rent." - -Rupert abandoned his game, and, accompanied by the frightened woman, -proceeded to the part of the house where Leslie lodged. As he stood -outside in the hall he heard Leslie in a low, guttural voice rehearsing -the part of Hyde. One who was not familiar with the _role_ or the play -might be excused for being startled. - -Rupert tried the door, and entered. - -There was his associate bell-boy, half-crouching, and with his black -hair carefully disordered, walking across the room, with his naturally -pleasant face distorted by a grin as fiendish as he could make it. - -"Look at him! He is certainly crazy!" ejaculated the terrified landlady. -"He looks awful." - -"What are you doing, Leslie?" asked Rupert. - -Leslie looked up, and his face showed embarrassment when he saw his -visitors. - -"I am practicing the part of Hyde," he said. - -"I thought so. You have frightened Mrs. Spenser, who thought you had a -fit or were crazy." - -Instead of being offended, Leslie took this as a tribute to his art. - -"Yes," he said, "it is a frightful character. Did I really look -dreadful?" - -"Awful!" said Mrs. Spenser. - -"That's the way Mansfield looked. Isn't it, Rupert?" - -"Something like it, Leslie, but I shouldn't think you would like to -imitate such a personation. Why don't you try Romeo?" - -"Romeo is a silly character. He is only a sixteenth century dude." - -"Then imitate Claude Melnotte, in the 'Lady of Lyons.'" - -"I never saw it." - -"In that character, instead of looking frightful, you would need to look -handsome, romantic and attractive. If Mrs. Spenser should see you in -that she wouldn't be frightened." - -"Are you an actor, Mr. Waters?" asked the landlady, curiously. - -"I hope to be some day," returned Leslie, much flattered. - -"I am going to have some friends come in to see me Christmas evening. I -should be very much obliged if you would do some acting for us, only not -that Hyde," and she shuddered. - -"I shall be pleased to do what I can, Mrs. Spenser," replied Leslie, -graciously. "I will speak some pieces for you--some pieces that require -acting. I have a recitation called 'The Tramp.'" - -"I shall be very glad to have you. It will be a great favor. Don't you -act, too, Mr. Rollins?" - -"No; I leave all that to my friend Leslie." - -The landlady retired, leaving the two boys alone. - -"What did you think of my acting, Rupert?" said Leslie. - -"If I could see it again I think it would give me a nightmare." - -"I consider that a compliment," said Leslie, complacently. "I shall -never be satisfied, Rupert, till I go on the stage." - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -LESLIE WATERS AS A DRAMATIC STAR. - - -A year passed; not an eventful year, however, nor did it materially -change the position of the principal characters introduced in our story. -Rupert was still a bell-boy in the Somerset Hotel. He had been raised -three dollars a week, however, and was now receiving a salary of eight -dollars, besides his board. - -His friend Leslie Waters was doing satisfactory service at six dollars. -He had by no means lost his love for the stage. He economized on -clothing in order to attend the theatre. It must be said that his taste -was good, and that he preferred standard plays and good acting to the -sensational pieces that too often eclipse in success the better class of -dramas. He had joined the Violet Dramatic Club of young men, meeting -weekly somewhere on West Fourteenth Street. The members of the club -laboriously rehearsed short plays, and offered their services -gratuitously, or for a slight compensation, to charitable societies, and -thus obtained some valuable training and a share of applause. - -Of course Leslie Waters was always cast for a prominent part. Of all the -members of the society he was the most ambitious, and the most willing -to work. For a long time he tried to induce his fellow-members to essay -a long play. He was particularly desirous of playing Claude Melnotte, in -the "Lady of Lyons." The main difficulty, however, was in obtaining a -young lady capable of playing Pauline. At length that difficulty was -surmounted. A young lady of eighteen, from Brooklyn, the cousin of one -of the members of the club, who, like Leslie, thought herself born for -the stage, offered her services, and was adjudged competent, although -rather disposed to overdo the part. - -One day Leslie brought to his friend Rupert a circular to the following -effect: - - - "The Violet Dramatic Club beg leave to inform their friends and - the public generally that they will produce Bulwer's noted play, - - THE LADY OF LYONS, - - At Amaranth Hall, on First Avenue, on the evening of Thursday, May - 6, with the distinguished actor, Leslie Waters, in the character of - Claude Melnotte. Miss Ida Strassburger, an accomplished amateur - from Brooklyn, will appear as Pauline. - - "Tickets, 25 and 50 cents." - - "The proceeds will be given to the Society for the Relief of - Indigent Laundresses." - - -"What do you think of that, Rupert?" asked Leslie, with a complacent -smile. - -"I congratulate you on your opportunity to make a hit. I am glad it is -you, and not I, who is to play the part of Claude." - -"Of course you would hardly be competent. If you would like some light -part, like that of a servant, I think I might have got you into the -cast." - -"Thank you, Leslie, but I have no ambition in that direction. Who is the -Pauline? Do you know her?" - -"It is Ida Strassburger, of Brooklyn. She is a cousin of one of our -members." - -"How does she play?" - -"Pretty well, but she has something of the Bowery style; that is, she -rather overdoes her part. I have tried to tone her down." - -"Does she look the part?" - -"Well, no. I am sorry to say it, but she is rather short and fat. She is -German, as you may guess from her name. Still I think she will do, if -she will be guided by me. You see we can't afford to be too particular -about a Pauline, for it is harder to get actresses than actors." - -"Do you feel at all nervous about your first appearance in a star part?" - -"Oh, no, I never was troubled with stage fright. I have considerable -confidence in myself." - -This was quite true. Had Leslie been requested to appear as Hamlet, he -would have had no misgivings, but with sufficient time for preparation -would have walked on the stage prepared to enact the _role_ of the -melancholy Dane. - -"I hope you will win the popular favor, and get your name before the -public." - -"I hope so. One of our members, who sometimes reports for the _Evening -News_, has promised to write an account for that paper, and we hope to -be noticed by the _Sun_ and _World_." - -"Suppose your father reads the account? Does he take either of these -papers?" - -"I hope he will. In fact I shall make sure that he does, for I will send -the papers to him marked, getting you to address the wrappers. While he -would object to my going on the stage professionally, I don't think he -will mind my appearing for the benefit of a charitable society." - -"Do you know anything about the Society for the Relief of Indigent -Laundresses?" - -"No." - -"Yet you are going to work very hard for them." - -"Oh, I don't care anything for the society. I would be willing to work -for any society, as long as I got a chance to appear in a prominent -part." - -"I am not sure," said Rupert, laughing, "but I would like to have your -club give a performance for the benefit of destitute bell-boys." - -"I am quite ready, if any such society should be formed." - -"I'll think about forming one, though I am glad to say I don't know of -any destitute bell-boys at present." - -Rupert bought several tickets, and invited the entire Benton family, -including his young charge, to attend the performance. - -Mrs. Spenser and her daughters received an invitation from Leslie Waters -himself. The widow felt quite flattered. - -"I am sure, Mr. Waters," she said, "I am proud to think a distinguished -actor like you is a lodger of mine. It will seem so odd to see you on -the stage. I don't see how you can do it." - -"It comes natural to me, Mrs. Spenser," said Leslie, much flattered. - -"And do you think you will ever go on the stage as a regular business, -Mr. Waters?" - -"I will if I have a good opportunity. To be a bell-boy does not satisfy -my ambition." - -"It is a good, steady business." - -"Yes, but I feel that I was born for higher things. Anyone can be a -bell-boy, but there are few who are qualified to become actors." - -"I wonder your friend Mr. Rollins doesn't act." - -"Well, you see, Rupert is a very good fellow, but I don't think he is -gifted enough to become an actor, that is, a prominent actor. I offered -to get him the part of a servant, but he didn't care to attempt it. Some -time, Mrs. Spenser, when a child is needed in any of my plays, I may get -the chance for your Sophie." - -"Oh, Mr. Waters, how kind you are. Do you really think Sophie could -act?" - -"Yes, if I should train her. You know not very much is expected of a -child." - -"I should feel so proud to see my little girl on the stage. Did you ever -see Elsie Leslie act?" - -"Yes, she is very clever. I only wish she were old enough, and would -consent to take the part of Pauline. She would be far better than Ida -Strassburger." - -"Is she pretty?" - -"She is fair-looking, but she is too fat. However, she has a lover, a -stout, young German, who, I understand, is jealous because on the stage -I am to personate her lover. I presume he will be present. I will harrow -him up by being a little extra affectionate." - -"Now, Mr. Waters, you are really too bad. You ought to consider the -feelings of the poor young man." - -"His name is Otto Schaefer, and he is a butcher's assistant, I -understand. I really hope he won't bring a butcher knife with him, for -it might prove serious for me." - -"Rupert," said Leslie in a mysterious tone, a few hours before the play, -"I will tell you a secret if you won't breathe a word about it." - -"Is it that you are engaged to the fair Pauline?" - -"Oh, bother, no. Otto Schaefer may have her, if he wishes." - -"What is it, then?" - -"I have sent complimentary tickets to Palmer and Daly. Do you think they -will come?" - -"I imagine they are both very busy men, and cannot afford the time." - -"I thought, if they should be impressed with my playing, one of them -might offer me an engagement in his stock company." - -"And you would like that?" - -"Would I like it? It would make me supremely happy." - -"Then you are not satisfied with the position of a bell-boy?" - -"Certainly not. Are you?" - -"For the present, yes." - -"Should you be willing to be a bell-boy for the next twenty years?" - -"No, I don't think I should, but I am still very young. I have just -passed seventeen." - -"And I am a year older. It is high time I entered upon my chosen -vocation." - -At length the eventful evening arrived. The hall was well filled, but -the audience were from the neighborhood of First Avenue and Avenue A. -Many of them were German or of German descent. The fact that Miss -Strassburger, who was to play Pauline, was of Teutonic blood, doubtless -accounted for this fact. - -The play commenced and progressed smoothly. The actors were well up in -their parts. Ida Strassburger, to be sure, hardly looked aristocratic -enough for Pauline, her figure being decidedly dumpy. She assumed a -coquettish air, and from time to time glanced from the corner of her eye -at a short, stout German young man who sat but a few feet from the -stage. - -It is needless to say that this was Otto Schaefer, her Brooklyn lover. -He seemed restless and ill at ease, especially when there were any -affectionate passages between Ida and Leslie. For instance, when Pauline -has to say, "Sweet prince, tell me again of thy palace by the Lake of -Como; it is so pleasant to hear of thy splendors since thou didst swear -to me that they would be desolate without Pauline," Otto's lip curled -with scorn, and he glared at the prince with a hostile eye. - -Towards the end of the play, when Melnotte presents himself after a long -absence, and Pauline, recognizing her husband, rushes into his arms, -Otto could stand it no longer. He sprang from his seat, jumped on the -stage, and called out in an excited tone to Leslie: "You quit that! -That gal is my promised wife." - -Instantly there was a chorus of exclamations, and half the audience rose -to their feet in excitement. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -TRIUMPHANT OVER OBSTACLES. - - -Never, probably, in the many representations of "The Lady of Lyons" has -there been a stranger tableau than was presented on the stage in -Amaranth Hall on the evening when Leslie made his _debut_ as a star. - -Leslie stood in the centre of the stage, with his arm encircling the -waist of the fair Ida, while Otto, short, stout, and decidedly Teutonic, -stood a few feet to the left, shaking his fist at the two leading -characters. It was enough to throw a veteran actor into confusion. - -But Leslie was not wholly unprepared. Still encircling the fair -Pauline's waist, he half turned and thundered in indignant words not to -be found in Bulwer's play this stern defiance: "Caitiff, avaunt! This -rock shall fly from its firm base as soon as I." - -The melodramatic defiance caught the house. There was a chorus of -shouts and laughter, and some small boys in the gallery called out, -"Pitch into him, Claude!" - -Otto, not being accustomed to standing on a stage facing a crowded -audience, appeared somewhat abashed, but his indignation was still warm. -He turned to the audience and said, in an explanatory tone, "He ain't -got no right to hug my gal." - -By this time Ida, too, was indignant. She felt that Otto was exposing -both her and himself to ridicule, and she cried out, in a vexed tone, -"You just sit down, Otto Schaefer, and don't make a fool of yourself, or -I'll never speak to you again." - -"Sit down! sit down!" resounded from all parts of the house. - -Otto could not stand the clamor. With one last indignant glance at -Leslie and his promised bride he descended from the stage and made his -way to his seat in the orchestra. - -When Leslie, resuming the business of the play, said, "Look up! look up, -Pauline! for I can bear thine eyes. The stain is blotted from my name. -I have redeemed mine honor," there was a shout of applause. - -Then Leslie, perceiving his opportunity, interpolated a few words -appropriate to the occasion. Pointing to the discomfited Otto, he said, -"Heed not that vulgar groundling, who would step in between us and our -happiness. Let him return in shame and failure to his butcher shop in -Brooklyn, nor dare profane thy presence, sweet Pauline." - -Otto felt that this was addressed to him, and he called out in a -passion: "Don't you call me names, you New York dude!" - -Here a policeman appeared, and hurried the unfortunate man from the -hall, and the play proceeded to the close. - -At the end Claude and Pauline were called before the curtain by the -excited audience. The applause was terrific. Then there was a cry of -"Speech! speech!" - -Nothing could have suited Leslie better. - - - "My generous friends," he said, "this is the proudest moment of my - life. I don't feel that I have merited your applause, but I accept - it for the fair Pauline. If my poor efforts have pleased you I am - more than satisfied. I did not anticipate the unpleasant - interruption which marred our closing scene, but Miss Strassburger - and myself were sustained by the thought that you were with us. - Trusting to meet you again ere long, I bid you good-night." - - -There was another chorus of cheers. Leslie led Ida out at the wings, and -the audience left the hall. - -"What did you think of it, Rupert?" asked Leslie proudly, as he joined -his fellow bell-boy in the street. - -"I give you credit for getting out of a tight place so neatly." - -"I was too much for the butcher boy, eh, Rupert?" - -"You certainly were," said Rupert, laughing. "I hope Ida will forgive -him." - -"I think she will after a while, as long as he didn't spoil the play. -The audience were very enthusiastic." - -"Yes, more so probably on account of Otto's ill-timed interruption." - -"So I think. It was a splendid ovation. Oh, Rupert, it was delicious. It -was, as I said, the proudest moment of my life. I wonder if there will -he anything in the papers about it." - -"I think it quite likely." - -"You didn't see anything of Daly or Palmer in the hall, did you?" - -"I don't know the gentlemen by sight." - -"I wish they had been there. I think they would have appreciated my -triumph over the young butcher from Brooklyn." - -"Perhaps they would," said Rupert, dubiously. - -The next evening Leslie read the following notice in the _Evening News_: - - - "Last evening Bulwer's play, 'The Lady of Lyons' was produced by - the Violet Dramatic Company at Amaranth Hall, on First Avenue. The - performance was smooth and creditable to the young players. Mr. - Leslie Waters as Claude Melnotte, was earnest and effective, while - Miss Ida Strassburger made an acceptable Pauline. Towards the close - of the play an excitable young German, who was probably under the - influence of beer, left his seat, and, jumping on the stage, - interrupted the performance. He appeared to be jealous of - Melnotte's attentions to Pauline. Mr. Waters showed remarkable - composure in a trying situation, and interpolated a rebuke to the - officious intruder. The audience sustained him, and he and Miss - Strassburger were called before the curtain with terrific applause. - We shall doubtless hear from Mr. Waters again." - - -"That is very complimentary, Leslie," said Rupert. "I hope it won't -unfit you for your duties as bell-boy." - -"No, but it will make me impatient to close them for good and all, and -embrace the glorious profession of Booth and Irving." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -AN INGENIOUS TRICK. - - -One morning a tailor's boy entered the Somerset Hotel with a bundle -which he carried to the clerk. - -"It is an overcoat for Mr. Silas Drayton," he said. - -"Very well," said the clerk. "You can leave it, and we will send it to -his room." - -Upon this the boy left the hotel. - -A young man of twenty-five or thereabouts, who was sitting near by, -listened attentively to what passed between the boy and the clerk. - -The latter summoned Rupert, and said: "Here is the key of 58. You may -take up this coat and leave it in the room. It belongs to Mr. Drayton." - -"All right, sir." - -Rupert started with the bundle, and the young man started for the -elevator, and got into it just as it was about to ascend. - -"I want to go up to No. 58," he said. - -"Very well." - -When they reached the third floor the elevator boy halted. - -"You will find No. 58 on this floor," he said. - -"Thank you." - -The young man found the room, and was standing in front of it when -Rupert made his appearance. - -"Is that my uncle's coat?" he asked. - -"It is Mr. Drayton's coat." - -"Exactly. Mr. Drayton is my uncle. You may give it to me, and I will -take it in. Have you the key?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Then you may give it to me; I came up without one." - -He spoke with such assurance that Rupert, accustomed as he was to -impostors, was quite taken in. He handed the package and the key to the -young man, who at once opened the door and went into the room. - -When Rupert had got half-way down stairs he began to wonder if he had -not made a mistake. - -He did not feel at all sure that the young man to whom he had handed the -bundle had any right to claim it. As it might prove to be a serious -mistake he went to the clerk and inquired, "Has Mr. Drayton got a nephew -stopping here?" - -"No. Why do you ask?" - -"I am afraid I have made a blunder. At the door of No. 58 I met a young -man who told me he was Mr. Drayton's nephew, and asked me to hand him -the bundle." - -"Did he come down stairs?" - -"No, he went into the room." - -"I didn't think you could be so easily imposed upon, Rupert. The man is -undoubtedly an adventurer. Describe him." - -Rupert did so. - -"He had been sitting in the office for half an hour. He must have seen -the tailor's boy bring in the bundle." - -"He is upstairs yet. Can't we get back the coat?" - -"You will know him when you see him again?" - -"Oh, yes." - -"Then take your position by the elevator, and if you see him come down, -signal to the detective whom I will also station there. He will take -care of him." - -Ten minutes later the elevator reached the office floor. Among those who -stepped out was the young man, wearing an overcoat considerably too -large for him. It was clear that he had put it on in No. 58, and was now -about to wear it out of the hotel. - -He stepped out of the elevator, and with a slight glance about him made -briskly for the door. But he had taken only two steps when Rupert caught -him by the arm. - -"I want to see you a minute," he said. - -"I am in a hurry. I have an appointment. I will see you on my return." - -But the detective had now stepped forward. - -"You will have to stop now," he said, firmly. - -"I don't understand you. By what right do you detain me?" - -"Where did you get that overcoat you have on?" - -"It is my own. Hasn't a man a right to wear an overcoat?" - -"Yes, if it belongs to him. This seems too large for you." - -"True," said the young man, "it belongs to my uncle, Mr. Drayton." - -"Indeed. Then how do you happen to be wearing it?" - -"I have borrowed it for the day. Really this is very annoying." - -"What is your name?" - -"Charles Drayton," answered the young man, with some hesitation. - -"You will have to take off the coat and accompany me to the police -station." - -"This is an outrage!" exclaimed the young man. "My uncle will be very -angry." - -"If he identifies you, and assures us that it was by his authority you -borrowed the coat, we will apologize." - -"But that won't make up to me for your unwarrantable interference. Take -the coat and let me go." - -In spite of his protestations, however, Mr. Charles Drayton, as he -called himself, was escorted to the nearest police station and held for -examination. He was tried, and would have been sentenced to a term of -imprisonment, Mr. Silas Drayton disclaiming all relationship, had not -the old gentleman taken pity on him and declined to prosecute. - -It appeared at the trial that the young man was well known to the police -as Sidney Marvin, an expert thief, born in London, but for three years a -resident of the United States. Mr. Drayton was blamed for allowing him -to escape punishment, but he was a soft-hearted man, and disposed to -give the young man another chance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -RUPERT RESIGNS HIS SITUATION. - - -Rupert had been a bell-boy for more than a year. He found his employers -very pleasant and considerate, and his salary was larger, probably, than -he could get anywhere else. Still the position was not likely to lead to -anything better, unless he might in time qualify himself to be a hotel -clerk. - -Sometimes he talked over the matter with Leslie, but the latter had the -advantage of knowing just what he aspired to. He was determined some day -to be an actor, and was content to remain in his present place till -there was an opening for him on the stage. - -One day Rupert received a letter from Colorado. He knew, of course, that -the letter was written by his old acquaintance, Giles Packard, from whom -he heard occasionally. This was the letter: - - - "FRIEND RUPERT-- - - "I have been meaning for some time to write to you, but my mode of - life is not favorable to letter-writing, and whenever I take my pen - in hand I feel as awkward as a Chinaman would with a knife and - fork. I think it is three months since I heard from you, but I hope - you are well and getting on nicely. How is the little boy you took - charge of? It was a pretty big responsibility for a lad of your - age, but I am sure you would take better care of him than a good - many older persons. - - "Don't forget that you promised to let me know if you needed some - help. Even small boys cost something to bring up, and I have - plenty, while you are only beginning life. I suppose you are still - a bell-boy at the Somerset Hotel. Now that is a good position for a - boy, but it seems to me that it is about time you took up something - else. Before choosing what it shall be, I want you to come out and - make me a visit. I feel pretty lonely sometimes, having neither - 'chick nor child,' unless I count you. I think it would do you good - to see a little something of the far West. I inclose a draft for - two hundred dollars for your expenses out here. If all is right I - want you either to ask for a vacation or leave your situation, and - start as soon as you can. Don't be afraid, for I will see that you - don't suffer, even if you don't get a new place right off." - - -Here followed some directions as to finding him, and then the letter -ended. - -The proposal struck Rupert favorably. He had a natural desire to -travel, and had a great anxiety to see Chicago and other places, of -which he had heard a great deal. - -He went at once to the proprietor of the hotel and showed him the -letter. - -"You want to accept the invitation, I suppose?" said the landlord. - -"Yes, sir, if it won't inconvenience you." - -"As it happens, one of my old friends wants me to give his son a place -in the hotel. I had thought of discharging Leslie to make room for him, -but if you really wish to give up your position I will put him in your -place." - -"That will suit me, sir." - -"But in that case I cannot take you back on your return." - -"I will not expect you to do so. I think I can find something outside, -and Mr. Packard agreed to see me through." - -"That draft looks like it. I will send for the boy at once, and during -the balance of the week you can instruct him in his duties." - -"I am sorry you are going, Rupert," said Leslie. "If you get acquainted -with any managers on your Western trip, speak a good word for me." - -"I will." - -"I am going to play at a benefit next week, Wednesday. It is a variety -entertainment, and I am to give imitations of celebrated actors. I've -got Irving down fine. You ought to stay and see me." - -"Perhaps you will give me a private rehearsal. It wouldn't be convenient -for me to put off my journey." - -"I will. Come into my room to-night, and you shall see me imitate -Irving, Booth and Joe Jefferson." - -Rupert stayed two days in Chicago, and visited the principal localities, -including Jackson Park, soon to become known all over the country as the -site of the World's Fair. He was impressed with the business activity -and greatness of the Queen City of the West, and left it reluctantly at -the end of two days. At the railroad station, while purchasing his -ticket to Denver, his attention was called to a tall old man who looked -to be nearly seventy. He was thin and bent, and his face was sad. His -suit was black, but it was well-worn and looked shabby. His eyes were -fixed on Rupert as he bought his ticket, and he heaved a sigh. - -"I envy you, young man," he said in answer to Rupert's inquiring look. - -"Why so?" asked the bell-boy. - -"Because you are going to Denver." - -"Do you wish to go there?" - -"Yes, but it is impossible." - -"Why is that? Won't your business permit you?" - -"Alas, I have no business. I came to Chicago from my old home in -Rochester, New York, hoping to get a situation as bookkeeper. I -understand bookkeeping thoroughly, and for fifteen years occupied that -position in one of the largest firms in Buffalo. But they went out of -business, and I was thrown on my own resources." - -"Had you not laid up any money?" - -"Yes. I took what I had, and went by invitation to make my home at the -house of a niece in Rochester who was married to a man named Jackson. I -had three thousand dollars, and I thought that if I should get -something to do I might with the help of that live comfortably for the -balance of my days. That was a year ago, and I was then sixty-five. I -can hardly expect to live many years, and I considered myself well -provided for. - -"Well, I sought out my niece, and was cordially received by her husband -and herself after they learned that I had money. I agreed to board with -them, and sought a position in my old line. But a man over sixty is at a -disadvantage when he is seeking employment. In vain I showed a -first-class recommendation from my past employers in Buffalo. - -"'I dare say you understand your business,' one and another said to me, -'but you are too old for us. We want a young man who can hustle.' - -"'But I can hustle, too,' I said. - -"They only laughed. - -"'You are too old to work. You ought to retire,' they said. - -"I reported my disappointment to my niece and her husband. - -"'Uncle John,' said my nephew, 'I feel for you, and I will try to do -something for you. I think I can make a place for you in my store. I -can't afford to pay you high wages. If you will work for ten dollars a -week I will employ you.' - -"I was very glad to accept this proposal, though I had in my time been -paid a hundred dollars a month. - -"I entered the store, and had reason to think that I was doing -satisfactory work. But at the end of three weeks Eben Jackson called me -aside and said: 'Uncle John, I have been figuring up my expenses, and I -don't see how I can afford to employ you.' - -"'You wish me to go, then?' - -"'I shall have to dispense with your services unless I can get -additional capital to enlarge my business.' - -"Presently he made me a proposal. - -"'If you will lend me three thousand dollars,' he said, 'and allow me to -use it in my business, I will pay you six per cent. interest, and -advance your wages to twelve dollars a week.' - -"I thought over this proposal and determined to accept it. Eben Jackson -was very plausible and smooth-spoken, and I saw no reason to doubt him. -I transferred my small capital to him. He increased his stock, but only -by five hundred dollars' worth, as I afterwards ascertained, and I -continued to work for him. For a month he paid me twelve dollars per -week, then he reduced me to ten, on the plea that business was poor, -afterwards to eight, and finally he allowed me only my board. I became -indignant and demanded my money back, but he absolutely refused to repay -it. I consulted a lawyer, but found upon inquiry that he had made over -all his property to his wife. I saw that nothing was to be expected, and -a month since I left Rochester and came to Chicago, in the hope of -finding employment here." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE ST. JAMES HOTEL, IN DENVER. - - -"What has been your success here, Mr. Plympton?" inquired Rupert. - -"No better than in Rochester. Why is it that no one is willing to employ -an old man? I am in good bodily health, and I can do as good work as I -ever could, but no one will have me." - -"Chicago seems to be a city of young men--more so than New York." - -"Have you noticed that? Some of the successful business men are men -young enough to be my sons." - -"I understand you to say that you wished to go to Denver. Have you any -reason to think you will succeed any better there?" - -"No, but I have a nephew somewhere in Colorado, and perhaps in Denver. -If I can fall in with him, I am sure he will help me. I haven't seen -Giles for twenty years, but--" - -"Giles!" repeated Rupert, in surprise. "What is his full name?" - -"Giles Packard. He is my sister's son." - -"Well, that is astonishing," ejaculated Rupert. - -"What is astonishing?" - -"Your nephew is my particular friend, and I am going out to Colorado at -his special invitation." - -"Is it possible?" asked the old man, eagerly. "Then you know where he -lives?" - -"Yes." - -"Will you tell him you met me, and ask him if he will send money to -bring me on to where he lives? Giles was always good-hearted, and I am -sure he will do it." - -"It won't be necessary to wait. I will buy you another ticket, and take -you on with me." - -John Plympton's face lighted up with joy. - -"How kind you are," he said, grasping Rupert's hand. "I hope when you -are old you will find some one who will be as kind to you. You are not -related to me in any way, you only saw me within the hour, yet you are -going to do me a great kindness. May heaven bless you." - -"Thank you, but don't give me too much credit. I am sure Mr. Packard -will approve what I am doing, and will consider it a favor done to -himself." - -"I hope so, but my niece's treatment has made me uncertain how far the -ties of relationship will be regarded. Yet I will accept your offer -thankfully." - -Rupert lost no time in purchasing another ticket, and secured Pullman -accommodations for himself and his new acquaintance. - -"You used to live in Buffalo," he said. - -"Yes, I worked in one place there for fifteen years." - -"Did you ever hear of the firm of Rollins & Lorimer?" - -"Certainly. They were dry-goods merchants." - -"I am Rupert Rollins, son of the senior partner." - -"Is it possible? I knew your father well. He was a fine man." - -"I am glad to hear you say so." - -"But I didn't like Mr. Lorimer as well." - -"I have little reason to like him, for he ruined my poor father, and -indirectly caused his death." - -"I am not surprised to hear it. I never had any dealings with Mr. -Lorimer, but I knew his reputation. Is your mother living?" - -"Yes, thank God, she is living, and my sister Grace as well." - -"Did your father lose all his property?" - -"All." - -"How, then, is your mother getting along?" - -Rupert explained. - -"And yourself? Are you in any employment?" - -"I have been a bell-boy in a New York hotel for the last year and a -half." - -"You could hardly be very well paid." - -"Yes, I received larger pay than I would have received in a mercantile -house. But I have finally given up the business." - -"What do you propose to do?" - -"I shall ask the advice of your nephew. He is a very good friend of -mine--the best I have outside my own family with one exception--and I -shall be guided by what he says." - -"I wish I had been able to go to him instead of to my niece and her -husband." - -"I don't see how they could have treated you so meanly." - -"Mary would have treated me better, but she is under the thumb of her -husband, and he is as mean a man as I ever encountered." - -"Excepting Mr. Lorimer." - -"There isn't much choice between them." - -"Did he give you a note for the three thousand dollars you lent him?" - -"Yes, I have his note--but what is it worth?" - -"Keep it and show it to Mr. Packard. He may be able to advise you how to -secure it." - -"Do you know if Giles has been successful? Has he bettered himself in -Colorado?" - -"I have reason to think that he is a rich man. He has been very kind to -me, who am a recent acquaintance, and I am sure he will not turn his -back upon his uncle." - -This assurance brightened up the old man, who rapidly recovered his -cheerfulness, and looked forward to a meeting with the nephew whom he -had not seen for twenty years. - -Rupert had telegraphed to Mr. Packard when he would reach Denver, and -received a return telegram directing him to go to the St. James Hotel. -Thither he repaired, taking his companion with him. - -Mr. Plympton displayed some anxiety as they were approaching Denver. - -"Perhaps my nephew will receive me coldly," he said. "If he does, there -will be nothing left me but destitution and the poorhouse." - -"Don't be alarmed, Mr. Plympton," rejoined Rupert. "You have not seen -your nephew for twenty years. I have met him more recently, and I -probably know him better than you. Leave all in my hands. I will speak -to him about you." - -They reached the St. James, and Rupert engaged rooms for both. On -examining the hotel register he found that Giles Packard had already -arrived. He had been in the hotel hardly half an hour when Mr. Packard -entered. - -His face lighted up with pleasure when he saw Rupert. - -"I am delighted to see you, Rupert," he said. "Somehow you seem very -near to me. I shall take you, after a day or two in Denver, to my cattle -ranch near Red Gulch, and I think I can promise you a good time and a -comfortable home for as long as you are willing to stay." - -"Have you room for another, Mr. Packard? I have brought a companion with -me." - -"Why, certainly. Any friend of yours shall have a cordial welcome." - -"But he is nearer to you than to me." - -Mr. Packard's face expressed surprise. - -"I don't understand you." - -"I found a relative of yours in Chicago. He was in hard luck, and I -thought you would be willing to help him. Here he is." - -He led Giles Packard up to his uncle, who anxiously scanned the face of -his nephew. - -"Don't you know me, Giles?" he asked, in a tremulous tone. - -"Surely you are not my Uncle John?" - -"The same. I hope you will forgive me for seeking you out." - -"Don't speak like that, Uncle John. I have not forgotten that I am your -nephew." - -"But, Giles, I come to you as a pauper." - -"I have enough for us both. Did you save nothing, then, by your long -years of business?" - -"I saved three thousand dollars." - -Then he explained how he had been defrauded of it by Eben Jackson. - -Giles Packard's face became stern. - -"The scoundrel!" he exclaimed. "And after he got your money he had no -further use for you?" - -"No, he turned me out to starve." - -"You were very imprudent in trusting him with the money." - -"So I was, but he promised, if I lent it to him, that he would give me a -position in his store." - -"And he broke his promise?" - -"No; he employed me for about two months, but in the end he would only -give me my board, and refused to let me have money enough to buy a suit -of clothes. Then I became indignant and left the house." - -"Did you make an effort to recover the money?" - -"Yes, but it was of no use. He refused to give it back." - -"He must have given you a note?" - -"Yes, I have his note." - -"I will give you the money, and you will transfer the note to me. He -will find me a different customer to deal with." - -"Keep the money yourself, Giles, and pay me interest on it. I shall not -be afraid to trust you." - -"I will. If I treat you as Eben Jackson did, may I lose my property and -become a pauper." - -"You are sure you can afford to do this, Giles? You have accumulated -some property?" - -"Well," answered Giles, smiling, "I am not a millionaire, but I think -perhaps I might realize seventy-five thousand dollars if I should take -account of stock. I have been very successful in gathering property, but -I have had a great many lonely hours." - -"Don't you need a bookkeeper?" asked the old man, eagerly. - -"Yes, I can find you something to do in your own line, Uncle John. My -business isn't very complicated, but I find it necessary to keep some -accounts. I will give you a home and you shall want for nothing. Has -Eben Jackson got any children?" - -"Yes, he has two, a boy and a girl. They are fourteen and eleven." - -"What sort of children are they?" - -"The boy is like his father. He never treated me with respect, but -looked upon me as a poor relation. The girl is of a better disposition." - -"And they would be among my heirs. I will look them up some day, and -shape my will accordingly. Shall you be ready to go back with me on -Monday, Rupert?" - -"I will be ready whenever you are, Mr. Packard." - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -PACKARD'S HOME AT RED GULCH. - - -Mr. Packard's cattle ranch was located in one of the extensive parks for -which Colorado is noted. It included several square miles of territory. -The cattleman had erected a dwelling, covering a good deal of ground, -but only one story high. While it was comfortable, it was easy to see -that it was the home of a bachelor. - -He had as housekeeper the widow of a herdsman, or perhaps I may say, -cowboy, who had died a year before. She cooked and took care of the -house. - -"Well, Rupert," he said, "this is my home. Mrs. Jones, get ready two -rooms for my friends here. Uncle John, you are the oldest and shall have -the choice." - -"Any room will do for me, Giles," said the old man modestly. - -"You shall have as good a one as the house affords." - -"You treat me differently from Eben Jackson. He gave me a small room in -the attic." - -"And did his wife allow that?" - -"She had very little to say. Her husband's will is law in that -household." - -"I am sorry for her. She deserved a better fate. As a girl she was -good-hearted and had a cheerful disposition." - -"She is greatly changed. I am afraid her husband has taught her to be -selfish. She seemed to have little more consideration for me than Eben." - -Rupert found that Mr. Packard was a cattle owner on a large scale. He -had a great number of cowboys in his employ, over whom he exercised -supervision. - -"Is all your property in cattle, Giles?" asked his uncle. - -"No. I have mining interests. The money I have made in the cattle -business I have invested, at least partially, in mines and mining -claims. I don't believe in having all my eggs in one basket." - -"You seem to have done well in coming out West." - -"Yes, when I came out here I probably was not worth over two thousand -dollars all told. Now I am worth somewhere from seventy-five to one -hundred thousand." - -"I should think you would marry." - -Giles Packard shook his head. - -"When a man reaches the age of forty-five unmarried," he said, "he had -better remain so. After that, marriage is a lottery." - -Mr. Packard's guests found that he lived in a generous style. His -housekeeper was an excellent cook, and his table was well supplied. But -the days seemed long without employment. Rupert was supplied with a -saddle-horse, and rode far and wide with his host, but John Plympton had -reached an age when a man enjoys home comforts better than out-of-door -exercise. - -"Giles," he said, on the third day, "I am tired of doing nothing. -Suppose you bring out your books and give me something to do." - -"I will, Uncle John. When I was in Denver I bought some new books, and I -will commission you to transfer my accounts from the old ones. I never -was much of a bookkeeper, and I am not sure whether you can understand -my entries. However, you will be able to refer to me when you get -puzzled." - -The old man felt quite happy when set to work in his old business. As -Mr. Packard's books covered a period of over fifteen years he found the -task by no means a short one, but this pleased him all the more. - -"I like to feel that I am earning my living," he said. - -"What do you think of me as a bookkeeper, Uncle John?" - -"I think you would find it hard to obtain a position in any first-class -house," answered the old man, smiling. - -"I have no doubt you are right. However, I never was ambitious to become -a bookkeeper. What salary were you accustomed to earn?" - -"A hundred dollars a month." - -"You couldn't get rich on that. I have done better than that. Every man -to his trade, as some wise man has said." - -"Are you fond of hunting, Rupert?" asked Giles Packard one day. - -"When I lived in the country I used to go gunning sometimes." - -"We have some very good hunting here. I should like to go with you, but -at present my business will not permit. I think, however, that I can -find you a companion, if you would like to try it." - -"I should," answered Rupert, promptly. - -"There is a man who lives about three miles from me, in a small house -near the river. He is a shiftless sort of fellow, but he is a good -hunter. I will offer him pay to go with you, and his living during the -trip. You will find it pleasant to stay about a week. I suppose you -won't mind roughing it?' - -"No, that is what I shall like." - -"Then I shall send for Ben--his name is Ben Boone--and you can start -bright and early Monday morning." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -BEN BOONE. - - -Ben Boone was a tall, loose-jointed man with a shambling gait, who -looked as if he wished to get through life as easily as possible. It -would be hard to find a man less ambitious. His movements were slow, and -he seemed the incarnation of laziness. - -He was as slow in speech as in action. Yet he was a successful hunter -and had tramped about Colorado so much that no better guide could be -found. - -"I heard you wanted to see me, Mr. Packard," he said, when he made his -appearance. - -"Yes, I may have something for you to do. How are you getting on?" - -"Not at all, squire. I'm a dreadfully unlucky man." - -"So should I have been if I had been as lazy as you." - -"What's the use of workin'? Things allus goes ag'inst me." - -"I don't believe you would succeed under any circumstances. Do you know -what makes the difference between you and me?" - -"I reckon you was born to be rich." - -"I was not rich till I came to Colorado, but when I came here I went to -work." - -Ben shrugged his shoulders. - -"I've worked, too," he said, "but what's the good of it all?" - -"Not much good in your case, I admit. However, I don't suppose you can -be made over again, and if you could I don't think I would undertake it. -There's one thing you do understand, and that's hunting. You've been -pretty much all over Colorado." - -"Yes, squire." - -"I have a young friend here who would like to spend a week among the -hills. He may not do much in the way of hunting, but he will carry a gun -with him. He would like to explore the country a little under your -guidance. I believe that is the only kind of work you are willing to -undertake." - -"Yes," answered Ben, in a tone of satisfaction. "I don't mind that." - -"Then I'll tell you what I will do. You will take my young friend with -you--his name is Rupert Rollins--and see that he has a good time." - -"I'll do that, squire." - -"I will furnish you with provisions sufficient to last you both a week, -and will give you three dollars a day for your trouble. If there are any -other expenses, Rupert will have money and will pay them. You won't need -to spend anything, so there is no reason why you shouldn't save all your -wages. How is your wife?" - -"Oh, she's allus complainin'. She's had the fever'n ager last week." - -"It is fortunate you have no children, for you don't seem to provide for -even your wife." - -"That's because I ain't lucky." - -"Luck doesn't often come in the way of a shiftless man like yourself. -Well, do you accept my offer?" - -"Yes, squire. I'll be glad to do it." - -"Send your wife here to-morrow morning. I will give her a part of your -wages, so that she will have enough to carry her through while you are -away." - -"Give it to me, squire. I'll give it to her." - -Giles Packard regarded him keenly. - -"I can't trust you," he said. "If I give her the money I shall be sure -she gets it." - -"How much are you goin' to give her?" - -"Two days' pay--six dollars. When you return, if you are away seven days -there will be fifteen dollars for you." - -Ben Boone grumbled some. He thought three dollars would be enough for -his wife, but Mr. Packard was obstinate. He understood Ben thoroughly -and had very little confidence in him. - -"You may be surprised, Rupert, that I should send you with such a man, -but, shiftless and lazy as he is, he understands his business. He will -prove a good guide, and will make you acquainted with some of the -wonders of Colorado." - -"I am quite satisfied, Mr. Packard." - -"Uncle John, if you wish to join the party I am entirely willing, and -will pay your expenses also." - -"No, Giles, I am getting too old for adventure. I have got to an age -when a man prefers the chimney corner to camping out. It will do very -well for Rupert, but I am about fifty years older than he is, and fifty -years make a great difference. He can tell me till about his trip when -he comes back." - -"So I will, Mr. Plympton," said Rupert, with a smile. - -Rupert looked forward to the journey with eager interest. He had always -been fond of out-of-door sports, and the hunting expedition seemed to -promise an experience entirely new to him. He little imagined what shape -a portion of this experience would take. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -AN UNPLEASANT BEDFELLOW. - - -Rupert was provided with a hunter's outfit and a gun by his host, and in -company with his guide started out on Monday morning. - -"I suppose you won't mind roughing it, Rupert?" said Mr. Packard. - -"No, that is what I shall like. I remember when I lived in the country I -went with some other boys to a point fifteen miles away, and camped out -for a week. I wish I could see the boys now. There was Harry Bacon, and -George Parker, and Eugene Sweetland, and--but you won't be interested in -hearing about it." - -"I am glad you have had some experience in that kind of life. Of course -you won't have the comforts of home, but you may meet with adventures. -At any rate, if you get tired you can start for home any time." - -"Mr. Boone," said Rupert, when they were fairly on their way, "are you -related to Daniel Boone?" - -"I don't think there was any Daniel in our family," answered Ben, in a -matter-of-fact tone. "Where did he live?" - -"In Kentucky." - -"I never was in Kentucky myself, though my wife has a cousin who lives -there somewhere." - -"This Daniel Boone was a great hunter," explained Rupert, rather -surprised that Ben had not heard of him. - -"Then he must be a relation to me. All my family were fond of hunting." - -At the end of ten miles they struck a river, which was pleasant, as it -afforded them a change of travel. They had brought with them a skeleton -skiff, a sort of framework, with skins to cover it, and they were able -to launch it on the river. The stream was narrow, and bordered on one -side by mountain scenery. The channel seemed to be deep, and as the -skiff moved rapidly on, with comparatively slight exertion in the way of -rowing, Rupert felt that he was indeed in a wonderful land. - -The country seemed very sparsely settled. Once in a great while they -caught sight of a rude cabin, which appeared to contain but one room. - -"Have you ever been on those mountains, Mr. Boone?" asked Rupert. - -"Well, I've never been to the top of any of the peaks. I reckon I've -been half-way up Pike's Peak (that's north of us) and Long's Peak. It's -dreadful hard climbing, and there don't seem to be any good in it when -you've done it. Did you want to climb up any of the mountains?" - -"Well, I might like to some time, but perhaps I'd better wait till -another trip." - -"I reckon you'd better." - -It was clear that Mr. Boone had no desire to go mountain-climbing. He -was not fond of exertion; it was easier getting over level ground. - -They kept to the river for as much as fifty miles. Occasionally they -landed, and made a little trip into the woods, but after a while they -returned again to the river. At night they slept on the ground, covering -themselves with blankets. They shot a few birds, but thus far they had -met with no large game. - -One morning Rupert had a fright. It was about four o'clock, and the -light was indistinct. As he turned from one side to the other he was -startled by finding that he had a bedfellow. There, coiled at his side, -was a large rattlesnake, apparently asleep. - -Rupert did not start up suddenly. He did not dare do so, for fear of -rousing his unpleasant neighbor, and perhaps receiving a bite. Rupert -was naturally a brave boy, but he turned very pale, and his heart came -up in his mouth. - -With extreme caution he moved somewhat to the opposite side, and managed -to raise himself to his feet. He was not sure whether rattlesnakes had a -quick sense of hearing, and this made him unusually circumspect. He -wondered that the snake, which must have taken his position after he was -asleep, had not attacked him before. - -"But I suppose he was not hungry," he reflected, and then he shuddered -as he thought that, had he slept two or three hours longer, the snake -might have waked up and felt ready for breakfast. In that case, he would -have been a ready victim. - -However, he was on his feet and unhurt. Ben Boone lay ten feet away. He -was snoring loudly, so loudly that Rupert wondered he had not waked up -the rattlesnake, who could hardly be accustomed to sounds of that -nature. - -He approached his companion, and, bending over, called out, "Mr. Boone," -but Ben never moved. He was a sound sleeper. - -Rupert shook him, first gently, afterwards more roughly, till at last he -opened his eyes, but seemed dazed and not quite conscious. - -"Eh? Eh? What's the matter?" he ejaculated at length. - -"Look there," said Rupert, pointing to the rattlesnake. - -"Oh, yes, a rattlesnake," returned Ben, wholly without excitement. -"There's a good many of 'em in these parts." - -"That one coiled himself up close to where I was lying." - -"Yes, it's a way they have. Seems as if they liked company," answered -Ben, coolly. - -"But--aren't they dangerous?" - -"Well--they might be, if you interfered with 'em," drawled Boone. "As -long as you lay still and didn't meddle with 'em they'd be all right." - -"But suppose in my sleep I'd thrown out my arm, as I sometimes do, and -hit the snake?" - -"Then there'd be a chance of his biting you." - -"And I suppose that would be fatal?" - -"I've been bit myself," said Ben, in a reminiscent tone. - -"And did you die?" - -It was upon Rupert's lips to say this, but it occurred to him that it -would be rather an absurd question, so he changed it to, "How did you -get over it?" - -"I filled myself full of whiskey--it's the only way. I was never so -drunk in my life. But when I got over it, I was all right." - -"I suppose the whiskey neutralized the poison," suggested Rupert. - -"I reckon so," answered Boone, who was not quite clear in his mind as -to the meaning of the word which Rupert had used. "What time is it?" - -Rupert consulted his watch. - -"It is fifteen minutes past four." - -"That's too early to get up. I'll have another nap." - -"I can't sleep. I shall be all the time thinking of the snake." - -"He won't do you any harm." - -"You are more used to such sights than I. Can't we kill the snake?" - -"We might, but it's likely there's more not far away." - -"I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll go into the boat and see if I can't -stretch myself out there." - -"Just as you like," said Boone, drowsily. - -He turned over, and in two minutes he was snoring as noisily as ever. - -Rupert shared the repugnance that most persons have for snakes, and he -had read so much about rattlesnakes and the fatal effects of their bite -that he had an unusual dread of them. It would have been a relief if -this particular snake were killed. - -How would it do for him to shoot it in the head, which he judged was the -most vulnerable part? Only, if he missed fire, and the snake were only -wounded, he would probably be roused to anger, and in that case would -become dangerous. Doubtless Ben could cope with him, but Rupert felt -that it would be imprudent in him, a mere boy, and unaccustomed to -hunting, to arouse such a dangerous antagonist. - -So, giving up all thoughts of an encounter, he proceeded to the river, -and lay down as well as he could in the boat. It was not very -comfortable, but we felt relieved from all fear of the snake, and after -a while he fell asleep. - -When he woke up he got out of the boat and went on shore. He looked at -the spot where the snake had been coiled, but could not see him. He had -evidently waked up and vacated the premises. - -Rupert glanced over to where the guide was lying and saw that he was -still asleep. The fact that the rattlesnake was so near had not -interfered at all with his ease of mind or his slumbers. - -Rupert looked at his watch. It was already seven o'clock, and that was -the hour when they generally got up. - -"Seven o'clock, Mr. Boone!" he called out, giving Ben a shake. - -"Oh! ah! is it?" and Ben stretched himself out in a sleepy way. - -"Yes. Isn't it time to get up?" - -Ben took the hint, and rose from his recumbent position. - -"Didn't you wake me some time ago?" he asked. "What was it all about?" - -"There was a rattlesnake lying beside me." - -"Where is it now?" - -"It's gone." - -"Then there's no harm done." - -Ben Boone was not only the guide, but the cook of the little party. They -had brought with them materials for camping-out meals, and it was his -work to make a fire and prepare their simple repasts. Sometimes they -caught a fish or two in the river, and it made a pleasant addition to -their fare. - -Rupert found that in this new life he always had a good appetite for -breakfast--more, even, than for their other meals. He had never had so -good an appetite at the Somerset House, though the cook at that -establishment was probably superior to Ben Boone in his chosen line. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -BEN BOONE'S TEMPTATION. - - -The reader may naturally expect to hear something of Rupert's experience -as a hunter. But so far as this story is concerned, this is not called -for. He had other experiences which will speedily be set forth. - -For, after all, it was not so much the hunting that Rupert cared about. -He thoroughly enjoyed his opportunity to travel through the wild scenery -of Middle Colorado. It was camping out in a much more interesting way -than when, as a boy, he went but a little way from home, and knew that -only a few miles intervened between him and his ordinary life. - -Then he was interested in his guide. At the East he had never met such a -man as Ben Boone. He seemed a product of the country. As for Ben, he -carried out his contract, and served as a guide, philosopher and--I was -about to say friend, but on the whole we'll substitute companion. - -Though Ben was a skillful hunter and mountaineer he did not particularly -enjoy his work. He was a thoroughly lazy man, and would prefer to have -remained at home in the rude cabin which passed for such, and, lying on -his back with a pipe in his mouth, have drowsed and dreamed away his -time. He did not understand, for his part, why city people who could -live comfortably should want to rough it, incurring the fatigue of -hunting just for the sake of amusement. - -"I am tired," he said, on the night after Rupert's adventure with the -snake. - -"Yes," said Rupert, "I am tired, too. We have come a good many miles." - -"Do you like it?" - -"Oh, yes," said Rupert enthusiastically; "it is grand." - -"I don't see what good it is," rejoined Ben, lying back with a sense of -exquisite enjoyment in his chance to rest. "You are not making any -money." - -"No," replied Rupert, laughing, "but I enjoy the wild mountain scenery; -don't you?" - -"No; a mountain isn't much to see." - -"Then there are the valleys, the woods and the waterfalls." - -"Oh, I've seen plenty of them. I don't care for them." - -"I suppose that is why you don't care for them. You are too familiar -with them." - -"I reckon so," drawled Ben. - -"Don't you enjoy seeing anything? Is there anything you would rather see -than this wild and romantic scenery?" - -"Yes. I would rather see cities. Where do you live when you are at -home?" - -"In New York." - -"That is a wonderful city, isn't it?" - -"Yes." - -"I expect it is a great deal larger than Denver?" - -"Yes; forty or fifty times as large." - -At this time Denver probably had a population of less than thirty -thousand. - -Ben Boone's eyes opened. - -"And I suppose there are some grand buildings?" he said, inquiringly. - -"Yes," and Rupert told his guide something about the great city, of the -horse-car lines, the elevated trains running thirty feet above the -ground, the big hotels, the Brooklyn bridge, and other marvels, to which -Ben Boone listened with rapt attention. - -"I should like to see New York before I die," he said. - -"Have you ever been there?" - -"No." - -"But you have probably seen other cities--St. Louis, or Chicago?" - -"No; I have only seen Denver. Well, yes, I saw St. Louis when I was a -boy. It seemed a large city to me then, but I reckon New York is much -bigger." - -"Yes, it is a great deal larger--several times as large as St. Louis was -when you saw it." - -"Does it cost a great deal of money to go to New York?" - -"I think one might go there for fifty dollars, ten less by second -class." - -"Second class is good enough for me." - -"Yes, you would be a good deal more comfortable traveling second class -than we are on our hunting trip." - -"Then I should be satisfied. I ain't used to living first class." - -"I should think you would like to go to New York. Is there any reason -why you should not go?" - -"There's the money." - -"But, as I told you, it doesn't cost a very large sum." - -"Fifty dollars is a good deal to me. I never had so much money in my -life." - -"Because you don't save up your money." - -"I don't know how to save money," said Ben Boone in a listless manner. - -"But you could. Now how much money is Mr. Packard paying you for going -with me?" - -"Three dollars a day." - -"Now suppose we are out ten days--that will make thirty dollars, won't -it?" - -"Yes; but I had to leave some money with my wife." - -"You will at any rate have twenty-five dollars. Now, why can't you put -that aside, and add to it when you can. Then by and by you will have -money enough to go to New York. When you get there you can find work and -earn enough to keep you and pay your expenses back." - -"Yes, I reckon I might," said Ben, not knowing how to controvert -Rupert's statement. - -"If you really try hard to save, I will give you something toward your -expenses myself." - -"Are you rich?" asked Ben, looking up quickly. - -"No, but I have some money." - -"How much?" - -This question Rupert did not care to answer. Ben Boone was a very good -guide and hunting companion, but he was not exactly the kind of man he -would choose as a confidant. - -"I think everybody is rich that lives in New York," said Ben, with a -touch of envy. - -"What makes you think that?" - -"I have had New York people with me before. I have traveled with them, -and hunted with them. They always seemed to have plenty of money." - -"It may be so with those who come out here, but there are plenty who -never travel at all, who live in poor houses in a poor way, who earn -small wages, and are no better off than you, perhaps not so well off. I -was very poor myself once, and had scarcely money enough to buy myself -food." - -"But you got over it. You got rich after a while." - -Rupert protested that he was not rich, but Ben Boone was incredulous, -though he did not say so. He talked more and more about New York. He -seemed to want to learn all he could about it. - -Rupert was not surprised. He remembered that when he was a boy in the -country, he, too, thought and dreamed a great deal about the great city. -After he lived there and grew familiar with its marvels, he became -indifferent to it, as much so as Ben Boone was to the wonderful mountain -scenery. He felt disposed to joke a little about is. - -"There is one thing you have here that we don't have in New York," he -said with a laugh. - -"What is that?" - -"Rattlesnakes." - -"No. I reckon not. I shouldn't miss rattlesnakes." - -Ben Boone said this so gravely that Rupert could not forbear laughing. - -"Nor I," he said. "I am willing that Colorado should keep all her -rattlesnakes." - -Ben Boone, for a wonder, lay awake beyond his usual time. He could not -get New York and its wonders out of his head. The more he thought of it -the more he longed to see it. - -And there wasn't so much time, either. He was forty-nine years old, and -yet he had never been on the other side of the Mississippi River. Yet -here was Rupert, who couldn't be more than sixteen or seventeen years -old, who had actually lived in New York, and now had wandered to the far -West and seen that also. If a boy could have those happy experiences, -why not he? - -Why not? - -The question was easily answered. The difference between them was -money. He didn't know how much money Rupert had, but probably he had -more than the sum necessary to carry him to New York. Ben felt that it -was not fair that a mere boy should have so much and he so little. - -This was a dangerous path of thought, and led to a strong temptation. -This temptation was increased when, waking at an early hour, he looked -across at Rupert, lying not many yards away, and noticed that his -pocketbook had in some way dropped out of his pocket and was lying on -the grass beside him. - -Ben's eyes sparkled with unholy excitement. An eager curiosity assailed -him to learn how much money the pocketbook contained. It was a -temptation which he did not seem able to resist. - -He looked over towards Rupert again. The boy was sleeping calmly, -peacefully. There was little chance that he would wake up. - -Ben rose cautiously from his couch, and with a stealthy step he made his -way to the sleeping boy. - -He stooped down and picked up the wallet and then opened it, peering -eagerly at the contents. - -There was a thick roll of bills. He counted them in a quick, stealthy -way, and his heart beat with excitement when he ascertained that the -roll contained eighty-one dollars. - -"Why, that will take me to New York," he thought. - -Yes, it would take him to New York. There would be no weary waiting, no -probable disappointment in the end. The dream of his life might be -realized, and at once. - -Ben was not naturally dishonest. If he had not had a special use for the -money it would not have tempted him. But he wanted to go to New York, -and the temptation seemed too great for him to resist. - -His resolution was taken. With one backward glance at the sleeping boy -he thrust the wallet into his pocket and started for the river, where -the skiff awaited him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -RUPERT'S PREDICAMENT. - - -Rupert did not wake till later than usual. The previous day had been -unusually fatiguing and nature had asserted her rights. - -He turned over and mechanically looked over to where his companion lay -at the time he went to sleep. He was a little surprised to find that he -was not visible. Usually Boone slumbered till Rupert went over and waked -him up. - -"Ben has gone to take a walk," he said to himself. "It must be later -than usual." - -He looked at his watch and found that it was eight o'clock. - -"Well, I did oversleep myself," he said, as he rose to his feet. "No -wonder Boone got the start of me." - -Upon reflection he decided that Ben had probably gone down to the boat, -which was tied to a small tree on the river bank not more than five -minutes' walk distant. He turned his steps in that direction. When he -reached the place where the skiff was fastened, a surprise awaited him. - -The boat was not there! - -Still he had not the faintest suspicion that his guide had played him -false and deserted him in the wilderness. - -"Ben must have taken a row himself," he decided. "It is rather strange, -for he isn't generally enterprising enough for that. He must have had a -headache or something that prevented his sleeping. Well, I might as well -take breakfast." - -There was something left from supper of the night before. Rupert ate -this with a hearty relish. He did not stop to make any hot coffee. Ben -usually attended to this duty, and he was likely to appear at any -moment. - -"I will wait for Ben to come," Rupert said to himself. "I hope he hasn't -gone very far." - -After eating he lay back on the ground, for he still felt a little -tired. - -"It seems odd to be alone," he reflected. - -He had not formed any particular attachment to Ben Boone, but he had a -certain satisfaction in his companionship. They had become closely -acquainted, and though Ben was not especially sociable, they had had -some long talks together, so that Rupert felt a certain interest in his -rough companion. - -Half an hour passed, and Rupert began to feel impatient, as well as -solitary. - -"Why doesn't Ben come?" he asked himself. "It is very strange that he -should go away so early and stay away so long." - -As this thought came to him he happened to put his hand into the pocket -where he usually kept his money. - -The pocket was empty. - -A suspicion for the first time dawned upon him that startled and alarmed -him. He made a hurried examination of the ground around him, for he knew -that it was possible that the pocketbook had slipped out of his pocket. - -But his search was fruitless. The pocketbook was nowhere to be seen. - -Was it possible, he asked himself, that he had been robbed? Was Ben -capable of such black treachery? - -The thought that his companion had proved false disturbed him more at -first than the sense of his loss, but he began almost immediately to -realize his predicament. - -Probably he was a hundred miles away from the ranch of his friend Giles -Packard. Not only this, but he was without money and without provisions, -except the small supply of food which remained over from his frugal -breakfast. - -Then, again, he was without a boat, for the skiff had been carried away -by Ben. He was alone in a wilderness. - -There were very few houses within the distance over which they had -traveled. If he had been in any portion of the Eastern States, among -settlements and villages, he would not have minded his destitute -condition--that is, not so much. He would have felt sure of getting -along somehow. But as it was, there was no one to appeal to. There was -no one to lend him a helping hand. - -If only Ben had left him the boat, matters would not have been so bad. -He would, of course, have instantly started on his return. He didn't -feel at all tempted to explore farther. The fine mountain scenery which -he had enjoyed yesterday had no attraction for him now. - -"I'd give fifty dollars--if I had it"--he added, as the thought came to -him that he had no money whatever, "to be back with Giles Packard on his -ranch. Shall I ever see him again, or am I doomed to starve to death in -this wilderness?" - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -RUPERT MAKES A DISCOVERY. - - -It was not easy for Rupert to form plans in his present destitute -condition. The money which he had lost was a minor consideration. The -boat and provisions were much more important. - -Besides this, he still had his gun and his watch. Both these were likely -to prove useful. - -He wondered a little why Ben had not taken the watch. But his wonder -diminished when he remembered that Boone had told him one day that he -had never owned a watch. - -"How, then, do you tell time?" Rupert inquired. - -"By the sun," answered Ben. - -Rupert had tested him more than once, and found that from long and close -observation his guide could always guess within a few minutes of the -correct time. To Ben the watch had no value, and it didn't occur to him -that he might raise money on it when he reached the settlements. - -Rupert felt that he must lose no time in forming some plan of reaching -the point from which he started. He went down to the river, faintly -hoping that he might see Ben returning in the skiff, but this he owned -to himself was extremely improbable. - -Ben was ten, perhaps fifteen miles on the way back. What his object -could have been in playing him such a dastardly trick, or what possible -excuse he could make to Giles Packard for returning alone, Rupert could -not conjecture. - -He took it for granted that Boone would go back to his old home at Red -Gulch. He did not dream of his plan of going to New York. If he had, -this would have explained his sudden defection. - -Rupert stood on the shore of the river and looked up the stream. -Everything was calm and placid, and lonely. At the East he would have -seen houses, on the banks and passing boats, but here he found himself -alone with nature. - -Without thinking especially what he was doing, he started to walk up -stream, that is, along the river bank in an easterly direction. - -"If I could only come across a boat," he soliloquized, "no matter how -poor, I should think it a piece of great luck." - -But it was too great luck for him. Still he kept on walking and looking -about him, but he not only saw no boat, but no indication of any human -presence. - -He had walked quite five miles, as he judged from the passage of time, -when at last he made a discovery. Moored to the bank was a dismantled -raft, if such an expression is allowable. Rupert remembered now that on -their trip down the river Boone had called his attention to it, saying: -"It must have been left there by some party of travelers." - -Rupert little thought how serviceable this would prove to him. - -His eyes lighted up with joy, for he hailed the finding of the raft as a -good omen, and foresaw how important it would prove to him. - -"But was it in a condition for use?" - -That was the important question. - -Rupert bent down and examined it critically. The boards were still -pretty firm, though water-soaked, and seemed to be securely fastened -together. The rope that fastened it to the small sapling on the bank was -quite rotten, and it was a wonder that it had not parted. - -Rupert pulled on it to see how secure it was, and it broke. This, -however, was of little consequence. He selected a long stick to serve as -an oar, and getting on the raft, pushed out into the stream. - -The stick, however, made a very poor substitute for an oar. Still he -found that it was of some use. - -But just as he was starting he discovered, almost covered with -underbrush, the paddle which had probably been used by the parties who -had constructed and used the raft. This worked tolerably well, and he -was glad to have found it. - -At last he was ready, and started on his journey. He found his progress -slow, and his task toilsome. Still he was making progress, and that was -encouraging. - -How rapid this progress he could only conjecture. It might be two miles -an hour; probably it was not more than that, and he was obliged to -confess with a sinking of the heart that it would take a very long time -at this rate before he would get back. - -He had tugged away possibly three hours, when his strength began to give -out. He began to feel faint and hungry, especially as his breakfast had -not been very satisfying. - -Then, for the first time, with a sinking heart, he realized that he had -made a serious blunder. What few provisions were left after breakfast he -had left behind him, and he was absolutely without a mouthful to eat. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -A LUCKY ENCOUNTER. - - -Unsatisfied hunger is always a serious discomfort. What it was to a -young, healthy boy like Rupert, who had been working hard for several -hours, may be imagined. - -Even if there had been a prospect of his dining in two or three hours, -it would have been inconvenient, but he could have endured it. As it -was, he did not know when he could satisfy his appetite, if at all. - -He discovered in his pockets some silver change which Ben hadn't taken, -but that could do him no good in the Colorado wilderness. - -Rupert was in general sanguine and light-hearted. But it must be owned -that he felt terribly depressed about this time. He had his gun with -him, but even if he should succeed in shooting anything, how could he -cook it? He had not even a match with which to light a fire. - -Was he destined to starve in this out of the way region? he asked -himself. A hundred miles off he had a rich friend. In New York he owned -two valuable lots and had money in the bank besides, but neither of -these could do him any good now. - -The French speak of an uncomfortable quarter of an hour. Rupert had two -hours at least that could be described in this way. All this while, -faint as he was and tired as his exertions on an empty stomach had made -him, he still paddled on. At last, to his great joy, there came light in -the darkness. As the raft turned a corner in the windings of the river -he saw on the bank, curiously regarding him, a tall, thin, -dark-complexioned girl, in a calico dress too short for her. - -A new hope was born in Rupert's heart? and he stopped paddling. - -"Do you live around here?" he asked. - -"Yes," answered the girl. - -"Could I buy some food at your house?" - -"Don't know. I reckon so." - -"Then I'll stop, and you can show me the way to your house." - -"Where did you come from?" - -"From below--about ten miles down the river." - -"Is that where you live?" - -"No. I live in New York." - -"Where is that? Is it in Colorado?" - -"Didn't you ever hear of New York?" asked Rupert, in genuine surprise at -the ignorance of his new acquaintance. - -"No." - -"It's a large city." - -The girl seemed to take very little interest in the information he gave -her. - -"Did you always live here?" asked Rupert, becoming himself the -questioner. - -"Reckon so." - -By this time Rupert had brought the raft to shore and tied it to a -stump. He obtained a nearer view of the girl, but did not find her -attractive. - -She was tall, thin, and had a sallow complexion. Her dress hung straight -down. Moreover, it was not clean. The girl eyed him attentively, and -didn't seem in the least bashful. She seemed to arrive at a decision in -regard to him. - -"Say, you're good-lookin'," she said, in a matter-of-fact tone. - -"Do you think so?" returned Rupert, blushing. - -"Yes. How old be you?" - -"Seventeen." - -"I'm fourteen. If you lived round here I'd take you for my beau." - -"But I don't live round here," said Rupert, with an air of relief. "What -is your name?" he asked, with a sudden thought. - -"Sal. That's what mam calls me. What's yours?" - -"Rupert." - -"That's a mighty cur'us name. Never heard it afore." - -"I don't think it is a common name." - -"You jest come along, if you want some dinner. You said you'd pay for -it, didn't you?" - -"Yes." - -"Then I guess mam will give you some." - -"Do you live far off?" asked Rupert, anxiously. - -"No. Jest in the woods a little way." - -Rupert followed the girl for about a quarter of a mile. Then, in a -little clearing, he saw a rude cabin--just such a house as he fancied -Sal would live in. - -"That's our house, and there's mam at the door," said his young guide. - -A tall, thin woman, between whom and Sal there was considerable -resemblance, not only in appearance but in dress, stood in the doorway, -shading her eyes with her hand as she looked down the path. - -"She's lookin' for me," explained Sal, with a grin. - -"Here you, Sal!" called her mother. "Where've you been gallivantin' to?" - -Then she stopped short, for she caught sight of Rupert. - -"Who've you got with you?" she asked, abruptly. - -"A boy," answered Sal. "Ain't he nice lookin'?" - -Rupert blushed again, as most of my boy readers would probably have -done under like circumstances. - -"No matter how he looks," said the mother, sharply. "What does he want -here?" - -"He wants somethin' to eat, and he's got money to pay for it," answered -Sal. - -"I am very hungry, madam," said Rupert, taking off his hat. "I shall -consider it a great favor if you will give me some dinner." - -"I reckon I kin scare up something," said the woman, more amiably. "Jest -come in." - -Rupert entered the cabin. It was rudely and scantily furnished, but -doubtless the occupants enjoyed it as much as a New York millionaire -enjoys his elegant mansion on Fifth Avenue. There was a fire in the -cooking-stove, and in a pantry Rupert noticed some cold remnants of the -noonday meal. - -"Sit down," said the woman. "I'll scare you up something in a jiffy." - -"I'll sit down outside, if you don't mind," answered Rupert. - -He sat down on a settee on one side of the door. Soon the odor of some -meat which was being fried assailed his nostrils, and gave him the -keenest delight. - -In about twenty minutes Sal called him in, and he was glad to accept her -rather unceremonious invitation. - -On the table was a dish of meat. He didn't know what kind it was, but it -smelled good. On another plate was some corn bread, but no butter was -provided. - -"We ain't got no whiskey," said the woman. "We're sort o' run out, but I -can give you some tea." - -"That will do just as well, madam." - -Rupert might have said that it would do better, but he saw that the -family were not prohibitionists and might take offense if he spoke -against the use of whiskey. - -Rupert had seldom enjoyed a meal more than the one he sat down to in -that rude cabin. - -"What kind of meat is this?" he asked. - -"Bear meat. Didn't you ever eat any?" - -"No, madam." - -"We reckon it's good. My man killed the bear." - -"It is excellent," said Rupert, and he really meant what he said. - -"I'm glad you like it." - -Rupert ate till he was ashamed. He had not asked the price of the meal -in advance, for he was fully resolved to eat it, even if it took every -cent he had left to pay for it. But when at last he laid down his knife -and fork he summoned courage to ask how much he must pay. - -"I reckon a quarter'll do," said the woman. - -Rupert breathed a sigh of relief. It not only came within his means, but -he would have fifty cents left after paying. - -Then the woman began to ask questions. - -"Where mought you be goin'?" she asked. - -Rupert mentioned his destination. - -"How far away is that?" - -"Nearly a hundred miles." - -"Are you travelin' alone?" - -"I had a man with me till this morning." - -"Where is he now?" - -"He got up early, robbed me of all my money and ran off, taking the boat -with him," Rupert answered in indignant tones. - -"If he took all your money, how are you goin' to pay for your dinner?" -asked the woman, frowning. - -"I have a little money left in silver," said Rupert, producing the -quarter. - -"How are you goin' to get back?" - -"I don't know. I have no money, and only a raft." - -Then an idea came to him. - -"If I could find a man who would go back with me, I would pay him well." - -"But you have no money." - -"Mr. Packard, of Red Gulch, is my friend. He is a rich man and he would -pay for me." - -"Do you mean Giles Packard?" - -"Yes." - -"I know about him. He is rich. Is he your friend?" - -"Yes." - -Rupert followed up his advantage. - -"If I could find a man who would take me to him I would promise him -fifty dollars--and this gun." - -The woman's eyes showed her interest. She was fond of money, and fifty -dollars seemed to her a large sum. - -"I reckon my man would go along with you," she said slowly. "The fifty -dollars would be sure?" - -"Yes, and if I was satisfied with him, I would give him ten dollars -more." - -"Mam," said Sal, "you'd better say yes. We'll all be rich if dad gets -sixty dollars." - -"When will your husband be home?" asked Rupert, becoming hopeful. - -"I reckon he'll be home directly--if you kin wait." - -"Oh, yes, I can wait. Has he got a boat?" - -"He has a canoe." - -"That will do just as well." - -"And will you give me the raft?" asked Sal. "You won't want it." - -"Yes, you shall have the raft." - -Sal was so delighted that she threw her arms round Rupert's neck and -kissed him, much to his confusion. - -"Quit that, you Sal. Ain't you got no manners?" said her mother, -sharply. "There's your dad comin' now." - -Rupert raised his flushed face, and was indescribably astonished when a -tall Indian entered the cabin. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -AN INDIAN GUIDE. - - -"Is that your husband?" asked Rupert, in a tone that betrayed his -surprise. - -"Yes. What yer gawkin' at? He's enough sight better'n my first husband, -who was a white man. Isn't he, Sal?" - -"You bet, mam!" - -The Indian, who had an air of natural dignity, seemed pleased with their -tributes to his excellence. - -"Yes," continued Sal's mother, "he's my man now. John, this boy wants -you to take him to Giles Packard's ranch." - -"It's a long way," said the Indian, slowly. - -"Yes, I know that," answered Rupert, "but I am willing to pay you. That -is, I haven't money with me, but Mr. Packard will pay you fifty dollars, -and I will give you my gun besides." - -The Indian seemed most impressed with the last part of the offer. He -held out the gun and examined it closely. Then a look of satisfaction -overspread his face, and he said "Good." - -"He seems straight, though he's only a boy," remarked the woman. "You'd -better go. Fifty dollars is a good deal of money." - -"Gun good," said the Indian, sententiously. - -"Yes, but the money is better." - -"When you want to go?" asked John. - -"You'd better wait till to-morrow morning," put in the woman. "I'll bake -up some bread and fry some bear steak for you to carry." - -"That will suit me if you will give me a place to sleep and some -supper," said Rupert. - -This was readily agreed to. - -One of those best pleased with this arrangement was Sal. She seemed so -impressed with Rupert that the latter was afraid she would kiss him -again, but fortunately she refrained. - -She made up her mind, however, to enjoy the boy's companionship, and -challenged him to a trial of speed. Rupert was almost ashamed to -compete with a girl, but he found that Sal was a rival by no means to be -despised. She kept up well with him in a quarter mile run, and in a -running jump she beat him once out of three times. - -"You jump very well--for a girl," said Rupert. - -"You're taller'n I be, or I'd beat you. Besides, you're older." - -"And your mother's older than you. Can she beat you?" - -"I'd jump mam out of her boots," said Sal, confidently. "Want to try, -mam?" - -"Try what?" - -"Jumpin'." - -"Oh, quit yer foolin'. A nice sight I'd be, jumpin'. Your dad will jump -with you." - -"Yes," said John, smiling gravely. - -"Oh, he can beat me, of course." - -"Won't you jump, John?" asked Rupert, thinking the Indian looked -desirous of a trial. - -"Yes," answered John. - -Like most of his race, he was supple and well trained in all athletic -exercises. He jumped three feet farther than Rupert, though the white -boy plumed himself on his agility. - -Later Rupert and Sal took a trip down the river on the raft. Sal desired -to do the paddling, and Rupert was obliged to confess that she -understood the art of paddling a raft better than he. - -"You gave it to me, didn't you?" she said. - -"Yes, Sal, it is yours." - -The girl looked pleased. - -"I will go out on it a good deal," she said. "Dad doesn't like me to use -his canoe." - -"Where does he keep his canoe?" - -"Up the river a way. Shall I show you?" - -"Yes, if you will." - -She kept on paddling till they reached a secluded part of the stream, -where there was a circular indentation in the bank. Here was the -Indian's canoe. It was higher than the skiff in which Rupert had -traveled with Ben Boone, and though as long, was narrower. - -"It is a beautiful canoe!" said Rupert, admiringly. - -"Isn't it? Dad's proud of it." - -"How long has he been married to your mother?" - -"'Bout three years." - -"You don't mind having an Indian for a father?" asked Rupert, feeling -that he might be on delicate ground. - -"No, John's a good man. He never drinks, as my own father did. He's good -to mam. Then he is a good hunter, and brings us plenty of bear's meat." - -"Would you be willing to marry an Indian yourself?" - -"No, I'd rather marry you," was Sal's disconcerting reply. - -"I am not old enough to be married," said Rupert, blushing. - -"You will be some day." - -"Yes. I shall be some day--if I live." - -"Then will you come and marry me?" - -This was a leap year proposal with a vengeance. Rupert was hardly -prepared with an answer. He replied diplomatically, "I can't tell yet. I -must ask my mother." - -"Mam would be willing I should marry you," said Sal. "Where does your -mother live?" - -"Near New York." - -"Won't you ask her?" - -"Yes," answered Rupert; "but perhaps you will see some one else you will -like better." - -"No, I shan't," said Sal, positively. "You are awful handsome." - -"Am I?" said Rupert, in rather an embarrassed tone. - -"Yes, you've got such nice red cheeks." - -Rupert scanned her critically, but he was unable to return the -compliment. Her face was thin and sallow, and the only feature that was -passable was her bright black eyes. - -The next morning, when Rupert was ready to start, Sal showed an -inclination to kiss him again, but he hurried off with the Indian, and -escaped this affectionate demonstration. - -"You'll come back some time?" said Sal, anxiously, as she looked after -him. - -"Yes, some day." - -Rupert hoped that before he saw Sal again she would have secured a -husband in her own station in life. - -Rupert found the Indian a very satisfactory companion. Compared to Ben -he was silent and reserved, but he was willing to answer questions, and -the young traveler managed to extract considerable information from him. - -There was no unnecessary delay. Rupert had no desire to remain longer in -the wilderness. So on the evening of the third day he reached Red Gulch -and sought out his friend Giles Packard. - -The cattleman eyed his companion with surprise. - -"Where have you left Ben?" he said. - -"He left me," answered Rupert, and he told the story of Ben Boone's -treachery. - -Giles Packard was very angry. - -"The rascal!" he said. "I knew he was lazy and shiftless, but I didn't -think he was a villain. If I could get hold of him he'd find it worse -than being in a bear's clutches. Have you any idea where he went?" - -"No; I thought he might have come home." - -"He wouldn't dare to come home without you." - -"I've got it!" exclaimed Rupert, suddenly. - -"What is it?" - -"I understand now. He's on his way to New York." - -"What do you mean?" - -"He asked a great deal about New York, and said he would go there if he -only had money enough. I expect he is using my money for traveling -expenses." - -"Where did you pick up your Indian friend?" - -Rupert told of the compact he had made with the Indian, and asked Mr. -Packard to lend him money enough to keep it. - -"Certainly, lad, and I'd do a great deal more for you, if necessary." - -John was paid his money, and received the gun besides as a free gift. -With them he started for home happy and proud. - -Rupert might have sent his love to Sal, but he refrained. - -"By the way, Rupert," said Giles Packard, "I have two letters for you." - -Rupert opened them hastily. The first was from his mother. The important -part ran thus: - - - "Mr. Strathmore is sick with pneumonia, and there is little hope - of his living. Of course this will make it necessary for me and - Grace to seek a new home. I wish we might all be together again. I - have been contented, because I knew you were doing well, but I - should be happier to have you with me. Will you be back soon? I - will make no arrangements till you return." - - -The second letter was from Leslie Waters. He wrote: - - - "Congratulate me, Rupert! I have at last realized my ambition and - am to become an actor. I have been engaged to play a part in the - comedy of 'Fireflies.' You won't get any idea of the piece from the - title. My part is a very good one. I am to represent a Broadway - swell. I can't give you any idea of the plot, but I hope some time - you may be able to see it played. Of course I have resigned my - position as a bell-boy. We start on the road on Monday, opening at - Albany, and going thence to Buffalo. I will send you my route as - soon as I can. Answer this to Cleveland, Ohio." - - -"I suppose Leslie is happy," thought Rupert. "I hope he will succeed." - -"I trust your letters contain good news," said Giles Packard. - -"One contains bad news. My mother is about to lose her home, and I am -afraid I must start at once for New York." - -"Wait till to-morrow, Rupert, and I will go with you. I have a capable -superintendent who will take my place, and a journey will do me good." - -"I shall be delighted to have your company, Mr. Packard." - -Giles Packard looked pleased, for the longer he knew Rupert the better -he liked him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -HOW TO MANAGE A ROGUE. - - -At the last moment Giles Packard decided to take his uncle, John -Plympton, with him, finding that the old man was reluctant to be left -alone. - -"I shall stop on the way at Rochester and see if I can collect Uncle -John's note," he said. "Perhaps I may be more successful than he." - -"If you don't mind, Mr. Packard," said Rupert, "I will go on at once to -New York, as I feel anxious about my mother." - -"Very well. Go to the Somerset Hotel, and put up as a guest. I shall -follow you soon." - -Leaving Rupert to pursue his journey, we will detail the experiences of -Giles and his uncle at Rochester. - -"We will put up at a cheap hotel, Uncle John," he said. "I don't want -Eben to suspect that I am well off." - -"He wouldn't judge so from your dress, Giles," remarked the old man, -with a humorous glance at his nephew's well-worn suit. - -"That is true, Uncle John. I don't look very much like a dude, I admit. -However, I will go to a first-class tailor in New York and get myself -rigged out. While I am about it I will get a new suit for you." - -"I need it badly enough, Giles, but having given all my money to Eben -Jackson, I did not feel able to buy new clothes." - -"You won't have occasion to complain of being without money long." - -"Thank you, Giles. It has been a great relief to me, your purchasing the -note, but I don't want you to lose money." - -"I don't intend to. Eben Jackson may swindle you. He will find it harder -to get the advantage of me." - -Eben Jackson was standing at the desk in his store when Giles and John -Plympton entered. Eben took no particular notice of the middle-aged and -rather rough-looking stranger, whom he did not recognize, but frowned -perceptibly when he saw John Plympton. - -"You here, Uncle John?" he said, roughly. - -"Yes," answered the old man, meekly. - -"Where have you been?" - -"I went to Chicago." - -"Didn't you find anything to do there?" - -"No." - -"Probably you didn't try very hard." - -"It wasn't that. They all said I was too old. Chicago is a city of young -men." - -"Yes, you have seen your best days," said his nephew, unfeelingly. - -"And I suppose I ought not to cumber the ground. Is that what you mean, -Eben?" - -"Well, not exactly, but you can't expect that you can find employment as -you used to do." - -"Isn't that pretty hard? I am only sixty-five." - -"That's old for a man seeking employment." - -"What will you do when you are sixty-five?" - -"It will be different with me. I have a business of my own." - -"I hope you'll be better off than I am at that age." - -"I shall. You never had much business capacity." - -"I've been thinking, Eben, I'd better take that three thousand dollars -of mine and buy an annuity. At my age I ought to get enough to take care -of me economically." - -"I don't see how you're going to do that. I've got your money." - -"True, but I should like to have it back." - -"You can't have it at present. It would be inconvenient for me to take -it from my business." - -"But, Eben, I need it. At any rate you can let me have the interest that -has already accrued." - -"I'll see about it." - -"But I want money at once." - -"Then you can't get it," said the nephew, rudely. "Where are you -staying?" - -John Plympton mentioned the name of the hotel. - -Eben Jackson turned up his nose. This was distinctly a third-class -house, charging one dollar and a quarter a day. - -"You'd better go to a cheap boarding-house. You needn't expect me to pay -your hotel bill." - -"I have a right to expect you will give me enough of my own money to pay -the bill." - -"I won't encourage you in any such ridiculous extravagance, Uncle John." - -"Perhaps you think it is extravagant in me to eat at all." - -"I think it is extravagant to pay a dollar and a quarter a day for -board. Who is that man with you?" - -On hearing this, Giles Packard came forward. - -"You ought to know me, Eben," he said. - -Eben Jackson took stock of the cattleman's shabby clothes, and answered, -coldly, "You have the advantage of me, sir." - -"Then you don't remember your cousin, Giles Packard?" - -"Are you Giles Packard? I didn't know but you were dead." - -"No, thank you, not just yet." - -"Where have you been living?" - -"In Colorado." - -"Have you met with any success? What business have you followed?" - -"I have been in the cattle business." - -"Oh, a cowboy?" sneered Eben. - -"If you choose to call me so." - -"Why didn't you stay in Colorado? Why have you come East?" - -"I thought I should enjoy a vacation." - -"But traveling costs money." - -"So it does. Uncle John tells me you have three thousand dollars of -his." - -Eben Jackson frowned. - -"Yes," he said, "I am taking care of his money for him." - -"As he can't find employment, he will need to have it returned." - -"That can't be done. He has my note for it." - -"Yes. I have seen the note. I observe that it is made out 'On demand.'" - -"Well?" - -"That means that he can call for it at any time." - -"I shall pay it when I get ready," said Eben, haughtily. - -"It may be wise for you to get ready very soon." - -"Oh, you threaten, do you? That is all the good it will do you." - -To Eben Jackson's surprise Giles Packard took the matter very coolly. He -even smiled. - -"I suspect you will change your mind," he said. - -"I understand your drift. You want to get hold of Uncle John's money -yourself." - -"Perhaps so. Uncle John, are you willing that I should take charge of -your money?" - -"Yes, Giles." - -"Ah, a very nice conspiracy. Uncle John, you are a fool." - -"Why?" asked the old man, mildly. - -"This man has made a failure of his life, and is as poor as poverty, -judging from his appearance. He has got up a nice scheme for depriving -you of your money. If he got hold of it you would never see a cent of -it. He is evidently an adventurer." - -"Then you won't give me my money?" - -"No. I shall keep it in your own interest. Why, if you gave it to him -you would be a pauper in less than a year." - -Giles Packard did not seem in the least irritated by his cousin's -uncomplimentary remarks. - -Turning to John Plympton, he said: "I think we may as well go, Uncle -John." - -"I am glad you realize that," observed Jackson. "Before you go, let me -say that your scheme has utterly failed." - -"My scheme of getting you to return Uncle John his money?" - -"Your plan of getting his money into your own possession." - -"Call it as you like. You will hear from us very soon." - -"Is that meant as a threat?" - -"Well, perhaps so." - -"Go ahead. Take what measures you choose. It is immaterial to me." - -"What did I tell you, Giles?" said John Plympton, as they left the -store. - -"Eben Jackson is meaner than I supposed. We will give him a little -surprise." - -"Before night Eben Jackson received the following letter from the -leading lawyer in Rochester: - - - "SIR-- - - "My client, Mr. Giles Packard, has placed in my hands for - collection a demand note for three thousand dollars, signed by - yourself, transferred to him by John Plympton. Will you arrange to - pay it? If not, I am instructed by my client to sue. - - "Yours respectfully, - "EDWARD NETTLETON, Att'y." - - -This was like a bomb in the camp of the enemy. Mr. Nettleton was a sharp -and successful lawyer, and to be feared. He was steep in his charges, -and Eben felt that his cousin was a fool to employ so high-priced an -attorney. - -He lost no time in seeking the humble hotel where his uncle and cousin -were domiciled. - -"What does all this mean?" he demanded, angrily. - -"What do you refer to?" - -"To Mr. Nettleton's letter." - -"It means that I am going to have my uncle's money," said Giles, firmly. - -"Your lawyer will charge you an immense fee. Better let the matter -drop." - -"Eben Jackson, I'll make you pay that money if it costs me five thousand -dollars for expenses." - -"Ridiculous! Why, you are almost a pauper." - -"I hope not. When I left Colorado I was worth nearly a hundred thousand -dollars. I don't think I have lost any money since." - -"Is this true?" gasped Jackson. - -"It is. You thought me poor, because I was poorly dressed. You were -mistaken. I am what is called a rich man. I am unmarried, but after the -way you have treated me, you can judge what chances you have of being -remembered in my will." - -"It is all a mistake, Cousin Giles," said Eben, in a conciliatory tone. -"I'll pay the money, and I hope you and Uncle John will do me the favor -of staying at my house while you are in Rochester." - -Giles Packard smiled grimly. - -"We shall start for New York to-morrow," he said, "and it won't be -advisable for us to leave the hotel. I shall leave the note in Mr. -Nettleton's hands, and I will give you a month in which to pay it." - -"Thank you. Won't you call at the house? Mary will be glad to see you, -and I want to show you the children." - -"Yes, we will call." - -Giles Packard smiled when his cousin left the hotel. - -"Eben seems to have changed," he said. "I think we shan't have any more -trouble with him." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -NEW PLANS. - - -When Rupert entered the Somerset Hotel on his return from the West he -received a cordial welcome from Mr. Malcolm, the clerk. - -"I hope you have had a pleasant journey," he said. - -"Very pleasant, on the whole." - -"And do you want your old place again?" - -"No," answered Rupert. "I hope to go into some other line of business." - -"I'm glad for one reason. I have taken a very good boy in your -place--David Williams--and I would not like to discharge him." - -"I hear Leslie has left you also." - -"Yes. He has gone on the stage, I believe," said the clerk, smiling. -"Have you any plans in that direction?" - -"No; I couldn't make as much as the wages you were paying me." - -"I doubt if Leslie will find the change to his advantage." - -"Whom have you in his place?" - -"A boy named Bernard Benton. He is also a good boy. By the way, a letter -came for you yesterday. Here it is." - -Rupert supposed the letter might be from his mother, but on reading the -address he found that it was in a business hand. He opened the envelope -and read as follows. - - - "MR. RUPERT ROLLINS-- - - "DEAR SIR: I learn that you are the owner of two lots on One - Hundred and Twenty-fifth Street, in Harlem. I should like to buy - them, and am willing to pay you seven thousand dollars for the two. - - "Yours truly, - "ALBERT CROSSMAN." - - -Rupert read the letter with mingled pleasure and surprise. The lots had -cost but one thousand dollars each. That they should have increased in -value to such an extent was hardly credible. - -He did not feel like deciding the matter until he had a chance to -consult with Mr. Packard, and he so wrote Mr. Crossman. Now that his -mother had lost her position he felt that this stroke of good luck was -particularly timely. - -He went out in the afternoon to see his mother and Grace. He found that -Mr. Strathmore was dead, and that his funeral had taken place. - -"I don't know what we shall do, Rupert," said Mrs. Rollins anxiously. -"It may be some time before I can obtain another position where I can -support myself and Grace. However, I have saved seventy-five dollars, so -that for a time I shall not be a burden upon you." - -"Don't talk of being a burden, mother. You never can be that." - -"But how can your small earnings support three persons?" - -"You forget, mother, that I have property." - -"To what do you refer, Rupert?" - -"To the two lots Mr. Packard gave me." - -"I had not supposed them of much value." - -"I have an offer of seven thousand dollars for them." - -"Is it possible?" asked Mrs. Rollins in amazement. - -"It is quite possible. I don't think we are in any immediate danger of -the poorhouse. When shall you be ready to come to New York?" - -"Whenever I have a home provided; but you remember that I sold my -furniture when I accepted the position with Mr. Strathmore." - -"I have already looked at a furnished flat on West Nineteenth Street. It -is but twenty dollars a month, and will make you a pleasant home." - -"But isn't that a high rent to pay?" - -"Not in our present circumstances. However, I will wait till Mr. Packard -reaches the city, and consult with him. I expect him in a day or two." - -"Will the proprietor of the Somerset Hotel receive you back as a -bell-boy?" - -"He would, but I have declined the place." - -"But you will have to do something, Rupert." - -Rupert smiled. - -"Don't feel anxious, mother," he said, "Mr. Packard is a rich man, and -he is a faithful friend. I think he will arrange something for me." - -The next day Mr. Packard and his uncle, John Plympton, reached New York -and established themselves at the Somerset Hotel. Rupert learned with -satisfaction of Mr. Plympton's recovery of his money from his knavish -nephew. - -"And now, Rupert," said the cattleman, "tell me about your own affairs." - -"First, I have received an offer of seven thousand dollars for the two -lots you gave me." - -"That is fine. They have gone up surprisingly." - -"Would you advise me to sell them?" - -"Yes. Sell them and invest half the money in other lots less desirably -situated. It is only a question of time when they, too, can be sold to -advantage." - -"And the other half of the money?" - -"Invest in good bank stock or Government bonds, where they will yield an -income." - -"I am sure that is good advice." - -"How about your mother?" - -"The gentleman for whom she acted as housekeeper is dead, and she must -seek a new home. I have looked at a furnished flat in West Nineteenth -Street, renting at twenty dollars a month." - -"I have another plan to propose. I have got tired of living in Colorado, -though I shall retain my business interests there. I want to have a home -for my uncle and myself here. I shall hire a moderate-sized house, and -run it myself, and engage your mother to take charge of it, if she -should be willing." - -"Nothing would please her better, Mr. Packard," said Rupert, earnestly. - -"As it may take me a little time to make the necessary arrangements, -send for your mother and let her make a temporary home at this hotel. I -will defray the expenses." - -"You are very kind, Mr. Packard." - -"Well, who has a better right? I have a great mind to adopt you, young -man." - -"I shan't make any violent opposition, Mr. Packard. But what will your -nephew in Rochester say?" - -"Of course Eben won't like it, but I claim a right to do what I like -with my own. I shall not disinherit his family wholly, but what I leave -to them will be so tied up that Eben can't get at it. It is amusing, the -change that came over him when he learned that I was not a destitute -cowboy, but a man of property." - -The next day Mrs. Rollins was installed at the hotel, and Mr. Packard -began to look around for a house such as he desired. - -"There shall be a nice room for you, Uncle John," he said. "I will -promise to treat you as well as Eben did." - -"I can pay for my board, Giles. I don't want to cost you too much." - -"You will pay for your board when I send in a bill. Don't trouble -yourself till then." - -"But I am able to work, Giles." - -"I may find some light work for you, Uncle John, just to keep you from -being uneasy." - -Mr. Packard was a man of promptness and energy. He visited a real estate -agent, and soon made choice of a medium-sized house in a good -neighborhood. This he furnished plainly and quickly, for there is no -need of delay where means are abundant. Inside of a month the little -family were comfortably established in their new home. - -"Will there be room for Fred, my little ward?" asked Rupert. - -"Certainly. It will be pleasant to have a young child in the house." - -Rupert had one apprehension. He feared that his friends, the Bentons, -would miss the sum he paid for the little boy's board. But Mrs. Benton -set him at ease. - -"An old schoolmate of my husband, who is in a business position on Pearl -Street, would like to board with us," she said, "and is able and willing -to pay a liberal sum. I feared at first that he would not be satisfied -with our modest quarters, but he says he wants a home, not a stylish -boarding-house, so he will be content." - -"Then you won't be inconvenienced by losing Fred's board?" - -"No, but we shall miss the dear child's company. You must let him come -to see us sometimes." - -"Certainly I will, and we shall always be glad to see you as a visitor. -Does Mr. Benton still find his place on Grand Street agreeable and -satisfactory?" - -"Yes. He seems to stand high in the estimation of his employer." - -Little Fred at first was sorry to leave Mrs. Benton, but soon formed an -attachment for Mrs. Rollins and Grace. - -"Since he is your adopted son, Rupert," said his mother, "I suppose I -may look upon him as my grandson." - -"By adoption, mother," said Rupert, with a smile. - -"Now, Mr. Packard, what do you advise me to do?" asked Rupert. - -"Spend at least six months in study. Go to some commercial college, and -when you have completed your course of instruction I shall be ready with -some plan for you." - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -CONCLUSION. - - -Rupert was walking down Broadway some two months later when he came -unexpectedly upon Julian Lorimer. - -Julian was swinging a light cane, and wore a "stunning" necktie. He -glanced superciliously at Rupert, and was about to pass without -recognition, but curiosity overcame pride, and he called out, - -"Halloo, Rollins!" - -"Halloo, Lorimer!" answered Rupert. - -Julian frowned slightly. It was all very well for him to say "Rollins," -but he expected Rupert to say "Mr. Lorimer." - -"I haven't seen you for some time," he said. "Are you still a bell-boy?" - -"No." - -"Got sacked, eh?" - -"I sacked myself." - -"What are you doing, then?" - -"Going to a commercial school." - -Julian looked surprised. - -"Who pays your expenses if you are earning nothing?" - -"I pay my own bills, thank you." - -"It's very foolish for you to give up work. You will spend all your -money, and what will you do then?" - -"Perhaps apply to your father for a situation," said Rupert, smiling. - -"I don't think he needs any cash-boys at present. - -"Are you working?" - -"Yes, I am with Ward & Weston, Wall Street brokers." - -"I hope you like it." - -"I do. When I am twenty-one pop will buy me a seat on the brokers' -board, and I will go in for myself." - -"I wish you success, Julian." - -"You are very kind," said Julian, ironically. "I guess there's no doubt -of that. We have a great many influential friends. I go into the best -society," he added, pompously. - -"You must enjoy it." - -"I do. A week from this evening I am to attend a party at the house of -Albert Fraser. His father is a rich merchant in the China trade." - -Rupert's face lighted up with amusement. - -Albert Fraser was his most intimate friend, being a student at the same -commercial college, and he, too, had received an invitation to the -party. - -"Julian will be astonished to see me there," he thought. - -"Is Albert Fraser a nice fellow?" he asked, demurely. - -"First class." - -"I wish you would introduce me to him, Julian." - -"You!" said Julian, contemptuously. "Didn't you hear me say that his -father was a wealthy merchant?" - -"Yes." - -"I shouldn't feel at liberty to introduce you," said Julian, haughtily. - -"Why not?" - -"Because there is a great difference between a boy in his position and -one in yours." - -"I don't see why." - -"Aren't you an ex-bell-boy?" - -"Yes." - -"That's enough." - -"For all that, I think Albert Fraser and I will some time be friends." - -"You are foolish. Bell-boys and bootblacks don't associate with -gentlemen's sons." - -"Yet I associate with you, Julian." - -"I look upon you as an humble acquaintance." - -"Then I suppose I ought to feel complimented by your condescending to -notice me." - -"I think I must leave you, as I have an engagement." - -"Very well. I will meet you at Albert Fraser's party." - -"I suppose that is meant for a joke. It isn't a very good one." - -When the evening of the party came, Julian got himself up regardless of -expense. He had never before attended a party on Madison Avenue, and he -was particular about his appearance. - -Entering the house, he was directed to the gentlemen's dressing-room. - -What was his surprise--it might almost be called dismay--to find Rupert -Rollins arranging his toilet before the mirror. - -"Good evening, Julian!" said Rupert, half turning. - -"What are you doing here?" demanded Julian abruptly. - -"Getting ready to go down stairs. Shall I wait for you?" - -"But what calls you to this house, any way?" - -"An invitation! Didn't I tell you that I would meet you here this -evening?" - -"Do you mean to tell me that you know Albert Fraser?" - -"Certainly. Shall I wait for you?" - -"No." - -Rupert smiled and went down stairs by himself. He was talking with -Albert Fraser when Julian entered. The latter half drew back when he saw -the two boys together. He had tried to persuade himself that Rupert was -an unauthorized intruder. - -"Good evening," he said with a ceremonious bow. - -"Good evening," responded Albert. - -Rupert bowed slightly, smiling as he did so. - -"Ha! are you two acquainted?" - -"Yes," answered Julian superciliously. "I knew Mr. Rollins when he was a -bell-boy at the Somerset Hotel." - -"And I knew Mr. Lorimer years before that, when his father and my father -were partners in Buffalo." - -Albert Fraser looked from one to the other and smiled at Julian's angry -confusion. - -"Rupert," he said, "let me take you up to my sister and introduce you. -The grand march will soon begin." - -"Thank you, Albert." - -Rupert and Edith Fraser led the march, while Julian followed -considerably behind, with a fat, red-headed girl of very limited -attractions. - -It was hard upon poor Julian, and his enjoyment was quite taken away by -the social success of his quondam friend Rupert. Rupert, on the other -hand, enjoyed himself immensely, and was treated very graciously by his -fair partner. - - * * * * * * * - -Six months later Mr. Packard called Rupert aside. He was evidently -nervous and ill at ease. - -"Rupert," he said, "I am going to ask your advice." - -"If you think my advice worth asking, I shall be glad to give it." - -"I want you to be plain with me, Rupert Do you think I am too old to be -married?" - -"Certainly not, Mr. Packard." - -"I am forty-five, and I never was very good-looking." - -"You are a good, kind-hearted man, and any woman ought to be happy with -you. But I didn't know you had made many lady acquaintances." - -"I haven't, but there is one lady I should like to marry. I may as well -come out with it, Rupert. Do you think your mother would marry me? -But--I see you look surprised. I suppose I am a great fool." - -"You mistake me, Mr. Packard. I am surprised, for the idea never -entered my head before." - -"I suppose you wouldn't like the idea," said Giles Packard nervously. - -"On the contrary, I approve it. Of course I don't know how mother may -look upon it." - -"But you don't object to it?" - -"No, Mr. Packard, I wish you success." - -Mrs. Rollins was surprised to receive an offer of marriage from Mr. -Packard, but she had learned to know his many good qualities and was -grateful to him for his kindness to Rupert, and after a brief time for -consideration she gave her consent. - -There was little change in their way of living, but of course there was -an end of pecuniary cares and anxiety for the future. - -Mr. Packard decided to go into business in New York on his own account. -Rupert is his confidential clerk, and has a handsome salary. Mr. -Packard's natural shrewdness has made his venture a success from the -start He sold out his Colorado cattle ranch on very favorable terms to -two parties from the East, and now his time is exclusively employed in -his New York business. - -Some time since the _Evening World_ contained the following -announcement: - - - "Mr. Stephen Lorimer, the well-known dry-goods merchant of Third - Avenue, is reported in difficulties. A meeting of his creditors has - been called, but so serious are his embarrassments that it is - doubted whether he will be permitted to go on." - - -This prediction was verified. Mr. Lorimer now occupies a position as -salesman in a dry-goods house in Chicago, not being willing to fill such -a place in any city where he had been in business for himself, and is -obliged to live in a very plain way. - -There was little sympathy felt for him by those who had been in his -employ. He had done nothing to win their favor. But Julian is very -discontented. He is working in an office at four dollars a week, and -feels that life is not worth living under his altered circumstances. - -Rupert's real estate has increased largely in value, and he is worth -quite a competency in his own right. His young charge, Fred, has -developed a taste for study, and Rupert intends to have him prepare for -college. - -"You ought to have gone to college yourself," said Mr. Packard. - -"No," answered Rupert. "I am cut out for business. Fred must be the -scholar, and I will be the business man." - -Frank Sylvester, Rupert's first friend, has returned from Europe, and -the friendship between them has been renewed. Though Rupert has been so -prosperous, he is never ashamed to refer to the time when he was a -bell-boy. - -Nor does he forget his old friends. Recently he met Leslie Waters -standing in front of the Coleman House looking seedy and dilapidated. - -"How is the world using you, Leslie?" he asked. - -"Badly, my dear boy," answered Leslie, mournfully. "Our company was -stranded at Pittsburg and I had to walk all the way to New York. The -profession isn't what it was." - -"Then why not leave it? I think I can get you a business position." - -But Leslie Waters was too much enamored of the stage to forsake it. -When he is in hard luck Rupert always helps him, and he still works on, -hoping some day to achieve eminence. 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