diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-8.txt | 8968 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-8.zip | bin | 125788 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h.zip | bin | 566769 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/55098-h.htm | 9176 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 24686 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/images/frontis.jpg | bin | 50096 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/images/i069.jpg | bin | 49127 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/images/i140.jpg | bin | 8486 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/images/i147.jpg | bin | 49672 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/images/i211.jpg | bin | 50138 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/images/i262.jpg | bin | 49663 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/images/i321.jpg | bin | 74693 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098-h/images/series.jpg | bin | 74592 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098.txt | 8968 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55098.zip | bin | 125786 -> 0 bytes |
18 files changed, 17 insertions, 27112 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..60a4350 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55098 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55098) diff --git a/old/55098-8.txt b/old/55098-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 605371f..0000000 --- a/old/55098-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8968 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Strong and Steady, 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: Strong and Steady - Or, Paddle Your Own Canoe - - -Author: Horatio Alger - - - -Release Date: July 13, 2017 [eBook #55098] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONG AND STEADY*** - - -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 illustrations. - See 55098-h.htm or 55098-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/55098/55098-h/55098-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/55098/55098-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - https://archive.org/details/strongsteadyorpa00alge - - - - - -STRONG AND STEADY - - - * * * * * * - -HORATIO ALGER'S Successful Juvenile Books - - -RAGGED DICK SERIES. - -_Complete in Six Volumes._ - - -TATTERED TOM SERIES. - -A Continuation of the Ragged Dick Series. - -_FIRST SERIES, in Four Volumes, now ready._ - -_SECOND SERIES, in Four Volumes, preparing._ - - -LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. - -_FIRST SERIES, in Four Volumes, now ready._ - -_SECOND SERIES, in Four Volumes, preparing._ - - -CAMPAIGN SERIES. - -_Complete in Three Volumes._ - -Each Volume is sold, separate. - - -RAGGED DICK SERIES. - -_Complete in Six Volumes--in a Box._ - - I. RAGGED DICK; or, Street Life in New York. - - II. FAME AND FORTUNE; or, The Progress of Richard Hunter. - -III. MARK, THE MATCH BOY. - - IV. ROUGH AND READY; or, Life Among New York Newsboys. - - V. BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; or, Among the Wharves. - - VI. RUFUS AND ROSE; or, The Fortunes of Rough and Ready. - -_Price, $1.25 per volume._ - - -_TATTERED TOM SERIES._ - -First Series _in Four Volumes_--_in Box_. - - I. TATTERED TOM; or, The Story of a Street Arab. - - II. PAUL, THE PEDDLER; or, The Adventures of a Young Street - Merchant. - -III. PHIL, THE FIDDLER; or, The Young Street Musician. - - IV. SLOW AND SURE; or, From the Sidewalk to the Shop. - -_Price, $1.25 per volume._ - -SECOND SERIES. - - I. JULIUS; or, The Street Boy out West. - -II. THE YOUNG OUTLAW; A Story of the Street,--Oct., '74. - - -_LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES._ - -First Series _in Four Volumes_--_in Box_. - - I. LUCK AND PLUCK; or, John Oakley's Inheritance. - - II. SINK OR SWIM; or, Harry Raymond's Resolve. - -III. STRONG AND STEADY; or, Paddle your own Canoe. - - IV. STRIVE AND SUCCEED; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad. - -_Price, $1.50 per volume._ - -SECOND SERIES. - - I. TRY AND TRUST; or, The Story of a Bound Boy. - - II. BOUND TO RISE; or, How Harry Walton rose in the World. - -III. UP THE LADDER; or Harry Walton's Success, in Oct, '74. - - -_CAMPAIGN SERIES._ - - I. FRANK'S CAMPAIGN. - - II. PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE. - -III. CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE. - -_Price, $1.25 per volume._ - - * * * * * * - - -[Illustration] - - -LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. - -by HORATIO ALGER, JR. - -LUCK and PLUCK. - - - -STRONG AND STEADY; - -Or, Paddle Your Own Canoe. - -by - -HORATIO ALGER, JR. - -Author of "Ragged Dick Series," "Tattered Tom Series," "Luck and -Pluck Series," "Campaign Series," etc. - - - - - - -Loring, Publisher, -Cor. Bromfield and Washington Streets, -Boston. - -Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, -by A. K. Loring, -In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - -Stereotyped and Printed by Rockwell & Churchill, Boston. - - - - - To - MY YOUNG FRIENDS, - WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON, -_IN THE HOPE THAT THEY MAY EMULATE THE VIRTUES - OF THE DISTINGUISHED MEN WHOSE - NAMES THEY BEAR_, - This Volume - IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -"STRONG AND STEADY" is the third volume of the "Luck and Pluck Series." -Though the story is quite distinct from its predecessors, it is intended -to illustrate the same general principle. Walter Conrad, the hero, is -unexpectedly reduced from affluence to poverty, and compelled to fight -his own way in life. Undaunted by misfortune, he makes up his mind to -"paddle his own canoe," and, declining the offers of friends, sets to -work with a resolute will and persistent energy, which command success -in the end. - -Hoping that Walter's adventures may prove of interest to his young -readers, and win the same favorable verdict which has been pronounced -upon his previous books, the author takes his leave for the present, -with many thanks for the generous welcome so often accorded to him. - -OCTOBER 15, 1871. - - - -CONTENTS - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. THE ESSEX CLASSICAL INSTITUTE. 9 - II. IN THE CARS. 18 - III. AT HOME. 28 - IV. JACOB DRUMMOND, OF STAPLETON. 33 - V. JACOB DRUMMOND—CONTINUED. 38 - VI. FUTURE PLANS. 48 - VII. MR. DRUMMOND'S HUMBLE ROOF. 58 - VIII. WALTER MAKES A REVELATION. 68 - IX. HOW MR. DRUMMOND TOOK THE NEWS. 78 - X. MR. DRUMMOND'S STORE. 88 - XI. JOSHUA STIRS UP THE WRONG CUSTOMER. 98 - XII. AFTER THE BATTLE. 108 - XIII. THE ARROW AND THE PIONEER. 117 - XIV. A BRILLIANT SCHEME. 127 - XV. WAYS AND MEANS. 137 - XVI. JOSHUA TRIES KEEPING STORE. 146 - XVII. JOSHUA'S DISAPPOINTMENT. 155 - XVIII. WALTER FINDS HIMSELF IN HOT WATER. 165 - XIX. THE TABLES ARE TURNED. 175 - XX. IN WHICH JOSHUA COMES TO GRIEF. 185 - XXI. A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. 195 - XXII. MESSRS. FLINT AND PUSHER. 206 - XXIII. WALTER LOSES HIS MONEY. 216 - XXIV. SLIPPERY DICK. 226 - XXV. A HARD CUSTOMER. 236 - XXVI. BUSINESS EXPERIENCES. 246 - XXVII. A CABIN IN THE WOODS. 256 - XXVIII. STRANGE ACQUAINTANCES. 266 - XXIX. DANGER THREATENS. 276 - XXX. THE ROBBER WALKS INTO A TRAP. 286 - XXXI. WALTER'S ESCAPE. 296 - XXXII. A STRANGE HIDING-PLACE. 306 - XXXIII. WALTER SHOWS STRATEGY. 317 - XXXIV. DELIVERANCE. 326 - XXXV. THE LAST OF JACK MANGUM. 335 - XXXVI. JOSHUA BIDS GOOD-BY TO STAPLETON. 345 - XXXVII. CONCLUSION. 355 - - - -STRONG AND STEADY; - -OR, - -PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE ESSEX CLASSICAL INSTITUTE. - - -"You've got a nice room here, Walter." - -"Yes, you know I am to stay here two years, and I might as well be -comfortable." - -"It's ever so much better than my room--twice as big, to begin with. -Then, my carpet looks as if it had come down through several -generations. I'll bet the old lady had it when she was first married. As -for a mirror, I've got a seven-by-nine looking-glass that I have to look -into twice before I can see my whole face. As for the bedstead, it -creaks so when I jump into it that I expect every night it'll fall to -pieces like the 'one hoss shay,' and spill me on the floor. Now your -room is splendidly furnished." - -"Yes, it is now, but father furnished it at his own expense. He said he -was willing to lay out a little money to make me comfortable." - -"That's more than my father said. He told me it wouldn't do me any harm -to rough it." - -"I don't know but he is right," said Walter. "Of course I don't object -to the new carpet and furniture,"--and he looked with pleasure at the -handsome carpet with its bright tints, the black walnut bookcase with -its glass doors, and the tasteful chamber furniture,--"but I shouldn't -consider it any hardship if I had to rough it, as you call it." - -"Wouldn't you? Then I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll change rooms. You -can go round and board at Mrs. Glenn's, and I'll come here. What do you -say?" - -"I am not sure how my father would look on that arrangement," said -Walter, smiling. - -"I thought you'd find some way out," said Lemuel. "For my part, I don't -believe you'd fancy roughing it any better than I." - -"I don't know," said Walter; "I've sometimes thought I shouldn't be very -sorry to be a poor boy, and have to work my own way." - -"That's very well to say, considering you are the son of a rich man." - -"So are you." - -"Yes, but I don't get the benefit of it, and you do. What would you do -now if you were a poor boy?" - -"I can't say, of course, now, but I would go to work at something. I am -sure I could earn my own living." - -"I suppose I could, but I shouldn't want to." - -"You're lazy, Lem, that's what's the matter with you." - -"I know I am," said Lemuel, good-naturedly. "Some people are born lazy, -don't you think so?" - -"Perhaps you are right," answered Walter, with a smile. "Now suppose we -open our Cæsar." - -"I suppose we might as well. Here's another speech. I wish those old -fellows hadn't been so fond of speech-making. I like the accounts of -battles well enough, but the speeches are a bother." - -"I like to puzzle them out, Lem." - -"So don't I. How much have we got for a lesson?" - -"Two sections." - -While the boys are at work reading these two sections, two-thirds of the -work being done by Walter, whose head is clearer and whose knowledge -greater than his companion's, a little explanation shall be given, in -order that we may better understand the position and prospects of the -two boys introduced. - -Of Lemuel Warner, it need only be said that he was a pleasant-looking -boy of fourteen, the son of a prosperous merchant in New York. Walter -Conrad was from a small inland town, where his father was the wealthiest -and most prominent and influential citizen, having a handsome -mansion-house, surrounded by extensive grounds. - -How rich he was, was a matter of conjecture; but he was generally rated -as high as two hundred thousand dollars. Mrs. Conrad had been dead for -five years, so that Walter, who was an only child, had no immediate -relation except his father. It was for this reason, perhaps, that he had -been sent to the Essex Classical Institute, of which we find him a -member at the opening of our story. Being a boy of talent, and well -grounded in Latin, he was easily able to take a high rank in his class. -Lemuel Warner had become his intimate friend, being in the same class, -but considerably inferior to him in scholarship. They usually got their -Latin lessons together, and it was owing to this circumstance that -Lemuel made a better figure in his recitations than before Walter became -a member of the school. - -"There, that job's done," said Lemuel, closing his book with an air of -satisfaction. "Now we can rest." - -"You forget the Latin exercise." - -"Oh, bother the Latin exercise! I don't see what's the use of writing -Latin any way. English composition is hard enough. What's to be done?" - -"You know the doctor expects each boy to write a letter in Latin, -addressed to his father, not less than twelve lines in length." - -"It isn't to be sent home, is it? Mr. Warner senior, I reckon, would -stare a little when he got his. He wouldn't know Latin from Cherokee." - -"Possibly your Latin won't differ much from Cherokee, Lem." - -"What's the use of being sarcastic on a fellow, and hurting his -feelings?" said Lem, laughing in a way to show that his feelings were -not very seriously hurt. "I say, couldn't one crib a little from Cæsar?" - -"Not very well, considering the doctor is slightly familiar with that -author." - -"I wonder whether Cæsar used to write home to his father when he was at -boarding-school. If he did, I should like to get hold of some of his -letters." - -"They would probably have to be altered considerably to adapt them to -the present time." - -"Well, give me a sheet of paper and I'll begin." - -The boys undertook their new task, and finished it by nine o'clock. I -should be glad to furnish a copy of Lemuel's letter, which was written -with brilliant disregard of grammatical rules; but unfortunately the -original, afterwards considerably revised in accordance with -suggestions from Walter, has not been preserved. - -"I've a great mind to send my letter home, Walter," said Lemuel. "Father -expects me to write home every week, and this would save me some -trouble. Besides, he'd think I was getting on famously, to write home in -Latin." - -"Yes, if he didn't find out the mistakes." - -"That's the rub. He'd show it to the minister the first time he called, -and then my blunders would be detected. I guess I'd better wait till it -comes back from the doctor corrected." - -"I expect to hear from home to-morrow," said Walter. - -"Why to-morrow in particular? Do you generally get letters Thursday?" - -"No, my letters generally come on Saturday, and I answer them Sunday. -But to-morrow is my birthday." - -"Is it? Let me be the first to congratulate you. How venerable will you -be?" - -"As venerable as most boys of fifteen, Lem." - -"You're three months older than I am, then. Do you expect a present?" - -"I haven't thought much about it, but I don't believe father will forget -me." - -"Can't you guess what you are likely to get?" - -"I can guess, but I may not be right. Father promised to give me a gold -watch-chain some time. You know I have a gold watch already." - -"Yes, and a regular little beauty." - -"So it wouldn't surprise me much to get a chain for a present." - -"You're a lucky boy. My watch is silver, and only cost twenty dollars." - -"I dare say I should be just as happy with a silver watch, Lem." - -"I suppose you wouldn't like to buy, would you? If so, I'll give you the -chance. A fair exchange is no robbery." - -"No, I suppose not; but it wouldn't do to exchange a gift." - -"Perhaps, if my watch were gold and yours silver, you wouldn't have any -objections." - -"I don't think that would alter the case with me. A gift is a gift, -whether it is more or less valuable." - -"How long have you had your watch, Walter?" - -"Ever since my thirteenth birthday." - -"I have had mine a year. I broke the crystal and one of the hands the -very first day." - -"That was pretty hard usage, Lem." - -"The watch had a pretty good constitution, so it has survived to the -present day. But I'm getting sleepy, Walter. It's the hard study, I -suppose, that's done it. I must be getting back to Ma'am Glenn's. -Good-night." - -"Good-night, Lem." - -Lemuel Warner gathered up his books, and left the room. Walter poked the -fire, putting some ashes on, so that it would keep till the next -morning, and commenced undressing. He had scarcely commenced, however, -when a heavy step was heard on the stairs, and directly afterwards a -knock resounded upon his door. - -Wondering who his late visitor could be, Walter stepped to the door, and -opened it. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -IN THE CARS. - - -If Walter was surprised at receiving a visit at so late an hour, he was -still more surprised to recognize in the visitor Dr. Porter, the -principal of the Institute. - -"Good-evening, Conrad," said the doctor. "I am rather a late visitor. I -was not sure but you might be in bed." - -"I was just getting ready to go to bed, sir. Won't you walk in?" - -"I will come in for five minutes only." - -"Take the rocking-chair, sir." - -All the while Walter was wondering what could be the doctor's object in -calling. He was not conscious of having violated any of the regulations -of the Institute, and even had he done so, it would be unusual for the -principal to call upon him at such an hour. So he watched the doctor -with a puzzled glance, and waited to hear him state his errand. - -"Have you heard from home lately, Conrad?" asked the doctor. - -"Yes, sir, I received a letter a few days since." - -"Did your father speak of being unwell?" - -"No, sir," said Walter, taking instant alarm. "Have--have you heard -anything?" - -"Yes, my boy; and that is my reason for calling upon you at this unusual -hour. I received this telegram twenty minutes since." - -Walter took the telegram, with trembling fingers, and read the following -message:-- - - - "DR. PORTER:--Please send Walter Conrad home by the first train. - His father is very sick. - - "NANCY FORBES." - - -"Do you think there is any danger, Dr. Porter?" asked Walter, with a -pale face. - -"I cannot tell, my boy; this telegram furnishes all the information I -possess. Who is Nancy Forbes?" - -"She is the house-keeper. I can't realize that father is so sick. He -did not say anything about it when he wrote." - -"Let us hope it is only a brief sickness. I think you had better go home -by the first train to-morrow morning." - -"Yes, sir." - -"I believe it starts at half-past seven." - -"I shall be ready, sir." - -"By the way, are you provided with sufficient money to pay your railway -fare? If not, I will advance you the necessary sum." - -"Thank you, sir, I have five dollars by me, and that will be more than -sufficient." - -"Then I believe I need not stay any longer," and the doctor rose. - -"Don't think too much of your father's sickness, but try to get a good -night's sleep. I hope we shall soon have you coming back with good -news." - -The principal shook hands with Walter and withdrew. - -When his tall form had vanished, Walter sat down and tried to realize -the fact of his father's sickness; but this he found difficult. - -Mr. Conrad had never been sick within his remembrance, and the thought -that he might become so had never occurred to Walter. Besides, the -telegram spoke of him as _very_ sick. Could there be danger? - -That was a point which he could not decide, and all that remained was to -go to bed. It was a long time before he got to sleep, but at length he -did sleep, waking in time only for a hasty preparation for the homeward -journey. He was so occupied with thoughts of his father that it was not -till the journey was half finished, that it occurred to him that this -was his fifteenth birthday, to which he had been looking forward for -some time. - -The seat in front of our hero was for some time vacant; but at the -Woodville station two gentlemen got in who commenced an animated -conversation. Walter did not at first pay any attention to it. He was -looking out of the window listlessly, unable to fix his mind upon -anything except his father's sickness. But at length his attention was -caught by some remarks, made by one of the gentlemen in front, and from -this point he listened languidly. - -"I suspected him to be a swindler when he first came to me," said the -gentleman sitting next the window. "He hadn't an honest look, and I was -determined not to have anything to do with his scheme." - -"He was very plausible." - -"Yes, he made everything look right on paper. That is easy enough. But -mining companies are risky things always. I once got taken in to the -tune of five thousand dollars, but it taught me a lesson. So I was not -particularly impressed with the brilliant prospectus of the Great -Metropolitan Mining Company, in spite of its high-sounding name, and its -promised dividend of thirty per cent. Depend upon it, James Wall and his -confederates will pocket all the dividends that are made." - -"Very likely you are right. But it may be that Wall really believed -there is a good chance of making money." - -"Of course he did, but he was determined to make the money for himself, -and not for the stockholders." - -"I might have been tempted to invest, but all my money was locked up at -the time, and I could not have done so without borrowing the money, and -that I was resolved not to do." - -"It was fortunate for you that you didn't, for the bubble has already -burst." - -"Is it possible? I was not aware of that." - -"I thought you knew it. The news is in this morning's paper. There will -be many losers. By the way, I hear that Mr. Conrad, of Willoughby, was -largely interested." - -"Then, of course, he is a heavy loser. Can he stand it?" - -"I am in doubt on that point. He is a rich man, but for all that he may -have gone in beyond his means." - -"I am sorry for him, but that was reckless." - -"Yes, he was completely taken in by Wall. He's a smooth fellow." - -Walter had listened with languid attention; still, however, gathering -the meaning of what was said until the mention of his father's name -roused him, and then he listened eagerly, and with a sudden quickening -of the pulse. He instantly connected the idea of what he had heard with -his father's sudden illness, and naturally associated the two together. - -"My father has heard of the failure of the company, and that has made -him sick," he thought. - -Though this implied a double misfortune, it relieved his anxiety a -little. It supplied a cause for his father's illness. He had been afraid -that his father had met with some accident, perhaps of a fatal nature. -But if he had become ill in consequence of heavy losses, it was not -likely that the illness was a very severe one. - -He thought of speaking to the gentlemen, and making some further -inquiries about the Mining Company and Mr. James Wall, but it occurred -to him that his father might not like to have him pry into his affairs, -and he therefore refrained. - -When the gentlemen left the cars, he saw one of them had left a morning -paper lying in the seat. He picked it up, and examined the columns until -his eyes fell upon the following paragraph:-- - -"The failure of the Great Metropolitan Mining Company proves to be a -disastrous one. The assets will not be sufficient to pay more than five -per cent. of the amount of the sums invested by the stockholders, -possibly not that. There must have been gross mismanagement somewhere, -or such a result could hardly have been reached. We understand that the -affairs of the company are in the hands of assignees who are empowered -to wind them up. The stockholders in this vicinity will await the result -with anxiety." - -"That looks rather discouraging, to be sure," thought Walter. "I suppose -father will lose a good deal. But I'll tell him he needn't worry about -me. I shan't mind being poor, even if it comes to that. As long as he is -left to me, I won't complain." - -Walter became comparatively cheerful. He felt convinced that loss of -property was all that was to be apprehended, and with the elastic -spirits of youth he easily reconciled himself to that. He had never had -occasion to think much about money. All his wants had been provided for -with a lavish hand. He had, of course, seen poor people, but he did not -realize what poverty meant. He had even thought at times that it must be -rather a pleasant thing to earn one's own living. Still he did not -apprehend that he would have to do this. His father might have lost -heavily, but probably not to such an extent as to render this necessary. - -So the time passed until, about half-past eleven o'clock, the cars -stopped at Willoughby station. - -The station was in rather a lonely spot,--that is, no houses were very -near. Walter did not stop to speak to anybody, but, on leaving the cars, -carpet-bag in hand, jumped over a fence, and took his way across the -fields to his father's house. By the road it would have been a mile, but -it was scarcely more than half a mile by the foot-path. - -So it happened that he reached home without meeting a single person. He -went up the door-way to the front door and rang the bell. - -The door was opened by Nancy Forbes, the house-keeper, whose name was -appended to the telegram. - -"So it's you, Master Walter," she said. "I am glad you are home, but -it's a sad home you're come to." - -"Is father _very_ sick, then?" asked Walter, turning pale. - -"Didn't anybody tell you, then?" - -"Tell me what?" - -"My dear child, your father died at eight o'clock this morning." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -AT HOME. - - -It was a terrible shock to Walter,--this sudden announcement of his -father's death. When he had left home, Mr. Conrad seemed in his usual -health, and he could not realize that he was dead. The news stunned him, -and he stood, pale and motionless, looking into the house-keeper's face. - -"Come in, Master Walter, come in, and have a cup of hot tea. It'll make -you feel better." - -A cup of hot tea was Nancy's invariable remedy for all troubles, -physical or mental. - -"Tell me about it, Nancy; I--I can't think it's true. It's so sudden." - -"That's the way I feel too, Master Walter. And only yesterday morning, -too, he looked just as usual. Little did I think what was to be." - -"When was he first taken sick?" - -Walter had seated himself on a chair in the hall, and waited anxiously -for an answer. - -"I didn't notice nothing till last night just after supper. Richard went -to the post-office and got your father's letters. When they came he took -'em into the library, and began to read them. There was three, I -remember. It was about an hour before I went into the room to tell him -the carpenter had called about repairing the carriage-house. When I came -in, there lay your poor father on the carpet, senseless. He held a -letter tight in his hand. I screamed for help. Mr. Brier, the carpenter, -and Richard came in and helped me to lift up your poor father, and we -sent right off for the doctor." - -"What did the doctor say?" - -"He said it was a paralytic stroke,--a very bad one,--and ordered him to -be put to bed directly. But it was of no use. He never recovered, but -breathed his last this morning at eight o'clock. The doctor told me I -must telegraph to your teacher; and so I did." - -"Nancy, have you got that letter which my father was reading?" - -"Yes, Master Walter, I put it in my pocket without reading. I think -there must have been bad news in it." - -She drew from her pocket a letter, which she placed in Walter's hands. -He read it hastily, and it confirmed his suspicions. It was from a -lawyer Mr. Conrad had asked to make inquiries respecting the Great -Metropolitan Mining Company, and was as follows:-- - - - "WILLIAM CONRAD, ESQ. - - "Dear Sir:--I have, at your request, taken pains to inform myself - of the present management and condition of the Great Metropolitan - Mining Company. The task has been less difficult than I - anticipated, since the failure of the company has just been made - public. The management has been in the hands of dishonest and - unscrupulous men, and it is doubtful whether the stockholders will - be able to recover anything. - - "Hoping you are not largely interested, I remain, - - "Yours, very respectfully, - "ANDREW HOLMES." - - -Walter re-folded the letter, and put it into his pocket. He felt that -this letter had cost his father his life, and in the midst of his grief -he could not help thinking bitterly of the unscrupulous man who had led -his father to ruin. Had it been merely the loss of property, he could -have forgiven him, but he had been deprived of the kindest and most -indulgent of fathers. - -"I should like to see my father," he said. - -We will not accompany him into the dark chamber where his father lay, -unobservant, for the first time, of his presence. Such a scene is too -sacred to be described. - -An hour later he came out of the chamber, pale but composed. He seemed -older and more thoughtful than when he entered. A great and sudden -sorrow often has this effect upon the young. - -"Nancy," he said, "have any arrangements been made about the funeral?" - -"No, Walter, we waited till you came. Mr. Edson will be here in a few -minutes, and you can speak with him about it." - -Mr. Edson, though not a professional undertaker, usually acted as such -whenever there was occasion for his services. When he arrived, Walter -requested him to take entire charge of the funeral. - -"Are there any directions you would like to give, Walter?" asked Mr. -Edson, who, like most of the villagers, had known Walter from his birth. - -"No, Mr. Edson, I leave all to you." - -"What relations are there to be invited?" - -"My father had no near relatives. There is a cousin, Jacob Drummond, who -lives in Stapleton. It will be necessary to let him know." - -"Would a letter reach him in time?" - -"It will be best to telegraph. Stapleton is forty miles distant, and it -is doubtful if a letter would reach there in time." - -"If you will write the telegram, Walter, I'll see that it's sent right -off." - -"I won't trouble you, Mr. Edson; you will have enough to attend to, and -I can send Richard to the telegraph office, or go myself. I shall feel -better for the exercise." - -"Very well, Walter, I will do whatever else is necessary." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -JACOB DRUMMOND, OF STAPLETON. - - -Jacob Drummond kept a dry-goods store in the village of Stapleton. As -the village was of considerable size, and he had no competitors, he -drove a flourishing trade, and had already acquired quite a comfortable -property. In fact, even had he been less favorably situated, he was -pretty sure to thrive. He knew how to save money better, even, than to -earn it, being considered, and with justice, a very mean man. He carried -his meanness not only into his business, but into his household, and -there was not a poor mechanic in Stapleton, and scarcely a poor laborer, -who did not live better than Mr. Drummond, who was the rich man of the -place. - -No one, to look at Jacob Drummond, would have been likely to mistake his -character. All the lines of his face, the expression of his thin lips, -his cold gray eyes, all bespoke his meanness. Poor Mrs. Drummond, his -wife, could have testified to it, had she dared; but in this house, at -least, the husband was master, and she dared not express the opinions -she secretly entertained of the man to whom she was bound for life. - -At five o'clock on the afternoon of the day after Mr. Conrad's death, -Mr. Drummond entered the house, which was on the opposite side of the -street from the store. - -This was the supper hour, and supper was ready upon the table. - -A single glance was sufficient to show that Mr. Drummond was not a man -to indulge in luxurious living. There was a plate of white bread, cut in -thin slices, a small plate of butter, half a pie, and a plate of cake. A -small pitcher of milk, a bowl of coarse brown sugar, and a pot of the -cheapest kind of tea completed the preparations for the evening meal. -Certainly there was nothing extravagant about these preparations; but -Mr. Drummond thought otherwise. His attention was at once drawn to the -cake, and instantly a frown gathered upon his face. - -"Are we going to have company to-night, Mrs. Drummond?" he asked. - -"Not that I know of," answered his wife, in some surprise. - -"Then why is it that you have put both pie and cake on the table?" - -"There was only half a pie, Mr. Drummond," said she, nervously. - -"Well, there are but three of us. You can get three good-sized pieces -from half a pie. That will be one for each of us. What would you have -more?" - -"The cake is a cheap kind." - -"No cake is cheap, Mrs. Drummond. I take it you used eggs, butter, and -sugar in making it." - -"Yes, but--" - -"No buts, if you please, Mrs. Drummond. You are probably not aware that -all these articles are very dear at present. Until they get lower we -need not have cake, except when company is present." - -That being the case, Mr. Drummond was not likely to be put to much -expense on this score. They seldom had company, and those who came once -were not anxious to come again. For even on such occasions Mr. Drummond -could not forget his ruling principle. The overflowing hospitality which -even in the humblest village households crowns the board with plenty -when visitors are present, was never to be found there; and, besides, -the visitors could not help having an uneasy suspicion that their host -grudged them the niggardly entertainment he did provide. So for three -years the Stapleton Sewing Circle had met but once at the Drummonds', -and there was no immediate prospect of their meeting there for another -three years. - -It may be supposed that Mr. Drummond was not fond of good eating. This, -however, would be quite a mistake. When he dined or took tea out, he -always did full justice to the different dainties which were provided, -and quite seemed to enjoy them as long as they were furnished at the -expense of another. - -"Take away the cake, if you please, Mrs. Drummond," continued her -husband. "You can save it for Sunday evening." - -"I am afraid it will be dried up by that time." - -"If it is dry, you can steam it." - -"That spoils cake." - -"You seem very contrary to-night, Mrs. Drummond. I have continually to -check you in your extravagant tastes. Cake and pie, indeed! If you had -your way, you would double my household expenses." - -Mrs. Drummond rose from the table, and meekly removed the offending -cake. - -Just then the third and only other member of the family entered. - -This was Joshua Drummond, the only son, now eighteen years of age, -though he looked scarcely more than sixteen. He inherited his father's -meanness, but not his frugality. He was more self-indulgent, and, though -he grudged spending money for others, was perfectly ready to spend as -much as he could get hold of for himself. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -JACOB DRUMMOND--CONTINUED. - - -Over Joshua Mr. Drummond had less control than over his wife. The latter -gave way meekly to his unreasonable requisitions; but Joshua did not -hesitate to make opposition, being as selfish and self-willed as his -father, for whom he entertained neither respect nor affection. - -Joshua looked around him disdainfully. - -"Is this Fast Day?" he asked. - -"You know very well that Fast Day comes in April," said his father. - -"I only judged from the looks of the table," said Joshua, not very -respectfully. "You don't mean that we shall any of us suffer from the -gout." - -"Bread and butter and pie are good enough for anybody," said Mr. -Drummond, stiffly. - -"I don't see any pie. Excuse me, there is a little,--so little that I -did not at first see it." - -This was too much for Mr. Drummond's temper. - -"Unmannerly boy!" he exclaimed; "if you are dissatisfied with the fare -you get at home, you can engage board elsewhere." - -"I would like to," muttered Joshua, in a low voice, which his father -chose not to hear. - -In silence he helped himself to bread and butter, and in due time -accepted a piece of pie, which Mrs. Drummond made larger at the expense -of her own share. - -Harmony thus being restored, Mr. Drummond remarked, "I've had a telegram -to-day from Willoughby." - -"From Willoughby?" repeated his wife. "Isn't that where your cousin -William Conrad lives?" - -"He doesn't live there any longer. He's dead." - -"Dead! When did he die?" - -"I don't know. Yesterday, I suppose. The funeral is to be day after -to-morrow." - -"Shall you go?" - -"Yes. It will cost me considerable; as much as five dollars or more; but -he was my cousin, and it is my duty to go," said Mr. Drummond, with the -air of a man who was making a great sacrifice. - -"He was rich, wasn't he?" asked Joshua, becoming interested. - -"Probably worth a hundred thousand dollars," said his father, -complacently. - -"I should think he might have left me something," said Joshua. - -"He never saw you, Joshua," said his mother. - -"Joshua stands a better chance of getting a legacy from one who doesn't -know him, than from one who does," said Mr. Drummond, with grim -pleasantry. - -"He leaves children, doesn't he, Mr. Drummond?" - -"One child--a boy. Let me see, he must be fifteen by this time." - -"And his mother isn't living?" - -"No." - -"Poor boy!" - -"He'll be a rich boy, Mrs. Drummond, and I'll tell you what, I shouldn't -wonder if we had a good chance to know him." - -"How so?" - -"It's likely I will be appointed his guardian. I'm the nearest relative, -so that will be the most proper course." - -"Will he come here, then?" asked Joshua. - -"Very probably." - -"Then I hope you'll live better, or he won't stand it." - -"When I require any advice from you, Joshua, I will apply for it," said -his father. - -Joshua inwardly hoped that his father would be appointed guardian, as it -might make a difference in the family living; and, besides, if his -cousin were rich, he meant to wheedle himself into his confidence, in -the hope of future advantage. - -"When shall you set out?" asked Mrs. Drummond. - -"To-morrow morning, I think," said her husband. "It will be hard to -leave, but it's due to my cousin's memory." - -Mr. Drummond had become very punctilious all at once, considering that -for the last dozen years Mr. Conrad, who had by no means admired him, -had had little or no communication with him. But then he had died rich, -and who knows what sort of a will he had left? At any rate, Jacob began -to feel a strong interest in him now. He might have put off going to -Willoughby till the morning train on the day of the funeral, for two -o'clock was the hour fixed for the last ceremony; but he was in a hurry -to learn all he could about the property, and secure, if possible, the -guardianship for himself. This was the secret of his willingness to -sacrifice time and money out of regard to his cousin's memory. The next -day, therefore, he started, taking with him in his valise a lunch of -bread and meat tied up in a piece of brown paper. He didn't intend to -spend any more money than was absolutely necessary on tavern bills. - -Shortly after his arrival, he called at the house of mourning. - -"I am Jacob Drummond, of Stapleton, the cousin of the deceased," he -explained to Nancy, who opened the door to admit him. "Is my young -relative, Mr. Conrad's son, at home?" - -"Yes, sir," said Nancy, taking an inventory of his features, and -deciding that he was a very disagreeable looking man. - -"Will you mention my name to him, and say that I should like to see -him?" - -Mr. Drummond was ushered into the parlor, where he had a little chance -to look around him before Walter appeared. - -"It's all nonsense wasting so much money on furniture," he mentally -ejaculated. "The money spent is a dead loss when it might be drawing -handsome interest." - -Walter did not long keep him waiting. - -Mr. Drummond rose at his entrance. - -"I suppose you don't know me," he said; "but I was your father's nearest -living relation." - -"Mr. Drummond, I believe." - -"Yes, Jacob Drummond, of Stapleton. You have probably heard your father -speak of me?" - -"Yes, sir," said Walter. - -"I came as soon as I could after getting the telegram. I left my -business to take care of itself. I wanted to offer you my sympathy on -your sad loss." - -Mr. Drummond's words were kind, though the reference to his sacrifice -in leaving his business might have been as well left out. Still Walter -could not feel as grateful as he wanted to do. Somehow he didn't fancy -Mr. Drummond. - -"You are very kind," he said. - -"I mean to be. You know I'm your nearest relation now. I truly feel for -you in your desolate condition, and though it may not be the right time -to say it, I must tell you that I hope, when the funeral is over, you -will accompany me home, and share our humble hospitality. Mrs. Drummond -joins with me in the invitation." - -Mrs. Drummond had not been consulted in the matter, but her husband -thought it would sound well to say so. - -"I have not had time to think of future arrangements," said Walter; "but -I thank you for your invitation." - -Walter did not know the motives which induced Mr. Drummond to extend -this invitation, but supposed it to be meant in kindness, and so -acknowledged it. - -"My son Joshua, too," said Mr. Drummond, "is longing to make your -acquaintance. He is older than you, but not much larger. How old are -you?" - -"I am fifteen." - -"You are well grown of your age; Joshua is eighteen, but he will make a -very pleasant companion for you. Let me hope that you will accept my -invitation." - -"Thank you, Mr. Drummond; I will consult my friends about it." - -"I wonder how much board I could venture to ask," thought Mr. Drummond. -"If I am his guardian, I can fix that to suit myself. A hundred thousand -dollars would make me a rich man. That is, I could make money from it, -without injuring the boy." - -Mr. Drummond asked a few more questions about Mr. Conrad's sickness and -death. Walter answered them, but did not think it necessary to speak of -his losses by the Mining Company. Mr. Drummond was a stranger, and not a -man to inspire confidence. So Walter told as little as he could. At -length the visitor, having exhausted inquiries, rose. - -"I shall be here to-morrow," he said. "I am stopping at the tavern. I -shall return to Stapleton after the ceremony. I hope you will make up -your mind to go back with me." - -"I could not be ready so soon," answered Walter, doubtfully. - -"I can wait till the next day." - -"That will not be necessary, Mr. Drummond. I shall have no difficulty in -making the journey alone, if I conclude to accept your kind invitation." - -Mr. Drummond shook our hero's hand sympathetically, and at length -withdrew. As he went down the avenue, he took a backward glance at the -handsome mansion in which his cousin had lived. - -"That boy owns all that property," he said, half enviously, "and never -worked a day for it. I've had to work for all my money. But it was -foolish to spend so much money on a house. A third the sum would have -built a comfortable house, and the rest might have been put at interest. -If it turns out that I am the boy's guardian, I think I shall sell it. -That'll be the best course." - -With these reflections Mr. Drummond pursued his way back to the village -tavern, where he had taken the precaution to ascertain that he should -be charged but a dollar and a quarter a day. He considered that a dollar -would have been sufficient, but still it was proper to make some -sacrifice to his cousin's memory. Mr. Conrad's mining speculation was -not generally known in the village as yet, so that Mr. Drummond did not -hear a word as to his loss of property. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -FUTURE PLANS. - - -The funeral was over. Mr. Drummond, as indeed his relationship -permitted, was one of the principal mourners. Considering that he had -not seen Mr. Conrad for five years preceding his death, nor during that -time communicated with him in any way, he appeared to be very much -overcome by grief. He kept his eyes covered with a large white -handkerchief, and his movements indicated suppressed agitation. He felt -that this was a tribute due to a cousin who had left over one hundred -thousand dollars. - -When they had returned from the grave, Mr. Drummond managed to have a -word with Walter. - -"Have you decided to accept my offer, and make your home beneath my -humble roof?" he asked. - -"There has been no time to consult with my friends here, Mr. Drummond. I -will let you know next week. I thank you at any rate for your -kindness." - -"Do come, Walter," said his cousin, twisting his mean features into an -affectionate smile. "With you beneath my humble roof, I shall want -nothing to complete my happiness." - -Walter thanked him again, wondering at the same time why Mr. Drummond's -kindness did not affect him more sensibly. - -So Jacob Drummond went back to Stapleton, still ignorant of the state of -Mr. Conrad's affairs, and still regarding Walter as a boy of great -wealth. - -When the will was opened it was found to bear date two years back, -before Mr. Conrad had plunged into the speculation which had proved so -disastrous to him. He bequeathed all the property which he did possess -to Walter, with the exception of five hundred dollars, which were left -as a legacy to his faithful house-keeper, Nancy Forbes. At the time the -will was made, its provisions made Walter heir to a large fortune. Now -it was quite uncertain how things would turn out. Clement Shaw, the -village lawyer, an honest and upright man, was made executor, being an -old and tried friend of the deceased. - -With him Walter had a long and confidential conversation, imparting to -him what he knew of his father's mining speculation and its disastrous -result, with its probable effect in accelerating his death. - -"I knew something of this before, Walter," said Mr. Shaw. "Your father -spoke to me of being largely interested in the Great Metropolitan Mining -Company; but of the company itself and the extent to which he was -involved I knew nothing." - -"I think my father must have been very seriously involved," said Walter. -"It may, perhaps, swallow up the whole property." - -"Let us hope not. Indeed, I can hardly believe that your father would -have ventured in so deep as that." - -"He had every confidence in the company; he thought he was going to -double his money. If only a part of his property was threatened, I don't -think it would have had such an effect upon him." - -"I will thoroughly examine into the affair," said Mr. Shaw. "Meanwhile, -Walter, hope for the best! It can hardly be that the whole property is -lost. Do not be too anxious." - -"Do not fear for me on that account," said Walter. "I always looked -forward to being rich, it is true, but I can bear poverty. If the worst -comes, and I am penniless, I am strong, and can work. I can get along as -well as thousands of other boys, who have to support themselves." - -Walter did not speak boastfully, but in a calm, confident way, that -argued a consciousness of power. - -"Yes," said the lawyer, regarding him attentively, "I think you are -right there. You are just the boy who can make his own way; but I hope -you will not be obliged to do so." - -"There is one thing I want to say, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, "and that is -about the money my father leaves in his will to Nancy." - -"The circumstances were different. She will not expect it now; that is, -of course, unless things turn out more favorably than we fear." - -"That is not what I mean. Nancy must have the money, if there is so much -left after settling the estate." - -"But suppose only five hundred dollars are left? Of course I hope it -will be much more, but we must think of all contingencies." - -"If only five hundred dollars are left, let Nancy have them." - -"But, Walter, consider yourself." - -"I am young and strong. Nancy has spent her best years in my father's -service, and she is no longer young. It is right that she should have -some provision. Besides, my father meant her to have it, and I want to -carry out his wishes." - -"This is all very generous, Walter; but I am afraid it is inconsiderate. -It would not be your father's wish to provide even for Nancy, however -faithful she may have been, at the expense of his son." - -"It is right," said Walter. "Besides, Mr. Shaw, I find that Nancy had -laid up six hundred dollars, which she had deposited in my father's -hands. That also must be paid, if there is enough to pay it; if not, I -will take it upon myself to pay whenever I am able." - -"You're an excellent boy, Walter," said Mr. Shaw. "I always had a good -opinion of you, and I find it is more than deserved. I honor you for the -resolution you have expressed, though I cannot quite agree with you -about the five hundred dollars. As to the debt, that must be paid, if -there is money enough to pay it. But we can leave the further discussion -of this question for the present. Now let us consider what is to become -of you in the mean time. You were at the Essex Classical Institute, I -believe?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"You would like to go back again, I suppose." - -"No, Mr. Shaw. It is an expensive school, and while it is uncertain how -my father's affairs will come out, I should not feel justified in going -there." - -"Perhaps you are right. Of course you cannot stay here, and keep house -by yourself. I would invite you to my own house, but my wife is an -invalid, and I have to consider her in the matter." - -"Thank you, Mr. Shaw; but I think perhaps I had better accept the offer -of Mr. Drummond, of Stapleton. He invites me to make my home at his -house, and, for the present, perhaps, that will be the best -arrangement." - -"I am not acquainted with Mr. Drummond. He is a relation, I believe." - -"Yes, he is my father's cousin, and so, of course, my second cousin." - -"I think I saw him at the funeral." - -"Yes, he was present." - -Mr. Shaw had seen Jacob Drummond, and had not been very favorably -impressed by his appearance. Still, his offer was not one to be hastily -rejected, for no better reason than a little prejudice, which might -prove unfounded. Accordingly he said, "Well, Walter, as you say, I am -not sure whether this may not be the best arrangement for you, that is, -for the present. If you don't like to stay at Stapleton, you can write -me, and I will see what I can do for you." - -"Thank you, Mr. Shaw." - -Nancy was much troubled at the thought of parting from Walter, whom she -had known from his infancy; but a situation was immediately offered her -in the village, and Walter promised to take her as his house-keeper -whenever he had a home of his own, and this comforted her, although it -was likely to be a long time first, since our hero was at present but -fifteen. - -"Your six hundred dollars shall be paid, Nancy," said Walter, "as soon -as father's affairs are settled." - -"Don't bother yourself about that, Master Walter," said Nancy. "I've got -fifty dollars in my trunk, and I don't need the other at all. I can wait -for it five years." - -"It won't be necessary to wait as long as that, Nancy." - -"And so you are going to that Mr. Drummond's? I'm sorry for it. I don't -like the man's looks at all." - -"He may be a good man. He was kind to invite me." - -"He isn't a good man," said Nancy, positively. "He's got a mean sort of -look to his face." - -"You mustn't try to prejudice me before I go to him, Nancy." - -"You'll think as I do before you've been there a week," said Nancy, -shaking her head. "I took a good look at him when he was here, and I -didn't like his looks." - -"He isn't very handsome," said Walter, smiling; "but everybody can't be -handsome." - -Secretly he did not wonder much at Nancy's prejudice. Mr. Drummond -certainly was a mean-looking man. How he could be so nearly related to -his father, who was a generous, open-handed, and open-hearted man, was -surprising. Still Walter was just enough to reserve his judgment until -his opportunities of judging were greater than at present. - -He wrote a brief letter to Stapleton, to the following effect:-- - - - "MR. DRUMMOND:-- - - "Dear Sir:--I will accept the invitation you were kind enough to - extend to me, for the present, at least, and will come to Stapleton - about the middle of next week. You are the only relation of my - father that I know of, and I think it would be his wish that I - should go to you. If it should be inconvenient for you to receive - me at that time, please write me at once. - - "Yours, respectfully, - "WALTER CONRAD." - - -In return, Walter received a letter couched in the most cordial terms, -in which Mr. Drummond signed himself, "Your affectionate cousin." He was -delighted, he said, to think that he was about to receive, under his -humble roof, the son of his revered and lamented cousin. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -MR. DRUMMOND'S HUMBLE ROOF. - - -"Mrs. Drummond," said her husband, "young Mr. Conrad will be here by -four o'clock this afternoon. You will have a nice supper ready at five." - -"Shall I have cake and pie both?" inquired Mrs. Drummond, doubtfully. - -"Certainly. Indeed, it may be as well to have two kinds of pie, say -apple and pumpkin; and, as we have not had hot biscuit for some time, -you may bake some." - -Mrs. Drummond looked at her husband as if she had doubts as to his -sanity. Such a luxurious meal was quite unheard of in the Drummond -household. - -"Cake, two kinds of pie, and hot biscuit!" she repeated. - -"Yes," he replied. "I am not in general in favor of such extra living, -but it is well to pay some respect to the memory of my deceased kinsman -in the person of his son. Being the son of a rich man, he has been -accustomed to rich living, and I wish him, on his advent into our -family, to feel at home." - -Mrs. Drummond prepared to obey her husband's directions with alacrity. - -"Joshua will get a good supper for once," she thought, thinking more of -her son than of the stranger who was to enter the family. "How surprised -he will be to see such a variety on the table!" - -Not that Joshua was strictly confined to the spare diet of his father's -table. Through his mother's connivance there was generally an extra -piece of pie or cake in the pantry laid aside for him. Had Mr. Drummond -suspected this, he would have been very angry; but, being at the store -the greater portion of the time, he was not aware of the extra -indulgence. - -Mr. Drummond himself met Walter at the depot. - -"I am delighted to welcome you to Stapleton, my young friend," he said, -shaking his hand cordially. "In the affliction which has come upon you, -let me hope that you will find a haven of rest beneath my humble roof." - -"I wonder why he always speaks of his 'humble roof,'" thought Walter. -"Does he live in a shanty, I wonder?" - -He made suitable acknowledgments, and proceeded to walk beside Mr. -Drummond to the house which he termed humble. - -It did not deserve that name, being a substantial two-story house, -rather ugly architecturally, but comfortable enough in appearance. - -"That is my humble dwelling," said Mr. Drummond, pointing it out. "It is -not equal to the splendid mansion in which you have been accustomed to -live, for my worldly circumstances differ widely from those of your late -lamented parent; but I trust that in our humble way we shall be enabled -to make you comfortable." - -"Thank you, Mr. Drummond; I have no doubt of that. Your house looks very -comfortable." - -"Yes, it is plain and humble, but comfortable. We are plain people. We -are not surrounded by the appliances of wealth, but we manage, in our -humble way, to get through life. That is my son Joshua, who is looking -out of the front window. I hope you may become good friends, -considering how nearly you are related." - -Walter raised his eyes, and saw Joshua, whose small, mean features, -closely resembling his father's, expressed considerable curiosity. -Walter secretly doubted whether he should like him; but this doubt he -kept to himself. - -Mr. Drummond opened the outer door, and led the way in. - -"This is my wife, Mrs. Drummond," he said, as she approached, and kindly -welcomed the young stranger. - -"I think I shall like her," thought Walter, suffering his glance to rest -for a moment on her mild, placid features; "she is evidently quite -superior to her husband." - -"Joshua, come here and welcome Mr. Conrad," said his father. - -Joshua came forward awkwardly, and held out his hand with the stiffness -of a pump-handle. - -"How dy do?" he said. "Just come?" - -"Yes," said Walter, accepting the hand, and shaking it slightly. - -"Are you tired with your journey, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mrs. Drummond. -"Perhaps you would like to be shown to your room." - -"Thank you," said Walter. "I will go up for a few minutes." - -"Where are you going to put our young friend, Mrs. Drummond?" - -"In the spare chamber." - -"That is right. You will find some difference, Mr. Conrad, between our -humble accommodations and the sumptuous elegance of your own home; but -we will try and make it up by a hearty welcome." - -"I wish he wouldn't use the word _humble_ so much," thought Walter. - -Walter went upstairs, preceded by Mr. Drummond, who insisted on carrying -his carpet-bag, for his trunk would not arrive till the next day, having -been forwarded by express. - -"I say, mother," remarked Joshua, "the old man's awfully polite to this -young fellow." - -"You shouldn't speak of your father in that way, Joshua." - -"Oh, what's the odds? He is an old man, isn't he? I just wish he'd be -as polite to me. I say, I hope he'll like his boarding-place. What are -you going to have for supper?" - -"Hot biscuit, cake, and two kinds of pie." - -"Whew! won't the old man look like a thundercloud?" - -"That's what he told me to get. You do your father injustice, Joshua." - -Mrs. Drummond knew in her secret heart that her husband was intensely -mean; but she was one of those who like to think as well as possible of -every one, and was glad of an opportunity to prove that he could, on -rare occasions, be more generous. - -"Father's brain must be softening," said Joshua, after recovering in a -measure from his astonishment. "I hope it will be permanent. Isn't -supper most ready?" - -"At five o'clock, Joshua." - -"This young chap's got a lot of money, I suppose, and the governor's -after some of it. That explains the matter." - -"I wish you wouldn't speak so disrespectfully of your father, Joshua." - -"I won't if he'll keep on as he's begun. I'm glad this young Conrad has -come to board here. I'm going to get thick with him." - -"He seems like a very nice boy," said Mrs. Drummond. - -"I don't care what sort of a boy he is, as long as he's got the tin. I'm -going to make him treat." - -"You must be considerate of his feelings, Joshua. Remember that he has -just lost his father." - -"Suppose he has, there's no need of looking glum about it." - -Had Jacob Drummond died, Joshua would have borne the loss with the -greatest fortitude. Of that there was no doubt. Indeed, he would rather -have hailed the event with joy, if, as he expressed it, the "old man did -the right thing," and left him the bulk of his property. Though such -feelings did not do Joshua much credit, it must be said in extenuation -that his father was far from being a man to inspire affection in any -one, however nearly related. - -At five o'clock they sat down to supper. - -"I hope, Mr. Conrad," said Jacob, "you will be able to relish our humble -repast." - -"Humble again!" thought Walter. He was about to say that everything -looked very nice, when Joshua broke in. - -"If you call this humble, I don't know what you'd say to the suppers we -commonly have." - -Mr. Drummond, who desired, for this day, at least, to keep up -appearances, frowned with vexation. - -"Joshua," he said, "I desire that you will act in a more gentlemanly -way, or else leave the table." - -As leaving the table on the present occasion would have been, indeed, a -deprivation, Joshua thought it wise not to provoke his father too far, -at any rate until after he had made sure of his supper. He therefore -left most of the conversation to his father. - -"Have you ever been in Stapleton before, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mr. -Drummond. - -"No, sir; never." - -"It is not a large place, but it is growing; the people are plain, but -they have kind hearts. I hope you may like the town after a while." - -"Thank you, sir; I have no doubt I shall." - -"If you feel inclined for a walk, Joshua will go out with you after -supper, and show you the mill-dam, the church, and the school-house. He -will also point out the store--it is only across the way--where, in my -humble way, I try to earn a living. I shall be very glad if you will -come in and take a look inside. I may be busy, for work has accumulated -during my absence, but Joshua will show you around." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"Will you have another cup of tea, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mrs. Drummond. - -"Thank you." - -"May I ask, Mr. Conrad,--excuse my intruding the question,--who is left -executor of your father's estate?" - -"Mr. Shaw, the lawyer in our village." - -"Is he? Do you have confidence in him?" - -"He is an excellent man, very honest and upright. He was an intimate -friend of my father." - -"Ah, indeed! I am glad of it. Then he will consult your interests." - -"Yes, sir, I feel quite safe in his hands." - -"I am so glad to hear you say so. So many lawyers, you know, are -tricky." - -"Mr. Shaw is not tricky." - -"We have no lawyer here," pursued Mr. Drummond. "You will perhaps be -surprised to hear it, but my humble services are frequently called into -requisition, in administering and settling estates." - -"Indeed, sir." - -"Yes; but I am glad you have got a man you can trust. Mrs. Drummond, I -think Mr. Conrad will have another piece of pie." - -Supper was over at length, and Walter, by invitation, went out to walk -with Joshua. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -WALTER MAKES A REVELATION. - - -Walter did not anticipate a very pleasant walk with Joshua. The little -he had seen of that young man did not prepossess him in his favor. -However, having no other way of spending his time, he had no objection -to the walk. - -"That's the old man's store just across the street," said Joshua, as -they emerged from the house. - -"Your father's?" - -"Of course. Don't you see the name on the sign?" Walter did see it, but -never having been accustomed to speak of his own father as "the old -man," he was not quite sure he apprehended Joshua's meaning. - -"You were an only child, weren't you?" said Joshua. - -"Yes," said Walter, soberly. - -[Illustration] - -He could not help thinking what a comfort it would have been to him to -have either brother or sister. He would have felt less alone in the -world. - -"So am I," said Joshua; adding, complacently, "Between you and I, the -old man has laid up quite a snug sum. Of course it'll all come to me -some day." - -"I am glad to hear it," said Walter, rather wondering that Joshua should -have made such a communication to a comparative stranger. - -"To hear the old man talk," pursued Joshua, "you'd think he was awful -poor. He's stingy enough about everything in the house. There isn't a -family in town that don't live better than we do." - -"I thought we had a very good supper," said Walter, who experienced not -a little disgust at Joshua's charges against his father. - -"That was because you were with us. The old man laid himself out for the -occasion." - -"I am sorry if any difference was made on my account." - -"Well, I aint. It's the first decent supper I've eaten at home since the -Sewing Circle met at our house three years ago." - -"Is that the church?" asked Walter, desirous of diverting the -conversation into another channel. - -"Yes, that's the old meeting-house. I hate to go there. The minister's -an old fogy." - -"What is that I see through the trees? Is it a river?" - -"No, it's a pond." - -"Do you ever go out on it?" - -"Not very often. I tried to get the old man to buy me a boat, but he -wouldn't do it. He's too stingy." - -"I wouldn't talk so about your father." - -"Why not?" - -"Because he is entitled to your respect." - -"I don't know about that. If he'd treat me as he ought to, I'd treat him -accordingly. He never gives me a cent if he can help it. Now how much do -you think he allows me a week for spending money?" - -"I can't tell." - -"Only fifty cents, and I'm eighteen years old. Isn't that mean?" - -"It isn't a very large sum." - -"Of course not. He ought to give me five dollars a week, and then I'd -buy my own clothes. Now I have to take up with what I can get. He wanted -to have his old overcoat, that he'd worn three winters, made over for -me; but I wouldn't stand it. I told him I'd go without first." - -Though these communications did not raise Joshua in the estimation of -Walter, the latter could not help thinking that there was probably some -foundation for what was said, and the prejudice against Mr. Drummond, -for which he had blamed himself as without cause, began to find some -extenuation. - -"When I talk to the old man about his stinting me so," continued Joshua, -"he tells me to go to work and earn some money." - -"Why don't you do it?" - -"He wants me to go into his store, but he wouldn't pay me anything. He -offered me a dollar and a half a week; but I wasn't going to work ten or -twelve hours a day for no such sum. If I could get a light, easy place -in the city, say at ten dollars a week, I'd go. There aint any chance in -Stapleton for a young man of enterprise." - -"I've thought sometimes," said Walter, "that I should like to get a -place in the city; but I suppose I couldn't get enough at first to pay -my board." - -"You get a place!" exclaimed Joshua, in astonishment. "I thought you was -going to college." - -"Father intended I should; but his death will probably change my plans." - -"I don't see why." - -"It is expensive passing through college; I cannot afford it." - -"Oh, that's all humbug. You're talking like the old man." - -"How do you know that it is humbug?" demanded Walter, not very well -pleased with his companion's tone. - -"Why, you're rich. The old man told me that your father left a hundred -thousand dollars. You're the only son; you told me so yourself." - -"Your father is mistaken." - -"What, wasn't your father rich?" asked Joshua, opening his small eyes in -amazement. - -"My father was unfortunate enough to get involved in a speculation, by -which he lost heavily. I can't tell how his affairs stand till they are -settled. I may be left penniless." - -"Do you mean that?" asked Joshua, stopping short and facing his -companion. - -"I generally mean what I say," said Walter, rather stiffly. - -Joshua's answer was a low whistle of amazement. - -"Whew!" he said. "That's the biggest joke I've heard of lately;" and he -followed up this remark by a burst of merriment. - -Walter surveyed him with surprise. He certainly did not know what to -make of Joshua's conduct. - -"I don't see any joke about it," he said. "I don't complain of being -poor, for I think I can earn my own living; but it doesn't strike me as -a thing to laugh at." - -"I was laughing to think how the old man is taken in. It's rich!" - -Joshua burst into another fit of boisterous laughter. - -"How is he taken in?" - -"He thinks you're worth a hundred thousand dollars," said Joshua, going -off in another peal of merriment. - -"Well, he is mistaken, that's all. I don't see how he is taken in." - -"He's been doing the polite, and treating you as if you was a prince of -the blood. That's the reason he told the old woman to get up such a nice -supper, he expected to get you to take him for a guardian, and then he'd -have the handling of your money. Won't he be mad when he finds out how -he's been taken in? Giving you the best room too! Are you sure that none -of the property will be left?" - -"Probably not much." - -That Walter listened with mortification and disgust to what Joshua had -told him about his father's selfish designs, is only what might be -expected. It is always disagreeable to find out the meanness of those -whom you have supposed kind to you for your own sake. This, to Walter, -who had been accustomed to an atmosphere of kindness, was a painful -discovery. It was his first experience of the coldness and hollowness of -the world, and to the sensitive nature of youth this first revelation -is very painful and very bitter. - -"I am sorry to think that your father made such a mistake," he said, -coldly. "I will take care to undeceive him." - -"What! You're not going to tell him, are you?" - -"Certainly. I meant to do so; but I did not suppose he invited me just -because he thought I was rich." - -"What for, then?" - -"Being my father's cousin and nearest relation, it didn't seem very -strange that he should have invited me on that account." - -"The old man's a shrewd one," said Joshua, rather admiringly. "He knows -which way his bread is buttered. He don't lay himself out for no poor -relations, not if he knows it." - -"I am sorry if he has laid himself out for me under a mistake." - -"I aint. It's a good joke on the old man. Besides, we all got a better -supper by it. Don't you tell him about it till to-morrow." - -"Why not?" - -"Because, if you do, we'll have a mean breakfast as usual. I just want -him to think you're rich a little while longer, so we can have something -decent for once." - -"I don't feel willing to deceive your father any longer. I have not -willingly deceived him at all." - -"You're a fool then!" - -"Look here," said Walter, flushing a little, "I don't allow anybody to -call me by that name." - -"No offence," said Joshua, whose physical courage was not very great. "I -didn't mean anything, of course, except that it was foolish to blurt it -all out to-night, when there isn't any need of it. There isn't such an -awful hurry, is there?" - -"I would rather your father knew at once." - -"To-morrow will be soon enough." - -"At any rate I shall tell him to-morrow, then. But I've got tired -walking. Suppose we go back." - -"Just as you say." - -They went back together. Mr. Drummond was in the store, but Mrs. -Drummond was at home. - -"You didn't go far," she said. "But I suppose you were tired, Mr. -Conrad." - -"A little," answered Walter. - -"I wonder," thought our hero, "whether she will change as soon as she -finds out that I am poor?" Somehow he felt that she would not. She -seemed very different from her husband and son, and Walter was inclined -to like her better. - -Joshua went out again soon, not having much taste for staying at home; -and, as Walter retired early, he did not see either him or his father -again till the next morning at breakfast. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -HOW MR. DRUMMOND TOOK THE NEWS. - - -Joshua's anticipations of a good breakfast were realized. As he entered -the room where the table was set, he saw a dish of beefsteak, another of -fried potatoes, and some hot biscuit. This with coffee was very much -better than the breakfast usually provided in the Drummond household. - -Joshua burst into a fresh fit of laughter, thinking how his father had -been taken in. - -"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked his mother, who was the only one in -the room besides himself. - -"Oh, it's the richest joke, mother!" - -"What is?" asked Mrs. Drummond, perplexed. - -"I can't tell you now, but you'll find out pretty soon. Ho, ho!" - -And Joshua commenced to laugh again. - -"Has Mr. Conrad come downstairs?" - -"I haven't seen Mr. Conrad this morning," answered Joshua, imitating -his mother's tone in repeating the name. - -Just then Walter entered, and said "Good-morning." - -"Good-morning, Mr. Conrad," said Mrs. Drummond. "I hope you slept well." - -"Very well, thank you," said Walter. - -Mr. Drummond here entered from the street, having been for an hour in -the store opposite. - -"Good-morning, Mr. Conrad," he said. "I trust you rested well, and can -do justice to our humble repast. I have been in the store an hour. We -who are not endowed with the gifts of Fortune must be early astir." - -Joshua tried to suppress a laugh, but not with entire success. - -"What are you snickering at, Joshua?" demanded Mr. Drummond, in a -displeased tone. "I don't know what Mr. Conrad will think of your -manners." - -"You'll excuse them, won't you, Mr. Conrad?" asked Joshua, beginning to -chuckle again. - -Knowing very well the source of his amusement, and feeling his own -position to be an awkward one, Walter was all the more resolved to -impart to Mr. Drummond without delay the posture of his father's -affairs. He did not answer Joshua's appeal. - -"I don't see what has got into you this morning, Joshua," said Mrs. -Drummond, mildly. "You seem in very good spirits." - -"So I am," said Joshua, with a grin. - -His father suspected that the unusual excellence of the breakfast had -something to do with Joshua's mirth, and was afraid he would let out -something about it. This made him a little nervous, as he wanted to keep -up appearances before his young guest. - -Walter's appetite was not very good. His father's death weighed heavily -upon him, and Joshua's revelation of the night before was not calculated -to cheer him. It was mortifying to think that Mr. Drummond's gracious -manner was entirely owing to his supposed wealth; but of this he -entertained little doubt. He was anxious to have the truth known, no -matter how unfavorably it might affect his position with the Drummonds. -There were some, he knew, whose kindness did not depend on his reputed -wealth. "You have a poor appetite, Mr. Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Let -me give you another piece of steak." - -"No, I thank you," said Walter. - -"I'll take another piece, father," said Joshua. - -"I have already helped you twice," said his father, frowning. - -"I'm hungry this morning," said Joshua, who, knowing that he could not -expect another as good breakfast, determined to do full justice to this. - -"If you are, you need not overeat yourself," said Mr. Drummond, -depositing on his son's outstretched plate a square inch of meat. - -Joshua coolly helped himself to fried potatoes, and appropriated a hot -biscuit, much to his father's annoyance. He resolved to give Joshua a -private hint that he must be more sparing in his eating. He did not like -to speak before Walter, desiring to keep up with him the character of a -liberal man. Joshua understood his father's feelings, and it contributed -to the enjoyment which he felt at the thought of how richly his father -was sold. - -At length breakfast was over. - -"I must go back to the store," said Mr. Drummond. "Joshua will look -after you, Mr. Conrad. I hope you will be able to pass the time -pleasantly." - -"If you can spare me five minutes, Mr. Drummond, I should like to speak -to you in private," said Walter, determined to put an end to the -misunderstanding at once. - -"Certainly. I can spare five or ten minutes, or more, Mr. Conrad. Won't -you walk into the parlor?" - -The parlor was a very dreary-looking room, dark, cold, and cheerless. A -carpet, of an ugly pattern, covered the floor; there was a centre-table -in the middle of the room with a few books that were never opened -resting upon it. Half-a-dozen cane-bottomed chairs stood about the room, -and there were besides a few of the stock articles usually to be found -in country parlors, including a very hard, inhospitable-looking sofa. As -the Drummonds did not have much company, this room was very seldom used. - -"Take a seat, Mr. Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, seating himself. - -Mr. Drummond was far from anticipating the nature of Walter's -communication. Indeed, he cherished a hope that our hero was about to -ask his assistance in settling up the estate,--a request with which, it -is needless to say, he would gladly have complied. - -"I don't suppose you know how I am situated," Walter commenced. "I mean -in relation to my father's estate." - -"I suppose it was all left to you, and very properly. I congratulate you -on starting in the world under such good auspices. I don't, of course, -know how much your father left, but--" - -"It is not certain that my father left anything," said Walter, thinking -it best to reveal every thing at once. - -"_What!_" exclaimed Mr. Drummond, his lower jaw falling, and looking -very blank. - -"My father made some investments recently that turned out badly." - -"But he was worth a very large property,--it can't all be lost." - -"I am afraid there will be very little left, if anything. He lost -heavily by some mining stock, which he bought at a high figure, and -which ran down to almost nothing." - -"There's the house left, at any rate." - -"My father borrowed its value, I understand; I am afraid that must go -too." - -Now, at length, it flashed upon Mr. Drummond how he had been taken in. -He thought of the attentions he had lavished upon Walter, of the extra -expense he had incurred, and all as it appeared for a boy likely to -prove penniless. He might even expect to live upon him. These thoughts, -which rapidly succeeded each other, mortified and made him angry. - -"Why didn't you tell me this before, young man?" he demanded with -asperity. - -His change of tone and manner showed Walter that Joshua was entirely -right in his estimate of his father's motives, and he in turn became -indignant. - -"When did you expect me to tell you, Mr. Drummond?" he said quickly. "I -only arrived yesterday afternoon, and I tell you this morning. I would -have told you last night, if you had been in the house." - -"Why didn't you tell me when I was at Willoughby?" - -"I had other things to think of," said Walter, shortly. "The thought of -my father's death and of my loss shut out everything else." - -"Well, what are you going to do?" asked Mr. Drummond, in a hard tone. - -"I shall have to earn my own living," said Walter. "I am well and -strong, and am not afraid." - -"That is a good plan," said Mr. Drummond, who knew Walter so little as -to fear that he wanted to become dependent upon him. - -"When I was of your age I had my own living to earn. What do you propose -to do?" - -"Have you a vacancy for me in your store? Joshua told me you wished him -to go in." - -"You couldn't earn much, for you don't know anything of the business." - -"I should not expect to. I am perfectly willing to work for my board -until I find out how my father's affairs are going to turn out." - -This proposal struck Mr. Drummond favorably. He judged that Walter would -prove a valuable assistant when he was broken in, for it was easy to -see that he had energy. Besides, it was desirable to keep him near until -it was decided whether Mr. Conrad's affairs were really in as bad a -state as his son represented. Even if a few thousand dollars were left, -Mr. Drummond would like the handling of that sum. Then, again, no one -knew better than Mr. Drummond that Walter's board would cost him very -little; for, of course, he would at once return to his usual frugal -fare. - -"Very well," he said; "you can go into the store on those terms. As you -say, you've got your own living to earn, and the sooner you begin the -better." - -Walter had not said this, but he agreed with Mr. Drummond. - -It may be thought strange that our hero should have been willing to -enter the employment of such a mean man; but he thought it wisest to -remain in the neighborhood until he could learn something definite about -his father's affairs. He prepared to go to work at once, partly because -he didn't wish to be dependent, partly because he foresaw that he should -be happier if employed. - -When Mr. Drummond and Walter came out of the parlor, Joshua was waiting -in the next room, and looked up eagerly to see how his father bore the -communication. He was disappointed when he saw that Mr. Drummond looked -much as usual. - -"Conrad has been telling me," said Mr. Drummond, "that his father lost a -good deal of money by speculation, and it is doubtful whether he has -left any property." - -"I am very sorry," said Mrs. Drummond; and Walter saw and appreciated -her look of sympathy. - -"As he will probably have to work for a living, he has asked for a place -in my store," pursued Mr. Drummond, "and I have agreed to take him on -trial. Conrad, you may get your hat and come over at once." - -Joshua whistled in sheer amazement. The affair had by no means -terminated as he anticipated. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -MR. DRUMMOND'S STORE. - - -Mr. Drummond's store was of fair size, and contained a considerable and -varied stock of dry goods. Not only the people of Stapleton, but a -considerable number of persons living outside the town limits, but -within a radius of half-a-dozen miles, came there to purchase goods. - -Besides Mr. Drummond there was a single salesman, a young man of -twenty-two, who wore a cravat of immense size, and ostentatiously -displayed in his bosom a mammoth breastpin, with a glass imitation -diamond, which, had it been real, would have been equal in value to the -entire contents of the store. This young man, whose name was Nichols, -received from Mr. Drummond the munificent salary of four hundred dollars -per annum. Having a taste for dress, he patronized the village tailor to -the extent of his means, and considerably beyond, being at this moment -thirty dollars in debt for the suit he wore. - -Besides this young man, there had formerly been a younger clerk, -receiving a salary of four dollars weekly. He had been dismissed for -asking to have his pay raised to five dollars a week, and since then Mr. -Drummond had got along with but one salesman. As, however, the business -really required more assistance, he was quite willing to employ Walter -on board wages, which he estimated would not cost him, at the most, more -than two dollars a week. - -"Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond, "I have brought you some help. This is -Walter Conrad, a distant relative." (Had Walter been rich, he would have -been a near relative.) "He knows nothing of the business. You can take -him in charge, and give him some idea about prices, and so forth." - -"Yes, sir," said the young man, in an important tone. "I'll soon break -him in." - -Mr. Nichols, who gave up what little mind he had to the subject of -clothes, began to inspect Walter's raiment. He had sufficient knowledge -to perceive that our hero's suit was of fine fabric, and tastefully -made. That being the case, he concluded to pay him some attention. - -"I'm glad you've come," he said. "I have to work like a dog. I'm pretty -well used up to-day. I was up till two o'clock dancing." - -"Were you?" - -"Yes. There was a ball over to Crampton. I go to all the balls within -ten miles. They can't do without me." - -"Can't they?" asked Walter, not knowing what else to say. - -"No. You see there isn't much style at these country balls,--I mean -among the young men. They don't know how to dress. Now I give my mind to -it, and they try to imitate me. I don't trust any tailor entirely. I -just tell him what I want, and how I want it. Higgins, the tailor here, -has improved a good deal since he began to make clothes for me." - -"Indeed!" - -"Where do you have your clothes made?" - -"In Willoughby. That's where I have always lived till I came here." - -"Is there a good tailor there?" - -"I think so; but then I am not much of a judge." - -Just then a customer came in, and Mr. Nichols was drawn away from his -dissertation on dress. - -"Just notice how I manage," he said in a low voice. - -Accordingly Walter stood by and listened. - -"Have you any calicoes that you can recommend?" asked the woman, who -appeared to be poor. - -"Yes, ma'am, we've got some of the best in the market,--some that will -be sure to suit you." - -He took from the shelves and displayed a very ugly pattern. - -"I don't think I like that," she said. "Haven't you got some with a -smaller figure?" - -"The large figures are all the rage just now, ma'am. Everybody wears -them." - -"Is that so?" asked the woman, irresolutely. - -"Fact, I assure you." - -"How much is it a yard?" - -"Fifteen cents only." - -"Are you sure it will wash?" - -"Certainly." - -"I should like to look at something else." - -"I'll show you something else, but this is the thing for you." - -He brought out a piece still uglier; and finally, after some hesitation, -his customer ordered ten yards from the first piece. He measured it with -an air, and, folding it up, handed it to the customer, receiving in -return a two-dollar bill, which the poor woman sighed as she rendered -in, for she had worked hard for it. - -"Is there anything more, ma'am?" - -"A spool of cotton, No. 100." - -When the customer had left the store, Nichols turned complacently to -Walter. - -"How did you like that calico?" he asked. - -"It seemed to me very ugly." - -"Wasn't it, though? It's been in the store five years. I didn't know as -we should ever get rid of it." - -"I thought you said it was all the rage." - -"That's all gammon, of course." - -"Haven't you got any prettier patterns?" - -"Plenty." - -"Why didn't you show them?" - -"I wanted to get off the old rubbish first. It isn't everybody that -would buy it; but she swallowed everything I said." - -"She seemed like a poor woman, who couldn't afford to buy a dress very -often." - -"No, she doesn't come more than twice a year." - -"I think you ought to have given her the best bargain you could." - -"You don't understand the business, Walter," said Nichols, complacently. - -"Mr. Drummond," he said, going up to his employer, "I've just sold ten -yards of those old-style calicoes." - -"Very good," said Mr. Drummond, approvingly. "Shove them off whenever -you get a chance." - -"If that is the way they do business, I shan't like it," thought Walter. - -"You can fold up those goods on the counter, and put them back on the -shelves," said Nichols. "Customers put us to a great deal of trouble -that way sometimes. Mrs. Captain Walker was in yesterday afternoon, and -I didn't know but I should have to get down all the stock we had before -we could suit her." - -"Why didn't you pick out something, and tell her it was all the rage?" -said Walter, smiling. - -"That wouldn't go down with her. She's rich and she's proud. We have to -be careful how we manage with such customers as she is. That reminds me -that her bundle hasn't gone home yet. I'll get you to carry it up right -away." - -"I don't know where she lives." - -"It's a large, square white house, about a quarter of a mile down the -road, at the left hand. You can't miss it." - -The bundle was produced, and Walter set off in the direction indicated. -He had only gone a few rods when he overtook Joshua, who was sauntering -along with a fishing-pole in his hand. - -"Where are you going with that big bundle?" asked Joshua. - -"To Mrs. Captain Walker's." - -"I'll show you where it is. I'm going that way." - -Joshua's manner was considerably less deferential than the day before, -when he supposed Walter to be rich. Now he looked upon him as his -father's hired boy. - -"Isn't that bundle heavy?" he asked. - -"Yes, rather heavy." - -"I wouldn't be seen carrying such a bundle." - -"Why not?" - -"I feel above it." - -"I don't." - -"It's different with you--now I mean. My father's worth money, and I -suppose you will be poor." - -"I don't mean to be poor all my life, but I shall have to work for all -the money I am worth." - -"It'll take a good while to get rich that way. If your father hadn't -lost his money, you could have fine times." - -"I don't know about that. I never cared so much about inheriting money." - -They were passing the village school-house. Through the open windows -floated the strain of a song which the children were singing. This was -the verse which the boys heard:-- - - - "It's all very well to depend on a friend,-- - That is, if you've proved him true; - But you'll find it better by far in the end - To paddle your own canoe. - To 'borrow' is dearer by far than to 'buy,'-- - A maxim, though old, still true; - You never will sigh, if you only will try - To paddle your own canoe!" - - -"That is going to be my motto," said Walter. - -"What?" - -"'Paddle your own canoe.' I'm going to depend upon myself, and I mean to -succeed." - -"That's all very well, if you've got to do it; but I expect the old man -will leave me twenty-five thousand dollars, and that's a good deal -better than paddling my own canoe." - -"Suppose your father should fail?" - -"There isn't any danger. He'll take good care of his money, I'll warrant -that. I wish he wasn't so mighty stingy, for I'd like a little now. But -there's Captain Walker's. I'll wait here, while you go and leave the -bundle." - -Walter performed his errand, and rejoined Joshua, who had seated -himself on the fence. - -"I'm going a-fishing," said Joshua. "If you didn't have to work you -could go with me." - -"I must hurry back to the store." - -So the two parted company. - -"I wish he'd been rich," thought Joshua. "I'd have borrowed some money -of him. It won't pay to be polite to him, now it turns out he isn't -worth a cent." - -Walter went back to the store with a lighter heart than before. There -was something in the song he had heard which gave him new strength and -hopefulness, and he kept repeating over to himself at intervals, "Paddle -your own canoe!" - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -JOSHUA STIRS UP THE WRONG CUSTOMER. - - -When Walter went into the house to dinner, the appearance of the table -indicated the truth of what Joshua had told him. Since Mr. Drummond had -ascertained the pecuniary position of his visitor, he no longer felt it -incumbent upon him to keep up appearances. Corned beef and potatoes, and -bread without butter, constituted the mid-day meal. This certainly -differed considerably from the supper and breakfast of which Walter had -partaken. - -"Sit right down, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Eat your dinner as fast as -you can, and go back to the store." - -It did not take Walter long to eat his dinner. Corned beef he had never -liked, though now, having no choice, he managed to eat a little. - -"If you're through, you needn't wait for me," said Mr. Drummond. "We -don't stand on ceremony here. Tell Nichols he may go to his dinner. -I'll be right over; so, if there are any customers you can't wait on, -ask them to wait." - -In the evening Walter found that his carpet-bag had been removed from -the spare chamber to a small, uncarpeted back room, furnished with the -barest necessaries. - -He smiled to himself. - -"I shan't be in danger of forgetting my change of circumstances," he -said to himself. - -He was tired, however, and, though the bed was harder than he had ever -before slept on, he managed to sleep soundly. He was waked up early by -Mr. Drummond. - -"Hurry up, Conrad!" said that gentleman, unceremoniously. "I want you to -be up within fifteen minutes to open the store." - -Walter jumped out of bed and hurriedly dressed. His position was so new -that he did not at first realize it. When he did reflect that he was -working for his board in a country store, he hardly knew whether to feel -glad or sorry. He had begun to earn his living, and this was -satisfactory; but he was working for a man whom he could neither like -nor respect, and his pay was very poor of its kind. That was not so -agreeable. - -Walter was not a glutton, nor inordinately fond of good living, but he -had the appetite of a healthy boy, and when he entered the room where -breakfast was spread (this was after he had been in the store an hour), -he did wish that there had been something on the table besides the -remains of the corned beef and a plate of bread and butter. - -"Do you take sugar and milk in your tea, Walter?" asked Mrs. Drummond. - -"If you please." - -"I don't take either," remarked Mr. Drummond. "It's only a habit, and an -expensive one. If you'd try going without for a week, you would cure -yourself of the habit." - -"How intolerably mean he is!" thought Walter, for he understood very -well that the only consideration in Mr. Drummond's mind was the expense. - -"I don't think I shall ever learn to go without milk and sugar," said -Walter, quietly, not feeling disposed to humor his employer in this -little meanness. - -"There isn't anything fit to eat on the table," grumbled Joshua, looking -about him discontentedly. - -"You are always complaining," said his father, sharply. "If you earned -your breakfast, you wouldn't be so particular." - -"Why can't you have beefsteak once in a while, instead of corned beef? -I'm sick to death of corned beef." - -"We shall have some beefsteak on Sunday morning, and not till then. I -don't mean to pamper your appetite." - -"That's so!" said Joshua. "Not much danger of that." - -"If you are not satisfied, you can go without." - -"I will, then," said Joshua, rising from the table. - -He knew very well that as soon as his father had gone to the store he -could get something better from his mother. - -It had been a considerable disappointment to Joshua to find that Walter -was poor instead of rich, for he had proposed to make as free use of -Walter's purse as the latter would permit. Even now it occurred to him -that Walter might have a supply of ready money, a part of which he might -borrow. He accordingly took an opportunity during the day to sound our -hero on this subject. - -"Walter, have you a couple of dollars about you to lend me for a day or -two?" he asked, in a tone of assumed carelessness. - -"Yes, I have that amount of money, but I am afraid I must decline -lending." - -"Why shouldn't you lend me? It's only for a day or two." - -But Walter knew very well Joshua's small allowance, and that he would -not be able to return a loan of that amount, even if he were desirous of -so doing, and he judged Joshua so well that he doubted whether he would -have any such desire. - -"You know my circumstances, Joshua," he said, "and that I am in no -position to lend anybody money." - -"Two dollars isn't much. You said you had it." - -"Yes, I have it; but I must take care of what little I have. I am -working for my board, as you know, and have got to provide for all my -other expenses myself; therefore I shall need all my money." - -"You talk as if I wanted you to _give_ me the money. I only asked you to -lend it." - -"That's about the same thing," thought Walter; but he only said, "Why -don't you ask your father for the money?" - -"Because he wouldn't give it to me. He's as mean as dirt." - -"Then where would you get the money to repay me in case I lent it to -you?" - -"You're just as mean as he is," exclaimed Joshua, angrily, not caring to -answer this question. "A mighty fuss you make about lending a fellow a -couple of dollars!" - -"It makes no particular difference to me whether you think me mean or -not," said Walter. "I have got to be richer than I am now before I lend -money." - -Joshua stalked away in a fret, angry that Walter would not permit -himself to be swindled. From that time he cherished a dislike to our -hero, and this he showed by various little slights and annoyances, of -which Walter took little notice. He thoroughly despised Joshua for his -meanness and selfishness, and it mattered very little to him what such a -boy thought of him. - -This forbearance Joshua utterly misinterpreted. He decided that Walter -was deficient in courage and spirit, and it encouraged him to persevere -in his system of petty annoyances until they might almost be called -bullying. Though Walter kept quiet under these provocations, there was -often a warning flash of the eye which showed that it would not be safe -to go too far. But this Joshua did not notice, and persisted. - -"Joshua," said his mother one day, "I really think you don't treat -Walter right. You are not polite to him." - -"Why should I be? What is he but a beggar?" - -"He is not that, for he works for his living." - -"At any rate he's a mean fellow, and I shall treat him as I please." - -But one day matters came to a climax. - -One afternoon there were a few young fellows standing on the piazza in -front of Mr. Drummond's store. Joshua was one of them, and there being -no customers to wait upon, Walter also had joined the company. They were -discussing plans for a picnic to be held in the woods on the next -Saturday afternoon. It was to be quite a general affair. - -"You will come, Walter, won't you?" asked one of the number. - -"No," said Joshua; "he can't come." - -"I didn't authorize you to speak for me," said Walter, quietly. - -"You didn't authorize me to speak for you?" repeated Joshua, in a -mocking tone. "Big words for a beggar!" - -"What do you mean by calling me a beggar?" demanded Walter, quietly, but -with rising color. - -"I don't choose to give you any explanation," said Joshua, scornfully. -"You're only my father's hired boy, working for your board." - -"That may be true, but I am not a beggar, and I advise you not to call -me one again." - -Walter's tone was still quiet, and Joshua wholly misunderstood him; -otherwise, being a coward at heart, he would have desisted. - -"I'll say it as often as I please," he repeated. "You're a beggar, and -if we hadn't taken pity on you, you'd have had to go to the poor-house." - -Walter was not quarrelsome; but this last insult, in presence of -half-a-dozen boys between his own age and Joshua's, roused him. - -"Joshua Drummond," he said, "you've insulted me long enough, and I've -stood it, for I didn't want to quarrel; but I will stand it no longer." - -He walked up to Joshua, and struck him in the face, not a hard blow, but -still a blow. - -Joshua turned white with passion, and advanced upon our hero furiously, -with the intention of giving him, as he expressed it, the worst whipping -he ever had. - -Walter parried his blow, and put in another, this time sharp and -stinging. Joshua was an inch or two taller, but Walter was more than a -match for him. Joshua threw out his arms, delivering his blows at -random, and most of them failed of effect. Indeed, he was so blinded -with rage, that Walter, who kept cool, had from this cause alone a great -advantage over him. Joshua at length seized him, and he was compelled -to throw him down. As Joshua lay prostrate, with Walter's knee upon his -breast, Mr. Drummond, who had gone over to his own house, appeared upon -the scene. - -"What's all this?" he demanded in mingled surprise and anger. "Conrad, -what means this outrageous conduct?" - -Walter rose, and, turning to his employer, said, manfully, "Joshua -insulted me, sir, and I have punished him. That's all!" - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -AFTER THE BATTLE. - - -Without waiting to hear Mr. Drummond's reply to his explanation, Walter -re-entered the store. He had no disposition to discuss the subject in -presence of the boys who were standing on the piazza. - -Mr. Drummond followed him into the store, and Joshua accompanied him. He -was terribly angry with Walter, and determined to get revenged upon him -through his father. - -"Are you going to let that beggar pitch into me like that?" he demanded. -"He wouldn't have got me down, only he took me at disadvantage." - -"Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, "I demand an explanation of your conduct. I -come from my house, and find you fighting like a street rowdy, instead -of attending to your duties in the store." - -"I have already given you an explanation, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, -firmly. "Joshua chose to insult me before all the boys, and I don't -allow myself to be insulted if I can help it. As to being out of the -store, there was no customer to wait upon, and I went to the door for a -breath of fresh air. I have never been accustomed to such confinement -before." - -"You say Joshua insulted you. How did he insult you?" - -"I was asked if I would go to the picnic on Saturday afternoon. He -didn't wait for me to answer, but said at once that I couldn't come." - -"Was that all?" - -"On my objecting to his answering for me, he charged me with being a -beggar, and said that but for you I would have been obliged to go to the -poor-house. If this had been the first time he had annoyed me, I might -have passed it over, but it is far from being the first; so I knocked -him down." - -Mr. Drummond was by no means a partisan of Walter, but in the month that -our hero had been in his employ he had found him a very efficient clerk. -Whatever Walter undertook to do he did well, and he had mastered the -details of the retail dry-goods trade in a remarkably short time, so -that his services were already nearly as valuable as those of young -Nichols, who received eight dollars a week. Therefore Mr. Drummond was -disposed to smooth over matters, for the sake of retaining the services -which he obtained so cheap. He resolved, therefore, to temporize. - -"You are both of you wrong," he said. "Joshua, you should not have -called Conrad a beggar, for he earns his living. You, Conrad, should not -have been so violent. You should have told me, and I would have spoken -to Joshua." - -"Excuse me, Mr. Drummond, but I don't like tale-bearing. I did the only -thing I could." - -"Ahem!" said Mr. Drummond, "you were too violent. I would suggest that -you should each beg the other's pardon, shake hands, and have done with -it." - -"Catch me begging pardon of my father's hired boy!" exclaimed Joshua -scornfully. "I haven't got quite so low as that." - -"As for me," said Walter, "if I thought I had been in the wrong, I would -beg Joshua's pardon without any hesitation. I am not too proud for that, -but I think I acted right under the circumstances, and therefore I -cannot do it. As for being a hired boy, I admit that such is my -position, and I don't see anything to be ashamed of in it." - -"You are right there," said Mr. Drummond; for this assertion chimed in -with his own views and wishes. "Well, it seems to me you are about even, -and you may as well drop the quarrel here." - -"I am ready to do so," said Walter, promptly. "If Joshua treats me well, -I will treat him well." - -"You're mighty accommodating," sneered Joshua. "You seem to think you're -on an equality with me." - -"I am willing to treat you as an equal," answered Walter, purposely -misinterpreting Joshua's remark. - -"Oh, you are, are you?" retorted Joshua, with a vicious snap of the -eyes. "Do you think you, a hired boy, are equal to me, who am a -gentleman?" - -"I am glad to hear that you consider yourself a gentleman, and hope you -will take care to act like one." - -"I'll give you the worst licking you ever had!" exclaimed Joshua, -clenching his fists furiously. - -"If it isn't any worse than you gave me just now, I can stand it," said -Walter. - -He was a little angry, also, and this prompted him to speak thus. - -Joshua was maddened by this remark, and might have renewed the battle if -his father had not imperatively ordered him to leave the store. - -"Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, "you have behaved badly. I did not think -you were so quarrelsome." - -"I don't think I am, sir; but I cannot stand Joshua's treatment." - -"Will you promise not to quarrel with him again?" - -"That depends on whether he provokes me." - -"Of course I can't have you fighting with my son." - -"I don't care about doing it. If I find he won't let me alone, I have -made up my mind what to do." - -"What?" - -"I will leave the store, and go back to Willoughby; then I will decide -what to do. I know that I have got to earn my own living, but I would -rather earn it somewhere where I can be at peace." - -"Humph!" said Mr. Drummond, who did not fancy this determination; -"don't be too hasty. I will speak to Joshua, and see that he doesn't -annoy you again." - -With this assurance Walter felt satisfied. He felt that he had won the -victory and maintained his self-respect. There was one thing more he -desired, and that was to go to the picnic. He would not have urged the -request, but that he was well aware that Joshua would report that he was -kept at home by his desire. - -"It won't be very convenient for you to be away Saturday afternoon," -said Mr. Drummond, who was principled against allowing clerks any -privileges. "You know we have more trade than usual on Saturday -afternoon." - -"I don't think we shall have next Saturday," said Walter; "everybody -will be gone to the picnic." - -"If you insist upon going," said Mr. Drummond, reluctantly, "I must try -to let you go." - -Walter felt no scruples about insisting. He knew that he earned his -limited pay twice over, and that his absence would do his employer no -harm. He answered, therefore, "Thank you, sir; I will be home at six -o'clock, so as to be in the store all Saturday evening." - -Meanwhile Joshua went home in a very unhappy frame of mind. He had not -succeeded in humiliating Walter as he intended, but had an unpleasant -feeling that Walter had got the better of him. He was very angry with -his father for not taking his part, and was not slow in making his -feelings known to his mother. - -"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked Mrs. Drummond, observing the scowl -upon his face. - -"Matter enough! That beggar has been insulting me." - -"What beggar? I haven't seen any beggar about," answered Mrs. Drummond. - -"You know who I mean,--that upstart, Conrad." - -"What's he been doing? I'm sure he's a very gentlemanly young man." - -"Oh, yes, that's just the way. You take his part against your own son," -said Joshua, bitterly. - -"What's he been doing? You haven't told me." - -"He pitched into me, and tried to knock me over." - -"What for? I am surprised to hear it, he seems so polite and -well-bred." - -"Nothing at all. He sprung at me like a tiger, and all for nothing. He -took me by surprise, so at first he got the advantage; but I soon gave -him as good as he sent." - -"I am really sorry to hear this," said Mrs. Drummond, distressed. "Are -you sure you didn't say something to provoke him?" - -"I only said, when he was invited to go to the picnic Saturday -afternoon, that he wouldn't be able to leave the store." - -"I am afraid you said it in such a way as to offend him." - -"Seems to me you think a good sight more of him than of me in the -matter," grumbled Joshua. "That's just the way with father. He wanted us -both to beg each other's pardon. Catch me begging pardon of a beggarly -hired boy!" - -"He isn't any worse because your father hires him, Joshua." - -"Oh, yes, of course you stand up for him," said Joshua, sneering. - -"Now, Joshua, you know I always take your part when you are right." - -So Joshua continued to scold, and Mrs. Drummond to soothe him, until she -found a more effectual way, by placing at his disposal half an apple-pie -which was in the cupboard. In the evening she told Walter that she was -sorry there had been any difficulty between him and Joshua. - -"So am I," said Walter, frankly, for he was grateful for her gentle -kindness. "I am sorry, if only for your sake, Mrs. Drummond." - -"I know he's provoking; but he don't mean what he says, Mr. Conrad." - -"I'll try to keep on good terms with him, Mrs. Drummond," said Walter, -earnestly, "if only in return for his mother's kindness." - -"I am sure Joshua was hasty, and misjudged Walter," said the mother to -herself, trying to find an excuse for her son. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE ARROW AND THE PIONEER. - - -After this Joshua was more careful about annoying Walter. Though he was -older, and a little taller than our hero, he had found to his cost that -he was not a match for him in strength. He had also made the unwelcome -discovery that Walter did not intend to be imposed upon. So, though he -ventured to sneer at times, he thought it best to stop short of open -insult. There was also another motive which influenced him. His father -forbade him in tones more decided than usual to interfere with Walter, -whose services he was anxious to retain in the store. Mr. Drummond also -had another reason for this command. He thought that Walter might be -mistaken as to the state of his father's affairs, and that a few -thousand dollars might be rescued by his executor from the ruin. In that -case, there would be a chance of his obtaining control of Walter's -property during his minority. - -The picnic came off on Saturday afternoon. The weather, which often -throws a wet blanket upon the festivities of such occasions, was highly -propitious, and several hundred persons, young and middle-aged, turned -out _en masse_. The place selected for the picnic was a field of several -acres, bordering upon a pond. This had been fitted up by the proprietor -with swings, and a roofed building without sides, under which were -placed rough board tables for the reception of provisions. A number of -oak trees with their broad branches furnished shelter. - -Besides these arrangements for enjoyment, there were two boats confined -by iron chains, which were thrown around trees near the brink of the -water. - -After enjoying the swing for a time, there was a proposition to go out -in the boats. - -The boats could comfortably accommodate eight persons each. This number -had been obtained, when Joshua came up. - -"I'm going," he said unceremoniously. - -"You will have to wait till next time," said Ralph Morse. "We've got -the full number." - -"No, I'm going this time," said Joshua, rudely. - -"I don't believe there's room. We have eight already." - -"There's room for nine. If there isn't you can wait till next time -yourself. Besides, you want me to steer." - -"Do you know how to steer?" - -"Of course I do," said Joshua, boastfully. - -"I guess we can make room," said Mary Meyer, who was always in favor of -peaceful measures. - -Joshua clambered in, and took his place as steersman. - -The other boat had already set off, and, as it happened, under the -guidance of Walter Conrad, who had long been accustomed to managing a -boat, having had one of his own at home. - -"They've got a great steerer on the other boat," said Joshua, sneering. - -"It's your cousin, isn't it? Doesn't he know how to steer?" - -"About as well as an old cat. He thinks he does, though." - -Attention was thus directed to the other boat, which was making easy -progress through the water. - -"I don't see but he manages well enough," said Rudolph, after watching -it for a moment. - -"Oh, it's easy enough steering here. Wait till we get out a little way." - -"Where are you steering, Joshua?" asked Ralph, suddenly, for the boat -nearly half turned round. The fact was that Joshua himself knew very -little about steering. In speaking of Walter's want of skill, he had -precisely described himself. - -"I understand what I'm about," answered Joshua, suddenly reversing the -direction, and overdoing the matter, so as to turn the boat half way -round the other way. - -"I hope you do," said Ralph, "but it don't look much like it." - -"I was looking at the other boat," Joshua condescended to explain, "and -the rudder slipped." - -Walter's boat kept the lead. His perfect steering made the task easier -for the rowers, who got the full advantage of their efforts. Joshua, -however, by his uncertain steering, hindered the progress of his boat. - -"Can't we beat the other boat?" asked Joseph Wheeler, who was rowing. "I -can row as well as either of those fellows." - -"So can I," said Tom Barry; "let's try." - -The boats were about five lengths apart, the rowers in the foremost boat -not having worked very hard, when Tom and Joe began to exert themselves. -Their intention was soon manifest, and the spirit of rivalry was -excited. - -"Do your best, boys!" said Walter. "They're trying to catch us. Don't -let them do it." - -The rowers of the two boats were about evenly matched. If anything, -however, Tom and Joe were superior, and, other things being equal, would -sooner or later have won the race. But Joshua, by his original style of -steering, which became under the influence of excitement even more -unreliable, caused them to lose perceptibly. - -"Can't you steer straight by accident, Joshua?" asked Tom, in a tone of -vexation. - -"I know more about steering than you do, Tom Barry," growled Joshua, -getting red in the face, for he could not help seeing that he was not -appearing to advantage. - -"Show it, then, if you do," was the reply. "If we had your cousin to -steer us, we could soon get ahead." - -This was very mortifying to Joshua. He did not care to be outdone by any -one, but to be outdone by Walter was particularly disagreeable. - -"It isn't the steering, it's the rowing," he said. "You don't row even." - -"Won't you try it, then," said Joe, "and show us what you can do?" - -"No, I'd rather steer." - -Joshua considered that the steersman's place was the place of honor, and -he was not disposed to yield it. - -Meanwhile Walter, from his place in the first boat, watched the efforts -of his rivals. He was determined to keep the lead which he had secured, -and had little fear of losing it. - -"Give way, boys!" he cried; "we'll distance them, never fear!" - -Every moment increased the distance between the two boats, to the great -satisfaction of those on board the "Arrow," for that was the name of the -head boat. - -Just at the north-western corner of the pond there was an inlet of -considerable length, but narrow. Here the water was shallower than in -the remainder of the pond. - -"Shall we go in there?" asked Walter. - -"Yes, yes," said his fellow-passengers. - -Accordingly he steered in, and shortly afterwards the "Pioneer," -Joshua's boat, also entered. At this time the distance between the two -boats was quite two hundred feet. - -The "Arrow" pursued her way steadily to the head of the inlet, a -distance of nearly a quarter of a mile; and then making a graceful turn, -started on her homeward trip. The width of the inlet here was very much -contracted. After making the turn the "Arrow" met the "Pioneer" after a -little distance. There was abundant room for the boats to pass each -other, if they had been properly managed. There was no fault in Walter's -steering, but, by an awkward blunder of Joshua's, the "Pioneer" veered -in her course so that the "Arrow" struck her, to use a nautical term, -amidships. As she was being impelled rapidly at the time, the shock was -considerable, and the fright still greater. The girls jumped to their -feet screaming, and Joshua himself turned pale with fright, but -recovered himself sufficiently to call out angrily, "What made you run -into us, you fool?" - -"It's your own fault, Joshua," said Tom Barry, angrily. "You're the most -stupid steerer I ever saw. What made you turn the boat?" - -"It's his fault," said Joshua, doggedly. - -"Let somebody else steer," said Joe Wheeler. "A baby could steer better -than he." - -So a younger boy was put in Joshua's place, much to his mortification, -and he was degraded, as he considered it, to the rank of a passenger. - -"I'm going ashore," he said sourly. "Let me out up here." - -"All right!" said Tom Barry. "I guess we can get along without you. -Here, you fellows on the "Arrow," just wait a minute, till we've landed -Joshua, and we'll race you back." - -True to his determination, Joshua jumped off at the head of the inlet, -and the "Pioneer" was turned by her new pilot. - -The "Arrow" and the "Pioneer" took their places side by side, and the -race commenced. The boats were similar, and thus neither had the -advantage on this score. But the rowers on the "Pioneer" were on the -whole stronger and more skilful than those on the "Arrow." On the other -hand, Walter steered perfectly, while Joshua's successor, though he made -no bad blunder, was a novice. - -The result was that the race was a clear one. Finally the "Arrow" came -in a length ahead, and Walter felt with quiet satisfaction that the -victory had been gained by his efforts. - -He thought once more of the song he had heard, and hoped that he would -be as successful through life in paddling his own canoe. - -Joshua went home sulky, and was not seen again on the picnic grounds. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -A BRILLIANT SCHEME. - - -One morning, a few days later, Joshua was walking moodily up the village -road with his hands in his pockets. He was reflecting, in a spirit of -great discontent, on the hardships of his situation. - -"Here am I," he said to himself, "eighteen years old, and father treats -me like a boy of ten. I'm most a man, and all he gives me for -pocket-money is twenty-five cents a week. There's Dick Storrs, whose -father isn't a quarter as rich as mine, gets a dollar a week. He's only -sixteen, too." - -One important difference between himself and Dick Storrs did not occur -to Joshua. Dick worked in a shoe-shop, and it was out of his own wages -that his father allowed him a dollar a week. Joshua earned nothing at -all. - -"It's mean!" reflected Joshua. "There aint a boy of my age in Stapleton -that's so meanly treated, and yet my father's the richest man in town. -I wish I knew what to do to get a little money." - -At this moment he saw Sam Crawford approaching him. Sam was perhaps a -year younger than Joshua. He had formerly lived in the village, but was -now in a situation in New York, and was only in Stapleton for a few -days. - -"How are you, Joshua?" said Sam. - -"Well enough," said Joshua. "Where are you going?" - -"I'm going round to the ice-cream saloon. Won't you come with me?" - -"Yes, if you'll treat. I haven't got any money." - -"You ought to have. The old man's got plenty." - -"That's so. But he's getting meaner every day. What do you think he -allows me for spending money?" - -"I don't know. A dollar a week?" - -"A dollar! I should think myself lucky if I got anywhere near that. What -do you say to twenty-five cents?" - -"You don't mean to say that's all he gives you?" - -"Yes, I do." - -"Why, I can't get along on ten times that. Why don't you ask for more?" - -"I have, fifty times; but that's all the good it does." - -"If my father treated me like that, I'd cut his acquaintance." - -"I don't know as that would do me any good," said Joshua, rather -sensibly. "I wish I knew of any way of getting some money." - -"You might hire out to saw wood for the neighbors," said Sam. - -"I haven't got so low as that," said Joshua, haughtily. - -"Of course I meant that in joke; but you might get a place, and earn -some money." - -This suggestion, however, did not suit Joshua, for it carried with it -the idea of work, and he was as lazy as he was selfish; which is saying -as much as can well be said on that point. - -"The old man ought to give me enough to spend, without work," he said. -"He don't spend more than a third of his income." - -"He's saving it up for you." - -"I'm not likely to get it for a good many years," said Joshua, who -actually seemed to be angry with his father for living so long. However, -though it is doubtful whether Joshua would have been a dutiful or -affectionate son under any circumstances, it must be admitted that Mr. -Drummond had done very little to inspire filial affection. - -"Look here!" said Sam, suddenly, "I have an idea. Did you ever buy a -lottery ticket?" - -"No," answered Joshua. - -"There's a fellow I know in New York that drew a prize of a thousand -dollars, and how much do you think he paid for a ticket?" - -"I don't know." - -"Five dollars. How's that for high?" - -"How long ago is that?" asked Joshua, becoming interested. - -"Only two months ago." - -"Do you know him?" - -"Yes, I know him as well as I know you. He is clerk in a store just -opposite ours. When he got the money he gave half a dozen of us a big -dinner at Delmonico's. We had a jolly time." - -"A thousand dollars for five!" repeated Joshua. "He was awfully lucky. -What lottery was it?" - -"It was one of the Delaware lotteries." - -"Do you know the name of it?" - -"No, but I'll tell you what I'll do. The fellow I was speaking of gets -lottery papers regularly. I'll ask him for one, and send it to you as -soon as I get back to the city." - -"I wish you would," said Joshua. "Wouldn't it be splendid if I could -draw a prize of a thousand dollars?" - -"I'll bet it would. It would make you independent of the old man. You -wouldn't care much for his twenty-five cents a week then?" - -"No, I'd tell him he might keep it till he got rich enough to afford me -more." - -"He'd open his eyes a little at that, I reckon." - -"I guess he would. When are you going back to the city?" - -"The last of this month. My time will be up then." - -"You won't forget to send me the paper?" - -"No, I'll remember it. Come in and have an ice-cream. You can return the -compliment when you've drawn a prize." - -"All right! Is a thousand dollars the highest prize?" - -"No, there are some of two, three, and five thousand. Then there are -five-hundred-dollar prizes, and so along to five dollars. Five hundred -wouldn't be so bad, eh?" - -"No, I should feel satisfied with that. I would come up to New York, and -spend a week." - -"If you do, just step in upon me, and I'll show you round. I know the -ropes." - -"I wish I could," said Joshua, enviously. "This is an awfully stupid -place. I tried to get leave to go to the city last fall, but the old man -wouldn't let me. He wasn't willing to spend the money." - -I hope none of my readers will so admire the character of Joshua -Drummond as to imitate him in the disrespectful manner in which he -speaks of his father. Yet I am aware that many boys and young men, who -are not without respect and affection for their parents, have fallen -into the very discreditable way of referring to them as "the old man" or -"the old woman." They may be sure that such a habit will prejudice -against them all persons of right feeling. - -Joshua and Sam went into the ice-cream saloon, which was kept, during -the summer only, in a small candy store, by a maiden lady who eked out a -scanty income by such limited patronage as the village could afford. -Joshua plied his companion with further questions, to all of which he -readily replied, though it is doubtful whether all the answers were -quite correct. But Sam, having been in the city a few months, wished to -be thought to have a very extensive acquaintance with it, and was -unwilling to admit ignorance on any point. - -Early the next week Sam returned to his duties in the city, and Joshua -awaited impatiently the promised lottery papers. - -Sam did not forget his promise. On the third day after his departure a -paper came to the village post-office, directed. - - - "Joshua Drummond, Esq., - Stapleton." - - -This was promptly taken from the office by Joshua, who had called on an -average twice a day for this very paper. It proved to be printed on -yellow paper, and fairly bristled with figures, indicating the large -sums which were weekly distributed all over the country by the -benevolent managers of the lottery. Here was a scheme in which the -principal prize was but a thousand dollars. However, the tickets were -but a dollar each, and a thousand dollars for one was certainly a -handsome return for a small outlay. There were others, however, in which -the principal prize was five thousand dollars, and the tickets were, in -due proportion, five dollars each. - -Joshua went off to a somewhat secluded place, for he did not wish to be -interrupted, and eagerly read the paper through from beginning to end. -Certainly the representations made were of a very seductive character. -One might suppose, from reading the paragraphs sandwiching the several -schemes, that the chances were strongly in favor of every holder of a -ticket drawing a prize, though a little calculation would have shown -that the chances of drawing even the smallest prize were scarcely more -than one in a hundred. Here, for instance, is one of the paragraphs:-- - -"A mechanic in a country town in New York State met with an accident -which confined him to his home for three months. He had a large family -of children, and had never been able to lay up any money. The -consequence was, that the family was reduced to great distress, and he -saw no resource except to try to borrow a little money, which would -create a debt that he might be years in paying off. But fortunately, -only a week before the accident, his wife had seen one of our -advertisements. She had five dollars by her, which she had intended to -appropriate to the purchase of a new dress. Instead of doing this, a -happy impulse led her to send for one of our tickets. She concealed this -from her husband, however, thinking that he would blame her. What was -her joy, when they were reduced to their last dollar, to receive from us -intelligence that she had drawn a prize of two thousand dollars! The -joy of the poor family can better be imagined than described. They were -enabled at once to purchase the house in which they lived, and thus to -lay the foundation of permanent prosperity. Thus, as in numberless other -cases, have we been the means of bringing joy to lucky households." - -Now, this story was probably manufactured out of whole cloth. At any -rate, even if true, for every such fortunate household there were a -hundred to which the lottery had carried disappointment and privation. -But of course the lottery managers could not be expected to allude to -these, nor did Joshua, as he greedily read such paragraphs, consider -them. On the contrary, his imagination and cupidity were both excited, -and he was foolish enough to suppose that his chances of success in case -he invested would be very good indeed. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -WAYS AND MEANS. - - -Having decided to purchase a lottery ticket, the important question -suggested itself, "Where was he to obtain the necessary five dollars?" - -To most boys or young men of eighteen this would not have been a -difficult question to solve. But to Joshua it was a perplexing problem. -If he saved his entire weekly allowance, it would take him twenty weeks -to obtain the needed sum. This delay was not to be thought of. Was there -any pretext on which he could ask his father for five dollars? He could -think of none that would be likely to succeed. Had he been trusted with -the purchase of his own clothes, he might have asked for a new coat and -misapplied the money; but Mr. Drummond took care to order Joshua's -clothes himself from the village tailor, and never did so without -grumbling at the expense he was obliged to incur. Indeed, Joshua was -not able to boast much of his clothes, for his father was not disposed -to encourage extravagance in dress. - -"Perhaps mother may have the money," thought Joshua. "If she has, I'll -get it out of her." - -He resolved at once to find out whether any help was to be obtained from -this quarter, and with this object turned his steps at once homeward. - -Mrs. Drummond was engaged in the homely employment of darning stockings -when Joshua entered the house. - -"You're home early, Joshua," she remarked, looking up. - -"Yes, mother. Have you got anything good to eat?" - -"I baked a small pie for you in a saucer. I thought that was the best -way. The other evening your father noticed that a piece was gone from -the half pie that was taken from the supper-table." - -"How awful mean he is!" - -"You shouldn't say that of your father, Joshua." - -"It's true, mother, and you know it. He's the meanest man in town." - -"I don't like to hear you talk in that way, Joshua. Don't forget that -he is your father." - -"I wish he'd treat me like a father, then. I leave it to you, mother, if -twenty-five cents a week isn't a miserable allowance for a fellow of my -age." - -"It is rather small," said Mrs. Drummond, cautiously. - -"Small! I should think it was. It's just about right for a boy of ten. -That's just the way he treats me." - -"Perhaps, if you would speak to your father about it, Joshua--" - -"I have spoken to him, and that's all the good it does. He blows me up -for my extravagance. Extravagance on twenty-five cents a week!" - -"I'll speak to him myself, Joshua," said his mother;--a heroic resolve, -for she knew that the request would bring anger upon herself. - -"He won't mind your talk any more than mine. But I'll tell you what you -can do to oblige me, mother." - -"Well, Joshua?" - -"I know of a way to make considerable money, and all I need to go into -it is five dollars. If you'll lend me that, I'll pay it back to you as -soon as I can. I think it won't be more than a fortnight." - -"What is the plan you are thinking of, Joshua?" - -But upon this subject Joshua thought it best to preserve a discreet -silence. He knew that the lottery scheme would not impress his mother -favorably, and that she would not lend the money for any such purpose. -He was aware in what light lotteries are generally regarded. Still his -imagination had been inflamed by the stories he had read of other -persons' luck, and he had succeeded in convincing himself that his own -chance would be very good. Thus he referred to it, in speaking to his -mother, as if he were sure of obtaining a large amount for his -investment. - -"I can't tell you just at present, mother," he said; "the fact is, -somebody else is concerned in it, and I am not allowed to tell." - -"I hope, Joshua, you have not allowed yourself to be imposed upon. You -know you are not used to business." - -"I know what I'm about, mother. I'm not a baby. All I want is the -money. Can you lend me five dollars?" - -"I wish I could; but you know your father doesn't allow me much money. I -get my dress patterns and most of what I want out of the store, so I -don't need it." - -"You have to buy things for the house,--groceries, and so on." - -"We have a bill at the grocery store. Your father pays it quarterly; so -no money passes through my hands for that purpose." - -"Then you haven't got the money, mother," said Joshua, disappointed. - -"I haven't had as much as five dollars in my possession at one time for -years," answered his mother. - -It was true that Mr. Drummond kept his wife uncommonly close. She was -allowed to obtain a limited amount of goods from the store for her own -wardrobe, but apart from that her husband appeared to think she had no -need of money. More than once she wished she could have a little money -at her control to answer occasional calls for charity. But on one -occasion, having been indiscreet enough to give twenty-five cents and a -good meal to a woman, sick and poor, who crawled to her door and asked -for help, Mr. Drummond indulged in such a display of ill-humor at her -foolish extravagance, as he called it, that she was forced afterwards to -deny her generous impulses, or give in the most secret manner, pledging -the recipient to silence. - -"I'm sorry I can't oblige you, Joshua," said his mother. "Will you have -the pie?" - -"Yes," said Joshua, sullenly, for he was at a loss where next to apply, -and felt that his scheme of sudden riches was blighted at its inception. -Notwithstanding his disappointment, however, he was able to dispose of -the pie. After consuming it, he went out of doors, to reflect upon other -ways of raising the necessary money. - -There was his cousin Walter; he was quite sure that he had the money, -but quite as sure that he would not lend it. Besides, he would have -hesitated to apply, on account of the dislike he had come to entertain -for our hero. This dislike had been increased by the result of the boat -race between the "Pioneer" and the "Arrow." He had occasion to know -that the defeat of the former boat was generally ascribed to his own -imperfect steering, and he also knew that Walter had obtained -considerable credit for his own performance in the same line. Now Joshua -knew in his own heart that he could not steer, but he wanted the -reputation of steering well, and it was very irksome to him to have to -play second fiddle to Walter. He had indicated his dislike ever since by -refusing to notice or speak to Walter, except in so far as it was -absolutely necessary. Of course Walter noticed this want of cordiality, -and was in a measure sorry for it; still he had become pretty thoroughly -acquainted with Joshua's character by this time, and this knowledge led -him to feel that the loss of his friendship was not a very serious one. -He had made some other acquaintances, in the village, with boys of his -own age, in whose society he found considerable more pleasure than he -was ever likely to do in Joshua's. - -"He can go his way, and I'll go mine," he said to himself. "I'll paddle -my own canoe, and he may paddle his. Perhaps he will succeed better in -that than in steering," he thought with a smile. - -Help from Walter, therefore, was not to be expected. Was there any one -else to help him? - -Joshua thought doubtfully of his father's clerk, young Nichols, who has -already been introduced to the reader. He did not think there was much -prospect of obtaining a loan from Nichols; still there might be. At any -rate there seemed no other resource, and he made up his mind to sound -him. - -He stepped into the store one day when Walter was absent on an errand, -and his father was out also. - -"Good-morning, Joshua," said the salesman. "What's up this morning?" - -"Nothing that I know of." - -"You have an easy time. Nothing to do but to lounge about all day. You -aint cooped up in a store fourteen hours a day." - -"That's so; but I suppose I'll have to begin some time." - -"Oh, you're all right. Your father's getting richer every year." - -"Yes, I suppose he is; but that doesn't give me ready money now. The -fact is, I'm hard up for five dollars. Can't you lend it to me for a -week? I'll give it back in a week, or ten days at any rate." - -"You couldn't come to a worse place for money," said Nichols, laughing. -"The fact is, I'm hard up myself, and always am. Old Jones, the tailor, -is dunning me for this very suit I have on. Fact is, my salary is so -small, I have the hardest kind of work to get along." - -"Then you can't lend me the money? It's for only a week I want it." - -"I've got less than a dollar in my pocket, and I'm owing about fifty -dollars to the tailor and shoemaker. Perhaps Walter can lend you the -money." - -"I shan't ask him," said Joshua, shortly. "I'll go without first." - -"Don't you like him?" - -"No, I don't. He's a mean fellow." - -Nichols was privately of the opinion that the term described Joshua -himself much more aptly, but did not express his opinion. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -JOSHUA TRIES KEEPING STORE. - - -The more Joshua thought it over, the more convinced he was that a large -sum of money was likely to come to him through the lottery, if he could -only manage to raise money enough to buy a ticket. But the problem of -how to get the necessary five dollars he was as far as ever from -solving. - -While in this state of mind he happened one day to be in the store at -noon, and alone. Nichols, the head clerk, wished to go to dinner, and -was only waiting for Walter to get back from an errand. - -"I wish Walter would hurry up," he grumbled. "My dinner will get cold." - -"I'll take your place till he gets back, Mr. Nichols," said Joshua, with -extraordinary kindness for him. - -[Illustration] - -"Much obliged, Joshua," said the salesman. "I'll do as much for you -another time. I don't think you'll have long to wait." - -"You'd better hurry off," said Joshua. "I'd just as lief wait as not." - -"I never knew him so accommodating before," thought Nichols, with a -feeling of surprise. - -He seized his hat and hurried away. - -No sooner had he gone than Joshua, after following him to the door, and -looking carefully up and down the street, walked behind the counter with -a hasty step, and opened the money-drawer. - -There was a small pile of bills in one compartment, and in the other a -collection of currency. He took the bills into his hand, and looked over -them. His hands trembled a little, for he contemplated a dishonest act. -Unable to obtain the money in any other way, he meant to borrow (that -was what he called it) five dollars from the money-drawer, and expend it -in a lottery ticket. - -Singling out a five-dollar bill from the pile, he thrust it into his -vest-pocket. He had scarcely done so when he was startled by hearing the -door open. He made a guilty jump, but perceived, to his relief, that it -was a woman not living in the village, but probably in some adjoining -town. - -"What can I show you, ma'am?" he asked, in a flurried manner, for he -could not help thinking of what he had in his vest-pocket. - -"I should like to look at some of your shawls," said the woman. - -Joshua knew very little about his father's stock. He did know, however, -where the shawls were kept, and going to that portion of the shelves, -pulled down half a dozen and showed them to his customer. - -"Are they all wool?" she asked, critically examining one of them. - -"Yes," answered Joshua, confidently, though he had not the slightest -knowledge on the subject. - -"What is the price of this one?" asked the customer, indicating the one -she had in her hand. - -"Five dollars," answered Joshua, with some hesitation. He knew nothing -of the price, but guessed that this would be about right. - -"And you say it is all wool?" - -"Certainly, ma'am." - -"I guess I'll take it. Will you wrap it up for me?" - -This Joshua did awkwardly enough, and the customer departed, much -pleased with her bargain, as she had a right to be, for the real price -of the shawl was nine dollars, but, thanks to Joshua's ignorance, she -had been able to save four. - -Joshua looked at the five-dollar bill he had just received, and a new -idea occurred to him. He replaced in the drawer the bill he had -originally taken from it, and substituted that just received. - -"I won't say anything about having sold a shawl," he said, "and -father'll never know that one has been sold. At any rate, not till I get -money enough to replace the bill I have taken." - -Just then a little girl came in and inquired for a spool of cotton. - -Joshua found the spools, and let her select one. - -"How much is it?" asked the young customer. - -"Ten cents." - -"Mother told me it wouldn't be but six." - -"Very well, if that is all you expect to pay, you shall have it for -that." - -"Thank you, sir;" and the little girl departed with her purchase. - -Joshua now hurriedly folded up the shawls and replaced them on the -shelves. He had just finished the task when Walter entered. - -"Are you tending store?" he said, in surprise. - -"Yes," said Joshua. "Nichols got tired waiting for you, so I told him -I'd stay till you got back." - -"I had some distance to go, and that detained me. Did you have any -customers?" - -"Yes, I just sold a spool of cotton to a little girl." - -"I met her a little way up the road, holding the spool in her hand." - -"Well," said Joshua, "I guess I'll go, now you've got back." - -He went across the street to his father's house, and, going up into his -own room, locked the door, not wishing to be interrupted. Then, opening -his desk, he took out a sheet of paper, and wrote a note to the address -given in his lottery circular, requesting the parties to send him by -return of mail a lottery ticket. He added, shrewdly as he thought, "If -this ticket draws a prize, I will keep on buying; but if it don't I -shall get discouraged and stop." - -"I guess that'll fetch 'em," thought Joshua. He folded up the paper, -and, inclosing the bill, directed it. - -The next thing to do was to mail it. - -Now this seemed a very simple thing, but it really occasioned -considerable trouble. The postmaster in a small village can generally -identify many of the correspondents who send letters through his office -by their handwriting. He knew Joshua's, and such a letter as this would -attract his attention and set him to gossiping. Considering the -circumstances under which he obtained the money, this was hardly -desirable, and Joshua therefore decided, though unwillingly, on account -of the trouble, to walk to the next post-office, a distance of three -miles, and post his letter there. - -He came downstairs with his letter in his pocket. "Where are you going, -Joshua?" asked his mother. - -"Going out to walk," said Joshua, shortly. - -"I wanted to send a little bundle to Mr. Faulkner's, but that is too -far off." - -"I'll carry it," said Joshua. - -Mrs. Drummond was astonished at this unusual spirit of accommodation, -for Joshua was, in general, far from obliging. The truth was, however, -that, though Mr. Faulkner lived over a mile and a quarter distant, it -was on his way to the post-office. - -"Thank you, Joshua," said Mrs. Drummond. "I was afraid you wouldn't be -willing to go so far." - -"I feel just like taking a long walk to-day, mother." - -"Here is the bundle. I will bake a little pie for you while you are -gone." - -So things seemed to be working very smoothly for Joshua, and he set out -on his three-mile walk in very good spirits. His walk he knew would make -him hungry, and the pie which his mother promised him would be very -acceptable on his return. - -Arrived in front of Mr. Faulkner's, he saw Frank Faulkner, a boy of -twelve, playing outside. - -"Frank," called out Joshua, "here's a bundle I want you to carry into -the house. Tell your folks my mother sent it." - -"All right," said Frank, and he carried it in. - -Joshua proceeded on his way, and finally reached the post-office. - -"Give me a three-cent postage-stamp," he said to the postmaster. - -This was speedily affixed to the letter, and, after resting a short -time, he set out on his walk homeward. - -Reaching the house of Mr. Faulkner, he was hailed by Frank, who was -still playing outside. - -"Where have you been, Joshua?" - -Joshua was not desirous of having it known where he had been, and he -answered, in the surly manner characteristic of him, "What business is -that of yours?" - -"Where did you learn manners?" asked Frank, who was a sturdy scion of -Young America, and quite disposed to stand up for his rights. - -"If you're impudent, I'll give you a licking," growled Joshua. - -"Next time you come along this way, you may take in your own bundles," -retorted Frank. - -"If I had a stick, I'd give you something you wouldn't like." - -"You'd have to catch me first," said Frank. - -Joshua's temper, which was none of the sweetest, was by this time -roused, and he started in pursuit of Frank, but the younger boy dodged -so adroitly as to baffle his pursuit. In attempting to catch him, -indeed, Joshua stubbed his toe violently against a projecting root, and -measured his length by the roadside. - -"Who's down, I wonder?" asked Frank, scrambling over the fence, where he -felt safe. - -"I'll wring your neck some time, you young imp!" exclaimed Joshua, -gathering himself up slowly and painfully, and shaking his fist -vindictively at Frank. - -"I'll wait till you're ready," returned Frank. "I'm in no hurry." - -At length Joshua reached home, feeling tired and provoked, but -congratulating himself that he had taken the first step towards the -grand prize which loomed in dazzling prospect before his eyes. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -JOSHUA'S DISAPPOINTMENT. - - -In due time, to Joshua's great delight, the lottery ticket reached him. -It was several days in coming, and he had almost given it up, but the -sight of it raised his spirits to the highest pitch. It seemed to him -the first step to a fortune. He began at once to indulge in dazzling -visions of what he would do when the prize came to hand; how the "old -man" would be astonished and treat him with increased respect; how he -would go to the city and have a good time seeing the lions, and from -henceforth throw off the galling yoke of dependence which his father's -parsimony had made it so hard to bear. - -Whenever he was by himself, he used to pull out the ticket and gaze at -it with the greatest satisfaction, as the key that was to unlock the -portals of Fortune, Independence, and Happiness. - -He had been afraid that his appropriation of five dollars would be -detected, and every time his father entered the house he looked into his -face with some apprehension; but days rolled by, and nothing was heard. -He congratulated himself that he had been able to sell the shawl for -precisely the sum he needed, otherwise the money might have been missed -that very night. As it was, neither the shawl nor the bill had been -missed. - -About this time he received a letter from Sam Crawford, describing the -gayeties of the city. It closed thus:-- - -"By the way, Josh, when are you coming up to the city, to take a look at -the lions? It's a shame that a young man of your age should be cooped up -in an insignificant little village like Stapleton. I wouldn't exchange -the knowledge of the world I have obtained here for five hundred -dollars! What a green rustic I was when I first came here! But it didn't -take me long to find the way round, and now I know the ropes as well as -the next man. I generally play billiards in the evening, and, if I do -say it myself, I am rather hard to beat. When you come up, I'll give you -a few lessons. I can't help pitying you for leading such a slow, -humdrum life in the country. I should be moped to death if I were in -your place. Can't you induce the old man to fork over the stamps, and -come up here, if only for a week?" - -This letter had the effect of making Joshua very much disgusted with -Stapleton. Brilliant visions of city life and city enjoyments flitted -before his eyes, and he felt that nothing was needed to make a man of -him except the knowledge of life which a city residence would be sure to -give. - -"It's all true what Sam says," he soliloquized. "A man can't learn -anything of life here. No wonder he looks upon me as a green rustic. How -can I be anything else in this miserable little village? But as for the -old man's paying my expenses on a visit, he's too mean for that. But -then there is the lottery ticket. Just as soon as I get hold of my -prize, I'll go on my own hook." - -I append a passage from Joshua's reply to Sam's letter:-- - - - "There isn't any chance of the old man's forking over stamps enough - to pay for my visit to New York. He's too thundering mean for - that. All he cares for is to make money. _But I'm coming, for all - that._ I've bought a lottery ticket, as you advised, and just as - soon as I get hold of the prize, I shall come and make you a visit. - I should like very much to learn billiards. I wish there was a - billiard table in Stapleton, though it wouldn't do me much good if - there were, the old man keeps me so close. I shall be glad when I - am twenty-one. I don't see why he can't let me have a few thousand - dollars then, and set me up in business in the city. Perhaps we - could go in together as partners. However, there is no use in - talking about him, for he won't do it. _But I may get hold of the - money some other way._ Would five thousand dollars be enough to set - a fellow up in business in New York? - - "You will hear from me again soon. I hope I shall be able to write - you that I am coming to see you. - - "Your friend, - "JOSHUA DRUMMOND." - - -It will be seen that Joshua was willing to go into business for himself, -though he did not care to take a situation. He had the idea, which I -think is entertained by a large number of boys and young men, that an -employer has nothing to do but to sit at his desk, count over his money, -and order his clerks around. For such an employment as this Joshua felt -that he was well adapted, and would very much have enjoyed the sense of -importance it would give him. But Joshua made a great mistake. Many -employers look back upon the years which they passed as clerks as years -of comparative leisure and ease, certainly of freedom from anxiety. They -find that they have a heavy price to pay for the privilege of being -their own masters, and the masters of others. But Joshua was thoroughly -lazy, and it was this feeling that dictated the wish which he expressed -in his letter to Sam Crawford. - -The days passed very slowly, it must be acknowledged. Joshua was in a -restless and excited state. Though he expected to draw a prize, he knew -that there was a remote chance of failing to draw anything, and he -wanted the matter decided. - -But at length the long-expected letter arrived. Joshua did not like to -open it in the post-office, lest it should attract the attention of the -postmaster. He therefore withdrew to a place where he was not likely to -be disturbed, and with trembling fingers opened the letter. - -Something dropped out. - -"I wonder if it is a check?" thought Joshua, stooping over and picking -it up. - -But no, it was an announcement of the drawing. - -Joshua's numbers,--for each lottery ticket contains three numbers,--were -9, 15, 50. But of the thirteen lucky numbers drawn out of sixty-five, -neither of them was one. - -Slowly it dawned upon Joshua that he had drawn nothing, that his five -dollars had been absolutely thrown away. But there was a letter. Perhaps -this would explain it. - -Joshua read as follows:-- - - - "DEAR SIR:--We regret to say that we are unable to send you a prize - this time. We hope, however, you will not be discouraged. Some of - our patrons who have been most fortunate have commenced by being - unlucky. Indeed, singularly enough, this is a general rule. Let us - cite an instance. Mr. B----, of your State, bought his first ticket - of us last spring. It turned out a blank. We wrote him not to be - discouraged, but we did not hear from him for some weeks. Finally - he sent us a remittance for a ticket, adding that he sent it with a - very faint hope of success. He was convinced that he was born to - ill-luck. But what was the result? In less than a fortnight we had - the pleasure and gratification of sending him five thousand - dollars, minus our usual commission. Suppose he had been - discouraged by a first failure, you can see how much he would have - lost. - - "Hoping to hear from you again, and to send you in return better - news, we subscribe ourselves, - - "Very respectfully, - "GRABB & CO." - - -The effect of Joshua's ill success was to make him very despondent. - -"It's all very well to say 'Try again,'" he said to himself, "but where -can I get the money? That five dollars is thrown away, and I've got -nothing to show for it." - -He thought of all he had intended to do, and now his castles had -crumbled, and all in consequence of this letter. He had been so sanguine -of success. Now he must write to Sam that his visit to New York was -indefinitely postponed, that is, unless he could induce his father to -provide him with money enough to go. The prospect was not very -encouraging, but he felt desperate, and he determined to make the -attempt. - -Accordingly, just after supper, he detained his father, just as he was -returning to the store, and said:-- - -"Father, I wish you'd let me go to New York on a visit." - -"What for?" asked Mr. Drummond, elevating his brows. - -"Because I'm eighteen years old, and I've never been there yet." - -"Then, if you've gone eighteen years without seeing the city, I think -you can go a while longer," said his father, under the impression that -he had made a witty remark. But Joshua did not appreciate the humor of -it. - -"I've lived in Stapleton ever since I was born," grumbled Joshua, "and -have got tired of it. I want to see something of life." - -"Do you? Well, I'm sure I've no objection." - -"May I go then?" - -"Yes." - -"When?" asked Joshua, joyfully. - -"To-morrow, if you like; but of course you will pay your own expenses." - -"How can I?" exclaimed Joshua, in angry disappointment. "I have no -money." - -"Then you can save up your allowance till you have enough." - -"Save up on twenty-five cents a week! I couldn't go till I was an old -man!" - -"I know of no other way," said Mr. Drummond, with provoking -indifference, "unless you earn the money in some way." - -"You treat me like a little boy!" said Joshua, angrily. - -"You are better off than I am. I have to work for all I get. You get -your board, clothes, and pocket-money for nothing." - -"Other boys go to New York when they are much younger." - -"I have told you you can go when you like, but you mustn't expect me to -supply the money." - -Mr. Drummond put on his hat and crossed the street to the store, leaving -Joshua in a very unfilial frame of mind. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -WALTER FINDS HIMSELF IN HOT WATER. - - -Two days later two women entered Mr. Drummond's store. One was Joshua's -customer, and she wore the same shawl which she had purchased of him. - -It happened that Walter was out, but Mr. Drummond and Nichols were both -behind the counter. - -"Have you got any more shawls like this?" asked the first lady, whom we -will call Mrs. Blake. "Mrs. Spicer, who is a neighbor of mine, liked it -so well that she wants to get another just like it." - -This was addressed to Mr. Drummond, who happened to be nearest the door. - -"Did you buy this shawl of us?" asked Mr. Drummond. - -"Yes, sir. I bought it about a fortnight ago, and paid five dollars for -it." - -"Five dollars! There must be some mistake. We never sell such a shawl -as that for less than ten dollars." - -"I can't help it," said Mrs. Blake, positively. "I bought it here, and -paid five dollars for it." - -"Why, those shawls cost me seven dollars and a half at wholesale. It is -not likely I would sell them for five." - -"I didn't buy it of you." - -"Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond, "did you sell this lady the shawl she -is wearing, for five dollars?" - -"No, sir; have not sold a shawl like that for two months. I know the -price well enough, and I wouldn't sell it for less than ten dollars." - -"I didn't buy it of him, I bought it of a boy," said Mrs. Blake. - -"It must have been that stupid Conrad," exclaimed Mr. Drummond, angrily. -"Wait till he comes in, and I'll haul him over the coals." - -"Then you won't let my friend have another like it for five dollars?" - -"No," said Mr. Drummond, provoked. "I don't do business that way. I've -lost nearly three dollars by that shawl of yours. You ought to make up -the wholesale price to me." - -"I shan't do it," said Mrs. Blake. "If you've made a mistake, it's your -lookout. I wasn't willing to pay more than five dollars." - -The two ladies were about to leave the store when Mr. Drummond said, -"The boy will be back directly. I wish you would wait a few minutes, so -that if he denies it you can prove it upon him." - -"I've got a call to make," said Mrs. Blake, "but I'll come in again in -about an hour." - -They left the store, and Mr. Drummond began to berate the absent Walter. -He was provoked to find that he had lost two dollars and a half, and, if -Walter had been in receipt of any wages, would have stopped the amount -out of his salary. But, unfortunately for this plan of reprisal, our -hero received his board only, and that could not very well be levied -upon. However, he might have some money in his possession, and Mr. -Drummond decided to require him to make up the loss. - -"When did she say she bought the shawl, Mr. Nichols?" asked his -employer. - -"About a fortnight ago." - -"Will you look on the books, and see if you find the sale recorded? I am -surprised that it escaped my attention." - -Nichols looked over the book of sales, and announced that no such entry -could be found. - -Mr. Drummond was surprised. Though not inclined to judge others any too -charitably, he had never suspected Walter of dishonesty. - -"Are you sure you looked back far enough?" he asked. - -"Yes," said Nichols; "to make sure, I looked back four weeks. The woman -said only a fortnight, you know." - -"I know. Then it seems Conrad has concealed the sale and kept the -money." - -"Perhaps," suggested Nichols, who rather liked Walter, "he forgot to put -it down." - -"If he did, he forgot to put the money in the drawer, for the cash and -the sales have always balanced. He's an ungrateful young rascal," -continued Mr. Drummond, harshly. "After I took him into my house and -treated him as a son (this was not saying much, if Joshua may be -believed), he has robbed me in the most cold-blooded manner." - -Why there should be anything cold-blooded in appropriating the price of -the shawl, even had the charge been true, I cannot say, nor could Mr. -Drummond probably, but he thought that the use of this term would make -the offence seem more aggravated. - -Even Nichols was a little staggered by the evidence against our hero. He -did not like to think him guilty, but it certainly seemed as if he must -be. - -"What are you going to do about it, Mr. Drummond?" he asked. - -"I suppose I ought to have him arrested. He deserves it." - -"I hope you won't do that. He may be able to explain it." - -"If I do not proceed to extremities, it will be on account of his -relationship, which I blush to acknowledge." - -The time had been, and that not long since, when Mr. Drummond felt proud -of his relationship to the rich Squire Conrad of Willoughby; but that -was before his loss of property. Circumstances alter cases. - -Quite unconscious of the storm that was gathering, Walter at this -moment entered the store. - -"So you've got back!" said Mr. Drummond, harshly. - -"Yes, sir." - -"You haven't been in any particular hurry. However, that was not what I -wished to speak to you about. We have made a discovery since you went -out." - -"Have you, sir?" asked Walter, rather surprised by the peculiar tone -which Mr. Drummond saw fit to adopt. - -"Yes, and not a very agreeable one." - -"I am sorry for that," said Walter, not knowing what else was expected -of him. - -"No doubt you are sorry," sneered Mr. Drummond. "I should think he would -be, eh, Mr. Nichols?" - -"I am sorry also," said Nichols, who, though rather weak-minded, was a -good-hearted young man. - -"So am I sorry," said Mr. Drummond. "It strikes me I have most reason to -be sorry, considering that the loss has fallen on me." - -All this was an enigma to Walter, and he had not the faintest idea of -what his employer meant. He inferred, however, that some blame was about -to be laid upon him. - -"If you have no objection, Mr. Drummond," he said quietly, "perhaps you -will tell me what has happened." - -"I have found out your ingratitude, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, -preparing for a lecture, which he rather liked to indulge in, as his -wife could have testified. "I have discovered how like a viper you have -repaid me for my kindness. You didn't think I would find out, but your -iniquity has providentially come to light. While I was loading you with -benefits, you prepared to sting the hand of your benefactor." - -"I don't know what you are talking about, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, -impatiently. "I wish you would stop talking in riddles, and let me know -in what way I resemble a viper." - -"Did you ever witness such brazen effrontery, Mr. Nichols?" demanded Mr. -Drummond, turning to his head salesman; "even when he is found out, he -brazens it out." - -"Wouldn't it be as well to tell him what is the matter, Mr. Drummond?" -asked Nichols, who was in hopes our hero would be able to prove his -innocence. - -"Won't you tell me, Mr. Nichols?" asked Walter. - -"No," said Mr. Drummond, waving his hand; "it is my duty to tell him -myself. I will do so briefly. Walter Conrad, when I admitted you into my -house I little dreamed that I was harboring a thief." - -"A thief!" exclaimed Walter, his eyes flashing with anger, and elevating -his fist involuntarily. "Who dares to call me a thief?" - -"No violence, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Such a theatrical display of -indignation and surprise won't help you any. We are not to be imposed -upon by your artful demonstrations." - -"Mr. Drummond," burst forth Walter, fairly aroused, "you are insulting -me by every word you speak. I am no more a thief than you are." - -"Do you call me a thief?" exclaimed Mr. Drummond, turning white about -the lips. - -"No, I don't; but I have as much right to call you one as you have to -charge such a thing upon me." - -"I can prove what I say," said his employer. "I have got you in a net." - -"It won't take me long to get out of any net you may set for me. I -insist upon your telling me at once what you mean." - -"This language is rather extraordinary for a boy convicted of dishonesty -to use towards his employer." - -"I am not convicted of dishonesty. Mr. Nichols, I appeal to you to tell -me, what Mr. Drummond does not seem disposed to do, what is the meaning -of this false charge which he has trumped up against me." - -"I am sure you can prove your innocence, Conrad," said Nichols, -soothingly. - -"Mr. Nichols, will you do me the favor to be silent?" said his employer, -sharply. "The matter concerns Conrad and myself, and I don't choose that -any one should communicate with him except myself. To come to the point, -did you, or did you not, a fortnight since, sell one of those shawls, -such as you see on the counter, for five dollars?" - -"I did not," said Walter, promptly. - -"It might not have been exactly a fortnight. Have you sold such a shawl -within four weeks?" - -"I have not sold such a shawl since I have been in your employ, Mr. -Drummond." - -"You hear what he says, Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond. "You see how he -adds falsehood to dishonesty. But that is not uncommon. It is only what -I expected. Do you mean to say, Walter Conrad, that you didn't sell such -a shawl for five dollars (only half price), and, instead of entering the -sale, put the money into your own pocket?" - -"I do deny it most emphatically, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, -impetuously, "and I challenge you to prove it." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE TABLES ARE TURNED. - - -"I shall soon be able to prove it," said Mr. Drummond. "The lady who -bought the shawl came into the store half an hour since, and asked for -another. When I told her that it would cost ten dollars, she said she -only paid five for the one she had on. She then told us that she bought -it of you a fortnight since." - -"How did she know my name?" - -"She did not mention your name. She said that it was a boy she bought it -of, and of course that can only be you." - -"There is some mistake about this, Mr. Drummond. She has made a mistake. -She must have bought it somewhere else." - -"She would not be likely to make such a mistake as this. Besides, the -shawl is like others I have. How do you account for that?" queried Mr. -Drummond, triumphantly. - -"I don't pretend to account for it, and don't feel called upon to do so. -All I have got to say is, that I did not sell the shawl, nor pocket the -money." - -"I shouldn't be surprised if you had the money about you at this very -moment." - -"You are mistaken," said Walter, firmly. - -"Show me your pocket-book." - -"My pocket-book is my own property." - -"You are afraid to show it. Observe that, Mr. Nichols. Does not that -look like guilt?" - -"I am willing to show it to Mr. Nichols," said Walter. - -He took it from his pocket, and handed it to Nichols, who took it rather -unwillingly. - -"Open that pocket-book, Mr. Nichols, and show me what is in it." - -"Shall I do so, Walter?" asked Nichols. - -"Yes, Mr. Nichols. There is nothing in it that I am ashamed of." - -Nichols opened the pocket-book and took out three bills. - -"What are those bills, Mr. Nichols?" asked his employer. - -"There is a one, here is a two, and here is--" Nichols hesitated and -looked disturbed--"here is a five." - -Mr. Drummond's mean face was radiant with exultation. - -"I told you so. I think we need no further proof. The stolen money has -been found in Conrad's possession, and his falsehood and dishonesty are -clearly proved. Hand me that five." - -"Stop a minute, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, coolly. "You are altogether -too much in a hurry. You have proved nothing whatever. That five-dollar -bill I brought from home with me, and I have kept it ever since, having -no occasion to spend it." - -"Do you think I will believe any such story?" asked his employer, with a -sneer. "That is very plausible, Conrad, but very improbable. I have no -doubt whatever that the bill is the same one which was paid you for the -shawl." - -"Then you are entirely mistaken." - -"That remains to be seen. Mr. Nichols, I will relieve you of that -pocket-book. As the shawl should have been sold for ten dollars, the -entire contents will not be sufficient to pay for the loss I have -sustained." - -"Mr. Nichols," said Walter, "I forbid your giving that pocket-book to -Mr. Drummond. He has no claim to it whatever. You may give it to me." - -"I forbid you giving it to Conrad," broke in his employer. - -"I don't know what to do," said Nichols, perplexed, looking from one to -the other. - -"You know that it belongs to me, Mr. Nichols," said Walter. - -"I--I think I had better lay it down on the counter," said Nichols, by -the way of compromise. - -Walter, who was on the outside, sprang to the counter, and seized it -just in time to prevent Mr. Drummond's obtaining it. The latter was very -angry at his want of success, and exclaimed violently, "Walter Conrad, -give me that pocket-book instantly." - -Walter, who had put it in an inside pocket of his coat, coolly buttoned -the coat and answered, "If you had any claim to it, Mr. Drummond, you -would not have to speak twice; but as it is mine, I prefer to keep it." - -Mr. Drummond, though he had an irritable, aggravating temper, was not -one to proceed to violence on ordinary occasions. But just now he was -thoroughly provoked, and showed it. He sprang over the counter with an -agility worthy of his youth, and advanced threateningly upon Walter. - -"Walter Conrad," he exclaimed furiously, "how dare you defy me in this -outrageous manner? Do you know that I can have you arrested; but in -consideration of your being a relation, I may be induced to spare you -the penalty of the law if you will give me what money you have towards -making up my loss." - -"So I would, if the loss had come through me. But I have already told -you that this is not the case. I know nothing whatever about the shawl." - -"And this," said Mr. Drummond, folding his arms, "this is the viper that -I have warmed in my bosom. This is the friendless orphan that I admitted -beneath my roof, and made a companion of my son. This is the ungrateful -serpent who has crept into my confidence, and abused it!" - -Mr. Drummond was an orator on a small scale, and the pleasure of giving -utterance to this scathing denunciation caused him to delay his -intention to obtain possession of the pocket-book by violence. - -Walter ought to have been withered by this outburst of righteous anger, -but he wasn't. He stood it very well, and did not seem in the least -affected. - -"Behold his hardened effrontery, Mr. Nichols," pursued Mr. Drummond, -unfolding his arms, and pointing at our hero with quivering fore-finger. -"I could not have believed that a boy of his years could be so brazen." - -"Mr. Drummond," said Walter, "I am sustained by a consciousness of my -innocence, and therefore what you say has no effect upon me. It doesn't -seem to be very just to convict me without evidence, and sentence me -without trial." - -"Will you give up that pocket-book?" demanded Mr. Drummond, furiously, -having indulged in his little flight of oratory, and being now ready to -proceed to business. - -"No, sir, I will not," returned Walter, looking him firmly in the face. - -Mr. Drummond made a dash for him, but Walter was used to dodging, and, -eluding his grasp, ran behind the counter. - -"Mr. Nichols, help me to catch him," said Mr. Drummond, quite red in the -face. - -But Nichols did not show any great readiness to obey. He let Walter pass -him, and did not make the least effort to retain him. - -Mr. Drummond was making ready to jump over the counter, when Nichols, to -his great relief, observed the ladies, already referred to, coming up -the steps from the street. - -"Mr. Drummond, the ladies have returned," he said hastily. - -"Aha!" said his employer, with exultation. "Now we will be able to prove -your guilt, you young rascal! Here is the lady who bought the shawl of -you." - -Mrs. Blake and her friend, Mrs. Spicer, here entered the store. - -Mr. Drummond went forward to meet them. His face was flushed, but he -tried to look composed. - -"I am glad to see you back, ladies," he said. "You told me that you -bought your shawl of a boy?" turning to Mrs. Blake. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Come forward, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, a malignant smile -overspreading his face. "Perhaps you will deny now, to this lady's face, -that you sold her the shawl she has on." - -"I certainly do," said Walter. "I never, to my knowledge, saw the lady -before, and I know that I did not sell her the shawl." - -"What do you think of that, Mr. Nichols?" said Mr. Drummond. "Did you -ever witness such unblushing falsehood?" - -But here a shell was thrown into Mr. Drummond's camp, and by Mrs. Blake -herself. - -"The boy is perfectly right," she said. "I did not buy the shawl of -him." - -"WHAT!" stammered Mr. Drummond. - -Mrs. Blake repeated her statement. - -"Didn't you say you bought the shawl of the boy?" asked Mr. Drummond, -with a sickly hue of disappointment overspreading his face. - -"Yes, but it was not that boy." - -"That is the only boy I have in my employment." - -"Come to think of it, I believe it was your son," said Mrs. Blake. -"Isn't he a little older than this boy?" - -"My son,--Joshua!" exclaimed Mr. Drummond. - -"Yes, I think it must be he. He's got rather an old-looking face, with -freckles and reddish hair; isn't so good-looking as this boy." - -"Joshua!" repeated Mr. Drummond, bewildered. "He doesn't tend in the -store." - -"It was about dinner-time," said Mrs. Blake. "He was the only one here." - -"Do you know anything about this, Mr. Nichols?" asked Mr. Drummond, -turning to his head clerk. - -Light had dawned upon Nichols. He remembered now Joshua's offer to take -his place, and he felt sure in his own mind who was the guilty party. - -"Yes, Mr. Drummond," he answered; "about a fortnight ago, as Walter was -rather late in getting back, Joshua offered to stay in the store for a -while. He must have sold the shawl, but he must have guessed at the -price." - -"A mistake has been made," said Mr. Drummond, hurriedly, to the -ladies,--"a mistake that you have profited by. I shall not be able to -sell you another shawl for less than ten dollars." - -The ladies went out, and Mr. Drummond and his two clerks were left -alone. - -"Mr. Drummond," said Walter, quietly, "after what has happened, you will -not be surprised if I decline to remain in your employ. I shall take the -afternoon train to Willoughby." - -He walked out of the store, and crossed the street to Mr. Drummond's -house. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -IN WHICH JOSHUA COMES TO GRIEF. - - -Walter went up to his room, and hastily packed his trunk. He felt -wronged and outraged by the unfounded charge that had been made against -him. Why, he argued, should Mr. Drummond so readily decide that he had -cheated him out of five dollars? He felt that he could not, with any -self-respect, remain any longer under the same roof with a man who had -such a poor opinion of him. - -He was not sorry that his engagement was at an end. He had obtained some -knowledge of the dry-goods business, and he knew that his services were -worth more than his board. Then again, though he was not particular -about living luxuriously, the fare at Mr. Drummond's was so uncommonly -poor that he did sometimes long for one of the abundant and well-cooked -meals which he used to have spread before him at home, or even at his -boarding-house while a pupil of the Essex Classical Institute. - -He was packing his trunk when a step was heard on the stairs, and his -door was opened by Mr. Drummond, considerably to Walter's surprise. - -The fact is, that Mr. Drummond, on realizing what a mistake he had made, -and that Joshua was the real culprit, felt that he had gone altogether -too far, and he realized that he would be severely censured by Walter's -friends in Willoughby. Besides, it was just possible that Walter might, -after all, recover a few thousand dollars from his father's estate, and -therefore it was better to be on good terms with him. Mr. Drummond -determined, therefore, to conciliate Walter, and induce him, if -possible, to remain in his house and employ. - -"What are you doing, Conrad?" he asked, on entering Walter's chamber. - -"Packing my trunk, sir," said Walter. - -"Surely you are not going to leave us." - -"I think it best," said Walter, quietly. - -"You won't--ahem!--bear malice on account of the little mistake I made. -We are all liable to mistakes." - -"It was something more than a mistake, Mr. Drummond. What had you seen -in me to justify you in such a sudden charge of dishonesty?" - -"Almost anybody would have been deceived under the circumstances," said -Mr. Drummond, awkwardly. - -"You did not give me an opportunity to defend myself, or rather you -disbelieved all I said." - -"Well, Conrad, I was mistaken. I shall be glad to have you come back to -the store as before." - -"Thank you, Mr. Drummond, but I have decided to go back to Willoughby -for a short time. I want to consult Mr. Shaw about the future. It is -time I formed some plans, as I shall probably have to earn my living." - -"Don't you think you had better wait a few months?" - -"No, sir, I think not." - -"If you have made up your mind, all I have to say is that my humble -dwelling will be ever open to receive you in the future. Perhaps, after -a short visit at your old home, you may feel inclined to return to my -employment. I will give you a dollar a week besides board." - -Mr. Drummond looked as if he felt that this was a magnificent offer, for -which Walter ought to feel grateful. But our hero knew very well that he -could command better pay elsewhere, and was not particularly impressed. -Still he wished to be polite. - -"Thank you for your offer, Mr. Drummond," he said; "but I am not -prepared to say, as yet, what I will do." - -"I hope," said Mr. Drummond, rather embarrassed, "you won't speak of our -little difference to your friends at Willoughby." - -"No, sir, not if you wish me not to do so." - -By this time the trunk was packed, and Walter, locking it, rose from his -knees. - -"If it won't be too much trouble, Mr. Drummond," he said, "I will send -for my trunk to-morrow." - -"Certainly. Why won't you wait till to-morrow yourself?" - -"As I am ready, I may as well take the afternoon train." - -"Very well; just as you think best." - -"I will go down and bid good-by to Mrs. Drummond." - -Mrs. Drummond had just come from the kitchen. She looked with surprise -at Walter and her husband, whose presence in the house at that hour was -unusual. - -"What is the matter?" she asked. - -"Conrad is going home a short time on business," explained Mr. Drummond. - -"When shall we see you back again, Walter?" asked Mrs. Drummond. - -"That is uncertain," said Walter. "It depends upon my plans for the -future." - -"I have offered him increased pay," said Mr. Drummond, "if he will -return to the store. I hope he may decide to do so. Our humble roof will -ever be ready to shelter him." - -Considering that Mr. Drummond had not lately made any such hospitable -references to the humble roof, his wife looked somewhat puzzled. - -Just at that moment Joshua, unconscious of the damaging discovery that -had been made relative to himself, entered the room. - -"Hallo! what's up?" he asked. - -It was the first time his father had seen him since the discovery of his -dishonesty, and his anger was kindled. - -"You ought to be ashamed to show your face here, you young reprobate!" -he exclaimed. - -Joshua stared in amazement, and Mrs. Drummond exclaimed, "What makes you -talk so, Mr. Drummond? What has he done?" - -"What has he done?" ejaculated Mr. Drummond, adding, rather -ungrammatically, "He's a thief, that's what he's done." - -"How can you say such things of your own son?" - -"Shut up, Mrs. Drummond; you don't know what you're talking about, or -you wouldn't defend him. It would serve him right if I should flog him -within an inch of his life." - -"If you try it," said Joshua, sullenly, "I'll have you arrested for -assault and battery." - -"Take care, boy! or you may find yourself in custody for theft." - -"What do all these dreadful words mean?" asked Mrs. Drummond, -distressed. "Tell me, Walter, if you know." - -"I would rather Mr. Drummond informed you," said Walter. - -"I'll tell you, Mrs. Drummond," said her husband. "That boy sold a shawl -a fortnight ago, when alone in the store, and pocketed the money." - -"Who said I did?" asked Joshua, boldly, though he looked a little pale. - -"The woman who bought it of you was in the store to-day." - -"Did she say I sold it to her?" - -"Yes." - -"Did she know my name?" - -"No, but she described you." - -"So I did," said Joshua, finding it advisable to remember. "I remember -now I sold it for five dollars." - -"What made you keep the money?" - -"I didn't. I waited till Conrad came into the store, and gave the money -to him. What he did with it, I don't know. Perhaps he forgot to put it -in the drawer," he added, with a spiteful look at Walter. - -"That's a lie, Joshua Drummond!" said Walter, quietly, "and you know it -is. I think your father knows it is also." - -"Do you mean to say I lie?" blustered Joshua. - -"I wouldn't if I wasn't obliged to; but in my own defence I am compelled -to do so." - -"What could I want of the money?" demanded Joshua, with a look of -virtuous indignation. - -"I might as well ask the same question of myself; but that would be a -poor defence. If you really want me to answer that question, I will do -it." - -"Go ahead, then," said Joshua. "I hope my word is better than that of a -beggar living on charity." - -"Joshua!" said his mother, in a tone of remonstrance. - -"I think you wanted the money to buy lottery tickets with," said Walter, -calmly. - -Joshua turned pale, and looked thunderstruck. - -"To buy lottery tickets with!" he gasped, staring at Walter in dismay. - -"What's that?" asked Mr. Drummond, pricking up his ears. - -"Your son can tell you," said Walter. - -"What does this mean, Joshua?" demanded his father, sternly. - -"It's a lie," said Joshua, unblushingly. - -"Have you bought no lottery tickets?" - -"No." - -"Can you prove this charge which you have made against my son?" asked -Mr. Drummond, turning to Walter. - -"I can, but I am sorry to do so. I picked up this letter a day or two -since, and intended to give it back to Joshua, but it escaped my mind. I -would not have exposed him if he had not tried to charge me with theft." - -He placed in Mr. Drummond's hands the letter already given, announcing -to Joshua that he had drawn a blank. - -Mr. Drummond read it with no little anger, for he detested lotteries. - -"Unhappy boy!" he said, addressing Joshua. "I understand now what -became of the five dollars. This decides me to do what I had intended to -do sooner. I have supported you in laziness long enough. It is time you -went to work. Next week you must go to work. I will take you into my -store; but as I am not sure of your honesty, if I find you appropriating -money to your own use, I will put you into a shoe-shop and make a -shoemaker of you." - -This was an alarming threat to Joshua, who had a foolish pride, which -led him to look upon a trade as less respectable than the mercantile -profession. He slunk out of the house, and Mr. Drummond went back to the -store, while Walter set out on foot for the railway station, -three-quarters of a mile distant. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. - - -"Give me a ticket to Willoughby," said Walter, offering the five-dollar -bill which he had come so near losing. - -The ticket was handed him, and three dollars and seventy-five cents were -returned to him. - -"How long are you going to stay away?" asked the station-master, with -whom Walter had some acquaintance. - -"I may not come back at all." - -"Have you left Drummond's store?" - -"Yes." - -"Isn't that rather sudden?" - -"A little so; but I didn't mean to stay long." - -The shriek of the locomotive now became audible, and Walter went out on -the platform. Five minutes later found him occupying a seat, or rather -half a seat, for there sat next to him a brisk, energetic-looking man, -of about thirty years of age. - -He had been reading the morning paper, but apparently he had got through -with it, for he folded it up, and put it in his pocket. - -"Fine day," he said, briskly. - -"Yes, sir, very fine," answered Walter. - -"Some people are affected by the weather; I am not," pursued his -fellow-traveller. "I feel as smart one day as another." - -"It isn't quite so cheerful when it rains," observed Walter. - -"I'm always cheerful. I've got too much business to do to mope. When a -man's got enough to busy himself about, he hasn't time to be in the -dumps." - -"There's a good deal in that," said Walter. - -"Of course there is. Push along, keep moving, that's my motto. Are you -in business?" - -"No, sir, not at present." - -"I'm in the subscription-book business,--got an office in New York. We -send out agents everywhere to canvass for our publication. Lots of -money in it." - -"Is there?" - -"Yes. I used to be an agent myself, and, though I say it, I don't think -there are many agents that can get ahead of me. Sometimes I used to make -twenty dollars a day. At last I thought I'd like to settle down, so I -bought a partnership, and now, instead of being an agent, I send out -agents." - -"Isn't twenty dollars a day pretty large for an agent to make?" asked -Walter. - -"Yes, there are not many do it, but plenty make from five to ten right -along. You look as if you would make a good agent." - -"What makes you think so?" asked Walter. - -"You look smart." - -"Thank you," said Walter, laughing. "I am afraid you won't think so much -of my ability when I tell you I have been working for the last three -months for my board." - -"It's a shame. You'd better come with us. We'll do much better by you -than that." - -"I am going to consult some friends about my future plans. If you are -willing to tell me a little of your business, I will think of what you -propose." - -"I have with me our latest publication. It's going like wildfire. Just -the thing to please the people. I'll show it to you." - -Walter looked with interest while his new acquaintance drew out from a -carpet-bag, which he had beneath the seat, a good-sized parcel wrapped -in brown paper. Untying it, he produced a bulky octavo, in flashy -binding, and abounding in illustrations. He opened the book and turned -over the leaves rapidly. - -"It's stuffed full of illustrations, you see," said he. "The expense of -the pictures alone was absolutely e-nor-mous!" he added, dwelling upon -the last word by way of emphasis. "But we're going to make it pay. The -sale will be immense. Our agents already in the field report remarkable -sales." - -"What's the title of the book?" asked Walter, who had yet been unable to -determine this point, by reason of the rapid turning of the pages. - -"'Scenes in Bible Lands.' We include other countries besides Palestine, -and we've made a book that'll sell. Most every family will want one." - -"What terms do you offer to agents?" - -"Why, the book sells at retail at three dollars and fifty cents. Of this -the agent keeps one dollar and twenty-five cents. Pretty good, isn't -it?" - -"Yes, I should think it was." - -"You see you have only to sell four copies a day to make five dollars. -If you're smart, you can do better than that." - -It really did seem very good to Walter, who couldn't help comparing it -with the miserable wages he had received from Mr. Drummond. - -"I think that would pay very well," he said. - -"Most paying business out," said the other. "Say the word, and I'll -engage you on the spot." - -"Where would you want me to sell?" - -"I should like to have you go West. This way districts are mostly taken -up. It would give you a good chance to travel and see the world." - -Now Walter was, like most young people, fond of new scenes, and this -consideration was a weighty one. It would enable him to travel, and pay -his expenses while doing so. - -"Better say the word." - -"I can't now. I must see my friends first." - -"Where are you going?" - -"To Willoughby." - -"How long are you going to stay?" - -"I can't tell. A few days probably." - -"Well, I'll give you the number of our office in New York. When you get -ready, report to us there, and we'll put you in the field." - -To this Walter assented, and asked several questions further, to which -he received encouraging answers. The stranger gave him his card, from -which our hero learned that he had made the acquaintance of Mr. James -Pusher, of the firm of Flint & Pusher, subscription publishers, No. -- -Nassau St., New York. - -"Good-by," said Mr. Pusher, cordially, when Walter left the train for -the Willoughby station; "hope to see you again." - -"Thank you," said Walter; "very likely you will." - -Taking his carpet-bag in his hand, for he had arranged to have his -trunk come the next day, he walked over to the house of Mr. Shaw, his -father's executor. - -Mr. Shaw was in his office, a little one-story building standing by -itself a little to the left of his house. He was busily writing, and did -not at once look up. When he saw who it was, he rose up and welcomed -Walter with a smile. - -"I'm very glad to see you, Walter," he said. "I was just wishing you -were here. When did you leave Stapleton?" - -"This afternoon, Mr. Shaw. I have just reached Willoughby." - -"And how did you like Stapleton?" - -"Tolerably well." - -"And Mr. Drummond,--how were you pleased with him?" - -"As to that," said Walter, smiling, "I can't say that I liked him as -well as I might." - -"I judged that from what I have heard of his character. He has the -reputation of being very mean. A cent in his eyes is as large as a -dollar appears to some men. How did he pay you for your services?" - -"I worked for board wages." - -"And pretty poor board at that, I imagine." - -"I had no fear of the gout," said Walter. "The living isn't luxurious." - -"Well, I'm glad you are back again. For the present I shall expect you -to be my guest." - -This settled the embarrassing question which had suggested itself as to -where he should stay. His late father's house was of course shut up, and -he had no relatives in Willoughby. - -"Thank you, Mr. Shaw," he said. "For a few days I shall be glad to -accept your kind offer. What progress have you made in settling the -estate?" - -"I can give you some idea of how it stands. There will be something -left, but not much. After paying all debts, including Nancy's, there -will certainly be a thousand dollars; but if you pay Nancy's legacy, -that will take half of this sum." - -"The legacy shall be paid," said Walter, promptly, "no matter how -little remains. I am glad there is enough for that." - -"I honor your determination, Walter, but I don't think Nancy will be -willing to take half of what you have left." - -"Then don't let her know how little it is." - -"There is a chance of something more. I have made no account of the -Great Metropolitan Mining stock, of which your father held shares to the -amount of one hundred thousand dollars, cost price. How these will come -out is very uncertain, but I think we can get something. Suppose it were -only five per cent., that would make five thousand dollars. But it isn't -best to count on that." - -"I shan't make any account of the mining stock," said Walter. "If I get -anything, it will be so much more than I expect." - -"That is the best way. It will prevent disappointment." - -"How long before we find out about it?" - -"It is wholly uncertain. It may be six months; It may be two years. All -I can say is, that I will look after your interests." - -"Thank you, I am sure of that." - -"Now, as to your plans. You were at the Essex Classical Institute, I -think?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"What do you say to going back for a year? It is not an expensive -school. You could stay a year, including all expenses, for the sum of -five hundred dollars." - -Walter shook his head. - -"It would consume all my money; and as long as I am not going to -college, my present education will be sufficient." - -"As to consuming all your money," said Mr. Shaw, "let me say one thing. -I received many favors from your father, especially when a young man -just starting in business. Let me repay them by paying half your -expenses for the next year at school." - -"You are very kind, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, gratefully, "and I would -accept that favor from you sooner than from any one; but I've made up my -mind to take care of myself, _and paddle my own canoe_." - -"Well, perhaps you're right," said the lawyer, kindly; "but at least -you will accept my advice. Have you formed any plans for the future?" - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -MESSRS. FLINT AND PUSHER. - - -Now that he was again in his native village, Walter realized how -unpleasant had been his position at Mr. Drummond's from the new -elasticity and cheerfulness which he felt. There had been something -gloomy and oppressive in the atmosphere of his temporary home at -Stapleton, and he certainly had very little enjoyment in Joshua's -society. Mrs. Drummond was the only one for whom he felt the least -regard. - -He passed a few days quietly, renewing old acquaintances and -friendships. Nancy Forbes had gone to live with a brother, who was an -old bachelor, and very glad to have her with him. Her savings and the -legacy left her by Mr. Conrad together amounted to a thousand dollars, -or rather more,--sufficient to make Nancy rich, in her own opinion. But -she was not quite satisfied about the legacy. - -"They say, Walter, that you'll be left poor," she said. "You'll need -this money." - -"No, I shan't, Nancy," answered Walter. "Besides, there's a lot of -mining stock that'll come to something,--I don't know how much." - -"But I don't feel right about taking this money, Walter." - -"You needn't feel any scruples, Nancy. I can take care of myself. I can -paddle my own canoe." - -"But you haven't got any canoe," said Nancy, who did not comprehend the -allusion. "Besides, I don't see how that would help you to a living." - -Walter laughed. - -"I shall get a canoe, then," he said, "and I'll steer it on to Fortune." - -"At any rate," said Nancy, "I will leave you my money when I die." - -"Who knows but you'll marry and have a lot of children?" - -"That isn't very likely, Walter, and me forty-seven a'ready. I'm most an -old woman." - -So the conversation ended. Nancy agreed, though reluctantly, to take the -legacy, resolved some time or other to leave it to Walter. If she had -known how little he really had left, she would not have consented to -accept it at all. - -The same evening Walter sat in the lawyer's comfortable sitting-room, -and together they discussed the future. - -"So you want to be a book agent, Walter?" said Mr. Shaw. "I can't say I -think very highly of this plan." - -"Why not, Mr. Shaw?" - -"It will lead to nothing." - -"I don't mean to spend my life at it. I am more ambitious than that. But -it will give me a chance to travel without expense, and I always wanted -to see something of the world." - -"How old are you now?" - -"Fifteen." - -"You are well-grown of your age. You might readily be taken for -sixteen." - -"Do you really think so?" asked Walter, gratified, like most boys of his -age, at being thought to look older than he really was. - -"Yes; at sixteen I was smaller than you now are." - -"You see, Mr. Shaw, that, as I am so young, even if I spend a year at -this business, I shall not be too old to undertake something else -afterwards. In the mean time I shall see something of the world." - -"Well, Walter, I won't oppose you. If I had not so much confidence in -you, I should warn you of the temptations that are likely to beset your -youth, left, as you will be, entirely to yourself. Of course you will be -thrown among all kinds of associates." - -"Yes, sir; but I think I shall be wise enough to avoid what will do me -no good." - -"So I hope and believe. Now, what is the name of this publisher you were -speaking of?" - -"Pusher. He's of the firm of Flint & Pusher." - -"I have heard of them. They are an enterprising firm." - -"I think I had better start pretty soon, Mr. Shaw. I shall enjoy myself -better when I am at work." - -"Next Monday, then, if you desire it." - -It was then Friday. - -On Monday morning Mr. Shaw handed Walter a pocket-book containing a -roll of bills. "You will need some money to defray your expenses," he -said, "until you are able to earn something. You will find fifty dollars -in this pocket-book. There is no occasion to thank me, for I have only -advanced it from money realized from your father's estate. If you need -any more, you can write me, and I can send you a check or money-order." - -"This will be quite enough, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, confidently. "It -won't be long before I shall be paying my way; at least I hope so. I -don't mean to be idle." - -"I am sure you won't be, or you will belie your reputation. Well, -good-by, Walter. Write me soon and often. You know I look upon myself as -in some sort your guardian." - -"I will certainly write you, Mr. Shaw. By the way, I never thought to -ask you about the furniture of my room at the Essex Classical -Institute." - -"It was purchased by the keeper of the boarding-house; at a sacrifice, -it is true, but I thought it best to let it go, to save trouble." - -[Illustration] - -"I should like to see Lem," thought Walter, with a little sigh as he -called to mind the pleasant hours he had passed with his school-fellow. -"I'll go back and pay the old institute a visit some time, after I've -got back from my travels." - -Walter reached New York by ten o'clock. Though his acquaintance with the -city streets was very limited, as he had seldom visited it, he found his -way without much trouble to the place of business of Messrs. Flint & -Pusher. As they did not undertake to do a retail business, but worked -entirely through agents, their rooms were not on the first floor, but on -the third. Opening the door of the room, to which he was guided by a -directory in the entry beneath, Walter found himself in a large -apartment, the floor of which was heaped up with piles of books, chiefly -octavos. An elderly gentleman, with a partially bald head, and wearing -spectacles, was talking with two men, probably agents. - -"Well, young man," said he, in rather a sharp voice, "what can I do for -you?" - -"Is Mr. Pusher in?" asked Walter. - -"He went out for a few minutes; will be back directly. Did you wish -particularly to see him?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Take a seat, then, and wait till he comes in." - -Walter sat down and listened to the conversation. - -"You met with fair success, then?" inquired Mr. Flint. - -"Yes, the book takes well. I sold ten in one day, and six and eight in -other days." - -Walter pricked up his ears. He wondered whether the book was the one -recommended to him. If so, a sale of ten copies would enable the agent -to realize twelve dollars and a half, which was certainly doing very -well. - -Just as the agents were going out, Mr. Pusher bustled in. His sharp eyes -fell upon Walter, whom he immediately recognized. - -"Ha, my young friend, so you have found us out," he said, offering his -hand. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Come to talk on business, I hope?" - -"Yes, sir, that is my object in coming." - -"Mr. Flint," said Mr. Pusher, "this is a young friend whose acquaintance -I made a short time since. I told him, if ever he wanted employment, to -come here, and we would give him something to do." - -Mr. Flint, who was a slower and a more cautious man than Mr. Pusher, -regarded Walter a little doubtfully. - -"Do you mean as an agent?" he said. - -"Certainly I do." - -"He seems very young." - -"That's true, but age isn't always an advantage. He looks smart, and -I'll guarantee that he is all he looks. I claim to be something of a -judge of human nature too." - -"No doubt you're right," said Mr. Flint, who was accustomed to defer -considerably to his more impetuous partner. "What's the young man's -name?" - -"You've got me there," said Mr. Pusher, laughing. "If I ever knew, which -is doubtful, I've forgotten." - -"My name is Walter Conrad," said our hero. - -"Very good. Well, Conrad," continued Mr. Pusher, in an off-hand manner, -"what are your wishes? What book do you want to take hold of?" - -"You mentioned a book the other day,--'Scenes in Bible Lands.'" - -"Yes, our new book. That would be as good as any to begin on. How's the -territory, Mr. Flint?" - -Mr. Flint referred to a book. - -"Most of the territory near by is taken up," he said. "Does Mr. Conrad -wish to operate near home?" - -"I would rather go to a distance," said Walter. - -"As far as Ohio?" - -"Yes." - -"In that case you could map out your own route pretty much. We haven't -got the West portioned out as we have the Middle and New England -States." - -"In other words, we can give you a kind of roving commission, Conrad," -put in Mr. Pusher. - -"That would suit me, sir," said Walter. - -"Still it would be best not to attempt to cover too much territory. A -rolling stone gathers no moss, you know. There is one important -question I must ask you to begin with. Have you got any money?" - -"Yes, sir, I have fifty dollars." - -"Good. Of course you will need money to get out to your field of labor, -and will have to pay your expenses till you begin to earn something. -Fifty dollars will answer very well." - -"As I don't know very well how the business is managed," said Walter, "I -must ask for instructions." - -"Of course. You're a green hand. Sit down here, and I'll make it all -plain to you." - -So Mr. Pusher, in his brief, incisive way, explained to Walter how he -must manage. His instructions were readily comprehended, and Walter, as -he listened, felt eager to enter upon the adventurous career which he -had chosen. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -WALTER LOSES HIS MONEY. - - -Walter, by advice of Mr. Pusher, bought a ticket to Cleveland. There was -a resident agent in this city, and a depository of books published by -the firm. As Walter would be unable to carry with him as large a supply -of books as he needed, he was authorized to send to the Cleveland agency -when he got out, and the books would be sent him by express. - -"I will give you a letter to Mr. Greene, our agent in Cleveland," said -Mr. Pusher, "and you can consult him as to your best field of -operations." - -The letter was hastily written and handed to Walter. - -"Good-by, Mr. Pusher," he said, preparing to leave the office. - -"Good-by, my young friend. I shall hope to hear good accounts from you." - -So Walter went downstairs, and emerged into the street. He had no -particular motive for remaining in New York, and felt eager to commence -work. So he went at once to the Erie railway depot, and bought a through -ticket to Cleveland, via Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Though he had not -much money to spare, he determined not to neglect the opportunity he -would have of seeing this great natural wonder, but to stop over a day -in order to visit the falls. - -He selected a comfortable seat by a window, and waited till the train -was ready to start. He realized that he had engaged in rather a large -enterprise for a boy of fifteen, who had hitherto had all his wants -supplied by others. He was about to go a thousand miles from home, to -earn his own living,--in other words, to paddle his own canoe. But he -did not feel in the least dismayed. He was ambitious and enterprising, -and confident that he could earn his living as well as other boys of his -age. He had never been far from home, but felt that he should enjoy -visiting new and unfamiliar scenes. So he felt decidedly cheerful and -hopeful as the cars whirled him out of the depot, and he commenced his -Western journey. - -Walter put his strip of railway tickets into his vest-pocket, and his -porte-monnaie, containing the balance of his money, into the pocket of -his pantaloons. He wished to have the tickets at hand when the conductor -came round. He sat alone at first, but after a while a lady got in who -rode thirty miles or more, and then got out. A little later a young man -passed through the cars, looking about him on either side. He paused at -Walter's seat, and inquired, "Is this seat taken?" - -"No, sir," said Walter. - -"Then, with your permission, I will take it," said the stranger. -"Tiresome work travelling, isn't it?" - -"I don't know," said Walter. "I rather like it; but then I never -travelled much." - -"I have to travel a good deal on business," said the other, "and I've -got tired of it. How many times do you think I have been over this -road?" - -"Couldn't guess." - -"This is the fifteenth time. I know it like a book. How far are you -going?" - -"To Cleveland." - -"Got relations there, I suppose?" - -"No," said Walter; "I am going on business." - -He was rather glad to let his companion know that he, too, was in -business. - -"You're young to be in business," said his companion. "What sort of -business is it?" - -"I am an agent for Flint & Pusher, a New York firm." - -"Publishers, aint they?" - -"Yes, sir." - -Walter's companion was a young man of twenty-five, or possibly a year or -two older. He was rather flashily attired, with a cut-away coat and a -low-cut vest, double-breasted, across which glittered a massive chain, -which might have been gold, or might only have been gilt, since all that -glitters is not gold. At any rate, it answered the purpose of making a -show. His cravat was showy, and his whole appearance indicated absence -of good taste. A cautious employer would scarcely have selected him -from a crowd of applicants for a confidential position. Walter was -vaguely conscious of this. Still he had seen but little of the world, -and felt incompetent to judge others. - -"Are you going right through to Cleveland?" inquired the stranger. - -"No; I think I shall stop at Buffalo. I want to see Niagara Falls." - -"That's right. Better see them. They're stunning." - -"I suppose you have been there?" said Walter, with some curiosity. - -"Oh, yes, several times. I've a great mind to go again and show you -round, but I don't know if I can spare so long a time from business." - -"I should like your company," said Walter, politely; "but I don't want -to interfere with your engagements." - -"I'll think of it, and see how I can arrange matters," said the other. - -Walter was not particularly anxious for the continued society of his -present companion. He was willing enough to talk with him, but there was -something in his appearance and manner which prevented his being -attracted to him. He turned away and began to view the scenery through -which they were passing. The stranger took out a newspaper, and appeared -to be reading attentively. Half an hour passed thus without a word being -spoken on either side. At length his companion folded up the paper. - -"Do you smoke?" he asked. - -"No," said Walter. - -"I think I'll go into the smoking-car, and smoke a cigar. I should like -to offer you one if you will take one." - -"No, thank you," said Walter; "I don't smoke, and I am afraid my first -cigar wouldn't give me much pleasure." - -"I'll be back in a few minutes. Perhaps you'd like to look over this -paper while I am gone." - -"Thank you," said Walter. - -He took the paper,--an illustrated weekly,--and looked over the pictures -with considerable interest. He had just commenced reading a story when a -boy passed through the car with a basket of oranges and apples depending -from his arm. - -"Oranges--apples!" he called out, looking to the right and left in -quest of customers. - -The day was warm, and through the open window dust had blown into the -car. Walter's throat felt parched, and the oranges looked tempting. - -"How much are your oranges?" he inquired. - -"Five cents apiece, or three for a dime," answered the boy. - -"I'll take three," said Walter, reflecting that he could easily dispose -of two himself, and considering that it would only be polite to offer -one to his companion, whose paper he was reading, when he should return. - -"Here are three nice ones," said the boy, picking them out, and placing -them in our hero's hands. - -Walter felt in his vest-pocket, thinking he had a little change there. -He proved to be mistaken. There was nothing in that pocket except his -railway tickets. - -Next, of course, he felt for his porte-monnaie, but he felt for it in -vain. - -He started in surprise. - -"I thought my pocket-book was in that pocket," he reflected. "Can it be -in the other?" - -He felt in the other pocket, but search here was equally fruitless. He -next felt nervously in the pocket of his coat, though he was sure he -couldn't have put his porte-monnaie there. Then it flashed upon him, -with a feeling of dismay, that he had lost his pocket-book and all his -remaining money. How or where, he could not possibly imagine, for the -suddenness of the discovery quite bewildered him. - -"I won't take the oranges," he said to the boy. "I can't find my money." - -The boy, who had made sure of a sale, took back the fruit reluctantly, -and passed on, crying out, "Here's your oranges and apples!" - -Walter set about thinking what had become of his money. The more he -thought, the more certain he felt that he had put his porte-monnaie in -the pocket in which he had first felt for it. Why was it not there now? -That was a question which he felt utterly incompetent to answer. - -"Have you lost anything?" inquired a gentleman who sat just behind -Walter. Looking back, he found that it was a gentleman of fifty who -addressed him. - -"Yes, sir," he said, "I have lost my pocket-book." - -"Was there much money in it?" - -"About forty dollars, sir." - -"That is too much to lose. Was your ticket in it also?" - -"No, sir; that I have in my vest-pocket." - -"Where was your pocket-book when you last saw it?" inquired the -gentleman. - -"In this pocket, sir." - -"Humph!" commented the other. "Who was that young man who was sitting -with you a few minutes since?" - -"I don't know, sir." - -"He was a stranger, then?" - -"Yes, sir; I never met him till this morning." - -"Then I think I can tell you where your money has gone." - -"Where, sir?" demanded Walter, beginning to understand him. - -"I think your late companion was a pickpocket, and relieved you of it, -while he pretended to be reading. I didn't like his appearance much." - -"I don't see how he could have done it without my feeling his hand in my -pocket." - -"They understand their business, and can easily relieve one of his purse -undetected. I once had my watch stolen without being conscious of it. -Your porte-monnaie was in the pocket towards the man, and you were -looking from the window. It was a very simple thing to relieve you of -it." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -SLIPPERY DICK. - - -It is not natural for a boy of Walter's age to distrust those with whom -he becomes acquainted even slightly. This lesson unfortunately is -learned later in life. But the words of his fellow-traveller inspired -him with conviction. He could think of no other way of accounting for -his loss. - -He rose from his seat. - -"Where are you going?" asked the old gentleman. - -"I am going to look for the thief." - -"Do you expect to find him?" - -"He said he was going into the smoking-car." - -"My young friend, I strongly suspect that this was only to blind you. -The cars have stopped at two stations since he left his seat, and if he -took your money he has doubtless effected his escape." - -Walter was rather taken aback by this consideration. It seemed -reasonable enough, and, if true, he didn't see how he was going to get -back his money. - -"I dare say you are right," he said; "but I will go into the smoking-car -and see." - -"Come back again, and let me know whether you find him." - -"Yes, sir." - -Walter went through two cars, looking about him on either side, thinking -it possible that the thief might have taken his seat in one of them. -There was very little chance of this, however. Next he passed into the -smoking-car, where, to his joy no less than his surprise, he found the -man of whom he was in search playing cards with three other passengers. - -He looked up carelessly as Walter approached, but did not betray the -slightest confusion or sign of guilt. To let the reader into a secret, -he had actually taken Walter's pocket-book, but was too cunning to keep -it about him. He had taken out the money, and thrown the porte-monnaie -itself from the car platform, taking an opportunity when he thought -himself unobserved. As the money consisted of bills, which could not be -identified as Walter's, he felt that he was in no danger of detection. -He thought that he could afford to be indifferent. - -"Did you get tired of waiting?" he asked, addressing our hero. - -"That's pretty cool if he took the money," thought Walter. - -"May I speak to you a moment?" asked Walter. - -"Certainly." - -"I mean alone." - -"If you'll wait till I have finished the game," said the pickpocket, -assuming a look of surprise. "Something private, eh?" - -"Yes," said Walter, gravely. - -He stood by impatiently while the game went on. He was anxious to find -out as soon as possible what had become of his money, and what was the -chance of recovering it. - -At length the game was finished, and a new one was about to be -commenced, when Walter tapped his late companion on the shoulder. - -"Oh, you wanted to speak to me, did you?" he said indifferently. "Can't -you wait till we have finished this game?" - -"No," said Walter, resolutely, "I can't wait. It is a matter of great -importance." - -"Then, gentlemen, I must beg to be excused for five minutes," said the -pickpocket, shrugging his shoulders, as if to express good-natured -annoyance. "Now, my young friend, I am at your service." - -Walter proceeded to the other end of the car, which chanced to be -unoccupied. Now that the moment had come, he hardly knew how to -introduce the subject. Suppose that the person he addressed were -innocent, it would be rather an awkward matter to charge him with the -theft. - -"Did you see anything of my pocket-book?" he said, at length. - -"Your pocket-book?" returned the pickpocket, arching his brows. "Why, -have you lost it?" - -"Yes." - -"When did you discover its loss?" - -"Shortly after you left me," said Walter, significantly. - -"Indeed! was there much money in it?" - -"Over thirty dollars." - -"That is quite a loss. I hope you have some more with you." - -"No, it is all I have." - -"I'm very sorry indeed. I did not see it. Have you searched on the -floor?" - -"Yes; but it isn't there." - -"That's awkward. Was your ticket in the pocket-book?" - -"No, I had that in my vest-pocket." - -"That's fortunate. On my honor, I'm sorry for you. I haven't much money -with me, but I'll lend you a dollar or two with the greatest of -pleasure." - -This offer quite bewildered Walter. He felt confident that the other had -stolen his money, and now here he was offering to lend him some of it. -He did not care to make such a compromise, or to be bought off so cheap; -so, though quite penniless, he determined to reject the offer. - -"I won't borrow," he said, coldly. "I was hoping you had seen my money." - -"Sorry I didn't. Better let me lend you some." - -"I would rather not borrow." - -Walter could not for the life of him add "Thank you," feeling no -gratitude to the man who he felt well assured had robbed him. - -The pickpocket turned and went back to his game, and Walter slowly left -the car. He had intended to ask him point-blank whether he had taken the -money, but couldn't summon the necessary courage. He went back to his -old seat. - -"Well," said the old gentleman who sat behind him, "I suppose you did -not find your man?" - -"Yes, I did." - -"You didn't get your money?" he added, in surprise. - -"No, he said he had not seen it." - -"Did you tax him with taking it?" - -"No, I hardly ventured to do that." - -"Did he show any confusion?" - -"No, sir, he was perfectly cool. Still, I think he took it. He offered -to lend me a dollar or two." - -"That was cool, certainly." - -"What would you advise me to do?" asked Walter. - -"I hardly know what to advise," said the other, thoughtfully. - -"I don't want him to make off with my money." - -"Of course not. That would be far from agreeable." - -"If he could only be searched, I might find the pocket-book on him." - -"In order to do that, he must be charged with the robbery." - -"That is true. It will be rather awkward for a boy like me to do that." - -"I'll tell you what you had better do, my young friend. Speak to the -conductor." - -"I think I will," said Walter. - -Just at that moment the conductor entered the car. As he came up the -aisle Walter stopped him, and explained his loss, and the suspicions he -had formed. - -"You say the man is in the smoking-car?" said the conductor, who had -listened attentively. - -"Yes." - -"Could you point him out?" - -"Yes." - -"I am glad of it. I have received warning by telegraph that one of the -New York swell-mob is on the train, probably intent on mischief, but no -description came with it, and I had no clue to the person. I have no -doubt that the man you speak of is the party. If so, he is familiarly -known as 'Slippery Dick.'" - -"Do you think you can get back my money?" asked Walter, anxiously. - -"I think there is a chance of it. Come with me and point out your man." - -Walter gladly accompanied the conductor to the smoking-car. His old -acquaintance was busily engaged as before in a game, and laughing -heartily at some favorable turn. - -"There he is," said Walter, indicating him with his finger. - -The conductor walked up to him, and tapped him on the shoulder. - -"What's wanted?" he asked, looking up. "You've looked at my ticket." - -"I wish to speak to you a moment." - -He rose without making any opposition, and walked to the other end of -the car. - -"Well," he said, and there was a slight nervousness in his tone, "what's -the matter? Wasn't my ticket all right?" - -"No trouble about that. The thing is, will you restore this boy's -pocket-book?" - -"Sir," said the pickpocket, blustering, "do you mean to insult me? What -have I to do with his pocket-book?" - -"You sat beside him, and he missed it directly after you left him." - -"What is that to me? You may search me if you like. You will find only -one pocket-book upon me, and that is my own." - -"I am aware of that," said the conductor, coolly. "I saw you take the -money out and throw it from the car platform." - -The pickpocket turned pale. - -"You are mistaken in the person," he said. - -"No, I am not. I advise you to restore the money forthwith." - -Without a word the thief, finding himself cornered, took from his -pocket a roll of bills, which he handed to Walter. - -"Is that right?" asked the conductor. - -"Yes," said our hero, after counting his money. - -"So far, so good. And now, Slippery Dick," he continued, turning to the -thief, "I advise you to leave the cars at the next station, or I will -have you arrested. Take your choice." - -The detected rogue was not long in making his choice. Already the cars -had slackened their speed, and a short distance ahead appeared a small -station. The place seemed to be one of very little importance. One man, -however, appeared to have business there. Walter saw his quondam -acquaintance jump on the platform, and congratulated himself that his -only loss was a porte-monnaie whose value did not exceed one dollar. - -I will only add that the conductor on seeing the pocket-book thrown away -had thought nothing of it, supposing it to be an old one, but as soon as -he heard of the robbery suspected at once the thief and his motive. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -A HARD CUSTOMER. - - -Walter stopped long enough at Buffalo to visit Niagara Falls, as he had -intended. Though he enjoyed the visit, and found the famous cataract -fully up to his expectations, no incident occurred during the visit -which deserves to be chronicled here. He resumed his journey, and -arrived in due time at Cleveland. - -He had no difficulty in finding the office of Mr. Greene, the agent of -Messrs. Flint & Pusher. He found that this gentleman, besides his -agency, had a book and stationery business of his own. - -"I don't go out myself," he said to Walter; "but I keep a supply of -Flint's books on hand, and forward them to his agents as called for. -Have you done much in the business?" - -"No, sir, I am only a beginner. I have done nothing yet." - -"I thought not. You look too young." - -"Mr. Pusher told me I had better be guided by your advice." - -"I'll advise you as well as I can. First, I suppose you want to know -where to go." - -"Yes, sir." - -"You had better go fifty miles off at least. The immediate neighborhood -has been pretty well canvassed. There's C---- now, a flourishing and -wealthy town. Suppose you go there first." - -"Very well, sir." - -"It's on the line of railway. Two hours will carry you there." - -"I'll go, this afternoon." - -"You are prompt." - -"I want to get to work as soon as possible." - -"I commend your resolution. It speaks well for your success." - -Walter arrived in C---- in time for supper. He went to a small public -house, where he found that he could board for a dollar and a half a day, -or seven dollars by the week. He engaged a week's board, reflecting that -he could probably work to advantage a week in so large a place, or, if -not, that five days at the daily rate would amount to more than the -weekly terms. - -He did not at first propose to do anything that evening until it -occurred to him that he might perhaps dispose of a copy of his book to -the landlord in part payment for his board. He went into the public room -after supper. - -"Are you travelling alone?" asked the landlord, who had his share of -curiosity. - -"Yes," said Walter. - -"Not on business?" - -"Yes, on business." - -"What might it be now? You are rather young to be in business." - -"I am a book-agent." - -"Meeting with pretty good success?" - -"I'm just beginning," said Walter, smiling. "If you'll be my first -customer, I'll stop with you a week." - -"What kind of a book have you got?" - -Walter showed it. It was got up in the usual style of subscription -books, with abundance of illustrations. - -"It's one of the best books we ever sent out," said Walter, in a -professional way. "Just look at the number of pictures. If you've got -any children, they'll like it; and, if you haven't, it will be just the -book for your centre-table." - -"I see you know how to talk," said the landlord, smiling. "What is the -price?" - -"Three dollars and a half." - -"That's considerable." - -"But you know I'm going to take it out in board." - -"Well, that's a consideration, to be sure. A man doesn't feel it so much -as if he took the money out of his pocket and paid cash down. What do -you say, Mrs. Burton?" addressing his wife, who just then entered the -room. "This young man wants to stay here a week, and pay partly in a -book he is agent for. Shall I agree?" - -"Let me see the book," said Mrs. Burton, who was a comely, -pleasant-looking woman of middle age. "What's the name of it?" - -"'Scenes in Bible Lands,'" said Walter. - -He opened it, taking care to display and point out the pictures. - -"I declare it is a nice book," said Mrs. Burton. "Is there a picture of -Jerusalem?" - -"Here it is," said Walter, who happened to know just where to find it. -"Isn't it a good picture? And there are plenty more as good. It's a book -that ought to be in every family." - -"Really, Mr. Burton, I don't know but we might as well take it," said -the landlady. "He takes it out in board, you know." - -"Just as you say," said the landlord. "I am willing." - -"Then I'll take the book. Emma will like to look at it." - -So Walter made the first sale, on which he realized a profit of one -dollar and a quarter. - -"It's a pretty easy way to earn money," he reflected with satisfaction, -"if I can only sell copies enough. One copy sold will pay for a day's -board." - -He went to bed early, and enjoyed a sound and refreshing sleep. He was -cheered with hopes of success on the morrow. If he could sell four -copies a day, that would give him a profit of five dollars, and five -dollars would leave him a handsome profit after paying expenses. - -The next morning after breakfast he started out, carrying with him three -books. Knowing nothing of the residents of the village, he could only -judge by the outward appearance of their houses. Seeing a large and -handsome house standing back from the street, he decided to call. - -"The people living here must be rich," he thought. "They won't mind -paying three dollars and a half for a nice book." - -Accordingly he walked up the gravelled path and rang the front-door -bell. The door was opened by a housemaid. - -"Is the lady of the house at home?" asked Walter. - -"Do you want to see her?" - -"Yes." - -"Then wait here, and I'll tell her." - -A tall woman, with a thin face and a pinched expression, presented -herself after five minutes. - -"Well, young man," she asked, after a sharp glance, "what is your -business?" - -Her expression was not very encouraging, but Walter was bound not to -lose an opportunity. - -"I should like to show you a new book, madam," he commenced, "a book of -great value, beautifully illustrated, which is selling like wildfire." - -"How many copies have you sold?" inquired the lady, sharply. - -"One," answered Walter, rather confused. - -"Do you call that selling like wildfire?" she demanded with sarcasm. - -"I only commenced last evening," said Walter, "I referred to the sales -of other agents." - -"What's the name of the book?" - -"'Scenes in Bible Lands.'" - -"Let me see it." - -Walter displayed the book. - -"Look at the beautiful pictures," he said. - -"I don't see anything remarkable about them. The binding isn't very -strong. Shouldn't wonder if the book would go to pieces in a week." - -"I don't think there'll be any trouble that way," said Walter. - -"If it does, you'll be gone, so it won't trouble you." - -"With ordinary care it will hold long enough." - -"Oh, yes, of course you'd say so. I expected it. How much do you charge -for the book?" - -"Three dollars and a half." - -"Three dollars and a half!" repeated the woman. "You seem to think -people are made of money." - -"I don't fix the price, madam," said Walter, rather provoked. "The -publishers do that." - -"I warrant they make two-thirds profit. Don't they now?" - -"I don't know," said Walter. "I don't know anything about the cost of -publishing books; but this is a large one, and there are a great many -pictures in it. They must have cost considerable." - -"Seems to me it's ridiculous to ask such a price for a book. Why, it's -enough to buy a nice dress pattern!" - -"The book will last longer than the dress," said Walter. - -"But it is not so necessary. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'd like the -book well enough to put on my parlor-table. I'll give you two dollars -for it." - -"Two dollars!" ejaculated Walter, scarcely crediting the testimony of -his ears. - -"Yes, two dollars; and I warrant you'll make money enough then." - -"I should lose money," said Walter. "I couldn't think of accepting such -an offer." - -"In my opinion there isn't any book worth even two dollars." - -"I see we can't trade," said Walter, disgusted at such meanness in a -lady who occupied so large a house, and might be supposed to have plenty -of money. - -He began to replace the book in its brown-paper covering. - -"I don't know but I might give you twenty-five cents more. Come now, -I'll give you two dollars and a quarter." - -"I can't take it," said Walter, shortly. "Three dollars and a half is -the price, and I will not take a cent less." - -"You won't get it out of me then," retorted the lady, slamming the door -in displeasure. - -Walter had already made up his mind to this effect, and had started on -his way to the gate. - -"I wonder if I shall meet many people like her," he thought, and his -courage was rather damped. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -BUSINESS EXPERIENCES. - - -Walter began to think that selling books would prove a harder and more -disagreeable business than he anticipated. He had been brought face to -face with meanness and selfishness, and they inspired him with disgust -and indignation. Not that he expected everybody to buy his books, even -if they could afford it. Still it was not necessary to insult him by -offering half price. - -He walked slowly up the street, wondering if he should meet any more -such customers. On the opposite side of the street he noticed a small -shoemaker's shop. - -"I suppose it is of no use to go in there," thought Walter. "If they -won't buy at a big house, there isn't much chance here." - -Still he thought he would go in. He had plenty of time on his hands, -and might as well let slip no chance, however small. - -He pushed open the door, and found himself in a shop about twenty-five -feet square, littered up with leather shavings and finished and -unfinished shoes. A boy of fourteen was pegging, and his father, a man -of middle age, was finishing a shoe. - -"Good-morning," said Walter. - -"Good-morning," said the shoemaker, turning round. "Do you want a pair -of shoes this morning?" - -"No," said Walter, "I didn't come to buy, but to sell." - -"Well, what have you got to sell?" - -"A subscription book, finely illustrated." - -"What's the name of it?" - -"'Scenes in Bible Lands.'" - -"Let me look at it." - -He wiped his hands on his apron, and, taking the book, began to turn -over the leaves. - -"It seems like a good book," he said. "Does it sell well?" - -"Yes, it sells largely. I have only just commenced, but other agents -are doing well on it." - -"You are rather young for an agent." - -"Yes, but I'm old enough to work, and I'm going to give this a fair -trial." - -"That's the way to talk. How much do you expect to get for this book?" - -"The price is three dollars and a half." - -"It's rather high." - -"But there are a good many pictures. Those are what cost money." - -"Yes, I suppose they do. Well, I've a great mind to take one." - -"I don't think you'll regret it. A good book will give you pleasure for -a long time." - -"That's so. Well, here's the money;" and the shoemaker drew out five -dollars from a leather pocket-book. "Can you give me the change?" - -"With pleasure." - -Walter was all the more pleased at effecting this sale because it was -unexpected. He had expected to sell a book at the great house he had -just called at, but thought that the price of the book might deter the -shoemaker, whose income probably was not large. He thought he would like -to know the name of the lady with whom he had such an unpleasant -experience. - -"Can you tell me," he inquired, "who lives in that large house a little -way up the street?" - -"You didn't sell a book there, did you?" asked the shoemaker, laughing. - -"No, but I got an offer of two dollars for one." - -"That's just like Mrs. Belknap," returned the other. "She has the name -of being the meanest woman for miles around." - -"It can't be for want of money. She lives in a nice house." - -"Oh, she's rich enough,--the richest woman in town. When her husband was -alive--old Squire Belknap--she wasn't quite so scrimping, for he was -free-handed and liberal himself; but now she's a widow, she shows out -her meanness. So she offered you two dollars?" - -"Yes, but she afterwards offered twenty-five cents more." - -"Then she must have wanted the book. She makes it her boast that no -peddler ever took her in, and I guess she's about right." - -"I hope there are not many such people in town. If there are, I shall -get discouraged." - -"We've got our share of mean people, I expect, but she's the worst." - -"Well, I suppose I must be going. Thank you for your purchase." - -"That's all right. If I like the book as well as I expect, I'll thank -you." - -Walter left the shoemaker's shop with considerably higher spirits than -he entered. His confidence in human nature, which had been rudely shaken -by Mrs. Belknap, was in a degree restored, and his prospects looked -brighter than a few minutes before. - -"I wonder who'll make the next purchase?" he thought. - -He stopped at a plain two-story house a little further up the road. The -door was opened by an old lady. - -"What do you want?" she asked. - -"I am agent for an excellent book," commenced Walter. - -"Oh, you're a peddler," broke in the old lady, without waiting to hear -him through. - -"I suppose I may be called so." - -"Are you the man that was round last spring selling jewelry?" - -"No, I have never been here before." - -"I don't know whether to believe you or not," said the old lady. "Your -voice sounds like his. I can't see very well, for I've mislaid my specs. -If you're the same man, I'll have you took up for selling bogus -jewelry." - -"But I'm not the same one." - -"I don't know. The man I spoke of sold my darter a gold ring for a -dollar, that turned out to be nothing but brass washed over. 'Twa'n't -worth five cents." - -"I'm sorry you got cheated, but it isn't my fault." - -"Wait a minute, I'll call my darter." - -In reply to her mother's call a tall maiden lady of forty advanced to -the door, with some straw in her hand, for she was braiding straw. - -"What's wanted, mother?" she asked. - -"Isn't this the same man that sold you that ring?" - -"La, no, mother. He was a man of forty-five, and this is only a boy." - -"I s'pose you must be right, but I can't see without my specs. Well, I'm -sorry you're not the one, for I'd have had you took up onless you'd give -back the dollar." - -Under the circumstances Walter himself was not sorry that there was no -chance of identifying him with his knavish predecessor. - -"What have you got to sell?" asked the younger woman. - -"A book beautifully illustrated, called 'Scenes in Bible Lands.' Will -you allow me to show it to you?" - -"He seems quite polite," said the old lady, now disposed to regard -Walter more favorably. "Won't you come in?" - -Walter entered, and was shown into a small sitting-room, quite plainly -furnished. The book was taken from him, and examined for a considerable -length of time by the daughter, who, however, announced at the end that -though she should like it very much, she couldn't afford to pay the -price. As the appearance of the house bore out her assertion, Walter did -not press the purchase, but was about to replace the book under his arm, -when she said suddenly, "Wait a minute. There's Mrs. Thurman just coming -in. Perhaps she'll buy one of your books." - -Walter was of course perfectly willing to wait on the chance of a sale. - -Mrs. Thurman was the wife of a trader in good circumstances, and -disposed to spend liberally, according to her means. Walter was not -obliged to recommend his book, for this was done by the spinster, who -was disinterestedly bent on making a sale. So he sat quiet, a passive -but interested auditor, while Miss Nancy Sprague extolled the book for -him. - -"It does seem like an excellent book," said Mrs. Thurman, looking at the -pictures. - -"Just the thing for your Delia," suggested Miss Nancy; "I am sure she -would like it." - -"That reminds me to-morrow is Delia's birthday." - -"Then give her the book for a birthday present." - -"I had intended to buy her something else. Still I am not sure but this -would suit her quite as well." - -"I am sure it would," responded Miss Nancy. - -"Then I will take it. Young man, how much do you ask for your book?" - -"Three dollars and a half." - -Mrs. Thurman paid the money, and received the book. - -"I am much obliged to you," said Walter, addressing Miss Nancy, "for -recommending my book." - -"You're quite welcome," said Miss Nancy, who felt some satisfaction at -gaining her point, though it would not benefit her any. "I'm sure you -are quite polite for a peddler, and I hope you'll excuse mother for -making such a mistake about you." - -"That is of no consequence," said Walter, smiling. "I think if your -mother had had her glasses on she would not have made such a mistake." - -He left the house still farther encouraged. But during the next hour he -failed to sell another copy. At length he managed to sell a third. As -these were all he had brought out, and he was feeling rather tired, he -went back to the tavern, and did not come out again till after dinner. -He had sold three copies and cleared three dollars and seventy-five -cents, which he was right in regarding as very fair success. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -A CABIN IN THE WOODS. - - -Walter found a good dinner ready for him at twelve o'clock, which he -enjoyed the more because he felt that he had earned it in advance. He -waited till about two o'clock, and again set out, this time in a -different direction. As it takes all sorts of people to make a world, so -the reception he met with at different places differed. In some he was -received politely; in others he was treated as a humbug. But Walter was -by this time getting accustomed to his position, and found that he must -meet disagreeable people with as good humor as he could command. One -farmer was willing to take the book if he would accept pay in apples, of -which he offered him two barrels; but this offer he did not for a moment -entertain, judging that he would find it difficult to carry about the -apples, and probably difficult to dispose of them. However, he managed -to sell two copies, though he had to call at twenty places to do it. -Nevertheless, he felt well repaid by the degree of success he met with. - -"Five books sold to-day!" thought Walter, complacently, as he started on -his walk home. "That gives me six dollars and a quarter profit. I wish I -could keep that up." - -But our young merchant found that he was not likely to keep up such -sales. The next day he sold but two copies, and the day succeeding -three. Still for three days and a half the aggregate sale was eleven -copies, making a clear profit of thirteen dollars and seventy-five -cents. At the end of the week he had sold twenty copies; but to make up -this number he had been obliged to visit one or two neighboring -villages. - -He now prepared to move on. The next place at which he proposed to stop -for a few days we will call Bolton. He had already written to Cleveland -for a fresh supply of books to be forwarded to him there. He had but two -books left, and his baggage being contained in a small valise, he -decided to walk this distance, partly out of economy, but principally -because it would enable him to see the country at his leisure. During -the first five miles he succeeded in selling both books, which relieved -him of the burden of carrying them, leaving him only his valise. - -Walter was strong and stout, and enjoyed his walk. There was a freshness -and novelty about his present mode of life, which he liked. He did not -imagine he should like to be a book-agent all his life, but for a time -he found it quite agreeable. - -He stopped under the shade of a large elm and ate the lunch which he had -brought with him from the inn. The sandwiches and apples were good, and, -with the addition of some water from a stream near by, made a very -acceptable lunch. When he resumed his walk after resting a couple of -hours, the weather had changed. In the morning it was bright sunshine. -Now the clouds had gathered, and a storm seemed imminent. To make -matters worse, Walter had managed to stray from the road. He found -himself walking in a narrow lane, lined on either side by thick woods. -Soon the rain come pattering down, at first in small drops, but quickly -poured down in a drenching shower. Walter took refuge in the woods, -congratulating himself that he had sold the books, which otherwise would -have run the risk of being spoiled. - -"I wish there were some house near by in which I could rest," thought -Walter. The prospect of being benighted in the woods in such weather was -far from pleasant. - -Looking around anxiously, he espied a small foot-path, which he -followed, hoping, but hardly expecting, that it might lead to some place -of refuge. To his agreeable surprise he emerged after a few minutes into -a small clearing, perhaps half an acre in extent, in the middle of which -was a rough cabin. It was a strange place for a house, but, rude as it -was, Walter hailed its appearance with joy. At all events it promised -protection from the weather, and the people who occupied it would -doubtless be willing to give him, for pay of course, supper and lodging. -Probably the accommodations would not be first class, but our hero was -prepared to take what he could get, and be thankful for it. Accordingly -he advanced fearlessly and pounded on the door with his fist, as there -was neither bell nor knocker. - -The door not being opened immediately, he pounded again. This time a -not particularly musical voice was heard from within:-- - -"Is that you, Jack?" - -"No," answered Walter, "it isn't Jack." - -His voice was probably recognized as that of a boy, and any apprehension -that might have been felt by the person within was dissipated. Walter -heard a bolt withdrawn, and the door opening revealed a tall, gaunt, -bony woman, who eyed him in a manner which could not be considered very -friendly or cordial. - -"Who are you?" she demanded abruptly, keeping the door partly closed. - -"I am a book-agent," said Walter. - -"Do you expect to sell any books here?" asked the woman, with grim -humor. - -"No," said Walter, "but I have been caught in the storm, and lost my -way. Can I stop here over night if the storm should hold on?" - -"This isn't a tavern," said the woman, ungraciously. - -"No, I suppose not," said Walter; "but it will be a favor to me if you -will take me in, and I will pay you whatever you think right. I suppose -there is no tavern near by." - -He half hoped there might be, for he had already made up his mind that -this would not be a very agreeable place to stop at. - -"There's one five miles off," said the woman. - -"That's too far to go in such weather. If you'll let me stay here, I -will pay you whatever you ask in advance." - -"Humph!" said the woman, doubtfully, "I don't know how Jack will like -it." - -As Walter could know nothing of the sentiments of the Jack referred to, -he remained silent, and waited for the woman to make up her mind, -believing that she would decide in his favor. - -He proved to be right. - -"Well," she said, half unwillingly, "I don't know but I'll take you in, -though it isn't my custom to accommodate travellers." - -"I will try not to give you much trouble," said Walter, relieved to find -that he was sure of food and shelter. - -"Humph!" responded the woman. - -She led the way into the building, which appeared to contain two rooms -on the first floor, and probably the same number of chambers above. -There was no entry, but the door opened at once into the kitchen. - -"Come up to the fire if you're wet," said the woman. - -The invitation was hospitable, but the manner was not. However, Walter -was glad to accept the invitation, without thinking too much of the -manner in which it was expressed, for his clothes were pretty well -saturated by the rain. There was no stove, but an old brick fireplace, -on which two stout logs were burning. There was one convenience at least -about living in the woods. Fuel was abundant, and required nothing but -the labor of cutting it. - -"I think I'll take off my shoes," said Walter. - -"You can if you want to," said his grim hostess. - -He extended his wet feet towards the fire, and felt a sense of comfort -stealing over him. He could hear the rain falling fiercely against the -sides of the cabin, and felt glad that he was not compelled to stand the -brunt of the storm. - -[Illustration] - -He looked around him guardedly, not wishing to let his hostess see that -he was doing so, for she looked like one who might easily be offended. -The room seemed remarkably bare of furniture. There was an unpainted -table, and there were also three chairs, one of which had lost its back. -These were plain wooden chairs, and though they appeared once to have -been painted, few vestiges of the original paint now remained. On a -shelf were a few articles of tin, but no articles of crockery were -visible, except two cracked cups. Walter had before this visited the -dwellings of the poor, but he had never seen a home so poorly provided -with what are generally regarded as the necessaries of life. - -"I wonder what Lem would say if he should see me now," thought Walter, -his thoughts going back to the Essex Classical Institute, and the friend -whose studies he shared. They seemed far away, those days of careless -happiness, when as yet the burdens of life were unfelt and scarcely even -dreamed of. Did Walter sigh for their return? I think not, except on one -account. His father was then alive, and he would have given years of his -own life to recall that loved parent from the grave. But I do not think -he would have cared, for the present at least, to give up his business -career, humble though it was, and go back to his studies. He enjoyed the -novelty of his position. He enjoyed even his present adventure, in spite -of the discomforts that attended it, and there was something exciting in -looking about him, and realizing that he was a guest in a rough cabin in -the midst of the woods, a thousand miles away from home. - -Guarded as he had been in looking around him, it did not escape without -observation. - -"Well, young man, this is a poor place, isn't it?" asked the woman, -suddenly. - -"I don't know," said Walter, wishing to be polite. - -"That's what you're thinkin', I'll warrant," said the woman. "Well, -you're not obliged to stay, if you don't want to." - -"But I do want to, and I am very much obliged to you for consenting to -take me," said Walter, hastily. - -"You said you would pay in advance," said the woman. - -"So I will," said Walter, taking out his pocket-book, "if you will tell -me how much I am to pay." - -"You may give me a dollar," said the woman. - -Walter drew out a roll of bills, and, finding a one-dollar note, handed -it to the woman. - -She took it, glancing covetously at the remaining money which he -replaced in his pocket-book. Walter noticed the glance, and, though he -was not inclined to be suspicious, it gave him a vague feeling of -anxiety. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -STRANGE ACQUAINTANCES. - - -An hour passed without a word being spoken by his singular hostess. She -went to the window from time to time, and looked out as if expecting -some one. At length Walter determined to break the silence, which had -become oppressive. It did not seem natural for two persons to be in the -same room so long without speaking a word. - -"I should think you would find it lonely living in the woods away from -any neighbors," he said. - -"I don't care for neighbors," said the woman, shortly. - -"Have you lived here long?" - -"That's as people reckon time," was the answer. - -Walter found himself no wiser than before, and the manner of his hostess -did not encourage him to pursue his inquiries further on that subject. - -"You don't have far to go for fuel," was the next remark of our hero. - -"Any fool might see that," said the woman. - -"Not very polite," thought Walter. - -He relapsed into silence, judging that his hostess did not care to -converse. Soon, however, she began to ask questions. - -"Did you say you was a book-peddler?" she inquired. - -"I am a book-agent." - -"Where are your books,--in that carpet-bag?" - -"No, I have sold all my books, and sent for some more." - -"Where did you sell them?" - -"In C----." - -"Have you come from there?" - -"Yes, I started from there this forenoon." - -"Where did you stop?" - -"At the tavern." - -"Is your business a good one?" she asked, eying him attentively. - -"I have done very well so far, but then I have been at it only a week." - -"It's a good thing to have money," said the woman, more to herself than -to Walter. - -"Yes," said Walter, "it's very convenient to have money; but there are -other things that are better." - -"Such as what?" demanded the woman abruptly. - -"Good health for one thing." - -"What else?" - -"A good conscience." - -She laughed scornfully. - -"I'll tell you there's nothing so good as money. I've wanted it all my -life, and never could get it. Do you think I would live here in the -woods if I had money? No, I should like to be a lady, and wear fine -clothes, and drive about in a handsome carriage. Why are some people so -lucky, while I live in this miserable hole?" - -She looked at Walter fiercely, as if she held him responsible for her -ill-fortune. - -"Perhaps your luck will change some day," he said, though he had little -faith in his own words. He wondered how the tall, gaunt woman of the -backwoods would look dressed in silks and satins. - -"My luck never will change," she said, quickly. - -"I must live and die in some such hovel as this." - -"My luck has changed," said Walter, quietly; "but in a different way." - -"How?" she asked, betraying in her tone some curiosity. - -"A year ago--six months ago--my father was a rich man, or was considered -so. He was thought to be worth over a hundred thousand dollars. All at -once his property was swept away, and now I am obliged to earn my own -living, as you see." - -"Is that true?" she asked. - -"Yes, it is true." - -"How did your father lose his money?" - -"By speculating in mines." - -"The more fool he!" - -"My father is dead," said Walter, gravely. "I cannot bear to hear him -blamed." - -"Humph!" ejaculated the woman; but what she intended to convey by this -utterance Walter could not tell. - -Again the woman went to the window and looked out. - -"It's time for Jack to be here," she said. - -"Your son?" asked Walter. - -"No, my husband." - -"He'll be pretty wet when he comes in," Walter ventured to say; but his -remark elicited no response. - -After a while his hostess said, in her usual abrupt tone, "I expect you -are hungry." - -"Yes," said Walter, "I am, but I can wait till your husband comes." - -"I don't know when he'll come. Likely he's kept." - -She took out from a small cupboard a plate of bread and some cold meat, -and laid them on the table. Then she steeped some tea, and, when it was -ready, she put that also on the table. - -"Set up," she said, briefly. - -Walter understood from this that supper was ready, and, putting on his -shoes, which were now dry, he moved his chair up. - -"Likely you're used to something better," said the woman. - -This was true, but our hero politely said that the supper looked very -good, and he did not doubt he would enjoy it. - -"That's lucky, for it's all you will get," said the woman. - -"There's not much use in wasting politeness on her," thought Walter. -"She won't give any in return, that's certain." - -The woman poured him out some tea in one of the cracked cups. - -"We haven't got no milk nor sugar," she said. "My man and I don't care -for them." - -The first sip of the tea, which was quite strong, nearly caused a wry -expression on Walter's face, but he managed to control himself so far as -not to betray his want of relish for the beverage his hostess offered -him. The only redeeming quality it had was that it was hot, and, exposed -as he had been to the storm, warm drink was agreeable. - -"There's some bread and there's some meat," said the woman. "You can -help yourself." - -"Are you not going to eat supper with me?" asked Walter. - -"No, I shall wait for Jack." - -She sat down in a chair before the fire, leaving Walter to take care of -himself, and seemed plunged in thought. - -"What a strange woman!" thought Walter. "I wonder if her husband is -anything like her. If he is, they must be an agreeable couple." - -He ate heartily of the food, and succeeded in emptying his cup of tea. -He would have taken another cup if there had been milk and sugar, but it -was too bitter to be inviting. - -"Will you have some more tea?" asked the hostess, turning round. - -"No, I thank you." - -"You miss the milk and sugar?" - -"I like them in tea." - -"We can't afford to buy them, so it's lucky we don't like them." - -There was a bitterness in her tone whenever she talked of money, which -led Walter to avoid the topic. Evidently she was a discontented woman, -angry because her lot in life was not brighter. - -Walter pushed his chair from the table, and sat down again before the -fire. She rose and cleared the table, replacing the bread and meat in -the cupboard. - -"Where are you going next?" she asked, after a pause. - -Walter mentioned the name of the place. - -"Have you ever been there?" he asked. - -"Yes." - -"Is it a flourishing place?" - -"Yes, good enough, but I haven't been there for a year. It may have -burned down for all I know." - -"I wonder what sort of a woman she was when she was young?" thought -Walter. "I wonder if she was always so unsociable?" - -There was silence for another hour. Walter wished it were time to go to -bed, for the presence of such a woman made him feel uncomfortable. But -it was too early yet to suggest retiring. - -At length the silence was broken by a step outside. - -"That's Jack," said the woman, rising hastily; and over her face there -came a transient gleam of satisfaction, the first Walter had observed. - -Before she could reach the door it was opened, and Jack entered. Walter -looked up with some curiosity to see what sort of a man the husband of -this woman might be. He saw a stout man, with a face like a bull-dog's, -lowering eyes, and matted red hair and beard. - -"They are fitly mated," thought our hero. - -The man stopped short as his glance rested upon Walter, and he turned -quickly to his wife. - -"Who have you got here, Meg?" he asked, in a rough voice. - -"He was overtaken by the storm, and wanted me to take him in, and give -him supper and lodging." - -"He's a boy. What brings him into these woods?" - -"He says he's a book-peddler." - -"Where are his books?" - -"I have sold them all," said Walter, feeling called upon to take a -personal share in the conversation. - -"How many did you have?" - -"Twenty." - -"How much did you charge for them?" - -"Three dollars and a half apiece." - -"That's seventy dollars, isn't it?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, you can stay here all night if you want to. We aint used to -keepin' a tavern, but you'll fare as well as we." - -"Thank you. I was afraid I might have to stay out all night." - -"Now, Meg, get me something to eat quick. I'm most famished." - -While his wife was getting out the supper again, he sat down beside the -fire, and Walter had a chance to scan his rough features. There was -something in his appearance that inspired distrust, and our hero wished -the night were past, and he were again on his way. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -DANGER THREATENS. - - -After supper, which the man devoured like a wild animal, he proved more -sociable. He tried in a rough, uncouth manner to make himself agreeable, -and asked Walter numerous questions. - -"Do you like peddlin'?" he asked. - -"I can't tell yet," said Walter. "I haven't been at it long enough." - -"You can make money pretty fast?" - -"I don't know. Some days I expect to do well, but other days I may not -sell any books. But I like travelling about from place to place." - -"I don't know but I should like travellin' myself," said Jack. "Hey, -Meg?" - -"Anything better than staying in this miserable hole," said the woman. -"I'm sick and tired of it." - -"Well, old woman, maybe we'll start off soon. You couldn't get me a -chance in your business, could you?" - -Walter doubted strongly whether a rough, uneducated man like the one -before him would be well adapted for the book business, but he did not -venture to say so. - -"If you would like to try it," he said, "I can give you the name of the -agent in Cleveland. He is authorized to employ agents, and might engage -you." - -"Would he engage the old woman too?" - -"I don't know whether he has any female agents." - -"I couldn't do nothing sellin' books," said Meg, "nor you either. If it -was something else, I might make out." - -"Well, we'll think about it. This aint a very cheerful place to live, as -you say, and it's about time for a change." - -About nine o'clock Walter intimated a desire to go to bed. - -"I have been walking considerable to-day," he said, "and I feel tired." - -"I'll show you the place you're to sleep in," said the woman. - -She lit a candle, and left the room, followed by Walter. She led the way -up a rough, unpainted staircase and opened the door of the room over the -one in which they had been seated. - -"We don't keep a hotel," said she, "and you must shift as well as you -can. We didn't ask you to stay." - -Looking around him, Walter found that the chamber which he had entered -was as bare as the room below, if not more so. There was not even a -bedstead, but in the corner there was a bed on the floor with some -ragged bedclothes spread over it. - -"That's where you're to sleep," said the woman, pointing it out. - -"Thank you," said Walter. - -"There isn't much to thank me for. Good-night." - -"Good-night," said Walter. - -She put the candle on the mantel-piece, for there was no bureau or table -in the room, and went out. - -"This isn't a very stylish tavern, that's a fact," thought Walter, -taking a survey of the room. "I shall have a hard bed, but I guess I -can stand it for one night." - -There was something else that troubled him more than the poor -accommodations. The ill looks of his host and hostess had made a strong -impression upon his mind. The particular inquiries which they had made -about his success in selling books, and their strong desire for money, -led him to feel apprehensive of robbery. He was in the heart of the -woods, far away from assistance, and at their mercy. What could he, a -boy of fifteen, do against their combined attack? He would have -preferred to sleep in the woods without a shelter, rather than have -placed himself in their power. - -Under the influence of this apprehension, he examined the door to see if -there was any way of locking it. But there was neither lock nor bolt. -There had been a bolt once, but there was none now. - -Next he looked about the room to see if there was any heavy article of -furniture with which he could barricade the door. But, as has already -been said, there was neither bureau nor table. In fact, there was -absolutely no article of furniture except a single wooden chair, and -that, of course, would be of no service. - -"What shall I do?" thought Walter. "That man can enter the room when I -am asleep, and rob me of all my money." - -It was a perplexing position to be in, and might have puzzled an older -and more experienced traveller than our young hero. He opened his -pocket-book, and, taking out the money, counted it. There were sixty -dollars and a few cents within. - -"Where shall I hide it?" he considered. - -Looking about the room, he noticed a closet, the door of which was -bolted on the outside. Withdrawing the bolt he opened the door and -looked in. It was nearly empty, containing only a few articles of little -or no value. A plan of operations rapidly suggested itself to Walter in -case the room should be entered while he was awake. In pursuance of this -plan he threw a few pennies upon the floor of the closet, and then -closed the door again. Next he drew from the pocket-book all the money -it contained, except a single five-dollar bill. The bank notes thus -removed amounted to fifty-five dollars. He then drew off his stockings, -and, laying the bills in the bottom, again put them on. - -"He won't suspect where they are," thought Walter, in a tone of -satisfaction. "If he takes my pocket-book, I can stand the loss of five -dollars." - -He put on his shoes, that he might be ready for instant flight, if -occasion required it, and threw himself down on the outside of the -coverlid. - -If our young hero, who, I hope, will prove such if the danger which he -fears actually comes, could have overheard the conversation which was -even then going on between Jack and Meg, he would have felt that his -apprehensions were not without cause. - -When the woman returned from conducting Walter to his room, she found -her husband sitting moodily beside the fire. - -"Well, Meg," he said, looking up, "where did you put him?" - -"In the room above." - -"I hope he'll sleep sound," said Jack, with a sinister smile. "I'll go -up by and by and see how he rests." - -"What do you mean to do?" asked Meg. - -"He has got seventy dollars in that pocket-book of his. It must be -ours." - -His wife did not answer immediately, but looked thoughtfully into the -fire. - -"Well, what do you say?" he demanded impatiently. - -"What do I say? That I have no objection to taking the money, if there -is no danger." - -"What danger is there?" - -"He may charge us with the theft." - -"He can't see me take it, when his eyes are shut." - -"But he may not be asleep." - -"So much the worse for him. I must have the money. Seventy dollars is -worth taking, Meg. It's more money than I've had in my hands at one time -for years." - -"I like money as well as you, Jack; but the boy will make a fuss when he -finds the money is gone." - -"So much the worse for him," said Jack, fiercely. "I'll stop his noise -very quick." - -"You won't harm the lad, Jack?" said Meg, earnestly. - -"Why not? What is he to you?" - -"Nothing, but I feel an interest in him. I don't want him harmed. Rob -him if you will, but don't hurt him." - -"What should you care about him? You never saw him before to-day." - -"He told me his story. He has had ill-luck, like us. His father was very -rich, not long since, but he suddenly lost all his property, and this -boy is obliged to go out as a book-peddler." - -"What has that to do with us?" - -"You mustn't harm him, Jack." - -"I suppose you would like to have him inform against us, and set the -police on our track." - -"No, I wouldn't, and you know it." - -"Then he must never leave this cabin alive," said Jack. - -"You would not murder him?" demanded Meg, horror-struck. - -"Yes, I would, if there is need of it." - -"Then I will go up and bid him leave the house. Better turn him out -into the forest than keep him here for that." - -She had got half way to the door when her husband sprang forward, and -clutched her fiercely by the shoulder. - -"What are you going to do?" he growled. - -"You shall not kill him. I will send him away." - -"I have a great mind to kill you," he muttered fiercely. - -"No, Jack, you wouldn't do that. I'm not a very good woman, but I've -been a faithful wife to you, and you wouldn't have the heart to kill -me." - -"How do you know?" he said. - -"I know you wouldn't. I am not afraid for myself, but for you as well as -this boy. If you killed him, you might be hung, and then what would -become of me?" - -"What else can I do?" asked her husband, irresolutely. - -"Threaten him as much as you like. Make him take an oath never to inform -against you. He's a boy that'll keep his oath." - -"What makes you think so?" - -"I read it in his face. It is an honest face, and it can be trusted." - -"Well, old woman, perhaps you are right. The other way is dangerous, and -if this will work as well, I don't mind trying it. Now let us go to bed, -and when the boy's had time to fall asleep, I'll go in and secure the -money." - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE ROBBER WALKS INTO A TRAP. - - -Walter's feelings, as he lay on his hard bed on the floor, were far from -pleasant. He was not sure that an attempt would be made to rob him, but -the probability seemed so great that he could not compose himself to -sleep. Suspense was so painful that he almost wished that Jack would -come up if he intended to. He was tired, but his mental anxiety -triumphed over his bodily fatigue, and he tossed about restlessly. - -It was about nine o'clock when he went to bed. Two hours passed, and -still there were no signs of the apprehended invasion. - -But, five minutes later, a heavy step was heard upon the staircase, -which creaked beneath the weight of the man ascending. Jack tried to -come up softly, but it creaked nevertheless. - -Walter's heart beat quick, as he heard the steps approaching nearer and -nearer. It was certainly a trying moment, that might have tested the -courage of one older than our hero. Presently the door opened softly, -and Jack advanced stealthily into the chamber, carrying a candle which, -however, was unlighted. He reckoned upon finding Walter undressed, and -his clothes hanging over the chair; but the faint light that entered -through the window showed him that his intended victim had not removed -his clothing. Of course this made the task of taking his pocket-book -much more difficult. - -"Confusion!" he muttered. "The boy hasn't undressed." - -Walter had closed his eyes, thinking it best to appear to be asleep; but -he heard this exclamation, and it satisfied him of Jack's dishonest -intentions. - -The robber paused a moment, and then, stooping over, inserted his hand -into Walter's pocket. He drew out the pocket-book, Walter making no sign -of being aware of what was going on. - -"I've got it," muttered Jack, with satisfaction, and stealthily retraced -his steps to the door. He went out, carefully closing it after him, and -again the steps creaked beneath his weight. - -"I'm afraid he'll come back when he finds how little there is in it," -thought Walter. "If so, I must trust to my plan." - -Meg looked up with interest when her husband re-entered the room. She -had been listening with nervous interest, fearing that there might be -violence done. She had been relieved to hear no noise, and to see her -husband returning quietly. - -"Have you got the pocket-book?" she asked. - -"Yes, Meg," he said, displaying it. "He went to bed with his clothes on, -but I pulled it out of his pocket, as he lay asleep, and he will be none -the wiser." - -"How much is there in it?" - -"I'm going to see. I haven't opened it yet." - -He opened the pocket-book, and uttered a cry of disappointment. - -"That's all," he said, displaying the five-dollar bill. "He must have -had more." - -"He did have more. When he paid me the dollar for stoppin' here, he took -it from a roll of bills." - -"What's he done with 'em, the young rascal?" - -"Perhaps he had another pocket-book. But that's the one he took out when -he paid me." - -"I must go up again, Meg. He had seventy dollars, and I'm goin' to have -the rest. Five dollars won't pay me for the trouble of stealin' it." - -"Don't hurt the boy, Jack." - -"I will, if he don't fork over the money," said her husband, fiercely. - -There was no longer any thought of concealment. It was necessary to wake -Walter to find out where he had put the money. So Jack went upstairs -boldly, not trying to soften the noise of his steps now, angry to think -that he had been put to this extra trouble. Walter heard him coming, and -guessed what brought him back. I will not deny that he felt nervous, but -he determined to act manfully, whatever might be the result. He breathed -a short prayer to God for help, for he knew that in times of peril he is -the only sufficient help. - -The door was thrown open, and Jack strode in, bearing in his hand a -candle, this time lighted. He advanced to the bed, and, bending over, -shook Walter vigorously. - -"What's the matter?" asked our hero, this time opening his eyes, and -assuming a look of surprise. "Is it time to get up?" - -"It's time for you to get up." - -"It isn't morning, is it?" - -"No; but I've got something to say to you." - -"Well," said Walter, sitting up in the bed, "I'm ready." - -"Where've you put that money you had last night?" - -"Why do you want to know?" demanded Walter, eying his host fixedly. - -"No matter why I want to know," said Jack, impatiently. "Tell me, if you -know what's best for yourself." - -Walter put his hand in his pocket. - -"It was in my pocket-book," he said; "but it's gone." - -"Here is your pocket-book," said Jack, producing it. - -"Did you take it out of my pocket? What made you take it?" - -"None of your impudence, boy!" - -"Is it impudent to ask what made you take my property?" said Walter, -firmly. - -"Yes, it is," said Jack, with an oath. - -"Do you mean to steal my money?" - -"Yes, I do; and the sooner you hand it over the better." - -"You have got my pocket-book already." - -"Perhaps you think I am green," sneered Jack. "I found only five -dollars." - -"Then you had better give it back to me. Five dollars isn't worth -taking." - -"You're a cool one, and no mistake," said Jack, surveying our hero with -greater respect than he had before manifested. "Do you know that I could -wring your neck?" - -"Yes, I suppose you could," said Walter, quietly. "You are a great deal -stronger than I am." - -"Aint you afraid of me?" - -"I don't think I am. Why should I be?" - -"What's to hinder my killin' you? We're alone in the woods, far from -help." - -"I don't think you'll do it," said Walter, meeting his gaze steadily. - -"You aint a coward, boy; I'll say that for you. Some boys of your age -would be scared to death if they was in your place." - -"I don't think I am a coward," said Walter, quietly. "Are you going to -give me back that pocket-book?" - -"Not if I know it; but I'll tell you what you're goin' to do." - -"What's that?" - -"Hunt up the rest of that money, and pretty quick too." - -"What makes you think I have got any more money?" - -"Didn't you tell me you sold twenty books, at three dollars and a half? -That makes seventy dollars, accordin' to my reckonin'." - -"You're right there; but I have sent to Cleveland for some more books, -and had to send the money with the order." - -This staggered the robber at first, till he remembered what his wife -had told him. - -"That don't go down," he said roughly. "The old woman saw a big roll of -bills when you paid her for your lodgin'. You haven't had any chance of -payin' them away." - -Walter recalled the covetous glance of the woman when he displayed the -bills, and he regretted too late his imprudence in revealing the amount -of money he had with him. He saw that it was of no use to attempt to -deceive Jack any longer. It might prove dangerous, and could do no good. - -"I have some more money," he said; "but I hope you will let me keep it." - -"What made you take it out of your pocket-book?" - -"Because I thought I should have a visit from you." - -"What made you think so?" demanded Jack, rather surprised. - -"I can't tell, but I expected a visit, so I took out most of my money -and hid it." - -"Then you'd better find it again. I can't wait here all night. Is it in -your other pocket?" - -"No." - -"Is that all you can say? Get up, and find me that money, or it'll be -the worse for you." - -"Then give me the pocket-book and five dollars. I can't get along if you -take all my money." - -Jack reflected that he could easily take away the pocket-book again, and -decided to comply with our hero's request as an inducement for him to -find the other money. - -"Here it is," he said. "Now get me the rest." - -"I hid some money in that closet," said Walter. "I thought you would -think of looking there." - -No sooner was the closet pointed out than Jack eagerly strode towards it -and threw open the door. He entered it, and began to peer about him, -holding the candle in his hand. - -"Where did you put it?" he inquired, turning to question Walter. - -But he had scarcely spoken when our hero closed the door hastily, and, -before Jack could recover from his surprise, had bolted it on the -outside. To add to the discomfiture of the imprisoned robber, the wind -produced by the violent slamming of the door blew out the candle, and he -found himself a captive, in utter darkness. - -"Let me out, or I'll murder you!" he roared, kicking the barrier that -separated him from his late victim, now his captor. - -Walter saw that there was no time to lose. The door, though strong, -would probably soon give way before the strength of his prisoner. When -the liberation took place, he must be gone. He held the handle of his -carpet-bag between his teeth, and, getting out of the window, hung down. -The distance was not great, and he alighted upon the ground without -injury. Without delay he plunged into the woods, not caring in what -direction he went, as long as it carried him away from his dishonest -landlord. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -WALTER'S ESCAPE. - - -Though Walter was in a room on the second floor, the distance to the -ground was not so great but that he could easily hang from the -window-sill and jump without injury. Before following him in his flight, -we will pause to inquire how the robber, unexpectedly taken captive, -fared. - -Nothing could have surprised Jack more than this sudden turning of the -tables. But a minute since Walter was completely in his power. Now, -through the boy's coolness and nerve, his thievish intentions were -baffled, and he was placed in the humiliating position of a prisoner in -his own house. - -"Open the door, or I'll murder you!" he roared, kicking it violently. - -There was no reply, for Walter was already half way out of the window, -and did not think it best to answer. - -Jack kicked again, but the door was a strong one, and, though it shook, -did not give way. - -"Draw the bolt, I say," roared the captive again, appending an oath, "or -I'll wring your neck." - -But our hero was already on the ground, and speeding away into the -shelter of the friendly woods. - -If any man was thoroughly mad, that man was Jack. It was not enough that -he had been ingloriously defeated, but the most galling thing about it -was that this had been done by a boy. - -"I'll make him pay for this!" muttered Jack, furiously. - -He saw that Walter had no intention of releasing him, and that his -deliverance must come from himself. He kicked furiously, and broke -through one of the panels of the door; but still the bolt held, and -continued to hold, though he threw himself against the door with all his -force. - -Meanwhile his wife below had listened intently, at the bottom of the -staircase, not without anxiety as to the result. She was a woman, and, -though by no means of an amiable disposition, she was not without some -humanity. She knew her husband's brutal temper, and she feared that -Walter would come to harm. Part of her anxiety was selfish, to be sure, -for she dreaded the penalty for her husband; but she was partly actuated -by a feeling of rough good-will towards her young guest. She didn't mind -his being robbed, for she felt that in some way she had been cheated out -of that measure of worldly prosperity which was her due, and she had no -particular scruple as to the means of getting even with the world. The -fact that Walter, too, had suffered bad fortune increased her good-will -towards him, and made her more reluctant that he should be ill-treated. - -At first, as she listened, and while the conversation was going on, she -heard nothing to excite her alarm. But when her husband had been locked -in the closet, and began to kick at the door, there was such a noise -that Meg, though misapprehending the state of things, got frightened. - -"He's killing the poor boy, I'm afraid," she said, clasping her hands. -"Why, why need he be so violent? I told him not to harm him." - -Next she heard Jack's voice in angry tones, but could not understand -what he said. This was followed by a fresh shower of kicks at the -resisting door. - -"I would go up if I dared," she thought; "but I am afraid I should see -the poor boy dying." - -She feared, also, her husband's anger at any interference; for, as she -had reason to know, his temper was not of the gentlest. So she stood -anxiously at the foot of the staircase, and continued to listen. - -Meanwhile Jack, finding he could not release himself readily, bethought -himself of his wife. - -"Meg!" he called out, in stentorian tones. - -His wife heard the summons and made haste to obey it. - -She hurried upstairs, and, opening the chamber door, found herself, to -her surprise, in darkness. - -"Where are you, Jack?" she asked, in some bewilderment. - -"Here," answered her husband. - -"Where?" asked Meg; for the tones were muffled by the interposition of -the door, and she could not get a clear idea of where her husband was. - -"In the closet, you fool! Come and open the door," was the polite reply. - -Wondering how her husband could have got into the closet, and, also, -what had become of Walter, she advanced hastily to the closet-door, and -drew the bolt. - -Jack dashed out furiously, cursing in a manner I shall not repeat. - -"How came you here, Jack?" asked his wife. "Where's the boy?" - -It was so dark that he could not readily discover Walter's flight. He -strode to the bedstead, and, kneeling down, began to feel about for him. - -"Curse it, the boy's gone!" he exclaimed. "Why didn't you stop him?" - -This he said on supposition that Walter had escaped by the stairs. - -"I don't know what you mean. I've seen nothing of the boy. Wasn't he -here when you came up?" - -"Yes, he was, but now he's gone. He must have got out of the window," -he added, with a sudden thought. - -"I don't understand it," said Meg. "How came you shut up in that -closet?" - -"The boy sent me in on a fool's errand, and then locked me in." - -"Tell me about it, Jack." - -Her husband rehearsed the story, heaping execrations upon his own folly -for being outwitted by a boy. - -"But you've got the pocket-book and the five dollars," said his wife, by -way of comforting him. - -"No, I haven't. I gave them back to him, to get him to tell me where the -rest of the money was. I meant to take it away from him again." - -"Then he's escaped with all his money?" - -"Yes," growled Jack; "he's fooled me completely. But it isn't too late. -I may catch him yet. He's hiding in the woods somewhere. If I do get -hold of him, I'll give him something to remember me by. I'll learn him -to fool me." - -"I wouldn't go out to-night, Jack," said his wife. "It's most twelve." - -"If I don't go now, I'll lose him. Go downstairs, Meg, and light the -candle." - -"Did he have the money with him?" - -"He said he hid it." - -"Then perhaps he left it behind him. He had to go away in a hurry." - -"That's so, Meg. Hurry down, and light the candle, and we'll hunt for -it." - -The suggestion was a reasonable one, and Jack caught at it. If the money -were left behind, it would repay him in part for his mortification at -having been fooled by a boy, and he might be tempted to let him go. What -vexed him most was the idea of having been baffled completely; and the -discovery of the money would go far to make things even. - -Meg came up with the lighted candle; and they commenced a joint search, -first in the closet, where they found the five pennies which Walter had -thrown on the floor, and, afterwards, about the room, and particularly -the bedding. But the roll of bills was nowhere to be found. Walter had, -as we know, carried it away with him. This was the conclusion to which -the seekers were ultimately brought. - -"The money aint anywhere here," said Jack. "The boy's got it with him." - -"Likely he has," said Meg. - -"I'm goin' for him," said her husband. "Go downstairs, Meg, and I'll -foller." - -"You'd better wait till mornin', Jack," said his wife. - -"You're a fool!" he said, unceremoniously. "If I wait till daylight, -he'll be out of the woods, and I can't catch him." - -"There isn't much chance now. It's dark, and you won't be likely to find -him." - -"I'll risk that. Anyhow, I'm goin' and so you needn't say any more about -it." - -Jack descended to the room below, put on his boots and hat, and, opening -the outer door, sallied out into the darkness. - -He paused before the door in uncertainty. - -"I wish I knowed which way he went," he muttered. - -There seemed little to determine the choice of direction on the part of -the fugitive. There was no regular path, as Jack and his wife were the -only dwellers in the forest who had occasion to use one, except such as -occasionally strayed in from the outer world. There was, indeed, a path -slightly marked, but this Walter could not see in the darkness. -Nevertheless, as chance would have it, he struck into it and followed it -for some distance. - -Having nothing else to determine his course, it was only natural that -Jack should take this path. Now that he was already started on his -expedition, and found the natural darkness of the night deepened and -made more intense by the thick foliage of the forest trees, he realized -that his chances of coming upon Walter were by no means encouraging. But -he kept on with dogged determination. - -"I'd like to catch the young rascal, even if I don't get a penny of the -money," he said to himself. - -He resolved, in case he was successful, first, to give his victim a -severe beating, and next, to convey him home, and keep him for weeks a -close prisoner in the very closet in which he had himself been -confined. The thought of such an appropriate vengeance yielded him -considerable satisfaction, and stimulated him to keep up the search. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -A STRANGE HIDING-PLACE. - - -Meanwhile Walter had the advantage of quarter of an hour's start of his -pursuer. Jack had indeed been released within five minutes, but he had -consumed ten minutes more in searching for the money. It was too dark, -however, to make rapid progress. Still Walter pushed on, resolved to put -as great a distance as possible between the cabin and himself, for he -anticipated pursuit, and judged that, if caught, he would fare badly for -the trick he had played upon his host. - -He had proceeded perhaps half a mile when he stopped to rest. Two or -three times he had tripped over projecting roots which the darkness -prevented his seeing in time to avoid. - -"I'll rest a few minutes, and then push on," he thought. - -It was late, but the excitement of his position prevented him from -feeling sleepy. He wished to get out of the woods into some road or open -field, where he would be in less danger of encountering Jack, and where -perhaps he might find assistance against him. - -He was leaning against an immense tree, one of the largest and oldest in -the forest. Walter began idly to examine it. He discovered, by feeling, -that it was hollow inside. Curiosity led him to examine farther. He -ascertained that the interior was eaten out by gradual decay, making a -large hollow space inside. - -"I shouldn't wonder if I could get in," he said to himself. - -He made the attempt, and found that he was correct in his supposition. -He could easily stand erect inside. - -"That is curious," thought Walter. "The tree must be very old." - -He emerged from the trunk, and once more threw himself down beside it. -Five minutes later and his attention was drawn by a sound of approaching -footsteps. Then came an oath, which sounded startlingly near. It was -uttered by Jack, who had tripped over a root, and was picking himself -up in no very good humor. The enemy, it appeared, was close upon him. - -Walter started to his feet in dismay. His first thought was immediate -flight, but if he were heard by Jack, the latter would no doubt be able -to run him down. - -"What shall I do?" thought Walter, in alarm. - -Quickly the hollow trunk occurred to him. He seized his carpet-bag, and -with as little delay as possible concealed himself in the interior. He -was just in time, for Jack was by this time only a few rods distant. -Walter counted upon his passing on; but on reaching the old tree Jack -paused, and said aloud, "Where can the young rascal be? I wonder if I -have passed him? I'll rest here five minutes. He may straggle along." - -With these words he sank upon the ground, in the very same place where -Walter had been reclining two minutes before. He was so near that our -hero could have put out his hand and touched him. - -It was certainly a very uncomfortable situation for Walter. He hardly -dared to breathe or to stir lest his enemy should hear him. - -"He's led me a pretty tramp," muttered Jack. "I'm as tired as a dog, but -I'm bound to get hold of him to-night. If I do, I'll half kill him." - -"Then I hope you won't get hold of him," Walter ejaculated inwardly. - -He began to wish he had run on instead of seeking this concealment. In -the first case, the darkness of the night would have favored him, and -even if Jack had heard him it was by no means certain that he would have -caught him. Now an unlucky movement or a cough would betray his -hiding-place, and there would be no chance of escape. He began to feel -his constrained position irksome, but did not dare to seek relief by -change of posture. - -"I wish he'd go," thought our hero. - -But Jack was in no hurry. He appeared to wish to waylay Walter, and was -constantly listening to catch the sound of his approach. At last a -little relief came. A sound was heard, which Jack suspected might -proceed from his late guest. He started to his feet, and walked a few -steps away. Walter availed himself of this opportunity to change his -position a little. - -"It isn't he," said Jack, disappointed. "Perhaps he's gone another way." - -He did not throw himself down this time, but remained standing, in -evident uncertainty. At length Walter was relieved to hear him say, -"Well, I shan't catch him by stopping here, that's sure." - -Then he started, and Walter, listening intently, heard the sound of his -receding steps. When sufficient time had elapsed, he ventured out from -his concealment, and stopped to consider the situation. - -What should he do? - -It was hardly prudent to go on, for it would only bring him nearer to -the enemy. If he ventured back, he would be farther away from the edge -of the woods, and might encounter Meg, who might also be in pursuit. He -did not feel in danger of capture from this quarter, but the woman might -find means of communicating with her husband. On the whole, it seemed -safest, for the present at least, to stick to the friendly tree which -had proved so good a protector. He stood beside it, watching carefully, -intending, whenever peril threatened, to take instant refuge inside. -This was not particularly satisfactory, but he hoped Jack would soon -tire of the pursuit, and retrace his steps towards the cabin. If he -should do that, he would then be safe in continuing his flight. - -Jack pushed on, believing that our hero was in advance. It had been a -fatiguing day, and this made his present midnight tramp more -disagreeable. His hopes of overtaking Walter became fainter and fainter, -and nature began to assert her rights. A drowsiness which he found it -hard to combat assailed him, and he found he must yield to it for a time -at least. - -"I wish I was at home, and in bed," he muttered. "I'll lie down and take -a short nap, and then start again." - -He threw himself down on the ground, and no longer resisted the -approaches of sleep. In five minutes his senses were locked in a deep -slumber, which, instead of a short nap, continued for several hours. - -While he is sleeping we will go back to Walter. He, too, was sleepy, and -would gladly have laid down and slept if he had dared. But he felt the -peril of his position too sensibly to give way to his feelings. He -watched vigilantly for an hour, but nothing could be seen of Jack. That -hour seemed to him to creep with snail-like pace. - -"I can't stand this watching till morning," he said to himself. "I will -find some out-of-the-way place, and try to sleep a little." - -Searching about he found such a place as he desired. He lay down, and -was soon fast asleep. So pursuer and pursued had yielded to the spell of -the same enchantress, and half a mile distant from each other were -enjoying welcome repose. - -Some hours passed away. The sun rose, and its rays lighted up the dim -recesses of the forest. When Walter opened his eyes he could not at -first remember where he was. He lifted his head from his carpet-bag -which he had used as a pillow, and looked around him in surprise; but -recollection quickly came to his aid. - -"I must have been sleeping several hours," he said to himself, "for it -is now morning. I wonder if the man who was after me has gone home?" - -He decided that this was probable, and resolved to make an attempt to -reach the edge of the forest. He wanted to get into the region of -civilization again, if for no other reason, because he felt hungry, and -was likely to remain so as long as he continued in the forest. He now -felt fresh and strong, and, taking his carpet-bag in his hand, prepared -to start on his journey. But he had scarcely taken a dozen steps when a -female figure stepped out from a covert, and he found himself face to -face with Meg. - -Not knowing but that her husband might be close behind, he started back -in alarm and hesitation. She observed this, and said, "You needn't be -afraid, boy. I don't want to harm you." - -"Is your husband with you?" asked Walter, on his guard. - -"No, he isn't. He started out after you before midnight, and hasn't -been back since. That made me uneasy, and I came out to look for him." - -"I have seen him," said Walter. - -"Where and when?" asked the woman, eagerly. - -It was strange that such a coarse brute should have inspired any woman -with love, but Meg did certainly love her husband, in spite of his -frequent bad treatment. - -"It must have been within an hour of the time I left your house. He -stopped under that tree. That was where I saw him." - -"Did he see you?" - -"No, I was hidden." - -"How long did he stay?" - -"Only a few minutes, to get rested, I suppose. Then he went on." - -"In what direction?" - -"That way." - -"I am glad he did not harm you. He was so angry when he started that I -was afraid of what would happen if he met you. You must keep out of his -way." - -"That is what I mean to do if I can," said Walter. "Can you tell me the -shortest way out of the woods?" - -"Go in that direction," said the woman, pointing, "and half a mile will -bring you out." - -"It is rather hard to follow a straight path in the woods. If you will -act as my guide, I will give you a dollar." - -Meg hesitated. - -"If my husband should find out that I helped you to escape, he would be -very angry." - -"Why need he know? You needn't tell him you met me." - -The woman hesitated. Finally love of money prevailed. - -"I'll do it," she said, abruptly. "Follow me." - -She took the lead, and Walter followed closely in her steps. Remembering -the night before, he was not wholly assured of her good faith, and -resolved to keep his eyes open, and make his escape instantly if he -should see any signs of treachery. Possibly Meg might intend to lead -him into a trap, and deliver him up to her husband. He was naturally -trustful, but his adventures in the cabin taught him a lesson of -distrust. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -WALTER SHOWS STRATEGY. - - -Walter followed Meg through the woods. He felt sure that he would not -have far to go to reach the open fields. He had been delayed heretofore, -not by the distance, but by not knowing in what direction to go. - -Few words were spoken between him and Meg. Remembering what had happened -at the cabin, and that even now he was fleeing from her husband, he did -not feel inclined to be sociable, and her thoughts were divided between -the money she was to be paid as the price of her services, and her -husband, for whose prolonged absence she could not account. - -After walking for fifteen minutes, they came to the edge of the forest. -Skirting it was a meadow, wet in parts, for the surface was low. - -"Where is the road?" asked Walter. - -"You'll have to cross this meadow, and you'll come to it. It isn't -mor'n quarter of a mile. You'll find your way well enough without me." - -Walter felt relieved at the prospect of a speedy return to the region of -civilization. It seemed to him as if he had passed the previous night -far away in some wild frontier cabin, instead of in the centre of a -populous and thriving neighborhood, within a few miles of several -flourishing villages. - -He drew out a dollar-bill, and offered it to Meg. - -"This is the money I agreed to pay you," he said. "Thank you, besides." - -"You haven't much cause to thank me," she said, abruptly. "I would have -robbed you if I had the chance." - -"I am sorry for that," said Walter. "Money got in that way never does -any good." - -"Money is sure to do good, no matter how it comes," said the woman, -fiercely. "Think of what it will buy!--a comfortable home, ease, luxury, -respect. Some time before I die I hope to have as much as I want." - -"I hope you will," said Walter; "but I don't think you will find it as -powerful as you think." - -His words might as well have remained unspoken, for she paid no -attention to them. She seemed to be listening intently. Suddenly she -clutched his arm. - -"I hear my husband's steps," she said, hurriedly. "Fly, or it will be -the worse for you." - -"Thank you for the caution," said Walter, roused to the necessity of -immediate action. - -"Don't stop to thank me. Go!" she said, stamping her foot impatiently. - -He obeyed at once, and started on a run across the meadow. - -A minute later, Jack came in sight. - -"What, Meg, are you here?" he said, in surprise. - -"Yes; I got anxious about you, because you did not come home. I was -afraid something had happened to you." - -"What could happen to me?" he retorted, contemptuously. "I'm not a baby. -Have you seen the boy?" - -He did not wait for an answer, for, looking across the meadow, he saw -the flying figure of our hero. - -"There he is, now!" he exclaimed, in a tone of fierce satisfaction. - -"Let him go, Jack!" pleaded Meg, who, in spite of herself, felt a -sympathy for the boy who, like herself, had been unfortunate. - -He threw off the hand which she had placed upon his arm, saying, -contemptuously, "You're a fool!" and then dashed off in pursuit of -Walter. - -Walter had the start, and had already succeeded in placing two hundred -yards between himself and his pursuer. But Jack was strong and athletic, -and could run faster than a boy of fifteen, and the distance between the -two constantly diminished. Walter looked over his shoulder, as he ran, -and, brave as he was, there came over him a sickening sensation of fear -as he met the fierce, triumphant glance of his enemy. - -"Stop!" called out Jack, hoarsely. - -Walter did not answer, neither did he obey. He was determined to hold -out to the last, and when he surrendered it would be only as a measure -of necessity. - -"Are you going to stop or not? You'd better," growled Jack. - -[Illustration] - -Walter still remained silent; but his heart bounded with sudden hope as -he saw before him a means of possible escape. Only a few rods in advance -was a deep ditch, at least twelve feet wide, over which a single plank -was thrown as a bridge for foot-passengers. Walter summoned his -energies, and sped like a deer forward and over the bridge, when, -stooping down, he hastily pulled it over after him, thus cutting off his -enemy's advance. Jack saw his intention, and tried to reach the edge of -the ditch soon enough to prevent it. But he was just too late. - -Baffled and enraged, he looked across the gulf which separated him from -his intended victim. - -"Put back that plank," he roared, with an oath. - -"I would rather not," said Walter, who stood facing him on the other -side, hot and excited. - -"I'll kill you if I get at you," said Jack, shaking his fist menacingly. - -"What have I done to you?" asked Walter, quietly. "Why do you want to -harm me?" - -"Didn't you lock me up in the closet last night?" - -"You wanted to take my money." - -"I'll have it yet." - -"It was all I could do," said Walter, who did not wish to excite any -additional anger in his already irritated foe. "I haven't got but a -little money, and I wanted to keep it." - -"Money isn't the only thing you may lose," said the ruffian, -significantly. "Put back that plank. Do you hear me?" - -"Yes," said Walter; "I hear, but I cannot do it." - -"You're playin' a dangerous game, young one," said Jack. "Perhaps you -think I can't get over." - -"I don't think you can," said Walter, glancing at the width of the -ditch. - -"You may find yourself mistaken." - -Walter did not answer. - -"Will you put back that plank?" demanded Jack, once more. - -"No," answered Walter. - -"You'll be sorry for it then, you young cub!" said Jack, fiercely. - -He walked back about fifty feet, and then faced round. His intention was -clear enough. He meant to jump over the ditch. Could he do it? That was -the question which suggested itself to the anxious consideration of our -hero. If the ground had been firm on the other side, such a jump for a -grown man would not have been by any means a remarkable one. But the -soft, spongy soil was unfavorable for a spring. Still it was possible -that Jack might succeed. If he did, was there any help for Walter? - -Our hero took the plank, and put it over his shoulder, moving with it -farther down the edge. An idea had occurred to him, which had not yet -suggested itself to Jack, or the latter might have been less confident -of success. - -Jack stood still for a moment, and then, gathering up his strength, -dashed forward. Arrived at the brink, he made a spring, but the soft -bank yielded him no support. He fell short of the opposite bank by at -least two feet, and, to his anger and disgust, landed in the water and -slime at the bottom of the ditch. With a volley of execrations, he -scrambled out, landing at last, but with the loss of one boot, which had -been drawn off by the clinging mud in which it had become firmly -planted. Still he was on the same side with Walter, and the latter was -now in his power. This was what he thought; but an instant later he saw -his mistake. Walter had stretched the plank over the ditch a few rods -further up, and was passing over it in safety. - -Jack ran hastily to the spot, hoping to gain possession of the plank -which had been of such service to his opponent, and want of which had -entailed such misfortunes upon him. But Walter was too quick for him. -The plank was drawn over, and again he faced his intended victim with -the width of the ditch between. - -He looked across at Walter with a glance of baffled rage. It was -something new to him to be worsted by a boy, and it mortified him and -angered him to such an extent that, had he got hold of him at that -moment, murder might have been committed. - -"Put down that plank, and come across," he called out. - -Walter did not reply. - -"Why don't you answer, you rascal?" - -"You know well enough what I would say," said Walter. "I don't care to -come." - -"I shall get hold of you sooner or later." - -"Perhaps you will," said Walter; "but not if I can help it." - -"You're on the wrong side of the ditch. You can't escape." - -"So are you on the wrong side. You can't get home without crossing." - -"I can keep you there all day." - -"I can stand it as well as you," said Walter. - -He felt bolder than at first, for he appreciated the advantage which he -had in possessing the plank. True the situation was not a comfortable -one, and he would have gladly exchanged it for one that offered greater -security. Still, on the whole, he felt cool and calm, and waited -patiently for the issue. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -DELIVERANCE. - - -Jack might have waded back again across the ditch without inflicting -much additional damage upon his already wet and miry clothing; but he -fancied that Walter was in his power, and hoped he would capitulate. To -this end, he saw that it was necessary to reassure him, and deceive him -as to his own intentions. - -"Come across, boy," he said, softening his tone. "You needn't be afraid. -I didn't mean nothing. I was only tryin' to see if I couldn't frighten -you a little." - -"I'm very well off where I am," said Walter. "I think I'll stay where I -am." - -"You won't want to stay there all day." - -"I'd rather stay here all day than be on the same side with you." - -"You needn't be afraid." - -"I am not afraid," said Walter. - -"You think I want to hurt you." - -"I think I am safer on this side." - -"Come, boy, I'll make a bargain with you. You've put me to a good deal -of trouble." - -"I don't see that." - -"You locked me up in the closet, and you've kept me all night huntin' -after you." - -"You were not obliged to hunt after me, and as for locking you up in the -closet, it was the only way I had of saving my money." - -Jack did not care to answer Walter's argument, but proceeded: "Now I've -got you sure, but I'll do the fair thing. If you'll come across and pay -me ten dollars for my trouble, I'll let you go without hurtin' you." - -"What's to prevent you taking all my money, if you get me over there?" - -"Haven't I said I wouldn't?" - -"You might forget your promise," said Walter, whose confidence in Jack's -word was by no means great. A man who would steal probably would not be -troubled by many scruples on the subject of violating his word. - -"If you don't come, I'll take every cent, and give you a beating -beside," said Jack, his anger gaining the ascendency. - -"Well, what are you goin' to do about it?" demanded Jack, after a brief -pause. - -"I'll stay where I am." - -"I can come over any time, and get hold of you." - -"Perhaps you can," said Walter. "I'll take the risk." - -"I'll wait a while," thought Jack. "He'll come round after a while." - -He sat down, and taking a clay pipe from his pocket, filled the bowl -with tobacco, and commenced smoking. Walter perceived that he was -besieged, but kept cool, and clung to his plank, which was his only hope -of safety. He began to speculate as to the length of time the besieging -force would hold out. He was already hungry, and there was a prospect of -his being starved into a surrender, or there would have been, if luckily -his opponent had not been also destitute of provisions. In fact, the -besieging party soon became disorganized from this cause. A night in -the open air had given keenness to Jack's appetite, and he felt an -uncomfortable craving for food. - -"I wish Meg would come along," he muttered. "I feel empty." - -But Meg did not come. She stood for a few minutes in the edge of the -woods, and watched her husband's pursuit of Walter. She saw his failure -to overtake his intended victim, and this made her easier in her mind. I -do not wish to represent her as better than she was. Her anxiety was -chiefly for her husband. She did not wish him to commit any act of -violence which would put him without the pale of the law. It was this -consideration, rather than a regard for Walter's safety, that influenced -her, though she felt some slight interest in our hero. She went home, -feeling that she could do no good in staying. Jack resented her -disappearance. - -"She might know I wanted some breakfast," he growled to himself. "As -long as she gets enough to eat herself, she cares little for me." - -This censure was not deserved. Meg was not a good woman, but she was -devoted to the coarse brute whom she called husband, and was at any -time ready to sacrifice her own comfort to his. - -Two hours passed, and still besieger and besieged eyed each other from -opposite sides of the bank. Jack grew more and more irritable as the -cravings of his appetite increased, and the slight hope that Meg might -appear with some breakfast was dissipated. Walter also became more -hungry, but showed no signs of impatience. - -At this time a boy was seen coming across the meadow. Jack espied him, -and the idea struck him that he might through him lay in a stock of -provisions. - -"Come here, boy," he said. "Where do you live?" - -The boy pointed to a small farm-house half a mile distant. - -"Do you want to earn some money?" - -"I dunno," said the boy, who had no objections to the money, but, -knowing Jack's shady reputation, was in doubt as to what was expected of -him. - -"Go home, and get a loaf of bread and some cold meat, and bring me, and -I'll give you half a dollar." - -"Didn't you bring your luncheon?" asked the boy. - -"No, I came away without it, and I can't spare time to go back." - -It occurred to the boy, noticing Jack's lazy posture, that business did -not appear to be very driving with the man whose time was so valuable. - -"Perhaps mother won't give me the bread and meat," he said. - -"You can give her half the money." - -The boy looked across to Walter, wondering what kept him on the other -side. Our hero saw a chance of obtaining help. - -"I'll give you a dollar," he called out, "if you'll go and tell somebody -that this man is trying to rob me of all my money. I slept in his house -last night, and he tried to rob me there. Now he will do the same if he -can get hold of me." - -"If you tell that, I'll wring your neck," exclaimed Jack. "It's all a -lie. The boy slept at my house, as he says, and stole some money from -me. He escaped, but I'm bound to get it back if I stay here all day." - -"That is not true," said Walter. "Carry my message, and I will give you -a dollar, and will, besides, reward the men that come to my assistance." -The boy looked from one to the other in doubt what to do. - -"If you want your head broke, you'll do as he says," said Jack, rather -uneasy. "He won't pay what he promises." - -"You shall certainly be paid," said Walter. - -"You'd better shut up, or it'll be the worse for you," growled Jack. "Go -and get my breakfast quick, boy, and I'll pay you the fifty cents." - -"All right," said the boy, "I'll go." - -He turned, but when he was behind Jack, so that the latter could not -observe him, he made a sign to Walter that he would do as he wished. - -Fifteen minutes later Jack rose to his feet. An idea had occurred to -him. At the distance of a furlong there was a rail-fence. It occurred to -him that one of these rails would enable him to cross the ditch, and -get at his victim. He was not afraid Walter would escape, since he could -easily turn back and capture him if he ventured across. - -Walter did not understand his design in leaving the ditch. Was it -possible that he meant to raise the siege? This seemed hardly probable. -He watched, with some anxiety, the movements of his foe, fearing some -surprise. - -When Jack reached the fence, and began to pull out one of the rails he -understood his object. His position was evidently becoming more -dangerous. - -Jack came back with a triumphant smile upon his face. - -"Now, you young cub," he said, "I've got you!" - -Walter watched him warily, and lowered the plank, ready to convert it -into a bridge as soon as necessary. Jack put down the rail. It was long -enough to span the ditch, but was rather narrow, so that some caution -was needful in crossing it. Walter had moved several rods farther up, -and thrown the plank across. Though his chances of escape from the peril -that menaced him seemed to have diminished since his enemy was also -provided with a bridge and it became now a question of superior speed, -Walter was not alarmed. Indeed his prospects of deliverance appeared -brighter than ever, for he caught sight of two men approaching across -the meadow, and he suspected that they were sent by the boy whom he had -hired. These men had not yet attracted the attention of Jack, whose back -was turned towards them. He crossed the rail, and, at the same time, -Walter crossed the plank. This he threw across, and then, leaving it on -the bank, set out on a quick run. - -"Now I'll catch him," thought Jack, with exultation; but he quickly -caught sight of our hero's reinforcements. He saw that his game was up, -and he abandoned it. His reputation was too well known in the -neighborhood for the story he had told to the boy to gain credence. He -was forced to content himself with shaking his fist at Walter, and then, -in discomfiture, returned to the woods, where he made up for his -disappointment by venting his spite on Meg. She would have fared worse, -had he known that Walter had found his way out of the wood through her -guidance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -THE LAST OF JACK MANGUM. - - -"What's the matter?" asked one of the two men as Walter came up. - -"I got lost in the woods, and passed the night in that man's house," -said our hero. "He tried to rob me, but I locked him in the closet, and -jumped out of the window and escaped. This morning he got on my track, -and would have caught me but for the ditch." - -"You locked him in the closet!" repeated the other. "How were you able -to do that? You are only a boy, while he is a strong man." - -Walter explained the matter briefly. - -"That was pretty smart," said Peter Halcomb, for this was the name of -the man who questioned him. "You're able to take care of yourself." - -"I don't know how it would turn out, if you hadn't come up." - -"I happened to be at home when my boy came and told me that Jack Mangum -had offered him fifty cents for some breakfast. He told me about you -also, and, as I suspected Jack was up to some of his tricks, I came -along." - -"I am very much obliged to you," said Walter, "and I hope you'll let me -pay you for your trouble." - -"I don't want any pay, but you may pay my boy what you promised him, if -you want to." - -"I certainly will; and I never paid away money with more pleasure. As I -haven't had anything to eat since yesterday afternoon, I should like to -have you direct me to the nearest place where I can get some breakfast." - -"Come to my house; I guess my wife can scare up some breakfast for you. -She'll be glad to see the boy that got the better of Jack Mangum." - -"How long has this Jack Mangum lived about here?" asked Walter, after -accepting with thanks the offer of a breakfast. - -"About five years. He's been in the county jail twice during that time, -and there's a warrant out for him now. He's a confirmed thief. He'd -rather steal any time than earn an honest living." - -"Has he ever stolen anything from you?" - -"I've missed some of my chickens from time to time, and, though I didn't -catch him taking them, I've no doubt he was the thief. Once I lost a -lamb, and I suppose it went in the same direction." - -"So there is a warrant out for him now?" - -"Yes, and I expect he'll be taken in a day or two. In that case he'll -have the privilege of a few months' free board in the county jail." - -"Where is the jail?" - -"In T----." - -"That's the town I'm going to." - -"Is it? Do your folks live there?" - -"No, I'm travelling on business." - -"What's your business?" asked the farmer. - -The question was an abrupt one, but was not meant to be rude. In country -towns everybody feels that he has a right to become acquainted with the -business of any one with whom he comes in contact, even in its minutest -details. Walter understood this, having himself lived in a country -village, and answered without taking offence:-- - -"I am a book-agent." - -"Be you? How do you make it pay?" - -"Pretty well, but I can tell better by and by; I've only been in it a -week." - -"You're pretty young to be a book-peddler Where do your folks live?" - -"In New York." - -"You've come some ways from home." - -"Yes; I thought I should like to see the country." - -"How old are you?" - -"Fifteen." - -"You'll make a smart man if you keep on." - -"I hope I shall," said Walter, modestly; "but I am afraid you overrate -me." - -"I'll tell you what I judge from. A boy of fifteen that can get the -better of Jack Mangum is smart, and no mistake." - -"I hope I shall realize your prediction," returned Walter, who naturally -felt pleased with the compliment. Like most boys, he liked to be -considered smart, although he did not allow himself to be puffed up by -inordinate ideas of his own importance, as is the case with many of his -age. - -While this conversation was going on, they had been walking towards the -farm-house in which Peter Holcomb lived. It was an humble one-story -building, with an attic above. On each side of it were broad fields, -some under cultivation; and there was an appearance of thrift and -comfort despite the smallness of the house. - -"Come in," said Peter, leading the way. "John," he added, addressing the -hired man, who had accompanied him, "you may go into the potato field -and hoe. I'll be out directly." - -Walter followed him into a broad, low room,--the kitchen,--in which Mrs. -Holcomb, a pleasant looking woman, was engaged in cooking. - -"Mary," said her husband, "can't you scare up some breakfast for this -young man? He stopped at Jack Mangum's last night, and didn't like his -accommodations well enough to stay to breakfast." - -"You don't say so," repeated Mrs. Holcomb her countenance expressing -curiosity. "That's about the last place I'd want to stop at." - -"I shouldn't want to go there again," said Walter; "but I didn't know -anything about the man, or I would rather have stayed out in the woods." - -"Well, Mary, how about the breakfast?" - -"I guess I can find some," said she. "Sit right down here, and I'll see -what I can do for you." - -She went to the pantry, and speedily reappeared with some cold meat, a -loaf of bread, and some fresh butter, which she placed on the table. - -"I've got some hot water," she said, "and, in about five minutes, I can -give you some warm tea. It won't be much of a breakfast, but if you'll -stop for dinner, I can give you something better." - -"It looks nice," said Walter, "and I don't know when I have been so -hungry." - -At this moment the farmer's boy, who had served as Walter's messenger, -came into the kitchen. - -"You got away," he said, smiling. - -"Yes, thanks to you," said Walter. "Here is what I promised you." - -"I don't know as I ought to take it," said the boy, hesitating, though -he evidently wanted it. - -"You will do me a favor by accepting it," said Walter. "You got me out -of a bad scrape. Besides, you had a chance to earn some money from Jack -Mangum." - -"I wouldn't have done anything for him, at any rate. He's a thief." - -Finally Peter, for he was named after his father, accepted the dollar, -and, sitting down by Walter, asked him about his adventure in the wood, -listening with great interest to the details. - -"I wouldn't have dared to do as you did," he said. - -"Perhaps you would if you had been obliged to." - -By this time the tea was steeped, and Walter's breakfast was before him. -He made so vigorous an onslaught upon the bread and meat that he was -almost ashamed of his appetite; but Mrs. Holcomb evidently felt -flattered at the compliment paid to her cookery, and watched the -demolition of the provisions with satisfaction. - -"You had better stop to dinner," she said. "We shall have some roast -meat and apple-pudding." - -"Thank you," said Walter; "but I have eaten enough to last me for -several hours. Can you tell me how far it is to the next town?" - -"About five miles. I'm going to ride over there in about an hour. If -you'll wait till then I'll take you over." - -Walter very readily consented to wait. He was rather afraid that if he -ventured to walk he might find Jack Mangum waiting to waylay him -somewhere in the road, and he had no desire for a second encounter with -him. - -The farmer absolutely refused to accept pay for breakfast, though Walter -urged it. It was contrary to his ideas of hospitality. - -"We don't keep a tavern," he said; "and we never shall miss the little -you ate. Come again and see us if you come back this way." - -"Thank you," said Walter, "I will accept your invitation with pleasure, -but I shall not feel like calling on Mr. Mangum." - -"I've no doubt he would be glad to see you," said Peter Holcomb, -smiling. - -"Yes, he was very sorry to have me leave him last night." - -Walter thought he had seen the last of Jack Mangum; but he was -mistaken. Three days later, while walking in the main street of T----, -with a book under his arm, for he had received a fresh supply from the -agent at Cleveland, he heard the sound of wheels. Looking up, he saw a -wagon approaching, containing two men. One of them, as he afterwards -learned, was the sheriff. The other he immediately recognized as Jack -Mangum. There was no mistaking his sinister face and forbidding scowl. -He had been taken early that morning by the sheriff, who, with a couple -of men to assist him, had visited the cabin in the forest, and, despite -the resistance offered by Jack, who was aided by his wife, he had been -bound, and was now being conveyed to jail. He also looked up and -recognized Walter. His face became even more sinister, as he shook his -fist at our hero. - -"I'll be even with you some day, you young cub!" he exclaimed. - -"Not if I can help it," thought Walter; but he did not answer in words. - -He was rather gratified to hear the next day that Jack had been -sentenced to six months' imprisonment. He felt some pity, however, for -Meg, who might have been a good woman if she had been married to a -different man. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -JOSHUA BIDS GOOD-BY TO STAPLETON. - - -Leaving Walter busily engaged in selling books, we will glance at the -Drummond household, and inquire how the members of that interesting -family fared after Walter's departure. - -Joshua's discontent increased daily. He was now eighteen, and his father -absolutely refused to increase his allowance of twenty-five cents a -week, which was certainly ridiculously small for a boy of his age. - -"If you want money you must work for it," he said. - -"How much will you give me if I will go into your store?" asked Joshua. - -"Fifty cents a week and your board." - -"I get my board now." - -"You don't earn it." - -"I don't see why I need to," said Joshua. "Aint you a rich man?" - -"No, I'm not," said his father; "and if I were I am not going to waste -my hard-earned money on supporting you extravagantly." - -"There's no danger of that," sneered Joshua, "We live meaner than any -family in town." - -"You needn't find fault with your victuals, as long as you get them -free," retorted his father. - -"If you'll give me two dollars a week, I'll come into the store." - -"Two dollars!" exclaimed Mr. Drummond. "Are you crazy?" - -"You think as much of a cent as most people do of a dollar," said -Joshua, bitterly. "Two dollars isn't much for the son of a rich man." - -"I have already told you that I am not rich." - -"You can't help being rich," said Joshua, "for you don't spend any -money." - -"I've heard enough of your impudence," said his father, angrily. "If you -can get more wages than I offer you, you are at liberty to engage -anywhere else." - -"Tom Burton gets a dollar and a quarter a day for pegging shoes," said -Joshua. "He dresses twice as well as I do." - -"He has to pay his board out of it." - -"He only pays three dollars a week, and that leaves him four dollars and -a half clear." - -"So you consider Tom Burton better off than you are?" - -"Yes." - -"Then I'll make you an offer. I'll get you a place in a shoe-shop, and -let you have all you earn over and above three dollars a week, which you -can pay for your board." - -Joshua seemed by no means pleased with this proposal. - -"I'm not going to work in a shoe-shop," he said, sullenly. - -"Why not?" - -"It's a dirty business." - -"Yet you were envying Tom Burton just now." - -"It'll do well enough for him. He's a poor man's son." - -"So was I a poor man's son. I had to work when I was a boy, and that's -the way I earned all I have. Not that I am rich," added Mr. Drummond, -cautiously, for he was afraid the knowledge of his wealth would tempt -his family to expect a more lavish expenditure, and this would not by -any means suit him. - -"You didn't work in a shoe-shop." - -"I should have been glad of the chance to do it, for I could have earned -more money that way than by being errand-boy in a store. It's just as -honorable to work in a shop as to be clerk in a store." - -Though we are not partial to Mr. Drummond, he was undoubtedly correct in -this opinion, and it would be well if boys would get over their -prejudice against trades, which, on the whole, offer more assured -prospects of ultimate prosperity than the crowded city and country -stores. - -This conversation was not particularly satisfactory to Joshua. As he now -received his board and twenty-five cents a week, he did not care to -enter his father's store for only twenty-five cents a week more. -Probably it would have been wiser for Mr. Drummond to grant his request, -and pay him two dollars a week. With this inducement Joshua might have -formed habits of industry. He would, at all events, have been kept out -of mischief, and it would have done him good to earn his living by hard -work. Mr. Drummond's policy of mortifying his pride by doling out a -weekly pittance so small that it kept him in a state of perpetual -discontent was far from wise. Most boys appreciate considerable -liberality, and naturally expect to be treated better as they grow -older. Joshua, now nearly nineteen, found himself treated like a boy of -twelve, and he resented it. It set him speculating about his father's -death, which would leave him master, as he hoped, of the "old man's" -savings. It is unfortunate when such a state of feeling comes to exist -between a father and a son. The time came, and that speedily, when Mr. -Drummond bitterly repented that he had not made some concessions to -Joshua. - -Finding his father obstinate, Joshua took refuge at first in sullenness, -and for several days sat at the table without speaking a word to his -father, excepting when absolutely obliged to do so. Mr. Drummond, -however, was not a sensitive man, and troubled himself very little about -Joshua's moods. - -"He'll get over it after a while," he said to himself. "If he'd rather -hold his tongue, I don't care." - -Next Joshua began to consider whether there was any way in which to help -himself. - -"If I only had a hundred dollars," he thought, "I'd go to New York, and -see if I couldn't get a place in a store." - -That, he reflected, would be much better and more agreeable than being -in a country store. He would be his own master, and would be able to put -on airs of importance whenever he came home on a vacation. But his -father would give him no help in securing such a position, and he could -not go to the city without money. As for a hundred dollars, it might as -well be a million, so far as he had any chance of securing it. - -While he was thinking this matter over, a dangerous thought entered his -mind. His father, he knew, had a small brass-nailed trunk, in which he -kept his money and securities. He had seen him going to it more than -once. - -"I wonder how much he's got in it?" thought Joshua. "As it's all coming -to me some day there's no harm in my knowing." - -There seemed little chance of finding out, however. The trunk was always -locked, and Mr. Drummond carried the key about with him in his pocket. -If he had been a careless man, there might have been some chance of his -some day leaving the trunk unlocked, or mislaying the key; but in money -matters Mr. Drummond was never careless. Joshua would have been obliged -to wait years, if he had depended upon this contingency. - -One day, however, Joshua found in the road a bunch of keys of various -sizes attached to a ring. He cared very little to whom they belonged, -but it flashed upon him at once that one of these keys might fit his -father's strong-box. He hurried home at once with his treasure, and ran -upstairs breathless with excitement. - -He knew where the trunk was kept. Mr. Drummond, relying on the security -of the lock, kept it in the closet of his bed-chamber. - -"Where are you going, Joshua?" asked his mother. - -"Upstairs, to change my clothes," was the answer. - -"I've got a piece of pie for you." - -"I'll come down in five minutes." - -Joshua made his way at once to the closet, and, entering, began to try -his keys, one after the other. The very last one was successful in -opening the trunk. - -Joshua trembled with excitement as he saw the contents of the trunk laid -open to his gaze. He turned over the papers nervously, hoping to come -upon some rolls of bills. In one corner he found fifty dollars in gold -pieces. Besides these, there were some mortgages, in which he felt -little interest. But among the contents of the trunk were some folded -papers which he recognized at once as United States Bonds. Opening one -of them, he found it to be a Five-Twenty Bond for five hundred dollars. - -Five hundred dollars! What could he not do with five hundred dollars! He -could go to the city, and board, enjoying himself meanwhile, till he -could find a place. His galling dependence would be over, and he would -be his own master. True it would be a theft, but Joshua had an excuse -ready. - -"It will all be mine some day," he said to himself. "It's only taking a -part of my own in advance." - -He seized the gold and the bond, and, hastily concealing both in his -breast-pocket, went downstairs, first locking the trunk, and putting it -away where he found it. - -"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked his mother, struck by his nervous and -excited manner. - -"Nothing," he answered, shortly. - -"Are you well?" - -"I've got a little headache,--that is all." - -"Perhaps you'd better not eat anything then." - -"It won't do me any harm. I'll take a cup of tea, if you've got any." - -"I can make some in five minutes." - -Joshua ate his lunch, and, going upstairs again, came down speedily, -arrayed in his best clothes. He got out of the house without his mother -seeing him, and made his way to a railway station four miles distant, -where he purchased a ticket for New York. - -He took a seat by a window, and, as the car began to move, he said to -himself, in exultation, - -"Now I am going to see life." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -CONCLUSION. - - -Three months later Walter arrived at Columbus, the capital of the State, -after a business tour of considerable length, during which he had -visited from twenty to thirty different towns and villages. He had now -got used to the business, and understood better what arguments to employ -with those whom he wished to purchase his book. The consequence was, -that he had met with a degree of success which exceeded his -anticipations. He had tested his powers, and found that they were -adequate to the task he had undertaken,--that of earning his own living. -He had paddled his own canoe thus far without assistance, and he felt -confident that, if his health continued good, he should be able to do so -hereafter. - -After eating supper, and spending an hour or two in the public room of -the hotel, Walter went up to his room. Here he took out a blank-book, -in which he kept an account of his sales and expenditures, and, taking a -piece of paper, figured up the grand result. He wished to know just how -he stood. - -After a brief computation, he said, with satisfaction, "I have sold two -hundred and eighty books, which gives a gross profit of three hundred -and fifty dollars. My expenses have been exactly two hundred and -sixty-three dollars. That leaves me eighty-seven dollars net profit." - -This was a result which might well yield Walter satisfaction. He was -only fifteen, and this was his first business experience. Moreover, he -was nearly a thousand miles away from home and friends, surrounded by -strangers. Yet, by his energy and business ability, he had been able to -pay all his expenses, and these, of course, were considerable, as he was -constantly moving, and yet had made a dollar a day clear profit. - -"That is rather better than working for my board in Mr. Drummond's -store," he reflected. "I am afraid it would have taken me a long time to -make my fortune if I had stayed there. I wonder how my amiable cousin -Joshua is getting along." - -This thought led to the sudden recollection that he had written to Mr. -Shaw, asking him to write to the hotel at Columbus where he was now -stopping, giving him any news that he might consider interesting. Such a -letter might be awaiting him. - -He went downstairs, and approached the clerk. - -"Have any letters been received here for me?" he inquired. - -"What name?" asked the clerk. - -"Walter Conrad." - -"There is a letter for that address. It was received a week since." - -"Give it to me," said Walter, eagerly. - -He took the letter, and recognized at once in the address Clement Shaw's -irregular handwriting. Cut off, as he had been for over a month, from -all communication with former friends, he grasped the letter with a -sensation of joy, and hurried back to his room to read it quietly, and -without risk of interruption. - -The letter ran as follows:-- - - - "MY DEAR YOUNG FRIEND: I have just received your letter asking me - to write you at Columbus. I am glad to obtain your address, as I - have a matter of importance to speak of. First, however, let me - congratulate you on the success you have met with as a book-agent. - It is not a business to which I should advise you to devote - yourself permanently; but I have no doubt that the experience which - you acquire, and the necessary contact into which it brings you - with different classes of people, will do you good, while the new - scenes which it brings before your eyes will gratify the natural - love of adventure which you share in common with those of your age. - When you set out, I had misgivings as to your success, I admit. It - was certainly an arduous undertaking for a boy of fifteen; but you - have already demonstrated that you are able to _paddle your own - canoe_; and I shall hereafter feel confident of your success in - life, so far at least as relates to earning your living. That you - may also be successful in building up a good character, and taking - an honorable position among your fellow-men, I earnestly hope. - - "I now come to the business upon which I wish to speak to you. - - "You will remember that a man named James Wall was prominently - identified with the Great Metropolitan Mining Company, by which - your poor father lost his fortune. Indeed, this Wall, who is a - plausible sort of fellow, was the one who induced him to embark in - this disastrous speculation. I suspect he has feathered his own - nest pretty well already, and that he intends to do so still more. - I was surprised to hear from him some ten days since. I will not - copy the letter, but send you the substance of it. He reports that - in winding up the affairs of the company, there is a prospect of - realizing two per cent. for the stockholders, which, as your father - owned a thousand shares, would yield two thousand dollars. It may - be some time, he adds, before the dividend will be declared and - paid. He professes a willingness, however, to pay two thousand - dollars cash for a transfer of your father's claims upon the - company. - - "Now, two thousand dollars are not to be despised; but, my - impression is, that such a man as James Wall would never have made - such an offer if he had not expected the assets would amount to - considerable more than two per cent. I am unwilling to close with - the offer until I know more about the affairs of the company. Here - it has struck me that you can be of assistance. This Wall lives in - a town named Portville, in Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake - Superior. I would suggest that you change your name, go at once to - Portville, and find out what you can. I can give you no - instructions, but must trust to your own native shrewdness, in - which I feel sure you are not deficient. If it should be necessary - to give up your present business, do so without hesitation, since - the other business is of more importance. I expect you to start at - once; and I will write Mr. Wall that I have his offer under - consideration. If you need money, draw upon me. - - "I hear that Joshua Drummond has run away from home, carrying away - considerable money belonging to his father. The latter appears to - lament the loss of his money more than of his son. - - "I remain your sincere friend, - - "CLEMENT SHAW." - - -This letter gave Walter considerable food for reflection. He determined -to wind up his book agency, and leave as soon as possible for Portville. -It was encouraging to think that, in any event, he was likely to realize -two thousand dollars from the mining shares, which he had looked upon as -valueless. Besides, he felt there was good reason to hope they would -prove even more valuable. - -Three days later, having closed his accounts as agent, he started for -Portville. Those of my readers who may desire to follow him in his new -experiences, and learn his success, as well as those who feel desirous -of ascertaining Joshua Drummond's fortunes, are referred to the next -volume of this series, to be called - - - STRIVE AND SUCCEED; - - or, - - THE PROGRESS OF WALTER CONRAD. - - - - -+--------------------------------------------------+ -| Transcriber's note: | -| | -| Obvious typographic errors have been corrected. | -| | -| A table of contents has been added. | -| | -+--------------------------------------------------+ - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONG AND STEADY*** - - -******* This file should be named 55098-8.txt or 55098-8.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/5/0/9/55098 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - 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. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/55098-8.zip b/old/55098-8.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 66d4526..0000000 --- a/old/55098-8.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h.zip b/old/55098-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4894cd5..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h/55098-h.htm b/old/55098-h/55098-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 83b2947..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/55098-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9176 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> -<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Strong and Steady, by Horatio Alger</title> - <style type="text/css"> - - p { margin-top: .75em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .75em; - } - - p.bold {text-align: center; font-weight: bold;} - p.bold2 {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 150%;} - - h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; - } - h1 span, h2 span { display: block; text-align: center; } - #id1 { font-size: smaller } - - - hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; - } - - hr.smler { - width: 10%; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-left: 45%; - margin-right: 45%; - clear: both; - } - - body{margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; - } - - table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; text-align: right;} - - .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - text-indent: 0px; - } /* page numbers */ - - .center {text-align: center;} - .smaller {font-size: smaller;} - .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - .mynote { background-color: #DDE; color: black; padding: .5em; margin-left: 20%; - margin-right: 20%; } /* colored box for notes at beginning of file */ - .space-above {margin-top: 3em;} - .right {text-align: right;} - .left {text-align: left;} - .s3 {display: inline; margin-left: 3em;} - .s6 {display: inline; margin-left: 6em;} - - .poem {display: inline-block; text-align: left;} - .poem br {display: none;} - .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} - .poem div {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - .poem div.i1 {margin-left: 1em;} - - hr.full { width: 100%; - margin-top: 3em; - margin-bottom: 0em; - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; - height: 4px; - border-width: 4px 0 0 0; /* remove all borders except the top one */ - border-style: solid; - border-color: #000000; - clear: both; } - </style> -</head> -<body> -<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Strong and Steady, by Horatio Alger</h1> -<p>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 <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. 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.</p> -<p>Title: Strong and Steady</p> -<p> Or, Paddle Your Own Canoe</p> -<p>Author: Horatio Alger</p> -<p>Release Date: July 13, 2017 [eBook #55098]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONG AND STEADY***</p> -<p> </p> -<h4>E-text prepared by David Edwards, Martin Pettit,<br /> - and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> - (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> - from page images generously made available by<br /> - Internet Archive<br /> - (<a href="https://archive.org">https://archive.org</a>)</h4> -<p> </p> -<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> - <tr> - <td valign="top"> - Note: - </td> - <td> - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - <a href="https://archive.org/details/strongsteadyorpa00alge"> - https://archive.org/details/strongsteadyorpa00alge</a> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - - -<div class="center"><a name="cover.jpg" id="cover.jpg"></a><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="cover" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<h2>HORATIO ALGER'S<br />Successful Juvenile Books</h2> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="center">RAGGED DICK SERIES.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Complete in Six Volumes.</i></p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="center">TATTERED TOM SERIES.</p> - -<p class="center">A Continuation of the Ragged Dick Series.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>FIRST SERIES, in Four Volumes, now ready.</i></p> - -<p class="center"><i>SECOND SERIES, in Four Volumes, preparing.</i></p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="center">LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>FIRST SERIES, in Four Volumes, now ready.</i></p> - -<p class="center"><i>SECOND SERIES, in Four Volumes, preparing.</i></p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="center">CAMPAIGN SERIES.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Complete in Three Volumes.</i></p> - -<p class="center">Each Volume is sold, separate.</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="center">RAGGED DICK SERIES.</p> - -<p class="center"><i>Complete in Six Volumes—in a Box.</i></p> - -<table summary="RAGGED DICK SERIES"> - <tr> - <td>I.</td> - <td class="left"> RAGGED DICK; or, Street Life in New York.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II.</td> - <td class="left"> FAME AND FORTUNE; or, The Progress of Richard Hunter.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>III.</td> - <td class="left"> MARK, THE MATCH BOY.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IV.</td> - <td class="left"> ROUGH AND READY; or, Life Among New York Newsboys.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>V.</td> - <td class="left"> BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; or, Among the Wharves.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VI.</td> - <td class="left"> RUFUS AND ROSE; or, The Fortunes of Rough and Ready.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center"><i>Price, $1.25 per volume.</i></p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="center"><i>TATTERED TOM SERIES.</i></p> - -<p class="center">First Series <i>in Four Volumes</i>—<i>in Box</i>.</p> - -<table summary="TATTERED TOM SERIES"> - <tr> - <td>I.</td> - <td class="left"> TATTERED TOM; or, The Story of a Street Arab.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II.</td> - <td class="left"> PAUL, THE PEDDLER; or, The Adventures of a Young Street Merchant.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>III.</td> - <td class="left"> PHIL, THE FIDDLER; or, The Young Street Musician.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IV.</td> - <td class="left"> SLOW AND SURE; or, From the Sidewalk to the Shop.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center"><i>Price, $1.25 per volume.</i></p> - -<p class="center">SECOND SERIES.</p> - -<table summary="SECOND SERIES"> - <tr> - <td>I.</td> - <td class="left"> JULIUS; or, The Street Boy out West.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II.</td> - <td class="left"> THE YOUNG OUTLAW; A Story of the Street,—Oct., '74.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="center"><i>LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES.</i></p> - -<p class="center">First Series <i>in Four Volumes</i>—<i>in Box</i>.</p> - -<table summary="LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES"> - <tr> - <td>I.</td> - <td class="left"> LUCK AND PLUCK; or, John Oakley's Inheritance.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II.</td> - <td class="left"> SINK OR SWIM; or, Harry Raymond's Resolve.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>III.</td> - <td class="left"> STRONG AND STEADY; or, Paddle your own Canoe.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IV.</td> - <td class="left"> STRIVE AND SUCCEED; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center"><i>Price, $1.50 per volume.</i></p> - -<p class="center">SECOND SERIES.</p> - -<table summary="SECOND SERIES"> - <tr> - <td>I.</td> - <td class="left"> TRY AND TRUST; or, The Story of a Bound Boy.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II.</td> - <td class="left"> BOUND TO RISE; or, How Harry Walton rose in the World.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>III.</td> - <td class="left"> UP THE LADDER; or Harry Walton's Success, in Oct, '74.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="center"><i>CAMPAIGN SERIES.</i></p> - -<table summary="CAMPAIGN SERIES"> - <tr> - <td>I.</td> - <td class="left"> FRANK'S CAMPAIGN.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II.</td> - <td class="left"> PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>III.</td> - <td class="left"> CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class="center"><i>Price, $1.25 per volume.</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="frontispiece" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/series.jpg" alt="LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES" /></div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p> - -<h1>STRONG AND STEADY;</h1> - -<p class="bold space-above">OR,</p> - -<p class="bold2 space-above">PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE.</p> - -<p class="bold space-above">BY</p> - -<p class="bold2">HORATIO ALGER, <span class="smcap">Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="bold">AUTHOR OF "RAGGED DICK SERIES," "TATTERED TOM SERIES," "LUCK AND<br /> -PLUCK SERIES," "CAMPAIGN SERIES," ETC.</p> - -<p class="space-above"> </p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p class="bold space-above">LORING, Publisher,<br /> -<span class="smcap">Cor. Bromfield and Washington Streets</span>,<br />BOSTON.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="center"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871,<br /> -<span class="smcap">By</span> A. K. LORING,<br /> -In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.</p> - -<p class="center space-above">Stereotyped and Printed by Rockwell & Churchill, Boston.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p class="center"><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span>To</p> - -<p class="center">MY YOUNG FRIENDS,</p> - -<p class="center">WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON,</p> - -<p class="center"><i>IN THE HOPE THAT THEY MAY EMULATE THE VIRTUES<br /> -OF THE DISTINGUISHED MEN WHOSE<br />NAMES THEY BEAR</i>,</p> - -<p class="center">This Volume</p> - -<p class="center">IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[Pg vii]</a></span></p> - -<h2>PREFACE.</h2> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">Strong and Steady</span>" is the third volume of the "Luck and Pluck Series." -Though the story is quite distinct from its predecessors, it is intended -to illustrate the same general principle. Walter Conrad, the hero, is -unexpectedly reduced from affluence to poverty, and compelled to fight -his own way in life. Undaunted by misfortune, he makes up his mind to -"paddle his own canoe," and, declining the offers of friends, sets to -work with a resolute will and persistent energy, which command success -in the end.</p> - -<p>Hoping that Walter's adventures may prove of interest to his young -readers, and win the same favorable verdict which has been <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[Pg viii]</a></span>pronounced -upon his previous books, the author takes his leave for the present, -with many thanks for the generous welcome so often accorded to him.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">October 15, 1871.</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<h2><span>CONTENTS</span></h2> - -<table summary="CONTENTS"> - <tr> - <td colspan="2" class="left"><span class="smaller">CHAPTER</span></td> - <td><span class="smaller">PAGE</span></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>I.</td> - <td class="left"> THE ESSEX CLASSICAL INSTITUTE.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>II.</td> - <td class="left"> IN THE CARS.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_18">18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>III.</td> - <td class="left"> AT HOME.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IV.</td> - <td class="left"> JACOB DRUMMOND, OF STAPLETON.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>V.</td> - <td class="left"> JACOB DRUMMOND—CONTINUED.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_38">38</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VI.</td> - <td class="left"> FUTURE PLANS.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VII.</td> - <td class="left"> MR. DRUMMOND'S HUMBLE ROOF.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_58">58</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>VIII.</td> - <td class="left"> WALTER MAKES A REVELATION.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_68">68</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>IX.</td> - <td class="left"> HOW MR. DRUMMOND TOOK THE NEWS.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_78">78</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>X.</td> - <td class="left"> MR. DRUMMOND'S STORE.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_88">88</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XI.</td> - <td class="left"> JOSHUA STIRS UP THE WRONG CUSTOMER.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_98">98</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XII.</td> - <td class="left"> AFTER THE BATTLE.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_108">108</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIII.</td> - <td class="left"> THE ARROW AND THE PIONEER.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_117">117</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIV.</td> - <td class="left"> A BRILLIANT SCHEME.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_127">127</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XV.</td> - <td class="left"> WAYS AND MEANS.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVI.</td> - <td class="left"> JOSHUA TRIES KEEPING STORE.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVII.</td> - <td class="left"> JOSHUA'S DISAPPOINTMENT.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XVIII.</td> - <td class="left"> WALTER FINDS HIMSELF IN HOT WATER.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_165">165</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XIX.</td> - <td class="left"> THE TABLES ARE TURNED.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XX.</td> - <td class="left"> IN WHICH JOSHUA COMES TO GRIEF.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_185">185</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXI.</td> - <td class="left"> A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_195">195</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXII.</td> - <td class="left"> MESSRS. FLINT AND PUSHER.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_206">206</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXIII.</td> - <td class="left"> WALTER LOSES HIS MONEY.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_216">216</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXIV.</td> - <td class="left"> SLIPPERY DICK.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_226">226</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXV.</td> - <td class="left"> A HARD CUSTOMER.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_236">236</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXVI.</td> - <td class="left"> BUSINESS EXPERIENCES.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_246">246</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXVII.</td> - <td class="left"> A CABIN IN THE WOODS.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_256">256</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXVIII.</td> - <td class="left"> STRANGE ACQUAINTANCES.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_266">266</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXIX.</td> - <td class="left"> DANGER THREATENS.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_276">276</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXX.</td> - <td class="left"> THE ROBBER WALKS INTO A TRAP.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_286">286</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXI.</td> - <td class="left"> WALTER'S ESCAPE.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_296">296</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXII.</td> - <td class="left"> A STRANGE HIDING-PLACE.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_306">306</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXIII.</td> - <td class="left"> WALTER SHOWS STRATEGY.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_317">317</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXIV.</td> - <td class="left"> DELIVERANCE.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_326">326</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXV.</td> - <td class="left"> THE LAST OF JACK MANGUM.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_335">335</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXVI.</td> - <td class="left"> JOSHUA BIDS GOOD-BY TO STAPLETON.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_345">345</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>XXXVII.</td> - <td class="left"> CONCLUSION.</td> - <td><a href="#Page_355">355</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p> - -<p class="bold2">STRONG AND STEADY;</p> - -<p class="bold">OR,</p> - -<p class="bold2">PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE.</p> - -<hr class="smler" /> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER I.</span> <span class="smaller">THE ESSEX CLASSICAL INSTITUTE.</span></h2> - -<p>"You've got a nice room here, Walter."</p> - -<p>"Yes, you know I am to stay here two years, and I might as well be -comfortable."</p> - -<p>"It's ever so much better than my room—twice as big, to begin with. -Then, my carpet looks as if it had come down through several -generations. I'll bet the old lady had it when she was first married. As -for a mirror, I've got a seven-by-nine looking-glass that I have to look -into twice before I can see my whole face. As for the bedstead, it -creaks so when I jump into it that I expect every night it'll<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> fall to -pieces like the 'one hoss shay,' and spill me on the floor. Now your -room is splendidly furnished."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is now, but father furnished it at his own expense. He said he -was willing to lay out a little money to make me comfortable."</p> - -<p>"That's more than my father said. He told me it wouldn't do me any harm -to rough it."</p> - -<p>"I don't know but he is right," said Walter. "Of course I don't object -to the new carpet and furniture,"—and he looked with pleasure at the -handsome carpet with its bright tints, the black walnut bookcase with -its glass doors, and the tasteful chamber furniture,—"but I shouldn't -consider it any hardship if I had to rough it, as you call it."</p> - -<p>"Wouldn't you? Then I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll change rooms. You -can go round and board at Mrs. Glenn's, and I'll come here. What do you -say?"</p> - -<p>"I am not sure how my father would look on that arrangement," said -Walter, smiling.</p> - -<p>"I thought you'd find some way out," said Lemuel.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> "For my part, I don't -believe you'd fancy roughing it any better than I."</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said Walter; "I've sometimes thought I shouldn't be very -sorry to be a poor boy, and have to work my own way."</p> - -<p>"That's very well to say, considering you are the son of a rich man."</p> - -<p>"So are you."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but I don't get the benefit of it, and you do. What would you do -now if you were a poor boy?"</p> - -<p>"I can't say, of course, now, but I would go to work at something. I am -sure I could earn my own living."</p> - -<p>"I suppose I could, but I shouldn't want to."</p> - -<p>"You're lazy, Lem, that's what's the matter with you."</p> - -<p>"I know I am," said Lemuel, good-naturedly. "Some people are born lazy, -don't you think so?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you are right," answered Walter, with a smile. "Now suppose we -open our Cæsar."</p> - -<p>"I suppose we might as well. Here's another speech. I wish those old -fellows hadn't been so fond<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> of speech-making. I like the accounts of -battles well enough, but the speeches are a bother."</p> - -<p>"I like to puzzle them out, Lem."</p> - -<p>"So don't I. How much have we got for a lesson?"</p> - -<p>"Two sections."</p> - -<p>While the boys are at work reading these two sections, two-thirds of the -work being done by Walter, whose head is clearer and whose knowledge -greater than his companion's, a little explanation shall be given, in -order that we may better understand the position and prospects of the -two boys introduced.</p> - -<p>Of Lemuel Warner, it need only be said that he was a pleasant-looking -boy of fourteen, the son of a prosperous merchant in New York. Walter -Conrad was from a small inland town, where his father was the wealthiest -and most prominent and influential citizen, having a handsome -mansion-house, surrounded by extensive grounds.</p> - -<p>How rich he was, was a matter of conjecture; but he was generally rated -as high as two hundred thousand dollars. Mrs. Conrad had been dead for -five years, so that Walter, who was an only child, had no<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span> immediate -relation except his father. It was for this reason, perhaps, that he had -been sent to the Essex Classical Institute, of which we find him a -member at the opening of our story. Being a boy of talent, and well -grounded in Latin, he was easily able to take a high rank in his class. -Lemuel Warner had become his intimate friend, being in the same class, -but considerably inferior to him in scholarship. They usually got their -Latin lessons together, and it was owing to this circumstance that -Lemuel made a better figure in his recitations than before Walter became -a member of the school.</p> - -<p>"There, that job's done," said Lemuel, closing his book with an air of -satisfaction. "Now we can rest."</p> - -<p>"You forget the Latin exercise."</p> - -<p>"Oh, bother the Latin exercise! I don't see what's the use of writing -Latin any way. English composition is hard enough. What's to be done?"</p> - -<p>"You know the doctor expects each boy to write a letter in Latin, -addressed to his father, not less than twelve lines in length."</p> - -<p>"It isn't to be sent home, is it? Mr. Warner<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> senior, I reckon, would -stare a little when he got his. He wouldn't know Latin from Cherokee."</p> - -<p>"Possibly your Latin won't differ much from Cherokee, Lem."</p> - -<p>"What's the use of being sarcastic on a fellow, and hurting his -feelings?" said Lem, laughing in a way to show that his feelings were -not very seriously hurt. "I say, couldn't one crib a little from Cæsar?"</p> - -<p>"Not very well, considering the doctor is slightly familiar with that -author."</p> - -<p>"I wonder whether Cæsar used to write home to his father when he was at -boarding-school. If he did, I should like to get hold of some of his -letters."</p> - -<p>"They would probably have to be altered considerably to adapt them to -the present time."</p> - -<p>"Well, give me a sheet of paper and I'll begin."</p> - -<p>The boys undertook their new task, and finished it by nine o'clock. I -should be glad to furnish a copy of Lemuel's letter, which was written -with brilliant disregard of grammatical rules; but unfortunately the -original, afterwards considerably revised<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> in accordance with -suggestions from Walter, has not been preserved.</p> - -<p>"I've a great mind to send my letter home, Walter," said Lemuel. "Father -expects me to write home every week, and this would save me some -trouble. Besides, he'd think I was getting on famously, to write home in -Latin."</p> - -<p>"Yes, if he didn't find out the mistakes."</p> - -<p>"That's the rub. He'd show it to the minister the first time he called, -and then my blunders would be detected. I guess I'd better wait till it -comes back from the doctor corrected."</p> - -<p>"I expect to hear from home to-morrow," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"Why to-morrow in particular? Do you generally get letters Thursday?"</p> - -<p>"No, my letters generally come on Saturday, and I answer them Sunday. -But to-morrow is my birthday."</p> - -<p>"Is it? Let me be the first to congratulate you. How venerable will you -be?"</p> - -<p>"As venerable as most boys of fifteen, Lem."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span></p><p>"You're three months older than I am, then. Do you expect a present?"</p> - -<p>"I haven't thought much about it, but I don't believe father will forget -me."</p> - -<p>"Can't you guess what you are likely to get?"</p> - -<p>"I can guess, but I may not be right. Father promised to give me a gold -watch-chain some time. You know I have a gold watch already."</p> - -<p>"Yes, and a regular little beauty."</p> - -<p>"So it wouldn't surprise me much to get a chain for a present."</p> - -<p>"You're a lucky boy. My watch is silver, and only cost twenty dollars."</p> - -<p>"I dare say I should be just as happy with a silver watch, Lem."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you wouldn't like to buy, would you? If so, I'll give you the -chance. A fair exchange is no robbery."</p> - -<p>"No, I suppose not; but it wouldn't do to exchange a gift."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps, if my watch were gold and yours silver, you wouldn't have any -objections."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span></p><p>"I don't think that would alter the case with me. A gift is a gift, -whether it is more or less valuable."</p> - -<p>"How long have you had your watch, Walter?"</p> - -<p>"Ever since my thirteenth birthday."</p> - -<p>"I have had mine a year. I broke the crystal and one of the hands the -very first day."</p> - -<p>"That was pretty hard usage, Lem."</p> - -<p>"The watch had a pretty good constitution, so it has survived to the -present day. But I'm getting sleepy, Walter. It's the hard study, I -suppose, that's done it. I must be getting back to Ma'am Glenn's. -Good-night."</p> - -<p>"Good-night, Lem."</p> - -<p>Lemuel Warner gathered up his books, and left the room. Walter poked the -fire, putting some ashes on, so that it would keep till the next -morning, and commenced undressing. He had scarcely commenced, however, -when a heavy step was heard on the stairs, and directly afterwards a -knock resounded upon his door.</p> - -<p>Wondering who his late visitor could be, Walter stepped to the door, and -opened it.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER II.</span> <span class="smaller">IN THE CARS.</span></h2> - -<p>If Walter was surprised at receiving a visit at so late an hour, he was -still more surprised to recognize in the visitor Dr. Porter, the -principal of the Institute.</p> - -<p>"Good-evening, Conrad," said the doctor. "I am rather a late visitor. I -was not sure but you might be in bed."</p> - -<p>"I was just getting ready to go to bed, sir. Won't you walk in?"</p> - -<p>"I will come in for five minutes only."</p> - -<p>"Take the rocking-chair, sir."</p> - -<p>All the while Walter was wondering what could be the doctor's object in -calling. He was not conscious of having violated any of the regulations -of the Institute, and even had he done so, it would be unusual for the -principal to call upon him at such an hour.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> So he watched the doctor -with a puzzled glance, and waited to hear him state his errand.</p> - -<p>"Have you heard from home lately, Conrad?" asked the doctor.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I received a letter a few days since."</p> - -<p>"Did your father speak of being unwell?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," said Walter, taking instant alarm. "Have—have you heard -anything?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, my boy; and that is my reason for calling upon you at this unusual -hour. I received this telegram twenty minutes since."</p> - -<p>Walter took the telegram, with trembling fingers, and read the following -message:—</p> - -<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">Dr. Porter</span>:—Please send Walter Conrad home by the first train. -His father is very sick.</p> - -<p class="right">"<span class="smcap">Nancy Forbes.</span>"</p></blockquote> - -<p>"Do you think there is any danger, Dr. Porter?" asked Walter, with a -pale face.</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell, my boy; this telegram furnishes all the information I -possess. Who is Nancy Forbes?"</p> - -<p>"She is the house-keeper. I can't realize that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> father is so sick. He -did not say anything about it when he wrote."</p> - -<p>"Let us hope it is only a brief sickness. I think you had better go home -by the first train to-morrow morning."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"I believe it starts at half-past seven."</p> - -<p>"I shall be ready, sir."</p> - -<p>"By the way, are you provided with sufficient money to pay your railway -fare? If not, I will advance you the necessary sum."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir, I have five dollars by me, and that will be more than -sufficient."</p> - -<p>"Then I believe I need not stay any longer," and the doctor rose.</p> - -<p>"Don't think too much of your father's sickness, but try to get a good -night's sleep. I hope we shall soon have you coming back with good -news."</p> - -<p>The principal shook hands with Walter and withdrew.</p> - -<p>When his tall form had vanished, Walter sat down and tried to realize -the fact of his father's sickness; but this he found difficult.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p><p>Mr. Conrad had never been sick within his remembrance, and the thought -that he might become so had never occurred to Walter. Besides, the -telegram spoke of him as <i>very</i> sick. Could there be danger?</p> - -<p>That was a point which he could not decide, and all that remained was to -go to bed. It was a long time before he got to sleep, but at length he -did sleep, waking in time only for a hasty preparation for the homeward -journey. He was so occupied with thoughts of his father that it was not -till the journey was half finished, that it occurred to him that this -was his fifteenth birthday, to which he had been looking forward for -some time.</p> - -<p>The seat in front of our hero was for some time vacant; but at the -Woodville station two gentlemen got in who commenced an animated -conversation. Walter did not at first pay any attention to it. He was -looking out of the window listlessly, unable to fix his mind upon -anything except his father's sickness. But at length his attention was -caught by some remarks, made by one of the gentlemen in front, and from -this point he listened languidly.</p> - -<p>"I suspected him to be a swindler when he first<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> came to me," said the -gentleman sitting next the window. "He hadn't an honest look, and I was -determined not to have anything to do with his scheme."</p> - -<p>"He was very plausible."</p> - -<p>"Yes, he made everything look right on paper. That is easy enough. But -mining companies are risky things always. I once got taken in to the -tune of five thousand dollars, but it taught me a lesson. So I was not -particularly impressed with the brilliant prospectus of the Great -Metropolitan Mining Company, in spite of its high-sounding name, and its -promised dividend of thirty per cent. Depend upon it, James Wall and his -confederates will pocket all the dividends that are made."</p> - -<p>"Very likely you are right. But it may be that Wall really believed -there is a good chance of making money."</p> - -<p>"Of course he did, but he was determined to make the money for himself, -and not for the stockholders."</p> - -<p>"I might have been tempted to invest, but all my money was locked up at -the time, and I could not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> have done so without borrowing the money, and -that I was resolved not to do."</p> - -<p>"It was fortunate for you that you didn't, for the bubble has already -burst."</p> - -<p>"Is it possible? I was not aware of that."</p> - -<p>"I thought you knew it. The news is in this morning's paper. There will -be many losers. By the way, I hear that Mr. Conrad, of Willoughby, was -largely interested."</p> - -<p>"Then, of course, he is a heavy loser. Can he stand it?"</p> - -<p>"I am in doubt on that point. He is a rich man, but for all that he may -have gone in beyond his means."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry for him, but that was reckless."</p> - -<p>"Yes, he was completely taken in by Wall. He's a smooth fellow."</p> - -<p>Walter had listened with languid attention; still, however, gathering -the meaning of what was said until the mention of his father's name -roused him, and then he listened eagerly, and with a sudden quickening -of the pulse. He instantly connected the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> idea of what he had heard with -his father's sudden illness, and naturally associated the two together.</p> - -<p>"My father has heard of the failure of the company, and that has made -him sick," he thought.</p> - -<p>Though this implied a double misfortune, it relieved his anxiety a -little. It supplied a cause for his father's illness. He had been afraid -that his father had met with some accident, perhaps of a fatal nature. -But if he had become ill in consequence of heavy losses, it was not -likely that the illness was a very severe one.</p> - -<p>He thought of speaking to the gentlemen, and making some further -inquiries about the Mining Company and Mr. James Wall, but it occurred -to him that his father might not like to have him pry into his affairs, -and he therefore refrained.</p> - -<p>When the gentlemen left the cars, he saw one of them had left a morning -paper lying in the seat. He picked it up, and examined the columns until -his eyes fell upon the following paragraph:—</p> - -<p>"The failure of the Great Metropolitan Mining Company proves to be a -disastrous one. The assets will not be sufficient to pay more than five -per cent.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> of the amount of the sums invested by the stockholders, -possibly not that. There must have been gross mismanagement somewhere, -or such a result could hardly have been reached. We understand that the -affairs of the company are in the hands of assignees who are empowered -to wind them up. The stockholders in this vicinity will await the result -with anxiety."</p> - -<p>"That looks rather discouraging, to be sure," thought Walter. "I suppose -father will lose a good deal. But I'll tell him he needn't worry about -me. I shan't mind being poor, even if it comes to that. As long as he is -left to me, I won't complain."</p> - -<p>Walter became comparatively cheerful. He felt convinced that loss of -property was all that was to be apprehended, and with the elastic -spirits of youth he easily reconciled himself to that. He had never had -occasion to think much about money. All his wants had been provided for -with a lavish hand. He had, of course, seen poor people, but he did not -realize what poverty meant. He had even thought at times that it must be -rather a pleasant thing to earn one's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> own living. Still he did not -apprehend that he would have to do this. His father might have lost -heavily, but probably not to such an extent as to render this necessary.</p> - -<p>So the time passed until, about half-past eleven o'clock, the cars -stopped at Willoughby station.</p> - -<p>The station was in rather a lonely spot,—that is, no houses were very -near. Walter did not stop to speak to anybody, but, on leaving the cars, -carpet-bag in hand, jumped over a fence, and took his way across the -fields to his father's house. By the road it would have been a mile, but -it was scarcely more than half a mile by the foot-path.</p> - -<p>So it happened that he reached home without meeting a single person. He -went up the door-way to the front door and rang the bell.</p> - -<p>The door was opened by Nancy Forbes, the house-keeper, whose name was -appended to the telegram.</p> - -<p>"So it's you, Master Walter," she said. "I am glad you are home, but -it's a sad home you're come to."</p> - -<p>"Is father <i>very</i> sick, then?" asked Walter, turning pale.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span></p><p>"Didn't anybody tell you, then?"</p> - -<p>"Tell me what?"</p> - -<p>"My dear child, your father died at eight o'clock this morning."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER III.</span> <span class="smaller">AT HOME.</span></h2> - -<p>It was a terrible shock to Walter,—this sudden announcement of his -father's death. When he had left home, Mr. Conrad seemed in his usual -health, and he could not realize that he was dead. The news stunned him, -and he stood, pale and motionless, looking into the house-keeper's face.</p> - -<p>"Come in, Master Walter, come in, and have a cup of hot tea. It'll make -you feel better."</p> - -<p>A cup of hot tea was Nancy's invariable remedy for all troubles, -physical or mental.</p> - -<p>"Tell me about it, Nancy; I—I can't think it's true. It's so sudden."</p> - -<p>"That's the way I feel too, Master Walter. And only yesterday morning, -too, he looked just as usual. Little did I think what was to be."</p> - -<p>"When was he first taken sick?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p><p>Walter had seated himself on a chair in the hall, and waited anxiously -for an answer.</p> - -<p>"I didn't notice nothing till last night just after supper. Richard went -to the post-office and got your father's letters. When they came he took -'em into the library, and began to read them. There was three, I -remember. It was about an hour before I went into the room to tell him -the carpenter had called about repairing the carriage-house. When I came -in, there lay your poor father on the carpet, senseless. He held a -letter tight in his hand. I screamed for help. Mr. Brier, the carpenter, -and Richard came in and helped me to lift up your poor father, and we -sent right off for the doctor."</p> - -<p>"What did the doctor say?"</p> - -<p>"He said it was a paralytic stroke,—a very bad one,—and ordered him to -be put to bed directly. But it was of no use. He never recovered, but -breathed his last this morning at eight o'clock. The doctor told me I -must telegraph to your teacher; and so I did."</p> - -<p>"Nancy, have you got that letter which my father was reading?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p><p>"Yes, Master Walter, I put it in my pocket without reading. I think -there must have been bad news in it."</p> - -<p>She drew from her pocket a letter, which she placed in Walter's hands. -He read it hastily, and it confirmed his suspicions. It was from a -lawyer Mr. Conrad had asked to make inquiries respecting the Great -Metropolitan Mining Company, and was as follows:—</p> - -<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">William Conrad, Esq.</span></p> - -<p>"Dear Sir:—I have, at your request, taken pains to inform myself -of the present management and condition of the Great Metropolitan -Mining Company. The task has been less difficult than I -anticipated, since the failure of the company has just been made -public. The management has been in the hands of dishonest and -unscrupulous men, and it is doubtful whether the stockholders will -be able to recover anything.</p> - -<p class="right">"Hoping you are not largely interested, I remain,<br /> -"Yours, very respectfully,<span class="s3"> </span><br /> -"<span class="smcap">Andrew Holmes</span>."</p></blockquote> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span></p><p>Walter re-folded the letter, and put it into his pocket. He felt that -this letter had cost his father his life, and in the midst of his grief -he could not help thinking bitterly of the unscrupulous man who had led -his father to ruin. Had it been merely the loss of property, he could -have forgiven him, but he had been deprived of the kindest and most -indulgent of fathers.</p> - -<p>"I should like to see my father," he said.</p> - -<p>We will not accompany him into the dark chamber where his father lay, -unobservant, for the first time, of his presence. Such a scene is too -sacred to be described.</p> - -<p>An hour later he came out of the chamber, pale but composed. He seemed -older and more thoughtful than when he entered. A great and sudden -sorrow often has this effect upon the young.</p> - -<p>"Nancy," he said, "have any arrangements been made about the funeral?"</p> - -<p>"No, Walter, we waited till you came. Mr. Edson will be here in a few -minutes, and you can speak with him about it."</p> - -<p>Mr. Edson, though not a professional undertaker,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> usually acted as such -whenever there was occasion for his services. When he arrived, Walter -requested him to take entire charge of the funeral.</p> - -<p>"Are there any directions you would like to give, Walter?" asked Mr. -Edson, who, like most of the villagers, had known Walter from his birth.</p> - -<p>"No, Mr. Edson, I leave all to you."</p> - -<p>"What relations are there to be invited?"</p> - -<p>"My father had no near relatives. There is a cousin, Jacob Drummond, who -lives in Stapleton. It will be necessary to let him know."</p> - -<p>"Would a letter reach him in time?"</p> - -<p>"It will be best to telegraph. Stapleton is forty miles distant, and it -is doubtful if a letter would reach there in time."</p> - -<p>"If you will write the telegram, Walter, I'll see that it's sent right -off."</p> - -<p>"I won't trouble you, Mr. Edson; you will have enough to attend to, and -I can send Richard to the telegraph office, or go myself. I shall feel -better for the exercise."</p> - -<p>"Very well, Walter, I will do whatever else is necessary."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER IV.</span> <span class="smaller">JACOB DRUMMOND, OF STAPLETON.</span></h2> - -<p>Jacob Drummond kept a dry-goods store in the village of Stapleton. As -the village was of considerable size, and he had no competitors, he -drove a flourishing trade, and had already acquired quite a comfortable -property. In fact, even had he been less favorably situated, he was -pretty sure to thrive. He knew how to save money better, even, than to -earn it, being considered, and with justice, a very mean man. He carried -his meanness not only into his business, but into his household, and -there was not a poor mechanic in Stapleton, and scarcely a poor laborer, -who did not live better than Mr. Drummond, who was the rich man of the -place.</p> - -<p>No one, to look at Jacob Drummond, would have been likely to mistake his -character. All the lines of his face, the expression of his thin lips, -his cold gray eyes, all bespoke his meanness. Poor Mrs.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> Drummond, his -wife, could have testified to it, had she dared; but in this house, at -least, the husband was master, and she dared not express the opinions -she secretly entertained of the man to whom she was bound for life.</p> - -<p>At five o'clock on the afternoon of the day after Mr. Conrad's death, -Mr. Drummond entered the house, which was on the opposite side of the -street from the store.</p> - -<p>This was the supper hour, and supper was ready upon the table.</p> - -<p>A single glance was sufficient to show that Mr. Drummond was not a man -to indulge in luxurious living. There was a plate of white bread, cut in -thin slices, a small plate of butter, half a pie, and a plate of cake. A -small pitcher of milk, a bowl of coarse brown sugar, and a pot of the -cheapest kind of tea completed the preparations for the evening meal. -Certainly there was nothing extravagant about these preparations; but -Mr. Drummond thought otherwise. His attention was at once drawn to the -cake, and instantly a frown gathered upon his face.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span></p><p>"Are we going to have company to-night, Mrs. Drummond?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Not that I know of," answered his wife, in some surprise.</p> - -<p>"Then why is it that you have put both pie and cake on the table?"</p> - -<p>"There was only half a pie, Mr. Drummond," said she, nervously.</p> - -<p>"Well, there are but three of us. You can get three good-sized pieces -from half a pie. That will be one for each of us. What would you have -more?"</p> - -<p>"The cake is a cheap kind."</p> - -<p>"No cake is cheap, Mrs. Drummond. I take it you used eggs, butter, and -sugar in making it."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but—"</p> - -<p>"No buts, if you please, Mrs. Drummond. You are probably not aware that -all these articles are very dear at present. Until they get lower we -need not have cake, except when company is present."</p> - -<p>That being the case, Mr. Drummond was not likely to be put to much -expense on this score. They seldom had company, and those who came once -were not anxious to come again. For even on such<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> occasions Mr. Drummond -could not forget his ruling principle. The overflowing hospitality which -even in the humblest village households crowns the board with plenty -when visitors are present, was never to be found there; and, besides, -the visitors could not help having an uneasy suspicion that their host -grudged them the niggardly entertainment he did provide. So for three -years the Stapleton Sewing Circle had met but once at the Drummonds', -and there was no immediate prospect of their meeting there for another -three years.</p> - -<p>It may be supposed that Mr. Drummond was not fond of good eating. This, -however, would be quite a mistake. When he dined or took tea out, he -always did full justice to the different dainties which were provided, -and quite seemed to enjoy them as long as they were furnished at the -expense of another.</p> - -<p>"Take away the cake, if you please, Mrs. Drummond," continued her -husband. "You can save it for Sunday evening."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid it will be dried up by that time."</p> - -<p>"If it is dry, you can steam it."</p> - -<p>"That spoils cake."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p><p>"You seem very contrary to-night, Mrs. Drummond. I have continually to -check you in your extravagant tastes. Cake and pie, indeed! If you had -your way, you would double my household expenses."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Drummond rose from the table, and meekly removed the offending -cake.</p> - -<p>Just then the third and only other member of the family entered.</p> - -<p>This was Joshua Drummond, the only son, now eighteen years of age, -though he looked scarcely more than sixteen. He inherited his father's -meanness, but not his frugality. He was more self-indulgent, and, though -he grudged spending money for others, was perfectly ready to spend as -much as he could get hold of for himself.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER V.</span> <span class="smaller">JACOB DRUMMOND—CONTINUED.</span></h2> - -<p>Over Joshua Mr. Drummond had less control than over his wife. The latter -gave way meekly to his unreasonable requisitions; but Joshua did not -hesitate to make opposition, being as selfish and self-willed as his -father, for whom he entertained neither respect nor affection.</p> - -<p>Joshua looked around him disdainfully.</p> - -<p>"Is this Fast Day?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"You know very well that Fast Day comes in April," said his father.</p> - -<p>"I only judged from the looks of the table," said Joshua, not very -respectfully. "You don't mean that we shall any of us suffer from the -gout."</p> - -<p>"Bread and butter and pie are good enough for anybody," said Mr. -Drummond, stiffly.</p> - -<p>"I don't see any pie. Excuse me, there is a little,—so little that I -did not at first see it."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p><p>This was too much for Mr. Drummond's temper.</p> - -<p>"Unmannerly boy!" he exclaimed; "if you are dissatisfied with the fare -you get at home, you can engage board elsewhere."</p> - -<p>"I would like to," muttered Joshua, in a low voice, which his father -chose not to hear.</p> - -<p>In silence he helped himself to bread and butter, and in due time -accepted a piece of pie, which Mrs. Drummond made larger at the expense -of her own share.</p> - -<p>Harmony thus being restored, Mr. Drummond remarked, "I've had a telegram -to-day from Willoughby."</p> - -<p>"From Willoughby?" repeated his wife. "Isn't that where your cousin -William Conrad lives?"</p> - -<p>"He doesn't live there any longer. He's dead."</p> - -<p>"Dead! When did he die?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. Yesterday, I suppose. The funeral is to be day after -to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"Shall you go?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. It will cost me considerable; as much as five dollars or more; but -he was my cousin, and it is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> my duty to go," said Mr. Drummond, with the -air of a man who was making a great sacrifice.</p> - -<p>"He was rich, wasn't he?" asked Joshua, becoming interested.</p> - -<p>"Probably worth a hundred thousand dollars," said his father, -complacently.</p> - -<p>"I should think he might have left me something," said Joshua.</p> - -<p>"He never saw you, Joshua," said his mother.</p> - -<p>"Joshua stands a better chance of getting a legacy from one who doesn't -know him, than from one who does," said Mr. Drummond, with grim -pleasantry.</p> - -<p>"He leaves children, doesn't he, Mr. Drummond?"</p> - -<p>"One child—a boy. Let me see, he must be fifteen by this time."</p> - -<p>"And his mother isn't living?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Poor boy!"</p> - -<p>"He'll be a rich boy, Mrs. Drummond, and I'll tell you what, I shouldn't -wonder if we had a good chance to know him."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span></p><p>"How so?"</p> - -<p>"It's likely I will be appointed his guardian. I'm the nearest relative, -so that will be the most proper course."</p> - -<p>"Will he come here, then?" asked Joshua.</p> - -<p>"Very probably."</p> - -<p>"Then I hope you'll live better, or he won't stand it."</p> - -<p>"When I require any advice from you, Joshua, I will apply for it," said -his father.</p> - -<p>Joshua inwardly hoped that his father would be appointed guardian, as it -might make a difference in the family living; and, besides, if his -cousin were rich, he meant to wheedle himself into his confidence, in -the hope of future advantage.</p> - -<p>"When shall you set out?" asked Mrs. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"To-morrow morning, I think," said her husband. "It will be hard to -leave, but it's due to my cousin's memory."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond had become very punctilious all at once, considering that -for the last dozen years Mr. Conrad, who had by no means admired him, -had had<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> little or no communication with him. But then he had died rich, -and who knows what sort of a will he had left? At any rate, Jacob began -to feel a strong interest in him now. He might have put off going to -Willoughby till the morning train on the day of the funeral, for two -o'clock was the hour fixed for the last ceremony; but he was in a hurry -to learn all he could about the property, and secure, if possible, the -guardianship for himself. This was the secret of his willingness to -sacrifice time and money out of regard to his cousin's memory. The next -day, therefore, he started, taking with him in his valise a lunch of -bread and meat tied up in a piece of brown paper. He didn't intend to -spend any more money than was absolutely necessary on tavern bills.</p> - -<p>Shortly after his arrival, he called at the house of mourning.</p> - -<p>"I am Jacob Drummond, of Stapleton, the cousin of the deceased," he -explained to Nancy, who opened the door to admit him. "Is my young -relative, Mr. Conrad's son, at home?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," said Nancy, taking an inventory of his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span> features, and -deciding that he was a very disagreeable looking man.</p> - -<p>"Will you mention my name to him, and say that I should like to see -him?"</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond was ushered into the parlor, where he had a little chance -to look around him before Walter appeared.</p> - -<p>"It's all nonsense wasting so much money on furniture," he mentally -ejaculated. "The money spent is a dead loss when it might be drawing -handsome interest."</p> - -<p>Walter did not long keep him waiting.</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond rose at his entrance.</p> - -<p>"I suppose you don't know me," he said; "but I was your father's nearest -living relation."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Drummond, I believe."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Jacob Drummond, of Stapleton. You have probably heard your father -speak of me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"I came as soon as I could after getting the telegram. I left my -business to take care of itself. I wanted to offer you my sympathy on -your sad loss."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond's words were kind, though the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>reference to his sacrifice -in leaving his business might have been as well left out. Still Walter -could not feel as grateful as he wanted to do. Somehow he didn't fancy -Mr. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"You are very kind," he said.</p> - -<p>"I mean to be. You know I'm your nearest relation now. I truly feel for -you in your desolate condition, and though it may not be the right time -to say it, I must tell you that I hope, when the funeral is over, you -will accompany me home, and share our humble hospitality. Mrs. Drummond -joins with me in the invitation."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Drummond had not been consulted in the matter, but her husband -thought it would sound well to say so.</p> - -<p>"I have not had time to think of future arrangements," said Walter; "but -I thank you for your invitation."</p> - -<p>Walter did not know the motives which induced Mr. Drummond to extend -this invitation, but supposed it to be meant in kindness, and so -acknowledged it.</p> - -<p>"My son Joshua, too," said Mr. Drummond, "is<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> longing to make your -acquaintance. He is older than you, but not much larger. How old are -you?"</p> - -<p>"I am fifteen."</p> - -<p>"You are well grown of your age; Joshua is eighteen, but he will make a -very pleasant companion for you. Let me hope that you will accept my -invitation."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Drummond; I will consult my friends about it."</p> - -<p>"I wonder how much board I could venture to ask," thought Mr. Drummond. -"If I am his guardian, I can fix that to suit myself. A hundred thousand -dollars would make me a rich man. That is, I could make money from it, -without injuring the boy."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond asked a few more questions about Mr. Conrad's sickness and -death. Walter answered them, but did not think it necessary to speak of -his losses by the Mining Company. Mr. Drummond was a stranger, and not a -man to inspire confidence. So Walter told as little as he could. At -length the visitor, having exhausted inquiries, rose.</p> - -<p>"I shall be here to-morrow," he said. "I am<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span> stopping at the tavern. I -shall return to Stapleton after the ceremony. I hope you will make up -your mind to go back with me."</p> - -<p>"I could not be ready so soon," answered Walter, doubtfully.</p> - -<p>"I can wait till the next day."</p> - -<p>"That will not be necessary, Mr. Drummond. I shall have no difficulty in -making the journey alone, if I conclude to accept your kind invitation."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond shook our hero's hand sympathetically, and at length -withdrew. As he went down the avenue, he took a backward glance at the -handsome mansion in which his cousin had lived.</p> - -<p>"That boy owns all that property," he said, half enviously, "and never -worked a day for it. I've had to work for all my money. But it was -foolish to spend so much money on a house. A third the sum would have -built a comfortable house, and the rest might have been put at interest. -If it turns out that I am the boy's guardian, I think I shall sell it. -That'll be the best course."</p> - -<p>With these reflections Mr. Drummond pursued his way back to the village -tavern, where he had taken<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> the precaution to ascertain that he should -be charged but a dollar and a quarter a day. He considered that a dollar -would have been sufficient, but still it was proper to make some -sacrifice to his cousin's memory. Mr. Conrad's mining speculation was -not generally known in the village as yet, so that Mr. Drummond did not -hear a word as to his loss of property.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER VI.</span> <span class="smaller">FUTURE PLANS.</span></h2> - -<p>The funeral was over. Mr. Drummond, as indeed his relationship -permitted, was one of the principal mourners. Considering that he had -not seen Mr. Conrad for five years preceding his death, nor during that -time communicated with him in any way, he appeared to be very much -overcome by grief. He kept his eyes covered with a large white -handkerchief, and his movements indicated suppressed agitation. He felt -that this was a tribute due to a cousin who had left over one hundred -thousand dollars.</p> - -<p>When they had returned from the grave, Mr. Drummond managed to have a -word with Walter.</p> - -<p>"Have you decided to accept my offer, and make your home beneath my -humble roof?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"There has been no time to consult with my friends here, Mr. Drummond. I -will let you know<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> next week. I thank you at any rate for your -kindness."</p> - -<p>"Do come, Walter," said his cousin, twisting his mean features into an -affectionate smile. "With you beneath my humble roof, I shall want -nothing to complete my happiness."</p> - -<p>Walter thanked him again, wondering at the same time why Mr. Drummond's -kindness did not affect him more sensibly.</p> - -<p>So Jacob Drummond went back to Stapleton, still ignorant of the state of -Mr. Conrad's affairs, and still regarding Walter as a boy of great -wealth.</p> - -<p>When the will was opened it was found to bear date two years back, -before Mr. Conrad had plunged into the speculation which had proved so -disastrous to him. He bequeathed all the property which he did possess -to Walter, with the exception of five hundred dollars, which were left -as a legacy to his faithful house-keeper, Nancy Forbes. At the time the -will was made, its provisions made Walter heir to a large fortune. Now -it was quite uncertain how things would turn out. Clement Shaw, the -village<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span> lawyer, an honest and upright man, was made executor, being an -old and tried friend of the deceased.</p> - -<p>With him Walter had a long and confidential conversation, imparting to -him what he knew of his father's mining speculation and its disastrous -result, with its probable effect in accelerating his death.</p> - -<p>"I knew something of this before, Walter," said Mr. Shaw. "Your father -spoke to me of being largely interested in the Great Metropolitan Mining -Company; but of the company itself and the extent to which he was -involved I knew nothing."</p> - -<p>"I think my father must have been very seriously involved," said Walter. -"It may, perhaps, swallow up the whole property."</p> - -<p>"Let us hope not. Indeed, I can hardly believe that your father would -have ventured in so deep as that."</p> - -<p>"He had every confidence in the company; he thought he was going to -double his money. If only a part of his property was threatened, I don't -think it would have had such an effect upon him."</p> - -<p>"I will thoroughly examine into the affair," said Mr. Shaw. "Meanwhile, -Walter, hope for the best!<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span> It can hardly be that the whole property is -lost. Do not be too anxious."</p> - -<p>"Do not fear for me on that account," said Walter. "I always looked -forward to being rich, it is true, but I can bear poverty. If the worst -comes, and I am penniless, I am strong, and can work. I can get along as -well as thousands of other boys, who have to support themselves."</p> - -<p>Walter did not speak boastfully, but in a calm, confident way, that -argued a consciousness of power.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said the lawyer, regarding him attentively, "I think you are -right there. You are just the boy who can make his own way; but I hope -you will not be obliged to do so."</p> - -<p>"There is one thing I want to say, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, "and that is -about the money my father leaves in his will to Nancy."</p> - -<p>"The circumstances were different. She will not expect it now; that is, -of course, unless things turn out more favorably than we fear."</p> - -<p>"That is not what I mean. Nancy must have the money, if there is so much -left after settling the estate."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p><p>"But suppose only five hundred dollars are left? Of course I hope it -will be much more, but we must think of all contingencies."</p> - -<p>"If only five hundred dollars are left, let Nancy have them."</p> - -<p>"But, Walter, consider yourself."</p> - -<p>"I am young and strong. Nancy has spent her best years in my father's -service, and she is no longer young. It is right that she should have -some provision. Besides, my father meant her to have it, and I want to -carry out his wishes."</p> - -<p>"This is all very generous, Walter; but I am afraid it is inconsiderate. -It would not be your father's wish to provide even for Nancy, however -faithful she may have been, at the expense of his son."</p> - -<p>"It is right," said Walter. "Besides, Mr. Shaw, I find that Nancy had -laid up six hundred dollars, which she had deposited in my father's -hands. That also must be paid, if there is enough to pay it; if not, I -will take it upon myself to pay whenever I am able."</p> - -<p>"You're an excellent boy, Walter," said Mr.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> Shaw. "I always had a good -opinion of you, and I find it is more than deserved. I honor you for the -resolution you have expressed, though I cannot quite agree with you -about the five hundred dollars. As to the debt, that must be paid, if -there is money enough to pay it. But we can leave the further discussion -of this question for the present. Now let us consider what is to become -of you in the mean time. You were at the Essex Classical Institute, I -believe?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"You would like to go back again, I suppose."</p> - -<p>"No, Mr. Shaw. It is an expensive school, and while it is uncertain how -my father's affairs will come out, I should not feel justified in going -there."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you are right. Of course you cannot stay here, and keep house -by yourself. I would invite you to my own house, but my wife is an -invalid, and I have to consider her in the matter."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Shaw; but I think perhaps I had better accept the offer -of Mr. Drummond, of Stapleton. He invites me to make my home at his<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> -house, and, for the present, perhaps, that will be the best -arrangement."</p> - -<p>"I am not acquainted with Mr. Drummond. He is a relation, I believe."</p> - -<p>"Yes, he is my father's cousin, and so, of course, my second cousin."</p> - -<p>"I think I saw him at the funeral."</p> - -<p>"Yes, he was present."</p> - -<p>Mr. Shaw had seen Jacob Drummond, and had not been very favorably -impressed by his appearance. Still, his offer was not one to be hastily -rejected, for no better reason than a little prejudice, which might -prove unfounded. Accordingly he said, "Well, Walter, as you say, I am -not sure whether this may not be the best arrangement for you, that is, -for the present. If you don't like to stay at Stapleton, you can write -me, and I will see what I can do for you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Shaw."</p> - -<p>Nancy was much troubled at the thought of parting from Walter, whom she -had known from his infancy; but a situation was immediately offered her -in the village, and Walter promised to take her as his house-keeper -whenever he had a home of his own, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> this comforted her, although it -was likely to be a long time first, since our hero was at present but -fifteen.</p> - -<p>"Your six hundred dollars shall be paid, Nancy," said Walter, "as soon -as father's affairs are settled."</p> - -<p>"Don't bother yourself about that, Master Walter," said Nancy. "I've got -fifty dollars in my trunk, and I don't need the other at all. I can wait -for it five years."</p> - -<p>"It won't be necessary to wait as long as that, Nancy."</p> - -<p>"And so you are going to that Mr. Drummond's? I'm sorry for it. I don't -like the man's looks at all."</p> - -<p>"He may be a good man. He was kind to invite me."</p> - -<p>"He isn't a good man," said Nancy, positively. "He's got a mean sort of -look to his face."</p> - -<p>"You mustn't try to prejudice me before I go to him, Nancy."</p> - -<p>"You'll think as I do before you've been there a week," said Nancy, -shaking her head. "I took a good look at him when he was here, and I -didn't like his looks."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p><p>"He isn't very handsome," said Walter, smiling; "but everybody can't be -handsome."</p> - -<p>Secretly he did not wonder much at Nancy's prejudice. Mr. Drummond -certainly was a mean-looking man. How he could be so nearly related to -his father, who was a generous, open-handed, and open-hearted man, was -surprising. Still Walter was just enough to reserve his judgment until -his opportunities of judging were greater than at present.</p> - -<p>He wrote a brief letter to Stapleton, to the following effect:—</p> - -<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">Mr. Drummond</span>:—</p> - -<p>"Dear Sir:—I will accept the invitation you were kind enough to -extend to me, for the present, at least, and will come to Stapleton -about the middle of next week. You are the only relation of my -father that I know of, and I think it would be his wish that I -should go to you. If it should be inconvenient for you to receive -me at that time, please write me at once.</p> - -<p class="right">"Yours, respectfully,<span class="s6"> </span><br /> -"<span class="smcap">Walter Conrad</span>."</p></blockquote> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span></p><p>In return, Walter received a letter couched in the most cordial terms, -in which Mr. Drummond signed himself, "Your affectionate cousin." He was -delighted, he said, to think that he was about to receive, under his -humble roof, the son of his revered and lamented cousin.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER VII.</span> <span class="smaller">MR. DRUMMOND'S HUMBLE ROOF.</span></h2> - -<p>"Mrs. Drummond," said her husband, "young Mr. Conrad will be here by -four o'clock this afternoon. You will have a nice supper ready at five."</p> - -<p>"Shall I have cake and pie both?" inquired Mrs. Drummond, doubtfully.</p> - -<p>"Certainly. Indeed, it may be as well to have two kinds of pie, say -apple and pumpkin; and, as we have not had hot biscuit for some time, -you may bake some."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Drummond looked at her husband as if she had doubts as to his -sanity. Such a luxurious meal was quite unheard of in the Drummond -household.</p> - -<p>"Cake, two kinds of pie, and hot biscuit!" she repeated.</p> - -<p>"Yes," he replied. "I am not in general in favor of such extra living, -but it is well to pay some respect to the memory of my deceased kinsman -in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> the person of his son. Being the son of a rich man, he has been -accustomed to rich living, and I wish him, on his advent into our -family, to feel at home."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Drummond prepared to obey her husband's directions with alacrity.</p> - -<p>"Joshua will get a good supper for once," she thought, thinking more of -her son than of the stranger who was to enter the family. "How surprised -he will be to see such a variety on the table!"</p> - -<p>Not that Joshua was strictly confined to the spare diet of his father's -table. Through his mother's connivance there was generally an extra -piece of pie or cake in the pantry laid aside for him. Had Mr. Drummond -suspected this, he would have been very angry; but, being at the store -the greater portion of the time, he was not aware of the extra -indulgence.</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond himself met Walter at the depot.</p> - -<p>"I am delighted to welcome you to Stapleton, my young friend," he said, -shaking his hand cordially. "In the affliction which has come upon you, -let me hope that you will find a haven of rest beneath my humble roof."</p> - -<p>"I wonder why he always speaks of his 'humble<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> roof,'" thought Walter. -"Does he live in a shanty, I wonder?"</p> - -<p>He made suitable acknowledgments, and proceeded to walk beside Mr. -Drummond to the house which he termed humble.</p> - -<p>It did not deserve that name, being a substantial two-story house, -rather ugly architecturally, but comfortable enough in appearance.</p> - -<p>"That is my humble dwelling," said Mr. Drummond, pointing it out. "It is -not equal to the splendid mansion in which you have been accustomed to -live, for my worldly circumstances differ widely from those of your late -lamented parent; but I trust that in our humble way we shall be enabled -to make you comfortable."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Drummond; I have no doubt of that. Your house looks very -comfortable."</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is plain and humble, but comfortable. We are plain people. We -are not surrounded by the appliances of wealth, but we manage, in our -humble way, to get through life. That is my son Joshua, who is looking -out of the front window. I hope you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> may become good friends, -considering how nearly you are related."</p> - -<p>Walter raised his eyes, and saw Joshua, whose small, mean features, -closely resembling his father's, expressed considerable curiosity. -Walter secretly doubted whether he should like him; but this doubt he -kept to himself.</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond opened the outer door, and led the way in.</p> - -<p>"This is my wife, Mrs. Drummond," he said, as she approached, and kindly -welcomed the young stranger.</p> - -<p>"I think I shall like her," thought Walter, suffering his glance to rest -for a moment on her mild, placid features; "she is evidently quite -superior to her husband."</p> - -<p>"Joshua, come here and welcome Mr. Conrad," said his father.</p> - -<p>Joshua came forward awkwardly, and held out his hand with the stiffness -of a pump-handle.</p> - -<p>"How dy do?" he said. "Just come?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Walter, accepting the hand, and shaking it slightly.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span></p><p>"Are you tired with your journey, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mrs. Drummond. -"Perhaps you would like to be shown to your room."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Walter. "I will go up for a few minutes."</p> - -<p>"Where are you going to put our young friend, Mrs. Drummond?"</p> - -<p>"In the spare chamber."</p> - -<p>"That is right. You will find some difference, Mr. Conrad, between our -humble accommodations and the sumptuous elegance of your own home; but -we will try and make it up by a hearty welcome."</p> - -<p>"I wish he wouldn't use the word <i>humble</i> so much," thought Walter.</p> - -<p>Walter went upstairs, preceded by Mr. Drummond, who insisted on carrying -his carpet-bag, for his trunk would not arrive till the next day, having -been forwarded by express.</p> - -<p>"I say, mother," remarked Joshua, "the old man's awfully polite to this -young fellow."</p> - -<p>"You shouldn't speak of your father in that way, Joshua."</p> - -<p>"Oh, what's the odds? He is an old man, isn't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span> he? I just wish he'd be -as polite to me. I say, I hope he'll like his boarding-place. What are -you going to have for supper?"</p> - -<p>"Hot biscuit, cake, and two kinds of pie."</p> - -<p>"Whew! won't the old man look like a thundercloud?"</p> - -<p>"That's what he told me to get. You do your father injustice, Joshua."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Drummond knew in her secret heart that her husband was intensely -mean; but she was one of those who like to think as well as possible of -every one, and was glad of an opportunity to prove that he could, on -rare occasions, be more generous.</p> - -<p>"Father's brain must be softening," said Joshua, after recovering in a -measure from his astonishment. "I hope it will be permanent. Isn't -supper most ready?"</p> - -<p>"At five o'clock, Joshua."</p> - -<p>"This young chap's got a lot of money, I suppose, and the governor's -after some of it. That explains the matter."</p> - -<p>"I wish you wouldn't speak so disrespectfully of your father, Joshua."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p><p>"I won't if he'll keep on as he's begun. I'm glad this young Conrad has -come to board here. I'm going to get thick with him."</p> - -<p>"He seems like a very nice boy," said Mrs. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"I don't care what sort of a boy he is, as long as he's got the tin. I'm -going to make him treat."</p> - -<p>"You must be considerate of his feelings, Joshua. Remember that he has -just lost his father."</p> - -<p>"Suppose he has, there's no need of looking glum about it."</p> - -<p>Had Jacob Drummond died, Joshua would have borne the loss with the -greatest fortitude. Of that there was no doubt. Indeed, he would rather -have hailed the event with joy, if, as he expressed it, the "old man did -the right thing," and left him the bulk of his property. Though such -feelings did not do Joshua much credit, it must be said in extenuation -that his father was far from being a man to inspire affection in any -one, however nearly related.</p> - -<p>At five o'clock they sat down to supper.</p> - -<p>"I hope, Mr. Conrad," said Jacob, "you will be able to relish our humble -repast."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span></p><p>"Humble again!" thought Walter. He was about to say that everything -looked very nice, when Joshua broke in.</p> - -<p>"If you call this humble, I don't know what you'd say to the suppers we -commonly have."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond, who desired, for this day, at least, to keep up -appearances, frowned with vexation.</p> - -<p>"Joshua," he said, "I desire that you will act in a more gentlemanly -way, or else leave the table."</p> - -<p>As leaving the table on the present occasion would have been, indeed, a -deprivation, Joshua thought it wise not to provoke his father too far, -at any rate until after he had made sure of his supper. He therefore -left most of the conversation to his father.</p> - -<p>"Have you ever been in Stapleton before, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mr. -Drummond.</p> - -<p>"No, sir; never."</p> - -<p>"It is not a large place, but it is growing; the people are plain, but -they have kind hearts. I hope you may like the town after a while."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir; I have no doubt I shall."</p> - -<p>"If you feel inclined for a walk, Joshua will go out with you after -supper, and show you the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>mill-dam, the church, and the school-house. He -will also point out the store—it is only across the way—where, in my -humble way, I try to earn a living. I shall be very glad if you will -come in and take a look inside. I may be busy, for work has accumulated -during my absence, but Joshua will show you around."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>"Will you have another cup of tea, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mrs. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"Thank you."</p> - -<p>"May I ask, Mr. Conrad,—excuse my intruding the question,—who is left -executor of your father's estate?"</p> - -<p>"Mr. Shaw, the lawyer in our village."</p> - -<p>"Is he? Do you have confidence in him?"</p> - -<p>"He is an excellent man, very honest and upright. He was an intimate -friend of my father."</p> - -<p>"Ah, indeed! I am glad of it. Then he will consult your interests."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I feel quite safe in his hands."</p> - -<p>"I am so glad to hear you say so. So many lawyers, you know, are -tricky."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p><p>"Mr. Shaw is not tricky."</p> - -<p>"We have no lawyer here," pursued Mr. Drummond. "You will perhaps be -surprised to hear it, but my humble services are frequently called into -requisition, in administering and settling estates."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, sir."</p> - -<p>"Yes; but I am glad you have got a man you can trust. Mrs. Drummond, I -think Mr. Conrad will have another piece of pie."</p> - -<p>Supper was over at length, and Walter, by invitation, went out to walk -with Joshua.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER VIII.</span> <span class="smaller">WALTER MAKES A REVELATION.</span></h2> - -<p>Walter did not anticipate a very pleasant walk with Joshua. The little -he had seen of that young man did not prepossess him in his favor. -However, having no other way of spending his time, he had no objection -to the walk.</p> - -<p>"That's the old man's store just across the street," said Joshua, as -they emerged from the house.</p> - -<p>"Your father's?"</p> - -<p>"Of course. Don't you see the name on the sign?" Walter did see it, but -never having been accustomed to speak of his own father as "the old -man," he was not quite sure he apprehended Joshua's meaning.</p> - -<p>"You were an only child, weren't you?" said Joshua.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Walter, soberly.</p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/i069.jpg" alt="Illustration" /></div> - -<p>He could not help thinking what a comfort it would<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> have been to him to -have either brother or sister. He would have felt less alone in the -world.</p> - -<p>"So am I," said Joshua; adding, complacently, "Between you and I, the -old man has laid up quite a snug sum. Of course it'll all come to me -some day."</p> - -<p>"I am glad to hear it," said Walter, rather wondering that Joshua should -have made such a communication to a comparative stranger.</p> - -<p>"To hear the old man talk," pursued Joshua, "you'd think he was awful -poor. He's stingy enough about everything in the house. There isn't a -family in town that don't live better than we do."</p> - -<p>"I thought we had a very good supper," said Walter, who experienced not -a little disgust at Joshua's charges against his father.</p> - -<p>"That was because you were with us. The old man laid himself out for the -occasion."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry if any difference was made on my account."</p> - -<p>"Well, I aint. It's the first decent supper I've eaten at home since the -Sewing Circle met at our house three years ago."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span></p><p>"Is that the church?" asked Walter, desirous of diverting the -conversation into another channel.</p> - -<p>"Yes, that's the old meeting-house. I hate to go there. The minister's -an old fogy."</p> - -<p>"What is that I see through the trees? Is it a river?"</p> - -<p>"No, it's a pond."</p> - -<p>"Do you ever go out on it?"</p> - -<p>"Not very often. I tried to get the old man to buy me a boat, but he -wouldn't do it. He's too stingy."</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't talk so about your father."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"Because he is entitled to your respect."</p> - -<p>"I don't know about that. If he'd treat me as he ought to, I'd treat him -accordingly. He never gives me a cent if he can help it. Now how much do -you think he allows me a week for spending money?"</p> - -<p>"I can't tell."</p> - -<p>"Only fifty cents, and I'm eighteen years old. Isn't that mean?"</p> - -<p>"It isn't a very large sum."</p> - -<p>"Of course not. He ought to give me five dollars<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span> a week, and then I'd -buy my own clothes. Now I have to take up with what I can get. He wanted -to have his old overcoat, that he'd worn three winters, made over for -me; but I wouldn't stand it. I told him I'd go without first."</p> - -<p>Though these communications did not raise Joshua in the estimation of -Walter, the latter could not help thinking that there was probably some -foundation for what was said, and the prejudice against Mr. Drummond, -for which he had blamed himself as without cause, began to find some -extenuation.</p> - -<p>"When I talk to the old man about his stinting me so," continued Joshua, -"he tells me to go to work and earn some money."</p> - -<p>"Why don't you do it?"</p> - -<p>"He wants me to go into his store, but he wouldn't pay me anything. He -offered me a dollar and a half a week; but I wasn't going to work ten or -twelve hours a day for no such sum. If I could get a light, easy place -in the city, say at ten dollars a week, I'd go. There aint any chance in -Stapleton for a young man of enterprise."</p> - -<p>"I've thought sometimes," said Walter, "that I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> should like to get a -place in the city; but I suppose I couldn't get enough at first to pay -my board."</p> - -<p>"You get a place!" exclaimed Joshua, in astonishment. "I thought you was -going to college."</p> - -<p>"Father intended I should; but his death will probably change my plans."</p> - -<p>"I don't see why."</p> - -<p>"It is expensive passing through college; I cannot afford it."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that's all humbug. You're talking like the old man."</p> - -<p>"How do you know that it is humbug?" demanded Walter, not very well -pleased with his companion's tone.</p> - -<p>"Why, you're rich. The old man told me that your father left a hundred -thousand dollars. You're the only son; you told me so yourself."</p> - -<p>"Your father is mistaken."</p> - -<p>"What, wasn't your father rich?" asked Joshua, opening his small eyes in -amazement.</p> - -<p>"My father was unfortunate enough to get involved in a speculation, by -which he lost heavily. I can't<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> tell how his affairs stand till they are -settled. I may be left penniless."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean that?" asked Joshua, stopping short and facing his -companion.</p> - -<p>"I generally mean what I say," said Walter, rather stiffly.</p> - -<p>Joshua's answer was a low whistle of amazement.</p> - -<p>"Whew!" he said. "That's the biggest joke I've heard of lately;" and he -followed up this remark by a burst of merriment.</p> - -<p>Walter surveyed him with surprise. He certainly did not know what to -make of Joshua's conduct.</p> - -<p>"I don't see any joke about it," he said. "I don't complain of being -poor, for I think I can earn my own living; but it doesn't strike me as -a thing to laugh at."</p> - -<p>"I was laughing to think how the old man is taken in. It's rich!"</p> - -<p>Joshua burst into another fit of boisterous laughter.</p> - -<p>"How is he taken in?"</p> - -<p>"He thinks you're worth a hundred thousand<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> dollars," said Joshua, going -off in another peal of merriment.</p> - -<p>"Well, he is mistaken, that's all. I don't see how he is taken in."</p> - -<p>"He's been doing the polite, and treating you as if you was a prince of -the blood. That's the reason he told the old woman to get up such a nice -supper, he expected to get you to take him for a guardian, and then he'd -have the handling of your money. Won't he be mad when he finds out how -he's been taken in? Giving you the best room too! Are you sure that none -of the property will be left?"</p> - -<p>"Probably not much."</p> - -<p>That Walter listened with mortification and disgust to what Joshua had -told him about his father's selfish designs, is only what might be -expected. It is always disagreeable to find out the meanness of those -whom you have supposed kind to you for your own sake. This, to Walter, -who had been accustomed to an atmosphere of kindness, was a painful -discovery. It was his first experience of the coldness and hollowness of -the world, and to the sensitive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span> nature of youth this first revelation -is very painful and very bitter.</p> - -<p>"I am sorry to think that your father made such a mistake," he said, -coldly. "I will take care to undeceive him."</p> - -<p>"What! You're not going to tell him, are you?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly. I meant to do so; but I did not suppose he invited me just -because he thought I was rich."</p> - -<p>"What for, then?"</p> - -<p>"Being my father's cousin and nearest relation, it didn't seem very -strange that he should have invited me on that account."</p> - -<p>"The old man's a shrewd one," said Joshua, rather admiringly. "He knows -which way his bread is buttered. He don't lay himself out for no poor -relations, not if he knows it."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry if he has laid himself out for me under a mistake."</p> - -<p>"I aint. It's a good joke on the old man. Besides, we all got a better -supper by it. Don't you tell him about it till to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p><p>"Because, if you do, we'll have a mean breakfast as usual. I just want -him to think you're rich a little while longer, so we can have something -decent for once."</p> - -<p>"I don't feel willing to deceive your father any longer. I have not -willingly deceived him at all."</p> - -<p>"You're a fool then!"</p> - -<p>"Look here," said Walter, flushing a little, "I don't allow anybody to -call me by that name."</p> - -<p>"No offence," said Joshua, whose physical courage was not very great. "I -didn't mean anything, of course, except that it was foolish to blurt it -all out to-night, when there isn't any need of it. There isn't such an -awful hurry, is there?"</p> - -<p>"I would rather your father knew at once."</p> - -<p>"To-morrow will be soon enough."</p> - -<p>"At any rate I shall tell him to-morrow, then. But I've got tired -walking. Suppose we go back."</p> - -<p>"Just as you say."</p> - -<p>They went back together. Mr. Drummond was in the store, but Mrs. -Drummond was at home.</p> - -<p>"You didn't go far," she said. "But I suppose you were tired, Mr. -Conrad."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span></p><p>"A little," answered Walter.</p> - -<p>"I wonder," thought our hero, "whether she will change as soon as she -finds out that I am poor?" Somehow he felt that she would not. She -seemed very different from her husband and son, and Walter was inclined -to like her better.</p> - -<p>Joshua went out again soon, not having much taste for staying at home; -and, as Walter retired early, he did not see either him or his father -again till the next morning at breakfast.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER IX.</span> <span class="smaller">HOW MR. DRUMMOND TOOK THE NEWS.</span></h2> - -<p>Joshua's anticipations of a good breakfast were realized. As he entered -the room where the table was set, he saw a dish of beefsteak, another of -fried potatoes, and some hot biscuit. This with coffee was very much -better than the breakfast usually provided in the Drummond household.</p> - -<p>Joshua burst into a fresh fit of laughter, thinking how his father had -been taken in.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked his mother, who was the only one in -the room besides himself.</p> - -<p>"Oh, it's the richest joke, mother!"</p> - -<p>"What is?" asked Mrs. Drummond, perplexed.</p> - -<p>"I can't tell you now, but you'll find out pretty soon. Ho, ho!"</p> - -<p>And Joshua commenced to laugh again.</p> - -<p>"Has Mr. Conrad come downstairs?"</p> - -<p>"I haven't seen Mr. Conrad this morning," <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>answered Joshua, imitating -his mother's tone in repeating the name.</p> - -<p>Just then Walter entered, and said "Good-morning."</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, Mr. Conrad," said Mrs. Drummond. "I hope you slept well."</p> - -<p>"Very well, thank you," said Walter.</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond here entered from the street, having been for an hour in -the store opposite.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, Mr. Conrad," he said. "I trust you rested well, and can -do justice to our humble repast. I have been in the store an hour. We -who are not endowed with the gifts of Fortune must be early astir."</p> - -<p>Joshua tried to suppress a laugh, but not with entire success.</p> - -<p>"What are you snickering at, Joshua?" demanded Mr. Drummond, in a -displeased tone. "I don't know what Mr. Conrad will think of your -manners."</p> - -<p>"You'll excuse them, won't you, Mr. Conrad?" asked Joshua, beginning to -chuckle again.</p> - -<p>Knowing very well the source of his amusement, and feeling his own -position to be an awkward one,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> Walter was all the more resolved to -impart to Mr. Drummond without delay the posture of his father's -affairs. He did not answer Joshua's appeal.</p> - -<p>"I don't see what has got into you this morning, Joshua," said Mrs. -Drummond, mildly. "You seem in very good spirits."</p> - -<p>"So I am," said Joshua, with a grin.</p> - -<p>His father suspected that the unusual excellence of the breakfast had -something to do with Joshua's mirth, and was afraid he would let out -something about it. This made him a little nervous, as he wanted to keep -up appearances before his young guest.</p> - -<p>Walter's appetite was not very good. His father's death weighed heavily -upon him, and Joshua's revelation of the night before was not calculated -to cheer him. It was mortifying to think that Mr. Drummond's gracious -manner was entirely owing to his supposed wealth; but of this he -entertained little doubt. He was anxious to have the truth known, no -matter how unfavorably it might affect his position with the Drummonds. -There were some, he knew, whose kindness did not depend on his reputed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> -wealth. "You have a poor appetite, Mr. Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Let -me give you another piece of steak."</p> - -<p>"No, I thank you," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"I'll take another piece, father," said Joshua.</p> - -<p>"I have already helped you twice," said his father, frowning.</p> - -<p>"I'm hungry this morning," said Joshua, who, knowing that he could not -expect another as good breakfast, determined to do full justice to this.</p> - -<p>"If you are, you need not overeat yourself," said Mr. Drummond, -depositing on his son's outstretched plate a square inch of meat.</p> - -<p>Joshua coolly helped himself to fried potatoes, and appropriated a hot -biscuit, much to his father's annoyance. He resolved to give Joshua a -private hint that he must be more sparing in his eating. He did not like -to speak before Walter, desiring to keep up with him the character of a -liberal man. Joshua understood his father's feelings, and it contributed -to the enjoyment which he felt at the thought of how richly his father -was sold.</p> - -<p>At length breakfast was over.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p><p>"I must go back to the store," said Mr. Drummond. "Joshua will look -after you, Mr. Conrad. I hope you will be able to pass the time -pleasantly."</p> - -<p>"If you can spare me five minutes, Mr. Drummond, I should like to speak -to you in private," said Walter, determined to put an end to the -misunderstanding at once.</p> - -<p>"Certainly. I can spare five or ten minutes, or more, Mr. Conrad. Won't -you walk into the parlor?"</p> - -<p>The parlor was a very dreary-looking room, dark, cold, and cheerless. A -carpet, of an ugly pattern, covered the floor; there was a centre-table -in the middle of the room with a few books that were never opened -resting upon it. Half-a-dozen cane-bottomed chairs stood about the room, -and there were besides a few of the stock articles usually to be found -in country parlors, including a very hard, inhospitable-looking sofa. As -the Drummonds did not have much company, this room was very seldom used.</p> - -<p>"Take a seat, Mr. Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, seating himself.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p><p>Mr. Drummond was far from anticipating the nature of Walter's -communication. Indeed, he cherished a hope that our hero was about to -ask his assistance in settling up the estate,—a request with which, it -is needless to say, he would gladly have complied.</p> - -<p>"I don't suppose you know how I am situated," Walter commenced. "I mean -in relation to my father's estate."</p> - -<p>"I suppose it was all left to you, and very properly. I congratulate you -on starting in the world under such good auspices. I don't, of course, -know how much your father left, but—"</p> - -<p>"It is not certain that my father left anything," said Walter, thinking -it best to reveal every thing at once.</p> - -<p>"<i>What!</i>" exclaimed Mr. Drummond, his lower jaw falling, and looking -very blank.</p> - -<p>"My father made some investments recently that turned out badly."</p> - -<p>"But he was worth a very large property,—it can't all be lost."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid there will be very little left, if <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>anything. He lost -heavily by some mining stock, which he bought at a high figure, and -which ran down to almost nothing."</p> - -<p>"There's the house left, at any rate."</p> - -<p>"My father borrowed its value, I understand; I am afraid that must go -too."</p> - -<p>Now, at length, it flashed upon Mr. Drummond how he had been taken in. -He thought of the attentions he had lavished upon Walter, of the extra -expense he had incurred, and all as it appeared for a boy likely to -prove penniless. He might even expect to live upon him. These thoughts, -which rapidly succeeded each other, mortified and made him angry.</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you tell me this before, young man?" he demanded with -asperity.</p> - -<p>His change of tone and manner showed Walter that Joshua was entirely -right in his estimate of his father's motives, and he in turn became -indignant.</p> - -<p>"When did you expect me to tell you, Mr. Drummond?" he said quickly. "I -only arrived yesterday afternoon, and I tell you this morning. I would -have told you last night, if you had been in the house."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span></p><p>"Why didn't you tell me when I was at Willoughby?"</p> - -<p>"I had other things to think of," said Walter, shortly. "The thought of -my father's death and of my loss shut out everything else."</p> - -<p>"Well, what are you going to do?" asked Mr. Drummond, in a hard tone.</p> - -<p>"I shall have to earn my own living," said Walter. "I am well and -strong, and am not afraid."</p> - -<p>"That is a good plan," said Mr. Drummond, who knew Walter so little as -to fear that he wanted to become dependent upon him.</p> - -<p>"When I was of your age I had my own living to earn. What do you propose -to do?"</p> - -<p>"Have you a vacancy for me in your store? Joshua told me you wished him -to go in."</p> - -<p>"You couldn't earn much, for you don't know anything of the business."</p> - -<p>"I should not expect to. I am perfectly willing to work for my board -until I find out how my father's affairs are going to turn out."</p> - -<p>This proposal struck Mr. Drummond favorably. He judged that Walter would -prove a valuable<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> assistant when he was broken in, for it was easy to -see that he had energy. Besides, it was desirable to keep him near until -it was decided whether Mr. Conrad's affairs were really in as bad a -state as his son represented. Even if a few thousand dollars were left, -Mr. Drummond would like the handling of that sum. Then, again, no one -knew better than Mr. Drummond that Walter's board would cost him very -little; for, of course, he would at once return to his usual frugal -fare.</p> - -<p>"Very well," he said; "you can go into the store on those terms. As you -say, you've got your own living to earn, and the sooner you begin the -better."</p> - -<p>Walter had not said this, but he agreed with Mr. Drummond.</p> - -<p>It may be thought strange that our hero should have been willing to -enter the employment of such a mean man; but he thought it wisest to -remain in the neighborhood until he could learn something definite about -his father's affairs. He prepared to go to work at once, partly because -he didn't wish to be dependent, partly because he foresaw that he should -be happier if employed.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p><p>When Mr. Drummond and Walter came out of the parlor, Joshua was waiting -in the next room, and looked up eagerly to see how his father bore the -communication. He was disappointed when he saw that Mr. Drummond looked -much as usual.</p> - -<p>"Conrad has been telling me," said Mr. Drummond, "that his father lost a -good deal of money by speculation, and it is doubtful whether he has -left any property."</p> - -<p>"I am very sorry," said Mrs. Drummond; and Walter saw and appreciated -her look of sympathy.</p> - -<p>"As he will probably have to work for a living, he has asked for a place -in my store," pursued Mr. Drummond, "and I have agreed to take him on -trial. Conrad, you may get your hat and come over at once."</p> - -<p>Joshua whistled in sheer amazement. The affair had by no means -terminated as he anticipated.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER X.</span> <span class="smaller">MR. DRUMMOND'S STORE.</span></h2> - -<p>Mr. Drummond's store was of fair size, and contained a considerable and -varied stock of dry goods. Not only the people of Stapleton, but a -considerable number of persons living outside the town limits, but -within a radius of half-a-dozen miles, came there to purchase goods.</p> - -<p>Besides Mr. Drummond there was a single salesman, a young man of -twenty-two, who wore a cravat of immense size, and ostentatiously -displayed in his bosom a mammoth breastpin, with a glass imitation -diamond, which, had it been real, would have been equal in value to the -entire contents of the store. This young man, whose name was Nichols, -received from Mr. Drummond the munificent salary of four hundred dollars -per annum. Having a taste for dress, he patronized the village tailor to -the extent<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span> of his means, and considerably beyond, being at this moment -thirty dollars in debt for the suit he wore.</p> - -<p>Besides this young man, there had formerly been a younger clerk, -receiving a salary of four dollars weekly. He had been dismissed for -asking to have his pay raised to five dollars a week, and since then Mr. -Drummond had got along with but one salesman. As, however, the business -really required more assistance, he was quite willing to employ Walter -on board wages, which he estimated would not cost him, at the most, more -than two dollars a week.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond, "I have brought you some help. This is -Walter Conrad, a distant relative." (Had Walter been rich, he would have -been a near relative.) "He knows nothing of the business. You can take -him in charge, and give him some idea about prices, and so forth."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," said the young man, in an important tone. "I'll soon break -him in."</p> - -<p>Mr. Nichols, who gave up what little mind he had to the subject of -clothes, began to inspect Walter's raiment. He had sufficient knowledge -to perceive that our hero's suit was of fine fabric, and tastefully<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> -made. That being the case, he concluded to pay him some attention.</p> - -<p>"I'm glad you've come," he said. "I have to work like a dog. I'm pretty -well used up to-day. I was up till two o'clock dancing."</p> - -<p>"Were you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. There was a ball over to Crampton. I go to all the balls within -ten miles. They can't do without me."</p> - -<p>"Can't they?" asked Walter, not knowing what else to say.</p> - -<p>"No. You see there isn't much style at these country balls,—I mean -among the young men. They don't know how to dress. Now I give my mind to -it, and they try to imitate me. I don't trust any tailor entirely. I -just tell him what I want, and how I want it. Higgins, the tailor here, -has improved a good deal since he began to make clothes for me."</p> - -<p>"Indeed!"</p> - -<p>"Where do you have your clothes made?"</p> - -<p>"In Willoughby. That's where I have always lived till I came here."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span></p><p>"Is there a good tailor there?"</p> - -<p>"I think so; but then I am not much of a judge."</p> - -<p>Just then a customer came in, and Mr. Nichols was drawn away from his -dissertation on dress.</p> - -<p>"Just notice how I manage," he said in a low voice.</p> - -<p>Accordingly Walter stood by and listened.</p> - -<p>"Have you any calicoes that you can recommend?" asked the woman, who -appeared to be poor.</p> - -<p>"Yes, ma'am, we've got some of the best in the market,—some that will -be sure to suit you."</p> - -<p>He took from the shelves and displayed a very ugly pattern.</p> - -<p>"I don't think I like that," she said. "Haven't you got some with a -smaller figure?"</p> - -<p>"The large figures are all the rage just now, ma'am. Everybody wears -them."</p> - -<p>"Is that so?" asked the woman, irresolutely.</p> - -<p>"Fact, I assure you."</p> - -<p>"How much is it a yard?"</p> - -<p>"Fifteen cents only."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure it will wash?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span></p><p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"I should like to look at something else."</p> - -<p>"I'll show you something else, but this is the thing for you."</p> - -<p>He brought out a piece still uglier; and finally, after some hesitation, -his customer ordered ten yards from the first piece. He measured it with -an air, and, folding it up, handed it to the customer, receiving in -return a two-dollar bill, which the poor woman sighed as she rendered -in, for she had worked hard for it.</p> - -<p>"Is there anything more, ma'am?"</p> - -<p>"A spool of cotton, No. 100."</p> - -<p>When the customer had left the store, Nichols turned complacently to -Walter.</p> - -<p>"How did you like that calico?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"It seemed to me very ugly."</p> - -<p>"Wasn't it, though? It's been in the store five years. I didn't know as -we should ever get rid of it."</p> - -<p>"I thought you said it was all the rage."</p> - -<p>"That's all gammon, of course."</p> - -<p>"Haven't you got any prettier patterns?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p><p>"Plenty."</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you show them?"</p> - -<p>"I wanted to get off the old rubbish first. It isn't everybody that -would buy it; but she swallowed everything I said."</p> - -<p>"She seemed like a poor woman, who couldn't afford to buy a dress very -often."</p> - -<p>"No, she doesn't come more than twice a year."</p> - -<p>"I think you ought to have given her the best bargain you could."</p> - -<p>"You don't understand the business, Walter," said Nichols, complacently.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Drummond," he said, going up to his employer, "I've just sold ten -yards of those old-style calicoes."</p> - -<p>"Very good," said Mr. Drummond, approvingly. "Shove them off whenever -you get a chance."</p> - -<p>"If that is the way they do business, I shan't like it," thought Walter.</p> - -<p>"You can fold up those goods on the counter, and put them back on the -shelves," said Nichols. "Customers put us to a great deal of trouble -that way sometimes. Mrs. Captain Walker was in yesterday<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> afternoon, and -I didn't know but I should have to get down all the stock we had before -we could suit her."</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you pick out something, and tell her it was all the rage?" -said Walter, smiling.</p> - -<p>"That wouldn't go down with her. She's rich and she's proud. We have to -be careful how we manage with such customers as she is. That reminds me -that her bundle hasn't gone home yet. I'll get you to carry it up right -away."</p> - -<p>"I don't know where she lives."</p> - -<p>"It's a large, square white house, about a quarter of a mile down the -road, at the left hand. You can't miss it."</p> - -<p>The bundle was produced, and Walter set off in the direction indicated. -He had only gone a few rods when he overtook Joshua, who was sauntering -along with a fishing-pole in his hand.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going with that big bundle?" asked Joshua.</p> - -<p>"To Mrs. Captain Walker's."</p> - -<p>"I'll show you where it is. I'm going that way."</p> - -<p>Joshua's manner was considerably less deferential<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> than the day before, -when he supposed Walter to be rich. Now he looked upon him as his -father's hired boy.</p> - -<p>"Isn't that bundle heavy?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, rather heavy."</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't be seen carrying such a bundle."</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"I feel above it."</p> - -<p>"I don't."</p> - -<p>"It's different with you—now I mean. My father's worth money, and I -suppose you will be poor."</p> - -<p>"I don't mean to be poor all my life, but I shall have to work for all -the money I am worth."</p> - -<p>"It'll take a good while to get rich that way. If your father hadn't -lost his money, you could have fine times."</p> - -<p>"I don't know about that. I never cared so much about inheriting money."</p> - -<p>They were passing the village school-house. Through the open windows -floated the strain of a song which the children were singing. This was -the verse which the boys heard:—</p> - -<div class="center"><div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<div><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>"It's all very well to depend on a friend,—</div> -<div class="i1">That is, if you've proved him true;</div> -<div>But you'll find it better by far in the end</div> -<div class="i1">To paddle your own canoe.</div> -<div>To 'borrow' is dearer by far than to 'buy,'—</div> -<div class="i1">A maxim, though old, still true;</div> -<div>You never will sigh, if you only will try</div> -<div class="i1">To paddle your own canoe!"</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>"That is going to be my motto," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"'Paddle your own canoe.' I'm going to depend upon myself, and I mean to -succeed."</p> - -<p>"That's all very well, if you've got to do it; but I expect the old man -will leave me twenty-five thousand dollars, and that's a good deal -better than paddling my own canoe."</p> - -<p>"Suppose your father should fail?"</p> - -<p>"There isn't any danger. He'll take good care of his money, I'll warrant -that. I wish he wasn't so mighty stingy, for I'd like a little now. But -there's Captain Walker's. I'll wait here, while you go and leave the -bundle."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span></p><p>Walter performed his errand, and rejoined Joshua, who had seated -himself on the fence.</p> - -<p>"I'm going a-fishing," said Joshua. "If you didn't have to work you -could go with me."</p> - -<p>"I must hurry back to the store."</p> - -<p>So the two parted company.</p> - -<p>"I wish he'd been rich," thought Joshua. "I'd have borrowed some money -of him. It won't pay to be polite to him, now it turns out he isn't -worth a cent."</p> - -<p>Walter went back to the store with a lighter heart than before. There -was something in the song he had heard which gave him new strength and -hopefulness, and he kept repeating over to himself at intervals, "Paddle -your own canoe!"</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XI.</span> <span class="smaller">JOSHUA STIRS UP THE WRONG CUSTOMER.</span></h2> - -<p>When Walter went into the house to dinner, the appearance of the table -indicated the truth of what Joshua had told him. Since Mr. Drummond had -ascertained the pecuniary position of his visitor, he no longer felt it -incumbent upon him to keep up appearances. Corned beef and potatoes, and -bread without butter, constituted the mid-day meal. This certainly -differed considerably from the supper and breakfast of which Walter had -partaken.</p> - -<p>"Sit right down, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Eat your dinner as fast as -you can, and go back to the store."</p> - -<p>It did not take Walter long to eat his dinner. Corned beef he had never -liked, though now, having no choice, he managed to eat a little.</p> - -<p>"If you're through, you needn't wait for me," said Mr. Drummond. "We -don't stand on ceremony<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span> here. Tell Nichols he may go to his dinner. -I'll be right over; so, if there are any customers you can't wait on, -ask them to wait."</p> - -<p>In the evening Walter found that his carpet-bag had been removed from -the spare chamber to a small, uncarpeted back room, furnished with the -barest necessaries.</p> - -<p>He smiled to himself.</p> - -<p>"I shan't be in danger of forgetting my change of circumstances," he -said to himself.</p> - -<p>He was tired, however, and, though the bed was harder than he had ever -before slept on, he managed to sleep soundly. He was waked up early by -Mr. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"Hurry up, Conrad!" said that gentleman, unceremoniously. "I want you to -be up within fifteen minutes to open the store."</p> - -<p>Walter jumped out of bed and hurriedly dressed. His position was so new -that he did not at first realize it. When he did reflect that he was -working for his board in a country store, he hardly knew whether to feel -glad or sorry. He had begun to earn his living, and this was -satisfactory; but he was working<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> for a man whom he could neither like -nor respect, and his pay was very poor of its kind. That was not so -agreeable.</p> - -<p>Walter was not a glutton, nor inordinately fond of good living, but he -had the appetite of a healthy boy, and when he entered the room where -breakfast was spread (this was after he had been in the store an hour), -he did wish that there had been something on the table besides the -remains of the corned beef and a plate of bread and butter.</p> - -<p>"Do you take sugar and milk in your tea, Walter?" asked Mrs. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"If you please."</p> - -<p>"I don't take either," remarked Mr. Drummond. "It's only a habit, and an -expensive one. If you'd try going without for a week, you would cure -yourself of the habit."</p> - -<p>"How intolerably mean he is!" thought Walter, for he understood very -well that the only consideration in Mr. Drummond's mind was the expense.</p> - -<p>"I don't think I shall ever learn to go without milk and sugar," said -Walter, quietly, not feeling<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> disposed to humor his employer in this -little meanness.</p> - -<p>"There isn't anything fit to eat on the table," grumbled Joshua, looking -about him discontentedly.</p> - -<p>"You are always complaining," said his father, sharply. "If you earned -your breakfast, you wouldn't be so particular."</p> - -<p>"Why can't you have beefsteak once in a while, instead of corned beef? -I'm sick to death of corned beef."</p> - -<p>"We shall have some beefsteak on Sunday morning, and not till then. I -don't mean to pamper your appetite."</p> - -<p>"That's so!" said Joshua. "Not much danger of that."</p> - -<p>"If you are not satisfied, you can go without."</p> - -<p>"I will, then," said Joshua, rising from the table.</p> - -<p>He knew very well that as soon as his father had gone to the store he -could get something better from his mother.</p> - -<p>It had been a considerable disappointment to Joshua to find that Walter -was poor instead of rich, for he had proposed to make as free use of -Walter's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> purse as the latter would permit. Even now it occurred to him -that Walter might have a supply of ready money, a part of which he might -borrow. He accordingly took an opportunity during the day to sound our -hero on this subject.</p> - -<p>"Walter, have you a couple of dollars about you to lend me for a day or -two?" he asked, in a tone of assumed carelessness.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have that amount of money, but I am afraid I must decline -lending."</p> - -<p>"Why shouldn't you lend me? It's only for a day or two."</p> - -<p>But Walter knew very well Joshua's small allowance, and that he would -not be able to return a loan of that amount, even if he were desirous of -so doing, and he judged Joshua so well that he doubted whether he would -have any such desire.</p> - -<p>"You know my circumstances, Joshua," he said, "and that I am in no -position to lend anybody money."</p> - -<p>"Two dollars isn't much. You said you had it."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have it; but I must take care of what little I have. I am -working for my board, as you<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> know, and have got to provide for all my -other expenses myself; therefore I shall need all my money."</p> - -<p>"You talk as if I wanted you to <i>give</i> me the money. I only asked you to -lend it."</p> - -<p>"That's about the same thing," thought Walter; but he only said, "Why -don't you ask your father for the money?"</p> - -<p>"Because he wouldn't give it to me. He's as mean as dirt."</p> - -<p>"Then where would you get the money to repay me in case I lent it to -you?"</p> - -<p>"You're just as mean as he is," exclaimed Joshua, angrily, not caring to -answer this question. "A mighty fuss you make about lending a fellow a -couple of dollars!"</p> - -<p>"It makes no particular difference to me whether you think me mean or -not," said Walter. "I have got to be richer than I am now before I lend -money."</p> - -<p>Joshua stalked away in a fret, angry that Walter would not permit -himself to be swindled. From that time he cherished a dislike to our -hero, and this he showed by various little slights and annoyances, of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> -which Walter took little notice. He thoroughly despised Joshua for his -meanness and selfishness, and it mattered very little to him what such a -boy thought of him.</p> - -<p>This forbearance Joshua utterly misinterpreted. He decided that Walter -was deficient in courage and spirit, and it encouraged him to persevere -in his system of petty annoyances until they might almost be called -bullying. Though Walter kept quiet under these provocations, there was -often a warning flash of the eye which showed that it would not be safe -to go too far. But this Joshua did not notice, and persisted.</p> - -<p>"Joshua," said his mother one day, "I really think you don't treat -Walter right. You are not polite to him."</p> - -<p>"Why should I be? What is he but a beggar?"</p> - -<p>"He is not that, for he works for his living."</p> - -<p>"At any rate he's a mean fellow, and I shall treat him as I please."</p> - -<p>But one day matters came to a climax.</p> - -<p>One afternoon there were a few young fellows standing on the piazza in -front of Mr. Drummond's<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span> store. Joshua was one of them, and there being -no customers to wait upon, Walter also had joined the company. They were -discussing plans for a picnic to be held in the woods on the next -Saturday afternoon. It was to be quite a general affair.</p> - -<p>"You will come, Walter, won't you?" asked one of the number.</p> - -<p>"No," said Joshua; "he can't come."</p> - -<p>"I didn't authorize you to speak for me," said Walter, quietly.</p> - -<p>"You didn't authorize me to speak for you?" repeated Joshua, in a -mocking tone. "Big words for a beggar!"</p> - -<p>"What do you mean by calling me a beggar?" demanded Walter, quietly, but -with rising color.</p> - -<p>"I don't choose to give you any explanation," said Joshua, scornfully. -"You're only my father's hired boy, working for your board."</p> - -<p>"That may be true, but I am not a beggar, and I advise you not to call -me one again."</p> - -<p>Walter's tone was still quiet, and Joshua wholly misunderstood him; -otherwise, being a coward at heart, he would have desisted.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span></p><p>"I'll say it as often as I please," he repeated. "You're a beggar, and -if we hadn't taken pity on you, you'd have had to go to the poor-house."</p> - -<p>Walter was not quarrelsome; but this last insult, in presence of -half-a-dozen boys between his own age and Joshua's, roused him.</p> - -<p>"Joshua Drummond," he said, "you've insulted me long enough, and I've -stood it, for I didn't want to quarrel; but I will stand it no longer."</p> - -<p>He walked up to Joshua, and struck him in the face, not a hard blow, but -still a blow.</p> - -<p>Joshua turned white with passion, and advanced upon our hero furiously, -with the intention of giving him, as he expressed it, the worst whipping -he ever had.</p> - -<p>Walter parried his blow, and put in another, this time sharp and -stinging. Joshua was an inch or two taller, but Walter was more than a -match for him. Joshua threw out his arms, delivering his blows at -random, and most of them failed of effect. Indeed, he was so blinded -with rage, that Walter, who kept cool, had from this cause alone a great -advantage over him. Joshua at length seized him, and he was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> compelled -to throw him down. As Joshua lay prostrate, with Walter's knee upon his -breast, Mr. Drummond, who had gone over to his own house, appeared upon -the scene.</p> - -<p>"What's all this?" he demanded in mingled surprise and anger. "Conrad, -what means this outrageous conduct?"</p> - -<p>Walter rose, and, turning to his employer, said, manfully, "Joshua -insulted me, sir, and I have punished him. That's all!"</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XII.</span> <span class="smaller">AFTER THE BATTLE.</span></h2> - -<p>Without waiting to hear Mr. Drummond's reply to his explanation, Walter -re-entered the store. He had no disposition to discuss the subject in -presence of the boys who were standing on the piazza.</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond followed him into the store, and Joshua accompanied him. He -was terribly angry with Walter, and determined to get revenged upon him -through his father.</p> - -<p>"Are you going to let that beggar pitch into me like that?" he demanded. -"He wouldn't have got me down, only he took me at disadvantage."</p> - -<p>"Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, "I demand an explanation of your conduct. I -come from my house, and find you fighting like a street rowdy, instead -of attending to your duties in the store."</p> - -<p>"I have already given you an explanation, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, -firmly. "Joshua chose to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> insult me before all the boys, and I don't -allow myself to be insulted if I can help it. As to being out of the -store, there was no customer to wait upon, and I went to the door for a -breath of fresh air. I have never been accustomed to such confinement -before."</p> - -<p>"You say Joshua insulted you. How did he insult you?"</p> - -<p>"I was asked if I would go to the picnic on Saturday afternoon. He -didn't wait for me to answer, but said at once that I couldn't come."</p> - -<p>"Was that all?"</p> - -<p>"On my objecting to his answering for me, he charged me with being a -beggar, and said that but for you I would have been obliged to go to the -poor-house. If this had been the first time he had annoyed me, I might -have passed it over, but it is far from being the first; so I knocked -him down."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond was by no means a partisan of Walter, but in the month that -our hero had been in his employ he had found him a very efficient clerk. -Whatever Walter undertook to do he did well, and he had mastered the -details of the retail dry-goods trade in a remarkably short time, so -that his services were<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> already nearly as valuable as those of young -Nichols, who received eight dollars a week. Therefore Mr. Drummond was -disposed to smooth over matters, for the sake of retaining the services -which he obtained so cheap. He resolved, therefore, to temporize.</p> - -<p>"You are both of you wrong," he said. "Joshua, you should not have -called Conrad a beggar, for he earns his living. You, Conrad, should not -have been so violent. You should have told me, and I would have spoken -to Joshua."</p> - -<p>"Excuse me, Mr. Drummond, but I don't like tale-bearing. I did the only -thing I could."</p> - -<p>"Ahem!" said Mr. Drummond, "you were too violent. I would suggest that -you should each beg the other's pardon, shake hands, and have done with -it."</p> - -<p>"Catch me begging pardon of my father's hired boy!" exclaimed Joshua -scornfully. "I haven't got quite so low as that."</p> - -<p>"As for me," said Walter, "if I thought I had been in the wrong, I would -beg Joshua's pardon without any hesitation. I am not too proud for that, -but I think I acted right under the circumstances,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> and therefore I -cannot do it. As for being a hired boy, I admit that such is my -position, and I don't see anything to be ashamed of in it."</p> - -<p>"You are right there," said Mr. Drummond; for this assertion chimed in -with his own views and wishes. "Well, it seems to me you are about even, -and you may as well drop the quarrel here."</p> - -<p>"I am ready to do so," said Walter, promptly. "If Joshua treats me well, -I will treat him well."</p> - -<p>"You're mighty accommodating," sneered Joshua. "You seem to think you're -on an equality with me."</p> - -<p>"I am willing to treat you as an equal," answered Walter, purposely -misinterpreting Joshua's remark.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you are, are you?" retorted Joshua, with a vicious snap of the -eyes. "Do you think you, a hired boy, are equal to me, who am a -gentleman?"</p> - -<p>"I am glad to hear that you consider yourself a gentleman, and hope you -will take care to act like one."</p> - -<p>"I'll give you the worst licking you ever had!" exclaimed Joshua, -clenching his fists furiously.</p> - -<p>"If it isn't any worse than you gave me just now, I can stand it," said -Walter.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p><p>He was a little angry, also, and this prompted him to speak thus.</p> - -<p>Joshua was maddened by this remark, and might have renewed the battle if -his father had not imperatively ordered him to leave the store.</p> - -<p>"Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, "you have behaved badly. I did not think -you were so quarrelsome."</p> - -<p>"I don't think I am, sir; but I cannot stand Joshua's treatment."</p> - -<p>"Will you promise not to quarrel with him again?"</p> - -<p>"That depends on whether he provokes me."</p> - -<p>"Of course I can't have you fighting with my son."</p> - -<p>"I don't care about doing it. If I find he won't let me alone, I have -made up my mind what to do."</p> - -<p>"What?"</p> - -<p>"I will leave the store, and go back to Willoughby; then I will decide -what to do. I know that I have got to earn my own living, but I would -rather earn it somewhere where I can be at peace."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" said Mr. Drummond, who did not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> fancy this determination; -"don't be too hasty. I will speak to Joshua, and see that he doesn't -annoy you again."</p> - -<p>With this assurance Walter felt satisfied. He felt that he had won the -victory and maintained his self-respect. There was one thing more he -desired, and that was to go to the picnic. He would not have urged the -request, but that he was well aware that Joshua would report that he was -kept at home by his desire.</p> - -<p>"It won't be very convenient for you to be away Saturday afternoon," -said Mr. Drummond, who was principled against allowing clerks any -privileges. "You know we have more trade than usual on Saturday -afternoon."</p> - -<p>"I don't think we shall have next Saturday," said Walter; "everybody -will be gone to the picnic."</p> - -<p>"If you insist upon going," said Mr. Drummond, reluctantly, "I must try -to let you go."</p> - -<p>Walter felt no scruples about insisting. He knew that he earned his -limited pay twice over, and that his absence would do his employer no -harm. He answered, therefore, "Thank you, sir; I will be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> home at six -o'clock, so as to be in the store all Saturday evening."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Joshua went home in a very unhappy frame of mind. He had not -succeeded in humiliating Walter as he intended, but had an unpleasant -feeling that Walter had got the better of him. He was very angry with -his father for not taking his part, and was not slow in making his -feelings known to his mother.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked Mrs. Drummond, observing the scowl -upon his face.</p> - -<p>"Matter enough! That beggar has been insulting me."</p> - -<p>"What beggar? I haven't seen any beggar about," answered Mrs. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"You know who I mean,—that upstart, Conrad."</p> - -<p>"What's he been doing? I'm sure he's a very gentlemanly young man."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, that's just the way. You take his part against your own son," -said Joshua, bitterly.</p> - -<p>"What's he been doing? You haven't told me."</p> - -<p>"He pitched into me, and tried to knock me over."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span></p><p>"What for? I am surprised to hear it, he seems so polite and -well-bred."</p> - -<p>"Nothing at all. He sprung at me like a tiger, and all for nothing. He -took me by surprise, so at first he got the advantage; but I soon gave -him as good as he sent."</p> - -<p>"I am really sorry to hear this," said Mrs. Drummond, distressed. "Are -you sure you didn't say something to provoke him?"</p> - -<p>"I only said, when he was invited to go to the picnic Saturday -afternoon, that he wouldn't be able to leave the store."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid you said it in such a way as to offend him."</p> - -<p>"Seems to me you think a good sight more of him than of me in the -matter," grumbled Joshua. "That's just the way with father. He wanted us -both to beg each other's pardon. Catch me begging pardon of a beggarly -hired boy!"</p> - -<p>"He isn't any worse because your father hires him, Joshua."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, of course you stand up for him," said Joshua, sneering.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span></p><p>"Now, Joshua, you know I always take your part when you are right."</p> - -<p>So Joshua continued to scold, and Mrs. Drummond to soothe him, until she -found a more effectual way, by placing at his disposal half an apple-pie -which was in the cupboard. In the evening she told Walter that she was -sorry there had been any difficulty between him and Joshua.</p> - -<p>"So am I," said Walter, frankly, for he was grateful for her gentle -kindness. "I am sorry, if only for your sake, Mrs. Drummond."</p> - -<p>"I know he's provoking; but he don't mean what he says, Mr. Conrad."</p> - -<p>"I'll try to keep on good terms with him, Mrs. Drummond," said Walter, -earnestly, "if only in return for his mother's kindness."</p> - -<p>"I am sure Joshua was hasty, and misjudged Walter," said the mother to -herself, trying to find an excuse for her son.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XIII.</span> <span class="smaller">THE ARROW AND THE PIONEER.</span></h2> - -<p>After this Joshua was more careful about annoying Walter. Though he was -older, and a little taller than our hero, he had found to his cost that -he was not a match for him in strength. He had also made the unwelcome -discovery that Walter did not intend to be imposed upon. So, though he -ventured to sneer at times, he thought it best to stop short of open -insult. There was also another motive which influenced him. His father -forbade him in tones more decided than usual to interfere with Walter, -whose services he was anxious to retain in the store. Mr. Drummond also -had another reason for this command. He thought that Walter might be -mistaken as to the state of his father's affairs, and that a few -thousand dollars might be rescued by his executor from the ruin. In that -case, there would be a chance<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> of his obtaining control of Walter's -property during his minority.</p> - -<p>The picnic came off on Saturday afternoon. The weather, which often -throws a wet blanket upon the festivities of such occasions, was highly -propitious, and several hundred persons, young and middle-aged, turned -out <i>en masse</i>. The place selected for the picnic was a field of several -acres, bordering upon a pond. This had been fitted up by the proprietor -with swings, and a roofed building without sides, under which were -placed rough board tables for the reception of provisions. A number of -oak trees with their broad branches furnished shelter.</p> - -<p>Besides these arrangements for enjoyment, there were two boats confined -by iron chains, which were thrown around trees near the brink of the -water.</p> - -<p>After enjoying the swing for a time, there was a proposition to go out -in the boats.</p> - -<p>The boats could comfortably accommodate eight persons each. This number -had been obtained, when Joshua came up.</p> - -<p>"I'm going," he said unceremoniously.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p><p>"You will have to wait till next time," said Ralph Morse. "We've got -the full number."</p> - -<p>"No, I'm going this time," said Joshua, rudely.</p> - -<p>"I don't believe there's room. We have eight already."</p> - -<p>"There's room for nine. If there isn't you can wait till next time -yourself. Besides, you want me to steer."</p> - -<p>"Do you know how to steer?"</p> - -<p>"Of course I do," said Joshua, boastfully.</p> - -<p>"I guess we can make room," said Mary Meyer, who was always in favor of -peaceful measures.</p> - -<p>Joshua clambered in, and took his place as steersman.</p> - -<p>The other boat had already set off, and, as it happened, under the -guidance of Walter Conrad, who had long been accustomed to managing a -boat, having had one of his own at home.</p> - -<p>"They've got a great steerer on the other boat," said Joshua, sneering.</p> - -<p>"It's your cousin, isn't it? Doesn't he know how to steer?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span></p><p>"About as well as an old cat. He thinks he does, though."</p> - -<p>Attention was thus directed to the other boat, which was making easy -progress through the water.</p> - -<p>"I don't see but he manages well enough," said Rudolph, after watching -it for a moment.</p> - -<p>"Oh, it's easy enough steering here. Wait till we get out a little way."</p> - -<p>"Where are you steering, Joshua?" asked Ralph, suddenly, for the boat -nearly half turned round. The fact was that Joshua himself knew very -little about steering. In speaking of Walter's want of skill, he had -precisely described himself.</p> - -<p>"I understand what I'm about," answered Joshua, suddenly reversing the -direction, and overdoing the matter, so as to turn the boat half way -round the other way.</p> - -<p>"I hope you do," said Ralph, "but it don't look much like it."</p> - -<p>"I was looking at the other boat," Joshua condescended to explain, "and -the rudder slipped."</p> - -<p>Walter's boat kept the lead. His perfect steering<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span> made the task easier -for the rowers, who got the full advantage of their efforts. Joshua, -however, by his uncertain steering, hindered the progress of his boat.</p> - -<p>"Can't we beat the other boat?" asked Joseph Wheeler, who was rowing. "I -can row as well as either of those fellows."</p> - -<p>"So can I," said Tom Barry; "let's try."</p> - -<p>The boats were about five lengths apart, the rowers in the foremost boat -not having worked very hard, when Tom and Joe began to exert themselves. -Their intention was soon manifest, and the spirit of rivalry was -excited.</p> - -<p>"Do your best, boys!" said Walter. "They're trying to catch us. Don't -let them do it."</p> - -<p>The rowers of the two boats were about evenly matched. If anything, -however, Tom and Joe were superior, and, other things being equal, would -sooner or later have won the race. But Joshua, by his original style of -steering, which became under the influence of excitement even more -unreliable, caused them to lose perceptibly.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span></p><p>"Can't you steer straight by accident, Joshua?" asked Tom, in a tone of -vexation.</p> - -<p>"I know more about steering than you do, Tom Barry," growled Joshua, -getting red in the face, for he could not help seeing that he was not -appearing to advantage.</p> - -<p>"Show it, then, if you do," was the reply. "If we had your cousin to -steer us, we could soon get ahead."</p> - -<p>This was very mortifying to Joshua. He did not care to be outdone by any -one, but to be outdone by Walter was particularly disagreeable.</p> - -<p>"It isn't the steering, it's the rowing," he said. "You don't row even."</p> - -<p>"Won't you try it, then," said Joe, "and show us what you can do?"</p> - -<p>"No, I'd rather steer."</p> - -<p>Joshua considered that the steersman's place was the place of honor, and -he was not disposed to yield it.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Walter, from his place in the first boat, watched the efforts -of his rivals. He was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>determined to keep the lead which he had secured, -and had little fear of losing it.</p> - -<p>"Give way, boys!" he cried; "we'll distance them, never fear!"</p> - -<p>Every moment increased the distance between the two boats, to the great -satisfaction of those on board the "Arrow," for that was the name of the -head boat.</p> - -<p>Just at the north-western corner of the pond there was an inlet of -considerable length, but narrow. Here the water was shallower than in -the remainder of the pond.</p> - -<p>"Shall we go in there?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes," said his fellow-passengers.</p> - -<p>Accordingly he steered in, and shortly afterwards the "Pioneer," -Joshua's boat, also entered. At this time the distance between the two -boats was quite two hundred feet.</p> - -<p>The "Arrow" pursued her way steadily to the head of the inlet, a -distance of nearly a quarter of a mile; and then making a graceful turn, -started on her homeward trip. The width of the inlet here<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> was very much -contracted. After making the turn the "Arrow" met the "Pioneer" after a -little distance. There was abundant room for the boats to pass each -other, if they had been properly managed. There was no fault in Walter's -steering, but, by an awkward blunder of Joshua's, the "Pioneer" veered -in her course so that the "Arrow" struck her, to use a nautical term, -amidships. As she was being impelled rapidly at the time, the shock was -considerable, and the fright still greater. The girls jumped to their -feet screaming, and Joshua himself turned pale with fright, but -recovered himself sufficiently to call out angrily, "What made you run -into us, you fool?"</p> - -<p>"It's your own fault, Joshua," said Tom Barry, angrily. "You're the most -stupid steerer I ever saw. What made you turn the boat?"</p> - -<p>"It's his fault," said Joshua, doggedly.</p> - -<p>"Let somebody else steer," said Joe Wheeler. "A baby could steer better -than he."</p> - -<p>So a younger boy was put in Joshua's place, much to his mortification, -and he was degraded, as he considered it, to the rank of a passenger.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span></p><p>"I'm going ashore," he said sourly. "Let me out up here."</p> - -<p>"All right!" said Tom Barry. "I guess we can get along without you. -Here, you fellows on the "Arrow," just wait a minute, till we've landed -Joshua, and we'll race you back."</p> - -<p>True to his determination, Joshua jumped off at the head of the inlet, -and the "Pioneer" was turned by her new pilot.</p> - -<p>The "Arrow" and the "Pioneer" took their places side by side, and the -race commenced. The boats were similar, and thus neither had the -advantage on this score. But the rowers on the "Pioneer" were on the -whole stronger and more skilful than those on the "Arrow." On the other -hand, Walter steered perfectly, while Joshua's successor, though he made -no bad blunder, was a novice.</p> - -<p>The result was that the race was a clear one. Finally the "Arrow" came -in a length ahead, and Walter felt with quiet satisfaction that the -victory had been gained by his efforts.</p> - -<p>He thought once more of the song he had heard,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> and hoped that he would -be as successful through life in paddling his own canoe.</p> - -<p>Joshua went home sulky, and was not seen again on the picnic grounds.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XIV.</span> <span class="smaller">A BRILLIANT SCHEME.</span></h2> - -<p>One morning, a few days later, Joshua was walking moodily up the village -road with his hands in his pockets. He was reflecting, in a spirit of -great discontent, on the hardships of his situation.</p> - -<p>"Here am I," he said to himself, "eighteen years old, and father treats -me like a boy of ten. I'm most a man, and all he gives me for -pocket-money is twenty-five cents a week. There's Dick Storrs, whose -father isn't a quarter as rich as mine, gets a dollar a week. He's only -sixteen, too."</p> - -<p>One important difference between himself and Dick Storrs did not occur -to Joshua. Dick worked in a shoe-shop, and it was out of his own wages -that his father allowed him a dollar a week. Joshua earned nothing at -all.</p> - -<p>"It's mean!" reflected Joshua. "There aint a boy of my age in Stapleton -that's so meanly treated,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> and yet my father's the richest man in town. -I wish I knew what to do to get a little money."</p> - -<p>At this moment he saw Sam Crawford approaching him. Sam was perhaps a -year younger than Joshua. He had formerly lived in the village, but was -now in a situation in New York, and was only in Stapleton for a few -days.</p> - -<p>"How are you, Joshua?" said Sam.</p> - -<p>"Well enough," said Joshua. "Where are you going?"</p> - -<p>"I'm going round to the ice-cream saloon. Won't you come with me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if you'll treat. I haven't got any money."</p> - -<p>"You ought to have. The old man's got plenty."</p> - -<p>"That's so. But he's getting meaner every day. What do you think he -allows me for spending money?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. A dollar a week?"</p> - -<p>"A dollar! I should think myself lucky if I got anywhere near that. What -do you say to twenty-five cents?"</p> - -<p>"You don't mean to say that's all he gives you?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p><p>"Yes, I do."</p> - -<p>"Why, I can't get along on ten times that. Why don't you ask for more?"</p> - -<p>"I have, fifty times; but that's all the good it does."</p> - -<p>"If my father treated me like that, I'd cut his acquaintance."</p> - -<p>"I don't know as that would do me any good," said Joshua, rather -sensibly. "I wish I knew of any way of getting some money."</p> - -<p>"You might hire out to saw wood for the neighbors," said Sam.</p> - -<p>"I haven't got so low as that," said Joshua, haughtily.</p> - -<p>"Of course I meant that in joke; but you might get a place, and earn -some money."</p> - -<p>This suggestion, however, did not suit Joshua, for it carried with it -the idea of work, and he was as lazy as he was selfish; which is saying -as much as can well be said on that point.</p> - -<p>"The old man ought to give me enough to spend, without work," he said. -"He don't spend more than a third of his income."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span></p><p>"He's saving it up for you."</p> - -<p>"I'm not likely to get it for a good many years," said Joshua, who -actually seemed to be angry with his father for living so long. However, -though it is doubtful whether Joshua would have been a dutiful or -affectionate son under any circumstances, it must be admitted that Mr. -Drummond had done very little to inspire filial affection.</p> - -<p>"Look here!" said Sam, suddenly, "I have an idea. Did you ever buy a -lottery ticket?"</p> - -<p>"No," answered Joshua.</p> - -<p>"There's a fellow I know in New York that drew a prize of a thousand -dollars, and how much do you think he paid for a ticket?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know."</p> - -<p>"Five dollars. How's that for high?"</p> - -<p>"How long ago is that?" asked Joshua, becoming interested.</p> - -<p>"Only two months ago."</p> - -<p>"Do you know him?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know him as well as I know you. He is clerk in a store just -opposite ours. When he got<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> the money he gave half a dozen of us a big -dinner at Delmonico's. We had a jolly time."</p> - -<p>"A thousand dollars for five!" repeated Joshua. "He was awfully lucky. -What lottery was it?"</p> - -<p>"It was one of the Delaware lotteries."</p> - -<p>"Do you know the name of it?"</p> - -<p>"No, but I'll tell you what I'll do. The fellow I was speaking of gets -lottery papers regularly. I'll ask him for one, and send it to you as -soon as I get back to the city."</p> - -<p>"I wish you would," said Joshua. "Wouldn't it be splendid if I could -draw a prize of a thousand dollars?"</p> - -<p>"I'll bet it would. It would make you independent of the old man. You -wouldn't care much for his twenty-five cents a week then?"</p> - -<p>"No, I'd tell him he might keep it till he got rich enough to afford me -more."</p> - -<p>"He'd open his eyes a little at that, I reckon."</p> - -<p>"I guess he would. When are you going back to the city?"</p> - -<p>"The last of this month. My time will be up then."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span></p><p>"You won't forget to send me the paper?"</p> - -<p>"No, I'll remember it. Come in and have an ice-cream. You can return the -compliment when you've drawn a prize."</p> - -<p>"All right! Is a thousand dollars the highest prize?"</p> - -<p>"No, there are some of two, three, and five thousand. Then there are -five-hundred-dollar prizes, and so along to five dollars. Five hundred -wouldn't be so bad, eh?"</p> - -<p>"No, I should feel satisfied with that. I would come up to New York, and -spend a week."</p> - -<p>"If you do, just step in upon me, and I'll show you round. I know the -ropes."</p> - -<p>"I wish I could," said Joshua, enviously. "This is an awfully stupid -place. I tried to get leave to go to the city last fall, but the old man -wouldn't let me. He wasn't willing to spend the money."</p> - -<p>I hope none of my readers will so admire the character of Joshua -Drummond as to imitate him in the disrespectful manner in which he -speaks of his father. Yet I am aware that many boys and young men, who -are not without respect and affection for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> their parents, have fallen -into the very discreditable way of referring to them as "the old man" or -"the old woman." They may be sure that such a habit will prejudice -against them all persons of right feeling.</p> - -<p>Joshua and Sam went into the ice-cream saloon, which was kept, during -the summer only, in a small candy store, by a maiden lady who eked out a -scanty income by such limited patronage as the village could afford. -Joshua plied his companion with further questions, to all of which he -readily replied, though it is doubtful whether all the answers were -quite correct. But Sam, having been in the city a few months, wished to -be thought to have a very extensive acquaintance with it, and was -unwilling to admit ignorance on any point.</p> - -<p>Early the next week Sam returned to his duties in the city, and Joshua -awaited impatiently the promised lottery papers.</p> - -<p>Sam did not forget his promise. On the third day after his departure a -paper came to the village post-office, directed.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span></p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/i140.jpg" alt="Joshua Drummond, Esq., Stapleton" /></div> - -<p>This was promptly taken from the office by Joshua, who had called on an -average twice a day for this very paper. It proved to be printed on -yellow paper, and fairly bristled with figures, indicating the large -sums which were weekly distributed all over the country by the -benevolent managers of the lottery. Here was a scheme in which the -principal prize was but a thousand dollars. However, the tickets were -but a dollar each, and a thousand dollars for one was certainly a -handsome return for a small outlay. There were others, however, in which -the principal prize was five thousand dollars, and the tickets were, in -due proportion, five dollars each.</p> - -<p>Joshua went off to a somewhat secluded place, for he did not wish to be -interrupted, and eagerly read the paper through from beginning to end. -Certainly the representations made were of a very seductive character. -One might suppose, from reading the paragraphs sandwiching the several -schemes, that the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> chances were strongly in favor of every holder of a -ticket drawing a prize, though a little calculation would have shown -that the chances of drawing even the smallest prize were scarcely more -than one in a hundred. Here, for instance, is one of the paragraphs:—</p> - -<p>"A mechanic in a country town in New York State met with an accident -which confined him to his home for three months. He had a large family -of children, and had never been able to lay up any money. The -consequence was, that the family was reduced to great distress, and he -saw no resource except to try to borrow a little money, which would -create a debt that he might be years in paying off. But fortunately, -only a week before the accident, his wife had seen one of our -advertisements. She had five dollars by her, which she had intended to -appropriate to the purchase of a new dress. Instead of doing this, a -happy impulse led her to send for one of our tickets. She concealed this -from her husband, however, thinking that he would blame her. What was -her joy, when they were reduced to their last dollar, to receive from us -intelligence that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> she had drawn a prize of two thousand dollars! The -joy of the poor family can better be imagined than described. They were -enabled at once to purchase the house in which they lived, and thus to -lay the foundation of permanent prosperity. Thus, as in numberless other -cases, have we been the means of bringing joy to lucky households."</p> - -<p>Now, this story was probably manufactured out of whole cloth. At any -rate, even if true, for every such fortunate household there were a -hundred to which the lottery had carried disappointment and privation. -But of course the lottery managers could not be expected to allude to -these, nor did Joshua, as he greedily read such paragraphs, consider -them. On the contrary, his imagination and cupidity were both excited, -and he was foolish enough to suppose that his chances of success in case -he invested would be very good indeed.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XV.</span> <span class="smaller">WAYS AND MEANS.</span></h2> - -<p>Having decided to purchase a lottery ticket, the important question -suggested itself, "Where was he to obtain the necessary five dollars?"</p> - -<p>To most boys or young men of eighteen this would not have been a -difficult question to solve. But to Joshua it was a perplexing problem. -If he saved his entire weekly allowance, it would take him twenty weeks -to obtain the needed sum. This delay was not to be thought of. Was there -any pretext on which he could ask his father for five dollars? He could -think of none that would be likely to succeed. Had he been trusted with -the purchase of his own clothes, he might have asked for a new coat and -misapplied the money; but Mr. Drummond took care to order Joshua's -clothes himself from the village tailor, and never did so without -grumbling at the expense he was obliged<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> to incur. Indeed, Joshua was -not able to boast much of his clothes, for his father was not disposed -to encourage extravagance in dress.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps mother may have the money," thought Joshua. "If she has, I'll -get it out of her."</p> - -<p>He resolved at once to find out whether any help was to be obtained from -this quarter, and with this object turned his steps at once homeward.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Drummond was engaged in the homely employment of darning stockings -when Joshua entered the house.</p> - -<p>"You're home early, Joshua," she remarked, looking up.</p> - -<p>"Yes, mother. Have you got anything good to eat?"</p> - -<p>"I baked a small pie for you in a saucer. I thought that was the best -way. The other evening your father noticed that a piece was gone from -the half pie that was taken from the supper-table."</p> - -<p>"How awful mean he is!"</p> - -<p>"You shouldn't say that of your father, Joshua."</p> - -<p>"It's true, mother, and you know it. He's the meanest man in town."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span></p><p>"I don't like to hear you talk in that way, Joshua. Don't forget that -he is your father."</p> - -<p>"I wish he'd treat me like a father, then. I leave it to you, mother, if -twenty-five cents a week isn't a miserable allowance for a fellow of my -age."</p> - -<p>"It is rather small," said Mrs. Drummond, cautiously.</p> - -<p>"Small! I should think it was. It's just about right for a boy of ten. -That's just the way he treats me."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps, if you would speak to your father about it, Joshua—"</p> - -<p>"I have spoken to him, and that's all the good it does. He blows me up -for my extravagance. Extravagance on twenty-five cents a week!"</p> - -<p>"I'll speak to him myself, Joshua," said his mother;—a heroic resolve, -for she knew that the request would bring anger upon herself.</p> - -<p>"He won't mind your talk any more than mine. But I'll tell you what you -can do to oblige me, mother."</p> - -<p>"Well, Joshua?"</p> - -<p>"I know of a way to make considerable money,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> and all I need to go into -it is five dollars. If you'll lend me that, I'll pay it back to you as -soon as I can. I think it won't be more than a fortnight."</p> - -<p>"What is the plan you are thinking of, Joshua?"</p> - -<p>But upon this subject Joshua thought it best to preserve a discreet -silence. He knew that the lottery scheme would not impress his mother -favorably, and that she would not lend the money for any such purpose. -He was aware in what light lotteries are generally regarded. Still his -imagination had been inflamed by the stories he had read of other -persons' luck, and he had succeeded in convincing himself that his own -chance would be very good. Thus he referred to it, in speaking to his -mother, as if he were sure of obtaining a large amount for his -investment.</p> - -<p>"I can't tell you just at present, mother," he said; "the fact is, -somebody else is concerned in it, and I am not allowed to tell."</p> - -<p>"I hope, Joshua, you have not allowed yourself to be imposed upon. You -know you are not used to business."</p> - -<p>"I know what I'm about, mother. I'm not a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> baby. All I want is the -money. Can you lend me five dollars?"</p> - -<p>"I wish I could; but you know your father doesn't allow me much money. I -get my dress patterns and most of what I want out of the store, so I -don't need it."</p> - -<p>"You have to buy things for the house,—groceries, and so on."</p> - -<p>"We have a bill at the grocery store. Your father pays it quarterly; so -no money passes through my hands for that purpose."</p> - -<p>"Then you haven't got the money, mother," said Joshua, disappointed.</p> - -<p>"I haven't had as much as five dollars in my possession at one time for -years," answered his mother.</p> - -<p>It was true that Mr. Drummond kept his wife uncommonly close. She was -allowed to obtain a limited amount of goods from the store for her own -wardrobe, but apart from that her husband appeared to think she had no -need of money. More than once she wished she could have a little money -at her control to answer occasional calls for charity.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> But on one -occasion, having been indiscreet enough to give twenty-five cents and a -good meal to a woman, sick and poor, who crawled to her door and asked -for help, Mr. Drummond indulged in such a display of ill-humor at her -foolish extravagance, as he called it, that she was forced afterwards to -deny her generous impulses, or give in the most secret manner, pledging -the recipient to silence.</p> - -<p>"I'm sorry I can't oblige you, Joshua," said his mother. "Will you have -the pie?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Joshua, sullenly, for he was at a loss where next to apply, -and felt that his scheme of sudden riches was blighted at its inception. -Notwithstanding his disappointment, however, he was able to dispose of -the pie. After consuming it, he went out of doors, to reflect upon other -ways of raising the necessary money.</p> - -<p>There was his cousin Walter; he was quite sure that he had the money, -but quite as sure that he would not lend it. Besides, he would have -hesitated to apply, on account of the dislike he had come to entertain -for our hero. This dislike had been increased by the result of the boat -race between<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> the "Pioneer" and the "Arrow." He had occasion to know -that the defeat of the former boat was generally ascribed to his own -imperfect steering, and he also knew that Walter had obtained -considerable credit for his own performance in the same line. Now Joshua -knew in his own heart that he could not steer, but he wanted the -reputation of steering well, and it was very irksome to him to have to -play second fiddle to Walter. He had indicated his dislike ever since by -refusing to notice or speak to Walter, except in so far as it was -absolutely necessary. Of course Walter noticed this want of cordiality, -and was in a measure sorry for it; still he had become pretty thoroughly -acquainted with Joshua's character by this time, and this knowledge led -him to feel that the loss of his friendship was not a very serious one. -He had made some other acquaintances, in the village, with boys of his -own age, in whose society he found considerable more pleasure than he -was ever likely to do in Joshua's.</p> - -<p>"He can go his way, and I'll go mine," he said to himself. "I'll paddle -my own canoe, and he may<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span> paddle his. Perhaps he will succeed better in -that than in steering," he thought with a smile.</p> - -<p>Help from Walter, therefore, was not to be expected. Was there any one -else to help him?</p> - -<p>Joshua thought doubtfully of his father's clerk, young Nichols, who has -already been introduced to the reader. He did not think there was much -prospect of obtaining a loan from Nichols; still there might be. At any -rate there seemed no other resource, and he made up his mind to sound -him.</p> - -<p>He stepped into the store one day when Walter was absent on an errand, -and his father was out also.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, Joshua," said the salesman. "What's up this morning?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing that I know of."</p> - -<p>"You have an easy time. Nothing to do but to lounge about all day. You -aint cooped up in a store fourteen hours a day."</p> - -<p>"That's so; but I suppose I'll have to begin some time."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you're all right. Your father's getting richer every year."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span></p><p>"Yes, I suppose he is; but that doesn't give me ready money now. The -fact is, I'm hard up for five dollars. Can't you lend it to me for a -week? I'll give it back in a week, or ten days at any rate."</p> - -<p>"You couldn't come to a worse place for money," said Nichols, laughing. -"The fact is, I'm hard up myself, and always am. Old Jones, the tailor, -is dunning me for this very suit I have on. Fact is, my salary is so -small, I have the hardest kind of work to get along."</p> - -<p>"Then you can't lend me the money? It's for only a week I want it."</p> - -<p>"I've got less than a dollar in my pocket, and I'm owing about fifty -dollars to the tailor and shoemaker. Perhaps Walter can lend you the -money."</p> - -<p>"I shan't ask him," said Joshua, shortly. "I'll go without first."</p> - -<p>"Don't you like him?"</p> - -<p>"No, I don't. He's a mean fellow."</p> - -<p>Nichols was privately of the opinion that the term described Joshua -himself much more aptly, but did not express his opinion.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XVI.</span> <span class="smaller">JOSHUA TRIES KEEPING STORE.</span></h2> - -<p>The more Joshua thought it over, the more convinced he was that a large -sum of money was likely to come to him through the lottery, if he could -only manage to raise money enough to buy a ticket. But the problem of -how to get the necessary five dollars he was as far as ever from -solving.</p> - -<p>While in this state of mind he happened one day to be in the store at -noon, and alone. Nichols, the head clerk, wished to go to dinner, and -was only waiting for Walter to get back from an errand.</p> - -<p>"I wish Walter would hurry up," he grumbled. "My dinner will get cold."</p> - -<p>"I'll take your place till he gets back, Mr. Nichols," said Joshua, with -extraordinary kindness for him.</p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/i147.jpg" alt="Illustration" /></div> - -<p>"Much obliged, Joshua," said the salesman.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> "I'll do as much for you -another time. I don't think you'll have long to wait."</p> - -<p>"You'd better hurry off," said Joshua. "I'd just as lief wait as not."</p> - -<p>"I never knew him so accommodating before," thought Nichols, with a -feeling of surprise.</p> - -<p>He seized his hat and hurried away.</p> - -<p>No sooner had he gone than Joshua, after following him to the door, and -looking carefully up and down the street, walked behind the counter with -a hasty step, and opened the money-drawer.</p> - -<p>There was a small pile of bills in one compartment, and in the other a -collection of currency. He took the bills into his hand, and looked over -them. His hands trembled a little, for he contemplated a dishonest act. -Unable to obtain the money in any other way, he meant to borrow (that -was what he called it) five dollars from the money-drawer, and expend it -in a lottery ticket.</p> - -<p>Singling out a five-dollar bill from the pile, he thrust it into his -vest-pocket. He had scarcely done so when he was startled by hearing the -door open. He made a guilty jump, but perceived, to his relief,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> that it -was a woman not living in the village, but probably in some adjoining -town.</p> - -<p>"What can I show you, ma'am?" he asked, in a flurried manner, for he -could not help thinking of what he had in his vest-pocket.</p> - -<p>"I should like to look at some of your shawls," said the woman.</p> - -<p>Joshua knew very little about his father's stock. He did know, however, -where the shawls were kept, and going to that portion of the shelves, -pulled down half a dozen and showed them to his customer.</p> - -<p>"Are they all wool?" she asked, critically examining one of them.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Joshua, confidently, though he had not the slightest -knowledge on the subject.</p> - -<p>"What is the price of this one?" asked the customer, indicating the one -she had in her hand.</p> - -<p>"Five dollars," answered Joshua, with some hesitation. He knew nothing -of the price, but guessed that this would be about right.</p> - -<p>"And you say it is all wool?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, ma'am."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span></p><p>"I guess I'll take it. Will you wrap it up for me?"</p> - -<p>This Joshua did awkwardly enough, and the customer departed, much -pleased with her bargain, as she had a right to be, for the real price -of the shawl was nine dollars, but, thanks to Joshua's ignorance, she -had been able to save four.</p> - -<p>Joshua looked at the five-dollar bill he had just received, and a new -idea occurred to him. He replaced in the drawer the bill he had -originally taken from it, and substituted that just received.</p> - -<p>"I won't say anything about having sold a shawl," he said, "and -father'll never know that one has been sold. At any rate, not till I get -money enough to replace the bill I have taken."</p> - -<p>Just then a little girl came in and inquired for a spool of cotton.</p> - -<p>Joshua found the spools, and let her select one.</p> - -<p>"How much is it?" asked the young customer.</p> - -<p>"Ten cents."</p> - -<p>"Mother told me it wouldn't be but six."</p> - -<p>"Very well, if that is all you expect to pay, you shall have it for -that."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span></p><p>"Thank you, sir;" and the little girl departed with her purchase.</p> - -<p>Joshua now hurriedly folded up the shawls and replaced them on the -shelves. He had just finished the task when Walter entered.</p> - -<p>"Are you tending store?" he said, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Joshua. "Nichols got tired waiting for you, so I told him -I'd stay till you got back."</p> - -<p>"I had some distance to go, and that detained me. Did you have any -customers?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I just sold a spool of cotton to a little girl."</p> - -<p>"I met her a little way up the road, holding the spool in her hand."</p> - -<p>"Well," said Joshua, "I guess I'll go, now you've got back."</p> - -<p>He went across the street to his father's house, and, going up into his -own room, locked the door, not wishing to be interrupted. Then, opening -his desk, he took out a sheet of paper, and wrote a note to the address -given in his lottery circular, requesting the parties to send him by -return of mail a lottery ticket. He added, shrewdly as he thought,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> "If -this ticket draws a prize, I will keep on buying; but if it don't I -shall get discouraged and stop."</p> - -<p>"I guess that'll fetch 'em," thought Joshua. He folded up the paper, -and, inclosing the bill, directed it.</p> - -<p>The next thing to do was to mail it.</p> - -<p>Now this seemed a very simple thing, but it really occasioned -considerable trouble. The postmaster in a small village can generally -identify many of the correspondents who send letters through his office -by their handwriting. He knew Joshua's, and such a letter as this would -attract his attention and set him to gossiping. Considering the -circumstances under which he obtained the money, this was hardly -desirable, and Joshua therefore decided, though unwillingly, on account -of the trouble, to walk to the next post-office, a distance of three -miles, and post his letter there.</p> - -<p>He came downstairs with his letter in his pocket. "Where are you going, -Joshua?" asked his mother.</p> - -<p>"Going out to walk," said Joshua, shortly.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span></p><p>"I wanted to send a little bundle to Mr. Faulkner's, but that is too -far off."</p> - -<p>"I'll carry it," said Joshua.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Drummond was astonished at this unusual spirit of accommodation, -for Joshua was, in general, far from obliging. The truth was, however, -that, though Mr. Faulkner lived over a mile and a quarter distant, it -was on his way to the post-office.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Joshua," said Mrs. Drummond. "I was afraid you wouldn't be -willing to go so far."</p> - -<p>"I feel just like taking a long walk to-day, mother."</p> - -<p>"Here is the bundle. I will bake a little pie for you while you are -gone."</p> - -<p>So things seemed to be working very smoothly for Joshua, and he set out -on his three-mile walk in very good spirits. His walk he knew would make -him hungry, and the pie which his mother promised him would be very -acceptable on his return.</p> - -<p>Arrived in front of Mr. Faulkner's, he saw Frank Faulkner, a boy of -twelve, playing outside.</p> - -<p>"Frank," called out Joshua, "here's a bundle I want you to carry into -the house. Tell your folks my mother sent it."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p><p>"All right," said Frank, and he carried it in.</p> - -<p>Joshua proceeded on his way, and finally reached the post-office.</p> - -<p>"Give me a three-cent postage-stamp," he said to the postmaster.</p> - -<p>This was speedily affixed to the letter, and, after resting a short -time, he set out on his walk homeward.</p> - -<p>Reaching the house of Mr. Faulkner, he was hailed by Frank, who was -still playing outside.</p> - -<p>"Where have you been, Joshua?"</p> - -<p>Joshua was not desirous of having it known where he had been, and he -answered, in the surly manner characteristic of him, "What business is -that of yours?"</p> - -<p>"Where did you learn manners?" asked Frank, who was a sturdy scion of -Young America, and quite disposed to stand up for his rights.</p> - -<p>"If you're impudent, I'll give you a licking," growled Joshua.</p> - -<p>"Next time you come along this way, you may take in your own bundles," -retorted Frank.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span></p><p>"If I had a stick, I'd give you something you wouldn't like."</p> - -<p>"You'd have to catch me first," said Frank.</p> - -<p>Joshua's temper, which was none of the sweetest, was by this time -roused, and he started in pursuit of Frank, but the younger boy dodged -so adroitly as to baffle his pursuit. In attempting to catch him, -indeed, Joshua stubbed his toe violently against a projecting root, and -measured his length by the roadside.</p> - -<p>"Who's down, I wonder?" asked Frank, scrambling over the fence, where he -felt safe.</p> - -<p>"I'll wring your neck some time, you young imp!" exclaimed Joshua, -gathering himself up slowly and painfully, and shaking his fist -vindictively at Frank.</p> - -<p>"I'll wait till you're ready," returned Frank. "I'm in no hurry."</p> - -<p>At length Joshua reached home, feeling tired and provoked, but -congratulating himself that he had taken the first step towards the -grand prize which loomed in dazzling prospect before his eyes.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XVII.</span> <span class="smaller">JOSHUA'S DISAPPOINTMENT.</span></h2> - -<p>In due time, to Joshua's great delight, the lottery ticket reached him. -It was several days in coming, and he had almost given it up, but the -sight of it raised his spirits to the highest pitch. It seemed to him -the first step to a fortune. He began at once to indulge in dazzling -visions of what he would do when the prize came to hand; how the "old -man" would be astonished and treat him with increased respect; how he -would go to the city and have a good time seeing the lions, and from -henceforth throw off the galling yoke of dependence which his father's -parsimony had made it so hard to bear.</p> - -<p>Whenever he was by himself, he used to pull out the ticket and gaze at -it with the greatest satisfaction, as the key that was to unlock the -portals of Fortune, Independence, and Happiness.</p> - -<p>He had been afraid that his appropriation of five<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> dollars would be -detected, and every time his father entered the house he looked into his -face with some apprehension; but days rolled by, and nothing was heard. -He congratulated himself that he had been able to sell the shawl for -precisely the sum he needed, otherwise the money might have been missed -that very night. As it was, neither the shawl nor the bill had been -missed.</p> - -<p>About this time he received a letter from Sam Crawford, describing the -gayeties of the city. It closed thus:—</p> - -<p>"By the way, Josh, when are you coming up to the city, to take a look at -the lions? It's a shame that a young man of your age should be cooped up -in an insignificant little village like Stapleton. I wouldn't exchange -the knowledge of the world I have obtained here for five hundred -dollars! What a green rustic I was when I first came here! But it didn't -take me long to find the way round, and now I know the ropes as well as -the next man. I generally play billiards in the evening, and, if I do -say it myself, I am rather hard to beat. When you come up, I'll give you -a few lessons. I can't help pitying<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> you for leading such a slow, -humdrum life in the country. I should be moped to death if I were in -your place. Can't you induce the old man to fork over the stamps, and -come up here, if only for a week?"</p> - -<p>This letter had the effect of making Joshua very much disgusted with -Stapleton. Brilliant visions of city life and city enjoyments flitted -before his eyes, and he felt that nothing was needed to make a man of -him except the knowledge of life which a city residence would be sure to -give.</p> - -<p>"It's all true what Sam says," he soliloquized. "A man can't learn -anything of life here. No wonder he looks upon me as a green rustic. How -can I be anything else in this miserable little village? But as for the -old man's paying my expenses on a visit, he's too mean for that. But -then there is the lottery ticket. Just as soon as I get hold of my -prize, I'll go on my own hook."</p> - -<p>I append a passage from Joshua's reply to Sam's letter:—</p> - -<blockquote><p>"There isn't any chance of the old man's forking over stamps enough -to pay for my visit to New<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> York. He's too thundering mean for -that. All he cares for is to make money. <i>But I'm coming, for all -that.</i> I've bought a lottery ticket, as you advised, and just as -soon as I get hold of the prize, I shall come and make you a visit. -I should like very much to learn billiards. I wish there was a -billiard table in Stapleton, though it wouldn't do me much good if -there were, the old man keeps me so close. I shall be glad when I -am twenty-one. I don't see why he can't let me have a few thousand -dollars then, and set me up in business in the city. Perhaps we -could go in together as partners. However, there is no use in -talking about him, for he won't do it. <i>But I may get hold of the -money some other way.</i> Would five thousand dollars be enough to set -a fellow up in business in New York?</p> - -<p>"You will hear from me again soon. I hope I shall be able to write -you that I am coming to see you.</p> - -<p class="right">"Your friend,<span class="s6"> </span><br /> -"<span class="smcap">Joshua Drummond</span>."</p></blockquote> - -<p>It will be seen that Joshua was willing to go into business for himself, -though he did not care to take<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> a situation. He had the idea, which I -think is entertained by a large number of boys and young men, that an -employer has nothing to do but to sit at his desk, count over his money, -and order his clerks around. For such an employment as this Joshua felt -that he was well adapted, and would very much have enjoyed the sense of -importance it would give him. But Joshua made a great mistake. Many -employers look back upon the years which they passed as clerks as years -of comparative leisure and ease, certainly of freedom from anxiety. They -find that they have a heavy price to pay for the privilege of being -their own masters, and the masters of others. But Joshua was thoroughly -lazy, and it was this feeling that dictated the wish which he expressed -in his letter to Sam Crawford.</p> - -<p>The days passed very slowly, it must be acknowledged. Joshua was in a -restless and excited state. Though he expected to draw a prize, he knew -that there was a remote chance of failing to draw anything, and he -wanted the matter decided.</p> - -<p>But at length the long-expected letter arrived. Joshua did not like to -open it in the post-office, lest<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> it should attract the attention of the -postmaster. He therefore withdrew to a place where he was not likely to -be disturbed, and with trembling fingers opened the letter.</p> - -<p>Something dropped out.</p> - -<p>"I wonder if it is a check?" thought Joshua, stooping over and picking -it up.</p> - -<p>But no, it was an announcement of the drawing.</p> - -<p>Joshua's numbers,—for each lottery ticket contains three numbers,—were -9, 15, 50. But of the thirteen lucky numbers drawn out of sixty-five, -neither of them was one.</p> - -<p>Slowly it dawned upon Joshua that he had drawn nothing, that his five -dollars had been absolutely thrown away. But there was a letter. Perhaps -this would explain it.</p> - -<p>Joshua read as follows:—</p> - -<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>:—We regret to say that we are unable to send you a prize -this time. We hope, however, you will not be discouraged. Some of -our patrons who have been most fortunate have commenced by being -unlucky. Indeed, singularly enough, this is a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> general rule. Let us -cite an instance. Mr. B——, of your State, bought his first ticket -of us last spring. It turned out a blank. We wrote him not to be -discouraged, but we did not hear from him for some weeks. Finally -he sent us a remittance for a ticket, adding that he sent it with a -very faint hope of success. He was convinced that he was born to -ill-luck. But what was the result? In less than a fortnight we had -the pleasure and gratification of sending him five thousand -dollars, minus our usual commission. Suppose he had been -discouraged by a first failure, you can see how much he would have -lost.</p> - -<p>"Hoping to hear from you again, and to send you in return better -news, we subscribe ourselves,</p> - -<p class="right">"Very respectfully,<span class="s3"> </span><br /> -"<span class="smcap">Grabb & Co.</span>"</p></blockquote> - -<p>The effect of Joshua's ill success was to make him very despondent.</p> - -<p>"It's all very well to say 'Try again,'" he said to himself, "but where -can I get the money? That five<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> dollars is thrown away, and I've got -nothing to show for it."</p> - -<p>He thought of all he had intended to do, and now his castles had -crumbled, and all in consequence of this letter. He had been so sanguine -of success. Now he must write to Sam that his visit to New York was -indefinitely postponed, that is, unless he could induce his father to -provide him with money enough to go. The prospect was not very -encouraging, but he felt desperate, and he determined to make the -attempt.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, just after supper, he detained his father, just as he was -returning to the store, and said:—</p> - -<p>"Father, I wish you'd let me go to New York on a visit."</p> - -<p>"What for?" asked Mr. Drummond, elevating his brows.</p> - -<p>"Because I'm eighteen years old, and I've never been there yet."</p> - -<p>"Then, if you've gone eighteen years without seeing the city, I think -you can go a while longer," said his father, under the impression that -he had made<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span> a witty remark. But Joshua did not appreciate the humor of -it.</p> - -<p>"I've lived in Stapleton ever since I was born," grumbled Joshua, "and -have got tired of it. I want to see something of life."</p> - -<p>"Do you? Well, I'm sure I've no objection."</p> - -<p>"May I go then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"When?" asked Joshua, joyfully.</p> - -<p>"To-morrow, if you like; but of course you will pay your own expenses."</p> - -<p>"How can I?" exclaimed Joshua, in angry disappointment. "I have no -money."</p> - -<p>"Then you can save up your allowance till you have enough."</p> - -<p>"Save up on twenty-five cents a week! I couldn't go till I was an old -man!"</p> - -<p>"I know of no other way," said Mr. Drummond, with provoking -indifference, "unless you earn the money in some way."</p> - -<p>"You treat me like a little boy!" said Joshua, angrily.</p> - -<p>"You are better off than I am. I have to work<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> for all I get. You get -your board, clothes, and pocket-money for nothing."</p> - -<p>"Other boys go to New York when they are much younger."</p> - -<p>"I have told you you can go when you like, but you mustn't expect me to -supply the money."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond put on his hat and crossed the street to the store, leaving -Joshua in a very unfilial frame of mind.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XVIII.</span> <span class="smaller">WALTER FINDS HIMSELF IN HOT WATER.</span></h2> - -<p>Two days later two women entered Mr. Drummond's store. One was Joshua's -customer, and she wore the same shawl which she had purchased of him.</p> - -<p>It happened that Walter was out, but Mr. Drummond and Nichols were both -behind the counter.</p> - -<p>"Have you got any more shawls like this?" asked the first lady, whom we -will call Mrs. Blake. "Mrs. Spicer, who is a neighbor of mine, liked it -so well that she wants to get another just like it."</p> - -<p>This was addressed to Mr. Drummond, who happened to be nearest the door.</p> - -<p>"Did you buy this shawl of us?" asked Mr. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. I bought it about a fortnight ago, and paid five dollars for -it."</p> - -<p>"Five dollars! There must be some mistake.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> We never sell such a shawl -as that for less than ten dollars."</p> - -<p>"I can't help it," said Mrs. Blake, positively. "I bought it here, and -paid five dollars for it."</p> - -<p>"Why, those shawls cost me seven dollars and a half at wholesale. It is -not likely I would sell them for five."</p> - -<p>"I didn't buy it of you."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond, "did you sell this lady the shawl she -is wearing, for five dollars?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir; have not sold a shawl like that for two months. I know the -price well enough, and I wouldn't sell it for less than ten dollars."</p> - -<p>"I didn't buy it of him, I bought it of a boy," said Mrs. Blake.</p> - -<p>"It must have been that stupid Conrad," exclaimed Mr. Drummond, angrily. -"Wait till he comes in, and I'll haul him over the coals."</p> - -<p>"Then you won't let my friend have another like it for five dollars?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Mr. Drummond, provoked. "I don't do business that way. I've -lost nearly three dollars<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> by that shawl of yours. You ought to make up -the wholesale price to me."</p> - -<p>"I shan't do it," said Mrs. Blake. "If you've made a mistake, it's your -lookout. I wasn't willing to pay more than five dollars."</p> - -<p>The two ladies were about to leave the store when Mr. Drummond said, -"The boy will be back directly. I wish you would wait a few minutes, so -that if he denies it you can prove it upon him."</p> - -<p>"I've got a call to make," said Mrs. Blake, "but I'll come in again in -about an hour."</p> - -<p>They left the store, and Mr. Drummond began to berate the absent Walter. -He was provoked to find that he had lost two dollars and a half, and, if -Walter had been in receipt of any wages, would have stopped the amount -out of his salary. But, unfortunately for this plan of reprisal, our -hero received his board only, and that could not very well be levied -upon. However, he might have some money in his possession, and Mr. -Drummond decided to require him to make up the loss.</p> - -<p>"When did she say she bought the shawl, Mr. Nichols?" asked his -employer.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span></p><p>"About a fortnight ago."</p> - -<p>"Will you look on the books, and see if you find the sale recorded? I am -surprised that it escaped my attention."</p> - -<p>Nichols looked over the book of sales, and announced that no such entry -could be found.</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond was surprised. Though not inclined to judge others any too -charitably, he had never suspected Walter of dishonesty.</p> - -<p>"Are you sure you looked back far enough?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Nichols; "to make sure, I looked back four weeks. The woman -said only a fortnight, you know."</p> - -<p>"I know. Then it seems Conrad has concealed the sale and kept the -money."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps," suggested Nichols, who rather liked Walter, "he forgot to put -it down."</p> - -<p>"If he did, he forgot to put the money in the drawer, for the cash and -the sales have always balanced. He's an ungrateful young rascal," -continued Mr. Drummond, harshly. "After I took him into my house and -treated him as a son (this was not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span> saying much, if Joshua may be -believed), he has robbed me in the most cold-blooded manner."</p> - -<p>Why there should be anything cold-blooded in appropriating the price of -the shawl, even had the charge been true, I cannot say, nor could Mr. -Drummond probably, but he thought that the use of this term would make -the offence seem more aggravated.</p> - -<p>Even Nichols was a little staggered by the evidence against our hero. He -did not like to think him guilty, but it certainly seemed as if he must -be.</p> - -<p>"What are you going to do about it, Mr. Drummond?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I suppose I ought to have him arrested. He deserves it."</p> - -<p>"I hope you won't do that. He may be able to explain it."</p> - -<p>"If I do not proceed to extremities, it will be on account of his -relationship, which I blush to acknowledge."</p> - -<p>The time had been, and that not long since, when Mr. Drummond felt proud -of his relationship to the rich Squire Conrad of Willoughby; but that -was before his loss of property. Circumstances alter cases.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span></p><p>Quite unconscious of the storm that was gathering, Walter at this -moment entered the store.</p> - -<p>"So you've got back!" said Mr. Drummond, harshly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"You haven't been in any particular hurry. However, that was not what I -wished to speak to you about. We have made a discovery since you went -out."</p> - -<p>"Have you, sir?" asked Walter, rather surprised by the peculiar tone -which Mr. Drummond saw fit to adopt.</p> - -<p>"Yes, and not a very agreeable one."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry for that," said Walter, not knowing what else was expected -of him.</p> - -<p>"No doubt you are sorry," sneered Mr. Drummond. "I should think he would -be, eh, Mr. Nichols?"</p> - -<p>"I am sorry also," said Nichols, who, though rather weak-minded, was a -good-hearted young man.</p> - -<p>"So am I sorry," said Mr. Drummond. "It strikes me I have most reason to -be sorry, considering that the loss has fallen on me."</p> - -<p>All this was an enigma to Walter, and he had not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> the faintest idea of -what his employer meant. He inferred, however, that some blame was about -to be laid upon him.</p> - -<p>"If you have no objection, Mr. Drummond," he said quietly, "perhaps you -will tell me what has happened."</p> - -<p>"I have found out your ingratitude, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, -preparing for a lecture, which he rather liked to indulge in, as his -wife could have testified. "I have discovered how like a viper you have -repaid me for my kindness. You didn't think I would find out, but your -iniquity has providentially come to light. While I was loading you with -benefits, you prepared to sting the hand of your benefactor."</p> - -<p>"I don't know what you are talking about, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, -impatiently. "I wish you would stop talking in riddles, and let me know -in what way I resemble a viper."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever witness such brazen effrontery, Mr. Nichols?" demanded Mr. -Drummond, turning to his head salesman; "even when he is found out, he -brazens it out."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p><p>"Wouldn't it be as well to tell him what is the matter, Mr. Drummond?" -asked Nichols, who was in hopes our hero would be able to prove his -innocence.</p> - -<p>"Won't you tell me, Mr. Nichols?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p>"No," said Mr. Drummond, waving his hand; "it is my duty to tell him -myself. I will do so briefly. Walter Conrad, when I admitted you into my -house I little dreamed that I was harboring a thief."</p> - -<p>"A thief!" exclaimed Walter, his eyes flashing with anger, and elevating -his fist involuntarily. "Who dares to call me a thief?"</p> - -<p>"No violence, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Such a theatrical display of -indignation and surprise won't help you any. We are not to be imposed -upon by your artful demonstrations."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Drummond," burst forth Walter, fairly aroused, "you are insulting -me by every word you speak. I am no more a thief than you are."</p> - -<p>"Do you call me a thief?" exclaimed Mr. Drummond, turning white about -the lips.</p> - -<p>"No, I don't; but I have as much right to call you one as you have to -charge such a thing upon me."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span></p><p>"I can prove what I say," said his employer. "I have got you in a net."</p> - -<p>"It won't take me long to get out of any net you may set for me. I -insist upon your telling me at once what you mean."</p> - -<p>"This language is rather extraordinary for a boy convicted of dishonesty -to use towards his employer."</p> - -<p>"I am not convicted of dishonesty. Mr. Nichols, I appeal to you to tell -me, what Mr. Drummond does not seem disposed to do, what is the meaning -of this false charge which he has trumped up against me."</p> - -<p>"I am sure you can prove your innocence, Conrad," said Nichols, -soothingly.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Nichols, will you do me the favor to be silent?" said his employer, -sharply. "The matter concerns Conrad and myself, and I don't choose that -any one should communicate with him except myself. To come to the point, -did you, or did you not, a fortnight since, sell one of those shawls, -such as you see on the counter, for five dollars?"</p> - -<p>"I did not," said Walter, promptly.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span></p><p>"It might not have been exactly a fortnight. Have you sold such a shawl -within four weeks?"</p> - -<p>"I have not sold such a shawl since I have been in your employ, Mr. -Drummond."</p> - -<p>"You hear what he says, Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond. "You see how he -adds falsehood to dishonesty. But that is not uncommon. It is only what -I expected. Do you mean to say, Walter Conrad, that you didn't sell such -a shawl for five dollars (only half price), and, instead of entering the -sale, put the money into your own pocket?"</p> - -<p>"I do deny it most emphatically, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, -impetuously, "and I challenge you to prove it."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XIX.</span> <span class="smaller">THE TABLES ARE TURNED.</span></h2> - -<p>"I shall soon be able to prove it," said Mr. Drummond. "The lady who -bought the shawl came into the store half an hour since, and asked for -another. When I told her that it would cost ten dollars, she said she -only paid five for the one she had on. She then told us that she bought -it of you a fortnight since."</p> - -<p>"How did she know my name?"</p> - -<p>"She did not mention your name. She said that it was a boy she bought it -of, and of course that can only be you."</p> - -<p>"There is some mistake about this, Mr. Drummond. She has made a mistake. -She must have bought it somewhere else."</p> - -<p>"She would not be likely to make such a mistake as this. Besides, the -shawl is like others I have.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> How do you account for that?" queried Mr. -Drummond, triumphantly.</p> - -<p>"I don't pretend to account for it, and don't feel called upon to do so. -All I have got to say is, that I did not sell the shawl, nor pocket the -money."</p> - -<p>"I shouldn't be surprised if you had the money about you at this very -moment."</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken," said Walter, firmly.</p> - -<p>"Show me your pocket-book."</p> - -<p>"My pocket-book is my own property."</p> - -<p>"You are afraid to show it. Observe that, Mr. Nichols. Does not that -look like guilt?"</p> - -<p>"I am willing to show it to Mr. Nichols," said Walter.</p> - -<p>He took it from his pocket, and handed it to Nichols, who took it rather -unwillingly.</p> - -<p>"Open that pocket-book, Mr. Nichols, and show me what is in it."</p> - -<p>"Shall I do so, Walter?" asked Nichols.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Mr. Nichols. There is nothing in it that I am ashamed of."</p> - -<p>Nichols opened the pocket-book and took out three bills.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span></p><p>"What are those bills, Mr. Nichols?" asked his employer.</p> - -<p>"There is a one, here is a two, and here is—" Nichols hesitated and -looked disturbed—"here is a five."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond's mean face was radiant with exultation.</p> - -<p>"I told you so. I think we need no further proof. The stolen money has -been found in Conrad's possession, and his falsehood and dishonesty are -clearly proved. Hand me that five."</p> - -<p>"Stop a minute, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, coolly. "You are altogether -too much in a hurry. You have proved nothing whatever. That five-dollar -bill I brought from home with me, and I have kept it ever since, having -no occasion to spend it."</p> - -<p>"Do you think I will believe any such story?" asked his employer, with a -sneer. "That is very plausible, Conrad, but very improbable. I have no -doubt whatever that the bill is the same one which was paid you for the -shawl."</p> - -<p>"Then you are entirely mistaken."</p> - -<p>"That remains to be seen. Mr. Nichols, I will<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> relieve you of that -pocket-book. As the shawl should have been sold for ten dollars, the -entire contents will not be sufficient to pay for the loss I have -sustained."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Nichols," said Walter, "I forbid your giving that pocket-book to -Mr. Drummond. He has no claim to it whatever. You may give it to me."</p> - -<p>"I forbid you giving it to Conrad," broke in his employer.</p> - -<p>"I don't know what to do," said Nichols, perplexed, looking from one to -the other.</p> - -<p>"You know that it belongs to me, Mr. Nichols," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"I—I think I had better lay it down on the counter," said Nichols, by -the way of compromise.</p> - -<p>Walter, who was on the outside, sprang to the counter, and seized it -just in time to prevent Mr. Drummond's obtaining it. The latter was very -angry at his want of success, and exclaimed violently, "Walter Conrad, -give me that pocket-book instantly."</p> - -<p>Walter, who had put it in an inside pocket of his coat, coolly buttoned -the coat and answered, "If<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> you had any claim to it, Mr. Drummond, you -would not have to speak twice; but as it is mine, I prefer to keep it."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond, though he had an irritable, aggravating temper, was not -one to proceed to violence on ordinary occasions. But just now he was -thoroughly provoked, and showed it. He sprang over the counter with an -agility worthy of his youth, and advanced threateningly upon Walter.</p> - -<p>"Walter Conrad," he exclaimed furiously, "how dare you defy me in this -outrageous manner? Do you know that I can have you arrested; but in -consideration of your being a relation, I may be induced to spare you -the penalty of the law if you will give me what money you have towards -making up my loss."</p> - -<p>"So I would, if the loss had come through me. But I have already told -you that this is not the case. I know nothing whatever about the shawl."</p> - -<p>"And this," said Mr. Drummond, folding his arms, "this is the viper that -I have warmed in my bosom. This is the friendless orphan that I admitted -beneath my roof, and made a companion of<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span> my son. This is the ungrateful -serpent who has crept into my confidence, and abused it!"</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond was an orator on a small scale, and the pleasure of giving -utterance to this scathing denunciation caused him to delay his -intention to obtain possession of the pocket-book by violence.</p> - -<p>Walter ought to have been withered by this outburst of righteous anger, -but he wasn't. He stood it very well, and did not seem in the least -affected.</p> - -<p>"Behold his hardened effrontery, Mr. Nichols," pursued Mr. Drummond, -unfolding his arms, and pointing at our hero with quivering fore-finger. -"I could not have believed that a boy of his years could be so brazen."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Drummond," said Walter, "I am sustained by a consciousness of my -innocence, and therefore what you say has no effect upon me. It doesn't -seem to be very just to convict me without evidence, and sentence me -without trial."</p> - -<p>"Will you give up that pocket-book?" demanded Mr. Drummond, furiously, -having indulged in his little flight of oratory, and being now ready to -proceed to business.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p><p>"No, sir, I will not," returned Walter, looking him firmly in the face.</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond made a dash for him, but Walter was used to dodging, and, -eluding his grasp, ran behind the counter.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Nichols, help me to catch him," said Mr. Drummond, quite red in the -face.</p> - -<p>But Nichols did not show any great readiness to obey. He let Walter pass -him, and did not make the least effort to retain him.</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond was making ready to jump over the counter, when Nichols, to -his great relief, observed the ladies, already referred to, coming up -the steps from the street.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Drummond, the ladies have returned," he said hastily.</p> - -<p>"Aha!" said his employer, with exultation. "Now we will be able to prove -your guilt, you young rascal! Here is the lady who bought the shawl of -you."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Blake and her friend, Mrs. Spicer, here entered the store.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p><p>Mr. Drummond went forward to meet them. His face was flushed, but he -tried to look composed.</p> - -<p>"I am glad to see you back, ladies," he said. "You told me that you -bought your shawl of a boy?" turning to Mrs. Blake.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Come forward, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, a malignant smile -overspreading his face. "Perhaps you will deny now, to this lady's face, -that you sold her the shawl she has on."</p> - -<p>"I certainly do," said Walter. "I never, to my knowledge, saw the lady -before, and I know that I did not sell her the shawl."</p> - -<p>"What do you think of that, Mr. Nichols?" said Mr. Drummond. "Did you -ever witness such unblushing falsehood?"</p> - -<p>But here a shell was thrown into Mr. Drummond's camp, and by Mrs. Blake -herself.</p> - -<p>"The boy is perfectly right," she said. "I did not buy the shawl of -him."</p> - -<p>"<span class="smcap">What!</span>" stammered Mr. Drummond.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Blake repeated her statement.</p> - -<p>"Didn't you say you bought the shawl of the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> boy?" asked Mr. Drummond, -with a sickly hue of disappointment overspreading his face.</p> - -<p>"Yes, but it was not that boy."</p> - -<p>"That is the only boy I have in my employment."</p> - -<p>"Come to think of it, I believe it was your son," said Mrs. Blake. -"Isn't he a little older than this boy?"</p> - -<p>"My son,—Joshua!" exclaimed Mr. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I think it must be he. He's got rather an old-looking face, with -freckles and reddish hair; isn't so good-looking as this boy."</p> - -<p>"Joshua!" repeated Mr. Drummond, bewildered. "He doesn't tend in the -store."</p> - -<p>"It was about dinner-time," said Mrs. Blake. "He was the only one here."</p> - -<p>"Do you know anything about this, Mr. Nichols?" asked Mr. Drummond, -turning to his head clerk.</p> - -<p>Light had dawned upon Nichols. He remembered now Joshua's offer to take -his place, and he felt sure in his own mind who was the guilty party.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Mr. Drummond," he answered; "about a fortnight ago, as Walter was -rather late in getting<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> back, Joshua offered to stay in the store for a -while. He must have sold the shawl, but he must have guessed at the -price."</p> - -<p>"A mistake has been made," said Mr. Drummond, hurriedly, to the -ladies,—"a mistake that you have profited by. I shall not be able to -sell you another shawl for less than ten dollars."</p> - -<p>The ladies went out, and Mr. Drummond and his two clerks were left -alone.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Drummond," said Walter, quietly, "after what has happened, you will -not be surprised if I decline to remain in your employ. I shall take the -afternoon train to Willoughby."</p> - -<p>He walked out of the store, and crossed the street to Mr. Drummond's house.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XX.</span> <span class="smaller">IN WHICH JOSHUA COMES TO GRIEF.</span></h2> - -<p>Walter went up to his room, and hastily packed his trunk. He felt -wronged and outraged by the unfounded charge that had been made against -him. Why, he argued, should Mr. Drummond so readily decide that he had -cheated him out of five dollars? He felt that he could not, with any -self-respect, remain any longer under the same roof with a man who had -such a poor opinion of him.</p> - -<p>He was not sorry that his engagement was at an end. He had obtained some -knowledge of the dry-goods business, and he knew that his services were -worth more than his board. Then again, though he was not particular -about living luxuriously, the fare at Mr. Drummond's was so uncommonly -poor that he did sometimes long for one of the abundant and well-cooked -meals which he used to have spread<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> before him at home, or even at his -boarding-house while a pupil of the Essex Classical Institute.</p> - -<p>He was packing his trunk when a step was heard on the stairs, and his -door was opened by Mr. Drummond, considerably to Walter's surprise.</p> - -<p>The fact is, that Mr. Drummond, on realizing what a mistake he had made, -and that Joshua was the real culprit, felt that he had gone altogether -too far, and he realized that he would be severely censured by Walter's -friends in Willoughby. Besides, it was just possible that Walter might, -after all, recover a few thousand dollars from his father's estate, and -therefore it was better to be on good terms with him. Mr. Drummond -determined, therefore, to conciliate Walter, and induce him, if -possible, to remain in his house and employ.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing, Conrad?" he asked, on entering Walter's chamber.</p> - -<p>"Packing my trunk, sir," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"Surely you are not going to leave us."</p> - -<p>"I think it best," said Walter, quietly.</p> - -<p>"You won't—ahem!—bear malice on account<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> of the little mistake I made. -We are all liable to mistakes."</p> - -<p>"It was something more than a mistake, Mr. Drummond. What had you seen -in me to justify you in such a sudden charge of dishonesty?"</p> - -<p>"Almost anybody would have been deceived under the circumstances," said -Mr. Drummond, awkwardly.</p> - -<p>"You did not give me an opportunity to defend myself, or rather you -disbelieved all I said."</p> - -<p>"Well, Conrad, I was mistaken. I shall be glad to have you come back to -the store as before."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Drummond, but I have decided to go back to Willoughby -for a short time. I want to consult Mr. Shaw about the future. It is -time I formed some plans, as I shall probably have to earn my living."</p> - -<p>"Don't you think you had better wait a few months?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, I think not."</p> - -<p>"If you have made up your mind, all I have to say is that my humble -dwelling will be ever open to receive you in the future. Perhaps, after -a short<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span> visit at your old home, you may feel inclined to return to my -employment. I will give you a dollar a week besides board."</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond looked as if he felt that this was a magnificent offer, for -which Walter ought to feel grateful. But our hero knew very well that he -could command better pay elsewhere, and was not particularly impressed. -Still he wished to be polite.</p> - -<p>"Thank you for your offer, Mr. Drummond," he said; "but I am not -prepared to say, as yet, what I will do."</p> - -<p>"I hope," said Mr. Drummond, rather embarrassed, "you won't speak of our -little difference to your friends at Willoughby."</p> - -<p>"No, sir, not if you wish me not to do so."</p> - -<p>By this time the trunk was packed, and Walter, locking it, rose from his -knees.</p> - -<p>"If it won't be too much trouble, Mr. Drummond," he said, "I will send -for my trunk to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"Certainly. Why won't you wait till to-morrow yourself?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span></p><p>"As I am ready, I may as well take the afternoon train."</p> - -<p>"Very well; just as you think best."</p> - -<p>"I will go down and bid good-by to Mrs. Drummond."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Drummond had just come from the kitchen. She looked with surprise -at Walter and her husband, whose presence in the house at that hour was -unusual.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Conrad is going home a short time on business," explained Mr. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"When shall we see you back again, Walter?" asked Mrs. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"That is uncertain," said Walter. "It depends upon my plans for the -future."</p> - -<p>"I have offered him increased pay," said Mr. Drummond, "if he will -return to the store. I hope he may decide to do so. Our humble roof will -ever be ready to shelter him."</p> - -<p>Considering that Mr. Drummond had not lately made any such hospitable -references to the humble roof, his wife looked somewhat puzzled.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span></p><p>Just at that moment Joshua, unconscious of the damaging discovery that -had been made relative to himself, entered the room.</p> - -<p>"Hallo! what's up?" he asked.</p> - -<p>It was the first time his father had seen him since the discovery of his -dishonesty, and his anger was kindled.</p> - -<p>"You ought to be ashamed to show your face here, you young reprobate!" -he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>Joshua stared in amazement, and Mrs. Drummond exclaimed, "What makes you -talk so, Mr. Drummond? What has he done?"</p> - -<p>"What has he done?" ejaculated Mr. Drummond, adding, rather -ungrammatically, "He's a thief, that's what he's done."</p> - -<p>"How can you say such things of your own son?"</p> - -<p>"Shut up, Mrs. Drummond; you don't know what you're talking about, or -you wouldn't defend him. It would serve him right if I should flog him -within an inch of his life."</p> - -<p>"If you try it," said Joshua, sullenly, "I'll have you arrested for -assault and battery."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p><p>"Take care, boy! or you may find yourself in custody for theft."</p> - -<p>"What do all these dreadful words mean?" asked Mrs. Drummond, -distressed. "Tell me, Walter, if you know."</p> - -<p>"I would rather Mr. Drummond informed you," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you, Mrs. Drummond," said her husband. "That boy sold a shawl -a fortnight ago, when alone in the store, and pocketed the money."</p> - -<p>"Who said I did?" asked Joshua, boldly, though he looked a little pale.</p> - -<p>"The woman who bought it of you was in the store to-day."</p> - -<p>"Did she say I sold it to her?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Did she know my name?"</p> - -<p>"No, but she described you."</p> - -<p>"So I did," said Joshua, finding it advisable to remember. "I remember -now I sold it for five dollars."</p> - -<p>"What made you keep the money?"</p> - -<p>"I didn't. I waited till Conrad came into the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> store, and gave the money -to him. What he did with it, I don't know. Perhaps he forgot to put it -in the drawer," he added, with a spiteful look at Walter.</p> - -<p>"That's a lie, Joshua Drummond!" said Walter, quietly, "and you know it -is. I think your father knows it is also."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to say I lie?" blustered Joshua.</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't if I wasn't obliged to; but in my own defence I am compelled -to do so."</p> - -<p>"What could I want of the money?" demanded Joshua, with a look of -virtuous indignation.</p> - -<p>"I might as well ask the same question of myself; but that would be a -poor defence. If you really want me to answer that question, I will do -it."</p> - -<p>"Go ahead, then," said Joshua. "I hope my word is better than that of a -beggar living on charity."</p> - -<p>"Joshua!" said his mother, in a tone of remonstrance.</p> - -<p>"I think you wanted the money to buy lottery tickets with," said Walter, -calmly.</p> - -<p>Joshua turned pale, and looked thunderstruck.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p><p>"To buy lottery tickets with!" he gasped, staring at Walter in dismay.</p> - -<p>"What's that?" asked Mr. Drummond, pricking up his ears.</p> - -<p>"Your son can tell you," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"What does this mean, Joshua?" demanded his father, sternly.</p> - -<p>"It's a lie," said Joshua, unblushingly.</p> - -<p>"Have you bought no lottery tickets?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Can you prove this charge which you have made against my son?" asked -Mr. Drummond, turning to Walter.</p> - -<p>"I can, but I am sorry to do so. I picked up this letter a day or two -since, and intended to give it back to Joshua, but it escaped my mind. I -would not have exposed him if he had not tried to charge me with theft."</p> - -<p>He placed in Mr. Drummond's hands the letter already given, announcing -to Joshua that he had drawn a blank.</p> - -<p>Mr. Drummond read it with no little anger, for he detested lotteries.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span></p><p>"Unhappy boy!" he said, addressing Joshua. "I understand now what -became of the five dollars. This decides me to do what I had intended to -do sooner. I have supported you in laziness long enough. It is time you -went to work. Next week you must go to work. I will take you into my -store; but as I am not sure of your honesty, if I find you appropriating -money to your own use, I will put you into a shoe-shop and make a -shoemaker of you."</p> - -<p>This was an alarming threat to Joshua, who had a foolish pride, which -led him to look upon a trade as less respectable than the mercantile -profession. He slunk out of the house, and Mr. Drummond went back to the -store, while Walter set out on foot for the railway station, -three-quarters of a mile distant.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXI.</span> <span class="smaller">A NEW ACQUAINTANCE.</span></h2> - -<p>"Give me a ticket to Willoughby," said Walter, offering the five-dollar -bill which he had come so near losing.</p> - -<p>The ticket was handed him, and three dollars and seventy-five cents were -returned to him.</p> - -<p>"How long are you going to stay away?" asked the station-master, with -whom Walter had some acquaintance.</p> - -<p>"I may not come back at all."</p> - -<p>"Have you left Drummond's store?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Isn't that rather sudden?"</p> - -<p>"A little so; but I didn't mean to stay long."</p> - -<p>The shriek of the locomotive now became audible, and Walter went out on -the platform. Five minutes later found him occupying a seat, or rather -half a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span> seat, for there sat next to him a brisk, energetic-looking man, -of about thirty years of age.</p> - -<p>He had been reading the morning paper, but apparently he had got through -with it, for he folded it up, and put it in his pocket.</p> - -<p>"Fine day," he said, briskly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, very fine," answered Walter.</p> - -<p>"Some people are affected by the weather; I am not," pursued his -fellow-traveller. "I feel as smart one day as another."</p> - -<p>"It isn't quite so cheerful when it rains," observed Walter.</p> - -<p>"I'm always cheerful. I've got too much business to do to mope. When a -man's got enough to busy himself about, he hasn't time to be in the -dumps."</p> - -<p>"There's a good deal in that," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"Of course there is. Push along, keep moving, that's my motto. Are you -in business?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, not at present."</p> - -<p>"I'm in the subscription-book business,—got an office in New York. We -send out agents <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>everywhere to canvass for our publication. Lots of -money in it."</p> - -<p>"Is there?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. I used to be an agent myself, and, though I say it, I don't think -there are many agents that can get ahead of me. Sometimes I used to make -twenty dollars a day. At last I thought I'd like to settle down, so I -bought a partnership, and now, instead of being an agent, I send out -agents."</p> - -<p>"Isn't twenty dollars a day pretty large for an agent to make?" asked -Walter.</p> - -<p>"Yes, there are not many do it, but plenty make from five to ten right -along. You look as if you would make a good agent."</p> - -<p>"What makes you think so?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p>"You look smart."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Walter, laughing. "I am afraid you won't think so much -of my ability when I tell you I have been working for the last three -months for my board."</p> - -<p>"It's a shame. You'd better come with us. We'll do much better by you -than that."</p> - -<p>"I am going to consult some friends about my<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> future plans. If you are -willing to tell me a little of your business, I will think of what you -propose."</p> - -<p>"I have with me our latest publication. It's going like wildfire. Just -the thing to please the people. I'll show it to you."</p> - -<p>Walter looked with interest while his new acquaintance drew out from a -carpet-bag, which he had beneath the seat, a good-sized parcel wrapped -in brown paper. Untying it, he produced a bulky octavo, in flashy -binding, and abounding in illustrations. He opened the book and turned -over the leaves rapidly.</p> - -<p>"It's stuffed full of illustrations, you see," said he. "The expense of -the pictures alone was absolutely e-nor-mous!" he added, dwelling upon -the last word by way of emphasis. "But we're going to make it pay. The -sale will be immense. Our agents already in the field report remarkable -sales."</p> - -<p>"What's the title of the book?" asked Walter, who had yet been unable to -determine this point, by reason of the rapid turning of the pages.</p> - -<p>"'Scenes in Bible Lands.' We include other<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span> countries besides Palestine, -and we've made a book that'll sell. Most every family will want one."</p> - -<p>"What terms do you offer to agents?"</p> - -<p>"Why, the book sells at retail at three dollars and fifty cents. Of this -the agent keeps one dollar and twenty-five cents. Pretty good, isn't -it?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I should think it was."</p> - -<p>"You see you have only to sell four copies a day to make five dollars. -If you're smart, you can do better than that."</p> - -<p>It really did seem very good to Walter, who couldn't help comparing it -with the miserable wages he had received from Mr. Drummond.</p> - -<p>"I think that would pay very well," he said.</p> - -<p>"Most paying business out," said the other. "Say the word, and I'll -engage you on the spot."</p> - -<p>"Where would you want me to sell?"</p> - -<p>"I should like to have you go West. This way districts are mostly taken -up. It would give you a good chance to travel and see the world."</p> - -<p>Now Walter was, like most young people, fond of new scenes, and this -consideration was a weighty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> one. It would enable him to travel, and pay -his expenses while doing so.</p> - -<p>"Better say the word."</p> - -<p>"I can't now. I must see my friends first."</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?"</p> - -<p>"To Willoughby."</p> - -<p>"How long are you going to stay?"</p> - -<p>"I can't tell. A few days probably."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'll give you the number of our office in New York. When you get -ready, report to us there, and we'll put you in the field."</p> - -<p>To this Walter assented, and asked several questions further, to which -he received encouraging answers. The stranger gave him his card, from -which our hero learned that he had made the acquaintance of Mr. James -Pusher, of the firm of Flint & Pusher, subscription publishers, No. — -Nassau St., New York.</p> - -<p>"Good-by," said Mr. Pusher, cordially, when Walter left the train for -the Willoughby station; "hope to see you again."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Walter; "very likely you will."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p><p>Taking his carpet-bag in his hand, for he had arranged to have his -trunk come the next day, he walked over to the house of Mr. Shaw, his -father's executor.</p> - -<p>Mr. Shaw was in his office, a little one-story building standing by -itself a little to the left of his house. He was busily writing, and did -not at once look up. When he saw who it was, he rose up and welcomed -Walter with a smile.</p> - -<p>"I'm very glad to see you, Walter," he said. "I was just wishing you -were here. When did you leave Stapleton?"</p> - -<p>"This afternoon, Mr. Shaw. I have just reached Willoughby."</p> - -<p>"And how did you like Stapleton?"</p> - -<p>"Tolerably well."</p> - -<p>"And Mr. Drummond,—how were you pleased with him?"</p> - -<p>"As to that," said Walter, smiling, "I can't say that I liked him as -well as I might."</p> - -<p>"I judged that from what I have heard of his character. He has the -reputation of being very mean. A cent in his eyes is as large as a -dollar<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> appears to some men. How did he pay you for your services?"</p> - -<p>"I worked for board wages."</p> - -<p>"And pretty poor board at that, I imagine."</p> - -<p>"I had no fear of the gout," said Walter. "The living isn't luxurious."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'm glad you are back again. For the present I shall expect you -to be my guest."</p> - -<p>This settled the embarrassing question which had suggested itself as to -where he should stay. His late father's house was of course shut up, and -he had no relatives in Willoughby.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Shaw," he said. "For a few days I shall be glad to -accept your kind offer. What progress have you made in settling the -estate?"</p> - -<p>"I can give you some idea of how it stands. There will be something -left, but not much. After paying all debts, including Nancy's, there -will certainly be a thousand dollars; but if you pay Nancy's legacy, -that will take half of this sum."</p> - -<p>"The legacy shall be paid," said Walter, promptly,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span> "no matter how -little remains. I am glad there is enough for that."</p> - -<p>"I honor your determination, Walter, but I don't think Nancy will be -willing to take half of what you have left."</p> - -<p>"Then don't let her know how little it is."</p> - -<p>"There is a chance of something more. I have made no account of the -Great Metropolitan Mining stock, of which your father held shares to the -amount of one hundred thousand dollars, cost price. How these will come -out is very uncertain, but I think we can get something. Suppose it were -only five per cent., that would make five thousand dollars. But it isn't -best to count on that."</p> - -<p>"I shan't make any account of the mining stock," said Walter. "If I get -anything, it will be so much more than I expect."</p> - -<p>"That is the best way. It will prevent disappointment."</p> - -<p>"How long before we find out about it?"</p> - -<p>"It is wholly uncertain. It may be six months; It may be two years. All -I can say is, that I will look after your interests."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span></p><p>"Thank you, I am sure of that."</p> - -<p>"Now, as to your plans. You were at the Essex Classical Institute, I -think?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"What do you say to going back for a year? It is not an expensive -school. You could stay a year, including all expenses, for the sum of -five hundred dollars."</p> - -<p>Walter shook his head.</p> - -<p>"It would consume all my money; and as long as I am not going to -college, my present education will be sufficient."</p> - -<p>"As to consuming all your money," said Mr. Shaw, "let me say one thing. -I received many favors from your father, especially when a young man -just starting in business. Let me repay them by paying half your -expenses for the next year at school."</p> - -<p>"You are very kind, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, gratefully, "and I would -accept that favor from you sooner than from any one; but I've made up my -mind to take care of myself, <i>and paddle my own canoe</i>."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span></p><p>"Well, perhaps you're right," said the lawyer, kindly; "but at least -you will accept my advice. Have you formed any plans for the future?"</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXII.</span> <span class="smaller">MESSRS. FLINT AND PUSHER.</span></h2> - -<p>Now that he was again in his native village, Walter realized how -unpleasant had been his position at Mr. Drummond's from the new -elasticity and cheerfulness which he felt. There had been something -gloomy and oppressive in the atmosphere of his temporary home at -Stapleton, and he certainly had very little enjoyment in Joshua's -society. Mrs. Drummond was the only one for whom he felt the least -regard.</p> - -<p>He passed a few days quietly, renewing old acquaintances and -friendships. Nancy Forbes had gone to live with a brother, who was an -old bachelor, and very glad to have her with him. Her savings and the -legacy left her by Mr. Conrad together amounted to a thousand dollars, -or rather more,—sufficient to make Nancy rich, in her own opinion. But -she was not quite satisfied about the legacy.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span></p><p>"They say, Walter, that you'll be left poor," she said. "You'll need -this money."</p> - -<p>"No, I shan't, Nancy," answered Walter. "Besides, there's a lot of -mining stock that'll come to something,—I don't know how much."</p> - -<p>"But I don't feel right about taking this money, Walter."</p> - -<p>"You needn't feel any scruples, Nancy. I can take care of myself. I can -paddle my own canoe."</p> - -<p>"But you haven't got any canoe," said Nancy, who did not comprehend the -allusion. "Besides, I don't see how that would help you to a living."</p> - -<p>Walter laughed.</p> - -<p>"I shall get a canoe, then," he said, "and I'll steer it on to Fortune."</p> - -<p>"At any rate," said Nancy, "I will leave you my money when I die."</p> - -<p>"Who knows but you'll marry and have a lot of children?"</p> - -<p>"That isn't very likely, Walter, and me forty-seven a'ready. I'm most an -old woman."</p> - -<p>So the conversation ended. Nancy agreed, though reluctantly, to take the -legacy, resolved some time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> or other to leave it to Walter. If she had -known how little he really had left, she would not have consented to -accept it at all.</p> - -<p>The same evening Walter sat in the lawyer's comfortable sitting-room, -and together they discussed the future.</p> - -<p>"So you want to be a book agent, Walter?" said Mr. Shaw. "I can't say I -think very highly of this plan."</p> - -<p>"Why not, Mr. Shaw?"</p> - -<p>"It will lead to nothing."</p> - -<p>"I don't mean to spend my life at it. I am more ambitious than that. But -it will give me a chance to travel without expense, and I always wanted -to see something of the world."</p> - -<p>"How old are you now?"</p> - -<p>"Fifteen."</p> - -<p>"You are well-grown of your age. You might readily be taken for -sixteen."</p> - -<p>"Do you really think so?" asked Walter, gratified, like most boys of his -age, at being thought to look older than he really was.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span></p><p>"Yes; at sixteen I was smaller than you now are."</p> - -<p>"You see, Mr. Shaw, that, as I am so young, even if I spend a year at -this business, I shall not be too old to undertake something else -afterwards. In the mean time I shall see something of the world."</p> - -<p>"Well, Walter, I won't oppose you. If I had not so much confidence in -you, I should warn you of the temptations that are likely to beset your -youth, left, as you will be, entirely to yourself. Of course you will be -thrown among all kinds of associates."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; but I think I shall be wise enough to avoid what will do me -no good."</p> - -<p>"So I hope and believe. Now, what is the name of this publisher you were -speaking of?"</p> - -<p>"Pusher. He's of the firm of Flint & Pusher."</p> - -<p>"I have heard of them. They are an enterprising firm."</p> - -<p>"I think I had better start pretty soon, Mr. Shaw. I shall enjoy myself -better when I am at work."</p> - -<p>"Next Monday, then, if you desire it."</p> - -<p>It was then Friday.</p> - -<p>On Monday morning Mr. Shaw handed Walter a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> pocket-book containing a -roll of bills. "You will need some money to defray your expenses," he -said, "until you are able to earn something. You will find fifty dollars -in this pocket-book. There is no occasion to thank me, for I have only -advanced it from money realized from your father's estate. If you need -any more, you can write me, and I can send you a check or money-order."</p> - -<p>"This will be quite enough, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, confidently. "It -won't be long before I shall be paying my way; at least I hope so. I -don't mean to be idle."</p> - -<p>"I am sure you won't be, or you will belie your reputation. Well, -good-by, Walter. Write me soon and often. You know I look upon myself as -in some sort your guardian."</p> - -<p>"I will certainly write you, Mr. Shaw. By the way, I never thought to -ask you about the furniture of my room at the Essex Classical -Institute."</p> - -<p>"It was purchased by the keeper of the boarding-house; at a sacrifice, -it is true, but I thought it best to let it go, to save trouble."</p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/i211.jpg" alt="Illustration" /></div> - -<p>"I should like to see Lem," thought Walter, with<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> a little sigh as he -called to mind the pleasant hours he had passed with his school-fellow. -"I'll go back and pay the old institute a visit some time, after I've -got back from my travels."</p> - -<p>Walter reached New York by ten o'clock. Though his acquaintance with the -city streets was very limited, as he had seldom visited it, he found his -way without much trouble to the place of business of Messrs. Flint & -Pusher. As they did not undertake to do a retail business, but worked -entirely through agents, their rooms were not on the first floor, but on -the third. Opening the door of the room, to which he was guided by a -directory in the entry beneath, Walter found himself in a large -apartment, the floor of which was heaped up with piles of books, chiefly -octavos. An elderly gentleman, with a partially bald head, and wearing -spectacles, was talking with two men, probably agents.</p> - -<p>"Well, young man," said he, in rather a sharp voice, "what can I do for -you?"</p> - -<p>"Is Mr. Pusher in?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p>"He went out for a few minutes; will be back directly. Did you wish -particularly to see him?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span></p><p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Take a seat, then, and wait till he comes in."</p> - -<p>Walter sat down and listened to the conversation.</p> - -<p>"You met with fair success, then?" inquired Mr. Flint.</p> - -<p>"Yes, the book takes well. I sold ten in one day, and six and eight in -other days."</p> - -<p>Walter pricked up his ears. He wondered whether the book was the one -recommended to him. If so, a sale of ten copies would enable the agent -to realize twelve dollars and a half, which was certainly doing very -well.</p> - -<p>Just as the agents were going out, Mr. Pusher bustled in. His sharp eyes -fell upon Walter, whom he immediately recognized.</p> - -<p>"Ha, my young friend, so you have found us out," he said, offering his -hand.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Come to talk on business, I hope?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, that is my object in coming."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Flint," said Mr. Pusher, "this is a young friend whose acquaintance -I made a short time<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span> since. I told him, if ever he wanted employment, to -come here, and we would give him something to do."</p> - -<p>Mr. Flint, who was a slower and a more cautious man than Mr. Pusher, -regarded Walter a little doubtfully.</p> - -<p>"Do you mean as an agent?" he said.</p> - -<p>"Certainly I do."</p> - -<p>"He seems very young."</p> - -<p>"That's true, but age isn't always an advantage. He looks smart, and -I'll guarantee that he is all he looks. I claim to be something of a -judge of human nature too."</p> - -<p>"No doubt you're right," said Mr. Flint, who was accustomed to defer -considerably to his more impetuous partner. "What's the young man's -name?"</p> - -<p>"You've got me there," said Mr. Pusher, laughing. "If I ever knew, which -is doubtful, I've forgotten."</p> - -<p>"My name is Walter Conrad," said our hero.</p> - -<p>"Very good. Well, Conrad," continued Mr. Pusher, in an off-hand manner, -"what are your<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> wishes? What book do you want to take hold of?"</p> - -<p>"You mentioned a book the other day,—'Scenes in Bible Lands.'"</p> - -<p>"Yes, our new book. That would be as good as any to begin on. How's the -territory, Mr. Flint?"</p> - -<p>Mr. Flint referred to a book.</p> - -<p>"Most of the territory near by is taken up," he said. "Does Mr. Conrad -wish to operate near home?"</p> - -<p>"I would rather go to a distance," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"As far as Ohio?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"In that case you could map out your own route pretty much. We haven't -got the West portioned out as we have the Middle and New England -States."</p> - -<p>"In other words, we can give you a kind of roving commission, Conrad," -put in Mr. Pusher.</p> - -<p>"That would suit me, sir," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"Still it would be best not to attempt to cover too much territory. A -rolling stone gathers no moss, you know. There is one important -question<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> I must ask you to begin with. Have you got any money?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I have fifty dollars."</p> - -<p>"Good. Of course you will need money to get out to your field of labor, -and will have to pay your expenses till you begin to earn something. -Fifty dollars will answer very well."</p> - -<p>"As I don't know very well how the business is managed," said Walter, "I -must ask for instructions."</p> - -<p>"Of course. You're a green hand. Sit down here, and I'll make it all -plain to you."</p> - -<p>So Mr. Pusher, in his brief, incisive way, explained to Walter how he -must manage. His instructions were readily comprehended, and Walter, as -he listened, felt eager to enter upon the adventurous career which he -had chosen.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXIII.</span> <span class="smaller">WALTER LOSES HIS MONEY.</span></h2> - -<p>Walter, by advice of Mr. Pusher, bought a ticket to Cleveland. There was -a resident agent in this city, and a depository of books published by -the firm. As Walter would be unable to carry with him as large a supply -of books as he needed, he was authorized to send to the Cleveland agency -when he got out, and the books would be sent him by express.</p> - -<p>"I will give you a letter to Mr. Greene, our agent in Cleveland," said -Mr. Pusher, "and you can consult him as to your best field of -operations."</p> - -<p>The letter was hastily written and handed to Walter.</p> - -<p>"Good-by, Mr. Pusher," he said, preparing to leave the office.</p> - -<p>"Good-by, my young friend. I shall hope to hear good accounts from you."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span></p><p>So Walter went downstairs, and emerged into the street. He had no -particular motive for remaining in New York, and felt eager to commence -work. So he went at once to the Erie railway depot, and bought a through -ticket to Cleveland, via Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Though he had not -much money to spare, he determined not to neglect the opportunity he -would have of seeing this great natural wonder, but to stop over a day -in order to visit the falls.</p> - -<p>He selected a comfortable seat by a window, and waited till the train -was ready to start. He realized that he had engaged in rather a large -enterprise for a boy of fifteen, who had hitherto had all his wants -supplied by others. He was about to go a thousand miles from home, to -earn his own living,—in other words, to paddle his own canoe. But he -did not feel in the least dismayed. He was ambitious and enterprising, -and confident that he could earn his living as well as other boys of his -age. He had never been far from home, but felt that he should enjoy -visiting new and unfamiliar scenes. So he felt decidedly cheerful and -hopeful<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> as the cars whirled him out of the depot, and he commenced his -Western journey.</p> - -<p>Walter put his strip of railway tickets into his vest-pocket, and his -porte-monnaie, containing the balance of his money, into the pocket of -his pantaloons. He wished to have the tickets at hand when the conductor -came round. He sat alone at first, but after a while a lady got in who -rode thirty miles or more, and then got out. A little later a young man -passed through the cars, looking about him on either side. He paused at -Walter's seat, and inquired, "Is this seat taken?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"Then, with your permission, I will take it," said the stranger. -"Tiresome work travelling, isn't it?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said Walter. "I rather like it; but then I never -travelled much."</p> - -<p>"I have to travel a good deal on business," said the other, "and I've -got tired of it. How many times do you think I have been over this -road?"</p> - -<p>"Couldn't guess."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p><p>"This is the fifteenth time. I know it like a book. How far are you -going?"</p> - -<p>"To Cleveland."</p> - -<p>"Got relations there, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Walter; "I am going on business."</p> - -<p>He was rather glad to let his companion know that he, too, was in -business.</p> - -<p>"You're young to be in business," said his companion. "What sort of -business is it?"</p> - -<p>"I am an agent for Flint & Pusher, a New York firm."</p> - -<p>"Publishers, aint they?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>Walter's companion was a young man of twenty-five, or possibly a year or -two older. He was rather flashily attired, with a cut-away coat and a -low-cut vest, double-breasted, across which glittered a massive chain, -which might have been gold, or might only have been gilt, since all that -glitters is not gold. At any rate, it answered the purpose of making a -show. His cravat was showy, and his whole appearance indicated absence -of good taste. A cautious employer would scarcely have selected<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span> him -from a crowd of applicants for a confidential position. Walter was -vaguely conscious of this. Still he had seen but little of the world, -and felt incompetent to judge others.</p> - -<p>"Are you going right through to Cleveland?" inquired the stranger.</p> - -<p>"No; I think I shall stop at Buffalo. I want to see Niagara Falls."</p> - -<p>"That's right. Better see them. They're stunning."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you have been there?" said Walter, with some curiosity.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, several times. I've a great mind to go again and show you -round, but I don't know if I can spare so long a time from business."</p> - -<p>"I should like your company," said Walter, politely; "but I don't want -to interfere with your engagements."</p> - -<p>"I'll think of it, and see how I can arrange matters," said the other.</p> - -<p>Walter was not particularly anxious for the continued society of his -present companion. He was willing enough to talk with him, but there was -<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>something in his appearance and manner which prevented his being -attracted to him. He turned away and began to view the scenery through -which they were passing. The stranger took out a newspaper, and appeared -to be reading attentively. Half an hour passed thus without a word being -spoken on either side. At length his companion folded up the paper.</p> - -<p>"Do you smoke?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"No," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"I think I'll go into the smoking-car, and smoke a cigar. I should like -to offer you one if you will take one."</p> - -<p>"No, thank you," said Walter; "I don't smoke, and I am afraid my first -cigar wouldn't give me much pleasure."</p> - -<p>"I'll be back in a few minutes. Perhaps you'd like to look over this -paper while I am gone."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Walter.</p> - -<p>He took the paper,—an illustrated weekly,—and looked over the pictures -with considerable interest. He had just commenced reading a story when a -boy passed through the car with a basket of oranges and apples depending -from his arm.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p><p>"Oranges—apples!" he called out, looking to the right and left in -quest of customers.</p> - -<p>The day was warm, and through the open window dust had blown into the -car. Walter's throat felt parched, and the oranges looked tempting.</p> - -<p>"How much are your oranges?" he inquired.</p> - -<p>"Five cents apiece, or three for a dime," answered the boy.</p> - -<p>"I'll take three," said Walter, reflecting that he could easily dispose -of two himself, and considering that it would only be polite to offer -one to his companion, whose paper he was reading, when he should return.</p> - -<p>"Here are three nice ones," said the boy, picking them out, and placing -them in our hero's hands.</p> - -<p>Walter felt in his vest-pocket, thinking he had a little change there. -He proved to be mistaken. There was nothing in that pocket except his -railway tickets.</p> - -<p>Next, of course, he felt for his porte-monnaie, but he felt for it in -vain.</p> - -<p>He started in surprise.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span></p><p>"I thought my pocket-book was in that pocket," he reflected. "Can it be -in the other?"</p> - -<p>He felt in the other pocket, but search here was equally fruitless. He -next felt nervously in the pocket of his coat, though he was sure he -couldn't have put his porte-monnaie there. Then it flashed upon him, -with a feeling of dismay, that he had lost his pocket-book and all his -remaining money. How or where, he could not possibly imagine, for the -suddenness of the discovery quite bewildered him.</p> - -<p>"I won't take the oranges," he said to the boy. "I can't find my money."</p> - -<p>The boy, who had made sure of a sale, took back the fruit reluctantly, -and passed on, crying out, "Here's your oranges and apples!"</p> - -<p>Walter set about thinking what had become of his money. The more he -thought, the more certain he felt that he had put his porte-monnaie in -the pocket in which he had first felt for it. Why was it not there now? -That was a question which he felt utterly incompetent to answer.</p> - -<p>"Have you lost anything?" inquired a gentleman who sat just behind -Walter. Looking back, he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> found that it was a gentleman of fifty who -addressed him.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir," he said, "I have lost my pocket-book."</p> - -<p>"Was there much money in it?"</p> - -<p>"About forty dollars, sir."</p> - -<p>"That is too much to lose. Was your ticket in it also?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir; that I have in my vest-pocket."</p> - -<p>"Where was your pocket-book when you last saw it?" inquired the -gentleman.</p> - -<p>"In this pocket, sir."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" commented the other. "Who was that young man who was sitting -with you a few minutes since?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know, sir."</p> - -<p>"He was a stranger, then?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; I never met him till this morning."</p> - -<p>"Then I think I can tell you where your money has gone."</p> - -<p>"Where, sir?" demanded Walter, beginning to understand him.</p> - -<p>"I think your late companion was a pickpocket,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> and relieved you of it, -while he pretended to be reading. I didn't like his appearance much."</p> - -<p>"I don't see how he could have done it without my feeling his hand in my -pocket."</p> - -<p>"They understand their business, and can easily relieve one of his purse -undetected. I once had my watch stolen without being conscious of it. -Your porte-monnaie was in the pocket towards the man, and you were -looking from the window. It was a very simple thing to relieve you of it."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXIV.</span> <span class="smaller">SLIPPERY DICK.</span></h2> - -<p>It is not natural for a boy of Walter's age to distrust those with whom -he becomes acquainted even slightly. This lesson unfortunately is -learned later in life. But the words of his fellow-traveller inspired -him with conviction. He could think of no other way of accounting for -his loss.</p> - -<p>He rose from his seat.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?" asked the old gentleman.</p> - -<p>"I am going to look for the thief."</p> - -<p>"Do you expect to find him?"</p> - -<p>"He said he was going into the smoking-car."</p> - -<p>"My young friend, I strongly suspect that this was only to blind you. -The cars have stopped at two stations since he left his seat, and if he -took your money he has doubtless effected his escape."</p> - -<p>Walter was rather taken aback by this <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>consideration. It seemed -reasonable enough, and, if true, he didn't see how he was going to get -back his money.</p> - -<p>"I dare say you are right," he said; "but I will go into the smoking-car -and see."</p> - -<p>"Come back again, and let me know whether you find him."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>Walter went through two cars, looking about him on either side, thinking -it possible that the thief might have taken his seat in one of them. -There was very little chance of this, however. Next he passed into the -smoking-car, where, to his joy no less than his surprise, he found the -man of whom he was in search playing cards with three other passengers.</p> - -<p>He looked up carelessly as Walter approached, but did not betray the -slightest confusion or sign of guilt. To let the reader into a secret, -he had actually taken Walter's pocket-book, but was too cunning to keep -it about him. He had taken out the money, and thrown the porte-monnaie -itself from the car platform, taking an opportunity when he thought -himself unobserved. As the money <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span>consisted of bills, which could not be -identified as Walter's, he felt that he was in no danger of detection. -He thought that he could afford to be indifferent.</p> - -<p>"Did you get tired of waiting?" he asked, addressing our hero.</p> - -<p>"That's pretty cool if he took the money," thought Walter.</p> - -<p>"May I speak to you a moment?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"I mean alone."</p> - -<p>"If you'll wait till I have finished the game," said the pickpocket, -assuming a look of surprise. "Something private, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Walter, gravely.</p> - -<p>He stood by impatiently while the game went on. He was anxious to find -out as soon as possible what had become of his money, and what was the -chance of recovering it.</p> - -<p>At length the game was finished, and a new one was about to be -commenced, when Walter tapped his late companion on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you wanted to speak to me, did you?" he<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> said indifferently. "Can't -you wait till we have finished this game?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Walter, resolutely, "I can't wait. It is a matter of great -importance."</p> - -<p>"Then, gentlemen, I must beg to be excused for five minutes," said the -pickpocket, shrugging his shoulders, as if to express good-natured -annoyance. "Now, my young friend, I am at your service."</p> - -<p>Walter proceeded to the other end of the car, which chanced to be -unoccupied. Now that the moment had come, he hardly knew how to -introduce the subject. Suppose that the person he addressed were -innocent, it would be rather an awkward matter to charge him with the -theft.</p> - -<p>"Did you see anything of my pocket-book?" he said, at length.</p> - -<p>"Your pocket-book?" returned the pickpocket, arching his brows. "Why, -have you lost it?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"When did you discover its loss?"</p> - -<p>"Shortly after you left me," said Walter, significantly.</p> - -<p>"Indeed! was there much money in it?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p><p>"Over thirty dollars."</p> - -<p>"That is quite a loss. I hope you have some more with you."</p> - -<p>"No, it is all I have."</p> - -<p>"I'm very sorry indeed. I did not see it. Have you searched on the -floor?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but it isn't there."</p> - -<p>"That's awkward. Was your ticket in the pocket-book?"</p> - -<p>"No, I had that in my vest-pocket."</p> - -<p>"That's fortunate. On my honor, I'm sorry for you. I haven't much money -with me, but I'll lend you a dollar or two with the greatest of -pleasure."</p> - -<p>This offer quite bewildered Walter. He felt confident that the other had -stolen his money, and now here he was offering to lend him some of it. -He did not care to make such a compromise, or to be bought off so cheap; -so, though quite penniless, he determined to reject the offer.</p> - -<p>"I won't borrow," he said, coldly. "I was hoping you had seen my money."</p> - -<p>"Sorry I didn't. Better let me lend you some."</p> - -<p>"I would rather not borrow."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p><p>Walter could not for the life of him add "Thank you," feeling no -gratitude to the man who he felt well assured had robbed him.</p> - -<p>The pickpocket turned and went back to his game, and Walter slowly left -the car. He had intended to ask him point-blank whether he had taken the -money, but couldn't summon the necessary courage. He went back to his -old seat.</p> - -<p>"Well," said the old gentleman who sat behind him, "I suppose you did -not find your man?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I did."</p> - -<p>"You didn't get your money?" he added, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"No, he said he had not seen it."</p> - -<p>"Did you tax him with taking it?"</p> - -<p>"No, I hardly ventured to do that."</p> - -<p>"Did he show any confusion?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, he was perfectly cool. Still, I think he took it. He offered -to lend me a dollar or two."</p> - -<p>"That was cool, certainly."</p> - -<p>"What would you advise me to do?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span></p><p>"I hardly know what to advise," said the other, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"I don't want him to make off with my money."</p> - -<p>"Of course not. That would be far from agreeable."</p> - -<p>"If he could only be searched, I might find the pocket-book on him."</p> - -<p>"In order to do that, he must be charged with the robbery."</p> - -<p>"That is true. It will be rather awkward for a boy like me to do that."</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you what you had better do, my young friend. Speak to the -conductor."</p> - -<p>"I think I will," said Walter.</p> - -<p>Just at that moment the conductor entered the car. As he came up the -aisle Walter stopped him, and explained his loss, and the suspicions he -had formed.</p> - -<p>"You say the man is in the smoking-car?" said the conductor, who had -listened attentively.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Could you point him out?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span></p><p>"I am glad of it. I have received warning by telegraph that one of the -New York swell-mob is on the train, probably intent on mischief, but no -description came with it, and I had no clue to the person. I have no -doubt that the man you speak of is the party. If so, he is familiarly -known as 'Slippery Dick.'"</p> - -<p>"Do you think you can get back my money?" asked Walter, anxiously.</p> - -<p>"I think there is a chance of it. Come with me and point out your man."</p> - -<p>Walter gladly accompanied the conductor to the smoking-car. His old -acquaintance was busily engaged as before in a game, and laughing -heartily at some favorable turn.</p> - -<p>"There he is," said Walter, indicating him with his finger.</p> - -<p>The conductor walked up to him, and tapped him on the shoulder.</p> - -<p>"What's wanted?" he asked, looking up. "You've looked at my ticket."</p> - -<p>"I wish to speak to you a moment."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span></p><p>He rose without making any opposition, and walked to the other end of -the car.</p> - -<p>"Well," he said, and there was a slight nervousness in his tone, "what's -the matter? Wasn't my ticket all right?"</p> - -<p>"No trouble about that. The thing is, will you restore this boy's -pocket-book?"</p> - -<p>"Sir," said the pickpocket, blustering, "do you mean to insult me? What -have I to do with his pocket-book?"</p> - -<p>"You sat beside him, and he missed it directly after you left him."</p> - -<p>"What is that to me? You may search me if you like. You will find only -one pocket-book upon me, and that is my own."</p> - -<p>"I am aware of that," said the conductor, coolly. "I saw you take the -money out and throw it from the car platform."</p> - -<p>The pickpocket turned pale.</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken in the person," he said.</p> - -<p>"No, I am not. I advise you to restore the money forthwith."</p> - -<p>Without a word the thief, finding himself cornered,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> took from his -pocket a roll of bills, which he handed to Walter.</p> - -<p>"Is that right?" asked the conductor.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said our hero, after counting his money.</p> - -<p>"So far, so good. And now, Slippery Dick," he continued, turning to the -thief, "I advise you to leave the cars at the next station, or I will -have you arrested. Take your choice."</p> - -<p>The detected rogue was not long in making his choice. Already the cars -had slackened their speed, and a short distance ahead appeared a small -station. The place seemed to be one of very little importance. One man, -however, appeared to have business there. Walter saw his quondam -acquaintance jump on the platform, and congratulated himself that his -only loss was a porte-monnaie whose value did not exceed one dollar.</p> - -<p>I will only add that the conductor on seeing the pocket-book thrown away -had thought nothing of it, supposing it to be an old one, but as soon as -he heard of the robbery suspected at once the thief and his motive.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXV.</span> <span class="smaller">A HARD CUSTOMER.</span></h2> - -<p>Walter stopped long enough at Buffalo to visit Niagara Falls, as he had -intended. Though he enjoyed the visit, and found the famous cataract -fully up to his expectations, no incident occurred during the visit -which deserves to be chronicled here. He resumed his journey, and -arrived in due time at Cleveland.</p> - -<p>He had no difficulty in finding the office of Mr. Greene, the agent of -Messrs. Flint & Pusher. He found that this gentleman, besides his -agency, had a book and stationery business of his own.</p> - -<p>"I don't go out myself," he said to Walter; "but I keep a supply of -Flint's books on hand, and forward them to his agents as called for. -Have you done much in the business?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir, I am only a beginner. I have done nothing yet."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span></p><p>"I thought not. You look too young."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Pusher told me I had better be guided by your advice."</p> - -<p>"I'll advise you as well as I can. First, I suppose you want to know -where to go."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"You had better go fifty miles off at least. The immediate neighborhood -has been pretty well canvassed. There's C—— now, a flourishing and -wealthy town. Suppose you go there first."</p> - -<p>"Very well, sir."</p> - -<p>"It's on the line of railway. Two hours will carry you there."</p> - -<p>"I'll go, this afternoon."</p> - -<p>"You are prompt."</p> - -<p>"I want to get to work as soon as possible."</p> - -<p>"I commend your resolution. It speaks well for your success."</p> - -<p>Walter arrived in C—— in time for supper. He went to a small public -house, where he found that he could board for a dollar and a half a day, -or seven dollars by the week. He engaged a week's board, reflecting that -he could probably work to advantage a<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> week in so large a place, or, if -not, that five days at the daily rate would amount to more than the -weekly terms.</p> - -<p>He did not at first propose to do anything that evening until it -occurred to him that he might perhaps dispose of a copy of his book to -the landlord in part payment for his board. He went into the public room -after supper.</p> - -<p>"Are you travelling alone?" asked the landlord, who had his share of -curiosity.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"Not on business?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, on business."</p> - -<p>"What might it be now? You are rather young to be in business."</p> - -<p>"I am a book-agent."</p> - -<p>"Meeting with pretty good success?"</p> - -<p>"I'm just beginning," said Walter, smiling. "If you'll be my first -customer, I'll stop with you a week."</p> - -<p>"What kind of a book have you got?"</p> - -<p>Walter showed it. It was got up in the usual style<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> of subscription -books, with abundance of illustrations.</p> - -<p>"It's one of the best books we ever sent out," said Walter, in a -professional way. "Just look at the number of pictures. If you've got -any children, they'll like it; and, if you haven't, it will be just the -book for your centre-table."</p> - -<p>"I see you know how to talk," said the landlord, smiling. "What is the -price?"</p> - -<p>"Three dollars and a half."</p> - -<p>"That's considerable."</p> - -<p>"But you know I'm going to take it out in board."</p> - -<p>"Well, that's a consideration, to be sure. A man doesn't feel it so much -as if he took the money out of his pocket and paid cash down. What do -you say, Mrs. Burton?" addressing his wife, who just then entered the -room. "This young man wants to stay here a week, and pay partly in a -book he is agent for. Shall I agree?"</p> - -<p>"Let me see the book," said Mrs. Burton, who was a comely, -pleasant-looking woman of middle age. "What's the name of it?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p><p>"'Scenes in Bible Lands,'" said Walter.</p> - -<p>He opened it, taking care to display and point out the pictures.</p> - -<p>"I declare it is a nice book," said Mrs. Burton. "Is there a picture of -Jerusalem?"</p> - -<p>"Here it is," said Walter, who happened to know just where to find it. -"Isn't it a good picture? And there are plenty more as good. It's a book -that ought to be in every family."</p> - -<p>"Really, Mr. Burton, I don't know but we might as well take it," said -the landlady. "He takes it out in board, you know."</p> - -<p>"Just as you say," said the landlord. "I am willing."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll take the book. Emma will like to look at it."</p> - -<p>So Walter made the first sale, on which he realized a profit of one -dollar and a quarter.</p> - -<p>"It's a pretty easy way to earn money," he reflected with satisfaction, -"if I can only sell copies enough. One copy sold will pay for a day's -board."</p> - -<p>He went to bed early, and enjoyed a sound and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> refreshing sleep. He was -cheered with hopes of success on the morrow. If he could sell four -copies a day, that would give him a profit of five dollars, and five -dollars would leave him a handsome profit after paying expenses.</p> - -<p>The next morning after breakfast he started out, carrying with him three -books. Knowing nothing of the residents of the village, he could only -judge by the outward appearance of their houses. Seeing a large and -handsome house standing back from the street, he decided to call.</p> - -<p>"The people living here must be rich," he thought. "They won't mind -paying three dollars and a half for a nice book."</p> - -<p>Accordingly he walked up the gravelled path and rang the front-door -bell. The door was opened by a housemaid.</p> - -<p>"Is the lady of the house at home?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p>"Do you want to see her?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Then wait here, and I'll tell her."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span></p><p>A tall woman, with a thin face and a pinched expression, presented -herself after five minutes.</p> - -<p>"Well, young man," she asked, after a sharp glance, "what is your -business?"</p> - -<p>Her expression was not very encouraging, but Walter was bound not to -lose an opportunity.</p> - -<p>"I should like to show you a new book, madam," he commenced, "a book of -great value, beautifully illustrated, which is selling like wildfire."</p> - -<p>"How many copies have you sold?" inquired the lady, sharply.</p> - -<p>"One," answered Walter, rather confused.</p> - -<p>"Do you call that selling like wildfire?" she demanded with sarcasm.</p> - -<p>"I only commenced last evening," said Walter, "I referred to the sales -of other agents."</p> - -<p>"What's the name of the book?"</p> - -<p>"'Scenes in Bible Lands.'"</p> - -<p>"Let me see it."</p> - -<p>Walter displayed the book.</p> - -<p>"Look at the beautiful pictures," he said.</p> - -<p>"I don't see anything remarkable about them.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> The binding isn't very -strong. Shouldn't wonder if the book would go to pieces in a week."</p> - -<p>"I don't think there'll be any trouble that way," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"If it does, you'll be gone, so it won't trouble you."</p> - -<p>"With ordinary care it will hold long enough."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, of course you'd say so. I expected it. How much do you charge -for the book?"</p> - -<p>"Three dollars and a half."</p> - -<p>"Three dollars and a half!" repeated the woman. "You seem to think -people are made of money."</p> - -<p>"I don't fix the price, madam," said Walter, rather provoked. "The -publishers do that."</p> - -<p>"I warrant they make two-thirds profit. Don't they now?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said Walter. "I don't know anything about the cost of -publishing books; but this is a large one, and there are a great many -pictures in it. They must have cost considerable."</p> - -<p>"Seems to me it's ridiculous to ask such a price for a book. Why, it's -enough to buy a nice dress pattern!"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span></p><p>"The book will last longer than the dress," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"But it is not so necessary. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'd like the -book well enough to put on my parlor-table. I'll give you two dollars -for it."</p> - -<p>"Two dollars!" ejaculated Walter, scarcely crediting the testimony of -his ears.</p> - -<p>"Yes, two dollars; and I warrant you'll make money enough then."</p> - -<p>"I should lose money," said Walter. "I couldn't think of accepting such -an offer."</p> - -<p>"In my opinion there isn't any book worth even two dollars."</p> - -<p>"I see we can't trade," said Walter, disgusted at such meanness in a -lady who occupied so large a house, and might be supposed to have plenty -of money.</p> - -<p>He began to replace the book in its brown-paper covering.</p> - -<p>"I don't know but I might give you twenty-five cents more. Come now, -I'll give you two dollars and a quarter."</p> - -<p>"I can't take it," said Walter, shortly. "Three<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> dollars and a half is -the price, and I will not take a cent less."</p> - -<p>"You won't get it out of me then," retorted the lady, slamming the door -in displeasure.</p> - -<p>Walter had already made up his mind to this effect, and had started on -his way to the gate.</p> - -<p>"I wonder if I shall meet many people like her," he thought, and his -courage was rather damped.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXVI.</span> <span class="smaller">BUSINESS EXPERIENCES.</span></h2> - -<p>Walter began to think that selling books would prove a harder and more -disagreeable business than he anticipated. He had been brought face to -face with meanness and selfishness, and they inspired him with disgust -and indignation. Not that he expected everybody to buy his books, even -if they could afford it. Still it was not necessary to insult him by -offering half price.</p> - -<p>He walked slowly up the street, wondering if he should meet any more -such customers. On the opposite side of the street he noticed a small -shoemaker's shop.</p> - -<p>"I suppose it is of no use to go in there," thought Walter. "If they -won't buy at a big house, there isn't much chance here."</p> - -<p>Still he thought he would go in. He had plenty<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> of time on his hands, -and might as well let slip no chance, however small.</p> - -<p>He pushed open the door, and found himself in a shop about twenty-five -feet square, littered up with leather shavings and finished and -unfinished shoes. A boy of fourteen was pegging, and his father, a man -of middle age, was finishing a shoe.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning," said the shoemaker, turning round. "Do you want a pair -of shoes this morning?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Walter, "I didn't come to buy, but to sell."</p> - -<p>"Well, what have you got to sell?"</p> - -<p>"A subscription book, finely illustrated."</p> - -<p>"What's the name of it?"</p> - -<p>"'Scenes in Bible Lands.'"</p> - -<p>"Let me look at it."</p> - -<p>He wiped his hands on his apron, and, taking the book, began to turn -over the leaves.</p> - -<p>"It seems like a good book," he said. "Does it sell well?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span></p><p>"Yes, it sells largely. I have only just commenced, but other agents -are doing well on it."</p> - -<p>"You are rather young for an agent."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but I'm old enough to work, and I'm going to give this a fair -trial."</p> - -<p>"That's the way to talk. How much do you expect to get for this book?"</p> - -<p>"The price is three dollars and a half."</p> - -<p>"It's rather high."</p> - -<p>"But there are a good many pictures. Those are what cost money."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I suppose they do. Well, I've a great mind to take one."</p> - -<p>"I don't think you'll regret it. A good book will give you pleasure for -a long time."</p> - -<p>"That's so. Well, here's the money;" and the shoemaker drew out five -dollars from a leather pocket-book. "Can you give me the change?"</p> - -<p>"With pleasure."</p> - -<p>Walter was all the more pleased at effecting this sale because it was -unexpected. He had expected to sell a book at the great house he had -just called at, but thought that the price of the book might deter<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> the -shoemaker, whose income probably was not large. He thought he would like -to know the name of the lady with whom he had such an unpleasant -experience.</p> - -<p>"Can you tell me," he inquired, "who lives in that large house a little -way up the street?"</p> - -<p>"You didn't sell a book there, did you?" asked the shoemaker, laughing.</p> - -<p>"No, but I got an offer of two dollars for one."</p> - -<p>"That's just like Mrs. Belknap," returned the other. "She has the name -of being the meanest woman for miles around."</p> - -<p>"It can't be for want of money. She lives in a nice house."</p> - -<p>"Oh, she's rich enough,—the richest woman in town. When her husband was -alive—old Squire Belknap—she wasn't quite so scrimping, for he was -free-handed and liberal himself; but now she's a widow, she shows out -her meanness. So she offered you two dollars?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but she afterwards offered twenty-five cents more."</p> - -<p>"Then she must have wanted the book. She<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> makes it her boast that no -peddler ever took her in, and I guess she's about right."</p> - -<p>"I hope there are not many such people in town. If there are, I shall -get discouraged."</p> - -<p>"We've got our share of mean people, I expect, but she's the worst."</p> - -<p>"Well, I suppose I must be going. Thank you for your purchase."</p> - -<p>"That's all right. If I like the book as well as I expect, I'll thank -you."</p> - -<p>Walter left the shoemaker's shop with considerably higher spirits than -he entered. His confidence in human nature, which had been rudely shaken -by Mrs. Belknap, was in a degree restored, and his prospects looked -brighter than a few minutes before.</p> - -<p>"I wonder who'll make the next purchase?" he thought.</p> - -<p>He stopped at a plain two-story house a little further up the road. The -door was opened by an old lady.</p> - -<p>"What do you want?" she asked.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span></p><p>"I am agent for an excellent book," commenced Walter.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you're a peddler," broke in the old lady, without waiting to hear -him through.</p> - -<p>"I suppose I may be called so."</p> - -<p>"Are you the man that was round last spring selling jewelry?"</p> - -<p>"No, I have never been here before."</p> - -<p>"I don't know whether to believe you or not," said the old lady. "Your -voice sounds like his. I can't see very well, for I've mislaid my specs. -If you're the same man, I'll have you took up for selling bogus -jewelry."</p> - -<p>"But I'm not the same one."</p> - -<p>"I don't know. The man I spoke of sold my darter a gold ring for a -dollar, that turned out to be nothing but brass washed over. 'Twa'n't -worth five cents."</p> - -<p>"I'm sorry you got cheated, but it isn't my fault."</p> - -<p>"Wait a minute, I'll call my darter."</p> - -<p>In reply to her mother's call a tall maiden lady<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> of forty advanced to -the door, with some straw in her hand, for she was braiding straw.</p> - -<p>"What's wanted, mother?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Isn't this the same man that sold you that ring?"</p> - -<p>"La, no, mother. He was a man of forty-five, and this is only a boy."</p> - -<p>"I s'pose you must be right, but I can't see without my specs. Well, I'm -sorry you're not the one, for I'd have had you took up onless you'd give -back the dollar."</p> - -<p>Under the circumstances Walter himself was not sorry that there was no -chance of identifying him with his knavish predecessor.</p> - -<p>"What have you got to sell?" asked the younger woman.</p> - -<p>"A book beautifully illustrated, called 'Scenes in Bible Lands.' Will -you allow me to show it to you?"</p> - -<p>"He seems quite polite," said the old lady, now disposed to regard -Walter more favorably. "Won't you come in?"</p> - -<p>Walter entered, and was shown into a small sitting-room, quite plainly -furnished. The book was<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> taken from him, and examined for a considerable -length of time by the daughter, who, however, announced at the end that -though she should like it very much, she couldn't afford to pay the -price. As the appearance of the house bore out her assertion, Walter did -not press the purchase, but was about to replace the book under his arm, -when she said suddenly, "Wait a minute. There's Mrs. Thurman just coming -in. Perhaps she'll buy one of your books."</p> - -<p>Walter was of course perfectly willing to wait on the chance of a sale.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Thurman was the wife of a trader in good circumstances, and -disposed to spend liberally, according to her means. Walter was not -obliged to recommend his book, for this was done by the spinster, who -was disinterestedly bent on making a sale. So he sat quiet, a passive -but interested auditor, while Miss Nancy Sprague extolled the book for -him.</p> - -<p>"It does seem like an excellent book," said Mrs. Thurman, looking at the -pictures.</p> - -<p>"Just the thing for your Delia," suggested Miss Nancy; "I am sure she -would like it."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p><p>"That reminds me to-morrow is Delia's birthday."</p> - -<p>"Then give her the book for a birthday present."</p> - -<p>"I had intended to buy her something else. Still I am not sure but this -would suit her quite as well."</p> - -<p>"I am sure it would," responded Miss Nancy.</p> - -<p>"Then I will take it. Young man, how much do you ask for your book?"</p> - -<p>"Three dollars and a half."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Thurman paid the money, and received the book.</p> - -<p>"I am much obliged to you," said Walter, addressing Miss Nancy, "for -recommending my book."</p> - -<p>"You're quite welcome," said Miss Nancy, who felt some satisfaction at -gaining her point, though it would not benefit her any. "I'm sure you -are quite polite for a peddler, and I hope you'll excuse mother for -making such a mistake about you."</p> - -<p>"That is of no consequence," said Walter, smiling. "I think if your -mother had had her glasses on she would not have made such a mistake."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span></p><p>He left the house still farther encouraged. But during the next hour he -failed to sell another copy. At length he managed to sell a third. As -these were all he had brought out, and he was feeling rather tired, he -went back to the tavern, and did not come out again till after dinner. -He had sold three copies and cleared three dollars and seventy-five -cents, which he was right in regarding as very fair success.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXVII.</span> <span class="smaller">A CABIN IN THE WOODS.</span></h2> - -<p>Walter found a good dinner ready for him at twelve o'clock, which he -enjoyed the more because he felt that he had earned it in advance. He -waited till about two o'clock, and again set out, this time in a -different direction. As it takes all sorts of people to make a world, so -the reception he met with at different places differed. In some he was -received politely; in others he was treated as a humbug. But Walter was -by this time getting accustomed to his position, and found that he must -meet disagreeable people with as good humor as he could command. One -farmer was willing to take the book if he would accept pay in apples, of -which he offered him two barrels; but this offer he did not for a moment -entertain, judging that he would find it difficult to carry about the -apples, and probably difficult to dispose of them. However, he managed -to sell two<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> copies, though he had to call at twenty places to do it. -Nevertheless, he felt well repaid by the degree of success he met with.</p> - -<p>"Five books sold to-day!" thought Walter, complacently, as he started on -his walk home. "That gives me six dollars and a quarter profit. I wish I -could keep that up."</p> - -<p>But our young merchant found that he was not likely to keep up such -sales. The next day he sold but two copies, and the day succeeding -three. Still for three days and a half the aggregate sale was eleven -copies, making a clear profit of thirteen dollars and seventy-five -cents. At the end of the week he had sold twenty copies; but to make up -this number he had been obliged to visit one or two neighboring -villages.</p> - -<p>He now prepared to move on. The next place at which he proposed to stop -for a few days we will call Bolton. He had already written to Cleveland -for a fresh supply of books to be forwarded to him there. He had but two -books left, and his baggage being contained in a small valise, he -decided to walk this distance, partly out of economy, but principally<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> -because it would enable him to see the country at his leisure. During -the first five miles he succeeded in selling both books, which relieved -him of the burden of carrying them, leaving him only his valise.</p> - -<p>Walter was strong and stout, and enjoyed his walk. There was a freshness -and novelty about his present mode of life, which he liked. He did not -imagine he should like to be a book-agent all his life, but for a time -he found it quite agreeable.</p> - -<p>He stopped under the shade of a large elm and ate the lunch which he had -brought with him from the inn. The sandwiches and apples were good, and, -with the addition of some water from a stream near by, made a very -acceptable lunch. When he resumed his walk after resting a couple of -hours, the weather had changed. In the morning it was bright sunshine. -Now the clouds had gathered, and a storm seemed imminent. To make -matters worse, Walter had managed to stray from the road. He found -himself walking in a narrow lane, lined on either side by thick woods. -Soon the rain come pattering down, at first in small drops, but quickly -poured down in a drenching shower. Walter took<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> refuge in the woods, -congratulating himself that he had sold the books, which otherwise would -have run the risk of being spoiled.</p> - -<p>"I wish there were some house near by in which I could rest," thought -Walter. The prospect of being benighted in the woods in such weather was -far from pleasant.</p> - -<p>Looking around anxiously, he espied a small foot-path, which he -followed, hoping, but hardly expecting, that it might lead to some place -of refuge. To his agreeable surprise he emerged after a few minutes into -a small clearing, perhaps half an acre in extent, in the middle of which -was a rough cabin. It was a strange place for a house, but, rude as it -was, Walter hailed its appearance with joy. At all events it promised -protection from the weather, and the people who occupied it would -doubtless be willing to give him, for pay of course, supper and lodging. -Probably the accommodations would not be first class, but our hero was -prepared to take what he could get, and be thankful for it. Accordingly -he advanced fearlessly and pounded on the door with his fist, as there -was neither bell nor knocker.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span></p><p>The door not being opened immediately, he pounded again. This time a -not particularly musical voice was heard from within:—</p> - -<p>"Is that you, Jack?"</p> - -<p>"No," answered Walter, "it isn't Jack."</p> - -<p>His voice was probably recognized as that of a boy, and any apprehension -that might have been felt by the person within was dissipated. Walter -heard a bolt withdrawn, and the door opening revealed a tall, gaunt, -bony woman, who eyed him in a manner which could not be considered very -friendly or cordial.</p> - -<p>"Who are you?" she demanded abruptly, keeping the door partly closed.</p> - -<p>"I am a book-agent," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"Do you expect to sell any books here?" asked the woman, with grim -humor.</p> - -<p>"No," said Walter, "but I have been caught in the storm, and lost my -way. Can I stop here over night if the storm should hold on?"</p> - -<p>"This isn't a tavern," said the woman, ungraciously.</p> - -<p>"No, I suppose not," said Walter; "but it will be<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> a favor to me if you -will take me in, and I will pay you whatever you think right. I suppose -there is no tavern near by."</p> - -<p>He half hoped there might be, for he had already made up his mind that -this would not be a very agreeable place to stop at.</p> - -<p>"There's one five miles off," said the woman.</p> - -<p>"That's too far to go in such weather. If you'll let me stay here, I -will pay you whatever you ask in advance."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" said the woman, doubtfully, "I don't know how Jack will like -it."</p> - -<p>As Walter could know nothing of the sentiments of the Jack referred to, -he remained silent, and waited for the woman to make up her mind, -believing that she would decide in his favor.</p> - -<p>He proved to be right.</p> - -<p>"Well," she said, half unwillingly, "I don't know but I'll take you in, -though it isn't my custom to accommodate travellers."</p> - -<p>"I will try not to give you much trouble," said Walter, relieved to find -that he was sure of food and shelter.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p><p>"Humph!" responded the woman.</p> - -<p>She led the way into the building, which appeared to contain two rooms -on the first floor, and probably the same number of chambers above. -There was no entry, but the door opened at once into the kitchen.</p> - -<p>"Come up to the fire if you're wet," said the woman.</p> - -<p>The invitation was hospitable, but the manner was not. However, Walter -was glad to accept the invitation, without thinking too much of the -manner in which it was expressed, for his clothes were pretty well -saturated by the rain. There was no stove, but an old brick fireplace, -on which two stout logs were burning. There was one convenience at least -about living in the woods. Fuel was abundant, and required nothing but -the labor of cutting it.</p> - -<p>"I think I'll take off my shoes," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"You can if you want to," said his grim hostess.</p> - -<p>He extended his wet feet towards the fire, and felt a sense of comfort -stealing over him. He could hear the rain falling fiercely against the -sides of the cabin, and felt glad that he was not compelled to stand the -brunt of the storm.</p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/i262.jpg" alt="Illustration" /></div> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span></p><p>He looked around him guardedly, not wishing to let his hostess see that -he was doing so, for she looked like one who might easily be offended. -The room seemed remarkably bare of furniture. There was an unpainted -table, and there were also three chairs, one of which had lost its back. -These were plain wooden chairs, and though they appeared once to have -been painted, few vestiges of the original paint now remained. On a -shelf were a few articles of tin, but no articles of crockery were -visible, except two cracked cups. Walter had before this visited the -dwellings of the poor, but he had never seen a home so poorly provided -with what are generally regarded as the necessaries of life.</p> - -<p>"I wonder what Lem would say if he should see me now," thought Walter, -his thoughts going back to the Essex Classical Institute, and the friend -whose studies he shared. They seemed far away, those days of careless -happiness, when as yet the burdens of life were unfelt and scarcely even -dreamed of. Did Walter sigh for their return? I think not, except on one -account. His father was then alive, and he would have given years of his -own life to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> recall that loved parent from the grave. But I do not think -he would have cared, for the present at least, to give up his business -career, humble though it was, and go back to his studies. He enjoyed the -novelty of his position. He enjoyed even his present adventure, in spite -of the discomforts that attended it, and there was something exciting in -looking about him, and realizing that he was a guest in a rough cabin in -the midst of the woods, a thousand miles away from home.</p> - -<p>Guarded as he had been in looking around him, it did not escape without -observation.</p> - -<p>"Well, young man, this is a poor place, isn't it?" asked the woman, -suddenly.</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said Walter, wishing to be polite.</p> - -<p>"That's what you're thinkin', I'll warrant," said the woman. "Well, -you're not obliged to stay, if you don't want to."</p> - -<p>"But I do want to, and I am very much obliged to you for consenting to -take me," said Walter, hastily.</p> - -<p>"You said you would pay in advance," said the woman.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p><p>"So I will," said Walter, taking out his pocket-book, "if you will tell -me how much I am to pay."</p> - -<p>"You may give me a dollar," said the woman.</p> - -<p>Walter drew out a roll of bills, and, finding a one-dollar note, handed -it to the woman.</p> - -<p>She took it, glancing covetously at the remaining money which he -replaced in his pocket-book. Walter noticed the glance, and, though he -was not inclined to be suspicious, it gave him a vague feeling of anxiety.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXVIII.</span> <span class="smaller">STRANGE ACQUAINTANCES.</span></h2> - -<p>An hour passed without a word being spoken by his singular hostess. She -went to the window from time to time, and looked out as if expecting -some one. At length Walter determined to break the silence, which had -become oppressive. It did not seem natural for two persons to be in the -same room so long without speaking a word.</p> - -<p>"I should think you would find it lonely living in the woods away from -any neighbors," he said.</p> - -<p>"I don't care for neighbors," said the woman, shortly.</p> - -<p>"Have you lived here long?"</p> - -<p>"That's as people reckon time," was the answer.</p> - -<p>Walter found himself no wiser than before, and the manner of his hostess -did not encourage him to pursue his inquiries further on that subject.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span></p><p>"You don't have far to go for fuel," was the next remark of our hero.</p> - -<p>"Any fool might see that," said the woman.</p> - -<p>"Not very polite," thought Walter.</p> - -<p>He relapsed into silence, judging that his hostess did not care to -converse. Soon, however, she began to ask questions.</p> - -<p>"Did you say you was a book-peddler?" she inquired.</p> - -<p>"I am a book-agent."</p> - -<p>"Where are your books,—in that carpet-bag?"</p> - -<p>"No, I have sold all my books, and sent for some more."</p> - -<p>"Where did you sell them?"</p> - -<p>"In C——."</p> - -<p>"Have you come from there?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I started from there this forenoon."</p> - -<p>"Where did you stop?"</p> - -<p>"At the tavern."</p> - -<p>"Is your business a good one?" she asked, eying him attentively.</p> - -<p>"I have done very well so far, but then I have been at it only a week."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span></p><p>"It's a good thing to have money," said the woman, more to herself than -to Walter.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Walter, "it's very convenient to have money; but there are -other things that are better."</p> - -<p>"Such as what?" demanded the woman abruptly.</p> - -<p>"Good health for one thing."</p> - -<p>"What else?"</p> - -<p>"A good conscience."</p> - -<p>She laughed scornfully.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you there's nothing so good as money. I've wanted it all my -life, and never could get it. Do you think I would live here in the -woods if I had money? No, I should like to be a lady, and wear fine -clothes, and drive about in a handsome carriage. Why are some people so -lucky, while I live in this miserable hole?"</p> - -<p>She looked at Walter fiercely, as if she held him responsible for her -ill-fortune.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps your luck will change some day," he said, though he had little -faith in his own words. He wondered how the tall, gaunt woman of the -backwoods would look dressed in silks and satins.</p> - -<p>"My luck never will change," she said, quickly.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span></p><p>"I must live and die in some such hovel as this."</p> - -<p>"My luck has changed," said Walter, quietly; "but in a different way."</p> - -<p>"How?" she asked, betraying in her tone some curiosity.</p> - -<p>"A year ago—six months ago—my father was a rich man, or was considered -so. He was thought to be worth over a hundred thousand dollars. All at -once his property was swept away, and now I am obliged to earn my own -living, as you see."</p> - -<p>"Is that true?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is true."</p> - -<p>"How did your father lose his money?"</p> - -<p>"By speculating in mines."</p> - -<p>"The more fool he!"</p> - -<p>"My father is dead," said Walter, gravely. "I cannot bear to hear him -blamed."</p> - -<p>"Humph!" ejaculated the woman; but what she intended to convey by this -utterance Walter could not tell.</p> - -<p>Again the woman went to the window and looked out.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span></p><p>"It's time for Jack to be here," she said.</p> - -<p>"Your son?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p>"No, my husband."</p> - -<p>"He'll be pretty wet when he comes in," Walter ventured to say; but his -remark elicited no response.</p> - -<p>After a while his hostess said, in her usual abrupt tone, "I expect you -are hungry."</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Walter, "I am, but I can wait till your husband comes."</p> - -<p>"I don't know when he'll come. Likely he's kept."</p> - -<p>She took out from a small cupboard a plate of bread and some cold meat, -and laid them on the table. Then she steeped some tea, and, when it was -ready, she put that also on the table.</p> - -<p>"Set up," she said, briefly.</p> - -<p>Walter understood from this that supper was ready, and, putting on his -shoes, which were now dry, he moved his chair up.</p> - -<p>"Likely you're used to something better," said the woman.</p> - -<p>This was true, but our hero politely said that the supper looked very -good, and he did not doubt he would enjoy it.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p><p>"That's lucky, for it's all you will get," said the woman.</p> - -<p>"There's not much use in wasting politeness on her," thought Walter. -"She won't give any in return, that's certain."</p> - -<p>The woman poured him out some tea in one of the cracked cups.</p> - -<p>"We haven't got no milk nor sugar," she said. "My man and I don't care -for them."</p> - -<p>The first sip of the tea, which was quite strong, nearly caused a wry -expression on Walter's face, but he managed to control himself so far as -not to betray his want of relish for the beverage his hostess offered -him. The only redeeming quality it had was that it was hot, and, exposed -as he had been to the storm, warm drink was agreeable.</p> - -<p>"There's some bread and there's some meat," said the woman. "You can -help yourself."</p> - -<p>"Are you not going to eat supper with me?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p>"No, I shall wait for Jack."</p> - -<p>She sat down in a chair before the fire, leaving<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> Walter to take care of -himself, and seemed plunged in thought.</p> - -<p>"What a strange woman!" thought Walter. "I wonder if her husband is -anything like her. If he is, they must be an agreeable couple."</p> - -<p>He ate heartily of the food, and succeeded in emptying his cup of tea. -He would have taken another cup if there had been milk and sugar, but it -was too bitter to be inviting.</p> - -<p>"Will you have some more tea?" asked the hostess, turning round.</p> - -<p>"No, I thank you."</p> - -<p>"You miss the milk and sugar?"</p> - -<p>"I like them in tea."</p> - -<p>"We can't afford to buy them, so it's lucky we don't like them."</p> - -<p>There was a bitterness in her tone whenever she talked of money, which -led Walter to avoid the topic. Evidently she was a discontented woman, -angry because her lot in life was not brighter.</p> - -<p>Walter pushed his chair from the table, and sat down again before the -fire. She rose and cleared<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> the table, replacing the bread and meat in -the cupboard.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going next?" she asked, after a pause.</p> - -<p>Walter mentioned the name of the place.</p> - -<p>"Have you ever been there?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Is it a flourishing place?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, good enough, but I haven't been there for a year. It may have -burned down for all I know."</p> - -<p>"I wonder what sort of a woman she was when she was young?" thought -Walter. "I wonder if she was always so unsociable?"</p> - -<p>There was silence for another hour. Walter wished it were time to go to -bed, for the presence of such a woman made him feel uncomfortable. But -it was too early yet to suggest retiring.</p> - -<p>At length the silence was broken by a step outside.</p> - -<p>"That's Jack," said the woman, rising hastily; and over her face there -came a transient gleam of satisfaction, the first Walter had observed.</p> - -<p>Before she could reach the door it was opened,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span> and Jack entered. Walter -looked up with some curiosity to see what sort of a man the husband of -this woman might be. He saw a stout man, with a face like a bull-dog's, -lowering eyes, and matted red hair and beard.</p> - -<p>"They are fitly mated," thought our hero.</p> - -<p>The man stopped short as his glance rested upon Walter, and he turned -quickly to his wife.</p> - -<p>"Who have you got here, Meg?" he asked, in a rough voice.</p> - -<p>"He was overtaken by the storm, and wanted me to take him in, and give -him supper and lodging."</p> - -<p>"He's a boy. What brings him into these woods?"</p> - -<p>"He says he's a book-peddler."</p> - -<p>"Where are his books?"</p> - -<p>"I have sold them all," said Walter, feeling called upon to take a -personal share in the conversation.</p> - -<p>"How many did you have?"</p> - -<p>"Twenty."</p> - -<p>"How much did you charge for them?"</p> - -<p>"Three dollars and a half apiece."</p> - -<p>"That's seventy dollars, isn't it?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p><p>"Well, you can stay here all night if you want to. We aint used to -keepin' a tavern, but you'll fare as well as we."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. I was afraid I might have to stay out all night."</p> - -<p>"Now, Meg, get me something to eat quick. I'm most famished."</p> - -<p>While his wife was getting out the supper again, he sat down beside the -fire, and Walter had a chance to scan his rough features. There was -something in his appearance that inspired distrust, and our hero wished -the night were past, and he were again on his way.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXIX.</span> <span class="smaller">DANGER THREATENS.</span></h2> - -<p>After supper, which the man devoured like a wild animal, he proved more -sociable. He tried in a rough, uncouth manner to make himself agreeable, -and asked Walter numerous questions.</p> - -<p>"Do you like peddlin'?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I can't tell yet," said Walter. "I haven't been at it long enough."</p> - -<p>"You can make money pretty fast?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. Some days I expect to do well, but other days I may not -sell any books. But I like travelling about from place to place."</p> - -<p>"I don't know but I should like travellin' myself," said Jack. "Hey, -Meg?"</p> - -<p>"Anything better than staying in this miserable hole," said the woman. -"I'm sick and tired of it."</p> - -<p>"Well, old woman, maybe we'll start off soon.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> You couldn't get me a -chance in your business, could you?"</p> - -<p>Walter doubted strongly whether a rough, uneducated man like the one -before him would be well adapted for the book business, but he did not -venture to say so.</p> - -<p>"If you would like to try it," he said, "I can give you the name of the -agent in Cleveland. He is authorized to employ agents, and might engage -you."</p> - -<p>"Would he engage the old woman too?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know whether he has any female agents."</p> - -<p>"I couldn't do nothing sellin' books," said Meg, "nor you either. If it -was something else, I might make out."</p> - -<p>"Well, we'll think about it. This aint a very cheerful place to live, as -you say, and it's about time for a change."</p> - -<p>About nine o'clock Walter intimated a desire to go to bed.</p> - -<p>"I have been walking considerable to-day," he said, "and I feel tired."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p><p>"I'll show you the place you're to sleep in," said the woman.</p> - -<p>She lit a candle, and left the room, followed by Walter. She led the way -up a rough, unpainted staircase and opened the door of the room over the -one in which they had been seated.</p> - -<p>"We don't keep a hotel," said she, "and you must shift as well as you -can. We didn't ask you to stay."</p> - -<p>Looking around him, Walter found that the chamber which he had entered -was as bare as the room below, if not more so. There was not even a -bedstead, but in the corner there was a bed on the floor with some -ragged bedclothes spread over it.</p> - -<p>"That's where you're to sleep," said the woman, pointing it out.</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"There isn't much to thank me for. Good-night."</p> - -<p>"Good-night," said Walter.</p> - -<p>She put the candle on the mantel-piece, for there was no bureau or table -in the room, and went out.</p> - -<p>"This isn't a very stylish tavern, that's a fact," thought Walter, -taking a survey of the room. "I<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> shall have a hard bed, but I guess I -can stand it for one night."</p> - -<p>There was something else that troubled him more than the poor -accommodations. The ill looks of his host and hostess had made a strong -impression upon his mind. The particular inquiries which they had made -about his success in selling books, and their strong desire for money, -led him to feel apprehensive of robbery. He was in the heart of the -woods, far away from assistance, and at their mercy. What could he, a -boy of fifteen, do against their combined attack? He would have -preferred to sleep in the woods without a shelter, rather than have -placed himself in their power.</p> - -<p>Under the influence of this apprehension, he examined the door to see if -there was any way of locking it. But there was neither lock nor bolt. -There had been a bolt once, but there was none now.</p> - -<p>Next he looked about the room to see if there was any heavy article of -furniture with which he could barricade the door. But, as has already -been said, there was neither bureau nor table. In fact, there<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> was -absolutely no article of furniture except a single wooden chair, and -that, of course, would be of no service.</p> - -<p>"What shall I do?" thought Walter. "That man can enter the room when I -am asleep, and rob me of all my money."</p> - -<p>It was a perplexing position to be in, and might have puzzled an older -and more experienced traveller than our young hero. He opened his -pocket-book, and, taking out the money, counted it. There were sixty -dollars and a few cents within.</p> - -<p>"Where shall I hide it?" he considered.</p> - -<p>Looking about the room, he noticed a closet, the door of which was -bolted on the outside. Withdrawing the bolt he opened the door and -looked in. It was nearly empty, containing only a few articles of little -or no value. A plan of operations rapidly suggested itself to Walter in -case the room should be entered while he was awake. In pursuance of this -plan he threw a few pennies upon the floor of the closet, and then -closed the door again. Next he drew from the pocket-book all the money -it contained, except a single five-dollar bill. The bank notes thus<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> -removed amounted to fifty-five dollars. He then drew off his stockings, -and, laying the bills in the bottom, again put them on.</p> - -<p>"He won't suspect where they are," thought Walter, in a tone of -satisfaction. "If he takes my pocket-book, I can stand the loss of five -dollars."</p> - -<p>He put on his shoes, that he might be ready for instant flight, if -occasion required it, and threw himself down on the outside of the -coverlid.</p> - -<p>If our young hero, who, I hope, will prove such if the danger which he -fears actually comes, could have overheard the conversation which was -even then going on between Jack and Meg, he would have felt that his -apprehensions were not without cause.</p> - -<p>When the woman returned from conducting Walter to his room, she found -her husband sitting moodily beside the fire.</p> - -<p>"Well, Meg," he said, looking up, "where did you put him?"</p> - -<p>"In the room above."</p> - -<p>"I hope he'll sleep sound," said Jack, with a sinister smile. "I'll go -up by and by and see how he rests."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p><p>"What do you mean to do?" asked Meg.</p> - -<p>"He has got seventy dollars in that pocket-book of his. It must be -ours."</p> - -<p>His wife did not answer immediately, but looked thoughtfully into the -fire.</p> - -<p>"Well, what do you say?" he demanded impatiently.</p> - -<p>"What do I say? That I have no objection to taking the money, if there -is no danger."</p> - -<p>"What danger is there?"</p> - -<p>"He may charge us with the theft."</p> - -<p>"He can't see me take it, when his eyes are shut."</p> - -<p>"But he may not be asleep."</p> - -<p>"So much the worse for him. I must have the money. Seventy dollars is -worth taking, Meg. It's more money than I've had in my hands at one time -for years."</p> - -<p>"I like money as well as you, Jack; but the boy will make a fuss when he -finds the money is gone."</p> - -<p>"So much the worse for him," said Jack, fiercely. "I'll stop his noise -very quick."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span></p><p>"You won't harm the lad, Jack?" said Meg, earnestly.</p> - -<p>"Why not? What is he to you?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing, but I feel an interest in him. I don't want him harmed. Rob -him if you will, but don't hurt him."</p> - -<p>"What should you care about him? You never saw him before to-day."</p> - -<p>"He told me his story. He has had ill-luck, like us. His father was very -rich, not long since, but he suddenly lost all his property, and this -boy is obliged to go out as a book-peddler."</p> - -<p>"What has that to do with us?"</p> - -<p>"You mustn't harm him, Jack."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you would like to have him inform against us, and set the -police on our track."</p> - -<p>"No, I wouldn't, and you know it."</p> - -<p>"Then he must never leave this cabin alive," said Jack.</p> - -<p>"You would not murder him?" demanded Meg, horror-struck.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I would, if there is need of it."</p> - -<p>"Then I will go up and bid him leave the house.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> Better turn him out -into the forest than keep him here for that."</p> - -<p>She had got half way to the door when her husband sprang forward, and -clutched her fiercely by the shoulder.</p> - -<p>"What are you going to do?" he growled.</p> - -<p>"You shall not kill him. I will send him away."</p> - -<p>"I have a great mind to kill you," he muttered fiercely.</p> - -<p>"No, Jack, you wouldn't do that. I'm not a very good woman, but I've -been a faithful wife to you, and you wouldn't have the heart to kill -me."</p> - -<p>"How do you know?" he said.</p> - -<p>"I know you wouldn't. I am not afraid for myself, but for you as well as -this boy. If you killed him, you might be hung, and then what would -become of me?"</p> - -<p>"What else can I do?" asked her husband, irresolutely.</p> - -<p>"Threaten him as much as you like. Make him take an oath never to inform -against you. He's a boy that'll keep his oath."</p> - -<p>"What makes you think so?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p><p>"I read it in his face. It is an honest face, and it can be trusted."</p> - -<p>"Well, old woman, perhaps you are right. The other way is dangerous, and -if this will work as well, I don't mind trying it. Now let us go to bed, -and when the boy's had time to fall asleep, I'll go in and secure the money."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXX.</span> <span class="smaller">THE ROBBER WALKS INTO A TRAP.</span></h2> - -<p>Walter's feelings, as he lay on his hard bed on the floor, were far from -pleasant. He was not sure that an attempt would be made to rob him, but -the probability seemed so great that he could not compose himself to -sleep. Suspense was so painful that he almost wished that Jack would -come up if he intended to. He was tired, but his mental anxiety -triumphed over his bodily fatigue, and he tossed about restlessly.</p> - -<p>It was about nine o'clock when he went to bed. Two hours passed, and -still there were no signs of the apprehended invasion.</p> - -<p>But, five minutes later, a heavy step was heard upon the staircase, -which creaked beneath the weight of the man ascending. Jack tried to -come up softly, but it creaked nevertheless.</p> - -<p>Walter's heart beat quick, as he heard the steps<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> approaching nearer and -nearer. It was certainly a trying moment, that might have tested the -courage of one older than our hero. Presently the door opened softly, -and Jack advanced stealthily into the chamber, carrying a candle which, -however, was unlighted. He reckoned upon finding Walter undressed, and -his clothes hanging over the chair; but the faint light that entered -through the window showed him that his intended victim had not removed -his clothing. Of course this made the task of taking his pocket-book -much more difficult.</p> - -<p>"Confusion!" he muttered. "The boy hasn't undressed."</p> - -<p>Walter had closed his eyes, thinking it best to appear to be asleep; but -he heard this exclamation, and it satisfied him of Jack's dishonest -intentions.</p> - -<p>The robber paused a moment, and then, stooping over, inserted his hand -into Walter's pocket. He drew out the pocket-book, Walter making no sign -of being aware of what was going on.</p> - -<p>"I've got it," muttered Jack, with satisfaction, and stealthily retraced -his steps to the door. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> went out, carefully closing it after him, and -again the steps creaked beneath his weight.</p> - -<p>"I'm afraid he'll come back when he finds how little there is in it," -thought Walter. "If so, I must trust to my plan."</p> - -<p>Meg looked up with interest when her husband re-entered the room. She -had been listening with nervous interest, fearing that there might be -violence done. She had been relieved to hear no noise, and to see her -husband returning quietly.</p> - -<p>"Have you got the pocket-book?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Meg," he said, displaying it. "He went to bed with his clothes on, -but I pulled it out of his pocket, as he lay asleep, and he will be none -the wiser."</p> - -<p>"How much is there in it?"</p> - -<p>"I'm going to see. I haven't opened it yet."</p> - -<p>He opened the pocket-book, and uttered a cry of disappointment.</p> - -<p>"That's all," he said, displaying the five-dollar bill. "He must have -had more."</p> - -<p>"He did have more. When he paid me the dollar for stoppin' here, he took -it from a roll of bills."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span></p><p>"What's he done with 'em, the young rascal?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps he had another pocket-book. But that's the one he took out when -he paid me."</p> - -<p>"I must go up again, Meg. He had seventy dollars, and I'm goin' to have -the rest. Five dollars won't pay me for the trouble of stealin' it."</p> - -<p>"Don't hurt the boy, Jack."</p> - -<p>"I will, if he don't fork over the money," said her husband, fiercely.</p> - -<p>There was no longer any thought of concealment. It was necessary to wake -Walter to find out where he had put the money. So Jack went upstairs -boldly, not trying to soften the noise of his steps now, angry to think -that he had been put to this extra trouble. Walter heard him coming, and -guessed what brought him back. I will not deny that he felt nervous, but -he determined to act manfully, whatever might be the result. He breathed -a short prayer to God for help, for he knew that in times of peril he is -the only sufficient help.</p> - -<p>The door was thrown open, and Jack strode in, bearing in his hand a -candle, this time lighted. He<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span> advanced to the bed, and, bending over, -shook Walter vigorously.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter?" asked our hero, this time opening his eyes, and -assuming a look of surprise. "Is it time to get up?"</p> - -<p>"It's time for you to get up."</p> - -<p>"It isn't morning, is it?"</p> - -<p>"No; but I've got something to say to you."</p> - -<p>"Well," said Walter, sitting up in the bed, "I'm ready."</p> - -<p>"Where've you put that money you had last night?"</p> - -<p>"Why do you want to know?" demanded Walter, eying his host fixedly.</p> - -<p>"No matter why I want to know," said Jack, impatiently. "Tell me, if you -know what's best for yourself."</p> - -<p>Walter put his hand in his pocket.</p> - -<p>"It was in my pocket-book," he said; "but it's gone."</p> - -<p>"Here is your pocket-book," said Jack, producing it.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span></p><p>"Did you take it out of my pocket? What made you take it?"</p> - -<p>"None of your impudence, boy!"</p> - -<p>"Is it impudent to ask what made you take my property?" said Walter, -firmly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, it is," said Jack, with an oath.</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to steal my money?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I do; and the sooner you hand it over the better."</p> - -<p>"You have got my pocket-book already."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you think I am green," sneered Jack. "I found only five -dollars."</p> - -<p>"Then you had better give it back to me. Five dollars isn't worth -taking."</p> - -<p>"You're a cool one, and no mistake," said Jack, surveying our hero with -greater respect than he had before manifested. "Do you know that I could -wring your neck?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I suppose you could," said Walter, quietly. "You are a great deal -stronger than I am."</p> - -<p>"Aint you afraid of me?"</p> - -<p>"I don't think I am. Why should I be?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p><p>"What's to hinder my killin' you? We're alone in the woods, far from -help."</p> - -<p>"I don't think you'll do it," said Walter, meeting his gaze steadily.</p> - -<p>"You aint a coward, boy; I'll say that for you. Some boys of your age -would be scared to death if they was in your place."</p> - -<p>"I don't think I am a coward," said Walter, quietly. "Are you going to -give me back that pocket-book?"</p> - -<p>"Not if I know it; but I'll tell you what you're goin' to do."</p> - -<p>"What's that?"</p> - -<p>"Hunt up the rest of that money, and pretty quick too."</p> - -<p>"What makes you think I have got any more money?"</p> - -<p>"Didn't you tell me you sold twenty books, at three dollars and a half? -That makes seventy dollars, accordin' to my reckonin'."</p> - -<p>"You're right there; but I have sent to Cleveland for some more books, -and had to send the money with the order."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span></p><p>This staggered the robber at first, till he remembered what his wife -had told him.</p> - -<p>"That don't go down," he said roughly. "The old woman saw a big roll of -bills when you paid her for your lodgin'. You haven't had any chance of -payin' them away."</p> - -<p>Walter recalled the covetous glance of the woman when he displayed the -bills, and he regretted too late his imprudence in revealing the amount -of money he had with him. He saw that it was of no use to attempt to -deceive Jack any longer. It might prove dangerous, and could do no good.</p> - -<p>"I have some more money," he said; "but I hope you will let me keep it."</p> - -<p>"What made you take it out of your pocket-book?"</p> - -<p>"Because I thought I should have a visit from you."</p> - -<p>"What made you think so?" demanded Jack, rather surprised.</p> - -<p>"I can't tell, but I expected a visit, so I took out most of my money -and hid it."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span></p><p>"Then you'd better find it again. I can't wait here all night. Is it in -your other pocket?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Is that all you can say? Get up, and find me that money, or it'll be -the worse for you."</p> - -<p>"Then give me the pocket-book and five dollars. I can't get along if you -take all my money."</p> - -<p>Jack reflected that he could easily take away the pocket-book again, and -decided to comply with our hero's request as an inducement for him to -find the other money.</p> - -<p>"Here it is," he said. "Now get me the rest."</p> - -<p>"I hid some money in that closet," said Walter. "I thought you would -think of looking there."</p> - -<p>No sooner was the closet pointed out than Jack eagerly strode towards it -and threw open the door. He entered it, and began to peer about him, -holding the candle in his hand.</p> - -<p>"Where did you put it?" he inquired, turning to question Walter.</p> - -<p>But he had scarcely spoken when our hero closed the door hastily, and, -before Jack could recover from his surprise, had bolted it on the -outside. To add to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> the discomfiture of the imprisoned robber, the wind -produced by the violent slamming of the door blew out the candle, and he -found himself a captive, in utter darkness.</p> - -<p>"Let me out, or I'll murder you!" he roared, kicking the barrier that -separated him from his late victim, now his captor.</p> - -<p>Walter saw that there was no time to lose. The door, though strong, -would probably soon give way before the strength of his prisoner. When -the liberation took place, he must be gone. He held the handle of his -carpet-bag between his teeth, and, getting out of the window, hung down. -The distance was not great, and he alighted upon the ground without -injury. Without delay he plunged into the woods, not caring in what -direction he went, as long as it carried him away from his dishonest landlord.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXI.</span> <span class="smaller">WALTER'S ESCAPE.</span></h2> - -<p>Though Walter was in a room on the second floor, the distance to the -ground was not so great but that he could easily hang from the -window-sill and jump without injury. Before following him in his flight, -we will pause to inquire how the robber, unexpectedly taken captive, -fared.</p> - -<p>Nothing could have surprised Jack more than this sudden turning of the -tables. But a minute since Walter was completely in his power. Now, -through the boy's coolness and nerve, his thievish intentions were -baffled, and he was placed in the humiliating position of a prisoner in -his own house.</p> - -<p>"Open the door, or I'll murder you!" he roared, kicking it violently.</p> - -<p>There was no reply, for Walter was already half way out of the window, -and did not think it best to answer.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span></p><p>Jack kicked again, but the door was a strong one, and, though it shook, -did not give way.</p> - -<p>"Draw the bolt, I say," roared the captive again, appending an oath, "or -I'll wring your neck."</p> - -<p>But our hero was already on the ground, and speeding away into the -shelter of the friendly woods.</p> - -<p>If any man was thoroughly mad, that man was Jack. It was not enough that -he had been ingloriously defeated, but the most galling thing about it -was that this had been done by a boy.</p> - -<p>"I'll make him pay for this!" muttered Jack, furiously.</p> - -<p>He saw that Walter had no intention of releasing him, and that his -deliverance must come from himself. He kicked furiously, and broke -through one of the panels of the door; but still the bolt held, and -continued to hold, though he threw himself against the door with all his -force.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile his wife below had listened intently, at the bottom of the -staircase, not without anxiety as to the result. She was a woman, and, -though by no means of an amiable disposition, she was not<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> without some -humanity. She knew her husband's brutal temper, and she feared that -Walter would come to harm. Part of her anxiety was selfish, to be sure, -for she dreaded the penalty for her husband; but she was partly actuated -by a feeling of rough good-will towards her young guest. She didn't mind -his being robbed, for she felt that in some way she had been cheated out -of that measure of worldly prosperity which was her due, and she had no -particular scruple as to the means of getting even with the world. The -fact that Walter, too, had suffered bad fortune increased her good-will -towards him, and made her more reluctant that he should be ill-treated.</p> - -<p>At first, as she listened, and while the conversation was going on, she -heard nothing to excite her alarm. But when her husband had been locked -in the closet, and began to kick at the door, there was such a noise -that Meg, though misapprehending the state of things, got frightened.</p> - -<p>"He's killing the poor boy, I'm afraid," she said, clasping her hands. -"Why, why need he be so violent? I told him not to harm him."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span></p><p>Next she heard Jack's voice in angry tones, but could not understand -what he said. This was followed by a fresh shower of kicks at the -resisting door.</p> - -<p>"I would go up if I dared," she thought; "but I am afraid I should see -the poor boy dying."</p> - -<p>She feared, also, her husband's anger at any interference; for, as she -had reason to know, his temper was not of the gentlest. So she stood -anxiously at the foot of the staircase, and continued to listen.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Jack, finding he could not release himself readily, bethought -himself of his wife.</p> - -<p>"Meg!" he called out, in stentorian tones.</p> - -<p>His wife heard the summons and made haste to obey it.</p> - -<p>She hurried upstairs, and, opening the chamber door, found herself, to -her surprise, in darkness.</p> - -<p>"Where are you, Jack?" she asked, in some bewilderment.</p> - -<p>"Here," answered her husband.</p> - -<p>"Where?" asked Meg; for the tones were muffled<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span> by the interposition of -the door, and she could not get a clear idea of where her husband was.</p> - -<p>"In the closet, you fool! Come and open the door," was the polite reply.</p> - -<p>Wondering how her husband could have got into the closet, and, also, -what had become of Walter, she advanced hastily to the closet-door, and -drew the bolt.</p> - -<p>Jack dashed out furiously, cursing in a manner I shall not repeat.</p> - -<p>"How came you here, Jack?" asked his wife. "Where's the boy?"</p> - -<p>It was so dark that he could not readily discover Walter's flight. He -strode to the bedstead, and, kneeling down, began to feel about for him.</p> - -<p>"Curse it, the boy's gone!" he exclaimed. "Why didn't you stop him?"</p> - -<p>This he said on supposition that Walter had escaped by the stairs.</p> - -<p>"I don't know what you mean. I've seen nothing of the boy. Wasn't he -here when you came up?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, he was, but now he's gone. He must have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span> got out of the window," -he added, with a sudden thought.</p> - -<p>"I don't understand it," said Meg. "How came you shut up in that -closet?"</p> - -<p>"The boy sent me in on a fool's errand, and then locked me in."</p> - -<p>"Tell me about it, Jack."</p> - -<p>Her husband rehearsed the story, heaping execrations upon his own folly -for being outwitted by a boy.</p> - -<p>"But you've got the pocket-book and the five dollars," said his wife, by -way of comforting him.</p> - -<p>"No, I haven't. I gave them back to him, to get him to tell me where the -rest of the money was. I meant to take it away from him again."</p> - -<p>"Then he's escaped with all his money?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," growled Jack; "he's fooled me completely. But it isn't too late. -I may catch him yet. He's hiding in the woods somewhere. If I do get -hold of him, I'll give him something to remember me by. I'll learn him -to fool me."</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't go out to-night, Jack," said his wife. "It's most twelve."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span></p><p>"If I don't go now, I'll lose him. Go downstairs, Meg, and light the -candle."</p> - -<p>"Did he have the money with him?"</p> - -<p>"He said he hid it."</p> - -<p>"Then perhaps he left it behind him. He had to go away in a hurry."</p> - -<p>"That's so, Meg. Hurry down, and light the candle, and we'll hunt for -it."</p> - -<p>The suggestion was a reasonable one, and Jack caught at it. If the money -were left behind, it would repay him in part for his mortification at -having been fooled by a boy, and he might be tempted to let him go. What -vexed him most was the idea of having been baffled completely; and the -discovery of the money would go far to make things even.</p> - -<p>Meg came up with the lighted candle; and they commenced a joint search, -first in the closet, where they found the five pennies which Walter had -thrown on the floor, and, afterwards, about the room, and particularly -the bedding. But the roll of bills was nowhere to be found. Walter had, -as we know,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span> carried it away with him. This was the conclusion to which -the seekers were ultimately brought.</p> - -<p>"The money aint anywhere here," said Jack. "The boy's got it with him."</p> - -<p>"Likely he has," said Meg.</p> - -<p>"I'm goin' for him," said her husband. "Go downstairs, Meg, and I'll -foller."</p> - -<p>"You'd better wait till mornin', Jack," said his wife.</p> - -<p>"You're a fool!" he said, unceremoniously. "If I wait till daylight, -he'll be out of the woods, and I can't catch him."</p> - -<p>"There isn't much chance now. It's dark, and you won't be likely to find -him."</p> - -<p>"I'll risk that. Anyhow, I'm goin' and so you needn't say any more about -it."</p> - -<p>Jack descended to the room below, put on his boots and hat, and, opening -the outer door, sallied out into the darkness.</p> - -<p>He paused before the door in uncertainty.</p> - -<p>"I wish I knowed which way he went," he muttered.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span></p><p>There seemed little to determine the choice of direction on the part of -the fugitive. There was no regular path, as Jack and his wife were the -only dwellers in the forest who had occasion to use one, except such as -occasionally strayed in from the outer world. There was, indeed, a path -slightly marked, but this Walter could not see in the darkness. -Nevertheless, as chance would have it, he struck into it and followed it -for some distance.</p> - -<p>Having nothing else to determine his course, it was only natural that -Jack should take this path. Now that he was already started on his -expedition, and found the natural darkness of the night deepened and -made more intense by the thick foliage of the forest trees, he realized -that his chances of coming upon Walter were by no means encouraging. But -he kept on with dogged determination.</p> - -<p>"I'd like to catch the young rascal, even if I don't get a penny of the -money," he said to himself.</p> - -<p>He resolved, in case he was successful, first, to give his victim a -severe beating, and next, to convey him home, and keep him for weeks a -close<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span> prisoner in the very closet in which he had himself been -confined. The thought of such an appropriate vengeance yielded him -considerable satisfaction, and stimulated him to keep up the search.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXII.</span> <span class="smaller">A STRANGE HIDING-PLACE.</span></h2> - -<p>Meanwhile Walter had the advantage of quarter of an hour's start of his -pursuer. Jack had indeed been released within five minutes, but he had -consumed ten minutes more in searching for the money. It was too dark, -however, to make rapid progress. Still Walter pushed on, resolved to put -as great a distance as possible between the cabin and himself, for he -anticipated pursuit, and judged that, if caught, he would fare badly for -the trick he had played upon his host.</p> - -<p>He had proceeded perhaps half a mile when he stopped to rest. Two or -three times he had tripped over projecting roots which the darkness -prevented his seeing in time to avoid.</p> - -<p>"I'll rest a few minutes, and then push on," he thought.</p> - -<p>It was late, but the excitement of his position <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>prevented him from -feeling sleepy. He wished to get out of the woods into some road or open -field, where he would be in less danger of encountering Jack, and where -perhaps he might find assistance against him.</p> - -<p>He was leaning against an immense tree, one of the largest and oldest in -the forest. Walter began idly to examine it. He discovered, by feeling, -that it was hollow inside. Curiosity led him to examine farther. He -ascertained that the interior was eaten out by gradual decay, making a -large hollow space inside.</p> - -<p>"I shouldn't wonder if I could get in," he said to himself.</p> - -<p>He made the attempt, and found that he was correct in his supposition. -He could easily stand erect inside.</p> - -<p>"That is curious," thought Walter. "The tree must be very old."</p> - -<p>He emerged from the trunk, and once more threw himself down beside it. -Five minutes later and his attention was drawn by a sound of approaching -footsteps. Then came an oath, which sounded startlingly near. It was -uttered by Jack, who had tripped over<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> a root, and was picking himself -up in no very good humor. The enemy, it appeared, was close upon him.</p> - -<p>Walter started to his feet in dismay. His first thought was immediate -flight, but if he were heard by Jack, the latter would no doubt be able -to run him down.</p> - -<p>"What shall I do?" thought Walter, in alarm.</p> - -<p>Quickly the hollow trunk occurred to him. He seized his carpet-bag, and -with as little delay as possible concealed himself in the interior. He -was just in time, for Jack was by this time only a few rods distant. -Walter counted upon his passing on; but on reaching the old tree Jack -paused, and said aloud, "Where can the young rascal be? I wonder if I -have passed him? I'll rest here five minutes. He may straggle along."</p> - -<p>With these words he sank upon the ground, in the very same place where -Walter had been reclining two minutes before. He was so near that our -hero could have put out his hand and touched him.</p> - -<p>It was certainly a very uncomfortable situation for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span> Walter. He hardly -dared to breathe or to stir lest his enemy should hear him.</p> - -<p>"He's led me a pretty tramp," muttered Jack. "I'm as tired as a dog, but -I'm bound to get hold of him to-night. If I do, I'll half kill him."</p> - -<p>"Then I hope you won't get hold of him," Walter ejaculated inwardly.</p> - -<p>He began to wish he had run on instead of seeking this concealment. In -the first case, the darkness of the night would have favored him, and -even if Jack had heard him it was by no means certain that he would have -caught him. Now an unlucky movement or a cough would betray his -hiding-place, and there would be no chance of escape. He began to feel -his constrained position irksome, but did not dare to seek relief by -change of posture.</p> - -<p>"I wish he'd go," thought our hero.</p> - -<p>But Jack was in no hurry. He appeared to wish to waylay Walter, and was -constantly listening to catch the sound of his approach. At last a -little relief came. A sound was heard, which Jack suspected might -proceed from his late guest. He started to his feet, and walked a few -steps away.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span> Walter availed himself of this opportunity to change his -position a little.</p> - -<p>"It isn't he," said Jack, disappointed. "Perhaps he's gone another way."</p> - -<p>He did not throw himself down this time, but remained standing, in -evident uncertainty. At length Walter was relieved to hear him say, -"Well, I shan't catch him by stopping here, that's sure."</p> - -<p>Then he started, and Walter, listening intently, heard the sound of his -receding steps. When sufficient time had elapsed, he ventured out from -his concealment, and stopped to consider the situation.</p> - -<p>What should he do?</p> - -<p>It was hardly prudent to go on, for it would only bring him nearer to -the enemy. If he ventured back, he would be farther away from the edge -of the woods, and might encounter Meg, who might also be in pursuit. He -did not feel in danger of capture from this quarter, but the woman might -find means of communicating with her husband. On the whole, it seemed -safest, for the present at least, to stick to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> the friendly tree which -had proved so good a protector. He stood beside it, watching carefully, -intending, whenever peril threatened, to take instant refuge inside. -This was not particularly satisfactory, but he hoped Jack would soon -tire of the pursuit, and retrace his steps towards the cabin. If he -should do that, he would then be safe in continuing his flight.</p> - -<p>Jack pushed on, believing that our hero was in advance. It had been a -fatiguing day, and this made his present midnight tramp more -disagreeable. His hopes of overtaking Walter became fainter and fainter, -and nature began to assert her rights. A drowsiness which he found it -hard to combat assailed him, and he found he must yield to it for a time -at least.</p> - -<p>"I wish I was at home, and in bed," he muttered. "I'll lie down and take -a short nap, and then start again."</p> - -<p>He threw himself down on the ground, and no longer resisted the -approaches of sleep. In five minutes his senses were locked in a deep -slumber,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span> which, instead of a short nap, continued for several hours.</p> - -<p>While he is sleeping we will go back to Walter. He, too, was sleepy, and -would gladly have laid down and slept if he had dared. But he felt the -peril of his position too sensibly to give way to his feelings. He -watched vigilantly for an hour, but nothing could be seen of Jack. That -hour seemed to him to creep with snail-like pace.</p> - -<p>"I can't stand this watching till morning," he said to himself. "I will -find some out-of-the-way place, and try to sleep a little."</p> - -<p>Searching about he found such a place as he desired. He lay down, and -was soon fast asleep. So pursuer and pursued had yielded to the spell of -the same enchantress, and half a mile distant from each other were -enjoying welcome repose.</p> - -<p>Some hours passed away. The sun rose, and its rays lighted up the dim -recesses of the forest. When Walter opened his eyes he could not at -first remember where he was. He lifted his head from his carpet-bag -which he had used as a pillow, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span> looked around him in surprise; but -recollection quickly came to his aid.</p> - -<p>"I must have been sleeping several hours," he said to himself, "for it -is now morning. I wonder if the man who was after me has gone home?"</p> - -<p>He decided that this was probable, and resolved to make an attempt to -reach the edge of the forest. He wanted to get into the region of -civilization again, if for no other reason, because he felt hungry, and -was likely to remain so as long as he continued in the forest. He now -felt fresh and strong, and, taking his carpet-bag in his hand, prepared -to start on his journey. But he had scarcely taken a dozen steps when a -female figure stepped out from a covert, and he found himself face to -face with Meg.</p> - -<p>Not knowing but that her husband might be close behind, he started back -in alarm and hesitation. She observed this, and said, "You needn't be -afraid, boy. I don't want to harm you."</p> - -<p>"Is your husband with you?" asked Walter, on his guard.</p> - -<p>"No, he isn't. He started out after you before<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span> midnight, and hasn't -been back since. That made me uneasy, and I came out to look for him."</p> - -<p>"I have seen him," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"Where and when?" asked the woman, eagerly.</p> - -<p>It was strange that such a coarse brute should have inspired any woman -with love, but Meg did certainly love her husband, in spite of his -frequent bad treatment.</p> - -<p>"It must have been within an hour of the time I left your house. He -stopped under that tree. That was where I saw him."</p> - -<p>"Did he see you?"</p> - -<p>"No, I was hidden."</p> - -<p>"How long did he stay?"</p> - -<p>"Only a few minutes, to get rested, I suppose. Then he went on."</p> - -<p>"In what direction?"</p> - -<p>"That way."</p> - -<p>"I am glad he did not harm you. He was so angry when he started that I -was afraid of what would happen if he met you. You must keep out of his -way."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span></p><p>"That is what I mean to do if I can," said Walter. "Can you tell me the -shortest way out of the woods?"</p> - -<p>"Go in that direction," said the woman, pointing, "and half a mile will -bring you out."</p> - -<p>"It is rather hard to follow a straight path in the woods. If you will -act as my guide, I will give you a dollar."</p> - -<p>Meg hesitated.</p> - -<p>"If my husband should find out that I helped you to escape, he would be -very angry."</p> - -<p>"Why need he know? You needn't tell him you met me."</p> - -<p>The woman hesitated. Finally love of money prevailed.</p> - -<p>"I'll do it," she said, abruptly. "Follow me."</p> - -<p>She took the lead, and Walter followed closely in her steps. Remembering -the night before, he was not wholly assured of her good faith, and -resolved to keep his eyes open, and make his escape instantly if he -should see any signs of treachery. Possibly<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span> Meg might intend to lead -him into a trap, and deliver him up to her husband. He was naturally -trustful, but his adventures in the cabin taught him a lesson of distrust.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXIII.</span> <span class="smaller">WALTER SHOWS STRATEGY.</span></h2> - -<p>Walter followed Meg through the woods. He felt sure that he would not -have far to go to reach the open fields. He had been delayed heretofore, -not by the distance, but by not knowing in what direction to go.</p> - -<p>Few words were spoken between him and Meg. Remembering what had happened -at the cabin, and that even now he was fleeing from her husband, he did -not feel inclined to be sociable, and her thoughts were divided between -the money she was to be paid as the price of her services, and her -husband, for whose prolonged absence she could not account.</p> - -<p>After walking for fifteen minutes, they came to the edge of the forest. -Skirting it was a meadow, wet in parts, for the surface was low.</p> - -<p>"Where is the road?" asked Walter.</p> - -<p>"You'll have to cross this meadow, and you'll<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span> come to it. It isn't -mor'n quarter of a mile. You'll find your way well enough without me."</p> - -<p>Walter felt relieved at the prospect of a speedy return to the region of -civilization. It seemed to him as if he had passed the previous night -far away in some wild frontier cabin, instead of in the centre of a -populous and thriving neighborhood, within a few miles of several -flourishing villages.</p> - -<p>He drew out a dollar-bill, and offered it to Meg.</p> - -<p>"This is the money I agreed to pay you," he said. "Thank you, besides."</p> - -<p>"You haven't much cause to thank me," she said, abruptly. "I would have -robbed you if I had the chance."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry for that," said Walter. "Money got in that way never does -any good."</p> - -<p>"Money is sure to do good, no matter how it comes," said the woman, -fiercely. "Think of what it will buy!—a comfortable home, ease, luxury, -respect. Some time before I die I hope to have as much as I want."</p> - -<p>"I hope you will," said Walter; "but I don't think you will find it as -powerful as you think."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span></p><p>His words might as well have remained unspoken, for she paid no -attention to them. She seemed to be listening intently. Suddenly she -clutched his arm.</p> - -<p>"I hear my husband's steps," she said, hurriedly. "Fly, or it will be -the worse for you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you for the caution," said Walter, roused to the necessity of -immediate action.</p> - -<p>"Don't stop to thank me. Go!" she said, stamping her foot impatiently.</p> - -<p>He obeyed at once, and started on a run across the meadow.</p> - -<p>A minute later, Jack came in sight.</p> - -<p>"What, Meg, are you here?" he said, in surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I got anxious about you, because you did not come home. I was -afraid something had happened to you."</p> - -<p>"What could happen to me?" he retorted, contemptuously. "I'm not a baby. -Have you seen the boy?"</p> - -<p>He did not wait for an answer, for, looking across the meadow, he saw -the flying figure of our hero.</p> - -<p>"There he is, now!" he exclaimed, in a tone of fierce satisfaction.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span></p><p>"Let him go, Jack!" pleaded Meg, who, in spite of herself, felt a -sympathy for the boy who, like herself, had been unfortunate.</p> - -<p>He threw off the hand which she had placed upon his arm, saying, -contemptuously, "You're a fool!" and then dashed off in pursuit of -Walter.</p> - -<p>Walter had the start, and had already succeeded in placing two hundred -yards between himself and his pursuer. But Jack was strong and athletic, -and could run faster than a boy of fifteen, and the distance between the -two constantly diminished. Walter looked over his shoulder, as he ran, -and, brave as he was, there came over him a sickening sensation of fear -as he met the fierce, triumphant glance of his enemy.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" called out Jack, hoarsely.</p> - -<p>Walter did not answer, neither did he obey. He was determined to hold -out to the last, and when he surrendered it would be only as a measure -of necessity.</p> - -<p>"Are you going to stop or not? You'd better," growled Jack.</p> - -<div class="center"><img src="images/i321.jpg" alt="Illustration" /></div> - -<p>Walter still remained silent; but his heart bounded<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span> with sudden hope as -he saw before him a means of possible escape. Only a few rods in advance -was a deep ditch, at least twelve feet wide, over which a single plank -was thrown as a bridge for foot-passengers. Walter summoned his -energies, and sped like a deer forward and over the bridge, when, -stooping down, he hastily pulled it over after him, thus cutting off his -enemy's advance. Jack saw his intention, and tried to reach the edge of -the ditch soon enough to prevent it. But he was just too late.</p> - -<p>Baffled and enraged, he looked across the gulf which separated him from -his intended victim.</p> - -<p>"Put back that plank," he roared, with an oath.</p> - -<p>"I would rather not," said Walter, who stood facing him on the other -side, hot and excited.</p> - -<p>"I'll kill you if I get at you," said Jack, shaking his fist menacingly.</p> - -<p>"What have I done to you?" asked Walter, quietly. "Why do you want to -harm me?"</p> - -<p>"Didn't you lock me up in the closet last night?"</p> - -<p>"You wanted to take my money."</p> - -<p>"I'll have it yet."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span></p><p>"It was all I could do," said Walter, who did not wish to excite any -additional anger in his already irritated foe. "I haven't got but a -little money, and I wanted to keep it."</p> - -<p>"Money isn't the only thing you may lose," said the ruffian, -significantly. "Put back that plank. Do you hear me?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Walter; "I hear, but I cannot do it."</p> - -<p>"You're playin' a dangerous game, young one," said Jack. "Perhaps you -think I can't get over."</p> - -<p>"I don't think you can," said Walter, glancing at the width of the -ditch.</p> - -<p>"You may find yourself mistaken."</p> - -<p>Walter did not answer.</p> - -<p>"Will you put back that plank?" demanded Jack, once more.</p> - -<p>"No," answered Walter.</p> - -<p>"You'll be sorry for it then, you young cub!" said Jack, fiercely.</p> - -<p>He walked back about fifty feet, and then faced round. His intention was -clear enough. He meant to jump over the ditch. Could he do it? That was -the question which suggested itself to the anxious<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span> consideration of our -hero. If the ground had been firm on the other side, such a jump for a -grown man would not have been by any means a remarkable one. But the -soft, spongy soil was unfavorable for a spring. Still it was possible -that Jack might succeed. If he did, was there any help for Walter?</p> - -<p>Our hero took the plank, and put it over his shoulder, moving with it -farther down the edge. An idea had occurred to him, which had not yet -suggested itself to Jack, or the latter might have been less confident -of success.</p> - -<p>Jack stood still for a moment, and then, gathering up his strength, -dashed forward. Arrived at the brink, he made a spring, but the soft -bank yielded him no support. He fell short of the opposite bank by at -least two feet, and, to his anger and disgust, landed in the water and -slime at the bottom of the ditch. With a volley of execrations, he -scrambled out, landing at last, but with the loss of one boot, which had -been drawn off by the clinging mud in which it had become firmly -planted. Still he was on the same side with Walter, and the latter was -now in his power. This was what he thought; but an<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span> instant later he saw -his mistake. Walter had stretched the plank over the ditch a few rods -further up, and was passing over it in safety.</p> - -<p>Jack ran hastily to the spot, hoping to gain possession of the plank -which had been of such service to his opponent, and want of which had -entailed such misfortunes upon him. But Walter was too quick for him. -The plank was drawn over, and again he faced his intended victim with -the width of the ditch between.</p> - -<p>He looked across at Walter with a glance of baffled rage. It was -something new to him to be worsted by a boy, and it mortified him and -angered him to such an extent that, had he got hold of him at that -moment, murder might have been committed.</p> - -<p>"Put down that plank, and come across," he called out.</p> - -<p>Walter did not reply.</p> - -<p>"Why don't you answer, you rascal?"</p> - -<p>"You know well enough what I would say," said Walter. "I don't care to -come."</p> - -<p>"I shall get hold of you sooner or later."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span></p><p>"Perhaps you will," said Walter; "but not if I can help it."</p> - -<p>"You're on the wrong side of the ditch. You can't escape."</p> - -<p>"So are you on the wrong side. You can't get home without crossing."</p> - -<p>"I can keep you there all day."</p> - -<p>"I can stand it as well as you," said Walter.</p> - -<p>He felt bolder than at first, for he appreciated the advantage which he -had in possessing the plank. True the situation was not a comfortable -one, and he would have gladly exchanged it for one that offered greater -security. Still, on the whole, he felt cool and calm, and waited -patiently for the issue.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXIV.</span> <span class="smaller">DELIVERANCE.</span></h2> - -<p>Jack might have waded back again across the ditch without inflicting -much additional damage upon his already wet and miry clothing; but he -fancied that Walter was in his power, and hoped he would capitulate. To -this end, he saw that it was necessary to reassure him, and deceive him -as to his own intentions.</p> - -<p>"Come across, boy," he said, softening his tone. "You needn't be afraid. -I didn't mean nothing. I was only tryin' to see if I couldn't frighten -you a little."</p> - -<p>"I'm very well off where I am," said Walter. "I think I'll stay where I -am."</p> - -<p>"You won't want to stay there all day."</p> - -<p>"I'd rather stay here all day than be on the same side with you."</p> - -<p>"You needn't be afraid."</p> - -<p>"I am not afraid," said Walter.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span></p><p>"You think I want to hurt you."</p> - -<p>"I think I am safer on this side."</p> - -<p>"Come, boy, I'll make a bargain with you. You've put me to a good deal -of trouble."</p> - -<p>"I don't see that."</p> - -<p>"You locked me up in the closet, and you've kept me all night huntin' -after you."</p> - -<p>"You were not obliged to hunt after me, and as for locking you up in the -closet, it was the only way I had of saving my money."</p> - -<p>Jack did not care to answer Walter's argument, but proceeded: "Now I've -got you sure, but I'll do the fair thing. If you'll come across and pay -me ten dollars for my trouble, I'll let you go without hurtin' you."</p> - -<p>"What's to prevent you taking all my money, if you get me over there?"</p> - -<p>"Haven't I said I wouldn't?"</p> - -<p>"You might forget your promise," said Walter, whose confidence in Jack's -word was by no means great. A man who would steal probably would not be -troubled by many scruples on the subject of violating his word.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span></p><p>"If you don't come, I'll take every cent, and give you a beating -beside," said Jack, his anger gaining the ascendency.</p> - -<p>"Well, what are you goin' to do about it?" demanded Jack, after a brief -pause.</p> - -<p>"I'll stay where I am."</p> - -<p>"I can come over any time, and get hold of you."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you can," said Walter. "I'll take the risk."</p> - -<p>"I'll wait a while," thought Jack. "He'll come round after a while."</p> - -<p>He sat down, and taking a clay pipe from his pocket, filled the bowl -with tobacco, and commenced smoking. Walter perceived that he was -besieged, but kept cool, and clung to his plank, which was his only hope -of safety. He began to speculate as to the length of time the besieging -force would hold out. He was already hungry, and there was a prospect of -his being starved into a surrender, or there would have been, if luckily -his opponent had not been also destitute of provisions. In fact, the -besieging party soon became disorganized from this cause. A night<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span> in -the open air had given keenness to Jack's appetite, and he felt an -uncomfortable craving for food.</p> - -<p>"I wish Meg would come along," he muttered. "I feel empty."</p> - -<p>But Meg did not come. She stood for a few minutes in the edge of the -woods, and watched her husband's pursuit of Walter. She saw his failure -to overtake his intended victim, and this made her easier in her mind. I -do not wish to represent her as better than she was. Her anxiety was -chiefly for her husband. She did not wish him to commit any act of -violence which would put him without the pale of the law. It was this -consideration, rather than a regard for Walter's safety, that influenced -her, though she felt some slight interest in our hero. She went home, -feeling that she could do no good in staying. Jack resented her -disappearance.</p> - -<p>"She might know I wanted some breakfast," he growled to himself. "As -long as she gets enough to eat herself, she cares little for me."</p> - -<p>This censure was not deserved. Meg was not a good woman, but she was -devoted to the coarse brute<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span> whom she called husband, and was at any -time ready to sacrifice her own comfort to his.</p> - -<p>Two hours passed, and still besieger and besieged eyed each other from -opposite sides of the bank. Jack grew more and more irritable as the -cravings of his appetite increased, and the slight hope that Meg might -appear with some breakfast was dissipated. Walter also became more -hungry, but showed no signs of impatience.</p> - -<p>At this time a boy was seen coming across the meadow. Jack espied him, -and the idea struck him that he might through him lay in a stock of -provisions.</p> - -<p>"Come here, boy," he said. "Where do you live?"</p> - -<p>The boy pointed to a small farm-house half a mile distant.</p> - -<p>"Do you want to earn some money?"</p> - -<p>"I dunno," said the boy, who had no objections to the money, but, -knowing Jack's shady reputation, was in doubt as to what was expected of -him.</p> - -<p>"Go home, and get a loaf of bread and some cold<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span> meat, and bring me, and -I'll give you half a dollar."</p> - -<p>"Didn't you bring your luncheon?" asked the boy.</p> - -<p>"No, I came away without it, and I can't spare time to go back."</p> - -<p>It occurred to the boy, noticing Jack's lazy posture, that business did -not appear to be very driving with the man whose time was so valuable.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps mother won't give me the bread and meat," he said.</p> - -<p>"You can give her half the money."</p> - -<p>The boy looked across to Walter, wondering what kept him on the other -side. Our hero saw a chance of obtaining help.</p> - -<p>"I'll give you a dollar," he called out, "if you'll go and tell somebody -that this man is trying to rob me of all my money. I slept in his house -last night, and he tried to rob me there. Now he will do the same if he -can get hold of me."</p> - -<p>"If you tell that, I'll wring your neck," exclaimed Jack. "It's all a -lie. The boy slept at my house,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span> as he says, and stole some money from -me. He escaped, but I'm bound to get it back if I stay here all day."</p> - -<p>"That is not true," said Walter. "Carry my message, and I will give you -a dollar, and will, besides, reward the men that come to my assistance." -The boy looked from one to the other in doubt what to do.</p> - -<p>"If you want your head broke, you'll do as he says," said Jack, rather -uneasy. "He won't pay what he promises."</p> - -<p>"You shall certainly be paid," said Walter.</p> - -<p>"You'd better shut up, or it'll be the worse for you," growled Jack. "Go -and get my breakfast quick, boy, and I'll pay you the fifty cents."</p> - -<p>"All right," said the boy, "I'll go."</p> - -<p>He turned, but when he was behind Jack, so that the latter could not -observe him, he made a sign to Walter that he would do as he wished.</p> - -<p>Fifteen minutes later Jack rose to his feet. An idea had occurred to -him. At the distance of a furlong there was a rail-fence. It occurred to -him that one of these rails would enable him to cross the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span> ditch, and -get at his victim. He was not afraid Walter would escape, since he could -easily turn back and capture him if he ventured across.</p> - -<p>Walter did not understand his design in leaving the ditch. Was it -possible that he meant to raise the siege? This seemed hardly probable. -He watched, with some anxiety, the movements of his foe, fearing some -surprise.</p> - -<p>When Jack reached the fence, and began to pull out one of the rails he -understood his object. His position was evidently becoming more -dangerous.</p> - -<p>Jack came back with a triumphant smile upon his face.</p> - -<p>"Now, you young cub," he said, "I've got you!"</p> - -<p>Walter watched him warily, and lowered the plank, ready to convert it -into a bridge as soon as necessary. Jack put down the rail. It was long -enough to span the ditch, but was rather narrow, so that some caution -was needful in crossing it. Walter had moved several rods farther up, -and thrown the plank across. Though his chances of escape from the peril -that menaced him seemed to have diminished since his enemy was also -provided with a bridge and it<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span> became now a question of superior speed, -Walter was not alarmed. Indeed his prospects of deliverance appeared -brighter than ever, for he caught sight of two men approaching across -the meadow, and he suspected that they were sent by the boy whom he had -hired. These men had not yet attracted the attention of Jack, whose back -was turned towards them. He crossed the rail, and, at the same time, -Walter crossed the plank. This he threw across, and then, leaving it on -the bank, set out on a quick run.</p> - -<p>"Now I'll catch him," thought Jack, with exultation; but he quickly -caught sight of our hero's reinforcements. He saw that his game was up, -and he abandoned it. His reputation was too well known in the -neighborhood for the story he had told to the boy to gain credence. He -was forced to content himself with shaking his fist at Walter, and then, -in discomfiture, returned to the woods, where he made up for his -disappointment by venting his spite on Meg. She would have fared worse, -had he known that Walter had found his way out of the wood through her guidance.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXV.</span> <span class="smaller">THE LAST OF JACK MANGUM.</span></h2> - -<p>"What's the matter?" asked one of the two men as Walter came up.</p> - -<p>"I got lost in the woods, and passed the night in that man's house," -said our hero. "He tried to rob me, but I locked him in the closet, and -jumped out of the window and escaped. This morning he got on my track, -and would have caught me but for the ditch."</p> - -<p>"You locked him in the closet!" repeated the other. "How were you able -to do that? You are only a boy, while he is a strong man."</p> - -<p>Walter explained the matter briefly.</p> - -<p>"That was pretty smart," said Peter Halcomb, for this was the name of -the man who questioned him. "You're able to take care of yourself."</p> - -<p>"I don't know how it would turn out, if you hadn't come up."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span></p><p>"I happened to be at home when my boy came and told me that Jack Mangum -had offered him fifty cents for some breakfast. He told me about you -also, and, as I suspected Jack was up to some of his tricks, I came -along."</p> - -<p>"I am very much obliged to you," said Walter, "and I hope you'll let me -pay you for your trouble."</p> - -<p>"I don't want any pay, but you may pay my boy what you promised him, if -you want to."</p> - -<p>"I certainly will; and I never paid away money with more pleasure. As I -haven't had anything to eat since yesterday afternoon, I should like to -have you direct me to the nearest place where I can get some breakfast."</p> - -<p>"Come to my house; I guess my wife can scare up some breakfast for you. -She'll be glad to see the boy that got the better of Jack Mangum."</p> - -<p>"How long has this Jack Mangum lived about here?" asked Walter, after -accepting with thanks the offer of a breakfast.</p> - -<p>"About five years. He's been in the county jail twice during that time, -and there's a warrant out for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span> him now. He's a confirmed thief. He'd -rather steal any time than earn an honest living."</p> - -<p>"Has he ever stolen anything from you?"</p> - -<p>"I've missed some of my chickens from time to time, and, though I didn't -catch him taking them, I've no doubt he was the thief. Once I lost a -lamb, and I suppose it went in the same direction."</p> - -<p>"So there is a warrant out for him now?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and I expect he'll be taken in a day or two. In that case he'll -have the privilege of a few months' free board in the county jail."</p> - -<p>"Where is the jail?"</p> - -<p>"In T——."</p> - -<p>"That's the town I'm going to."</p> - -<p>"Is it? Do your folks live there?"</p> - -<p>"No, I'm travelling on business."</p> - -<p>"What's your business?" asked the farmer.</p> - -<p>The question was an abrupt one, but was not meant to be rude. In country -towns everybody feels that he has a right to become acquainted with the -business of any one with whom he comes in contact, even in its minutest -details. Walter <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span>understood this, having himself lived in a country -village, and answered without taking offence:—</p> - -<p>"I am a book-agent."</p> - -<p>"Be you? How do you make it pay?"</p> - -<p>"Pretty well, but I can tell better by and by; I've only been in it a -week."</p> - -<p>"You're pretty young to be a book-peddler Where do your folks live?"</p> - -<p>"In New York."</p> - -<p>"You've come some ways from home."</p> - -<p>"Yes; I thought I should like to see the country."</p> - -<p>"How old are you?"</p> - -<p>"Fifteen."</p> - -<p>"You'll make a smart man if you keep on."</p> - -<p>"I hope I shall," said Walter, modestly; "but I am afraid you overrate -me."</p> - -<p>"I'll tell you what I judge from. A boy of fifteen that can get the -better of Jack Mangum is smart, and no mistake."</p> - -<p>"I hope I shall realize your prediction," returned Walter, who naturally -felt pleased with the compliment. Like most boys, he liked to be -considered smart, although he did not allow himself to be puffed<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span> up by -inordinate ideas of his own importance, as is the case with many of his -age.</p> - -<p>While this conversation was going on, they had been walking towards the -farm-house in which Peter Holcomb lived. It was an humble one-story -building, with an attic above. On each side of it were broad fields, -some under cultivation; and there was an appearance of thrift and -comfort despite the smallness of the house.</p> - -<p>"Come in," said Peter, leading the way. "John," he added, addressing the -hired man, who had accompanied him, "you may go into the potato field -and hoe. I'll be out directly."</p> - -<p>Walter followed him into a broad, low room,—the kitchen,—in which Mrs. -Holcomb, a pleasant looking woman, was engaged in cooking.</p> - -<p>"Mary," said her husband, "can't you scare up some breakfast for this -young man? He stopped at Jack Mangum's last night, and didn't like his -accommodations well enough to stay to breakfast."</p> - -<p>"You don't say so," repeated Mrs. Holcomb her countenance expressing -curiosity. "That's about the last place I'd want to stop at."</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span></p><p>"I shouldn't want to go there again," said Walter; "but I didn't know -anything about the man, or I would rather have stayed out in the woods."</p> - -<p>"Well, Mary, how about the breakfast?"</p> - -<p>"I guess I can find some," said she. "Sit right down here, and I'll see -what I can do for you."</p> - -<p>She went to the pantry, and speedily reappeared with some cold meat, a -loaf of bread, and some fresh butter, which she placed on the table.</p> - -<p>"I've got some hot water," she said, "and, in about five minutes, I can -give you some warm tea. It won't be much of a breakfast, but if you'll -stop for dinner, I can give you something better."</p> - -<p>"It looks nice," said Walter, "and I don't know when I have been so -hungry."</p> - -<p>At this moment the farmer's boy, who had served as Walter's messenger, -came into the kitchen.</p> - -<p>"You got away," he said, smiling.</p> - -<p>"Yes, thanks to you," said Walter. "Here is what I promised you."</p> - -<p>"I don't know as I ought to take it," said the boy, hesitating, though -he evidently wanted it.</p> - -<p>"You will do me a favor by accepting it," said<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span> Walter. "You got me out -of a bad scrape. Besides, you had a chance to earn some money from Jack -Mangum."</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't have done anything for him, at any rate. He's a thief."</p> - -<p>Finally Peter, for he was named after his father, accepted the dollar, -and, sitting down by Walter, asked him about his adventure in the wood, -listening with great interest to the details.</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't have dared to do as you did," he said.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you would if you had been obliged to."</p> - -<p>By this time the tea was steeped, and Walter's breakfast was before him. -He made so vigorous an onslaught upon the bread and meat that he was -almost ashamed of his appetite; but Mrs. Holcomb evidently felt -flattered at the compliment paid to her cookery, and watched the -demolition of the provisions with satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"You had better stop to dinner," she said. "We shall have some roast -meat and apple-pudding."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Walter; "but I have eaten enough to last me for -several hours. Can you tell me how far it is to the next town?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span></p><p>"About five miles. I'm going to ride over there in about an hour. If -you'll wait till then I'll take you over."</p> - -<p>Walter very readily consented to wait. He was rather afraid that if he -ventured to walk he might find Jack Mangum waiting to waylay him -somewhere in the road, and he had no desire for a second encounter with -him.</p> - -<p>The farmer absolutely refused to accept pay for breakfast, though Walter -urged it. It was contrary to his ideas of hospitality.</p> - -<p>"We don't keep a tavern," he said; "and we never shall miss the little -you ate. Come again and see us if you come back this way."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," said Walter, "I will accept your invitation with pleasure, -but I shall not feel like calling on Mr. Mangum."</p> - -<p>"I've no doubt he would be glad to see you," said Peter Holcomb, -smiling.</p> - -<p>"Yes, he was very sorry to have me leave him last night."</p> - -<p>Walter thought he had seen the last of Jack <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span>Mangum; but he was -mistaken. Three days later, while walking in the main street of T——, -with a book under his arm, for he had received a fresh supply from the -agent at Cleveland, he heard the sound of wheels. Looking up, he saw a -wagon approaching, containing two men. One of them, as he afterwards -learned, was the sheriff. The other he immediately recognized as Jack -Mangum. There was no mistaking his sinister face and forbidding scowl. -He had been taken early that morning by the sheriff, who, with a couple -of men to assist him, had visited the cabin in the forest, and, despite -the resistance offered by Jack, who was aided by his wife, he had been -bound, and was now being conveyed to jail. He also looked up and -recognized Walter. His face became even more sinister, as he shook his -fist at our hero.</p> - -<p>"I'll be even with you some day, you young cub!" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Not if I can help it," thought Walter; but he did not answer in words.</p> - -<p>He was rather gratified to hear the next day that<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span> Jack had been -sentenced to six months' imprisonment. He felt some pity, however, for -Meg, who might have been a good woman if she had been married to a -different man.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXVI.</span> <span class="smaller">JOSHUA BIDS GOOD-BY TO STAPLETON.</span></h2> - -<p>Leaving Walter busily engaged in selling books, we will glance at the -Drummond household, and inquire how the members of that interesting -family fared after Walter's departure.</p> - -<p>Joshua's discontent increased daily. He was now eighteen, and his father -absolutely refused to increase his allowance of twenty-five cents a -week, which was certainly ridiculously small for a boy of his age.</p> - -<p>"If you want money you must work for it," he said.</p> - -<p>"How much will you give me if I will go into your store?" asked Joshua.</p> - -<p>"Fifty cents a week and your board."</p> - -<p>"I get my board now."</p> - -<p>"You don't earn it."</p> - -<p>"I don't see why I need to," said Joshua. "Aint you a rich man?"</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span></p><p>"No, I'm not," said his father; "and if I were I am not going to waste -my hard-earned money on supporting you extravagantly."</p> - -<p>"There's no danger of that," sneered Joshua, "We live meaner than any -family in town."</p> - -<p>"You needn't find fault with your victuals, as long as you get them -free," retorted his father.</p> - -<p>"If you'll give me two dollars a week, I'll come into the store."</p> - -<p>"Two dollars!" exclaimed Mr. Drummond. "Are you crazy?"</p> - -<p>"You think as much of a cent as most people do of a dollar," said -Joshua, bitterly. "Two dollars isn't much for the son of a rich man."</p> - -<p>"I have already told you that I am not rich."</p> - -<p>"You can't help being rich," said Joshua, "for you don't spend any -money."</p> - -<p>"I've heard enough of your impudence," said his father, angrily. "If you -can get more wages than I offer you, you are at liberty to engage -anywhere else."</p> - -<p>"Tom Burton gets a dollar and a quarter a day for<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span> pegging shoes," said -Joshua. "He dresses twice as well as I do."</p> - -<p>"He has to pay his board out of it."</p> - -<p>"He only pays three dollars a week, and that leaves him four dollars and -a half clear."</p> - -<p>"So you consider Tom Burton better off than you are?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll make you an offer. I'll get you a place in a shoe-shop, and -let you have all you earn over and above three dollars a week, which you -can pay for your board."</p> - -<p>Joshua seemed by no means pleased with this proposal.</p> - -<p>"I'm not going to work in a shoe-shop," he said, sullenly.</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"It's a dirty business."</p> - -<p>"Yet you were envying Tom Burton just now."</p> - -<p>"It'll do well enough for him. He's a poor man's son."</p> - -<p>"So was I a poor man's son. I had to work when I was a boy, and that's -the way I earned all I have.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span> Not that I am rich," added Mr. Drummond, -cautiously, for he was afraid the knowledge of his wealth would tempt -his family to expect a more lavish expenditure, and this would not by -any means suit him.</p> - -<p>"You didn't work in a shoe-shop."</p> - -<p>"I should have been glad of the chance to do it, for I could have earned -more money that way than by being errand-boy in a store. It's just as -honorable to work in a shop as to be clerk in a store."</p> - -<p>Though we are not partial to Mr. Drummond, he was undoubtedly correct in -this opinion, and it would be well if boys would get over their -prejudice against trades, which, on the whole, offer more assured -prospects of ultimate prosperity than the crowded city and country -stores.</p> - -<p>This conversation was not particularly satisfactory to Joshua. As he now -received his board and twenty-five cents a week, he did not care to -enter his father's store for only twenty-five cents a week more. -Probably it would have been wiser for Mr. Drummond to grant his request, -and pay him two dollars a week. With this inducement Joshua might have<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span> -formed habits of industry. He would, at all events, have been kept out -of mischief, and it would have done him good to earn his living by hard -work. Mr. Drummond's policy of mortifying his pride by doling out a -weekly pittance so small that it kept him in a state of perpetual -discontent was far from wise. Most boys appreciate considerable -liberality, and naturally expect to be treated better as they grow -older. Joshua, now nearly nineteen, found himself treated like a boy of -twelve, and he resented it. It set him speculating about his father's -death, which would leave him master, as he hoped, of the "old man's" -savings. It is unfortunate when such a state of feeling comes to exist -between a father and a son. The time came, and that speedily, when Mr. -Drummond bitterly repented that he had not made some concessions to -Joshua.</p> - -<p>Finding his father obstinate, Joshua took refuge at first in sullenness, -and for several days sat at the table without speaking a word to his -father, excepting when absolutely obliged to do so. Mr. Drummond, -however, was not a sensitive man, and troubled himself very little about -Joshua's moods.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span></p><p>"He'll get over it after a while," he said to himself. "If he'd rather -hold his tongue, I don't care."</p> - -<p>Next Joshua began to consider whether there was any way in which to help -himself.</p> - -<p>"If I only had a hundred dollars," he thought, "I'd go to New York, and -see if I couldn't get a place in a store."</p> - -<p>That, he reflected, would be much better and more agreeable than being -in a country store. He would be his own master, and would be able to put -on airs of importance whenever he came home on a vacation. But his -father would give him no help in securing such a position, and he could -not go to the city without money. As for a hundred dollars, it might as -well be a million, so far as he had any chance of securing it.</p> - -<p>While he was thinking this matter over, a dangerous thought entered his -mind. His father, he knew, had a small brass-nailed trunk, in which he -kept his money and securities. He had seen him going to it more than -once.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span></p><p>"I wonder how much he's got in it?" thought Joshua. "As it's all coming -to me some day there's no harm in my knowing."</p> - -<p>There seemed little chance of finding out, however. The trunk was always -locked, and Mr. Drummond carried the key about with him in his pocket. -If he had been a careless man, there might have been some chance of his -some day leaving the trunk unlocked, or mislaying the key; but in money -matters Mr. Drummond was never careless. Joshua would have been obliged -to wait years, if he had depended upon this contingency.</p> - -<p>One day, however, Joshua found in the road a bunch of keys of various -sizes attached to a ring. He cared very little to whom they belonged, -but it flashed upon him at once that one of these keys might fit his -father's strong-box. He hurried home at once with his treasure, and ran -upstairs breathless with excitement.</p> - -<p>He knew where the trunk was kept. Mr. Drummond, relying on the security -of the lock, kept it in the closet of his bed-chamber.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_352" id="Page_352">[Pg 352]</a></span></p><p>"Where are you going, Joshua?" asked his mother.</p> - -<p>"Upstairs, to change my clothes," was the answer.</p> - -<p>"I've got a piece of pie for you."</p> - -<p>"I'll come down in five minutes."</p> - -<p>Joshua made his way at once to the closet, and, entering, began to try -his keys, one after the other. The very last one was successful in -opening the trunk.</p> - -<p>Joshua trembled with excitement as he saw the contents of the trunk laid -open to his gaze. He turned over the papers nervously, hoping to come -upon some rolls of bills. In one corner he found fifty dollars in gold -pieces. Besides these, there were some mortgages, in which he felt -little interest. But among the contents of the trunk were some folded -papers which he recognized at once as United States Bonds. Opening one -of them, he found it to be a Five-Twenty Bond for five hundred dollars.</p> - -<p>Five hundred dollars! What could he not do with five hundred dollars! He -could go to the city, and board, enjoying himself meanwhile, till he -could find a place. His galling dependence would be over, and<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_353" id="Page_353">[Pg 353]</a></span> he would -be his own master. True it would be a theft, but Joshua had an excuse -ready.</p> - -<p>"It will all be mine some day," he said to himself. "It's only taking a -part of my own in advance."</p> - -<p>He seized the gold and the bond, and, hastily concealing both in his -breast-pocket, went downstairs, first locking the trunk, and putting it -away where he found it.</p> - -<p>"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked his mother, struck by his nervous and -excited manner.</p> - -<p>"Nothing," he answered, shortly.</p> - -<p>"Are you well?"</p> - -<p>"I've got a little headache,—that is all."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you'd better not eat anything then."</p> - -<p>"It won't do me any harm. I'll take a cup of tea, if you've got any."</p> - -<p>"I can make some in five minutes."</p> - -<p>Joshua ate his lunch, and, going upstairs again, came down speedily, -arrayed in his best clothes. He got out of the house without his mother -seeing him, and made his way to a railway station four<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_354" id="Page_354">[Pg 354]</a></span> miles distant, -where he purchased a ticket for New York.</p> - -<p>He took a seat by a window, and, as the car began to move, he said to -himself, in exultation,</p> - -<p>"Now I am going to see life."</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_355" id="Page_355">[Pg 355]</a></span></p> - -<h2><span>CHAPTER XXXVII.</span> <span class="smaller">CONCLUSION.</span></h2> - -<p>Three months later Walter arrived at Columbus, the capital of the State, -after a business tour of considerable length, during which he had -visited from twenty to thirty different towns and villages. He had now -got used to the business, and understood better what arguments to employ -with those whom he wished to purchase his book. The consequence was, -that he had met with a degree of success which exceeded his -anticipations. He had tested his powers, and found that they were -adequate to the task he had undertaken,—that of earning his own living. -He had paddled his own canoe thus far without assistance, and he felt -confident that, if his health continued good, he should be able to do so -hereafter.</p> - -<p>After eating supper, and spending an hour or two in the public room of -the hotel, Walter went up to<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_356" id="Page_356">[Pg 356]</a></span> his room. Here he took out a blank-book, -in which he kept an account of his sales and expenditures, and, taking a -piece of paper, figured up the grand result. He wished to know just how -he stood.</p> - -<p>After a brief computation, he said, with satisfaction, "I have sold two -hundred and eighty books, which gives a gross profit of three hundred -and fifty dollars. My expenses have been exactly two hundred and -sixty-three dollars. That leaves me eighty-seven dollars net profit."</p> - -<p>This was a result which might well yield Walter satisfaction. He was -only fifteen, and this was his first business experience. Moreover, he -was nearly a thousand miles away from home and friends, surrounded by -strangers. Yet, by his energy and business ability, he had been able to -pay all his expenses, and these, of course, were considerable, as he was -constantly moving, and yet had made a dollar a day clear profit.</p> - -<p>"That is rather better than working for my board in Mr. Drummond's -store," he reflected. "I am afraid it would have taken me a long time to -make<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_357" id="Page_357">[Pg 357]</a></span> my fortune if I had stayed there. I wonder how my amiable cousin -Joshua is getting along."</p> - -<p>This thought led to the sudden recollection that he had written to Mr. -Shaw, asking him to write to the hotel at Columbus where he was now -stopping, giving him any news that he might consider interesting. Such a -letter might be awaiting him.</p> - -<p>He went downstairs, and approached the clerk.</p> - -<p>"Have any letters been received here for me?" he inquired.</p> - -<p>"What name?" asked the clerk.</p> - -<p>"Walter Conrad."</p> - -<p>"There is a letter for that address. It was received a week since."</p> - -<p>"Give it to me," said Walter, eagerly.</p> - -<p>He took the letter, and recognized at once in the address Clement Shaw's -irregular handwriting. Cut off, as he had been for over a month, from -all communication with former friends, he grasped the letter with a -sensation of joy, and hurried back to his room to read it quietly, and -without risk of interruption.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_358" id="Page_358">[Pg 358]</a></span></p><p>The letter ran as follows:—</p> - -<blockquote><p>"<span class="smcap">My dear young Friend</span>: I have just received your letter asking me -to write you at Columbus. I am glad to obtain your address, as I -have a matter of importance to speak of. First, however, let me -congratulate you on the success you have met with as a book-agent. -It is not a business to which I should advise you to devote -yourself permanently; but I have no doubt that the experience which -you acquire, and the necessary contact into which it brings you -with different classes of people, will do you good, while the new -scenes which it brings before your eyes will gratify the natural -love of adventure which you share in common with those of your age. -When you set out, I had misgivings as to your success, I admit. It -was certainly an arduous undertaking for a boy of fifteen; but you -have already demonstrated that you are able to <i>paddle your own -canoe</i>; and I shall hereafter feel confident of your success in -life, so far at least as relates to earning your living. That you -may also be successful in<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_359" id="Page_359">[Pg 359]</a></span> building up a good character, and taking -an honorable position among your fellow-men, I earnestly hope.</p> - -<p>"I now come to the business upon which I wish to speak to you.</p> - -<p>"You will remember that a man named James Wall was prominently -identified with the Great Metropolitan Mining Company, by which -your poor father lost his fortune. Indeed, this Wall, who is a -plausible sort of fellow, was the one who induced him to embark in -this disastrous speculation. I suspect he has feathered his own -nest pretty well already, and that he intends to do so still more. -I was surprised to hear from him some ten days since. I will not -copy the letter, but send you the substance of it. He reports that -in winding up the affairs of the company, there is a prospect of -realizing two per cent. for the stockholders, which, as your father -owned a thousand shares, would yield two thousand dollars. It may -be some time, he adds, before the dividend will be declared and -paid. He professes a willingness, however, to pay two thousand -dollars<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_360" id="Page_360">[Pg 360]</a></span> cash for a transfer of your father's claims upon the -company.</p> - -<p>"Now, two thousand dollars are not to be despised; but, my -impression is, that such a man as James Wall would never have made -such an offer if he had not expected the assets would amount to -considerable more than two per cent. I am unwilling to close with -the offer until I know more about the affairs of the company. Here -it has struck me that you can be of assistance. This Wall lives in -a town named Portville, in Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake -Superior. I would suggest that you change your name, go at once to -Portville, and find out what you can. I can give you no -instructions, but must trust to your own native shrewdness, in -which I feel sure you are not deficient. If it should be necessary -to give up your present business, do so without hesitation, since -the other business is of more importance. I expect you to start at -once; and I will write Mr. Wall that I have his offer under -consideration. If you need money, draw upon me.</p> - -<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_361" id="Page_361">[Pg 361]</a></span></p><p>"I hear that Joshua Drummond has run away from home, carrying away -considerable money belonging to his father. The latter appears to -lament the loss of his money more than of his son.</p> - -<p class="right">"I remain your sincere friend,<span class="s6"> </span><br /> -"<span class="smcap">Clement Shaw</span>."</p></blockquote> - -<p>This letter gave Walter considerable food for reflection. He determined -to wind up his book agency, and leave as soon as possible for Portville. -It was encouraging to think that, in any event, he was likely to realize -two thousand dollars from the mining shares, which he had looked upon as -valueless. Besides, he felt there was good reason to hope they would -prove even more valuable.</p> - -<p>Three days later, having closed his accounts as agent, he started for -Portville. Those of my readers who may desire to follow him in his new -experiences, and learn his success, as well as those who feel desirous -of ascertaining Joshua Drummond's fortunes,<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_362" id="Page_362">[Pg 362]</a></span> are referred to the next -volume of this series, to be called</p> - -<p class="center">STRIVE AND SUCCEED;</p> - -<p class="center">or,</p> - -<p class="center">THE PROGRESS OF WALTER CONRAD.</p> - -<p> </p> -<hr /> -<p> </p> - -<div class = "mynote"><p class="center">Transcriber's Note:<br /><br /> -Obvious typographic errors have been corrected.<br /><br /> -A Table of Contents has been added.<br /></p></div> - -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONG AND STEADY***</p> -<p>******* This file should be named 55098-h.htm or 55098-h.zip *******</p> -<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/5/0/9/55098">http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/0/9/55098</a></p> -<p> -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed.</p> - -<p>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. -</p> - -<h2>START: FULL LICENSE<br /> -<br /> -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE<br /> -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK</h2> - -<p>To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license.</p> - -<h3>Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works</h3> - -<p>1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8.</p> - -<p>1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.</p> - -<p>1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others.</p> - -<p>1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States.</p> - -<p>1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:</p> - -<p>1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed:</p> - -<blockquote><p>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 <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. 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.</p></blockquote> - -<p>1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.</p> - -<p>1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work.</p> - -<p>1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.</p> - -<p>1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License.</p> - -<p>1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.</p> - -<p>1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.</p> - -<p>1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that</p> - -<ul> -<li>You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation."</li> - -<li>You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works.</li> - -<li>You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work.</li> - -<li>You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.</li> -</ul> - -<p>1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.</p> - -<p>1.F.</p> - -<p>1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment.</p> - -<p>1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE.</p> - -<p>1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem.</p> - -<p>1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.</p> - -<p>1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions.</p> - -<p>1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. </p> - -<h3>Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm</h3> - -<p>Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life.</p> - -<p>Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org.</p> - -<h3>Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation</h3> - -<p>The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.</p> - -<p>The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact</p> - -<p>For additional contact information:</p> - -<p> Dr. Gregory B. Newby<br /> - Chief Executive and Director<br /> - gbnewby@pglaf.org</p> - -<h3>Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation</h3> - -<p>Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS.</p> - -<p>The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/donate">www.gutenberg.org/donate</a>.</p> - -<p>While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate.</p> - -<p>International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.</p> - -<p>Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate</p> - -<h3>Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works.</h3> - -<p>Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support.</p> - -<p>Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition.</p> - -<p>Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org</p> - -<p>This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.</p> - -</body> -</html> - diff --git a/old/55098-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/55098-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 9950326..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h/images/frontis.jpg b/old/55098-h/images/frontis.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 348606b..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/images/frontis.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h/images/i069.jpg b/old/55098-h/images/i069.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f9f1e48..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/images/i069.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h/images/i140.jpg b/old/55098-h/images/i140.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e8f3291..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/images/i140.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h/images/i147.jpg b/old/55098-h/images/i147.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 77705eb..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/images/i147.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h/images/i211.jpg b/old/55098-h/images/i211.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b5a9fa7..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/images/i211.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h/images/i262.jpg b/old/55098-h/images/i262.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 0331f2e..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/images/i262.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h/images/i321.jpg b/old/55098-h/images/i321.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4b22f5e..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/images/i321.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098-h/images/series.jpg b/old/55098-h/images/series.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1df4725..0000000 --- a/old/55098-h/images/series.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55098.txt b/old/55098.txt deleted file mode 100644 index b780e44..0000000 --- a/old/55098.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8968 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Strong and Steady, 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: Strong and Steady - Or, Paddle Your Own Canoe - - -Author: Horatio Alger - - - -Release Date: July 13, 2017 [eBook #55098] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONG AND STEADY*** - - -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 illustrations. - See 55098-h.htm or 55098-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/55098/55098-h/55098-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/55098/55098-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - https://archive.org/details/strongsteadyorpa00alge - - - - - -STRONG AND STEADY - - - * * * * * * - -HORATIO ALGER'S Successful Juvenile Books - - -RAGGED DICK SERIES. - -_Complete in Six Volumes._ - - -TATTERED TOM SERIES. - -A Continuation of the Ragged Dick Series. - -_FIRST SERIES, in Four Volumes, now ready._ - -_SECOND SERIES, in Four Volumes, preparing._ - - -LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. - -_FIRST SERIES, in Four Volumes, now ready._ - -_SECOND SERIES, in Four Volumes, preparing._ - - -CAMPAIGN SERIES. - -_Complete in Three Volumes._ - -Each Volume is sold, separate. - - -RAGGED DICK SERIES. - -_Complete in Six Volumes--in a Box._ - - I. RAGGED DICK; or, Street Life in New York. - - II. FAME AND FORTUNE; or, The Progress of Richard Hunter. - -III. MARK, THE MATCH BOY. - - IV. ROUGH AND READY; or, Life Among New York Newsboys. - - V. BEN, THE LUGGAGE BOY; or, Among the Wharves. - - VI. RUFUS AND ROSE; or, The Fortunes of Rough and Ready. - -_Price, $1.25 per volume._ - - -_TATTERED TOM SERIES._ - -First Series _in Four Volumes_--_in Box_. - - I. TATTERED TOM; or, The Story of a Street Arab. - - II. PAUL, THE PEDDLER; or, The Adventures of a Young Street - Merchant. - -III. PHIL, THE FIDDLER; or, The Young Street Musician. - - IV. SLOW AND SURE; or, From the Sidewalk to the Shop. - -_Price, $1.25 per volume._ - -SECOND SERIES. - - I. JULIUS; or, The Street Boy out West. - -II. THE YOUNG OUTLAW; A Story of the Street,--Oct., '74. - - -_LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES._ - -First Series _in Four Volumes_--_in Box_. - - I. LUCK AND PLUCK; or, John Oakley's Inheritance. - - II. SINK OR SWIM; or, Harry Raymond's Resolve. - -III. STRONG AND STEADY; or, Paddle your own Canoe. - - IV. STRIVE AND SUCCEED; or, The Progress of Walter Conrad. - -_Price, $1.50 per volume._ - -SECOND SERIES. - - I. TRY AND TRUST; or, The Story of a Bound Boy. - - II. BOUND TO RISE; or, How Harry Walton rose in the World. - -III. UP THE LADDER; or Harry Walton's Success, in Oct, '74. - - -_CAMPAIGN SERIES._ - - I. FRANK'S CAMPAIGN. - - II. PAUL PRESCOTT'S CHARGE. - -III. CHARLIE CODMAN'S CRUISE. - -_Price, $1.25 per volume._ - - * * * * * * - - -[Illustration] - - -LUCK AND PLUCK SERIES. - -by HORATIO ALGER, JR. - -LUCK and PLUCK. - - - -STRONG AND STEADY; - -Or, Paddle Your Own Canoe. - -by - -HORATIO ALGER, JR. - -Author of "Ragged Dick Series," "Tattered Tom Series," "Luck and -Pluck Series," "Campaign Series," etc. - - - - - - -Loring, Publisher, -Cor. Bromfield and Washington Streets, -Boston. - -Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, -by A. K. Loring, -In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. - -Stereotyped and Printed by Rockwell & Churchill, Boston. - - - - - To - MY YOUNG FRIENDS, - WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON, -_IN THE HOPE THAT THEY MAY EMULATE THE VIRTUES - OF THE DISTINGUISHED MEN WHOSE - NAMES THEY BEAR_, - This Volume - IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -"STRONG AND STEADY" is the third volume of the "Luck and Pluck Series." -Though the story is quite distinct from its predecessors, it is intended -to illustrate the same general principle. Walter Conrad, the hero, is -unexpectedly reduced from affluence to poverty, and compelled to fight -his own way in life. Undaunted by misfortune, he makes up his mind to -"paddle his own canoe," and, declining the offers of friends, sets to -work with a resolute will and persistent energy, which command success -in the end. - -Hoping that Walter's adventures may prove of interest to his young -readers, and win the same favorable verdict which has been pronounced -upon his previous books, the author takes his leave for the present, -with many thanks for the generous welcome so often accorded to him. - -OCTOBER 15, 1871. - - - -CONTENTS - - CHAPTER PAGE - - I. THE ESSEX CLASSICAL INSTITUTE. 9 - II. IN THE CARS. 18 - III. AT HOME. 28 - IV. JACOB DRUMMOND, OF STAPLETON. 33 - V. JACOB DRUMMOND--CONTINUED. 38 - VI. FUTURE PLANS. 48 - VII. MR. DRUMMOND'S HUMBLE ROOF. 58 - VIII. WALTER MAKES A REVELATION. 68 - IX. HOW MR. DRUMMOND TOOK THE NEWS. 78 - X. MR. DRUMMOND'S STORE. 88 - XI. JOSHUA STIRS UP THE WRONG CUSTOMER. 98 - XII. AFTER THE BATTLE. 108 - XIII. THE ARROW AND THE PIONEER. 117 - XIV. A BRILLIANT SCHEME. 127 - XV. WAYS AND MEANS. 137 - XVI. JOSHUA TRIES KEEPING STORE. 146 - XVII. JOSHUA'S DISAPPOINTMENT. 155 - XVIII. WALTER FINDS HIMSELF IN HOT WATER. 165 - XIX. THE TABLES ARE TURNED. 175 - XX. IN WHICH JOSHUA COMES TO GRIEF. 185 - XXI. A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. 195 - XXII. MESSRS. FLINT AND PUSHER. 206 - XXIII. WALTER LOSES HIS MONEY. 216 - XXIV. SLIPPERY DICK. 226 - XXV. A HARD CUSTOMER. 236 - XXVI. BUSINESS EXPERIENCES. 246 - XXVII. A CABIN IN THE WOODS. 256 - XXVIII. STRANGE ACQUAINTANCES. 266 - XXIX. DANGER THREATENS. 276 - XXX. THE ROBBER WALKS INTO A TRAP. 286 - XXXI. WALTER'S ESCAPE. 296 - XXXII. A STRANGE HIDING-PLACE. 306 - XXXIII. WALTER SHOWS STRATEGY. 317 - XXXIV. DELIVERANCE. 326 - XXXV. THE LAST OF JACK MANGUM. 335 - XXXVI. JOSHUA BIDS GOOD-BY TO STAPLETON. 345 - XXXVII. CONCLUSION. 355 - - - -STRONG AND STEADY; - -OR, - -PADDLE YOUR OWN CANOE. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE ESSEX CLASSICAL INSTITUTE. - - -"You've got a nice room here, Walter." - -"Yes, you know I am to stay here two years, and I might as well be -comfortable." - -"It's ever so much better than my room--twice as big, to begin with. -Then, my carpet looks as if it had come down through several -generations. I'll bet the old lady had it when she was first married. As -for a mirror, I've got a seven-by-nine looking-glass that I have to look -into twice before I can see my whole face. As for the bedstead, it -creaks so when I jump into it that I expect every night it'll fall to -pieces like the 'one hoss shay,' and spill me on the floor. Now your -room is splendidly furnished." - -"Yes, it is now, but father furnished it at his own expense. He said he -was willing to lay out a little money to make me comfortable." - -"That's more than my father said. He told me it wouldn't do me any harm -to rough it." - -"I don't know but he is right," said Walter. "Of course I don't object -to the new carpet and furniture,"--and he looked with pleasure at the -handsome carpet with its bright tints, the black walnut bookcase with -its glass doors, and the tasteful chamber furniture,--"but I shouldn't -consider it any hardship if I had to rough it, as you call it." - -"Wouldn't you? Then I'll tell you what we'll do. We'll change rooms. You -can go round and board at Mrs. Glenn's, and I'll come here. What do you -say?" - -"I am not sure how my father would look on that arrangement," said -Walter, smiling. - -"I thought you'd find some way out," said Lemuel. "For my part, I don't -believe you'd fancy roughing it any better than I." - -"I don't know," said Walter; "I've sometimes thought I shouldn't be very -sorry to be a poor boy, and have to work my own way." - -"That's very well to say, considering you are the son of a rich man." - -"So are you." - -"Yes, but I don't get the benefit of it, and you do. What would you do -now if you were a poor boy?" - -"I can't say, of course, now, but I would go to work at something. I am -sure I could earn my own living." - -"I suppose I could, but I shouldn't want to." - -"You're lazy, Lem, that's what's the matter with you." - -"I know I am," said Lemuel, good-naturedly. "Some people are born lazy, -don't you think so?" - -"Perhaps you are right," answered Walter, with a smile. "Now suppose we -open our Caesar." - -"I suppose we might as well. Here's another speech. I wish those old -fellows hadn't been so fond of speech-making. I like the accounts of -battles well enough, but the speeches are a bother." - -"I like to puzzle them out, Lem." - -"So don't I. How much have we got for a lesson?" - -"Two sections." - -While the boys are at work reading these two sections, two-thirds of the -work being done by Walter, whose head is clearer and whose knowledge -greater than his companion's, a little explanation shall be given, in -order that we may better understand the position and prospects of the -two boys introduced. - -Of Lemuel Warner, it need only be said that he was a pleasant-looking -boy of fourteen, the son of a prosperous merchant in New York. Walter -Conrad was from a small inland town, where his father was the wealthiest -and most prominent and influential citizen, having a handsome -mansion-house, surrounded by extensive grounds. - -How rich he was, was a matter of conjecture; but he was generally rated -as high as two hundred thousand dollars. Mrs. Conrad had been dead for -five years, so that Walter, who was an only child, had no immediate -relation except his father. It was for this reason, perhaps, that he had -been sent to the Essex Classical Institute, of which we find him a -member at the opening of our story. Being a boy of talent, and well -grounded in Latin, he was easily able to take a high rank in his class. -Lemuel Warner had become his intimate friend, being in the same class, -but considerably inferior to him in scholarship. They usually got their -Latin lessons together, and it was owing to this circumstance that -Lemuel made a better figure in his recitations than before Walter became -a member of the school. - -"There, that job's done," said Lemuel, closing his book with an air of -satisfaction. "Now we can rest." - -"You forget the Latin exercise." - -"Oh, bother the Latin exercise! I don't see what's the use of writing -Latin any way. English composition is hard enough. What's to be done?" - -"You know the doctor expects each boy to write a letter in Latin, -addressed to his father, not less than twelve lines in length." - -"It isn't to be sent home, is it? Mr. Warner senior, I reckon, would -stare a little when he got his. He wouldn't know Latin from Cherokee." - -"Possibly your Latin won't differ much from Cherokee, Lem." - -"What's the use of being sarcastic on a fellow, and hurting his -feelings?" said Lem, laughing in a way to show that his feelings were -not very seriously hurt. "I say, couldn't one crib a little from Caesar?" - -"Not very well, considering the doctor is slightly familiar with that -author." - -"I wonder whether Caesar used to write home to his father when he was at -boarding-school. If he did, I should like to get hold of some of his -letters." - -"They would probably have to be altered considerably to adapt them to -the present time." - -"Well, give me a sheet of paper and I'll begin." - -The boys undertook their new task, and finished it by nine o'clock. I -should be glad to furnish a copy of Lemuel's letter, which was written -with brilliant disregard of grammatical rules; but unfortunately the -original, afterwards considerably revised in accordance with -suggestions from Walter, has not been preserved. - -"I've a great mind to send my letter home, Walter," said Lemuel. "Father -expects me to write home every week, and this would save me some -trouble. Besides, he'd think I was getting on famously, to write home in -Latin." - -"Yes, if he didn't find out the mistakes." - -"That's the rub. He'd show it to the minister the first time he called, -and then my blunders would be detected. I guess I'd better wait till it -comes back from the doctor corrected." - -"I expect to hear from home to-morrow," said Walter. - -"Why to-morrow in particular? Do you generally get letters Thursday?" - -"No, my letters generally come on Saturday, and I answer them Sunday. -But to-morrow is my birthday." - -"Is it? Let me be the first to congratulate you. How venerable will you -be?" - -"As venerable as most boys of fifteen, Lem." - -"You're three months older than I am, then. Do you expect a present?" - -"I haven't thought much about it, but I don't believe father will forget -me." - -"Can't you guess what you are likely to get?" - -"I can guess, but I may not be right. Father promised to give me a gold -watch-chain some time. You know I have a gold watch already." - -"Yes, and a regular little beauty." - -"So it wouldn't surprise me much to get a chain for a present." - -"You're a lucky boy. My watch is silver, and only cost twenty dollars." - -"I dare say I should be just as happy with a silver watch, Lem." - -"I suppose you wouldn't like to buy, would you? If so, I'll give you the -chance. A fair exchange is no robbery." - -"No, I suppose not; but it wouldn't do to exchange a gift." - -"Perhaps, if my watch were gold and yours silver, you wouldn't have any -objections." - -"I don't think that would alter the case with me. A gift is a gift, -whether it is more or less valuable." - -"How long have you had your watch, Walter?" - -"Ever since my thirteenth birthday." - -"I have had mine a year. I broke the crystal and one of the hands the -very first day." - -"That was pretty hard usage, Lem." - -"The watch had a pretty good constitution, so it has survived to the -present day. But I'm getting sleepy, Walter. It's the hard study, I -suppose, that's done it. I must be getting back to Ma'am Glenn's. -Good-night." - -"Good-night, Lem." - -Lemuel Warner gathered up his books, and left the room. Walter poked the -fire, putting some ashes on, so that it would keep till the next -morning, and commenced undressing. He had scarcely commenced, however, -when a heavy step was heard on the stairs, and directly afterwards a -knock resounded upon his door. - -Wondering who his late visitor could be, Walter stepped to the door, and -opened it. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -IN THE CARS. - - -If Walter was surprised at receiving a visit at so late an hour, he was -still more surprised to recognize in the visitor Dr. Porter, the -principal of the Institute. - -"Good-evening, Conrad," said the doctor. "I am rather a late visitor. I -was not sure but you might be in bed." - -"I was just getting ready to go to bed, sir. Won't you walk in?" - -"I will come in for five minutes only." - -"Take the rocking-chair, sir." - -All the while Walter was wondering what could be the doctor's object in -calling. He was not conscious of having violated any of the regulations -of the Institute, and even had he done so, it would be unusual for the -principal to call upon him at such an hour. So he watched the doctor -with a puzzled glance, and waited to hear him state his errand. - -"Have you heard from home lately, Conrad?" asked the doctor. - -"Yes, sir, I received a letter a few days since." - -"Did your father speak of being unwell?" - -"No, sir," said Walter, taking instant alarm. "Have--have you heard -anything?" - -"Yes, my boy; and that is my reason for calling upon you at this unusual -hour. I received this telegram twenty minutes since." - -Walter took the telegram, with trembling fingers, and read the following -message:-- - - - "DR. PORTER:--Please send Walter Conrad home by the first train. - His father is very sick. - - "NANCY FORBES." - - -"Do you think there is any danger, Dr. Porter?" asked Walter, with a -pale face. - -"I cannot tell, my boy; this telegram furnishes all the information I -possess. Who is Nancy Forbes?" - -"She is the house-keeper. I can't realize that father is so sick. He -did not say anything about it when he wrote." - -"Let us hope it is only a brief sickness. I think you had better go home -by the first train to-morrow morning." - -"Yes, sir." - -"I believe it starts at half-past seven." - -"I shall be ready, sir." - -"By the way, are you provided with sufficient money to pay your railway -fare? If not, I will advance you the necessary sum." - -"Thank you, sir, I have five dollars by me, and that will be more than -sufficient." - -"Then I believe I need not stay any longer," and the doctor rose. - -"Don't think too much of your father's sickness, but try to get a good -night's sleep. I hope we shall soon have you coming back with good -news." - -The principal shook hands with Walter and withdrew. - -When his tall form had vanished, Walter sat down and tried to realize -the fact of his father's sickness; but this he found difficult. - -Mr. Conrad had never been sick within his remembrance, and the thought -that he might become so had never occurred to Walter. Besides, the -telegram spoke of him as _very_ sick. Could there be danger? - -That was a point which he could not decide, and all that remained was to -go to bed. It was a long time before he got to sleep, but at length he -did sleep, waking in time only for a hasty preparation for the homeward -journey. He was so occupied with thoughts of his father that it was not -till the journey was half finished, that it occurred to him that this -was his fifteenth birthday, to which he had been looking forward for -some time. - -The seat in front of our hero was for some time vacant; but at the -Woodville station two gentlemen got in who commenced an animated -conversation. Walter did not at first pay any attention to it. He was -looking out of the window listlessly, unable to fix his mind upon -anything except his father's sickness. But at length his attention was -caught by some remarks, made by one of the gentlemen in front, and from -this point he listened languidly. - -"I suspected him to be a swindler when he first came to me," said the -gentleman sitting next the window. "He hadn't an honest look, and I was -determined not to have anything to do with his scheme." - -"He was very plausible." - -"Yes, he made everything look right on paper. That is easy enough. But -mining companies are risky things always. I once got taken in to the -tune of five thousand dollars, but it taught me a lesson. So I was not -particularly impressed with the brilliant prospectus of the Great -Metropolitan Mining Company, in spite of its high-sounding name, and its -promised dividend of thirty per cent. Depend upon it, James Wall and his -confederates will pocket all the dividends that are made." - -"Very likely you are right. But it may be that Wall really believed -there is a good chance of making money." - -"Of course he did, but he was determined to make the money for himself, -and not for the stockholders." - -"I might have been tempted to invest, but all my money was locked up at -the time, and I could not have done so without borrowing the money, and -that I was resolved not to do." - -"It was fortunate for you that you didn't, for the bubble has already -burst." - -"Is it possible? I was not aware of that." - -"I thought you knew it. The news is in this morning's paper. There will -be many losers. By the way, I hear that Mr. Conrad, of Willoughby, was -largely interested." - -"Then, of course, he is a heavy loser. Can he stand it?" - -"I am in doubt on that point. He is a rich man, but for all that he may -have gone in beyond his means." - -"I am sorry for him, but that was reckless." - -"Yes, he was completely taken in by Wall. He's a smooth fellow." - -Walter had listened with languid attention; still, however, gathering -the meaning of what was said until the mention of his father's name -roused him, and then he listened eagerly, and with a sudden quickening -of the pulse. He instantly connected the idea of what he had heard with -his father's sudden illness, and naturally associated the two together. - -"My father has heard of the failure of the company, and that has made -him sick," he thought. - -Though this implied a double misfortune, it relieved his anxiety a -little. It supplied a cause for his father's illness. He had been afraid -that his father had met with some accident, perhaps of a fatal nature. -But if he had become ill in consequence of heavy losses, it was not -likely that the illness was a very severe one. - -He thought of speaking to the gentlemen, and making some further -inquiries about the Mining Company and Mr. James Wall, but it occurred -to him that his father might not like to have him pry into his affairs, -and he therefore refrained. - -When the gentlemen left the cars, he saw one of them had left a morning -paper lying in the seat. He picked it up, and examined the columns until -his eyes fell upon the following paragraph:-- - -"The failure of the Great Metropolitan Mining Company proves to be a -disastrous one. The assets will not be sufficient to pay more than five -per cent. of the amount of the sums invested by the stockholders, -possibly not that. There must have been gross mismanagement somewhere, -or such a result could hardly have been reached. We understand that the -affairs of the company are in the hands of assignees who are empowered -to wind them up. The stockholders in this vicinity will await the result -with anxiety." - -"That looks rather discouraging, to be sure," thought Walter. "I suppose -father will lose a good deal. But I'll tell him he needn't worry about -me. I shan't mind being poor, even if it comes to that. As long as he is -left to me, I won't complain." - -Walter became comparatively cheerful. He felt convinced that loss of -property was all that was to be apprehended, and with the elastic -spirits of youth he easily reconciled himself to that. He had never had -occasion to think much about money. All his wants had been provided for -with a lavish hand. He had, of course, seen poor people, but he did not -realize what poverty meant. He had even thought at times that it must be -rather a pleasant thing to earn one's own living. Still he did not -apprehend that he would have to do this. His father might have lost -heavily, but probably not to such an extent as to render this necessary. - -So the time passed until, about half-past eleven o'clock, the cars -stopped at Willoughby station. - -The station was in rather a lonely spot,--that is, no houses were very -near. Walter did not stop to speak to anybody, but, on leaving the cars, -carpet-bag in hand, jumped over a fence, and took his way across the -fields to his father's house. By the road it would have been a mile, but -it was scarcely more than half a mile by the foot-path. - -So it happened that he reached home without meeting a single person. He -went up the door-way to the front door and rang the bell. - -The door was opened by Nancy Forbes, the house-keeper, whose name was -appended to the telegram. - -"So it's you, Master Walter," she said. "I am glad you are home, but -it's a sad home you're come to." - -"Is father _very_ sick, then?" asked Walter, turning pale. - -"Didn't anybody tell you, then?" - -"Tell me what?" - -"My dear child, your father died at eight o'clock this morning." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -AT HOME. - - -It was a terrible shock to Walter,--this sudden announcement of his -father's death. When he had left home, Mr. Conrad seemed in his usual -health, and he could not realize that he was dead. The news stunned him, -and he stood, pale and motionless, looking into the house-keeper's face. - -"Come in, Master Walter, come in, and have a cup of hot tea. It'll make -you feel better." - -A cup of hot tea was Nancy's invariable remedy for all troubles, -physical or mental. - -"Tell me about it, Nancy; I--I can't think it's true. It's so sudden." - -"That's the way I feel too, Master Walter. And only yesterday morning, -too, he looked just as usual. Little did I think what was to be." - -"When was he first taken sick?" - -Walter had seated himself on a chair in the hall, and waited anxiously -for an answer. - -"I didn't notice nothing till last night just after supper. Richard went -to the post-office and got your father's letters. When they came he took -'em into the library, and began to read them. There was three, I -remember. It was about an hour before I went into the room to tell him -the carpenter had called about repairing the carriage-house. When I came -in, there lay your poor father on the carpet, senseless. He held a -letter tight in his hand. I screamed for help. Mr. Brier, the carpenter, -and Richard came in and helped me to lift up your poor father, and we -sent right off for the doctor." - -"What did the doctor say?" - -"He said it was a paralytic stroke,--a very bad one,--and ordered him to -be put to bed directly. But it was of no use. He never recovered, but -breathed his last this morning at eight o'clock. The doctor told me I -must telegraph to your teacher; and so I did." - -"Nancy, have you got that letter which my father was reading?" - -"Yes, Master Walter, I put it in my pocket without reading. I think -there must have been bad news in it." - -She drew from her pocket a letter, which she placed in Walter's hands. -He read it hastily, and it confirmed his suspicions. It was from a -lawyer Mr. Conrad had asked to make inquiries respecting the Great -Metropolitan Mining Company, and was as follows:-- - - - "WILLIAM CONRAD, ESQ. - - "Dear Sir:--I have, at your request, taken pains to inform myself - of the present management and condition of the Great Metropolitan - Mining Company. The task has been less difficult than I - anticipated, since the failure of the company has just been made - public. The management has been in the hands of dishonest and - unscrupulous men, and it is doubtful whether the stockholders will - be able to recover anything. - - "Hoping you are not largely interested, I remain, - - "Yours, very respectfully, - "ANDREW HOLMES." - - -Walter re-folded the letter, and put it into his pocket. He felt that -this letter had cost his father his life, and in the midst of his grief -he could not help thinking bitterly of the unscrupulous man who had led -his father to ruin. Had it been merely the loss of property, he could -have forgiven him, but he had been deprived of the kindest and most -indulgent of fathers. - -"I should like to see my father," he said. - -We will not accompany him into the dark chamber where his father lay, -unobservant, for the first time, of his presence. Such a scene is too -sacred to be described. - -An hour later he came out of the chamber, pale but composed. He seemed -older and more thoughtful than when he entered. A great and sudden -sorrow often has this effect upon the young. - -"Nancy," he said, "have any arrangements been made about the funeral?" - -"No, Walter, we waited till you came. Mr. Edson will be here in a few -minutes, and you can speak with him about it." - -Mr. Edson, though not a professional undertaker, usually acted as such -whenever there was occasion for his services. When he arrived, Walter -requested him to take entire charge of the funeral. - -"Are there any directions you would like to give, Walter?" asked Mr. -Edson, who, like most of the villagers, had known Walter from his birth. - -"No, Mr. Edson, I leave all to you." - -"What relations are there to be invited?" - -"My father had no near relatives. There is a cousin, Jacob Drummond, who -lives in Stapleton. It will be necessary to let him know." - -"Would a letter reach him in time?" - -"It will be best to telegraph. Stapleton is forty miles distant, and it -is doubtful if a letter would reach there in time." - -"If you will write the telegram, Walter, I'll see that it's sent right -off." - -"I won't trouble you, Mr. Edson; you will have enough to attend to, and -I can send Richard to the telegraph office, or go myself. I shall feel -better for the exercise." - -"Very well, Walter, I will do whatever else is necessary." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -JACOB DRUMMOND, OF STAPLETON. - - -Jacob Drummond kept a dry-goods store in the village of Stapleton. As -the village was of considerable size, and he had no competitors, he -drove a flourishing trade, and had already acquired quite a comfortable -property. In fact, even had he been less favorably situated, he was -pretty sure to thrive. He knew how to save money better, even, than to -earn it, being considered, and with justice, a very mean man. He carried -his meanness not only into his business, but into his household, and -there was not a poor mechanic in Stapleton, and scarcely a poor laborer, -who did not live better than Mr. Drummond, who was the rich man of the -place. - -No one, to look at Jacob Drummond, would have been likely to mistake his -character. All the lines of his face, the expression of his thin lips, -his cold gray eyes, all bespoke his meanness. Poor Mrs. Drummond, his -wife, could have testified to it, had she dared; but in this house, at -least, the husband was master, and she dared not express the opinions -she secretly entertained of the man to whom she was bound for life. - -At five o'clock on the afternoon of the day after Mr. Conrad's death, -Mr. Drummond entered the house, which was on the opposite side of the -street from the store. - -This was the supper hour, and supper was ready upon the table. - -A single glance was sufficient to show that Mr. Drummond was not a man -to indulge in luxurious living. There was a plate of white bread, cut in -thin slices, a small plate of butter, half a pie, and a plate of cake. A -small pitcher of milk, a bowl of coarse brown sugar, and a pot of the -cheapest kind of tea completed the preparations for the evening meal. -Certainly there was nothing extravagant about these preparations; but -Mr. Drummond thought otherwise. His attention was at once drawn to the -cake, and instantly a frown gathered upon his face. - -"Are we going to have company to-night, Mrs. Drummond?" he asked. - -"Not that I know of," answered his wife, in some surprise. - -"Then why is it that you have put both pie and cake on the table?" - -"There was only half a pie, Mr. Drummond," said she, nervously. - -"Well, there are but three of us. You can get three good-sized pieces -from half a pie. That will be one for each of us. What would you have -more?" - -"The cake is a cheap kind." - -"No cake is cheap, Mrs. Drummond. I take it you used eggs, butter, and -sugar in making it." - -"Yes, but--" - -"No buts, if you please, Mrs. Drummond. You are probably not aware that -all these articles are very dear at present. Until they get lower we -need not have cake, except when company is present." - -That being the case, Mr. Drummond was not likely to be put to much -expense on this score. They seldom had company, and those who came once -were not anxious to come again. For even on such occasions Mr. Drummond -could not forget his ruling principle. The overflowing hospitality which -even in the humblest village households crowns the board with plenty -when visitors are present, was never to be found there; and, besides, -the visitors could not help having an uneasy suspicion that their host -grudged them the niggardly entertainment he did provide. So for three -years the Stapleton Sewing Circle had met but once at the Drummonds', -and there was no immediate prospect of their meeting there for another -three years. - -It may be supposed that Mr. Drummond was not fond of good eating. This, -however, would be quite a mistake. When he dined or took tea out, he -always did full justice to the different dainties which were provided, -and quite seemed to enjoy them as long as they were furnished at the -expense of another. - -"Take away the cake, if you please, Mrs. Drummond," continued her -husband. "You can save it for Sunday evening." - -"I am afraid it will be dried up by that time." - -"If it is dry, you can steam it." - -"That spoils cake." - -"You seem very contrary to-night, Mrs. Drummond. I have continually to -check you in your extravagant tastes. Cake and pie, indeed! If you had -your way, you would double my household expenses." - -Mrs. Drummond rose from the table, and meekly removed the offending -cake. - -Just then the third and only other member of the family entered. - -This was Joshua Drummond, the only son, now eighteen years of age, -though he looked scarcely more than sixteen. He inherited his father's -meanness, but not his frugality. He was more self-indulgent, and, though -he grudged spending money for others, was perfectly ready to spend as -much as he could get hold of for himself. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -JACOB DRUMMOND--CONTINUED. - - -Over Joshua Mr. Drummond had less control than over his wife. The latter -gave way meekly to his unreasonable requisitions; but Joshua did not -hesitate to make opposition, being as selfish and self-willed as his -father, for whom he entertained neither respect nor affection. - -Joshua looked around him disdainfully. - -"Is this Fast Day?" he asked. - -"You know very well that Fast Day comes in April," said his father. - -"I only judged from the looks of the table," said Joshua, not very -respectfully. "You don't mean that we shall any of us suffer from the -gout." - -"Bread and butter and pie are good enough for anybody," said Mr. -Drummond, stiffly. - -"I don't see any pie. Excuse me, there is a little,--so little that I -did not at first see it." - -This was too much for Mr. Drummond's temper. - -"Unmannerly boy!" he exclaimed; "if you are dissatisfied with the fare -you get at home, you can engage board elsewhere." - -"I would like to," muttered Joshua, in a low voice, which his father -chose not to hear. - -In silence he helped himself to bread and butter, and in due time -accepted a piece of pie, which Mrs. Drummond made larger at the expense -of her own share. - -Harmony thus being restored, Mr. Drummond remarked, "I've had a telegram -to-day from Willoughby." - -"From Willoughby?" repeated his wife. "Isn't that where your cousin -William Conrad lives?" - -"He doesn't live there any longer. He's dead." - -"Dead! When did he die?" - -"I don't know. Yesterday, I suppose. The funeral is to be day after -to-morrow." - -"Shall you go?" - -"Yes. It will cost me considerable; as much as five dollars or more; but -he was my cousin, and it is my duty to go," said Mr. Drummond, with the -air of a man who was making a great sacrifice. - -"He was rich, wasn't he?" asked Joshua, becoming interested. - -"Probably worth a hundred thousand dollars," said his father, -complacently. - -"I should think he might have left me something," said Joshua. - -"He never saw you, Joshua," said his mother. - -"Joshua stands a better chance of getting a legacy from one who doesn't -know him, than from one who does," said Mr. Drummond, with grim -pleasantry. - -"He leaves children, doesn't he, Mr. Drummond?" - -"One child--a boy. Let me see, he must be fifteen by this time." - -"And his mother isn't living?" - -"No." - -"Poor boy!" - -"He'll be a rich boy, Mrs. Drummond, and I'll tell you what, I shouldn't -wonder if we had a good chance to know him." - -"How so?" - -"It's likely I will be appointed his guardian. I'm the nearest relative, -so that will be the most proper course." - -"Will he come here, then?" asked Joshua. - -"Very probably." - -"Then I hope you'll live better, or he won't stand it." - -"When I require any advice from you, Joshua, I will apply for it," said -his father. - -Joshua inwardly hoped that his father would be appointed guardian, as it -might make a difference in the family living; and, besides, if his -cousin were rich, he meant to wheedle himself into his confidence, in -the hope of future advantage. - -"When shall you set out?" asked Mrs. Drummond. - -"To-morrow morning, I think," said her husband. "It will be hard to -leave, but it's due to my cousin's memory." - -Mr. Drummond had become very punctilious all at once, considering that -for the last dozen years Mr. Conrad, who had by no means admired him, -had had little or no communication with him. But then he had died rich, -and who knows what sort of a will he had left? At any rate, Jacob began -to feel a strong interest in him now. He might have put off going to -Willoughby till the morning train on the day of the funeral, for two -o'clock was the hour fixed for the last ceremony; but he was in a hurry -to learn all he could about the property, and secure, if possible, the -guardianship for himself. This was the secret of his willingness to -sacrifice time and money out of regard to his cousin's memory. The next -day, therefore, he started, taking with him in his valise a lunch of -bread and meat tied up in a piece of brown paper. He didn't intend to -spend any more money than was absolutely necessary on tavern bills. - -Shortly after his arrival, he called at the house of mourning. - -"I am Jacob Drummond, of Stapleton, the cousin of the deceased," he -explained to Nancy, who opened the door to admit him. "Is my young -relative, Mr. Conrad's son, at home?" - -"Yes, sir," said Nancy, taking an inventory of his features, and -deciding that he was a very disagreeable looking man. - -"Will you mention my name to him, and say that I should like to see -him?" - -Mr. Drummond was ushered into the parlor, where he had a little chance -to look around him before Walter appeared. - -"It's all nonsense wasting so much money on furniture," he mentally -ejaculated. "The money spent is a dead loss when it might be drawing -handsome interest." - -Walter did not long keep him waiting. - -Mr. Drummond rose at his entrance. - -"I suppose you don't know me," he said; "but I was your father's nearest -living relation." - -"Mr. Drummond, I believe." - -"Yes, Jacob Drummond, of Stapleton. You have probably heard your father -speak of me?" - -"Yes, sir," said Walter. - -"I came as soon as I could after getting the telegram. I left my -business to take care of itself. I wanted to offer you my sympathy on -your sad loss." - -Mr. Drummond's words were kind, though the reference to his sacrifice -in leaving his business might have been as well left out. Still Walter -could not feel as grateful as he wanted to do. Somehow he didn't fancy -Mr. Drummond. - -"You are very kind," he said. - -"I mean to be. You know I'm your nearest relation now. I truly feel for -you in your desolate condition, and though it may not be the right time -to say it, I must tell you that I hope, when the funeral is over, you -will accompany me home, and share our humble hospitality. Mrs. Drummond -joins with me in the invitation." - -Mrs. Drummond had not been consulted in the matter, but her husband -thought it would sound well to say so. - -"I have not had time to think of future arrangements," said Walter; "but -I thank you for your invitation." - -Walter did not know the motives which induced Mr. Drummond to extend -this invitation, but supposed it to be meant in kindness, and so -acknowledged it. - -"My son Joshua, too," said Mr. Drummond, "is longing to make your -acquaintance. He is older than you, but not much larger. How old are -you?" - -"I am fifteen." - -"You are well grown of your age; Joshua is eighteen, but he will make a -very pleasant companion for you. Let me hope that you will accept my -invitation." - -"Thank you, Mr. Drummond; I will consult my friends about it." - -"I wonder how much board I could venture to ask," thought Mr. Drummond. -"If I am his guardian, I can fix that to suit myself. A hundred thousand -dollars would make me a rich man. That is, I could make money from it, -without injuring the boy." - -Mr. Drummond asked a few more questions about Mr. Conrad's sickness and -death. Walter answered them, but did not think it necessary to speak of -his losses by the Mining Company. Mr. Drummond was a stranger, and not a -man to inspire confidence. So Walter told as little as he could. At -length the visitor, having exhausted inquiries, rose. - -"I shall be here to-morrow," he said. "I am stopping at the tavern. I -shall return to Stapleton after the ceremony. I hope you will make up -your mind to go back with me." - -"I could not be ready so soon," answered Walter, doubtfully. - -"I can wait till the next day." - -"That will not be necessary, Mr. Drummond. I shall have no difficulty in -making the journey alone, if I conclude to accept your kind invitation." - -Mr. Drummond shook our hero's hand sympathetically, and at length -withdrew. As he went down the avenue, he took a backward glance at the -handsome mansion in which his cousin had lived. - -"That boy owns all that property," he said, half enviously, "and never -worked a day for it. I've had to work for all my money. But it was -foolish to spend so much money on a house. A third the sum would have -built a comfortable house, and the rest might have been put at interest. -If it turns out that I am the boy's guardian, I think I shall sell it. -That'll be the best course." - -With these reflections Mr. Drummond pursued his way back to the village -tavern, where he had taken the precaution to ascertain that he should -be charged but a dollar and a quarter a day. He considered that a dollar -would have been sufficient, but still it was proper to make some -sacrifice to his cousin's memory. Mr. Conrad's mining speculation was -not generally known in the village as yet, so that Mr. Drummond did not -hear a word as to his loss of property. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -FUTURE PLANS. - - -The funeral was over. Mr. Drummond, as indeed his relationship -permitted, was one of the principal mourners. Considering that he had -not seen Mr. Conrad for five years preceding his death, nor during that -time communicated with him in any way, he appeared to be very much -overcome by grief. He kept his eyes covered with a large white -handkerchief, and his movements indicated suppressed agitation. He felt -that this was a tribute due to a cousin who had left over one hundred -thousand dollars. - -When they had returned from the grave, Mr. Drummond managed to have a -word with Walter. - -"Have you decided to accept my offer, and make your home beneath my -humble roof?" he asked. - -"There has been no time to consult with my friends here, Mr. Drummond. I -will let you know next week. I thank you at any rate for your -kindness." - -"Do come, Walter," said his cousin, twisting his mean features into an -affectionate smile. "With you beneath my humble roof, I shall want -nothing to complete my happiness." - -Walter thanked him again, wondering at the same time why Mr. Drummond's -kindness did not affect him more sensibly. - -So Jacob Drummond went back to Stapleton, still ignorant of the state of -Mr. Conrad's affairs, and still regarding Walter as a boy of great -wealth. - -When the will was opened it was found to bear date two years back, -before Mr. Conrad had plunged into the speculation which had proved so -disastrous to him. He bequeathed all the property which he did possess -to Walter, with the exception of five hundred dollars, which were left -as a legacy to his faithful house-keeper, Nancy Forbes. At the time the -will was made, its provisions made Walter heir to a large fortune. Now -it was quite uncertain how things would turn out. Clement Shaw, the -village lawyer, an honest and upright man, was made executor, being an -old and tried friend of the deceased. - -With him Walter had a long and confidential conversation, imparting to -him what he knew of his father's mining speculation and its disastrous -result, with its probable effect in accelerating his death. - -"I knew something of this before, Walter," said Mr. Shaw. "Your father -spoke to me of being largely interested in the Great Metropolitan Mining -Company; but of the company itself and the extent to which he was -involved I knew nothing." - -"I think my father must have been very seriously involved," said Walter. -"It may, perhaps, swallow up the whole property." - -"Let us hope not. Indeed, I can hardly believe that your father would -have ventured in so deep as that." - -"He had every confidence in the company; he thought he was going to -double his money. If only a part of his property was threatened, I don't -think it would have had such an effect upon him." - -"I will thoroughly examine into the affair," said Mr. Shaw. "Meanwhile, -Walter, hope for the best! It can hardly be that the whole property is -lost. Do not be too anxious." - -"Do not fear for me on that account," said Walter. "I always looked -forward to being rich, it is true, but I can bear poverty. If the worst -comes, and I am penniless, I am strong, and can work. I can get along as -well as thousands of other boys, who have to support themselves." - -Walter did not speak boastfully, but in a calm, confident way, that -argued a consciousness of power. - -"Yes," said the lawyer, regarding him attentively, "I think you are -right there. You are just the boy who can make his own way; but I hope -you will not be obliged to do so." - -"There is one thing I want to say, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, "and that is -about the money my father leaves in his will to Nancy." - -"The circumstances were different. She will not expect it now; that is, -of course, unless things turn out more favorably than we fear." - -"That is not what I mean. Nancy must have the money, if there is so much -left after settling the estate." - -"But suppose only five hundred dollars are left? Of course I hope it -will be much more, but we must think of all contingencies." - -"If only five hundred dollars are left, let Nancy have them." - -"But, Walter, consider yourself." - -"I am young and strong. Nancy has spent her best years in my father's -service, and she is no longer young. It is right that she should have -some provision. Besides, my father meant her to have it, and I want to -carry out his wishes." - -"This is all very generous, Walter; but I am afraid it is inconsiderate. -It would not be your father's wish to provide even for Nancy, however -faithful she may have been, at the expense of his son." - -"It is right," said Walter. "Besides, Mr. Shaw, I find that Nancy had -laid up six hundred dollars, which she had deposited in my father's -hands. That also must be paid, if there is enough to pay it; if not, I -will take it upon myself to pay whenever I am able." - -"You're an excellent boy, Walter," said Mr. Shaw. "I always had a good -opinion of you, and I find it is more than deserved. I honor you for the -resolution you have expressed, though I cannot quite agree with you -about the five hundred dollars. As to the debt, that must be paid, if -there is money enough to pay it. But we can leave the further discussion -of this question for the present. Now let us consider what is to become -of you in the mean time. You were at the Essex Classical Institute, I -believe?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"You would like to go back again, I suppose." - -"No, Mr. Shaw. It is an expensive school, and while it is uncertain how -my father's affairs will come out, I should not feel justified in going -there." - -"Perhaps you are right. Of course you cannot stay here, and keep house -by yourself. I would invite you to my own house, but my wife is an -invalid, and I have to consider her in the matter." - -"Thank you, Mr. Shaw; but I think perhaps I had better accept the offer -of Mr. Drummond, of Stapleton. He invites me to make my home at his -house, and, for the present, perhaps, that will be the best -arrangement." - -"I am not acquainted with Mr. Drummond. He is a relation, I believe." - -"Yes, he is my father's cousin, and so, of course, my second cousin." - -"I think I saw him at the funeral." - -"Yes, he was present." - -Mr. Shaw had seen Jacob Drummond, and had not been very favorably -impressed by his appearance. Still, his offer was not one to be hastily -rejected, for no better reason than a little prejudice, which might -prove unfounded. Accordingly he said, "Well, Walter, as you say, I am -not sure whether this may not be the best arrangement for you, that is, -for the present. If you don't like to stay at Stapleton, you can write -me, and I will see what I can do for you." - -"Thank you, Mr. Shaw." - -Nancy was much troubled at the thought of parting from Walter, whom she -had known from his infancy; but a situation was immediately offered her -in the village, and Walter promised to take her as his house-keeper -whenever he had a home of his own, and this comforted her, although it -was likely to be a long time first, since our hero was at present but -fifteen. - -"Your six hundred dollars shall be paid, Nancy," said Walter, "as soon -as father's affairs are settled." - -"Don't bother yourself about that, Master Walter," said Nancy. "I've got -fifty dollars in my trunk, and I don't need the other at all. I can wait -for it five years." - -"It won't be necessary to wait as long as that, Nancy." - -"And so you are going to that Mr. Drummond's? I'm sorry for it. I don't -like the man's looks at all." - -"He may be a good man. He was kind to invite me." - -"He isn't a good man," said Nancy, positively. "He's got a mean sort of -look to his face." - -"You mustn't try to prejudice me before I go to him, Nancy." - -"You'll think as I do before you've been there a week," said Nancy, -shaking her head. "I took a good look at him when he was here, and I -didn't like his looks." - -"He isn't very handsome," said Walter, smiling; "but everybody can't be -handsome." - -Secretly he did not wonder much at Nancy's prejudice. Mr. Drummond -certainly was a mean-looking man. How he could be so nearly related to -his father, who was a generous, open-handed, and open-hearted man, was -surprising. Still Walter was just enough to reserve his judgment until -his opportunities of judging were greater than at present. - -He wrote a brief letter to Stapleton, to the following effect:-- - - - "MR. DRUMMOND:-- - - "Dear Sir:--I will accept the invitation you were kind enough to - extend to me, for the present, at least, and will come to Stapleton - about the middle of next week. You are the only relation of my - father that I know of, and I think it would be his wish that I - should go to you. If it should be inconvenient for you to receive - me at that time, please write me at once. - - "Yours, respectfully, - "WALTER CONRAD." - - -In return, Walter received a letter couched in the most cordial terms, -in which Mr. Drummond signed himself, "Your affectionate cousin." He was -delighted, he said, to think that he was about to receive, under his -humble roof, the son of his revered and lamented cousin. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -MR. DRUMMOND'S HUMBLE ROOF. - - -"Mrs. Drummond," said her husband, "young Mr. Conrad will be here by -four o'clock this afternoon. You will have a nice supper ready at five." - -"Shall I have cake and pie both?" inquired Mrs. Drummond, doubtfully. - -"Certainly. Indeed, it may be as well to have two kinds of pie, say -apple and pumpkin; and, as we have not had hot biscuit for some time, -you may bake some." - -Mrs. Drummond looked at her husband as if she had doubts as to his -sanity. Such a luxurious meal was quite unheard of in the Drummond -household. - -"Cake, two kinds of pie, and hot biscuit!" she repeated. - -"Yes," he replied. "I am not in general in favor of such extra living, -but it is well to pay some respect to the memory of my deceased kinsman -in the person of his son. Being the son of a rich man, he has been -accustomed to rich living, and I wish him, on his advent into our -family, to feel at home." - -Mrs. Drummond prepared to obey her husband's directions with alacrity. - -"Joshua will get a good supper for once," she thought, thinking more of -her son than of the stranger who was to enter the family. "How surprised -he will be to see such a variety on the table!" - -Not that Joshua was strictly confined to the spare diet of his father's -table. Through his mother's connivance there was generally an extra -piece of pie or cake in the pantry laid aside for him. Had Mr. Drummond -suspected this, he would have been very angry; but, being at the store -the greater portion of the time, he was not aware of the extra -indulgence. - -Mr. Drummond himself met Walter at the depot. - -"I am delighted to welcome you to Stapleton, my young friend," he said, -shaking his hand cordially. "In the affliction which has come upon you, -let me hope that you will find a haven of rest beneath my humble roof." - -"I wonder why he always speaks of his 'humble roof,'" thought Walter. -"Does he live in a shanty, I wonder?" - -He made suitable acknowledgments, and proceeded to walk beside Mr. -Drummond to the house which he termed humble. - -It did not deserve that name, being a substantial two-story house, -rather ugly architecturally, but comfortable enough in appearance. - -"That is my humble dwelling," said Mr. Drummond, pointing it out. "It is -not equal to the splendid mansion in which you have been accustomed to -live, for my worldly circumstances differ widely from those of your late -lamented parent; but I trust that in our humble way we shall be enabled -to make you comfortable." - -"Thank you, Mr. Drummond; I have no doubt of that. Your house looks very -comfortable." - -"Yes, it is plain and humble, but comfortable. We are plain people. We -are not surrounded by the appliances of wealth, but we manage, in our -humble way, to get through life. That is my son Joshua, who is looking -out of the front window. I hope you may become good friends, -considering how nearly you are related." - -Walter raised his eyes, and saw Joshua, whose small, mean features, -closely resembling his father's, expressed considerable curiosity. -Walter secretly doubted whether he should like him; but this doubt he -kept to himself. - -Mr. Drummond opened the outer door, and led the way in. - -"This is my wife, Mrs. Drummond," he said, as she approached, and kindly -welcomed the young stranger. - -"I think I shall like her," thought Walter, suffering his glance to rest -for a moment on her mild, placid features; "she is evidently quite -superior to her husband." - -"Joshua, come here and welcome Mr. Conrad," said his father. - -Joshua came forward awkwardly, and held out his hand with the stiffness -of a pump-handle. - -"How dy do?" he said. "Just come?" - -"Yes," said Walter, accepting the hand, and shaking it slightly. - -"Are you tired with your journey, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mrs. Drummond. -"Perhaps you would like to be shown to your room." - -"Thank you," said Walter. "I will go up for a few minutes." - -"Where are you going to put our young friend, Mrs. Drummond?" - -"In the spare chamber." - -"That is right. You will find some difference, Mr. Conrad, between our -humble accommodations and the sumptuous elegance of your own home; but -we will try and make it up by a hearty welcome." - -"I wish he wouldn't use the word _humble_ so much," thought Walter. - -Walter went upstairs, preceded by Mr. Drummond, who insisted on carrying -his carpet-bag, for his trunk would not arrive till the next day, having -been forwarded by express. - -"I say, mother," remarked Joshua, "the old man's awfully polite to this -young fellow." - -"You shouldn't speak of your father in that way, Joshua." - -"Oh, what's the odds? He is an old man, isn't he? I just wish he'd be -as polite to me. I say, I hope he'll like his boarding-place. What are -you going to have for supper?" - -"Hot biscuit, cake, and two kinds of pie." - -"Whew! won't the old man look like a thundercloud?" - -"That's what he told me to get. You do your father injustice, Joshua." - -Mrs. Drummond knew in her secret heart that her husband was intensely -mean; but she was one of those who like to think as well as possible of -every one, and was glad of an opportunity to prove that he could, on -rare occasions, be more generous. - -"Father's brain must be softening," said Joshua, after recovering in a -measure from his astonishment. "I hope it will be permanent. Isn't -supper most ready?" - -"At five o'clock, Joshua." - -"This young chap's got a lot of money, I suppose, and the governor's -after some of it. That explains the matter." - -"I wish you wouldn't speak so disrespectfully of your father, Joshua." - -"I won't if he'll keep on as he's begun. I'm glad this young Conrad has -come to board here. I'm going to get thick with him." - -"He seems like a very nice boy," said Mrs. Drummond. - -"I don't care what sort of a boy he is, as long as he's got the tin. I'm -going to make him treat." - -"You must be considerate of his feelings, Joshua. Remember that he has -just lost his father." - -"Suppose he has, there's no need of looking glum about it." - -Had Jacob Drummond died, Joshua would have borne the loss with the -greatest fortitude. Of that there was no doubt. Indeed, he would rather -have hailed the event with joy, if, as he expressed it, the "old man did -the right thing," and left him the bulk of his property. Though such -feelings did not do Joshua much credit, it must be said in extenuation -that his father was far from being a man to inspire affection in any -one, however nearly related. - -At five o'clock they sat down to supper. - -"I hope, Mr. Conrad," said Jacob, "you will be able to relish our humble -repast." - -"Humble again!" thought Walter. He was about to say that everything -looked very nice, when Joshua broke in. - -"If you call this humble, I don't know what you'd say to the suppers we -commonly have." - -Mr. Drummond, who desired, for this day, at least, to keep up -appearances, frowned with vexation. - -"Joshua," he said, "I desire that you will act in a more gentlemanly -way, or else leave the table." - -As leaving the table on the present occasion would have been, indeed, a -deprivation, Joshua thought it wise not to provoke his father too far, -at any rate until after he had made sure of his supper. He therefore -left most of the conversation to his father. - -"Have you ever been in Stapleton before, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mr. -Drummond. - -"No, sir; never." - -"It is not a large place, but it is growing; the people are plain, but -they have kind hearts. I hope you may like the town after a while." - -"Thank you, sir; I have no doubt I shall." - -"If you feel inclined for a walk, Joshua will go out with you after -supper, and show you the mill-dam, the church, and the school-house. He -will also point out the store--it is only across the way--where, in my -humble way, I try to earn a living. I shall be very glad if you will -come in and take a look inside. I may be busy, for work has accumulated -during my absence, but Joshua will show you around." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"Will you have another cup of tea, Mr. Conrad?" asked Mrs. Drummond. - -"Thank you." - -"May I ask, Mr. Conrad,--excuse my intruding the question,--who is left -executor of your father's estate?" - -"Mr. Shaw, the lawyer in our village." - -"Is he? Do you have confidence in him?" - -"He is an excellent man, very honest and upright. He was an intimate -friend of my father." - -"Ah, indeed! I am glad of it. Then he will consult your interests." - -"Yes, sir, I feel quite safe in his hands." - -"I am so glad to hear you say so. So many lawyers, you know, are -tricky." - -"Mr. Shaw is not tricky." - -"We have no lawyer here," pursued Mr. Drummond. "You will perhaps be -surprised to hear it, but my humble services are frequently called into -requisition, in administering and settling estates." - -"Indeed, sir." - -"Yes; but I am glad you have got a man you can trust. Mrs. Drummond, I -think Mr. Conrad will have another piece of pie." - -Supper was over at length, and Walter, by invitation, went out to walk -with Joshua. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -WALTER MAKES A REVELATION. - - -Walter did not anticipate a very pleasant walk with Joshua. The little -he had seen of that young man did not prepossess him in his favor. -However, having no other way of spending his time, he had no objection -to the walk. - -"That's the old man's store just across the street," said Joshua, as -they emerged from the house. - -"Your father's?" - -"Of course. Don't you see the name on the sign?" Walter did see it, but -never having been accustomed to speak of his own father as "the old -man," he was not quite sure he apprehended Joshua's meaning. - -"You were an only child, weren't you?" said Joshua. - -"Yes," said Walter, soberly. - -[Illustration] - -He could not help thinking what a comfort it would have been to him to -have either brother or sister. He would have felt less alone in the -world. - -"So am I," said Joshua; adding, complacently, "Between you and I, the -old man has laid up quite a snug sum. Of course it'll all come to me -some day." - -"I am glad to hear it," said Walter, rather wondering that Joshua should -have made such a communication to a comparative stranger. - -"To hear the old man talk," pursued Joshua, "you'd think he was awful -poor. He's stingy enough about everything in the house. There isn't a -family in town that don't live better than we do." - -"I thought we had a very good supper," said Walter, who experienced not -a little disgust at Joshua's charges against his father. - -"That was because you were with us. The old man laid himself out for the -occasion." - -"I am sorry if any difference was made on my account." - -"Well, I aint. It's the first decent supper I've eaten at home since the -Sewing Circle met at our house three years ago." - -"Is that the church?" asked Walter, desirous of diverting the -conversation into another channel. - -"Yes, that's the old meeting-house. I hate to go there. The minister's -an old fogy." - -"What is that I see through the trees? Is it a river?" - -"No, it's a pond." - -"Do you ever go out on it?" - -"Not very often. I tried to get the old man to buy me a boat, but he -wouldn't do it. He's too stingy." - -"I wouldn't talk so about your father." - -"Why not?" - -"Because he is entitled to your respect." - -"I don't know about that. If he'd treat me as he ought to, I'd treat him -accordingly. He never gives me a cent if he can help it. Now how much do -you think he allows me a week for spending money?" - -"I can't tell." - -"Only fifty cents, and I'm eighteen years old. Isn't that mean?" - -"It isn't a very large sum." - -"Of course not. He ought to give me five dollars a week, and then I'd -buy my own clothes. Now I have to take up with what I can get. He wanted -to have his old overcoat, that he'd worn three winters, made over for -me; but I wouldn't stand it. I told him I'd go without first." - -Though these communications did not raise Joshua in the estimation of -Walter, the latter could not help thinking that there was probably some -foundation for what was said, and the prejudice against Mr. Drummond, -for which he had blamed himself as without cause, began to find some -extenuation. - -"When I talk to the old man about his stinting me so," continued Joshua, -"he tells me to go to work and earn some money." - -"Why don't you do it?" - -"He wants me to go into his store, but he wouldn't pay me anything. He -offered me a dollar and a half a week; but I wasn't going to work ten or -twelve hours a day for no such sum. If I could get a light, easy place -in the city, say at ten dollars a week, I'd go. There aint any chance in -Stapleton for a young man of enterprise." - -"I've thought sometimes," said Walter, "that I should like to get a -place in the city; but I suppose I couldn't get enough at first to pay -my board." - -"You get a place!" exclaimed Joshua, in astonishment. "I thought you was -going to college." - -"Father intended I should; but his death will probably change my plans." - -"I don't see why." - -"It is expensive passing through college; I cannot afford it." - -"Oh, that's all humbug. You're talking like the old man." - -"How do you know that it is humbug?" demanded Walter, not very well -pleased with his companion's tone. - -"Why, you're rich. The old man told me that your father left a hundred -thousand dollars. You're the only son; you told me so yourself." - -"Your father is mistaken." - -"What, wasn't your father rich?" asked Joshua, opening his small eyes in -amazement. - -"My father was unfortunate enough to get involved in a speculation, by -which he lost heavily. I can't tell how his affairs stand till they are -settled. I may be left penniless." - -"Do you mean that?" asked Joshua, stopping short and facing his -companion. - -"I generally mean what I say," said Walter, rather stiffly. - -Joshua's answer was a low whistle of amazement. - -"Whew!" he said. "That's the biggest joke I've heard of lately;" and he -followed up this remark by a burst of merriment. - -Walter surveyed him with surprise. He certainly did not know what to -make of Joshua's conduct. - -"I don't see any joke about it," he said. "I don't complain of being -poor, for I think I can earn my own living; but it doesn't strike me as -a thing to laugh at." - -"I was laughing to think how the old man is taken in. It's rich!" - -Joshua burst into another fit of boisterous laughter. - -"How is he taken in?" - -"He thinks you're worth a hundred thousand dollars," said Joshua, going -off in another peal of merriment. - -"Well, he is mistaken, that's all. I don't see how he is taken in." - -"He's been doing the polite, and treating you as if you was a prince of -the blood. That's the reason he told the old woman to get up such a nice -supper, he expected to get you to take him for a guardian, and then he'd -have the handling of your money. Won't he be mad when he finds out how -he's been taken in? Giving you the best room too! Are you sure that none -of the property will be left?" - -"Probably not much." - -That Walter listened with mortification and disgust to what Joshua had -told him about his father's selfish designs, is only what might be -expected. It is always disagreeable to find out the meanness of those -whom you have supposed kind to you for your own sake. This, to Walter, -who had been accustomed to an atmosphere of kindness, was a painful -discovery. It was his first experience of the coldness and hollowness of -the world, and to the sensitive nature of youth this first revelation -is very painful and very bitter. - -"I am sorry to think that your father made such a mistake," he said, -coldly. "I will take care to undeceive him." - -"What! You're not going to tell him, are you?" - -"Certainly. I meant to do so; but I did not suppose he invited me just -because he thought I was rich." - -"What for, then?" - -"Being my father's cousin and nearest relation, it didn't seem very -strange that he should have invited me on that account." - -"The old man's a shrewd one," said Joshua, rather admiringly. "He knows -which way his bread is buttered. He don't lay himself out for no poor -relations, not if he knows it." - -"I am sorry if he has laid himself out for me under a mistake." - -"I aint. It's a good joke on the old man. Besides, we all got a better -supper by it. Don't you tell him about it till to-morrow." - -"Why not?" - -"Because, if you do, we'll have a mean breakfast as usual. I just want -him to think you're rich a little while longer, so we can have something -decent for once." - -"I don't feel willing to deceive your father any longer. I have not -willingly deceived him at all." - -"You're a fool then!" - -"Look here," said Walter, flushing a little, "I don't allow anybody to -call me by that name." - -"No offence," said Joshua, whose physical courage was not very great. "I -didn't mean anything, of course, except that it was foolish to blurt it -all out to-night, when there isn't any need of it. There isn't such an -awful hurry, is there?" - -"I would rather your father knew at once." - -"To-morrow will be soon enough." - -"At any rate I shall tell him to-morrow, then. But I've got tired -walking. Suppose we go back." - -"Just as you say." - -They went back together. Mr. Drummond was in the store, but Mrs. -Drummond was at home. - -"You didn't go far," she said. "But I suppose you were tired, Mr. -Conrad." - -"A little," answered Walter. - -"I wonder," thought our hero, "whether she will change as soon as she -finds out that I am poor?" Somehow he felt that she would not. She -seemed very different from her husband and son, and Walter was inclined -to like her better. - -Joshua went out again soon, not having much taste for staying at home; -and, as Walter retired early, he did not see either him or his father -again till the next morning at breakfast. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -HOW MR. DRUMMOND TOOK THE NEWS. - - -Joshua's anticipations of a good breakfast were realized. As he entered -the room where the table was set, he saw a dish of beefsteak, another of -fried potatoes, and some hot biscuit. This with coffee was very much -better than the breakfast usually provided in the Drummond household. - -Joshua burst into a fresh fit of laughter, thinking how his father had -been taken in. - -"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked his mother, who was the only one in -the room besides himself. - -"Oh, it's the richest joke, mother!" - -"What is?" asked Mrs. Drummond, perplexed. - -"I can't tell you now, but you'll find out pretty soon. Ho, ho!" - -And Joshua commenced to laugh again. - -"Has Mr. Conrad come downstairs?" - -"I haven't seen Mr. Conrad this morning," answered Joshua, imitating -his mother's tone in repeating the name. - -Just then Walter entered, and said "Good-morning." - -"Good-morning, Mr. Conrad," said Mrs. Drummond. "I hope you slept well." - -"Very well, thank you," said Walter. - -Mr. Drummond here entered from the street, having been for an hour in -the store opposite. - -"Good-morning, Mr. Conrad," he said. "I trust you rested well, and can -do justice to our humble repast. I have been in the store an hour. We -who are not endowed with the gifts of Fortune must be early astir." - -Joshua tried to suppress a laugh, but not with entire success. - -"What are you snickering at, Joshua?" demanded Mr. Drummond, in a -displeased tone. "I don't know what Mr. Conrad will think of your -manners." - -"You'll excuse them, won't you, Mr. Conrad?" asked Joshua, beginning to -chuckle again. - -Knowing very well the source of his amusement, and feeling his own -position to be an awkward one, Walter was all the more resolved to -impart to Mr. Drummond without delay the posture of his father's -affairs. He did not answer Joshua's appeal. - -"I don't see what has got into you this morning, Joshua," said Mrs. -Drummond, mildly. "You seem in very good spirits." - -"So I am," said Joshua, with a grin. - -His father suspected that the unusual excellence of the breakfast had -something to do with Joshua's mirth, and was afraid he would let out -something about it. This made him a little nervous, as he wanted to keep -up appearances before his young guest. - -Walter's appetite was not very good. His father's death weighed heavily -upon him, and Joshua's revelation of the night before was not calculated -to cheer him. It was mortifying to think that Mr. Drummond's gracious -manner was entirely owing to his supposed wealth; but of this he -entertained little doubt. He was anxious to have the truth known, no -matter how unfavorably it might affect his position with the Drummonds. -There were some, he knew, whose kindness did not depend on his reputed -wealth. "You have a poor appetite, Mr. Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Let -me give you another piece of steak." - -"No, I thank you," said Walter. - -"I'll take another piece, father," said Joshua. - -"I have already helped you twice," said his father, frowning. - -"I'm hungry this morning," said Joshua, who, knowing that he could not -expect another as good breakfast, determined to do full justice to this. - -"If you are, you need not overeat yourself," said Mr. Drummond, -depositing on his son's outstretched plate a square inch of meat. - -Joshua coolly helped himself to fried potatoes, and appropriated a hot -biscuit, much to his father's annoyance. He resolved to give Joshua a -private hint that he must be more sparing in his eating. He did not like -to speak before Walter, desiring to keep up with him the character of a -liberal man. Joshua understood his father's feelings, and it contributed -to the enjoyment which he felt at the thought of how richly his father -was sold. - -At length breakfast was over. - -"I must go back to the store," said Mr. Drummond. "Joshua will look -after you, Mr. Conrad. I hope you will be able to pass the time -pleasantly." - -"If you can spare me five minutes, Mr. Drummond, I should like to speak -to you in private," said Walter, determined to put an end to the -misunderstanding at once. - -"Certainly. I can spare five or ten minutes, or more, Mr. Conrad. Won't -you walk into the parlor?" - -The parlor was a very dreary-looking room, dark, cold, and cheerless. A -carpet, of an ugly pattern, covered the floor; there was a centre-table -in the middle of the room with a few books that were never opened -resting upon it. Half-a-dozen cane-bottomed chairs stood about the room, -and there were besides a few of the stock articles usually to be found -in country parlors, including a very hard, inhospitable-looking sofa. As -the Drummonds did not have much company, this room was very seldom used. - -"Take a seat, Mr. Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, seating himself. - -Mr. Drummond was far from anticipating the nature of Walter's -communication. Indeed, he cherished a hope that our hero was about to -ask his assistance in settling up the estate,--a request with which, it -is needless to say, he would gladly have complied. - -"I don't suppose you know how I am situated," Walter commenced. "I mean -in relation to my father's estate." - -"I suppose it was all left to you, and very properly. I congratulate you -on starting in the world under such good auspices. I don't, of course, -know how much your father left, but--" - -"It is not certain that my father left anything," said Walter, thinking -it best to reveal every thing at once. - -"_What!_" exclaimed Mr. Drummond, his lower jaw falling, and looking -very blank. - -"My father made some investments recently that turned out badly." - -"But he was worth a very large property,--it can't all be lost." - -"I am afraid there will be very little left, if anything. He lost -heavily by some mining stock, which he bought at a high figure, and -which ran down to almost nothing." - -"There's the house left, at any rate." - -"My father borrowed its value, I understand; I am afraid that must go -too." - -Now, at length, it flashed upon Mr. Drummond how he had been taken in. -He thought of the attentions he had lavished upon Walter, of the extra -expense he had incurred, and all as it appeared for a boy likely to -prove penniless. He might even expect to live upon him. These thoughts, -which rapidly succeeded each other, mortified and made him angry. - -"Why didn't you tell me this before, young man?" he demanded with -asperity. - -His change of tone and manner showed Walter that Joshua was entirely -right in his estimate of his father's motives, and he in turn became -indignant. - -"When did you expect me to tell you, Mr. Drummond?" he said quickly. "I -only arrived yesterday afternoon, and I tell you this morning. I would -have told you last night, if you had been in the house." - -"Why didn't you tell me when I was at Willoughby?" - -"I had other things to think of," said Walter, shortly. "The thought of -my father's death and of my loss shut out everything else." - -"Well, what are you going to do?" asked Mr. Drummond, in a hard tone. - -"I shall have to earn my own living," said Walter. "I am well and -strong, and am not afraid." - -"That is a good plan," said Mr. Drummond, who knew Walter so little as -to fear that he wanted to become dependent upon him. - -"When I was of your age I had my own living to earn. What do you propose -to do?" - -"Have you a vacancy for me in your store? Joshua told me you wished him -to go in." - -"You couldn't earn much, for you don't know anything of the business." - -"I should not expect to. I am perfectly willing to work for my board -until I find out how my father's affairs are going to turn out." - -This proposal struck Mr. Drummond favorably. He judged that Walter would -prove a valuable assistant when he was broken in, for it was easy to -see that he had energy. Besides, it was desirable to keep him near until -it was decided whether Mr. Conrad's affairs were really in as bad a -state as his son represented. Even if a few thousand dollars were left, -Mr. Drummond would like the handling of that sum. Then, again, no one -knew better than Mr. Drummond that Walter's board would cost him very -little; for, of course, he would at once return to his usual frugal -fare. - -"Very well," he said; "you can go into the store on those terms. As you -say, you've got your own living to earn, and the sooner you begin the -better." - -Walter had not said this, but he agreed with Mr. Drummond. - -It may be thought strange that our hero should have been willing to -enter the employment of such a mean man; but he thought it wisest to -remain in the neighborhood until he could learn something definite about -his father's affairs. He prepared to go to work at once, partly because -he didn't wish to be dependent, partly because he foresaw that he should -be happier if employed. - -When Mr. Drummond and Walter came out of the parlor, Joshua was waiting -in the next room, and looked up eagerly to see how his father bore the -communication. He was disappointed when he saw that Mr. Drummond looked -much as usual. - -"Conrad has been telling me," said Mr. Drummond, "that his father lost a -good deal of money by speculation, and it is doubtful whether he has -left any property." - -"I am very sorry," said Mrs. Drummond; and Walter saw and appreciated -her look of sympathy. - -"As he will probably have to work for a living, he has asked for a place -in my store," pursued Mr. Drummond, "and I have agreed to take him on -trial. Conrad, you may get your hat and come over at once." - -Joshua whistled in sheer amazement. The affair had by no means -terminated as he anticipated. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -MR. DRUMMOND'S STORE. - - -Mr. Drummond's store was of fair size, and contained a considerable and -varied stock of dry goods. Not only the people of Stapleton, but a -considerable number of persons living outside the town limits, but -within a radius of half-a-dozen miles, came there to purchase goods. - -Besides Mr. Drummond there was a single salesman, a young man of -twenty-two, who wore a cravat of immense size, and ostentatiously -displayed in his bosom a mammoth breastpin, with a glass imitation -diamond, which, had it been real, would have been equal in value to the -entire contents of the store. This young man, whose name was Nichols, -received from Mr. Drummond the munificent salary of four hundred dollars -per annum. Having a taste for dress, he patronized the village tailor to -the extent of his means, and considerably beyond, being at this moment -thirty dollars in debt for the suit he wore. - -Besides this young man, there had formerly been a younger clerk, -receiving a salary of four dollars weekly. He had been dismissed for -asking to have his pay raised to five dollars a week, and since then Mr. -Drummond had got along with but one salesman. As, however, the business -really required more assistance, he was quite willing to employ Walter -on board wages, which he estimated would not cost him, at the most, more -than two dollars a week. - -"Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond, "I have brought you some help. This is -Walter Conrad, a distant relative." (Had Walter been rich, he would have -been a near relative.) "He knows nothing of the business. You can take -him in charge, and give him some idea about prices, and so forth." - -"Yes, sir," said the young man, in an important tone. "I'll soon break -him in." - -Mr. Nichols, who gave up what little mind he had to the subject of -clothes, began to inspect Walter's raiment. He had sufficient knowledge -to perceive that our hero's suit was of fine fabric, and tastefully -made. That being the case, he concluded to pay him some attention. - -"I'm glad you've come," he said. "I have to work like a dog. I'm pretty -well used up to-day. I was up till two o'clock dancing." - -"Were you?" - -"Yes. There was a ball over to Crampton. I go to all the balls within -ten miles. They can't do without me." - -"Can't they?" asked Walter, not knowing what else to say. - -"No. You see there isn't much style at these country balls,--I mean -among the young men. They don't know how to dress. Now I give my mind to -it, and they try to imitate me. I don't trust any tailor entirely. I -just tell him what I want, and how I want it. Higgins, the tailor here, -has improved a good deal since he began to make clothes for me." - -"Indeed!" - -"Where do you have your clothes made?" - -"In Willoughby. That's where I have always lived till I came here." - -"Is there a good tailor there?" - -"I think so; but then I am not much of a judge." - -Just then a customer came in, and Mr. Nichols was drawn away from his -dissertation on dress. - -"Just notice how I manage," he said in a low voice. - -Accordingly Walter stood by and listened. - -"Have you any calicoes that you can recommend?" asked the woman, who -appeared to be poor. - -"Yes, ma'am, we've got some of the best in the market,--some that will -be sure to suit you." - -He took from the shelves and displayed a very ugly pattern. - -"I don't think I like that," she said. "Haven't you got some with a -smaller figure?" - -"The large figures are all the rage just now, ma'am. Everybody wears -them." - -"Is that so?" asked the woman, irresolutely. - -"Fact, I assure you." - -"How much is it a yard?" - -"Fifteen cents only." - -"Are you sure it will wash?" - -"Certainly." - -"I should like to look at something else." - -"I'll show you something else, but this is the thing for you." - -He brought out a piece still uglier; and finally, after some hesitation, -his customer ordered ten yards from the first piece. He measured it with -an air, and, folding it up, handed it to the customer, receiving in -return a two-dollar bill, which the poor woman sighed as she rendered -in, for she had worked hard for it. - -"Is there anything more, ma'am?" - -"A spool of cotton, No. 100." - -When the customer had left the store, Nichols turned complacently to -Walter. - -"How did you like that calico?" he asked. - -"It seemed to me very ugly." - -"Wasn't it, though? It's been in the store five years. I didn't know as -we should ever get rid of it." - -"I thought you said it was all the rage." - -"That's all gammon, of course." - -"Haven't you got any prettier patterns?" - -"Plenty." - -"Why didn't you show them?" - -"I wanted to get off the old rubbish first. It isn't everybody that -would buy it; but she swallowed everything I said." - -"She seemed like a poor woman, who couldn't afford to buy a dress very -often." - -"No, she doesn't come more than twice a year." - -"I think you ought to have given her the best bargain you could." - -"You don't understand the business, Walter," said Nichols, complacently. - -"Mr. Drummond," he said, going up to his employer, "I've just sold ten -yards of those old-style calicoes." - -"Very good," said Mr. Drummond, approvingly. "Shove them off whenever -you get a chance." - -"If that is the way they do business, I shan't like it," thought Walter. - -"You can fold up those goods on the counter, and put them back on the -shelves," said Nichols. "Customers put us to a great deal of trouble -that way sometimes. Mrs. Captain Walker was in yesterday afternoon, and -I didn't know but I should have to get down all the stock we had before -we could suit her." - -"Why didn't you pick out something, and tell her it was all the rage?" -said Walter, smiling. - -"That wouldn't go down with her. She's rich and she's proud. We have to -be careful how we manage with such customers as she is. That reminds me -that her bundle hasn't gone home yet. I'll get you to carry it up right -away." - -"I don't know where she lives." - -"It's a large, square white house, about a quarter of a mile down the -road, at the left hand. You can't miss it." - -The bundle was produced, and Walter set off in the direction indicated. -He had only gone a few rods when he overtook Joshua, who was sauntering -along with a fishing-pole in his hand. - -"Where are you going with that big bundle?" asked Joshua. - -"To Mrs. Captain Walker's." - -"I'll show you where it is. I'm going that way." - -Joshua's manner was considerably less deferential than the day before, -when he supposed Walter to be rich. Now he looked upon him as his -father's hired boy. - -"Isn't that bundle heavy?" he asked. - -"Yes, rather heavy." - -"I wouldn't be seen carrying such a bundle." - -"Why not?" - -"I feel above it." - -"I don't." - -"It's different with you--now I mean. My father's worth money, and I -suppose you will be poor." - -"I don't mean to be poor all my life, but I shall have to work for all -the money I am worth." - -"It'll take a good while to get rich that way. If your father hadn't -lost his money, you could have fine times." - -"I don't know about that. I never cared so much about inheriting money." - -They were passing the village school-house. Through the open windows -floated the strain of a song which the children were singing. This was -the verse which the boys heard:-- - - - "It's all very well to depend on a friend,-- - That is, if you've proved him true; - But you'll find it better by far in the end - To paddle your own canoe. - To 'borrow' is dearer by far than to 'buy,'-- - A maxim, though old, still true; - You never will sigh, if you only will try - To paddle your own canoe!" - - -"That is going to be my motto," said Walter. - -"What?" - -"'Paddle your own canoe.' I'm going to depend upon myself, and I mean to -succeed." - -"That's all very well, if you've got to do it; but I expect the old man -will leave me twenty-five thousand dollars, and that's a good deal -better than paddling my own canoe." - -"Suppose your father should fail?" - -"There isn't any danger. He'll take good care of his money, I'll warrant -that. I wish he wasn't so mighty stingy, for I'd like a little now. But -there's Captain Walker's. I'll wait here, while you go and leave the -bundle." - -Walter performed his errand, and rejoined Joshua, who had seated -himself on the fence. - -"I'm going a-fishing," said Joshua. "If you didn't have to work you -could go with me." - -"I must hurry back to the store." - -So the two parted company. - -"I wish he'd been rich," thought Joshua. "I'd have borrowed some money -of him. It won't pay to be polite to him, now it turns out he isn't -worth a cent." - -Walter went back to the store with a lighter heart than before. There -was something in the song he had heard which gave him new strength and -hopefulness, and he kept repeating over to himself at intervals, "Paddle -your own canoe!" - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -JOSHUA STIRS UP THE WRONG CUSTOMER. - - -When Walter went into the house to dinner, the appearance of the table -indicated the truth of what Joshua had told him. Since Mr. Drummond had -ascertained the pecuniary position of his visitor, he no longer felt it -incumbent upon him to keep up appearances. Corned beef and potatoes, and -bread without butter, constituted the mid-day meal. This certainly -differed considerably from the supper and breakfast of which Walter had -partaken. - -"Sit right down, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Eat your dinner as fast as -you can, and go back to the store." - -It did not take Walter long to eat his dinner. Corned beef he had never -liked, though now, having no choice, he managed to eat a little. - -"If you're through, you needn't wait for me," said Mr. Drummond. "We -don't stand on ceremony here. Tell Nichols he may go to his dinner. -I'll be right over; so, if there are any customers you can't wait on, -ask them to wait." - -In the evening Walter found that his carpet-bag had been removed from -the spare chamber to a small, uncarpeted back room, furnished with the -barest necessaries. - -He smiled to himself. - -"I shan't be in danger of forgetting my change of circumstances," he -said to himself. - -He was tired, however, and, though the bed was harder than he had ever -before slept on, he managed to sleep soundly. He was waked up early by -Mr. Drummond. - -"Hurry up, Conrad!" said that gentleman, unceremoniously. "I want you to -be up within fifteen minutes to open the store." - -Walter jumped out of bed and hurriedly dressed. His position was so new -that he did not at first realize it. When he did reflect that he was -working for his board in a country store, he hardly knew whether to feel -glad or sorry. He had begun to earn his living, and this was -satisfactory; but he was working for a man whom he could neither like -nor respect, and his pay was very poor of its kind. That was not so -agreeable. - -Walter was not a glutton, nor inordinately fond of good living, but he -had the appetite of a healthy boy, and when he entered the room where -breakfast was spread (this was after he had been in the store an hour), -he did wish that there had been something on the table besides the -remains of the corned beef and a plate of bread and butter. - -"Do you take sugar and milk in your tea, Walter?" asked Mrs. Drummond. - -"If you please." - -"I don't take either," remarked Mr. Drummond. "It's only a habit, and an -expensive one. If you'd try going without for a week, you would cure -yourself of the habit." - -"How intolerably mean he is!" thought Walter, for he understood very -well that the only consideration in Mr. Drummond's mind was the expense. - -"I don't think I shall ever learn to go without milk and sugar," said -Walter, quietly, not feeling disposed to humor his employer in this -little meanness. - -"There isn't anything fit to eat on the table," grumbled Joshua, looking -about him discontentedly. - -"You are always complaining," said his father, sharply. "If you earned -your breakfast, you wouldn't be so particular." - -"Why can't you have beefsteak once in a while, instead of corned beef? -I'm sick to death of corned beef." - -"We shall have some beefsteak on Sunday morning, and not till then. I -don't mean to pamper your appetite." - -"That's so!" said Joshua. "Not much danger of that." - -"If you are not satisfied, you can go without." - -"I will, then," said Joshua, rising from the table. - -He knew very well that as soon as his father had gone to the store he -could get something better from his mother. - -It had been a considerable disappointment to Joshua to find that Walter -was poor instead of rich, for he had proposed to make as free use of -Walter's purse as the latter would permit. Even now it occurred to him -that Walter might have a supply of ready money, a part of which he might -borrow. He accordingly took an opportunity during the day to sound our -hero on this subject. - -"Walter, have you a couple of dollars about you to lend me for a day or -two?" he asked, in a tone of assumed carelessness. - -"Yes, I have that amount of money, but I am afraid I must decline -lending." - -"Why shouldn't you lend me? It's only for a day or two." - -But Walter knew very well Joshua's small allowance, and that he would -not be able to return a loan of that amount, even if he were desirous of -so doing, and he judged Joshua so well that he doubted whether he would -have any such desire. - -"You know my circumstances, Joshua," he said, "and that I am in no -position to lend anybody money." - -"Two dollars isn't much. You said you had it." - -"Yes, I have it; but I must take care of what little I have. I am -working for my board, as you know, and have got to provide for all my -other expenses myself; therefore I shall need all my money." - -"You talk as if I wanted you to _give_ me the money. I only asked you to -lend it." - -"That's about the same thing," thought Walter; but he only said, "Why -don't you ask your father for the money?" - -"Because he wouldn't give it to me. He's as mean as dirt." - -"Then where would you get the money to repay me in case I lent it to -you?" - -"You're just as mean as he is," exclaimed Joshua, angrily, not caring to -answer this question. "A mighty fuss you make about lending a fellow a -couple of dollars!" - -"It makes no particular difference to me whether you think me mean or -not," said Walter. "I have got to be richer than I am now before I lend -money." - -Joshua stalked away in a fret, angry that Walter would not permit -himself to be swindled. From that time he cherished a dislike to our -hero, and this he showed by various little slights and annoyances, of -which Walter took little notice. He thoroughly despised Joshua for his -meanness and selfishness, and it mattered very little to him what such a -boy thought of him. - -This forbearance Joshua utterly misinterpreted. He decided that Walter -was deficient in courage and spirit, and it encouraged him to persevere -in his system of petty annoyances until they might almost be called -bullying. Though Walter kept quiet under these provocations, there was -often a warning flash of the eye which showed that it would not be safe -to go too far. But this Joshua did not notice, and persisted. - -"Joshua," said his mother one day, "I really think you don't treat -Walter right. You are not polite to him." - -"Why should I be? What is he but a beggar?" - -"He is not that, for he works for his living." - -"At any rate he's a mean fellow, and I shall treat him as I please." - -But one day matters came to a climax. - -One afternoon there were a few young fellows standing on the piazza in -front of Mr. Drummond's store. Joshua was one of them, and there being -no customers to wait upon, Walter also had joined the company. They were -discussing plans for a picnic to be held in the woods on the next -Saturday afternoon. It was to be quite a general affair. - -"You will come, Walter, won't you?" asked one of the number. - -"No," said Joshua; "he can't come." - -"I didn't authorize you to speak for me," said Walter, quietly. - -"You didn't authorize me to speak for you?" repeated Joshua, in a -mocking tone. "Big words for a beggar!" - -"What do you mean by calling me a beggar?" demanded Walter, quietly, but -with rising color. - -"I don't choose to give you any explanation," said Joshua, scornfully. -"You're only my father's hired boy, working for your board." - -"That may be true, but I am not a beggar, and I advise you not to call -me one again." - -Walter's tone was still quiet, and Joshua wholly misunderstood him; -otherwise, being a coward at heart, he would have desisted. - -"I'll say it as often as I please," he repeated. "You're a beggar, and -if we hadn't taken pity on you, you'd have had to go to the poor-house." - -Walter was not quarrelsome; but this last insult, in presence of -half-a-dozen boys between his own age and Joshua's, roused him. - -"Joshua Drummond," he said, "you've insulted me long enough, and I've -stood it, for I didn't want to quarrel; but I will stand it no longer." - -He walked up to Joshua, and struck him in the face, not a hard blow, but -still a blow. - -Joshua turned white with passion, and advanced upon our hero furiously, -with the intention of giving him, as he expressed it, the worst whipping -he ever had. - -Walter parried his blow, and put in another, this time sharp and -stinging. Joshua was an inch or two taller, but Walter was more than a -match for him. Joshua threw out his arms, delivering his blows at -random, and most of them failed of effect. Indeed, he was so blinded -with rage, that Walter, who kept cool, had from this cause alone a great -advantage over him. Joshua at length seized him, and he was compelled -to throw him down. As Joshua lay prostrate, with Walter's knee upon his -breast, Mr. Drummond, who had gone over to his own house, appeared upon -the scene. - -"What's all this?" he demanded in mingled surprise and anger. "Conrad, -what means this outrageous conduct?" - -Walter rose, and, turning to his employer, said, manfully, "Joshua -insulted me, sir, and I have punished him. That's all!" - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -AFTER THE BATTLE. - - -Without waiting to hear Mr. Drummond's reply to his explanation, Walter -re-entered the store. He had no disposition to discuss the subject in -presence of the boys who were standing on the piazza. - -Mr. Drummond followed him into the store, and Joshua accompanied him. He -was terribly angry with Walter, and determined to get revenged upon him -through his father. - -"Are you going to let that beggar pitch into me like that?" he demanded. -"He wouldn't have got me down, only he took me at disadvantage." - -"Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, "I demand an explanation of your conduct. I -come from my house, and find you fighting like a street rowdy, instead -of attending to your duties in the store." - -"I have already given you an explanation, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, -firmly. "Joshua chose to insult me before all the boys, and I don't -allow myself to be insulted if I can help it. As to being out of the -store, there was no customer to wait upon, and I went to the door for a -breath of fresh air. I have never been accustomed to such confinement -before." - -"You say Joshua insulted you. How did he insult you?" - -"I was asked if I would go to the picnic on Saturday afternoon. He -didn't wait for me to answer, but said at once that I couldn't come." - -"Was that all?" - -"On my objecting to his answering for me, he charged me with being a -beggar, and said that but for you I would have been obliged to go to the -poor-house. If this had been the first time he had annoyed me, I might -have passed it over, but it is far from being the first; so I knocked -him down." - -Mr. Drummond was by no means a partisan of Walter, but in the month that -our hero had been in his employ he had found him a very efficient clerk. -Whatever Walter undertook to do he did well, and he had mastered the -details of the retail dry-goods trade in a remarkably short time, so -that his services were already nearly as valuable as those of young -Nichols, who received eight dollars a week. Therefore Mr. Drummond was -disposed to smooth over matters, for the sake of retaining the services -which he obtained so cheap. He resolved, therefore, to temporize. - -"You are both of you wrong," he said. "Joshua, you should not have -called Conrad a beggar, for he earns his living. You, Conrad, should not -have been so violent. You should have told me, and I would have spoken -to Joshua." - -"Excuse me, Mr. Drummond, but I don't like tale-bearing. I did the only -thing I could." - -"Ahem!" said Mr. Drummond, "you were too violent. I would suggest that -you should each beg the other's pardon, shake hands, and have done with -it." - -"Catch me begging pardon of my father's hired boy!" exclaimed Joshua -scornfully. "I haven't got quite so low as that." - -"As for me," said Walter, "if I thought I had been in the wrong, I would -beg Joshua's pardon without any hesitation. I am not too proud for that, -but I think I acted right under the circumstances, and therefore I -cannot do it. As for being a hired boy, I admit that such is my -position, and I don't see anything to be ashamed of in it." - -"You are right there," said Mr. Drummond; for this assertion chimed in -with his own views and wishes. "Well, it seems to me you are about even, -and you may as well drop the quarrel here." - -"I am ready to do so," said Walter, promptly. "If Joshua treats me well, -I will treat him well." - -"You're mighty accommodating," sneered Joshua. "You seem to think you're -on an equality with me." - -"I am willing to treat you as an equal," answered Walter, purposely -misinterpreting Joshua's remark. - -"Oh, you are, are you?" retorted Joshua, with a vicious snap of the -eyes. "Do you think you, a hired boy, are equal to me, who am a -gentleman?" - -"I am glad to hear that you consider yourself a gentleman, and hope you -will take care to act like one." - -"I'll give you the worst licking you ever had!" exclaimed Joshua, -clenching his fists furiously. - -"If it isn't any worse than you gave me just now, I can stand it," said -Walter. - -He was a little angry, also, and this prompted him to speak thus. - -Joshua was maddened by this remark, and might have renewed the battle if -his father had not imperatively ordered him to leave the store. - -"Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, "you have behaved badly. I did not think -you were so quarrelsome." - -"I don't think I am, sir; but I cannot stand Joshua's treatment." - -"Will you promise not to quarrel with him again?" - -"That depends on whether he provokes me." - -"Of course I can't have you fighting with my son." - -"I don't care about doing it. If I find he won't let me alone, I have -made up my mind what to do." - -"What?" - -"I will leave the store, and go back to Willoughby; then I will decide -what to do. I know that I have got to earn my own living, but I would -rather earn it somewhere where I can be at peace." - -"Humph!" said Mr. Drummond, who did not fancy this determination; -"don't be too hasty. I will speak to Joshua, and see that he doesn't -annoy you again." - -With this assurance Walter felt satisfied. He felt that he had won the -victory and maintained his self-respect. There was one thing more he -desired, and that was to go to the picnic. He would not have urged the -request, but that he was well aware that Joshua would report that he was -kept at home by his desire. - -"It won't be very convenient for you to be away Saturday afternoon," -said Mr. Drummond, who was principled against allowing clerks any -privileges. "You know we have more trade than usual on Saturday -afternoon." - -"I don't think we shall have next Saturday," said Walter; "everybody -will be gone to the picnic." - -"If you insist upon going," said Mr. Drummond, reluctantly, "I must try -to let you go." - -Walter felt no scruples about insisting. He knew that he earned his -limited pay twice over, and that his absence would do his employer no -harm. He answered, therefore, "Thank you, sir; I will be home at six -o'clock, so as to be in the store all Saturday evening." - -Meanwhile Joshua went home in a very unhappy frame of mind. He had not -succeeded in humiliating Walter as he intended, but had an unpleasant -feeling that Walter had got the better of him. He was very angry with -his father for not taking his part, and was not slow in making his -feelings known to his mother. - -"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked Mrs. Drummond, observing the scowl -upon his face. - -"Matter enough! That beggar has been insulting me." - -"What beggar? I haven't seen any beggar about," answered Mrs. Drummond. - -"You know who I mean,--that upstart, Conrad." - -"What's he been doing? I'm sure he's a very gentlemanly young man." - -"Oh, yes, that's just the way. You take his part against your own son," -said Joshua, bitterly. - -"What's he been doing? You haven't told me." - -"He pitched into me, and tried to knock me over." - -"What for? I am surprised to hear it, he seems so polite and -well-bred." - -"Nothing at all. He sprung at me like a tiger, and all for nothing. He -took me by surprise, so at first he got the advantage; but I soon gave -him as good as he sent." - -"I am really sorry to hear this," said Mrs. Drummond, distressed. "Are -you sure you didn't say something to provoke him?" - -"I only said, when he was invited to go to the picnic Saturday -afternoon, that he wouldn't be able to leave the store." - -"I am afraid you said it in such a way as to offend him." - -"Seems to me you think a good sight more of him than of me in the -matter," grumbled Joshua. "That's just the way with father. He wanted us -both to beg each other's pardon. Catch me begging pardon of a beggarly -hired boy!" - -"He isn't any worse because your father hires him, Joshua." - -"Oh, yes, of course you stand up for him," said Joshua, sneering. - -"Now, Joshua, you know I always take your part when you are right." - -So Joshua continued to scold, and Mrs. Drummond to soothe him, until she -found a more effectual way, by placing at his disposal half an apple-pie -which was in the cupboard. In the evening she told Walter that she was -sorry there had been any difficulty between him and Joshua. - -"So am I," said Walter, frankly, for he was grateful for her gentle -kindness. "I am sorry, if only for your sake, Mrs. Drummond." - -"I know he's provoking; but he don't mean what he says, Mr. Conrad." - -"I'll try to keep on good terms with him, Mrs. Drummond," said Walter, -earnestly, "if only in return for his mother's kindness." - -"I am sure Joshua was hasty, and misjudged Walter," said the mother to -herself, trying to find an excuse for her son. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE ARROW AND THE PIONEER. - - -After this Joshua was more careful about annoying Walter. Though he was -older, and a little taller than our hero, he had found to his cost that -he was not a match for him in strength. He had also made the unwelcome -discovery that Walter did not intend to be imposed upon. So, though he -ventured to sneer at times, he thought it best to stop short of open -insult. There was also another motive which influenced him. His father -forbade him in tones more decided than usual to interfere with Walter, -whose services he was anxious to retain in the store. Mr. Drummond also -had another reason for this command. He thought that Walter might be -mistaken as to the state of his father's affairs, and that a few -thousand dollars might be rescued by his executor from the ruin. In that -case, there would be a chance of his obtaining control of Walter's -property during his minority. - -The picnic came off on Saturday afternoon. The weather, which often -throws a wet blanket upon the festivities of such occasions, was highly -propitious, and several hundred persons, young and middle-aged, turned -out _en masse_. The place selected for the picnic was a field of several -acres, bordering upon a pond. This had been fitted up by the proprietor -with swings, and a roofed building without sides, under which were -placed rough board tables for the reception of provisions. A number of -oak trees with their broad branches furnished shelter. - -Besides these arrangements for enjoyment, there were two boats confined -by iron chains, which were thrown around trees near the brink of the -water. - -After enjoying the swing for a time, there was a proposition to go out -in the boats. - -The boats could comfortably accommodate eight persons each. This number -had been obtained, when Joshua came up. - -"I'm going," he said unceremoniously. - -"You will have to wait till next time," said Ralph Morse. "We've got -the full number." - -"No, I'm going this time," said Joshua, rudely. - -"I don't believe there's room. We have eight already." - -"There's room for nine. If there isn't you can wait till next time -yourself. Besides, you want me to steer." - -"Do you know how to steer?" - -"Of course I do," said Joshua, boastfully. - -"I guess we can make room," said Mary Meyer, who was always in favor of -peaceful measures. - -Joshua clambered in, and took his place as steersman. - -The other boat had already set off, and, as it happened, under the -guidance of Walter Conrad, who had long been accustomed to managing a -boat, having had one of his own at home. - -"They've got a great steerer on the other boat," said Joshua, sneering. - -"It's your cousin, isn't it? Doesn't he know how to steer?" - -"About as well as an old cat. He thinks he does, though." - -Attention was thus directed to the other boat, which was making easy -progress through the water. - -"I don't see but he manages well enough," said Rudolph, after watching -it for a moment. - -"Oh, it's easy enough steering here. Wait till we get out a little way." - -"Where are you steering, Joshua?" asked Ralph, suddenly, for the boat -nearly half turned round. The fact was that Joshua himself knew very -little about steering. In speaking of Walter's want of skill, he had -precisely described himself. - -"I understand what I'm about," answered Joshua, suddenly reversing the -direction, and overdoing the matter, so as to turn the boat half way -round the other way. - -"I hope you do," said Ralph, "but it don't look much like it." - -"I was looking at the other boat," Joshua condescended to explain, "and -the rudder slipped." - -Walter's boat kept the lead. His perfect steering made the task easier -for the rowers, who got the full advantage of their efforts. Joshua, -however, by his uncertain steering, hindered the progress of his boat. - -"Can't we beat the other boat?" asked Joseph Wheeler, who was rowing. "I -can row as well as either of those fellows." - -"So can I," said Tom Barry; "let's try." - -The boats were about five lengths apart, the rowers in the foremost boat -not having worked very hard, when Tom and Joe began to exert themselves. -Their intention was soon manifest, and the spirit of rivalry was -excited. - -"Do your best, boys!" said Walter. "They're trying to catch us. Don't -let them do it." - -The rowers of the two boats were about evenly matched. If anything, -however, Tom and Joe were superior, and, other things being equal, would -sooner or later have won the race. But Joshua, by his original style of -steering, which became under the influence of excitement even more -unreliable, caused them to lose perceptibly. - -"Can't you steer straight by accident, Joshua?" asked Tom, in a tone of -vexation. - -"I know more about steering than you do, Tom Barry," growled Joshua, -getting red in the face, for he could not help seeing that he was not -appearing to advantage. - -"Show it, then, if you do," was the reply. "If we had your cousin to -steer us, we could soon get ahead." - -This was very mortifying to Joshua. He did not care to be outdone by any -one, but to be outdone by Walter was particularly disagreeable. - -"It isn't the steering, it's the rowing," he said. "You don't row even." - -"Won't you try it, then," said Joe, "and show us what you can do?" - -"No, I'd rather steer." - -Joshua considered that the steersman's place was the place of honor, and -he was not disposed to yield it. - -Meanwhile Walter, from his place in the first boat, watched the efforts -of his rivals. He was determined to keep the lead which he had secured, -and had little fear of losing it. - -"Give way, boys!" he cried; "we'll distance them, never fear!" - -Every moment increased the distance between the two boats, to the great -satisfaction of those on board the "Arrow," for that was the name of the -head boat. - -Just at the north-western corner of the pond there was an inlet of -considerable length, but narrow. Here the water was shallower than in -the remainder of the pond. - -"Shall we go in there?" asked Walter. - -"Yes, yes," said his fellow-passengers. - -Accordingly he steered in, and shortly afterwards the "Pioneer," -Joshua's boat, also entered. At this time the distance between the two -boats was quite two hundred feet. - -The "Arrow" pursued her way steadily to the head of the inlet, a -distance of nearly a quarter of a mile; and then making a graceful turn, -started on her homeward trip. The width of the inlet here was very much -contracted. After making the turn the "Arrow" met the "Pioneer" after a -little distance. There was abundant room for the boats to pass each -other, if they had been properly managed. There was no fault in Walter's -steering, but, by an awkward blunder of Joshua's, the "Pioneer" veered -in her course so that the "Arrow" struck her, to use a nautical term, -amidships. As she was being impelled rapidly at the time, the shock was -considerable, and the fright still greater. The girls jumped to their -feet screaming, and Joshua himself turned pale with fright, but -recovered himself sufficiently to call out angrily, "What made you run -into us, you fool?" - -"It's your own fault, Joshua," said Tom Barry, angrily. "You're the most -stupid steerer I ever saw. What made you turn the boat?" - -"It's his fault," said Joshua, doggedly. - -"Let somebody else steer," said Joe Wheeler. "A baby could steer better -than he." - -So a younger boy was put in Joshua's place, much to his mortification, -and he was degraded, as he considered it, to the rank of a passenger. - -"I'm going ashore," he said sourly. "Let me out up here." - -"All right!" said Tom Barry. "I guess we can get along without you. -Here, you fellows on the "Arrow," just wait a minute, till we've landed -Joshua, and we'll race you back." - -True to his determination, Joshua jumped off at the head of the inlet, -and the "Pioneer" was turned by her new pilot. - -The "Arrow" and the "Pioneer" took their places side by side, and the -race commenced. The boats were similar, and thus neither had the -advantage on this score. But the rowers on the "Pioneer" were on the -whole stronger and more skilful than those on the "Arrow." On the other -hand, Walter steered perfectly, while Joshua's successor, though he made -no bad blunder, was a novice. - -The result was that the race was a clear one. Finally the "Arrow" came -in a length ahead, and Walter felt with quiet satisfaction that the -victory had been gained by his efforts. - -He thought once more of the song he had heard, and hoped that he would -be as successful through life in paddling his own canoe. - -Joshua went home sulky, and was not seen again on the picnic grounds. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -A BRILLIANT SCHEME. - - -One morning, a few days later, Joshua was walking moodily up the village -road with his hands in his pockets. He was reflecting, in a spirit of -great discontent, on the hardships of his situation. - -"Here am I," he said to himself, "eighteen years old, and father treats -me like a boy of ten. I'm most a man, and all he gives me for -pocket-money is twenty-five cents a week. There's Dick Storrs, whose -father isn't a quarter as rich as mine, gets a dollar a week. He's only -sixteen, too." - -One important difference between himself and Dick Storrs did not occur -to Joshua. Dick worked in a shoe-shop, and it was out of his own wages -that his father allowed him a dollar a week. Joshua earned nothing at -all. - -"It's mean!" reflected Joshua. "There aint a boy of my age in Stapleton -that's so meanly treated, and yet my father's the richest man in town. -I wish I knew what to do to get a little money." - -At this moment he saw Sam Crawford approaching him. Sam was perhaps a -year younger than Joshua. He had formerly lived in the village, but was -now in a situation in New York, and was only in Stapleton for a few -days. - -"How are you, Joshua?" said Sam. - -"Well enough," said Joshua. "Where are you going?" - -"I'm going round to the ice-cream saloon. Won't you come with me?" - -"Yes, if you'll treat. I haven't got any money." - -"You ought to have. The old man's got plenty." - -"That's so. But he's getting meaner every day. What do you think he -allows me for spending money?" - -"I don't know. A dollar a week?" - -"A dollar! I should think myself lucky if I got anywhere near that. What -do you say to twenty-five cents?" - -"You don't mean to say that's all he gives you?" - -"Yes, I do." - -"Why, I can't get along on ten times that. Why don't you ask for more?" - -"I have, fifty times; but that's all the good it does." - -"If my father treated me like that, I'd cut his acquaintance." - -"I don't know as that would do me any good," said Joshua, rather -sensibly. "I wish I knew of any way of getting some money." - -"You might hire out to saw wood for the neighbors," said Sam. - -"I haven't got so low as that," said Joshua, haughtily. - -"Of course I meant that in joke; but you might get a place, and earn -some money." - -This suggestion, however, did not suit Joshua, for it carried with it -the idea of work, and he was as lazy as he was selfish; which is saying -as much as can well be said on that point. - -"The old man ought to give me enough to spend, without work," he said. -"He don't spend more than a third of his income." - -"He's saving it up for you." - -"I'm not likely to get it for a good many years," said Joshua, who -actually seemed to be angry with his father for living so long. However, -though it is doubtful whether Joshua would have been a dutiful or -affectionate son under any circumstances, it must be admitted that Mr. -Drummond had done very little to inspire filial affection. - -"Look here!" said Sam, suddenly, "I have an idea. Did you ever buy a -lottery ticket?" - -"No," answered Joshua. - -"There's a fellow I know in New York that drew a prize of a thousand -dollars, and how much do you think he paid for a ticket?" - -"I don't know." - -"Five dollars. How's that for high?" - -"How long ago is that?" asked Joshua, becoming interested. - -"Only two months ago." - -"Do you know him?" - -"Yes, I know him as well as I know you. He is clerk in a store just -opposite ours. When he got the money he gave half a dozen of us a big -dinner at Delmonico's. We had a jolly time." - -"A thousand dollars for five!" repeated Joshua. "He was awfully lucky. -What lottery was it?" - -"It was one of the Delaware lotteries." - -"Do you know the name of it?" - -"No, but I'll tell you what I'll do. The fellow I was speaking of gets -lottery papers regularly. I'll ask him for one, and send it to you as -soon as I get back to the city." - -"I wish you would," said Joshua. "Wouldn't it be splendid if I could -draw a prize of a thousand dollars?" - -"I'll bet it would. It would make you independent of the old man. You -wouldn't care much for his twenty-five cents a week then?" - -"No, I'd tell him he might keep it till he got rich enough to afford me -more." - -"He'd open his eyes a little at that, I reckon." - -"I guess he would. When are you going back to the city?" - -"The last of this month. My time will be up then." - -"You won't forget to send me the paper?" - -"No, I'll remember it. Come in and have an ice-cream. You can return the -compliment when you've drawn a prize." - -"All right! Is a thousand dollars the highest prize?" - -"No, there are some of two, three, and five thousand. Then there are -five-hundred-dollar prizes, and so along to five dollars. Five hundred -wouldn't be so bad, eh?" - -"No, I should feel satisfied with that. I would come up to New York, and -spend a week." - -"If you do, just step in upon me, and I'll show you round. I know the -ropes." - -"I wish I could," said Joshua, enviously. "This is an awfully stupid -place. I tried to get leave to go to the city last fall, but the old man -wouldn't let me. He wasn't willing to spend the money." - -I hope none of my readers will so admire the character of Joshua -Drummond as to imitate him in the disrespectful manner in which he -speaks of his father. Yet I am aware that many boys and young men, who -are not without respect and affection for their parents, have fallen -into the very discreditable way of referring to them as "the old man" or -"the old woman." They may be sure that such a habit will prejudice -against them all persons of right feeling. - -Joshua and Sam went into the ice-cream saloon, which was kept, during -the summer only, in a small candy store, by a maiden lady who eked out a -scanty income by such limited patronage as the village could afford. -Joshua plied his companion with further questions, to all of which he -readily replied, though it is doubtful whether all the answers were -quite correct. But Sam, having been in the city a few months, wished to -be thought to have a very extensive acquaintance with it, and was -unwilling to admit ignorance on any point. - -Early the next week Sam returned to his duties in the city, and Joshua -awaited impatiently the promised lottery papers. - -Sam did not forget his promise. On the third day after his departure a -paper came to the village post-office, directed. - - - "Joshua Drummond, Esq., - Stapleton." - - -This was promptly taken from the office by Joshua, who had called on an -average twice a day for this very paper. It proved to be printed on -yellow paper, and fairly bristled with figures, indicating the large -sums which were weekly distributed all over the country by the -benevolent managers of the lottery. Here was a scheme in which the -principal prize was but a thousand dollars. However, the tickets were -but a dollar each, and a thousand dollars for one was certainly a -handsome return for a small outlay. There were others, however, in which -the principal prize was five thousand dollars, and the tickets were, in -due proportion, five dollars each. - -Joshua went off to a somewhat secluded place, for he did not wish to be -interrupted, and eagerly read the paper through from beginning to end. -Certainly the representations made were of a very seductive character. -One might suppose, from reading the paragraphs sandwiching the several -schemes, that the chances were strongly in favor of every holder of a -ticket drawing a prize, though a little calculation would have shown -that the chances of drawing even the smallest prize were scarcely more -than one in a hundred. Here, for instance, is one of the paragraphs:-- - -"A mechanic in a country town in New York State met with an accident -which confined him to his home for three months. He had a large family -of children, and had never been able to lay up any money. The -consequence was, that the family was reduced to great distress, and he -saw no resource except to try to borrow a little money, which would -create a debt that he might be years in paying off. But fortunately, -only a week before the accident, his wife had seen one of our -advertisements. She had five dollars by her, which she had intended to -appropriate to the purchase of a new dress. Instead of doing this, a -happy impulse led her to send for one of our tickets. She concealed this -from her husband, however, thinking that he would blame her. What was -her joy, when they were reduced to their last dollar, to receive from us -intelligence that she had drawn a prize of two thousand dollars! The -joy of the poor family can better be imagined than described. They were -enabled at once to purchase the house in which they lived, and thus to -lay the foundation of permanent prosperity. Thus, as in numberless other -cases, have we been the means of bringing joy to lucky households." - -Now, this story was probably manufactured out of whole cloth. At any -rate, even if true, for every such fortunate household there were a -hundred to which the lottery had carried disappointment and privation. -But of course the lottery managers could not be expected to allude to -these, nor did Joshua, as he greedily read such paragraphs, consider -them. On the contrary, his imagination and cupidity were both excited, -and he was foolish enough to suppose that his chances of success in case -he invested would be very good indeed. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -WAYS AND MEANS. - - -Having decided to purchase a lottery ticket, the important question -suggested itself, "Where was he to obtain the necessary five dollars?" - -To most boys or young men of eighteen this would not have been a -difficult question to solve. But to Joshua it was a perplexing problem. -If he saved his entire weekly allowance, it would take him twenty weeks -to obtain the needed sum. This delay was not to be thought of. Was there -any pretext on which he could ask his father for five dollars? He could -think of none that would be likely to succeed. Had he been trusted with -the purchase of his own clothes, he might have asked for a new coat and -misapplied the money; but Mr. Drummond took care to order Joshua's -clothes himself from the village tailor, and never did so without -grumbling at the expense he was obliged to incur. Indeed, Joshua was -not able to boast much of his clothes, for his father was not disposed -to encourage extravagance in dress. - -"Perhaps mother may have the money," thought Joshua. "If she has, I'll -get it out of her." - -He resolved at once to find out whether any help was to be obtained from -this quarter, and with this object turned his steps at once homeward. - -Mrs. Drummond was engaged in the homely employment of darning stockings -when Joshua entered the house. - -"You're home early, Joshua," she remarked, looking up. - -"Yes, mother. Have you got anything good to eat?" - -"I baked a small pie for you in a saucer. I thought that was the best -way. The other evening your father noticed that a piece was gone from -the half pie that was taken from the supper-table." - -"How awful mean he is!" - -"You shouldn't say that of your father, Joshua." - -"It's true, mother, and you know it. He's the meanest man in town." - -"I don't like to hear you talk in that way, Joshua. Don't forget that -he is your father." - -"I wish he'd treat me like a father, then. I leave it to you, mother, if -twenty-five cents a week isn't a miserable allowance for a fellow of my -age." - -"It is rather small," said Mrs. Drummond, cautiously. - -"Small! I should think it was. It's just about right for a boy of ten. -That's just the way he treats me." - -"Perhaps, if you would speak to your father about it, Joshua--" - -"I have spoken to him, and that's all the good it does. He blows me up -for my extravagance. Extravagance on twenty-five cents a week!" - -"I'll speak to him myself, Joshua," said his mother;--a heroic resolve, -for she knew that the request would bring anger upon herself. - -"He won't mind your talk any more than mine. But I'll tell you what you -can do to oblige me, mother." - -"Well, Joshua?" - -"I know of a way to make considerable money, and all I need to go into -it is five dollars. If you'll lend me that, I'll pay it back to you as -soon as I can. I think it won't be more than a fortnight." - -"What is the plan you are thinking of, Joshua?" - -But upon this subject Joshua thought it best to preserve a discreet -silence. He knew that the lottery scheme would not impress his mother -favorably, and that she would not lend the money for any such purpose. -He was aware in what light lotteries are generally regarded. Still his -imagination had been inflamed by the stories he had read of other -persons' luck, and he had succeeded in convincing himself that his own -chance would be very good. Thus he referred to it, in speaking to his -mother, as if he were sure of obtaining a large amount for his -investment. - -"I can't tell you just at present, mother," he said; "the fact is, -somebody else is concerned in it, and I am not allowed to tell." - -"I hope, Joshua, you have not allowed yourself to be imposed upon. You -know you are not used to business." - -"I know what I'm about, mother. I'm not a baby. All I want is the -money. Can you lend me five dollars?" - -"I wish I could; but you know your father doesn't allow me much money. I -get my dress patterns and most of what I want out of the store, so I -don't need it." - -"You have to buy things for the house,--groceries, and so on." - -"We have a bill at the grocery store. Your father pays it quarterly; so -no money passes through my hands for that purpose." - -"Then you haven't got the money, mother," said Joshua, disappointed. - -"I haven't had as much as five dollars in my possession at one time for -years," answered his mother. - -It was true that Mr. Drummond kept his wife uncommonly close. She was -allowed to obtain a limited amount of goods from the store for her own -wardrobe, but apart from that her husband appeared to think she had no -need of money. More than once she wished she could have a little money -at her control to answer occasional calls for charity. But on one -occasion, having been indiscreet enough to give twenty-five cents and a -good meal to a woman, sick and poor, who crawled to her door and asked -for help, Mr. Drummond indulged in such a display of ill-humor at her -foolish extravagance, as he called it, that she was forced afterwards to -deny her generous impulses, or give in the most secret manner, pledging -the recipient to silence. - -"I'm sorry I can't oblige you, Joshua," said his mother. "Will you have -the pie?" - -"Yes," said Joshua, sullenly, for he was at a loss where next to apply, -and felt that his scheme of sudden riches was blighted at its inception. -Notwithstanding his disappointment, however, he was able to dispose of -the pie. After consuming it, he went out of doors, to reflect upon other -ways of raising the necessary money. - -There was his cousin Walter; he was quite sure that he had the money, -but quite as sure that he would not lend it. Besides, he would have -hesitated to apply, on account of the dislike he had come to entertain -for our hero. This dislike had been increased by the result of the boat -race between the "Pioneer" and the "Arrow." He had occasion to know -that the defeat of the former boat was generally ascribed to his own -imperfect steering, and he also knew that Walter had obtained -considerable credit for his own performance in the same line. Now Joshua -knew in his own heart that he could not steer, but he wanted the -reputation of steering well, and it was very irksome to him to have to -play second fiddle to Walter. He had indicated his dislike ever since by -refusing to notice or speak to Walter, except in so far as it was -absolutely necessary. Of course Walter noticed this want of cordiality, -and was in a measure sorry for it; still he had become pretty thoroughly -acquainted with Joshua's character by this time, and this knowledge led -him to feel that the loss of his friendship was not a very serious one. -He had made some other acquaintances, in the village, with boys of his -own age, in whose society he found considerable more pleasure than he -was ever likely to do in Joshua's. - -"He can go his way, and I'll go mine," he said to himself. "I'll paddle -my own canoe, and he may paddle his. Perhaps he will succeed better in -that than in steering," he thought with a smile. - -Help from Walter, therefore, was not to be expected. Was there any one -else to help him? - -Joshua thought doubtfully of his father's clerk, young Nichols, who has -already been introduced to the reader. He did not think there was much -prospect of obtaining a loan from Nichols; still there might be. At any -rate there seemed no other resource, and he made up his mind to sound -him. - -He stepped into the store one day when Walter was absent on an errand, -and his father was out also. - -"Good-morning, Joshua," said the salesman. "What's up this morning?" - -"Nothing that I know of." - -"You have an easy time. Nothing to do but to lounge about all day. You -aint cooped up in a store fourteen hours a day." - -"That's so; but I suppose I'll have to begin some time." - -"Oh, you're all right. Your father's getting richer every year." - -"Yes, I suppose he is; but that doesn't give me ready money now. The -fact is, I'm hard up for five dollars. Can't you lend it to me for a -week? I'll give it back in a week, or ten days at any rate." - -"You couldn't come to a worse place for money," said Nichols, laughing. -"The fact is, I'm hard up myself, and always am. Old Jones, the tailor, -is dunning me for this very suit I have on. Fact is, my salary is so -small, I have the hardest kind of work to get along." - -"Then you can't lend me the money? It's for only a week I want it." - -"I've got less than a dollar in my pocket, and I'm owing about fifty -dollars to the tailor and shoemaker. Perhaps Walter can lend you the -money." - -"I shan't ask him," said Joshua, shortly. "I'll go without first." - -"Don't you like him?" - -"No, I don't. He's a mean fellow." - -Nichols was privately of the opinion that the term described Joshua -himself much more aptly, but did not express his opinion. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -JOSHUA TRIES KEEPING STORE. - - -The more Joshua thought it over, the more convinced he was that a large -sum of money was likely to come to him through the lottery, if he could -only manage to raise money enough to buy a ticket. But the problem of -how to get the necessary five dollars he was as far as ever from -solving. - -While in this state of mind he happened one day to be in the store at -noon, and alone. Nichols, the head clerk, wished to go to dinner, and -was only waiting for Walter to get back from an errand. - -"I wish Walter would hurry up," he grumbled. "My dinner will get cold." - -"I'll take your place till he gets back, Mr. Nichols," said Joshua, with -extraordinary kindness for him. - -[Illustration] - -"Much obliged, Joshua," said the salesman. "I'll do as much for you -another time. I don't think you'll have long to wait." - -"You'd better hurry off," said Joshua. "I'd just as lief wait as not." - -"I never knew him so accommodating before," thought Nichols, with a -feeling of surprise. - -He seized his hat and hurried away. - -No sooner had he gone than Joshua, after following him to the door, and -looking carefully up and down the street, walked behind the counter with -a hasty step, and opened the money-drawer. - -There was a small pile of bills in one compartment, and in the other a -collection of currency. He took the bills into his hand, and looked over -them. His hands trembled a little, for he contemplated a dishonest act. -Unable to obtain the money in any other way, he meant to borrow (that -was what he called it) five dollars from the money-drawer, and expend it -in a lottery ticket. - -Singling out a five-dollar bill from the pile, he thrust it into his -vest-pocket. He had scarcely done so when he was startled by hearing the -door open. He made a guilty jump, but perceived, to his relief, that it -was a woman not living in the village, but probably in some adjoining -town. - -"What can I show you, ma'am?" he asked, in a flurried manner, for he -could not help thinking of what he had in his vest-pocket. - -"I should like to look at some of your shawls," said the woman. - -Joshua knew very little about his father's stock. He did know, however, -where the shawls were kept, and going to that portion of the shelves, -pulled down half a dozen and showed them to his customer. - -"Are they all wool?" she asked, critically examining one of them. - -"Yes," answered Joshua, confidently, though he had not the slightest -knowledge on the subject. - -"What is the price of this one?" asked the customer, indicating the one -she had in her hand. - -"Five dollars," answered Joshua, with some hesitation. He knew nothing -of the price, but guessed that this would be about right. - -"And you say it is all wool?" - -"Certainly, ma'am." - -"I guess I'll take it. Will you wrap it up for me?" - -This Joshua did awkwardly enough, and the customer departed, much -pleased with her bargain, as she had a right to be, for the real price -of the shawl was nine dollars, but, thanks to Joshua's ignorance, she -had been able to save four. - -Joshua looked at the five-dollar bill he had just received, and a new -idea occurred to him. He replaced in the drawer the bill he had -originally taken from it, and substituted that just received. - -"I won't say anything about having sold a shawl," he said, "and -father'll never know that one has been sold. At any rate, not till I get -money enough to replace the bill I have taken." - -Just then a little girl came in and inquired for a spool of cotton. - -Joshua found the spools, and let her select one. - -"How much is it?" asked the young customer. - -"Ten cents." - -"Mother told me it wouldn't be but six." - -"Very well, if that is all you expect to pay, you shall have it for -that." - -"Thank you, sir;" and the little girl departed with her purchase. - -Joshua now hurriedly folded up the shawls and replaced them on the -shelves. He had just finished the task when Walter entered. - -"Are you tending store?" he said, in surprise. - -"Yes," said Joshua. "Nichols got tired waiting for you, so I told him -I'd stay till you got back." - -"I had some distance to go, and that detained me. Did you have any -customers?" - -"Yes, I just sold a spool of cotton to a little girl." - -"I met her a little way up the road, holding the spool in her hand." - -"Well," said Joshua, "I guess I'll go, now you've got back." - -He went across the street to his father's house, and, going up into his -own room, locked the door, not wishing to be interrupted. Then, opening -his desk, he took out a sheet of paper, and wrote a note to the address -given in his lottery circular, requesting the parties to send him by -return of mail a lottery ticket. He added, shrewdly as he thought, "If -this ticket draws a prize, I will keep on buying; but if it don't I -shall get discouraged and stop." - -"I guess that'll fetch 'em," thought Joshua. He folded up the paper, -and, inclosing the bill, directed it. - -The next thing to do was to mail it. - -Now this seemed a very simple thing, but it really occasioned -considerable trouble. The postmaster in a small village can generally -identify many of the correspondents who send letters through his office -by their handwriting. He knew Joshua's, and such a letter as this would -attract his attention and set him to gossiping. Considering the -circumstances under which he obtained the money, this was hardly -desirable, and Joshua therefore decided, though unwillingly, on account -of the trouble, to walk to the next post-office, a distance of three -miles, and post his letter there. - -He came downstairs with his letter in his pocket. "Where are you going, -Joshua?" asked his mother. - -"Going out to walk," said Joshua, shortly. - -"I wanted to send a little bundle to Mr. Faulkner's, but that is too -far off." - -"I'll carry it," said Joshua. - -Mrs. Drummond was astonished at this unusual spirit of accommodation, -for Joshua was, in general, far from obliging. The truth was, however, -that, though Mr. Faulkner lived over a mile and a quarter distant, it -was on his way to the post-office. - -"Thank you, Joshua," said Mrs. Drummond. "I was afraid you wouldn't be -willing to go so far." - -"I feel just like taking a long walk to-day, mother." - -"Here is the bundle. I will bake a little pie for you while you are -gone." - -So things seemed to be working very smoothly for Joshua, and he set out -on his three-mile walk in very good spirits. His walk he knew would make -him hungry, and the pie which his mother promised him would be very -acceptable on his return. - -Arrived in front of Mr. Faulkner's, he saw Frank Faulkner, a boy of -twelve, playing outside. - -"Frank," called out Joshua, "here's a bundle I want you to carry into -the house. Tell your folks my mother sent it." - -"All right," said Frank, and he carried it in. - -Joshua proceeded on his way, and finally reached the post-office. - -"Give me a three-cent postage-stamp," he said to the postmaster. - -This was speedily affixed to the letter, and, after resting a short -time, he set out on his walk homeward. - -Reaching the house of Mr. Faulkner, he was hailed by Frank, who was -still playing outside. - -"Where have you been, Joshua?" - -Joshua was not desirous of having it known where he had been, and he -answered, in the surly manner characteristic of him, "What business is -that of yours?" - -"Where did you learn manners?" asked Frank, who was a sturdy scion of -Young America, and quite disposed to stand up for his rights. - -"If you're impudent, I'll give you a licking," growled Joshua. - -"Next time you come along this way, you may take in your own bundles," -retorted Frank. - -"If I had a stick, I'd give you something you wouldn't like." - -"You'd have to catch me first," said Frank. - -Joshua's temper, which was none of the sweetest, was by this time -roused, and he started in pursuit of Frank, but the younger boy dodged -so adroitly as to baffle his pursuit. In attempting to catch him, -indeed, Joshua stubbed his toe violently against a projecting root, and -measured his length by the roadside. - -"Who's down, I wonder?" asked Frank, scrambling over the fence, where he -felt safe. - -"I'll wring your neck some time, you young imp!" exclaimed Joshua, -gathering himself up slowly and painfully, and shaking his fist -vindictively at Frank. - -"I'll wait till you're ready," returned Frank. "I'm in no hurry." - -At length Joshua reached home, feeling tired and provoked, but -congratulating himself that he had taken the first step towards the -grand prize which loomed in dazzling prospect before his eyes. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -JOSHUA'S DISAPPOINTMENT. - - -In due time, to Joshua's great delight, the lottery ticket reached him. -It was several days in coming, and he had almost given it up, but the -sight of it raised his spirits to the highest pitch. It seemed to him -the first step to a fortune. He began at once to indulge in dazzling -visions of what he would do when the prize came to hand; how the "old -man" would be astonished and treat him with increased respect; how he -would go to the city and have a good time seeing the lions, and from -henceforth throw off the galling yoke of dependence which his father's -parsimony had made it so hard to bear. - -Whenever he was by himself, he used to pull out the ticket and gaze at -it with the greatest satisfaction, as the key that was to unlock the -portals of Fortune, Independence, and Happiness. - -He had been afraid that his appropriation of five dollars would be -detected, and every time his father entered the house he looked into his -face with some apprehension; but days rolled by, and nothing was heard. -He congratulated himself that he had been able to sell the shawl for -precisely the sum he needed, otherwise the money might have been missed -that very night. As it was, neither the shawl nor the bill had been -missed. - -About this time he received a letter from Sam Crawford, describing the -gayeties of the city. It closed thus:-- - -"By the way, Josh, when are you coming up to the city, to take a look at -the lions? It's a shame that a young man of your age should be cooped up -in an insignificant little village like Stapleton. I wouldn't exchange -the knowledge of the world I have obtained here for five hundred -dollars! What a green rustic I was when I first came here! But it didn't -take me long to find the way round, and now I know the ropes as well as -the next man. I generally play billiards in the evening, and, if I do -say it myself, I am rather hard to beat. When you come up, I'll give you -a few lessons. I can't help pitying you for leading such a slow, -humdrum life in the country. I should be moped to death if I were in -your place. Can't you induce the old man to fork over the stamps, and -come up here, if only for a week?" - -This letter had the effect of making Joshua very much disgusted with -Stapleton. Brilliant visions of city life and city enjoyments flitted -before his eyes, and he felt that nothing was needed to make a man of -him except the knowledge of life which a city residence would be sure to -give. - -"It's all true what Sam says," he soliloquized. "A man can't learn -anything of life here. No wonder he looks upon me as a green rustic. How -can I be anything else in this miserable little village? But as for the -old man's paying my expenses on a visit, he's too mean for that. But -then there is the lottery ticket. Just as soon as I get hold of my -prize, I'll go on my own hook." - -I append a passage from Joshua's reply to Sam's letter:-- - - - "There isn't any chance of the old man's forking over stamps enough - to pay for my visit to New York. He's too thundering mean for - that. All he cares for is to make money. _But I'm coming, for all - that._ I've bought a lottery ticket, as you advised, and just as - soon as I get hold of the prize, I shall come and make you a visit. - I should like very much to learn billiards. I wish there was a - billiard table in Stapleton, though it wouldn't do me much good if - there were, the old man keeps me so close. I shall be glad when I - am twenty-one. I don't see why he can't let me have a few thousand - dollars then, and set me up in business in the city. Perhaps we - could go in together as partners. However, there is no use in - talking about him, for he won't do it. _But I may get hold of the - money some other way._ Would five thousand dollars be enough to set - a fellow up in business in New York? - - "You will hear from me again soon. I hope I shall be able to write - you that I am coming to see you. - - "Your friend, - "JOSHUA DRUMMOND." - - -It will be seen that Joshua was willing to go into business for himself, -though he did not care to take a situation. He had the idea, which I -think is entertained by a large number of boys and young men, that an -employer has nothing to do but to sit at his desk, count over his money, -and order his clerks around. For such an employment as this Joshua felt -that he was well adapted, and would very much have enjoyed the sense of -importance it would give him. But Joshua made a great mistake. Many -employers look back upon the years which they passed as clerks as years -of comparative leisure and ease, certainly of freedom from anxiety. They -find that they have a heavy price to pay for the privilege of being -their own masters, and the masters of others. But Joshua was thoroughly -lazy, and it was this feeling that dictated the wish which he expressed -in his letter to Sam Crawford. - -The days passed very slowly, it must be acknowledged. Joshua was in a -restless and excited state. Though he expected to draw a prize, he knew -that there was a remote chance of failing to draw anything, and he -wanted the matter decided. - -But at length the long-expected letter arrived. Joshua did not like to -open it in the post-office, lest it should attract the attention of the -postmaster. He therefore withdrew to a place where he was not likely to -be disturbed, and with trembling fingers opened the letter. - -Something dropped out. - -"I wonder if it is a check?" thought Joshua, stooping over and picking -it up. - -But no, it was an announcement of the drawing. - -Joshua's numbers,--for each lottery ticket contains three numbers,--were -9, 15, 50. But of the thirteen lucky numbers drawn out of sixty-five, -neither of them was one. - -Slowly it dawned upon Joshua that he had drawn nothing, that his five -dollars had been absolutely thrown away. But there was a letter. Perhaps -this would explain it. - -Joshua read as follows:-- - - - "DEAR SIR:--We regret to say that we are unable to send you a prize - this time. We hope, however, you will not be discouraged. Some of - our patrons who have been most fortunate have commenced by being - unlucky. Indeed, singularly enough, this is a general rule. Let us - cite an instance. Mr. B----, of your State, bought his first ticket - of us last spring. It turned out a blank. We wrote him not to be - discouraged, but we did not hear from him for some weeks. Finally - he sent us a remittance for a ticket, adding that he sent it with a - very faint hope of success. He was convinced that he was born to - ill-luck. But what was the result? In less than a fortnight we had - the pleasure and gratification of sending him five thousand - dollars, minus our usual commission. Suppose he had been - discouraged by a first failure, you can see how much he would have - lost. - - "Hoping to hear from you again, and to send you in return better - news, we subscribe ourselves, - - "Very respectfully, - "GRABB & CO." - - -The effect of Joshua's ill success was to make him very despondent. - -"It's all very well to say 'Try again,'" he said to himself, "but where -can I get the money? That five dollars is thrown away, and I've got -nothing to show for it." - -He thought of all he had intended to do, and now his castles had -crumbled, and all in consequence of this letter. He had been so sanguine -of success. Now he must write to Sam that his visit to New York was -indefinitely postponed, that is, unless he could induce his father to -provide him with money enough to go. The prospect was not very -encouraging, but he felt desperate, and he determined to make the -attempt. - -Accordingly, just after supper, he detained his father, just as he was -returning to the store, and said:-- - -"Father, I wish you'd let me go to New York on a visit." - -"What for?" asked Mr. Drummond, elevating his brows. - -"Because I'm eighteen years old, and I've never been there yet." - -"Then, if you've gone eighteen years without seeing the city, I think -you can go a while longer," said his father, under the impression that -he had made a witty remark. But Joshua did not appreciate the humor of -it. - -"I've lived in Stapleton ever since I was born," grumbled Joshua, "and -have got tired of it. I want to see something of life." - -"Do you? Well, I'm sure I've no objection." - -"May I go then?" - -"Yes." - -"When?" asked Joshua, joyfully. - -"To-morrow, if you like; but of course you will pay your own expenses." - -"How can I?" exclaimed Joshua, in angry disappointment. "I have no -money." - -"Then you can save up your allowance till you have enough." - -"Save up on twenty-five cents a week! I couldn't go till I was an old -man!" - -"I know of no other way," said Mr. Drummond, with provoking -indifference, "unless you earn the money in some way." - -"You treat me like a little boy!" said Joshua, angrily. - -"You are better off than I am. I have to work for all I get. You get -your board, clothes, and pocket-money for nothing." - -"Other boys go to New York when they are much younger." - -"I have told you you can go when you like, but you mustn't expect me to -supply the money." - -Mr. Drummond put on his hat and crossed the street to the store, leaving -Joshua in a very unfilial frame of mind. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -WALTER FINDS HIMSELF IN HOT WATER. - - -Two days later two women entered Mr. Drummond's store. One was Joshua's -customer, and she wore the same shawl which she had purchased of him. - -It happened that Walter was out, but Mr. Drummond and Nichols were both -behind the counter. - -"Have you got any more shawls like this?" asked the first lady, whom we -will call Mrs. Blake. "Mrs. Spicer, who is a neighbor of mine, liked it -so well that she wants to get another just like it." - -This was addressed to Mr. Drummond, who happened to be nearest the door. - -"Did you buy this shawl of us?" asked Mr. Drummond. - -"Yes, sir. I bought it about a fortnight ago, and paid five dollars for -it." - -"Five dollars! There must be some mistake. We never sell such a shawl -as that for less than ten dollars." - -"I can't help it," said Mrs. Blake, positively. "I bought it here, and -paid five dollars for it." - -"Why, those shawls cost me seven dollars and a half at wholesale. It is -not likely I would sell them for five." - -"I didn't buy it of you." - -"Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond, "did you sell this lady the shawl she -is wearing, for five dollars?" - -"No, sir; have not sold a shawl like that for two months. I know the -price well enough, and I wouldn't sell it for less than ten dollars." - -"I didn't buy it of him, I bought it of a boy," said Mrs. Blake. - -"It must have been that stupid Conrad," exclaimed Mr. Drummond, angrily. -"Wait till he comes in, and I'll haul him over the coals." - -"Then you won't let my friend have another like it for five dollars?" - -"No," said Mr. Drummond, provoked. "I don't do business that way. I've -lost nearly three dollars by that shawl of yours. You ought to make up -the wholesale price to me." - -"I shan't do it," said Mrs. Blake. "If you've made a mistake, it's your -lookout. I wasn't willing to pay more than five dollars." - -The two ladies were about to leave the store when Mr. Drummond said, -"The boy will be back directly. I wish you would wait a few minutes, so -that if he denies it you can prove it upon him." - -"I've got a call to make," said Mrs. Blake, "but I'll come in again in -about an hour." - -They left the store, and Mr. Drummond began to berate the absent Walter. -He was provoked to find that he had lost two dollars and a half, and, if -Walter had been in receipt of any wages, would have stopped the amount -out of his salary. But, unfortunately for this plan of reprisal, our -hero received his board only, and that could not very well be levied -upon. However, he might have some money in his possession, and Mr. -Drummond decided to require him to make up the loss. - -"When did she say she bought the shawl, Mr. Nichols?" asked his -employer. - -"About a fortnight ago." - -"Will you look on the books, and see if you find the sale recorded? I am -surprised that it escaped my attention." - -Nichols looked over the book of sales, and announced that no such entry -could be found. - -Mr. Drummond was surprised. Though not inclined to judge others any too -charitably, he had never suspected Walter of dishonesty. - -"Are you sure you looked back far enough?" he asked. - -"Yes," said Nichols; "to make sure, I looked back four weeks. The woman -said only a fortnight, you know." - -"I know. Then it seems Conrad has concealed the sale and kept the -money." - -"Perhaps," suggested Nichols, who rather liked Walter, "he forgot to put -it down." - -"If he did, he forgot to put the money in the drawer, for the cash and -the sales have always balanced. He's an ungrateful young rascal," -continued Mr. Drummond, harshly. "After I took him into my house and -treated him as a son (this was not saying much, if Joshua may be -believed), he has robbed me in the most cold-blooded manner." - -Why there should be anything cold-blooded in appropriating the price of -the shawl, even had the charge been true, I cannot say, nor could Mr. -Drummond probably, but he thought that the use of this term would make -the offence seem more aggravated. - -Even Nichols was a little staggered by the evidence against our hero. He -did not like to think him guilty, but it certainly seemed as if he must -be. - -"What are you going to do about it, Mr. Drummond?" he asked. - -"I suppose I ought to have him arrested. He deserves it." - -"I hope you won't do that. He may be able to explain it." - -"If I do not proceed to extremities, it will be on account of his -relationship, which I blush to acknowledge." - -The time had been, and that not long since, when Mr. Drummond felt proud -of his relationship to the rich Squire Conrad of Willoughby; but that -was before his loss of property. Circumstances alter cases. - -Quite unconscious of the storm that was gathering, Walter at this -moment entered the store. - -"So you've got back!" said Mr. Drummond, harshly. - -"Yes, sir." - -"You haven't been in any particular hurry. However, that was not what I -wished to speak to you about. We have made a discovery since you went -out." - -"Have you, sir?" asked Walter, rather surprised by the peculiar tone -which Mr. Drummond saw fit to adopt. - -"Yes, and not a very agreeable one." - -"I am sorry for that," said Walter, not knowing what else was expected -of him. - -"No doubt you are sorry," sneered Mr. Drummond. "I should think he would -be, eh, Mr. Nichols?" - -"I am sorry also," said Nichols, who, though rather weak-minded, was a -good-hearted young man. - -"So am I sorry," said Mr. Drummond. "It strikes me I have most reason to -be sorry, considering that the loss has fallen on me." - -All this was an enigma to Walter, and he had not the faintest idea of -what his employer meant. He inferred, however, that some blame was about -to be laid upon him. - -"If you have no objection, Mr. Drummond," he said quietly, "perhaps you -will tell me what has happened." - -"I have found out your ingratitude, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, -preparing for a lecture, which he rather liked to indulge in, as his -wife could have testified. "I have discovered how like a viper you have -repaid me for my kindness. You didn't think I would find out, but your -iniquity has providentially come to light. While I was loading you with -benefits, you prepared to sting the hand of your benefactor." - -"I don't know what you are talking about, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, -impatiently. "I wish you would stop talking in riddles, and let me know -in what way I resemble a viper." - -"Did you ever witness such brazen effrontery, Mr. Nichols?" demanded Mr. -Drummond, turning to his head salesman; "even when he is found out, he -brazens it out." - -"Wouldn't it be as well to tell him what is the matter, Mr. Drummond?" -asked Nichols, who was in hopes our hero would be able to prove his -innocence. - -"Won't you tell me, Mr. Nichols?" asked Walter. - -"No," said Mr. Drummond, waving his hand; "it is my duty to tell him -myself. I will do so briefly. Walter Conrad, when I admitted you into my -house I little dreamed that I was harboring a thief." - -"A thief!" exclaimed Walter, his eyes flashing with anger, and elevating -his fist involuntarily. "Who dares to call me a thief?" - -"No violence, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond. "Such a theatrical display of -indignation and surprise won't help you any. We are not to be imposed -upon by your artful demonstrations." - -"Mr. Drummond," burst forth Walter, fairly aroused, "you are insulting -me by every word you speak. I am no more a thief than you are." - -"Do you call me a thief?" exclaimed Mr. Drummond, turning white about -the lips. - -"No, I don't; but I have as much right to call you one as you have to -charge such a thing upon me." - -"I can prove what I say," said his employer. "I have got you in a net." - -"It won't take me long to get out of any net you may set for me. I -insist upon your telling me at once what you mean." - -"This language is rather extraordinary for a boy convicted of dishonesty -to use towards his employer." - -"I am not convicted of dishonesty. Mr. Nichols, I appeal to you to tell -me, what Mr. Drummond does not seem disposed to do, what is the meaning -of this false charge which he has trumped up against me." - -"I am sure you can prove your innocence, Conrad," said Nichols, -soothingly. - -"Mr. Nichols, will you do me the favor to be silent?" said his employer, -sharply. "The matter concerns Conrad and myself, and I don't choose that -any one should communicate with him except myself. To come to the point, -did you, or did you not, a fortnight since, sell one of those shawls, -such as you see on the counter, for five dollars?" - -"I did not," said Walter, promptly. - -"It might not have been exactly a fortnight. Have you sold such a shawl -within four weeks?" - -"I have not sold such a shawl since I have been in your employ, Mr. -Drummond." - -"You hear what he says, Mr. Nichols," said Mr. Drummond. "You see how he -adds falsehood to dishonesty. But that is not uncommon. It is only what -I expected. Do you mean to say, Walter Conrad, that you didn't sell such -a shawl for five dollars (only half price), and, instead of entering the -sale, put the money into your own pocket?" - -"I do deny it most emphatically, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, -impetuously, "and I challenge you to prove it." - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE TABLES ARE TURNED. - - -"I shall soon be able to prove it," said Mr. Drummond. "The lady who -bought the shawl came into the store half an hour since, and asked for -another. When I told her that it would cost ten dollars, she said she -only paid five for the one she had on. She then told us that she bought -it of you a fortnight since." - -"How did she know my name?" - -"She did not mention your name. She said that it was a boy she bought it -of, and of course that can only be you." - -"There is some mistake about this, Mr. Drummond. She has made a mistake. -She must have bought it somewhere else." - -"She would not be likely to make such a mistake as this. Besides, the -shawl is like others I have. How do you account for that?" queried Mr. -Drummond, triumphantly. - -"I don't pretend to account for it, and don't feel called upon to do so. -All I have got to say is, that I did not sell the shawl, nor pocket the -money." - -"I shouldn't be surprised if you had the money about you at this very -moment." - -"You are mistaken," said Walter, firmly. - -"Show me your pocket-book." - -"My pocket-book is my own property." - -"You are afraid to show it. Observe that, Mr. Nichols. Does not that -look like guilt?" - -"I am willing to show it to Mr. Nichols," said Walter. - -He took it from his pocket, and handed it to Nichols, who took it rather -unwillingly. - -"Open that pocket-book, Mr. Nichols, and show me what is in it." - -"Shall I do so, Walter?" asked Nichols. - -"Yes, Mr. Nichols. There is nothing in it that I am ashamed of." - -Nichols opened the pocket-book and took out three bills. - -"What are those bills, Mr. Nichols?" asked his employer. - -"There is a one, here is a two, and here is--" Nichols hesitated and -looked disturbed--"here is a five." - -Mr. Drummond's mean face was radiant with exultation. - -"I told you so. I think we need no further proof. The stolen money has -been found in Conrad's possession, and his falsehood and dishonesty are -clearly proved. Hand me that five." - -"Stop a minute, Mr. Drummond," said Walter, coolly. "You are altogether -too much in a hurry. You have proved nothing whatever. That five-dollar -bill I brought from home with me, and I have kept it ever since, having -no occasion to spend it." - -"Do you think I will believe any such story?" asked his employer, with a -sneer. "That is very plausible, Conrad, but very improbable. I have no -doubt whatever that the bill is the same one which was paid you for the -shawl." - -"Then you are entirely mistaken." - -"That remains to be seen. Mr. Nichols, I will relieve you of that -pocket-book. As the shawl should have been sold for ten dollars, the -entire contents will not be sufficient to pay for the loss I have -sustained." - -"Mr. Nichols," said Walter, "I forbid your giving that pocket-book to -Mr. Drummond. He has no claim to it whatever. You may give it to me." - -"I forbid you giving it to Conrad," broke in his employer. - -"I don't know what to do," said Nichols, perplexed, looking from one to -the other. - -"You know that it belongs to me, Mr. Nichols," said Walter. - -"I--I think I had better lay it down on the counter," said Nichols, by -the way of compromise. - -Walter, who was on the outside, sprang to the counter, and seized it -just in time to prevent Mr. Drummond's obtaining it. The latter was very -angry at his want of success, and exclaimed violently, "Walter Conrad, -give me that pocket-book instantly." - -Walter, who had put it in an inside pocket of his coat, coolly buttoned -the coat and answered, "If you had any claim to it, Mr. Drummond, you -would not have to speak twice; but as it is mine, I prefer to keep it." - -Mr. Drummond, though he had an irritable, aggravating temper, was not -one to proceed to violence on ordinary occasions. But just now he was -thoroughly provoked, and showed it. He sprang over the counter with an -agility worthy of his youth, and advanced threateningly upon Walter. - -"Walter Conrad," he exclaimed furiously, "how dare you defy me in this -outrageous manner? Do you know that I can have you arrested; but in -consideration of your being a relation, I may be induced to spare you -the penalty of the law if you will give me what money you have towards -making up my loss." - -"So I would, if the loss had come through me. But I have already told -you that this is not the case. I know nothing whatever about the shawl." - -"And this," said Mr. Drummond, folding his arms, "this is the viper that -I have warmed in my bosom. This is the friendless orphan that I admitted -beneath my roof, and made a companion of my son. This is the ungrateful -serpent who has crept into my confidence, and abused it!" - -Mr. Drummond was an orator on a small scale, and the pleasure of giving -utterance to this scathing denunciation caused him to delay his -intention to obtain possession of the pocket-book by violence. - -Walter ought to have been withered by this outburst of righteous anger, -but he wasn't. He stood it very well, and did not seem in the least -affected. - -"Behold his hardened effrontery, Mr. Nichols," pursued Mr. Drummond, -unfolding his arms, and pointing at our hero with quivering fore-finger. -"I could not have believed that a boy of his years could be so brazen." - -"Mr. Drummond," said Walter, "I am sustained by a consciousness of my -innocence, and therefore what you say has no effect upon me. It doesn't -seem to be very just to convict me without evidence, and sentence me -without trial." - -"Will you give up that pocket-book?" demanded Mr. Drummond, furiously, -having indulged in his little flight of oratory, and being now ready to -proceed to business. - -"No, sir, I will not," returned Walter, looking him firmly in the face. - -Mr. Drummond made a dash for him, but Walter was used to dodging, and, -eluding his grasp, ran behind the counter. - -"Mr. Nichols, help me to catch him," said Mr. Drummond, quite red in the -face. - -But Nichols did not show any great readiness to obey. He let Walter pass -him, and did not make the least effort to retain him. - -Mr. Drummond was making ready to jump over the counter, when Nichols, to -his great relief, observed the ladies, already referred to, coming up -the steps from the street. - -"Mr. Drummond, the ladies have returned," he said hastily. - -"Aha!" said his employer, with exultation. "Now we will be able to prove -your guilt, you young rascal! Here is the lady who bought the shawl of -you." - -Mrs. Blake and her friend, Mrs. Spicer, here entered the store. - -Mr. Drummond went forward to meet them. His face was flushed, but he -tried to look composed. - -"I am glad to see you back, ladies," he said. "You told me that you -bought your shawl of a boy?" turning to Mrs. Blake. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Come forward, Conrad," said Mr. Drummond, a malignant smile -overspreading his face. "Perhaps you will deny now, to this lady's face, -that you sold her the shawl she has on." - -"I certainly do," said Walter. "I never, to my knowledge, saw the lady -before, and I know that I did not sell her the shawl." - -"What do you think of that, Mr. Nichols?" said Mr. Drummond. "Did you -ever witness such unblushing falsehood?" - -But here a shell was thrown into Mr. Drummond's camp, and by Mrs. Blake -herself. - -"The boy is perfectly right," she said. "I did not buy the shawl of -him." - -"WHAT!" stammered Mr. Drummond. - -Mrs. Blake repeated her statement. - -"Didn't you say you bought the shawl of the boy?" asked Mr. Drummond, -with a sickly hue of disappointment overspreading his face. - -"Yes, but it was not that boy." - -"That is the only boy I have in my employment." - -"Come to think of it, I believe it was your son," said Mrs. Blake. -"Isn't he a little older than this boy?" - -"My son,--Joshua!" exclaimed Mr. Drummond. - -"Yes, I think it must be he. He's got rather an old-looking face, with -freckles and reddish hair; isn't so good-looking as this boy." - -"Joshua!" repeated Mr. Drummond, bewildered. "He doesn't tend in the -store." - -"It was about dinner-time," said Mrs. Blake. "He was the only one here." - -"Do you know anything about this, Mr. Nichols?" asked Mr. Drummond, -turning to his head clerk. - -Light had dawned upon Nichols. He remembered now Joshua's offer to take -his place, and he felt sure in his own mind who was the guilty party. - -"Yes, Mr. Drummond," he answered; "about a fortnight ago, as Walter was -rather late in getting back, Joshua offered to stay in the store for a -while. He must have sold the shawl, but he must have guessed at the -price." - -"A mistake has been made," said Mr. Drummond, hurriedly, to the -ladies,--"a mistake that you have profited by. I shall not be able to -sell you another shawl for less than ten dollars." - -The ladies went out, and Mr. Drummond and his two clerks were left -alone. - -"Mr. Drummond," said Walter, quietly, "after what has happened, you will -not be surprised if I decline to remain in your employ. I shall take the -afternoon train to Willoughby." - -He walked out of the store, and crossed the street to Mr. Drummond's -house. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -IN WHICH JOSHUA COMES TO GRIEF. - - -Walter went up to his room, and hastily packed his trunk. He felt -wronged and outraged by the unfounded charge that had been made against -him. Why, he argued, should Mr. Drummond so readily decide that he had -cheated him out of five dollars? He felt that he could not, with any -self-respect, remain any longer under the same roof with a man who had -such a poor opinion of him. - -He was not sorry that his engagement was at an end. He had obtained some -knowledge of the dry-goods business, and he knew that his services were -worth more than his board. Then again, though he was not particular -about living luxuriously, the fare at Mr. Drummond's was so uncommonly -poor that he did sometimes long for one of the abundant and well-cooked -meals which he used to have spread before him at home, or even at his -boarding-house while a pupil of the Essex Classical Institute. - -He was packing his trunk when a step was heard on the stairs, and his -door was opened by Mr. Drummond, considerably to Walter's surprise. - -The fact is, that Mr. Drummond, on realizing what a mistake he had made, -and that Joshua was the real culprit, felt that he had gone altogether -too far, and he realized that he would be severely censured by Walter's -friends in Willoughby. Besides, it was just possible that Walter might, -after all, recover a few thousand dollars from his father's estate, and -therefore it was better to be on good terms with him. Mr. Drummond -determined, therefore, to conciliate Walter, and induce him, if -possible, to remain in his house and employ. - -"What are you doing, Conrad?" he asked, on entering Walter's chamber. - -"Packing my trunk, sir," said Walter. - -"Surely you are not going to leave us." - -"I think it best," said Walter, quietly. - -"You won't--ahem!--bear malice on account of the little mistake I made. -We are all liable to mistakes." - -"It was something more than a mistake, Mr. Drummond. What had you seen -in me to justify you in such a sudden charge of dishonesty?" - -"Almost anybody would have been deceived under the circumstances," said -Mr. Drummond, awkwardly. - -"You did not give me an opportunity to defend myself, or rather you -disbelieved all I said." - -"Well, Conrad, I was mistaken. I shall be glad to have you come back to -the store as before." - -"Thank you, Mr. Drummond, but I have decided to go back to Willoughby -for a short time. I want to consult Mr. Shaw about the future. It is -time I formed some plans, as I shall probably have to earn my living." - -"Don't you think you had better wait a few months?" - -"No, sir, I think not." - -"If you have made up your mind, all I have to say is that my humble -dwelling will be ever open to receive you in the future. Perhaps, after -a short visit at your old home, you may feel inclined to return to my -employment. I will give you a dollar a week besides board." - -Mr. Drummond looked as if he felt that this was a magnificent offer, for -which Walter ought to feel grateful. But our hero knew very well that he -could command better pay elsewhere, and was not particularly impressed. -Still he wished to be polite. - -"Thank you for your offer, Mr. Drummond," he said; "but I am not -prepared to say, as yet, what I will do." - -"I hope," said Mr. Drummond, rather embarrassed, "you won't speak of our -little difference to your friends at Willoughby." - -"No, sir, not if you wish me not to do so." - -By this time the trunk was packed, and Walter, locking it, rose from his -knees. - -"If it won't be too much trouble, Mr. Drummond," he said, "I will send -for my trunk to-morrow." - -"Certainly. Why won't you wait till to-morrow yourself?" - -"As I am ready, I may as well take the afternoon train." - -"Very well; just as you think best." - -"I will go down and bid good-by to Mrs. Drummond." - -Mrs. Drummond had just come from the kitchen. She looked with surprise -at Walter and her husband, whose presence in the house at that hour was -unusual. - -"What is the matter?" she asked. - -"Conrad is going home a short time on business," explained Mr. Drummond. - -"When shall we see you back again, Walter?" asked Mrs. Drummond. - -"That is uncertain," said Walter. "It depends upon my plans for the -future." - -"I have offered him increased pay," said Mr. Drummond, "if he will -return to the store. I hope he may decide to do so. Our humble roof will -ever be ready to shelter him." - -Considering that Mr. Drummond had not lately made any such hospitable -references to the humble roof, his wife looked somewhat puzzled. - -Just at that moment Joshua, unconscious of the damaging discovery that -had been made relative to himself, entered the room. - -"Hallo! what's up?" he asked. - -It was the first time his father had seen him since the discovery of his -dishonesty, and his anger was kindled. - -"You ought to be ashamed to show your face here, you young reprobate!" -he exclaimed. - -Joshua stared in amazement, and Mrs. Drummond exclaimed, "What makes you -talk so, Mr. Drummond? What has he done?" - -"What has he done?" ejaculated Mr. Drummond, adding, rather -ungrammatically, "He's a thief, that's what he's done." - -"How can you say such things of your own son?" - -"Shut up, Mrs. Drummond; you don't know what you're talking about, or -you wouldn't defend him. It would serve him right if I should flog him -within an inch of his life." - -"If you try it," said Joshua, sullenly, "I'll have you arrested for -assault and battery." - -"Take care, boy! or you may find yourself in custody for theft." - -"What do all these dreadful words mean?" asked Mrs. Drummond, -distressed. "Tell me, Walter, if you know." - -"I would rather Mr. Drummond informed you," said Walter. - -"I'll tell you, Mrs. Drummond," said her husband. "That boy sold a shawl -a fortnight ago, when alone in the store, and pocketed the money." - -"Who said I did?" asked Joshua, boldly, though he looked a little pale. - -"The woman who bought it of you was in the store to-day." - -"Did she say I sold it to her?" - -"Yes." - -"Did she know my name?" - -"No, but she described you." - -"So I did," said Joshua, finding it advisable to remember. "I remember -now I sold it for five dollars." - -"What made you keep the money?" - -"I didn't. I waited till Conrad came into the store, and gave the money -to him. What he did with it, I don't know. Perhaps he forgot to put it -in the drawer," he added, with a spiteful look at Walter. - -"That's a lie, Joshua Drummond!" said Walter, quietly, "and you know it -is. I think your father knows it is also." - -"Do you mean to say I lie?" blustered Joshua. - -"I wouldn't if I wasn't obliged to; but in my own defence I am compelled -to do so." - -"What could I want of the money?" demanded Joshua, with a look of -virtuous indignation. - -"I might as well ask the same question of myself; but that would be a -poor defence. If you really want me to answer that question, I will do -it." - -"Go ahead, then," said Joshua. "I hope my word is better than that of a -beggar living on charity." - -"Joshua!" said his mother, in a tone of remonstrance. - -"I think you wanted the money to buy lottery tickets with," said Walter, -calmly. - -Joshua turned pale, and looked thunderstruck. - -"To buy lottery tickets with!" he gasped, staring at Walter in dismay. - -"What's that?" asked Mr. Drummond, pricking up his ears. - -"Your son can tell you," said Walter. - -"What does this mean, Joshua?" demanded his father, sternly. - -"It's a lie," said Joshua, unblushingly. - -"Have you bought no lottery tickets?" - -"No." - -"Can you prove this charge which you have made against my son?" asked -Mr. Drummond, turning to Walter. - -"I can, but I am sorry to do so. I picked up this letter a day or two -since, and intended to give it back to Joshua, but it escaped my mind. I -would not have exposed him if he had not tried to charge me with theft." - -He placed in Mr. Drummond's hands the letter already given, announcing -to Joshua that he had drawn a blank. - -Mr. Drummond read it with no little anger, for he detested lotteries. - -"Unhappy boy!" he said, addressing Joshua. "I understand now what -became of the five dollars. This decides me to do what I had intended to -do sooner. I have supported you in laziness long enough. It is time you -went to work. Next week you must go to work. I will take you into my -store; but as I am not sure of your honesty, if I find you appropriating -money to your own use, I will put you into a shoe-shop and make a -shoemaker of you." - -This was an alarming threat to Joshua, who had a foolish pride, which -led him to look upon a trade as less respectable than the mercantile -profession. He slunk out of the house, and Mr. Drummond went back to the -store, while Walter set out on foot for the railway station, -three-quarters of a mile distant. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -A NEW ACQUAINTANCE. - - -"Give me a ticket to Willoughby," said Walter, offering the five-dollar -bill which he had come so near losing. - -The ticket was handed him, and three dollars and seventy-five cents were -returned to him. - -"How long are you going to stay away?" asked the station-master, with -whom Walter had some acquaintance. - -"I may not come back at all." - -"Have you left Drummond's store?" - -"Yes." - -"Isn't that rather sudden?" - -"A little so; but I didn't mean to stay long." - -The shriek of the locomotive now became audible, and Walter went out on -the platform. Five minutes later found him occupying a seat, or rather -half a seat, for there sat next to him a brisk, energetic-looking man, -of about thirty years of age. - -He had been reading the morning paper, but apparently he had got through -with it, for he folded it up, and put it in his pocket. - -"Fine day," he said, briskly. - -"Yes, sir, very fine," answered Walter. - -"Some people are affected by the weather; I am not," pursued his -fellow-traveller. "I feel as smart one day as another." - -"It isn't quite so cheerful when it rains," observed Walter. - -"I'm always cheerful. I've got too much business to do to mope. When a -man's got enough to busy himself about, he hasn't time to be in the -dumps." - -"There's a good deal in that," said Walter. - -"Of course there is. Push along, keep moving, that's my motto. Are you -in business?" - -"No, sir, not at present." - -"I'm in the subscription-book business,--got an office in New York. We -send out agents everywhere to canvass for our publication. Lots of -money in it." - -"Is there?" - -"Yes. I used to be an agent myself, and, though I say it, I don't think -there are many agents that can get ahead of me. Sometimes I used to make -twenty dollars a day. At last I thought I'd like to settle down, so I -bought a partnership, and now, instead of being an agent, I send out -agents." - -"Isn't twenty dollars a day pretty large for an agent to make?" asked -Walter. - -"Yes, there are not many do it, but plenty make from five to ten right -along. You look as if you would make a good agent." - -"What makes you think so?" asked Walter. - -"You look smart." - -"Thank you," said Walter, laughing. "I am afraid you won't think so much -of my ability when I tell you I have been working for the last three -months for my board." - -"It's a shame. You'd better come with us. We'll do much better by you -than that." - -"I am going to consult some friends about my future plans. If you are -willing to tell me a little of your business, I will think of what you -propose." - -"I have with me our latest publication. It's going like wildfire. Just -the thing to please the people. I'll show it to you." - -Walter looked with interest while his new acquaintance drew out from a -carpet-bag, which he had beneath the seat, a good-sized parcel wrapped -in brown paper. Untying it, he produced a bulky octavo, in flashy -binding, and abounding in illustrations. He opened the book and turned -over the leaves rapidly. - -"It's stuffed full of illustrations, you see," said he. "The expense of -the pictures alone was absolutely e-nor-mous!" he added, dwelling upon -the last word by way of emphasis. "But we're going to make it pay. The -sale will be immense. Our agents already in the field report remarkable -sales." - -"What's the title of the book?" asked Walter, who had yet been unable to -determine this point, by reason of the rapid turning of the pages. - -"'Scenes in Bible Lands.' We include other countries besides Palestine, -and we've made a book that'll sell. Most every family will want one." - -"What terms do you offer to agents?" - -"Why, the book sells at retail at three dollars and fifty cents. Of this -the agent keeps one dollar and twenty-five cents. Pretty good, isn't -it?" - -"Yes, I should think it was." - -"You see you have only to sell four copies a day to make five dollars. -If you're smart, you can do better than that." - -It really did seem very good to Walter, who couldn't help comparing it -with the miserable wages he had received from Mr. Drummond. - -"I think that would pay very well," he said. - -"Most paying business out," said the other. "Say the word, and I'll -engage you on the spot." - -"Where would you want me to sell?" - -"I should like to have you go West. This way districts are mostly taken -up. It would give you a good chance to travel and see the world." - -Now Walter was, like most young people, fond of new scenes, and this -consideration was a weighty one. It would enable him to travel, and pay -his expenses while doing so. - -"Better say the word." - -"I can't now. I must see my friends first." - -"Where are you going?" - -"To Willoughby." - -"How long are you going to stay?" - -"I can't tell. A few days probably." - -"Well, I'll give you the number of our office in New York. When you get -ready, report to us there, and we'll put you in the field." - -To this Walter assented, and asked several questions further, to which -he received encouraging answers. The stranger gave him his card, from -which our hero learned that he had made the acquaintance of Mr. James -Pusher, of the firm of Flint & Pusher, subscription publishers, No. -- -Nassau St., New York. - -"Good-by," said Mr. Pusher, cordially, when Walter left the train for -the Willoughby station; "hope to see you again." - -"Thank you," said Walter; "very likely you will." - -Taking his carpet-bag in his hand, for he had arranged to have his -trunk come the next day, he walked over to the house of Mr. Shaw, his -father's executor. - -Mr. Shaw was in his office, a little one-story building standing by -itself a little to the left of his house. He was busily writing, and did -not at once look up. When he saw who it was, he rose up and welcomed -Walter with a smile. - -"I'm very glad to see you, Walter," he said. "I was just wishing you -were here. When did you leave Stapleton?" - -"This afternoon, Mr. Shaw. I have just reached Willoughby." - -"And how did you like Stapleton?" - -"Tolerably well." - -"And Mr. Drummond,--how were you pleased with him?" - -"As to that," said Walter, smiling, "I can't say that I liked him as -well as I might." - -"I judged that from what I have heard of his character. He has the -reputation of being very mean. A cent in his eyes is as large as a -dollar appears to some men. How did he pay you for your services?" - -"I worked for board wages." - -"And pretty poor board at that, I imagine." - -"I had no fear of the gout," said Walter. "The living isn't luxurious." - -"Well, I'm glad you are back again. For the present I shall expect you -to be my guest." - -This settled the embarrassing question which had suggested itself as to -where he should stay. His late father's house was of course shut up, and -he had no relatives in Willoughby. - -"Thank you, Mr. Shaw," he said. "For a few days I shall be glad to -accept your kind offer. What progress have you made in settling the -estate?" - -"I can give you some idea of how it stands. There will be something -left, but not much. After paying all debts, including Nancy's, there -will certainly be a thousand dollars; but if you pay Nancy's legacy, -that will take half of this sum." - -"The legacy shall be paid," said Walter, promptly, "no matter how -little remains. I am glad there is enough for that." - -"I honor your determination, Walter, but I don't think Nancy will be -willing to take half of what you have left." - -"Then don't let her know how little it is." - -"There is a chance of something more. I have made no account of the -Great Metropolitan Mining stock, of which your father held shares to the -amount of one hundred thousand dollars, cost price. How these will come -out is very uncertain, but I think we can get something. Suppose it were -only five per cent., that would make five thousand dollars. But it isn't -best to count on that." - -"I shan't make any account of the mining stock," said Walter. "If I get -anything, it will be so much more than I expect." - -"That is the best way. It will prevent disappointment." - -"How long before we find out about it?" - -"It is wholly uncertain. It may be six months; It may be two years. All -I can say is, that I will look after your interests." - -"Thank you, I am sure of that." - -"Now, as to your plans. You were at the Essex Classical Institute, I -think?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"What do you say to going back for a year? It is not an expensive -school. You could stay a year, including all expenses, for the sum of -five hundred dollars." - -Walter shook his head. - -"It would consume all my money; and as long as I am not going to -college, my present education will be sufficient." - -"As to consuming all your money," said Mr. Shaw, "let me say one thing. -I received many favors from your father, especially when a young man -just starting in business. Let me repay them by paying half your -expenses for the next year at school." - -"You are very kind, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, gratefully, "and I would -accept that favor from you sooner than from any one; but I've made up my -mind to take care of myself, _and paddle my own canoe_." - -"Well, perhaps you're right," said the lawyer, kindly; "but at least -you will accept my advice. Have you formed any plans for the future?" - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -MESSRS. FLINT AND PUSHER. - - -Now that he was again in his native village, Walter realized how -unpleasant had been his position at Mr. Drummond's from the new -elasticity and cheerfulness which he felt. There had been something -gloomy and oppressive in the atmosphere of his temporary home at -Stapleton, and he certainly had very little enjoyment in Joshua's -society. Mrs. Drummond was the only one for whom he felt the least -regard. - -He passed a few days quietly, renewing old acquaintances and -friendships. Nancy Forbes had gone to live with a brother, who was an -old bachelor, and very glad to have her with him. Her savings and the -legacy left her by Mr. Conrad together amounted to a thousand dollars, -or rather more,--sufficient to make Nancy rich, in her own opinion. But -she was not quite satisfied about the legacy. - -"They say, Walter, that you'll be left poor," she said. "You'll need -this money." - -"No, I shan't, Nancy," answered Walter. "Besides, there's a lot of -mining stock that'll come to something,--I don't know how much." - -"But I don't feel right about taking this money, Walter." - -"You needn't feel any scruples, Nancy. I can take care of myself. I can -paddle my own canoe." - -"But you haven't got any canoe," said Nancy, who did not comprehend the -allusion. "Besides, I don't see how that would help you to a living." - -Walter laughed. - -"I shall get a canoe, then," he said, "and I'll steer it on to Fortune." - -"At any rate," said Nancy, "I will leave you my money when I die." - -"Who knows but you'll marry and have a lot of children?" - -"That isn't very likely, Walter, and me forty-seven a'ready. I'm most an -old woman." - -So the conversation ended. Nancy agreed, though reluctantly, to take the -legacy, resolved some time or other to leave it to Walter. If she had -known how little he really had left, she would not have consented to -accept it at all. - -The same evening Walter sat in the lawyer's comfortable sitting-room, -and together they discussed the future. - -"So you want to be a book agent, Walter?" said Mr. Shaw. "I can't say I -think very highly of this plan." - -"Why not, Mr. Shaw?" - -"It will lead to nothing." - -"I don't mean to spend my life at it. I am more ambitious than that. But -it will give me a chance to travel without expense, and I always wanted -to see something of the world." - -"How old are you now?" - -"Fifteen." - -"You are well-grown of your age. You might readily be taken for -sixteen." - -"Do you really think so?" asked Walter, gratified, like most boys of his -age, at being thought to look older than he really was. - -"Yes; at sixteen I was smaller than you now are." - -"You see, Mr. Shaw, that, as I am so young, even if I spend a year at -this business, I shall not be too old to undertake something else -afterwards. In the mean time I shall see something of the world." - -"Well, Walter, I won't oppose you. If I had not so much confidence in -you, I should warn you of the temptations that are likely to beset your -youth, left, as you will be, entirely to yourself. Of course you will be -thrown among all kinds of associates." - -"Yes, sir; but I think I shall be wise enough to avoid what will do me -no good." - -"So I hope and believe. Now, what is the name of this publisher you were -speaking of?" - -"Pusher. He's of the firm of Flint & Pusher." - -"I have heard of them. They are an enterprising firm." - -"I think I had better start pretty soon, Mr. Shaw. I shall enjoy myself -better when I am at work." - -"Next Monday, then, if you desire it." - -It was then Friday. - -On Monday morning Mr. Shaw handed Walter a pocket-book containing a -roll of bills. "You will need some money to defray your expenses," he -said, "until you are able to earn something. You will find fifty dollars -in this pocket-book. There is no occasion to thank me, for I have only -advanced it from money realized from your father's estate. If you need -any more, you can write me, and I can send you a check or money-order." - -"This will be quite enough, Mr. Shaw," said Walter, confidently. "It -won't be long before I shall be paying my way; at least I hope so. I -don't mean to be idle." - -"I am sure you won't be, or you will belie your reputation. Well, -good-by, Walter. Write me soon and often. You know I look upon myself as -in some sort your guardian." - -"I will certainly write you, Mr. Shaw. By the way, I never thought to -ask you about the furniture of my room at the Essex Classical -Institute." - -"It was purchased by the keeper of the boarding-house; at a sacrifice, -it is true, but I thought it best to let it go, to save trouble." - -[Illustration] - -"I should like to see Lem," thought Walter, with a little sigh as he -called to mind the pleasant hours he had passed with his school-fellow. -"I'll go back and pay the old institute a visit some time, after I've -got back from my travels." - -Walter reached New York by ten o'clock. Though his acquaintance with the -city streets was very limited, as he had seldom visited it, he found his -way without much trouble to the place of business of Messrs. Flint & -Pusher. As they did not undertake to do a retail business, but worked -entirely through agents, their rooms were not on the first floor, but on -the third. Opening the door of the room, to which he was guided by a -directory in the entry beneath, Walter found himself in a large -apartment, the floor of which was heaped up with piles of books, chiefly -octavos. An elderly gentleman, with a partially bald head, and wearing -spectacles, was talking with two men, probably agents. - -"Well, young man," said he, in rather a sharp voice, "what can I do for -you?" - -"Is Mr. Pusher in?" asked Walter. - -"He went out for a few minutes; will be back directly. Did you wish -particularly to see him?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Take a seat, then, and wait till he comes in." - -Walter sat down and listened to the conversation. - -"You met with fair success, then?" inquired Mr. Flint. - -"Yes, the book takes well. I sold ten in one day, and six and eight in -other days." - -Walter pricked up his ears. He wondered whether the book was the one -recommended to him. If so, a sale of ten copies would enable the agent -to realize twelve dollars and a half, which was certainly doing very -well. - -Just as the agents were going out, Mr. Pusher bustled in. His sharp eyes -fell upon Walter, whom he immediately recognized. - -"Ha, my young friend, so you have found us out," he said, offering his -hand. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Come to talk on business, I hope?" - -"Yes, sir, that is my object in coming." - -"Mr. Flint," said Mr. Pusher, "this is a young friend whose acquaintance -I made a short time since. I told him, if ever he wanted employment, to -come here, and we would give him something to do." - -Mr. Flint, who was a slower and a more cautious man than Mr. Pusher, -regarded Walter a little doubtfully. - -"Do you mean as an agent?" he said. - -"Certainly I do." - -"He seems very young." - -"That's true, but age isn't always an advantage. He looks smart, and -I'll guarantee that he is all he looks. I claim to be something of a -judge of human nature too." - -"No doubt you're right," said Mr. Flint, who was accustomed to defer -considerably to his more impetuous partner. "What's the young man's -name?" - -"You've got me there," said Mr. Pusher, laughing. "If I ever knew, which -is doubtful, I've forgotten." - -"My name is Walter Conrad," said our hero. - -"Very good. Well, Conrad," continued Mr. Pusher, in an off-hand manner, -"what are your wishes? What book do you want to take hold of?" - -"You mentioned a book the other day,--'Scenes in Bible Lands.'" - -"Yes, our new book. That would be as good as any to begin on. How's the -territory, Mr. Flint?" - -Mr. Flint referred to a book. - -"Most of the territory near by is taken up," he said. "Does Mr. Conrad -wish to operate near home?" - -"I would rather go to a distance," said Walter. - -"As far as Ohio?" - -"Yes." - -"In that case you could map out your own route pretty much. We haven't -got the West portioned out as we have the Middle and New England -States." - -"In other words, we can give you a kind of roving commission, Conrad," -put in Mr. Pusher. - -"That would suit me, sir," said Walter. - -"Still it would be best not to attempt to cover too much territory. A -rolling stone gathers no moss, you know. There is one important -question I must ask you to begin with. Have you got any money?" - -"Yes, sir, I have fifty dollars." - -"Good. Of course you will need money to get out to your field of labor, -and will have to pay your expenses till you begin to earn something. -Fifty dollars will answer very well." - -"As I don't know very well how the business is managed," said Walter, "I -must ask for instructions." - -"Of course. You're a green hand. Sit down here, and I'll make it all -plain to you." - -So Mr. Pusher, in his brief, incisive way, explained to Walter how he -must manage. His instructions were readily comprehended, and Walter, as -he listened, felt eager to enter upon the adventurous career which he -had chosen. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -WALTER LOSES HIS MONEY. - - -Walter, by advice of Mr. Pusher, bought a ticket to Cleveland. There was -a resident agent in this city, and a depository of books published by -the firm. As Walter would be unable to carry with him as large a supply -of books as he needed, he was authorized to send to the Cleveland agency -when he got out, and the books would be sent him by express. - -"I will give you a letter to Mr. Greene, our agent in Cleveland," said -Mr. Pusher, "and you can consult him as to your best field of -operations." - -The letter was hastily written and handed to Walter. - -"Good-by, Mr. Pusher," he said, preparing to leave the office. - -"Good-by, my young friend. I shall hope to hear good accounts from you." - -So Walter went downstairs, and emerged into the street. He had no -particular motive for remaining in New York, and felt eager to commence -work. So he went at once to the Erie railway depot, and bought a through -ticket to Cleveland, via Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Though he had not -much money to spare, he determined not to neglect the opportunity he -would have of seeing this great natural wonder, but to stop over a day -in order to visit the falls. - -He selected a comfortable seat by a window, and waited till the train -was ready to start. He realized that he had engaged in rather a large -enterprise for a boy of fifteen, who had hitherto had all his wants -supplied by others. He was about to go a thousand miles from home, to -earn his own living,--in other words, to paddle his own canoe. But he -did not feel in the least dismayed. He was ambitious and enterprising, -and confident that he could earn his living as well as other boys of his -age. He had never been far from home, but felt that he should enjoy -visiting new and unfamiliar scenes. So he felt decidedly cheerful and -hopeful as the cars whirled him out of the depot, and he commenced his -Western journey. - -Walter put his strip of railway tickets into his vest-pocket, and his -porte-monnaie, containing the balance of his money, into the pocket of -his pantaloons. He wished to have the tickets at hand when the conductor -came round. He sat alone at first, but after a while a lady got in who -rode thirty miles or more, and then got out. A little later a young man -passed through the cars, looking about him on either side. He paused at -Walter's seat, and inquired, "Is this seat taken?" - -"No, sir," said Walter. - -"Then, with your permission, I will take it," said the stranger. -"Tiresome work travelling, isn't it?" - -"I don't know," said Walter. "I rather like it; but then I never -travelled much." - -"I have to travel a good deal on business," said the other, "and I've -got tired of it. How many times do you think I have been over this -road?" - -"Couldn't guess." - -"This is the fifteenth time. I know it like a book. How far are you -going?" - -"To Cleveland." - -"Got relations there, I suppose?" - -"No," said Walter; "I am going on business." - -He was rather glad to let his companion know that he, too, was in -business. - -"You're young to be in business," said his companion. "What sort of -business is it?" - -"I am an agent for Flint & Pusher, a New York firm." - -"Publishers, aint they?" - -"Yes, sir." - -Walter's companion was a young man of twenty-five, or possibly a year or -two older. He was rather flashily attired, with a cut-away coat and a -low-cut vest, double-breasted, across which glittered a massive chain, -which might have been gold, or might only have been gilt, since all that -glitters is not gold. At any rate, it answered the purpose of making a -show. His cravat was showy, and his whole appearance indicated absence -of good taste. A cautious employer would scarcely have selected him -from a crowd of applicants for a confidential position. Walter was -vaguely conscious of this. Still he had seen but little of the world, -and felt incompetent to judge others. - -"Are you going right through to Cleveland?" inquired the stranger. - -"No; I think I shall stop at Buffalo. I want to see Niagara Falls." - -"That's right. Better see them. They're stunning." - -"I suppose you have been there?" said Walter, with some curiosity. - -"Oh, yes, several times. I've a great mind to go again and show you -round, but I don't know if I can spare so long a time from business." - -"I should like your company," said Walter, politely; "but I don't want -to interfere with your engagements." - -"I'll think of it, and see how I can arrange matters," said the other. - -Walter was not particularly anxious for the continued society of his -present companion. He was willing enough to talk with him, but there was -something in his appearance and manner which prevented his being -attracted to him. He turned away and began to view the scenery through -which they were passing. The stranger took out a newspaper, and appeared -to be reading attentively. Half an hour passed thus without a word being -spoken on either side. At length his companion folded up the paper. - -"Do you smoke?" he asked. - -"No," said Walter. - -"I think I'll go into the smoking-car, and smoke a cigar. I should like -to offer you one if you will take one." - -"No, thank you," said Walter; "I don't smoke, and I am afraid my first -cigar wouldn't give me much pleasure." - -"I'll be back in a few minutes. Perhaps you'd like to look over this -paper while I am gone." - -"Thank you," said Walter. - -He took the paper,--an illustrated weekly,--and looked over the pictures -with considerable interest. He had just commenced reading a story when a -boy passed through the car with a basket of oranges and apples depending -from his arm. - -"Oranges--apples!" he called out, looking to the right and left in -quest of customers. - -The day was warm, and through the open window dust had blown into the -car. Walter's throat felt parched, and the oranges looked tempting. - -"How much are your oranges?" he inquired. - -"Five cents apiece, or three for a dime," answered the boy. - -"I'll take three," said Walter, reflecting that he could easily dispose -of two himself, and considering that it would only be polite to offer -one to his companion, whose paper he was reading, when he should return. - -"Here are three nice ones," said the boy, picking them out, and placing -them in our hero's hands. - -Walter felt in his vest-pocket, thinking he had a little change there. -He proved to be mistaken. There was nothing in that pocket except his -railway tickets. - -Next, of course, he felt for his porte-monnaie, but he felt for it in -vain. - -He started in surprise. - -"I thought my pocket-book was in that pocket," he reflected. "Can it be -in the other?" - -He felt in the other pocket, but search here was equally fruitless. He -next felt nervously in the pocket of his coat, though he was sure he -couldn't have put his porte-monnaie there. Then it flashed upon him, -with a feeling of dismay, that he had lost his pocket-book and all his -remaining money. How or where, he could not possibly imagine, for the -suddenness of the discovery quite bewildered him. - -"I won't take the oranges," he said to the boy. "I can't find my money." - -The boy, who had made sure of a sale, took back the fruit reluctantly, -and passed on, crying out, "Here's your oranges and apples!" - -Walter set about thinking what had become of his money. The more he -thought, the more certain he felt that he had put his porte-monnaie in -the pocket in which he had first felt for it. Why was it not there now? -That was a question which he felt utterly incompetent to answer. - -"Have you lost anything?" inquired a gentleman who sat just behind -Walter. Looking back, he found that it was a gentleman of fifty who -addressed him. - -"Yes, sir," he said, "I have lost my pocket-book." - -"Was there much money in it?" - -"About forty dollars, sir." - -"That is too much to lose. Was your ticket in it also?" - -"No, sir; that I have in my vest-pocket." - -"Where was your pocket-book when you last saw it?" inquired the -gentleman. - -"In this pocket, sir." - -"Humph!" commented the other. "Who was that young man who was sitting -with you a few minutes since?" - -"I don't know, sir." - -"He was a stranger, then?" - -"Yes, sir; I never met him till this morning." - -"Then I think I can tell you where your money has gone." - -"Where, sir?" demanded Walter, beginning to understand him. - -"I think your late companion was a pickpocket, and relieved you of it, -while he pretended to be reading. I didn't like his appearance much." - -"I don't see how he could have done it without my feeling his hand in my -pocket." - -"They understand their business, and can easily relieve one of his purse -undetected. I once had my watch stolen without being conscious of it. -Your porte-monnaie was in the pocket towards the man, and you were -looking from the window. It was a very simple thing to relieve you of -it." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -SLIPPERY DICK. - - -It is not natural for a boy of Walter's age to distrust those with whom -he becomes acquainted even slightly. This lesson unfortunately is -learned later in life. But the words of his fellow-traveller inspired -him with conviction. He could think of no other way of accounting for -his loss. - -He rose from his seat. - -"Where are you going?" asked the old gentleman. - -"I am going to look for the thief." - -"Do you expect to find him?" - -"He said he was going into the smoking-car." - -"My young friend, I strongly suspect that this was only to blind you. -The cars have stopped at two stations since he left his seat, and if he -took your money he has doubtless effected his escape." - -Walter was rather taken aback by this consideration. It seemed -reasonable enough, and, if true, he didn't see how he was going to get -back his money. - -"I dare say you are right," he said; "but I will go into the smoking-car -and see." - -"Come back again, and let me know whether you find him." - -"Yes, sir." - -Walter went through two cars, looking about him on either side, thinking -it possible that the thief might have taken his seat in one of them. -There was very little chance of this, however. Next he passed into the -smoking-car, where, to his joy no less than his surprise, he found the -man of whom he was in search playing cards with three other passengers. - -He looked up carelessly as Walter approached, but did not betray the -slightest confusion or sign of guilt. To let the reader into a secret, -he had actually taken Walter's pocket-book, but was too cunning to keep -it about him. He had taken out the money, and thrown the porte-monnaie -itself from the car platform, taking an opportunity when he thought -himself unobserved. As the money consisted of bills, which could not be -identified as Walter's, he felt that he was in no danger of detection. -He thought that he could afford to be indifferent. - -"Did you get tired of waiting?" he asked, addressing our hero. - -"That's pretty cool if he took the money," thought Walter. - -"May I speak to you a moment?" asked Walter. - -"Certainly." - -"I mean alone." - -"If you'll wait till I have finished the game," said the pickpocket, -assuming a look of surprise. "Something private, eh?" - -"Yes," said Walter, gravely. - -He stood by impatiently while the game went on. He was anxious to find -out as soon as possible what had become of his money, and what was the -chance of recovering it. - -At length the game was finished, and a new one was about to be -commenced, when Walter tapped his late companion on the shoulder. - -"Oh, you wanted to speak to me, did you?" he said indifferently. "Can't -you wait till we have finished this game?" - -"No," said Walter, resolutely, "I can't wait. It is a matter of great -importance." - -"Then, gentlemen, I must beg to be excused for five minutes," said the -pickpocket, shrugging his shoulders, as if to express good-natured -annoyance. "Now, my young friend, I am at your service." - -Walter proceeded to the other end of the car, which chanced to be -unoccupied. Now that the moment had come, he hardly knew how to -introduce the subject. Suppose that the person he addressed were -innocent, it would be rather an awkward matter to charge him with the -theft. - -"Did you see anything of my pocket-book?" he said, at length. - -"Your pocket-book?" returned the pickpocket, arching his brows. "Why, -have you lost it?" - -"Yes." - -"When did you discover its loss?" - -"Shortly after you left me," said Walter, significantly. - -"Indeed! was there much money in it?" - -"Over thirty dollars." - -"That is quite a loss. I hope you have some more with you." - -"No, it is all I have." - -"I'm very sorry indeed. I did not see it. Have you searched on the -floor?" - -"Yes; but it isn't there." - -"That's awkward. Was your ticket in the pocket-book?" - -"No, I had that in my vest-pocket." - -"That's fortunate. On my honor, I'm sorry for you. I haven't much money -with me, but I'll lend you a dollar or two with the greatest of -pleasure." - -This offer quite bewildered Walter. He felt confident that the other had -stolen his money, and now here he was offering to lend him some of it. -He did not care to make such a compromise, or to be bought off so cheap; -so, though quite penniless, he determined to reject the offer. - -"I won't borrow," he said, coldly. "I was hoping you had seen my money." - -"Sorry I didn't. Better let me lend you some." - -"I would rather not borrow." - -Walter could not for the life of him add "Thank you," feeling no -gratitude to the man who he felt well assured had robbed him. - -The pickpocket turned and went back to his game, and Walter slowly left -the car. He had intended to ask him point-blank whether he had taken the -money, but couldn't summon the necessary courage. He went back to his -old seat. - -"Well," said the old gentleman who sat behind him, "I suppose you did -not find your man?" - -"Yes, I did." - -"You didn't get your money?" he added, in surprise. - -"No, he said he had not seen it." - -"Did you tax him with taking it?" - -"No, I hardly ventured to do that." - -"Did he show any confusion?" - -"No, sir, he was perfectly cool. Still, I think he took it. He offered -to lend me a dollar or two." - -"That was cool, certainly." - -"What would you advise me to do?" asked Walter. - -"I hardly know what to advise," said the other, thoughtfully. - -"I don't want him to make off with my money." - -"Of course not. That would be far from agreeable." - -"If he could only be searched, I might find the pocket-book on him." - -"In order to do that, he must be charged with the robbery." - -"That is true. It will be rather awkward for a boy like me to do that." - -"I'll tell you what you had better do, my young friend. Speak to the -conductor." - -"I think I will," said Walter. - -Just at that moment the conductor entered the car. As he came up the -aisle Walter stopped him, and explained his loss, and the suspicions he -had formed. - -"You say the man is in the smoking-car?" said the conductor, who had -listened attentively. - -"Yes." - -"Could you point him out?" - -"Yes." - -"I am glad of it. I have received warning by telegraph that one of the -New York swell-mob is on the train, probably intent on mischief, but no -description came with it, and I had no clue to the person. I have no -doubt that the man you speak of is the party. If so, he is familiarly -known as 'Slippery Dick.'" - -"Do you think you can get back my money?" asked Walter, anxiously. - -"I think there is a chance of it. Come with me and point out your man." - -Walter gladly accompanied the conductor to the smoking-car. His old -acquaintance was busily engaged as before in a game, and laughing -heartily at some favorable turn. - -"There he is," said Walter, indicating him with his finger. - -The conductor walked up to him, and tapped him on the shoulder. - -"What's wanted?" he asked, looking up. "You've looked at my ticket." - -"I wish to speak to you a moment." - -He rose without making any opposition, and walked to the other end of -the car. - -"Well," he said, and there was a slight nervousness in his tone, "what's -the matter? Wasn't my ticket all right?" - -"No trouble about that. The thing is, will you restore this boy's -pocket-book?" - -"Sir," said the pickpocket, blustering, "do you mean to insult me? What -have I to do with his pocket-book?" - -"You sat beside him, and he missed it directly after you left him." - -"What is that to me? You may search me if you like. You will find only -one pocket-book upon me, and that is my own." - -"I am aware of that," said the conductor, coolly. "I saw you take the -money out and throw it from the car platform." - -The pickpocket turned pale. - -"You are mistaken in the person," he said. - -"No, I am not. I advise you to restore the money forthwith." - -Without a word the thief, finding himself cornered, took from his -pocket a roll of bills, which he handed to Walter. - -"Is that right?" asked the conductor. - -"Yes," said our hero, after counting his money. - -"So far, so good. And now, Slippery Dick," he continued, turning to the -thief, "I advise you to leave the cars at the next station, or I will -have you arrested. Take your choice." - -The detected rogue was not long in making his choice. Already the cars -had slackened their speed, and a short distance ahead appeared a small -station. The place seemed to be one of very little importance. One man, -however, appeared to have business there. Walter saw his quondam -acquaintance jump on the platform, and congratulated himself that his -only loss was a porte-monnaie whose value did not exceed one dollar. - -I will only add that the conductor on seeing the pocket-book thrown away -had thought nothing of it, supposing it to be an old one, but as soon as -he heard of the robbery suspected at once the thief and his motive. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -A HARD CUSTOMER. - - -Walter stopped long enough at Buffalo to visit Niagara Falls, as he had -intended. Though he enjoyed the visit, and found the famous cataract -fully up to his expectations, no incident occurred during the visit -which deserves to be chronicled here. He resumed his journey, and -arrived in due time at Cleveland. - -He had no difficulty in finding the office of Mr. Greene, the agent of -Messrs. Flint & Pusher. He found that this gentleman, besides his -agency, had a book and stationery business of his own. - -"I don't go out myself," he said to Walter; "but I keep a supply of -Flint's books on hand, and forward them to his agents as called for. -Have you done much in the business?" - -"No, sir, I am only a beginner. I have done nothing yet." - -"I thought not. You look too young." - -"Mr. Pusher told me I had better be guided by your advice." - -"I'll advise you as well as I can. First, I suppose you want to know -where to go." - -"Yes, sir." - -"You had better go fifty miles off at least. The immediate neighborhood -has been pretty well canvassed. There's C---- now, a flourishing and -wealthy town. Suppose you go there first." - -"Very well, sir." - -"It's on the line of railway. Two hours will carry you there." - -"I'll go, this afternoon." - -"You are prompt." - -"I want to get to work as soon as possible." - -"I commend your resolution. It speaks well for your success." - -Walter arrived in C---- in time for supper. He went to a small public -house, where he found that he could board for a dollar and a half a day, -or seven dollars by the week. He engaged a week's board, reflecting that -he could probably work to advantage a week in so large a place, or, if -not, that five days at the daily rate would amount to more than the -weekly terms. - -He did not at first propose to do anything that evening until it -occurred to him that he might perhaps dispose of a copy of his book to -the landlord in part payment for his board. He went into the public room -after supper. - -"Are you travelling alone?" asked the landlord, who had his share of -curiosity. - -"Yes," said Walter. - -"Not on business?" - -"Yes, on business." - -"What might it be now? You are rather young to be in business." - -"I am a book-agent." - -"Meeting with pretty good success?" - -"I'm just beginning," said Walter, smiling. "If you'll be my first -customer, I'll stop with you a week." - -"What kind of a book have you got?" - -Walter showed it. It was got up in the usual style of subscription -books, with abundance of illustrations. - -"It's one of the best books we ever sent out," said Walter, in a -professional way. "Just look at the number of pictures. If you've got -any children, they'll like it; and, if you haven't, it will be just the -book for your centre-table." - -"I see you know how to talk," said the landlord, smiling. "What is the -price?" - -"Three dollars and a half." - -"That's considerable." - -"But you know I'm going to take it out in board." - -"Well, that's a consideration, to be sure. A man doesn't feel it so much -as if he took the money out of his pocket and paid cash down. What do -you say, Mrs. Burton?" addressing his wife, who just then entered the -room. "This young man wants to stay here a week, and pay partly in a -book he is agent for. Shall I agree?" - -"Let me see the book," said Mrs. Burton, who was a comely, -pleasant-looking woman of middle age. "What's the name of it?" - -"'Scenes in Bible Lands,'" said Walter. - -He opened it, taking care to display and point out the pictures. - -"I declare it is a nice book," said Mrs. Burton. "Is there a picture of -Jerusalem?" - -"Here it is," said Walter, who happened to know just where to find it. -"Isn't it a good picture? And there are plenty more as good. It's a book -that ought to be in every family." - -"Really, Mr. Burton, I don't know but we might as well take it," said -the landlady. "He takes it out in board, you know." - -"Just as you say," said the landlord. "I am willing." - -"Then I'll take the book. Emma will like to look at it." - -So Walter made the first sale, on which he realized a profit of one -dollar and a quarter. - -"It's a pretty easy way to earn money," he reflected with satisfaction, -"if I can only sell copies enough. One copy sold will pay for a day's -board." - -He went to bed early, and enjoyed a sound and refreshing sleep. He was -cheered with hopes of success on the morrow. If he could sell four -copies a day, that would give him a profit of five dollars, and five -dollars would leave him a handsome profit after paying expenses. - -The next morning after breakfast he started out, carrying with him three -books. Knowing nothing of the residents of the village, he could only -judge by the outward appearance of their houses. Seeing a large and -handsome house standing back from the street, he decided to call. - -"The people living here must be rich," he thought. "They won't mind -paying three dollars and a half for a nice book." - -Accordingly he walked up the gravelled path and rang the front-door -bell. The door was opened by a housemaid. - -"Is the lady of the house at home?" asked Walter. - -"Do you want to see her?" - -"Yes." - -"Then wait here, and I'll tell her." - -A tall woman, with a thin face and a pinched expression, presented -herself after five minutes. - -"Well, young man," she asked, after a sharp glance, "what is your -business?" - -Her expression was not very encouraging, but Walter was bound not to -lose an opportunity. - -"I should like to show you a new book, madam," he commenced, "a book of -great value, beautifully illustrated, which is selling like wildfire." - -"How many copies have you sold?" inquired the lady, sharply. - -"One," answered Walter, rather confused. - -"Do you call that selling like wildfire?" she demanded with sarcasm. - -"I only commenced last evening," said Walter, "I referred to the sales -of other agents." - -"What's the name of the book?" - -"'Scenes in Bible Lands.'" - -"Let me see it." - -Walter displayed the book. - -"Look at the beautiful pictures," he said. - -"I don't see anything remarkable about them. The binding isn't very -strong. Shouldn't wonder if the book would go to pieces in a week." - -"I don't think there'll be any trouble that way," said Walter. - -"If it does, you'll be gone, so it won't trouble you." - -"With ordinary care it will hold long enough." - -"Oh, yes, of course you'd say so. I expected it. How much do you charge -for the book?" - -"Three dollars and a half." - -"Three dollars and a half!" repeated the woman. "You seem to think -people are made of money." - -"I don't fix the price, madam," said Walter, rather provoked. "The -publishers do that." - -"I warrant they make two-thirds profit. Don't they now?" - -"I don't know," said Walter. "I don't know anything about the cost of -publishing books; but this is a large one, and there are a great many -pictures in it. They must have cost considerable." - -"Seems to me it's ridiculous to ask such a price for a book. Why, it's -enough to buy a nice dress pattern!" - -"The book will last longer than the dress," said Walter. - -"But it is not so necessary. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'd like the -book well enough to put on my parlor-table. I'll give you two dollars -for it." - -"Two dollars!" ejaculated Walter, scarcely crediting the testimony of -his ears. - -"Yes, two dollars; and I warrant you'll make money enough then." - -"I should lose money," said Walter. "I couldn't think of accepting such -an offer." - -"In my opinion there isn't any book worth even two dollars." - -"I see we can't trade," said Walter, disgusted at such meanness in a -lady who occupied so large a house, and might be supposed to have plenty -of money. - -He began to replace the book in its brown-paper covering. - -"I don't know but I might give you twenty-five cents more. Come now, -I'll give you two dollars and a quarter." - -"I can't take it," said Walter, shortly. "Three dollars and a half is -the price, and I will not take a cent less." - -"You won't get it out of me then," retorted the lady, slamming the door -in displeasure. - -Walter had already made up his mind to this effect, and had started on -his way to the gate. - -"I wonder if I shall meet many people like her," he thought, and his -courage was rather damped. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -BUSINESS EXPERIENCES. - - -Walter began to think that selling books would prove a harder and more -disagreeable business than he anticipated. He had been brought face to -face with meanness and selfishness, and they inspired him with disgust -and indignation. Not that he expected everybody to buy his books, even -if they could afford it. Still it was not necessary to insult him by -offering half price. - -He walked slowly up the street, wondering if he should meet any more -such customers. On the opposite side of the street he noticed a small -shoemaker's shop. - -"I suppose it is of no use to go in there," thought Walter. "If they -won't buy at a big house, there isn't much chance here." - -Still he thought he would go in. He had plenty of time on his hands, -and might as well let slip no chance, however small. - -He pushed open the door, and found himself in a shop about twenty-five -feet square, littered up with leather shavings and finished and -unfinished shoes. A boy of fourteen was pegging, and his father, a man -of middle age, was finishing a shoe. - -"Good-morning," said Walter. - -"Good-morning," said the shoemaker, turning round. "Do you want a pair -of shoes this morning?" - -"No," said Walter, "I didn't come to buy, but to sell." - -"Well, what have you got to sell?" - -"A subscription book, finely illustrated." - -"What's the name of it?" - -"'Scenes in Bible Lands.'" - -"Let me look at it." - -He wiped his hands on his apron, and, taking the book, began to turn -over the leaves. - -"It seems like a good book," he said. "Does it sell well?" - -"Yes, it sells largely. I have only just commenced, but other agents -are doing well on it." - -"You are rather young for an agent." - -"Yes, but I'm old enough to work, and I'm going to give this a fair -trial." - -"That's the way to talk. How much do you expect to get for this book?" - -"The price is three dollars and a half." - -"It's rather high." - -"But there are a good many pictures. Those are what cost money." - -"Yes, I suppose they do. Well, I've a great mind to take one." - -"I don't think you'll regret it. A good book will give you pleasure for -a long time." - -"That's so. Well, here's the money;" and the shoemaker drew out five -dollars from a leather pocket-book. "Can you give me the change?" - -"With pleasure." - -Walter was all the more pleased at effecting this sale because it was -unexpected. He had expected to sell a book at the great house he had -just called at, but thought that the price of the book might deter the -shoemaker, whose income probably was not large. He thought he would like -to know the name of the lady with whom he had such an unpleasant -experience. - -"Can you tell me," he inquired, "who lives in that large house a little -way up the street?" - -"You didn't sell a book there, did you?" asked the shoemaker, laughing. - -"No, but I got an offer of two dollars for one." - -"That's just like Mrs. Belknap," returned the other. "She has the name -of being the meanest woman for miles around." - -"It can't be for want of money. She lives in a nice house." - -"Oh, she's rich enough,--the richest woman in town. When her husband was -alive--old Squire Belknap--she wasn't quite so scrimping, for he was -free-handed and liberal himself; but now she's a widow, she shows out -her meanness. So she offered you two dollars?" - -"Yes, but she afterwards offered twenty-five cents more." - -"Then she must have wanted the book. She makes it her boast that no -peddler ever took her in, and I guess she's about right." - -"I hope there are not many such people in town. If there are, I shall -get discouraged." - -"We've got our share of mean people, I expect, but she's the worst." - -"Well, I suppose I must be going. Thank you for your purchase." - -"That's all right. If I like the book as well as I expect, I'll thank -you." - -Walter left the shoemaker's shop with considerably higher spirits than -he entered. His confidence in human nature, which had been rudely shaken -by Mrs. Belknap, was in a degree restored, and his prospects looked -brighter than a few minutes before. - -"I wonder who'll make the next purchase?" he thought. - -He stopped at a plain two-story house a little further up the road. The -door was opened by an old lady. - -"What do you want?" she asked. - -"I am agent for an excellent book," commenced Walter. - -"Oh, you're a peddler," broke in the old lady, without waiting to hear -him through. - -"I suppose I may be called so." - -"Are you the man that was round last spring selling jewelry?" - -"No, I have never been here before." - -"I don't know whether to believe you or not," said the old lady. "Your -voice sounds like his. I can't see very well, for I've mislaid my specs. -If you're the same man, I'll have you took up for selling bogus -jewelry." - -"But I'm not the same one." - -"I don't know. The man I spoke of sold my darter a gold ring for a -dollar, that turned out to be nothing but brass washed over. 'Twa'n't -worth five cents." - -"I'm sorry you got cheated, but it isn't my fault." - -"Wait a minute, I'll call my darter." - -In reply to her mother's call a tall maiden lady of forty advanced to -the door, with some straw in her hand, for she was braiding straw. - -"What's wanted, mother?" she asked. - -"Isn't this the same man that sold you that ring?" - -"La, no, mother. He was a man of forty-five, and this is only a boy." - -"I s'pose you must be right, but I can't see without my specs. Well, I'm -sorry you're not the one, for I'd have had you took up onless you'd give -back the dollar." - -Under the circumstances Walter himself was not sorry that there was no -chance of identifying him with his knavish predecessor. - -"What have you got to sell?" asked the younger woman. - -"A book beautifully illustrated, called 'Scenes in Bible Lands.' Will -you allow me to show it to you?" - -"He seems quite polite," said the old lady, now disposed to regard -Walter more favorably. "Won't you come in?" - -Walter entered, and was shown into a small sitting-room, quite plainly -furnished. The book was taken from him, and examined for a considerable -length of time by the daughter, who, however, announced at the end that -though she should like it very much, she couldn't afford to pay the -price. As the appearance of the house bore out her assertion, Walter did -not press the purchase, but was about to replace the book under his arm, -when she said suddenly, "Wait a minute. There's Mrs. Thurman just coming -in. Perhaps she'll buy one of your books." - -Walter was of course perfectly willing to wait on the chance of a sale. - -Mrs. Thurman was the wife of a trader in good circumstances, and -disposed to spend liberally, according to her means. Walter was not -obliged to recommend his book, for this was done by the spinster, who -was disinterestedly bent on making a sale. So he sat quiet, a passive -but interested auditor, while Miss Nancy Sprague extolled the book for -him. - -"It does seem like an excellent book," said Mrs. Thurman, looking at the -pictures. - -"Just the thing for your Delia," suggested Miss Nancy; "I am sure she -would like it." - -"That reminds me to-morrow is Delia's birthday." - -"Then give her the book for a birthday present." - -"I had intended to buy her something else. Still I am not sure but this -would suit her quite as well." - -"I am sure it would," responded Miss Nancy. - -"Then I will take it. Young man, how much do you ask for your book?" - -"Three dollars and a half." - -Mrs. Thurman paid the money, and received the book. - -"I am much obliged to you," said Walter, addressing Miss Nancy, "for -recommending my book." - -"You're quite welcome," said Miss Nancy, who felt some satisfaction at -gaining her point, though it would not benefit her any. "I'm sure you -are quite polite for a peddler, and I hope you'll excuse mother for -making such a mistake about you." - -"That is of no consequence," said Walter, smiling. "I think if your -mother had had her glasses on she would not have made such a mistake." - -He left the house still farther encouraged. But during the next hour he -failed to sell another copy. At length he managed to sell a third. As -these were all he had brought out, and he was feeling rather tired, he -went back to the tavern, and did not come out again till after dinner. -He had sold three copies and cleared three dollars and seventy-five -cents, which he was right in regarding as very fair success. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -A CABIN IN THE WOODS. - - -Walter found a good dinner ready for him at twelve o'clock, which he -enjoyed the more because he felt that he had earned it in advance. He -waited till about two o'clock, and again set out, this time in a -different direction. As it takes all sorts of people to make a world, so -the reception he met with at different places differed. In some he was -received politely; in others he was treated as a humbug. But Walter was -by this time getting accustomed to his position, and found that he must -meet disagreeable people with as good humor as he could command. One -farmer was willing to take the book if he would accept pay in apples, of -which he offered him two barrels; but this offer he did not for a moment -entertain, judging that he would find it difficult to carry about the -apples, and probably difficult to dispose of them. However, he managed -to sell two copies, though he had to call at twenty places to do it. -Nevertheless, he felt well repaid by the degree of success he met with. - -"Five books sold to-day!" thought Walter, complacently, as he started on -his walk home. "That gives me six dollars and a quarter profit. I wish I -could keep that up." - -But our young merchant found that he was not likely to keep up such -sales. The next day he sold but two copies, and the day succeeding -three. Still for three days and a half the aggregate sale was eleven -copies, making a clear profit of thirteen dollars and seventy-five -cents. At the end of the week he had sold twenty copies; but to make up -this number he had been obliged to visit one or two neighboring -villages. - -He now prepared to move on. The next place at which he proposed to stop -for a few days we will call Bolton. He had already written to Cleveland -for a fresh supply of books to be forwarded to him there. He had but two -books left, and his baggage being contained in a small valise, he -decided to walk this distance, partly out of economy, but principally -because it would enable him to see the country at his leisure. During -the first five miles he succeeded in selling both books, which relieved -him of the burden of carrying them, leaving him only his valise. - -Walter was strong and stout, and enjoyed his walk. There was a freshness -and novelty about his present mode of life, which he liked. He did not -imagine he should like to be a book-agent all his life, but for a time -he found it quite agreeable. - -He stopped under the shade of a large elm and ate the lunch which he had -brought with him from the inn. The sandwiches and apples were good, and, -with the addition of some water from a stream near by, made a very -acceptable lunch. When he resumed his walk after resting a couple of -hours, the weather had changed. In the morning it was bright sunshine. -Now the clouds had gathered, and a storm seemed imminent. To make -matters worse, Walter had managed to stray from the road. He found -himself walking in a narrow lane, lined on either side by thick woods. -Soon the rain come pattering down, at first in small drops, but quickly -poured down in a drenching shower. Walter took refuge in the woods, -congratulating himself that he had sold the books, which otherwise would -have run the risk of being spoiled. - -"I wish there were some house near by in which I could rest," thought -Walter. The prospect of being benighted in the woods in such weather was -far from pleasant. - -Looking around anxiously, he espied a small foot-path, which he -followed, hoping, but hardly expecting, that it might lead to some place -of refuge. To his agreeable surprise he emerged after a few minutes into -a small clearing, perhaps half an acre in extent, in the middle of which -was a rough cabin. It was a strange place for a house, but, rude as it -was, Walter hailed its appearance with joy. At all events it promised -protection from the weather, and the people who occupied it would -doubtless be willing to give him, for pay of course, supper and lodging. -Probably the accommodations would not be first class, but our hero was -prepared to take what he could get, and be thankful for it. Accordingly -he advanced fearlessly and pounded on the door with his fist, as there -was neither bell nor knocker. - -The door not being opened immediately, he pounded again. This time a -not particularly musical voice was heard from within:-- - -"Is that you, Jack?" - -"No," answered Walter, "it isn't Jack." - -His voice was probably recognized as that of a boy, and any apprehension -that might have been felt by the person within was dissipated. Walter -heard a bolt withdrawn, and the door opening revealed a tall, gaunt, -bony woman, who eyed him in a manner which could not be considered very -friendly or cordial. - -"Who are you?" she demanded abruptly, keeping the door partly closed. - -"I am a book-agent," said Walter. - -"Do you expect to sell any books here?" asked the woman, with grim -humor. - -"No," said Walter, "but I have been caught in the storm, and lost my -way. Can I stop here over night if the storm should hold on?" - -"This isn't a tavern," said the woman, ungraciously. - -"No, I suppose not," said Walter; "but it will be a favor to me if you -will take me in, and I will pay you whatever you think right. I suppose -there is no tavern near by." - -He half hoped there might be, for he had already made up his mind that -this would not be a very agreeable place to stop at. - -"There's one five miles off," said the woman. - -"That's too far to go in such weather. If you'll let me stay here, I -will pay you whatever you ask in advance." - -"Humph!" said the woman, doubtfully, "I don't know how Jack will like -it." - -As Walter could know nothing of the sentiments of the Jack referred to, -he remained silent, and waited for the woman to make up her mind, -believing that she would decide in his favor. - -He proved to be right. - -"Well," she said, half unwillingly, "I don't know but I'll take you in, -though it isn't my custom to accommodate travellers." - -"I will try not to give you much trouble," said Walter, relieved to find -that he was sure of food and shelter. - -"Humph!" responded the woman. - -She led the way into the building, which appeared to contain two rooms -on the first floor, and probably the same number of chambers above. -There was no entry, but the door opened at once into the kitchen. - -"Come up to the fire if you're wet," said the woman. - -The invitation was hospitable, but the manner was not. However, Walter -was glad to accept the invitation, without thinking too much of the -manner in which it was expressed, for his clothes were pretty well -saturated by the rain. There was no stove, but an old brick fireplace, -on which two stout logs were burning. There was one convenience at least -about living in the woods. Fuel was abundant, and required nothing but -the labor of cutting it. - -"I think I'll take off my shoes," said Walter. - -"You can if you want to," said his grim hostess. - -He extended his wet feet towards the fire, and felt a sense of comfort -stealing over him. He could hear the rain falling fiercely against the -sides of the cabin, and felt glad that he was not compelled to stand the -brunt of the storm. - -[Illustration] - -He looked around him guardedly, not wishing to let his hostess see that -he was doing so, for she looked like one who might easily be offended. -The room seemed remarkably bare of furniture. There was an unpainted -table, and there were also three chairs, one of which had lost its back. -These were plain wooden chairs, and though they appeared once to have -been painted, few vestiges of the original paint now remained. On a -shelf were a few articles of tin, but no articles of crockery were -visible, except two cracked cups. Walter had before this visited the -dwellings of the poor, but he had never seen a home so poorly provided -with what are generally regarded as the necessaries of life. - -"I wonder what Lem would say if he should see me now," thought Walter, -his thoughts going back to the Essex Classical Institute, and the friend -whose studies he shared. They seemed far away, those days of careless -happiness, when as yet the burdens of life were unfelt and scarcely even -dreamed of. Did Walter sigh for their return? I think not, except on one -account. His father was then alive, and he would have given years of his -own life to recall that loved parent from the grave. But I do not think -he would have cared, for the present at least, to give up his business -career, humble though it was, and go back to his studies. He enjoyed the -novelty of his position. He enjoyed even his present adventure, in spite -of the discomforts that attended it, and there was something exciting in -looking about him, and realizing that he was a guest in a rough cabin in -the midst of the woods, a thousand miles away from home. - -Guarded as he had been in looking around him, it did not escape without -observation. - -"Well, young man, this is a poor place, isn't it?" asked the woman, -suddenly. - -"I don't know," said Walter, wishing to be polite. - -"That's what you're thinkin', I'll warrant," said the woman. "Well, -you're not obliged to stay, if you don't want to." - -"But I do want to, and I am very much obliged to you for consenting to -take me," said Walter, hastily. - -"You said you would pay in advance," said the woman. - -"So I will," said Walter, taking out his pocket-book, "if you will tell -me how much I am to pay." - -"You may give me a dollar," said the woman. - -Walter drew out a roll of bills, and, finding a one-dollar note, handed -it to the woman. - -She took it, glancing covetously at the remaining money which he -replaced in his pocket-book. Walter noticed the glance, and, though he -was not inclined to be suspicious, it gave him a vague feeling of -anxiety. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -STRANGE ACQUAINTANCES. - - -An hour passed without a word being spoken by his singular hostess. She -went to the window from time to time, and looked out as if expecting -some one. At length Walter determined to break the silence, which had -become oppressive. It did not seem natural for two persons to be in the -same room so long without speaking a word. - -"I should think you would find it lonely living in the woods away from -any neighbors," he said. - -"I don't care for neighbors," said the woman, shortly. - -"Have you lived here long?" - -"That's as people reckon time," was the answer. - -Walter found himself no wiser than before, and the manner of his hostess -did not encourage him to pursue his inquiries further on that subject. - -"You don't have far to go for fuel," was the next remark of our hero. - -"Any fool might see that," said the woman. - -"Not very polite," thought Walter. - -He relapsed into silence, judging that his hostess did not care to -converse. Soon, however, she began to ask questions. - -"Did you say you was a book-peddler?" she inquired. - -"I am a book-agent." - -"Where are your books,--in that carpet-bag?" - -"No, I have sold all my books, and sent for some more." - -"Where did you sell them?" - -"In C----." - -"Have you come from there?" - -"Yes, I started from there this forenoon." - -"Where did you stop?" - -"At the tavern." - -"Is your business a good one?" she asked, eying him attentively. - -"I have done very well so far, but then I have been at it only a week." - -"It's a good thing to have money," said the woman, more to herself than -to Walter. - -"Yes," said Walter, "it's very convenient to have money; but there are -other things that are better." - -"Such as what?" demanded the woman abruptly. - -"Good health for one thing." - -"What else?" - -"A good conscience." - -She laughed scornfully. - -"I'll tell you there's nothing so good as money. I've wanted it all my -life, and never could get it. Do you think I would live here in the -woods if I had money? No, I should like to be a lady, and wear fine -clothes, and drive about in a handsome carriage. Why are some people so -lucky, while I live in this miserable hole?" - -She looked at Walter fiercely, as if she held him responsible for her -ill-fortune. - -"Perhaps your luck will change some day," he said, though he had little -faith in his own words. He wondered how the tall, gaunt woman of the -backwoods would look dressed in silks and satins. - -"My luck never will change," she said, quickly. - -"I must live and die in some such hovel as this." - -"My luck has changed," said Walter, quietly; "but in a different way." - -"How?" she asked, betraying in her tone some curiosity. - -"A year ago--six months ago--my father was a rich man, or was considered -so. He was thought to be worth over a hundred thousand dollars. All at -once his property was swept away, and now I am obliged to earn my own -living, as you see." - -"Is that true?" she asked. - -"Yes, it is true." - -"How did your father lose his money?" - -"By speculating in mines." - -"The more fool he!" - -"My father is dead," said Walter, gravely. "I cannot bear to hear him -blamed." - -"Humph!" ejaculated the woman; but what she intended to convey by this -utterance Walter could not tell. - -Again the woman went to the window and looked out. - -"It's time for Jack to be here," she said. - -"Your son?" asked Walter. - -"No, my husband." - -"He'll be pretty wet when he comes in," Walter ventured to say; but his -remark elicited no response. - -After a while his hostess said, in her usual abrupt tone, "I expect you -are hungry." - -"Yes," said Walter, "I am, but I can wait till your husband comes." - -"I don't know when he'll come. Likely he's kept." - -She took out from a small cupboard a plate of bread and some cold meat, -and laid them on the table. Then she steeped some tea, and, when it was -ready, she put that also on the table. - -"Set up," she said, briefly. - -Walter understood from this that supper was ready, and, putting on his -shoes, which were now dry, he moved his chair up. - -"Likely you're used to something better," said the woman. - -This was true, but our hero politely said that the supper looked very -good, and he did not doubt he would enjoy it. - -"That's lucky, for it's all you will get," said the woman. - -"There's not much use in wasting politeness on her," thought Walter. -"She won't give any in return, that's certain." - -The woman poured him out some tea in one of the cracked cups. - -"We haven't got no milk nor sugar," she said. "My man and I don't care -for them." - -The first sip of the tea, which was quite strong, nearly caused a wry -expression on Walter's face, but he managed to control himself so far as -not to betray his want of relish for the beverage his hostess offered -him. The only redeeming quality it had was that it was hot, and, exposed -as he had been to the storm, warm drink was agreeable. - -"There's some bread and there's some meat," said the woman. "You can -help yourself." - -"Are you not going to eat supper with me?" asked Walter. - -"No, I shall wait for Jack." - -She sat down in a chair before the fire, leaving Walter to take care of -himself, and seemed plunged in thought. - -"What a strange woman!" thought Walter. "I wonder if her husband is -anything like her. If he is, they must be an agreeable couple." - -He ate heartily of the food, and succeeded in emptying his cup of tea. -He would have taken another cup if there had been milk and sugar, but it -was too bitter to be inviting. - -"Will you have some more tea?" asked the hostess, turning round. - -"No, I thank you." - -"You miss the milk and sugar?" - -"I like them in tea." - -"We can't afford to buy them, so it's lucky we don't like them." - -There was a bitterness in her tone whenever she talked of money, which -led Walter to avoid the topic. Evidently she was a discontented woman, -angry because her lot in life was not brighter. - -Walter pushed his chair from the table, and sat down again before the -fire. She rose and cleared the table, replacing the bread and meat in -the cupboard. - -"Where are you going next?" she asked, after a pause. - -Walter mentioned the name of the place. - -"Have you ever been there?" he asked. - -"Yes." - -"Is it a flourishing place?" - -"Yes, good enough, but I haven't been there for a year. It may have -burned down for all I know." - -"I wonder what sort of a woman she was when she was young?" thought -Walter. "I wonder if she was always so unsociable?" - -There was silence for another hour. Walter wished it were time to go to -bed, for the presence of such a woman made him feel uncomfortable. But -it was too early yet to suggest retiring. - -At length the silence was broken by a step outside. - -"That's Jack," said the woman, rising hastily; and over her face there -came a transient gleam of satisfaction, the first Walter had observed. - -Before she could reach the door it was opened, and Jack entered. Walter -looked up with some curiosity to see what sort of a man the husband of -this woman might be. He saw a stout man, with a face like a bull-dog's, -lowering eyes, and matted red hair and beard. - -"They are fitly mated," thought our hero. - -The man stopped short as his glance rested upon Walter, and he turned -quickly to his wife. - -"Who have you got here, Meg?" he asked, in a rough voice. - -"He was overtaken by the storm, and wanted me to take him in, and give -him supper and lodging." - -"He's a boy. What brings him into these woods?" - -"He says he's a book-peddler." - -"Where are his books?" - -"I have sold them all," said Walter, feeling called upon to take a -personal share in the conversation. - -"How many did you have?" - -"Twenty." - -"How much did you charge for them?" - -"Three dollars and a half apiece." - -"That's seventy dollars, isn't it?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, you can stay here all night if you want to. We aint used to -keepin' a tavern, but you'll fare as well as we." - -"Thank you. I was afraid I might have to stay out all night." - -"Now, Meg, get me something to eat quick. I'm most famished." - -While his wife was getting out the supper again, he sat down beside the -fire, and Walter had a chance to scan his rough features. There was -something in his appearance that inspired distrust, and our hero wished -the night were past, and he were again on his way. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -DANGER THREATENS. - - -After supper, which the man devoured like a wild animal, he proved more -sociable. He tried in a rough, uncouth manner to make himself agreeable, -and asked Walter numerous questions. - -"Do you like peddlin'?" he asked. - -"I can't tell yet," said Walter. "I haven't been at it long enough." - -"You can make money pretty fast?" - -"I don't know. Some days I expect to do well, but other days I may not -sell any books. But I like travelling about from place to place." - -"I don't know but I should like travellin' myself," said Jack. "Hey, -Meg?" - -"Anything better than staying in this miserable hole," said the woman. -"I'm sick and tired of it." - -"Well, old woman, maybe we'll start off soon. You couldn't get me a -chance in your business, could you?" - -Walter doubted strongly whether a rough, uneducated man like the one -before him would be well adapted for the book business, but he did not -venture to say so. - -"If you would like to try it," he said, "I can give you the name of the -agent in Cleveland. He is authorized to employ agents, and might engage -you." - -"Would he engage the old woman too?" - -"I don't know whether he has any female agents." - -"I couldn't do nothing sellin' books," said Meg, "nor you either. If it -was something else, I might make out." - -"Well, we'll think about it. This aint a very cheerful place to live, as -you say, and it's about time for a change." - -About nine o'clock Walter intimated a desire to go to bed. - -"I have been walking considerable to-day," he said, "and I feel tired." - -"I'll show you the place you're to sleep in," said the woman. - -She lit a candle, and left the room, followed by Walter. She led the way -up a rough, unpainted staircase and opened the door of the room over the -one in which they had been seated. - -"We don't keep a hotel," said she, "and you must shift as well as you -can. We didn't ask you to stay." - -Looking around him, Walter found that the chamber which he had entered -was as bare as the room below, if not more so. There was not even a -bedstead, but in the corner there was a bed on the floor with some -ragged bedclothes spread over it. - -"That's where you're to sleep," said the woman, pointing it out. - -"Thank you," said Walter. - -"There isn't much to thank me for. Good-night." - -"Good-night," said Walter. - -She put the candle on the mantel-piece, for there was no bureau or table -in the room, and went out. - -"This isn't a very stylish tavern, that's a fact," thought Walter, -taking a survey of the room. "I shall have a hard bed, but I guess I -can stand it for one night." - -There was something else that troubled him more than the poor -accommodations. The ill looks of his host and hostess had made a strong -impression upon his mind. The particular inquiries which they had made -about his success in selling books, and their strong desire for money, -led him to feel apprehensive of robbery. He was in the heart of the -woods, far away from assistance, and at their mercy. What could he, a -boy of fifteen, do against their combined attack? He would have -preferred to sleep in the woods without a shelter, rather than have -placed himself in their power. - -Under the influence of this apprehension, he examined the door to see if -there was any way of locking it. But there was neither lock nor bolt. -There had been a bolt once, but there was none now. - -Next he looked about the room to see if there was any heavy article of -furniture with which he could barricade the door. But, as has already -been said, there was neither bureau nor table. In fact, there was -absolutely no article of furniture except a single wooden chair, and -that, of course, would be of no service. - -"What shall I do?" thought Walter. "That man can enter the room when I -am asleep, and rob me of all my money." - -It was a perplexing position to be in, and might have puzzled an older -and more experienced traveller than our young hero. He opened his -pocket-book, and, taking out the money, counted it. There were sixty -dollars and a few cents within. - -"Where shall I hide it?" he considered. - -Looking about the room, he noticed a closet, the door of which was -bolted on the outside. Withdrawing the bolt he opened the door and -looked in. It was nearly empty, containing only a few articles of little -or no value. A plan of operations rapidly suggested itself to Walter in -case the room should be entered while he was awake. In pursuance of this -plan he threw a few pennies upon the floor of the closet, and then -closed the door again. Next he drew from the pocket-book all the money -it contained, except a single five-dollar bill. The bank notes thus -removed amounted to fifty-five dollars. He then drew off his stockings, -and, laying the bills in the bottom, again put them on. - -"He won't suspect where they are," thought Walter, in a tone of -satisfaction. "If he takes my pocket-book, I can stand the loss of five -dollars." - -He put on his shoes, that he might be ready for instant flight, if -occasion required it, and threw himself down on the outside of the -coverlid. - -If our young hero, who, I hope, will prove such if the danger which he -fears actually comes, could have overheard the conversation which was -even then going on between Jack and Meg, he would have felt that his -apprehensions were not without cause. - -When the woman returned from conducting Walter to his room, she found -her husband sitting moodily beside the fire. - -"Well, Meg," he said, looking up, "where did you put him?" - -"In the room above." - -"I hope he'll sleep sound," said Jack, with a sinister smile. "I'll go -up by and by and see how he rests." - -"What do you mean to do?" asked Meg. - -"He has got seventy dollars in that pocket-book of his. It must be -ours." - -His wife did not answer immediately, but looked thoughtfully into the -fire. - -"Well, what do you say?" he demanded impatiently. - -"What do I say? That I have no objection to taking the money, if there -is no danger." - -"What danger is there?" - -"He may charge us with the theft." - -"He can't see me take it, when his eyes are shut." - -"But he may not be asleep." - -"So much the worse for him. I must have the money. Seventy dollars is -worth taking, Meg. It's more money than I've had in my hands at one time -for years." - -"I like money as well as you, Jack; but the boy will make a fuss when he -finds the money is gone." - -"So much the worse for him," said Jack, fiercely. "I'll stop his noise -very quick." - -"You won't harm the lad, Jack?" said Meg, earnestly. - -"Why not? What is he to you?" - -"Nothing, but I feel an interest in him. I don't want him harmed. Rob -him if you will, but don't hurt him." - -"What should you care about him? You never saw him before to-day." - -"He told me his story. He has had ill-luck, like us. His father was very -rich, not long since, but he suddenly lost all his property, and this -boy is obliged to go out as a book-peddler." - -"What has that to do with us?" - -"You mustn't harm him, Jack." - -"I suppose you would like to have him inform against us, and set the -police on our track." - -"No, I wouldn't, and you know it." - -"Then he must never leave this cabin alive," said Jack. - -"You would not murder him?" demanded Meg, horror-struck. - -"Yes, I would, if there is need of it." - -"Then I will go up and bid him leave the house. Better turn him out -into the forest than keep him here for that." - -She had got half way to the door when her husband sprang forward, and -clutched her fiercely by the shoulder. - -"What are you going to do?" he growled. - -"You shall not kill him. I will send him away." - -"I have a great mind to kill you," he muttered fiercely. - -"No, Jack, you wouldn't do that. I'm not a very good woman, but I've -been a faithful wife to you, and you wouldn't have the heart to kill -me." - -"How do you know?" he said. - -"I know you wouldn't. I am not afraid for myself, but for you as well as -this boy. If you killed him, you might be hung, and then what would -become of me?" - -"What else can I do?" asked her husband, irresolutely. - -"Threaten him as much as you like. Make him take an oath never to inform -against you. He's a boy that'll keep his oath." - -"What makes you think so?" - -"I read it in his face. It is an honest face, and it can be trusted." - -"Well, old woman, perhaps you are right. The other way is dangerous, and -if this will work as well, I don't mind trying it. Now let us go to bed, -and when the boy's had time to fall asleep, I'll go in and secure the -money." - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -THE ROBBER WALKS INTO A TRAP. - - -Walter's feelings, as he lay on his hard bed on the floor, were far from -pleasant. He was not sure that an attempt would be made to rob him, but -the probability seemed so great that he could not compose himself to -sleep. Suspense was so painful that he almost wished that Jack would -come up if he intended to. He was tired, but his mental anxiety -triumphed over his bodily fatigue, and he tossed about restlessly. - -It was about nine o'clock when he went to bed. Two hours passed, and -still there were no signs of the apprehended invasion. - -But, five minutes later, a heavy step was heard upon the staircase, -which creaked beneath the weight of the man ascending. Jack tried to -come up softly, but it creaked nevertheless. - -Walter's heart beat quick, as he heard the steps approaching nearer and -nearer. It was certainly a trying moment, that might have tested the -courage of one older than our hero. Presently the door opened softly, -and Jack advanced stealthily into the chamber, carrying a candle which, -however, was unlighted. He reckoned upon finding Walter undressed, and -his clothes hanging over the chair; but the faint light that entered -through the window showed him that his intended victim had not removed -his clothing. Of course this made the task of taking his pocket-book -much more difficult. - -"Confusion!" he muttered. "The boy hasn't undressed." - -Walter had closed his eyes, thinking it best to appear to be asleep; but -he heard this exclamation, and it satisfied him of Jack's dishonest -intentions. - -The robber paused a moment, and then, stooping over, inserted his hand -into Walter's pocket. He drew out the pocket-book, Walter making no sign -of being aware of what was going on. - -"I've got it," muttered Jack, with satisfaction, and stealthily retraced -his steps to the door. He went out, carefully closing it after him, and -again the steps creaked beneath his weight. - -"I'm afraid he'll come back when he finds how little there is in it," -thought Walter. "If so, I must trust to my plan." - -Meg looked up with interest when her husband re-entered the room. She -had been listening with nervous interest, fearing that there might be -violence done. She had been relieved to hear no noise, and to see her -husband returning quietly. - -"Have you got the pocket-book?" she asked. - -"Yes, Meg," he said, displaying it. "He went to bed with his clothes on, -but I pulled it out of his pocket, as he lay asleep, and he will be none -the wiser." - -"How much is there in it?" - -"I'm going to see. I haven't opened it yet." - -He opened the pocket-book, and uttered a cry of disappointment. - -"That's all," he said, displaying the five-dollar bill. "He must have -had more." - -"He did have more. When he paid me the dollar for stoppin' here, he took -it from a roll of bills." - -"What's he done with 'em, the young rascal?" - -"Perhaps he had another pocket-book. But that's the one he took out when -he paid me." - -"I must go up again, Meg. He had seventy dollars, and I'm goin' to have -the rest. Five dollars won't pay me for the trouble of stealin' it." - -"Don't hurt the boy, Jack." - -"I will, if he don't fork over the money," said her husband, fiercely. - -There was no longer any thought of concealment. It was necessary to wake -Walter to find out where he had put the money. So Jack went upstairs -boldly, not trying to soften the noise of his steps now, angry to think -that he had been put to this extra trouble. Walter heard him coming, and -guessed what brought him back. I will not deny that he felt nervous, but -he determined to act manfully, whatever might be the result. He breathed -a short prayer to God for help, for he knew that in times of peril he is -the only sufficient help. - -The door was thrown open, and Jack strode in, bearing in his hand a -candle, this time lighted. He advanced to the bed, and, bending over, -shook Walter vigorously. - -"What's the matter?" asked our hero, this time opening his eyes, and -assuming a look of surprise. "Is it time to get up?" - -"It's time for you to get up." - -"It isn't morning, is it?" - -"No; but I've got something to say to you." - -"Well," said Walter, sitting up in the bed, "I'm ready." - -"Where've you put that money you had last night?" - -"Why do you want to know?" demanded Walter, eying his host fixedly. - -"No matter why I want to know," said Jack, impatiently. "Tell me, if you -know what's best for yourself." - -Walter put his hand in his pocket. - -"It was in my pocket-book," he said; "but it's gone." - -"Here is your pocket-book," said Jack, producing it. - -"Did you take it out of my pocket? What made you take it?" - -"None of your impudence, boy!" - -"Is it impudent to ask what made you take my property?" said Walter, -firmly. - -"Yes, it is," said Jack, with an oath. - -"Do you mean to steal my money?" - -"Yes, I do; and the sooner you hand it over the better." - -"You have got my pocket-book already." - -"Perhaps you think I am green," sneered Jack. "I found only five -dollars." - -"Then you had better give it back to me. Five dollars isn't worth -taking." - -"You're a cool one, and no mistake," said Jack, surveying our hero with -greater respect than he had before manifested. "Do you know that I could -wring your neck?" - -"Yes, I suppose you could," said Walter, quietly. "You are a great deal -stronger than I am." - -"Aint you afraid of me?" - -"I don't think I am. Why should I be?" - -"What's to hinder my killin' you? We're alone in the woods, far from -help." - -"I don't think you'll do it," said Walter, meeting his gaze steadily. - -"You aint a coward, boy; I'll say that for you. Some boys of your age -would be scared to death if they was in your place." - -"I don't think I am a coward," said Walter, quietly. "Are you going to -give me back that pocket-book?" - -"Not if I know it; but I'll tell you what you're goin' to do." - -"What's that?" - -"Hunt up the rest of that money, and pretty quick too." - -"What makes you think I have got any more money?" - -"Didn't you tell me you sold twenty books, at three dollars and a half? -That makes seventy dollars, accordin' to my reckonin'." - -"You're right there; but I have sent to Cleveland for some more books, -and had to send the money with the order." - -This staggered the robber at first, till he remembered what his wife -had told him. - -"That don't go down," he said roughly. "The old woman saw a big roll of -bills when you paid her for your lodgin'. You haven't had any chance of -payin' them away." - -Walter recalled the covetous glance of the woman when he displayed the -bills, and he regretted too late his imprudence in revealing the amount -of money he had with him. He saw that it was of no use to attempt to -deceive Jack any longer. It might prove dangerous, and could do no good. - -"I have some more money," he said; "but I hope you will let me keep it." - -"What made you take it out of your pocket-book?" - -"Because I thought I should have a visit from you." - -"What made you think so?" demanded Jack, rather surprised. - -"I can't tell, but I expected a visit, so I took out most of my money -and hid it." - -"Then you'd better find it again. I can't wait here all night. Is it in -your other pocket?" - -"No." - -"Is that all you can say? Get up, and find me that money, or it'll be -the worse for you." - -"Then give me the pocket-book and five dollars. I can't get along if you -take all my money." - -Jack reflected that he could easily take away the pocket-book again, and -decided to comply with our hero's request as an inducement for him to -find the other money. - -"Here it is," he said. "Now get me the rest." - -"I hid some money in that closet," said Walter. "I thought you would -think of looking there." - -No sooner was the closet pointed out than Jack eagerly strode towards it -and threw open the door. He entered it, and began to peer about him, -holding the candle in his hand. - -"Where did you put it?" he inquired, turning to question Walter. - -But he had scarcely spoken when our hero closed the door hastily, and, -before Jack could recover from his surprise, had bolted it on the -outside. To add to the discomfiture of the imprisoned robber, the wind -produced by the violent slamming of the door blew out the candle, and he -found himself a captive, in utter darkness. - -"Let me out, or I'll murder you!" he roared, kicking the barrier that -separated him from his late victim, now his captor. - -Walter saw that there was no time to lose. The door, though strong, -would probably soon give way before the strength of his prisoner. When -the liberation took place, he must be gone. He held the handle of his -carpet-bag between his teeth, and, getting out of the window, hung down. -The distance was not great, and he alighted upon the ground without -injury. Without delay he plunged into the woods, not caring in what -direction he went, as long as it carried him away from his dishonest -landlord. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -WALTER'S ESCAPE. - - -Though Walter was in a room on the second floor, the distance to the -ground was not so great but that he could easily hang from the -window-sill and jump without injury. Before following him in his flight, -we will pause to inquire how the robber, unexpectedly taken captive, -fared. - -Nothing could have surprised Jack more than this sudden turning of the -tables. But a minute since Walter was completely in his power. Now, -through the boy's coolness and nerve, his thievish intentions were -baffled, and he was placed in the humiliating position of a prisoner in -his own house. - -"Open the door, or I'll murder you!" he roared, kicking it violently. - -There was no reply, for Walter was already half way out of the window, -and did not think it best to answer. - -Jack kicked again, but the door was a strong one, and, though it shook, -did not give way. - -"Draw the bolt, I say," roared the captive again, appending an oath, "or -I'll wring your neck." - -But our hero was already on the ground, and speeding away into the -shelter of the friendly woods. - -If any man was thoroughly mad, that man was Jack. It was not enough that -he had been ingloriously defeated, but the most galling thing about it -was that this had been done by a boy. - -"I'll make him pay for this!" muttered Jack, furiously. - -He saw that Walter had no intention of releasing him, and that his -deliverance must come from himself. He kicked furiously, and broke -through one of the panels of the door; but still the bolt held, and -continued to hold, though he threw himself against the door with all his -force. - -Meanwhile his wife below had listened intently, at the bottom of the -staircase, not without anxiety as to the result. She was a woman, and, -though by no means of an amiable disposition, she was not without some -humanity. She knew her husband's brutal temper, and she feared that -Walter would come to harm. Part of her anxiety was selfish, to be sure, -for she dreaded the penalty for her husband; but she was partly actuated -by a feeling of rough good-will towards her young guest. She didn't mind -his being robbed, for she felt that in some way she had been cheated out -of that measure of worldly prosperity which was her due, and she had no -particular scruple as to the means of getting even with the world. The -fact that Walter, too, had suffered bad fortune increased her good-will -towards him, and made her more reluctant that he should be ill-treated. - -At first, as she listened, and while the conversation was going on, she -heard nothing to excite her alarm. But when her husband had been locked -in the closet, and began to kick at the door, there was such a noise -that Meg, though misapprehending the state of things, got frightened. - -"He's killing the poor boy, I'm afraid," she said, clasping her hands. -"Why, why need he be so violent? I told him not to harm him." - -Next she heard Jack's voice in angry tones, but could not understand -what he said. This was followed by a fresh shower of kicks at the -resisting door. - -"I would go up if I dared," she thought; "but I am afraid I should see -the poor boy dying." - -She feared, also, her husband's anger at any interference; for, as she -had reason to know, his temper was not of the gentlest. So she stood -anxiously at the foot of the staircase, and continued to listen. - -Meanwhile Jack, finding he could not release himself readily, bethought -himself of his wife. - -"Meg!" he called out, in stentorian tones. - -His wife heard the summons and made haste to obey it. - -She hurried upstairs, and, opening the chamber door, found herself, to -her surprise, in darkness. - -"Where are you, Jack?" she asked, in some bewilderment. - -"Here," answered her husband. - -"Where?" asked Meg; for the tones were muffled by the interposition of -the door, and she could not get a clear idea of where her husband was. - -"In the closet, you fool! Come and open the door," was the polite reply. - -Wondering how her husband could have got into the closet, and, also, -what had become of Walter, she advanced hastily to the closet-door, and -drew the bolt. - -Jack dashed out furiously, cursing in a manner I shall not repeat. - -"How came you here, Jack?" asked his wife. "Where's the boy?" - -It was so dark that he could not readily discover Walter's flight. He -strode to the bedstead, and, kneeling down, began to feel about for him. - -"Curse it, the boy's gone!" he exclaimed. "Why didn't you stop him?" - -This he said on supposition that Walter had escaped by the stairs. - -"I don't know what you mean. I've seen nothing of the boy. Wasn't he -here when you came up?" - -"Yes, he was, but now he's gone. He must have got out of the window," -he added, with a sudden thought. - -"I don't understand it," said Meg. "How came you shut up in that -closet?" - -"The boy sent me in on a fool's errand, and then locked me in." - -"Tell me about it, Jack." - -Her husband rehearsed the story, heaping execrations upon his own folly -for being outwitted by a boy. - -"But you've got the pocket-book and the five dollars," said his wife, by -way of comforting him. - -"No, I haven't. I gave them back to him, to get him to tell me where the -rest of the money was. I meant to take it away from him again." - -"Then he's escaped with all his money?" - -"Yes," growled Jack; "he's fooled me completely. But it isn't too late. -I may catch him yet. He's hiding in the woods somewhere. If I do get -hold of him, I'll give him something to remember me by. I'll learn him -to fool me." - -"I wouldn't go out to-night, Jack," said his wife. "It's most twelve." - -"If I don't go now, I'll lose him. Go downstairs, Meg, and light the -candle." - -"Did he have the money with him?" - -"He said he hid it." - -"Then perhaps he left it behind him. He had to go away in a hurry." - -"That's so, Meg. Hurry down, and light the candle, and we'll hunt for -it." - -The suggestion was a reasonable one, and Jack caught at it. If the money -were left behind, it would repay him in part for his mortification at -having been fooled by a boy, and he might be tempted to let him go. What -vexed him most was the idea of having been baffled completely; and the -discovery of the money would go far to make things even. - -Meg came up with the lighted candle; and they commenced a joint search, -first in the closet, where they found the five pennies which Walter had -thrown on the floor, and, afterwards, about the room, and particularly -the bedding. But the roll of bills was nowhere to be found. Walter had, -as we know, carried it away with him. This was the conclusion to which -the seekers were ultimately brought. - -"The money aint anywhere here," said Jack. "The boy's got it with him." - -"Likely he has," said Meg. - -"I'm goin' for him," said her husband. "Go downstairs, Meg, and I'll -foller." - -"You'd better wait till mornin', Jack," said his wife. - -"You're a fool!" he said, unceremoniously. "If I wait till daylight, -he'll be out of the woods, and I can't catch him." - -"There isn't much chance now. It's dark, and you won't be likely to find -him." - -"I'll risk that. Anyhow, I'm goin' and so you needn't say any more about -it." - -Jack descended to the room below, put on his boots and hat, and, opening -the outer door, sallied out into the darkness. - -He paused before the door in uncertainty. - -"I wish I knowed which way he went," he muttered. - -There seemed little to determine the choice of direction on the part of -the fugitive. There was no regular path, as Jack and his wife were the -only dwellers in the forest who had occasion to use one, except such as -occasionally strayed in from the outer world. There was, indeed, a path -slightly marked, but this Walter could not see in the darkness. -Nevertheless, as chance would have it, he struck into it and followed it -for some distance. - -Having nothing else to determine his course, it was only natural that -Jack should take this path. Now that he was already started on his -expedition, and found the natural darkness of the night deepened and -made more intense by the thick foliage of the forest trees, he realized -that his chances of coming upon Walter were by no means encouraging. But -he kept on with dogged determination. - -"I'd like to catch the young rascal, even if I don't get a penny of the -money," he said to himself. - -He resolved, in case he was successful, first, to give his victim a -severe beating, and next, to convey him home, and keep him for weeks a -close prisoner in the very closet in which he had himself been -confined. The thought of such an appropriate vengeance yielded him -considerable satisfaction, and stimulated him to keep up the search. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -A STRANGE HIDING-PLACE. - - -Meanwhile Walter had the advantage of quarter of an hour's start of his -pursuer. Jack had indeed been released within five minutes, but he had -consumed ten minutes more in searching for the money. It was too dark, -however, to make rapid progress. Still Walter pushed on, resolved to put -as great a distance as possible between the cabin and himself, for he -anticipated pursuit, and judged that, if caught, he would fare badly for -the trick he had played upon his host. - -He had proceeded perhaps half a mile when he stopped to rest. Two or -three times he had tripped over projecting roots which the darkness -prevented his seeing in time to avoid. - -"I'll rest a few minutes, and then push on," he thought. - -It was late, but the excitement of his position prevented him from -feeling sleepy. He wished to get out of the woods into some road or open -field, where he would be in less danger of encountering Jack, and where -perhaps he might find assistance against him. - -He was leaning against an immense tree, one of the largest and oldest in -the forest. Walter began idly to examine it. He discovered, by feeling, -that it was hollow inside. Curiosity led him to examine farther. He -ascertained that the interior was eaten out by gradual decay, making a -large hollow space inside. - -"I shouldn't wonder if I could get in," he said to himself. - -He made the attempt, and found that he was correct in his supposition. -He could easily stand erect inside. - -"That is curious," thought Walter. "The tree must be very old." - -He emerged from the trunk, and once more threw himself down beside it. -Five minutes later and his attention was drawn by a sound of approaching -footsteps. Then came an oath, which sounded startlingly near. It was -uttered by Jack, who had tripped over a root, and was picking himself -up in no very good humor. The enemy, it appeared, was close upon him. - -Walter started to his feet in dismay. His first thought was immediate -flight, but if he were heard by Jack, the latter would no doubt be able -to run him down. - -"What shall I do?" thought Walter, in alarm. - -Quickly the hollow trunk occurred to him. He seized his carpet-bag, and -with as little delay as possible concealed himself in the interior. He -was just in time, for Jack was by this time only a few rods distant. -Walter counted upon his passing on; but on reaching the old tree Jack -paused, and said aloud, "Where can the young rascal be? I wonder if I -have passed him? I'll rest here five minutes. He may straggle along." - -With these words he sank upon the ground, in the very same place where -Walter had been reclining two minutes before. He was so near that our -hero could have put out his hand and touched him. - -It was certainly a very uncomfortable situation for Walter. He hardly -dared to breathe or to stir lest his enemy should hear him. - -"He's led me a pretty tramp," muttered Jack. "I'm as tired as a dog, but -I'm bound to get hold of him to-night. If I do, I'll half kill him." - -"Then I hope you won't get hold of him," Walter ejaculated inwardly. - -He began to wish he had run on instead of seeking this concealment. In -the first case, the darkness of the night would have favored him, and -even if Jack had heard him it was by no means certain that he would have -caught him. Now an unlucky movement or a cough would betray his -hiding-place, and there would be no chance of escape. He began to feel -his constrained position irksome, but did not dare to seek relief by -change of posture. - -"I wish he'd go," thought our hero. - -But Jack was in no hurry. He appeared to wish to waylay Walter, and was -constantly listening to catch the sound of his approach. At last a -little relief came. A sound was heard, which Jack suspected might -proceed from his late guest. He started to his feet, and walked a few -steps away. Walter availed himself of this opportunity to change his -position a little. - -"It isn't he," said Jack, disappointed. "Perhaps he's gone another way." - -He did not throw himself down this time, but remained standing, in -evident uncertainty. At length Walter was relieved to hear him say, -"Well, I shan't catch him by stopping here, that's sure." - -Then he started, and Walter, listening intently, heard the sound of his -receding steps. When sufficient time had elapsed, he ventured out from -his concealment, and stopped to consider the situation. - -What should he do? - -It was hardly prudent to go on, for it would only bring him nearer to -the enemy. If he ventured back, he would be farther away from the edge -of the woods, and might encounter Meg, who might also be in pursuit. He -did not feel in danger of capture from this quarter, but the woman might -find means of communicating with her husband. On the whole, it seemed -safest, for the present at least, to stick to the friendly tree which -had proved so good a protector. He stood beside it, watching carefully, -intending, whenever peril threatened, to take instant refuge inside. -This was not particularly satisfactory, but he hoped Jack would soon -tire of the pursuit, and retrace his steps towards the cabin. If he -should do that, he would then be safe in continuing his flight. - -Jack pushed on, believing that our hero was in advance. It had been a -fatiguing day, and this made his present midnight tramp more -disagreeable. His hopes of overtaking Walter became fainter and fainter, -and nature began to assert her rights. A drowsiness which he found it -hard to combat assailed him, and he found he must yield to it for a time -at least. - -"I wish I was at home, and in bed," he muttered. "I'll lie down and take -a short nap, and then start again." - -He threw himself down on the ground, and no longer resisted the -approaches of sleep. In five minutes his senses were locked in a deep -slumber, which, instead of a short nap, continued for several hours. - -While he is sleeping we will go back to Walter. He, too, was sleepy, and -would gladly have laid down and slept if he had dared. But he felt the -peril of his position too sensibly to give way to his feelings. He -watched vigilantly for an hour, but nothing could be seen of Jack. That -hour seemed to him to creep with snail-like pace. - -"I can't stand this watching till morning," he said to himself. "I will -find some out-of-the-way place, and try to sleep a little." - -Searching about he found such a place as he desired. He lay down, and -was soon fast asleep. So pursuer and pursued had yielded to the spell of -the same enchantress, and half a mile distant from each other were -enjoying welcome repose. - -Some hours passed away. The sun rose, and its rays lighted up the dim -recesses of the forest. When Walter opened his eyes he could not at -first remember where he was. He lifted his head from his carpet-bag -which he had used as a pillow, and looked around him in surprise; but -recollection quickly came to his aid. - -"I must have been sleeping several hours," he said to himself, "for it -is now morning. I wonder if the man who was after me has gone home?" - -He decided that this was probable, and resolved to make an attempt to -reach the edge of the forest. He wanted to get into the region of -civilization again, if for no other reason, because he felt hungry, and -was likely to remain so as long as he continued in the forest. He now -felt fresh and strong, and, taking his carpet-bag in his hand, prepared -to start on his journey. But he had scarcely taken a dozen steps when a -female figure stepped out from a covert, and he found himself face to -face with Meg. - -Not knowing but that her husband might be close behind, he started back -in alarm and hesitation. She observed this, and said, "You needn't be -afraid, boy. I don't want to harm you." - -"Is your husband with you?" asked Walter, on his guard. - -"No, he isn't. He started out after you before midnight, and hasn't -been back since. That made me uneasy, and I came out to look for him." - -"I have seen him," said Walter. - -"Where and when?" asked the woman, eagerly. - -It was strange that such a coarse brute should have inspired any woman -with love, but Meg did certainly love her husband, in spite of his -frequent bad treatment. - -"It must have been within an hour of the time I left your house. He -stopped under that tree. That was where I saw him." - -"Did he see you?" - -"No, I was hidden." - -"How long did he stay?" - -"Only a few minutes, to get rested, I suppose. Then he went on." - -"In what direction?" - -"That way." - -"I am glad he did not harm you. He was so angry when he started that I -was afraid of what would happen if he met you. You must keep out of his -way." - -"That is what I mean to do if I can," said Walter. "Can you tell me the -shortest way out of the woods?" - -"Go in that direction," said the woman, pointing, "and half a mile will -bring you out." - -"It is rather hard to follow a straight path in the woods. If you will -act as my guide, I will give you a dollar." - -Meg hesitated. - -"If my husband should find out that I helped you to escape, he would be -very angry." - -"Why need he know? You needn't tell him you met me." - -The woman hesitated. Finally love of money prevailed. - -"I'll do it," she said, abruptly. "Follow me." - -She took the lead, and Walter followed closely in her steps. Remembering -the night before, he was not wholly assured of her good faith, and -resolved to keep his eyes open, and make his escape instantly if he -should see any signs of treachery. Possibly Meg might intend to lead -him into a trap, and deliver him up to her husband. He was naturally -trustful, but his adventures in the cabin taught him a lesson of -distrust. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -WALTER SHOWS STRATEGY. - - -Walter followed Meg through the woods. He felt sure that he would not -have far to go to reach the open fields. He had been delayed heretofore, -not by the distance, but by not knowing in what direction to go. - -Few words were spoken between him and Meg. Remembering what had happened -at the cabin, and that even now he was fleeing from her husband, he did -not feel inclined to be sociable, and her thoughts were divided between -the money she was to be paid as the price of her services, and her -husband, for whose prolonged absence she could not account. - -After walking for fifteen minutes, they came to the edge of the forest. -Skirting it was a meadow, wet in parts, for the surface was low. - -"Where is the road?" asked Walter. - -"You'll have to cross this meadow, and you'll come to it. It isn't -mor'n quarter of a mile. You'll find your way well enough without me." - -Walter felt relieved at the prospect of a speedy return to the region of -civilization. It seemed to him as if he had passed the previous night -far away in some wild frontier cabin, instead of in the centre of a -populous and thriving neighborhood, within a few miles of several -flourishing villages. - -He drew out a dollar-bill, and offered it to Meg. - -"This is the money I agreed to pay you," he said. "Thank you, besides." - -"You haven't much cause to thank me," she said, abruptly. "I would have -robbed you if I had the chance." - -"I am sorry for that," said Walter. "Money got in that way never does -any good." - -"Money is sure to do good, no matter how it comes," said the woman, -fiercely. "Think of what it will buy!--a comfortable home, ease, luxury, -respect. Some time before I die I hope to have as much as I want." - -"I hope you will," said Walter; "but I don't think you will find it as -powerful as you think." - -His words might as well have remained unspoken, for she paid no -attention to them. She seemed to be listening intently. Suddenly she -clutched his arm. - -"I hear my husband's steps," she said, hurriedly. "Fly, or it will be -the worse for you." - -"Thank you for the caution," said Walter, roused to the necessity of -immediate action. - -"Don't stop to thank me. Go!" she said, stamping her foot impatiently. - -He obeyed at once, and started on a run across the meadow. - -A minute later, Jack came in sight. - -"What, Meg, are you here?" he said, in surprise. - -"Yes; I got anxious about you, because you did not come home. I was -afraid something had happened to you." - -"What could happen to me?" he retorted, contemptuously. "I'm not a baby. -Have you seen the boy?" - -He did not wait for an answer, for, looking across the meadow, he saw -the flying figure of our hero. - -"There he is, now!" he exclaimed, in a tone of fierce satisfaction. - -"Let him go, Jack!" pleaded Meg, who, in spite of herself, felt a -sympathy for the boy who, like herself, had been unfortunate. - -He threw off the hand which she had placed upon his arm, saying, -contemptuously, "You're a fool!" and then dashed off in pursuit of -Walter. - -Walter had the start, and had already succeeded in placing two hundred -yards between himself and his pursuer. But Jack was strong and athletic, -and could run faster than a boy of fifteen, and the distance between the -two constantly diminished. Walter looked over his shoulder, as he ran, -and, brave as he was, there came over him a sickening sensation of fear -as he met the fierce, triumphant glance of his enemy. - -"Stop!" called out Jack, hoarsely. - -Walter did not answer, neither did he obey. He was determined to hold -out to the last, and when he surrendered it would be only as a measure -of necessity. - -"Are you going to stop or not? You'd better," growled Jack. - -[Illustration] - -Walter still remained silent; but his heart bounded with sudden hope as -he saw before him a means of possible escape. Only a few rods in advance -was a deep ditch, at least twelve feet wide, over which a single plank -was thrown as a bridge for foot-passengers. Walter summoned his -energies, and sped like a deer forward and over the bridge, when, -stooping down, he hastily pulled it over after him, thus cutting off his -enemy's advance. Jack saw his intention, and tried to reach the edge of -the ditch soon enough to prevent it. But he was just too late. - -Baffled and enraged, he looked across the gulf which separated him from -his intended victim. - -"Put back that plank," he roared, with an oath. - -"I would rather not," said Walter, who stood facing him on the other -side, hot and excited. - -"I'll kill you if I get at you," said Jack, shaking his fist menacingly. - -"What have I done to you?" asked Walter, quietly. "Why do you want to -harm me?" - -"Didn't you lock me up in the closet last night?" - -"You wanted to take my money." - -"I'll have it yet." - -"It was all I could do," said Walter, who did not wish to excite any -additional anger in his already irritated foe. "I haven't got but a -little money, and I wanted to keep it." - -"Money isn't the only thing you may lose," said the ruffian, -significantly. "Put back that plank. Do you hear me?" - -"Yes," said Walter; "I hear, but I cannot do it." - -"You're playin' a dangerous game, young one," said Jack. "Perhaps you -think I can't get over." - -"I don't think you can," said Walter, glancing at the width of the -ditch. - -"You may find yourself mistaken." - -Walter did not answer. - -"Will you put back that plank?" demanded Jack, once more. - -"No," answered Walter. - -"You'll be sorry for it then, you young cub!" said Jack, fiercely. - -He walked back about fifty feet, and then faced round. His intention was -clear enough. He meant to jump over the ditch. Could he do it? That was -the question which suggested itself to the anxious consideration of our -hero. If the ground had been firm on the other side, such a jump for a -grown man would not have been by any means a remarkable one. But the -soft, spongy soil was unfavorable for a spring. Still it was possible -that Jack might succeed. If he did, was there any help for Walter? - -Our hero took the plank, and put it over his shoulder, moving with it -farther down the edge. An idea had occurred to him, which had not yet -suggested itself to Jack, or the latter might have been less confident -of success. - -Jack stood still for a moment, and then, gathering up his strength, -dashed forward. Arrived at the brink, he made a spring, but the soft -bank yielded him no support. He fell short of the opposite bank by at -least two feet, and, to his anger and disgust, landed in the water and -slime at the bottom of the ditch. With a volley of execrations, he -scrambled out, landing at last, but with the loss of one boot, which had -been drawn off by the clinging mud in which it had become firmly -planted. Still he was on the same side with Walter, and the latter was -now in his power. This was what he thought; but an instant later he saw -his mistake. Walter had stretched the plank over the ditch a few rods -further up, and was passing over it in safety. - -Jack ran hastily to the spot, hoping to gain possession of the plank -which had been of such service to his opponent, and want of which had -entailed such misfortunes upon him. But Walter was too quick for him. -The plank was drawn over, and again he faced his intended victim with -the width of the ditch between. - -He looked across at Walter with a glance of baffled rage. It was -something new to him to be worsted by a boy, and it mortified him and -angered him to such an extent that, had he got hold of him at that -moment, murder might have been committed. - -"Put down that plank, and come across," he called out. - -Walter did not reply. - -"Why don't you answer, you rascal?" - -"You know well enough what I would say," said Walter. "I don't care to -come." - -"I shall get hold of you sooner or later." - -"Perhaps you will," said Walter; "but not if I can help it." - -"You're on the wrong side of the ditch. You can't escape." - -"So are you on the wrong side. You can't get home without crossing." - -"I can keep you there all day." - -"I can stand it as well as you," said Walter. - -He felt bolder than at first, for he appreciated the advantage which he -had in possessing the plank. True the situation was not a comfortable -one, and he would have gladly exchanged it for one that offered greater -security. Still, on the whole, he felt cool and calm, and waited -patiently for the issue. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -DELIVERANCE. - - -Jack might have waded back again across the ditch without inflicting -much additional damage upon his already wet and miry clothing; but he -fancied that Walter was in his power, and hoped he would capitulate. To -this end, he saw that it was necessary to reassure him, and deceive him -as to his own intentions. - -"Come across, boy," he said, softening his tone. "You needn't be afraid. -I didn't mean nothing. I was only tryin' to see if I couldn't frighten -you a little." - -"I'm very well off where I am," said Walter. "I think I'll stay where I -am." - -"You won't want to stay there all day." - -"I'd rather stay here all day than be on the same side with you." - -"You needn't be afraid." - -"I am not afraid," said Walter. - -"You think I want to hurt you." - -"I think I am safer on this side." - -"Come, boy, I'll make a bargain with you. You've put me to a good deal -of trouble." - -"I don't see that." - -"You locked me up in the closet, and you've kept me all night huntin' -after you." - -"You were not obliged to hunt after me, and as for locking you up in the -closet, it was the only way I had of saving my money." - -Jack did not care to answer Walter's argument, but proceeded: "Now I've -got you sure, but I'll do the fair thing. If you'll come across and pay -me ten dollars for my trouble, I'll let you go without hurtin' you." - -"What's to prevent you taking all my money, if you get me over there?" - -"Haven't I said I wouldn't?" - -"You might forget your promise," said Walter, whose confidence in Jack's -word was by no means great. A man who would steal probably would not be -troubled by many scruples on the subject of violating his word. - -"If you don't come, I'll take every cent, and give you a beating -beside," said Jack, his anger gaining the ascendency. - -"Well, what are you goin' to do about it?" demanded Jack, after a brief -pause. - -"I'll stay where I am." - -"I can come over any time, and get hold of you." - -"Perhaps you can," said Walter. "I'll take the risk." - -"I'll wait a while," thought Jack. "He'll come round after a while." - -He sat down, and taking a clay pipe from his pocket, filled the bowl -with tobacco, and commenced smoking. Walter perceived that he was -besieged, but kept cool, and clung to his plank, which was his only hope -of safety. He began to speculate as to the length of time the besieging -force would hold out. He was already hungry, and there was a prospect of -his being starved into a surrender, or there would have been, if luckily -his opponent had not been also destitute of provisions. In fact, the -besieging party soon became disorganized from this cause. A night in -the open air had given keenness to Jack's appetite, and he felt an -uncomfortable craving for food. - -"I wish Meg would come along," he muttered. "I feel empty." - -But Meg did not come. She stood for a few minutes in the edge of the -woods, and watched her husband's pursuit of Walter. She saw his failure -to overtake his intended victim, and this made her easier in her mind. I -do not wish to represent her as better than she was. Her anxiety was -chiefly for her husband. She did not wish him to commit any act of -violence which would put him without the pale of the law. It was this -consideration, rather than a regard for Walter's safety, that influenced -her, though she felt some slight interest in our hero. She went home, -feeling that she could do no good in staying. Jack resented her -disappearance. - -"She might know I wanted some breakfast," he growled to himself. "As -long as she gets enough to eat herself, she cares little for me." - -This censure was not deserved. Meg was not a good woman, but she was -devoted to the coarse brute whom she called husband, and was at any -time ready to sacrifice her own comfort to his. - -Two hours passed, and still besieger and besieged eyed each other from -opposite sides of the bank. Jack grew more and more irritable as the -cravings of his appetite increased, and the slight hope that Meg might -appear with some breakfast was dissipated. Walter also became more -hungry, but showed no signs of impatience. - -At this time a boy was seen coming across the meadow. Jack espied him, -and the idea struck him that he might through him lay in a stock of -provisions. - -"Come here, boy," he said. "Where do you live?" - -The boy pointed to a small farm-house half a mile distant. - -"Do you want to earn some money?" - -"I dunno," said the boy, who had no objections to the money, but, -knowing Jack's shady reputation, was in doubt as to what was expected of -him. - -"Go home, and get a loaf of bread and some cold meat, and bring me, and -I'll give you half a dollar." - -"Didn't you bring your luncheon?" asked the boy. - -"No, I came away without it, and I can't spare time to go back." - -It occurred to the boy, noticing Jack's lazy posture, that business did -not appear to be very driving with the man whose time was so valuable. - -"Perhaps mother won't give me the bread and meat," he said. - -"You can give her half the money." - -The boy looked across to Walter, wondering what kept him on the other -side. Our hero saw a chance of obtaining help. - -"I'll give you a dollar," he called out, "if you'll go and tell somebody -that this man is trying to rob me of all my money. I slept in his house -last night, and he tried to rob me there. Now he will do the same if he -can get hold of me." - -"If you tell that, I'll wring your neck," exclaimed Jack. "It's all a -lie. The boy slept at my house, as he says, and stole some money from -me. He escaped, but I'm bound to get it back if I stay here all day." - -"That is not true," said Walter. "Carry my message, and I will give you -a dollar, and will, besides, reward the men that come to my assistance." -The boy looked from one to the other in doubt what to do. - -"If you want your head broke, you'll do as he says," said Jack, rather -uneasy. "He won't pay what he promises." - -"You shall certainly be paid," said Walter. - -"You'd better shut up, or it'll be the worse for you," growled Jack. "Go -and get my breakfast quick, boy, and I'll pay you the fifty cents." - -"All right," said the boy, "I'll go." - -He turned, but when he was behind Jack, so that the latter could not -observe him, he made a sign to Walter that he would do as he wished. - -Fifteen minutes later Jack rose to his feet. An idea had occurred to -him. At the distance of a furlong there was a rail-fence. It occurred to -him that one of these rails would enable him to cross the ditch, and -get at his victim. He was not afraid Walter would escape, since he could -easily turn back and capture him if he ventured across. - -Walter did not understand his design in leaving the ditch. Was it -possible that he meant to raise the siege? This seemed hardly probable. -He watched, with some anxiety, the movements of his foe, fearing some -surprise. - -When Jack reached the fence, and began to pull out one of the rails he -understood his object. His position was evidently becoming more -dangerous. - -Jack came back with a triumphant smile upon his face. - -"Now, you young cub," he said, "I've got you!" - -Walter watched him warily, and lowered the plank, ready to convert it -into a bridge as soon as necessary. Jack put down the rail. It was long -enough to span the ditch, but was rather narrow, so that some caution -was needful in crossing it. Walter had moved several rods farther up, -and thrown the plank across. Though his chances of escape from the peril -that menaced him seemed to have diminished since his enemy was also -provided with a bridge and it became now a question of superior speed, -Walter was not alarmed. Indeed his prospects of deliverance appeared -brighter than ever, for he caught sight of two men approaching across -the meadow, and he suspected that they were sent by the boy whom he had -hired. These men had not yet attracted the attention of Jack, whose back -was turned towards them. He crossed the rail, and, at the same time, -Walter crossed the plank. This he threw across, and then, leaving it on -the bank, set out on a quick run. - -"Now I'll catch him," thought Jack, with exultation; but he quickly -caught sight of our hero's reinforcements. He saw that his game was up, -and he abandoned it. His reputation was too well known in the -neighborhood for the story he had told to the boy to gain credence. He -was forced to content himself with shaking his fist at Walter, and then, -in discomfiture, returned to the woods, where he made up for his -disappointment by venting his spite on Meg. She would have fared worse, -had he known that Walter had found his way out of the wood through her -guidance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -THE LAST OF JACK MANGUM. - - -"What's the matter?" asked one of the two men as Walter came up. - -"I got lost in the woods, and passed the night in that man's house," -said our hero. "He tried to rob me, but I locked him in the closet, and -jumped out of the window and escaped. This morning he got on my track, -and would have caught me but for the ditch." - -"You locked him in the closet!" repeated the other. "How were you able -to do that? You are only a boy, while he is a strong man." - -Walter explained the matter briefly. - -"That was pretty smart," said Peter Halcomb, for this was the name of -the man who questioned him. "You're able to take care of yourself." - -"I don't know how it would turn out, if you hadn't come up." - -"I happened to be at home when my boy came and told me that Jack Mangum -had offered him fifty cents for some breakfast. He told me about you -also, and, as I suspected Jack was up to some of his tricks, I came -along." - -"I am very much obliged to you," said Walter, "and I hope you'll let me -pay you for your trouble." - -"I don't want any pay, but you may pay my boy what you promised him, if -you want to." - -"I certainly will; and I never paid away money with more pleasure. As I -haven't had anything to eat since yesterday afternoon, I should like to -have you direct me to the nearest place where I can get some breakfast." - -"Come to my house; I guess my wife can scare up some breakfast for you. -She'll be glad to see the boy that got the better of Jack Mangum." - -"How long has this Jack Mangum lived about here?" asked Walter, after -accepting with thanks the offer of a breakfast. - -"About five years. He's been in the county jail twice during that time, -and there's a warrant out for him now. He's a confirmed thief. He'd -rather steal any time than earn an honest living." - -"Has he ever stolen anything from you?" - -"I've missed some of my chickens from time to time, and, though I didn't -catch him taking them, I've no doubt he was the thief. Once I lost a -lamb, and I suppose it went in the same direction." - -"So there is a warrant out for him now?" - -"Yes, and I expect he'll be taken in a day or two. In that case he'll -have the privilege of a few months' free board in the county jail." - -"Where is the jail?" - -"In T----." - -"That's the town I'm going to." - -"Is it? Do your folks live there?" - -"No, I'm travelling on business." - -"What's your business?" asked the farmer. - -The question was an abrupt one, but was not meant to be rude. In country -towns everybody feels that he has a right to become acquainted with the -business of any one with whom he comes in contact, even in its minutest -details. Walter understood this, having himself lived in a country -village, and answered without taking offence:-- - -"I am a book-agent." - -"Be you? How do you make it pay?" - -"Pretty well, but I can tell better by and by; I've only been in it a -week." - -"You're pretty young to be a book-peddler Where do your folks live?" - -"In New York." - -"You've come some ways from home." - -"Yes; I thought I should like to see the country." - -"How old are you?" - -"Fifteen." - -"You'll make a smart man if you keep on." - -"I hope I shall," said Walter, modestly; "but I am afraid you overrate -me." - -"I'll tell you what I judge from. A boy of fifteen that can get the -better of Jack Mangum is smart, and no mistake." - -"I hope I shall realize your prediction," returned Walter, who naturally -felt pleased with the compliment. Like most boys, he liked to be -considered smart, although he did not allow himself to be puffed up by -inordinate ideas of his own importance, as is the case with many of his -age. - -While this conversation was going on, they had been walking towards the -farm-house in which Peter Holcomb lived. It was an humble one-story -building, with an attic above. On each side of it were broad fields, -some under cultivation; and there was an appearance of thrift and -comfort despite the smallness of the house. - -"Come in," said Peter, leading the way. "John," he added, addressing the -hired man, who had accompanied him, "you may go into the potato field -and hoe. I'll be out directly." - -Walter followed him into a broad, low room,--the kitchen,--in which Mrs. -Holcomb, a pleasant looking woman, was engaged in cooking. - -"Mary," said her husband, "can't you scare up some breakfast for this -young man? He stopped at Jack Mangum's last night, and didn't like his -accommodations well enough to stay to breakfast." - -"You don't say so," repeated Mrs. Holcomb her countenance expressing -curiosity. "That's about the last place I'd want to stop at." - -"I shouldn't want to go there again," said Walter; "but I didn't know -anything about the man, or I would rather have stayed out in the woods." - -"Well, Mary, how about the breakfast?" - -"I guess I can find some," said she. "Sit right down here, and I'll see -what I can do for you." - -She went to the pantry, and speedily reappeared with some cold meat, a -loaf of bread, and some fresh butter, which she placed on the table. - -"I've got some hot water," she said, "and, in about five minutes, I can -give you some warm tea. It won't be much of a breakfast, but if you'll -stop for dinner, I can give you something better." - -"It looks nice," said Walter, "and I don't know when I have been so -hungry." - -At this moment the farmer's boy, who had served as Walter's messenger, -came into the kitchen. - -"You got away," he said, smiling. - -"Yes, thanks to you," said Walter. "Here is what I promised you." - -"I don't know as I ought to take it," said the boy, hesitating, though -he evidently wanted it. - -"You will do me a favor by accepting it," said Walter. "You got me out -of a bad scrape. Besides, you had a chance to earn some money from Jack -Mangum." - -"I wouldn't have done anything for him, at any rate. He's a thief." - -Finally Peter, for he was named after his father, accepted the dollar, -and, sitting down by Walter, asked him about his adventure in the wood, -listening with great interest to the details. - -"I wouldn't have dared to do as you did," he said. - -"Perhaps you would if you had been obliged to." - -By this time the tea was steeped, and Walter's breakfast was before him. -He made so vigorous an onslaught upon the bread and meat that he was -almost ashamed of his appetite; but Mrs. Holcomb evidently felt -flattered at the compliment paid to her cookery, and watched the -demolition of the provisions with satisfaction. - -"You had better stop to dinner," she said. "We shall have some roast -meat and apple-pudding." - -"Thank you," said Walter; "but I have eaten enough to last me for -several hours. Can you tell me how far it is to the next town?" - -"About five miles. I'm going to ride over there in about an hour. If -you'll wait till then I'll take you over." - -Walter very readily consented to wait. He was rather afraid that if he -ventured to walk he might find Jack Mangum waiting to waylay him -somewhere in the road, and he had no desire for a second encounter with -him. - -The farmer absolutely refused to accept pay for breakfast, though Walter -urged it. It was contrary to his ideas of hospitality. - -"We don't keep a tavern," he said; "and we never shall miss the little -you ate. Come again and see us if you come back this way." - -"Thank you," said Walter, "I will accept your invitation with pleasure, -but I shall not feel like calling on Mr. Mangum." - -"I've no doubt he would be glad to see you," said Peter Holcomb, -smiling. - -"Yes, he was very sorry to have me leave him last night." - -Walter thought he had seen the last of Jack Mangum; but he was -mistaken. Three days later, while walking in the main street of T----, -with a book under his arm, for he had received a fresh supply from the -agent at Cleveland, he heard the sound of wheels. Looking up, he saw a -wagon approaching, containing two men. One of them, as he afterwards -learned, was the sheriff. The other he immediately recognized as Jack -Mangum. There was no mistaking his sinister face and forbidding scowl. -He had been taken early that morning by the sheriff, who, with a couple -of men to assist him, had visited the cabin in the forest, and, despite -the resistance offered by Jack, who was aided by his wife, he had been -bound, and was now being conveyed to jail. He also looked up and -recognized Walter. His face became even more sinister, as he shook his -fist at our hero. - -"I'll be even with you some day, you young cub!" he exclaimed. - -"Not if I can help it," thought Walter; but he did not answer in words. - -He was rather gratified to hear the next day that Jack had been -sentenced to six months' imprisonment. He felt some pity, however, for -Meg, who might have been a good woman if she had been married to a -different man. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -JOSHUA BIDS GOOD-BY TO STAPLETON. - - -Leaving Walter busily engaged in selling books, we will glance at the -Drummond household, and inquire how the members of that interesting -family fared after Walter's departure. - -Joshua's discontent increased daily. He was now eighteen, and his father -absolutely refused to increase his allowance of twenty-five cents a -week, which was certainly ridiculously small for a boy of his age. - -"If you want money you must work for it," he said. - -"How much will you give me if I will go into your store?" asked Joshua. - -"Fifty cents a week and your board." - -"I get my board now." - -"You don't earn it." - -"I don't see why I need to," said Joshua. "Aint you a rich man?" - -"No, I'm not," said his father; "and if I were I am not going to waste -my hard-earned money on supporting you extravagantly." - -"There's no danger of that," sneered Joshua, "We live meaner than any -family in town." - -"You needn't find fault with your victuals, as long as you get them -free," retorted his father. - -"If you'll give me two dollars a week, I'll come into the store." - -"Two dollars!" exclaimed Mr. Drummond. "Are you crazy?" - -"You think as much of a cent as most people do of a dollar," said -Joshua, bitterly. "Two dollars isn't much for the son of a rich man." - -"I have already told you that I am not rich." - -"You can't help being rich," said Joshua, "for you don't spend any -money." - -"I've heard enough of your impudence," said his father, angrily. "If you -can get more wages than I offer you, you are at liberty to engage -anywhere else." - -"Tom Burton gets a dollar and a quarter a day for pegging shoes," said -Joshua. "He dresses twice as well as I do." - -"He has to pay his board out of it." - -"He only pays three dollars a week, and that leaves him four dollars and -a half clear." - -"So you consider Tom Burton better off than you are?" - -"Yes." - -"Then I'll make you an offer. I'll get you a place in a shoe-shop, and -let you have all you earn over and above three dollars a week, which you -can pay for your board." - -Joshua seemed by no means pleased with this proposal. - -"I'm not going to work in a shoe-shop," he said, sullenly. - -"Why not?" - -"It's a dirty business." - -"Yet you were envying Tom Burton just now." - -"It'll do well enough for him. He's a poor man's son." - -"So was I a poor man's son. I had to work when I was a boy, and that's -the way I earned all I have. Not that I am rich," added Mr. Drummond, -cautiously, for he was afraid the knowledge of his wealth would tempt -his family to expect a more lavish expenditure, and this would not by -any means suit him. - -"You didn't work in a shoe-shop." - -"I should have been glad of the chance to do it, for I could have earned -more money that way than by being errand-boy in a store. It's just as -honorable to work in a shop as to be clerk in a store." - -Though we are not partial to Mr. Drummond, he was undoubtedly correct in -this opinion, and it would be well if boys would get over their -prejudice against trades, which, on the whole, offer more assured -prospects of ultimate prosperity than the crowded city and country -stores. - -This conversation was not particularly satisfactory to Joshua. As he now -received his board and twenty-five cents a week, he did not care to -enter his father's store for only twenty-five cents a week more. -Probably it would have been wiser for Mr. Drummond to grant his request, -and pay him two dollars a week. With this inducement Joshua might have -formed habits of industry. He would, at all events, have been kept out -of mischief, and it would have done him good to earn his living by hard -work. Mr. Drummond's policy of mortifying his pride by doling out a -weekly pittance so small that it kept him in a state of perpetual -discontent was far from wise. Most boys appreciate considerable -liberality, and naturally expect to be treated better as they grow -older. Joshua, now nearly nineteen, found himself treated like a boy of -twelve, and he resented it. It set him speculating about his father's -death, which would leave him master, as he hoped, of the "old man's" -savings. It is unfortunate when such a state of feeling comes to exist -between a father and a son. The time came, and that speedily, when Mr. -Drummond bitterly repented that he had not made some concessions to -Joshua. - -Finding his father obstinate, Joshua took refuge at first in sullenness, -and for several days sat at the table without speaking a word to his -father, excepting when absolutely obliged to do so. Mr. Drummond, -however, was not a sensitive man, and troubled himself very little about -Joshua's moods. - -"He'll get over it after a while," he said to himself. "If he'd rather -hold his tongue, I don't care." - -Next Joshua began to consider whether there was any way in which to help -himself. - -"If I only had a hundred dollars," he thought, "I'd go to New York, and -see if I couldn't get a place in a store." - -That, he reflected, would be much better and more agreeable than being -in a country store. He would be his own master, and would be able to put -on airs of importance whenever he came home on a vacation. But his -father would give him no help in securing such a position, and he could -not go to the city without money. As for a hundred dollars, it might as -well be a million, so far as he had any chance of securing it. - -While he was thinking this matter over, a dangerous thought entered his -mind. His father, he knew, had a small brass-nailed trunk, in which he -kept his money and securities. He had seen him going to it more than -once. - -"I wonder how much he's got in it?" thought Joshua. "As it's all coming -to me some day there's no harm in my knowing." - -There seemed little chance of finding out, however. The trunk was always -locked, and Mr. Drummond carried the key about with him in his pocket. -If he had been a careless man, there might have been some chance of his -some day leaving the trunk unlocked, or mislaying the key; but in money -matters Mr. Drummond was never careless. Joshua would have been obliged -to wait years, if he had depended upon this contingency. - -One day, however, Joshua found in the road a bunch of keys of various -sizes attached to a ring. He cared very little to whom they belonged, -but it flashed upon him at once that one of these keys might fit his -father's strong-box. He hurried home at once with his treasure, and ran -upstairs breathless with excitement. - -He knew where the trunk was kept. Mr. Drummond, relying on the security -of the lock, kept it in the closet of his bed-chamber. - -"Where are you going, Joshua?" asked his mother. - -"Upstairs, to change my clothes," was the answer. - -"I've got a piece of pie for you." - -"I'll come down in five minutes." - -Joshua made his way at once to the closet, and, entering, began to try -his keys, one after the other. The very last one was successful in -opening the trunk. - -Joshua trembled with excitement as he saw the contents of the trunk laid -open to his gaze. He turned over the papers nervously, hoping to come -upon some rolls of bills. In one corner he found fifty dollars in gold -pieces. Besides these, there were some mortgages, in which he felt -little interest. But among the contents of the trunk were some folded -papers which he recognized at once as United States Bonds. Opening one -of them, he found it to be a Five-Twenty Bond for five hundred dollars. - -Five hundred dollars! What could he not do with five hundred dollars! He -could go to the city, and board, enjoying himself meanwhile, till he -could find a place. His galling dependence would be over, and he would -be his own master. True it would be a theft, but Joshua had an excuse -ready. - -"It will all be mine some day," he said to himself. "It's only taking a -part of my own in advance." - -He seized the gold and the bond, and, hastily concealing both in his -breast-pocket, went downstairs, first locking the trunk, and putting it -away where he found it. - -"What's the matter, Joshua?" asked his mother, struck by his nervous and -excited manner. - -"Nothing," he answered, shortly. - -"Are you well?" - -"I've got a little headache,--that is all." - -"Perhaps you'd better not eat anything then." - -"It won't do me any harm. I'll take a cup of tea, if you've got any." - -"I can make some in five minutes." - -Joshua ate his lunch, and, going upstairs again, came down speedily, -arrayed in his best clothes. He got out of the house without his mother -seeing him, and made his way to a railway station four miles distant, -where he purchased a ticket for New York. - -He took a seat by a window, and, as the car began to move, he said to -himself, in exultation, - -"Now I am going to see life." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -CONCLUSION. - - -Three months later Walter arrived at Columbus, the capital of the State, -after a business tour of considerable length, during which he had -visited from twenty to thirty different towns and villages. He had now -got used to the business, and understood better what arguments to employ -with those whom he wished to purchase his book. The consequence was, -that he had met with a degree of success which exceeded his -anticipations. He had tested his powers, and found that they were -adequate to the task he had undertaken,--that of earning his own living. -He had paddled his own canoe thus far without assistance, and he felt -confident that, if his health continued good, he should be able to do so -hereafter. - -After eating supper, and spending an hour or two in the public room of -the hotel, Walter went up to his room. Here he took out a blank-book, -in which he kept an account of his sales and expenditures, and, taking a -piece of paper, figured up the grand result. He wished to know just how -he stood. - -After a brief computation, he said, with satisfaction, "I have sold two -hundred and eighty books, which gives a gross profit of three hundred -and fifty dollars. My expenses have been exactly two hundred and -sixty-three dollars. That leaves me eighty-seven dollars net profit." - -This was a result which might well yield Walter satisfaction. He was -only fifteen, and this was his first business experience. Moreover, he -was nearly a thousand miles away from home and friends, surrounded by -strangers. Yet, by his energy and business ability, he had been able to -pay all his expenses, and these, of course, were considerable, as he was -constantly moving, and yet had made a dollar a day clear profit. - -"That is rather better than working for my board in Mr. Drummond's -store," he reflected. "I am afraid it would have taken me a long time to -make my fortune if I had stayed there. I wonder how my amiable cousin -Joshua is getting along." - -This thought led to the sudden recollection that he had written to Mr. -Shaw, asking him to write to the hotel at Columbus where he was now -stopping, giving him any news that he might consider interesting. Such a -letter might be awaiting him. - -He went downstairs, and approached the clerk. - -"Have any letters been received here for me?" he inquired. - -"What name?" asked the clerk. - -"Walter Conrad." - -"There is a letter for that address. It was received a week since." - -"Give it to me," said Walter, eagerly. - -He took the letter, and recognized at once in the address Clement Shaw's -irregular handwriting. Cut off, as he had been for over a month, from -all communication with former friends, he grasped the letter with a -sensation of joy, and hurried back to his room to read it quietly, and -without risk of interruption. - -The letter ran as follows:-- - - - "MY DEAR YOUNG FRIEND: I have just received your letter asking me - to write you at Columbus. I am glad to obtain your address, as I - have a matter of importance to speak of. First, however, let me - congratulate you on the success you have met with as a book-agent. - It is not a business to which I should advise you to devote - yourself permanently; but I have no doubt that the experience which - you acquire, and the necessary contact into which it brings you - with different classes of people, will do you good, while the new - scenes which it brings before your eyes will gratify the natural - love of adventure which you share in common with those of your age. - When you set out, I had misgivings as to your success, I admit. It - was certainly an arduous undertaking for a boy of fifteen; but you - have already demonstrated that you are able to _paddle your own - canoe_; and I shall hereafter feel confident of your success in - life, so far at least as relates to earning your living. That you - may also be successful in building up a good character, and taking - an honorable position among your fellow-men, I earnestly hope. - - "I now come to the business upon which I wish to speak to you. - - "You will remember that a man named James Wall was prominently - identified with the Great Metropolitan Mining Company, by which - your poor father lost his fortune. Indeed, this Wall, who is a - plausible sort of fellow, was the one who induced him to embark in - this disastrous speculation. I suspect he has feathered his own - nest pretty well already, and that he intends to do so still more. - I was surprised to hear from him some ten days since. I will not - copy the letter, but send you the substance of it. He reports that - in winding up the affairs of the company, there is a prospect of - realizing two per cent. for the stockholders, which, as your father - owned a thousand shares, would yield two thousand dollars. It may - be some time, he adds, before the dividend will be declared and - paid. He professes a willingness, however, to pay two thousand - dollars cash for a transfer of your father's claims upon the - company. - - "Now, two thousand dollars are not to be despised; but, my - impression is, that such a man as James Wall would never have made - such an offer if he had not expected the assets would amount to - considerable more than two per cent. I am unwilling to close with - the offer until I know more about the affairs of the company. Here - it has struck me that you can be of assistance. This Wall lives in - a town named Portville, in Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake - Superior. I would suggest that you change your name, go at once to - Portville, and find out what you can. I can give you no - instructions, but must trust to your own native shrewdness, in - which I feel sure you are not deficient. If it should be necessary - to give up your present business, do so without hesitation, since - the other business is of more importance. I expect you to start at - once; and I will write Mr. Wall that I have his offer under - consideration. If you need money, draw upon me. - - "I hear that Joshua Drummond has run away from home, carrying away - considerable money belonging to his father. The latter appears to - lament the loss of his money more than of his son. - - "I remain your sincere friend, - - "CLEMENT SHAW." - - -This letter gave Walter considerable food for reflection. He determined -to wind up his book agency, and leave as soon as possible for Portville. -It was encouraging to think that, in any event, he was likely to realize -two thousand dollars from the mining shares, which he had looked upon as -valueless. Besides, he felt there was good reason to hope they would -prove even more valuable. - -Three days later, having closed his accounts as agent, he started for -Portville. Those of my readers who may desire to follow him in his new -experiences, and learn his success, as well as those who feel desirous -of ascertaining Joshua Drummond's fortunes, are referred to the next -volume of this series, to be called - - - STRIVE AND SUCCEED; - - or, - - THE PROGRESS OF WALTER CONRAD. - - - - -+--------------------------------------------------+ -| Transcriber's note: | -| | -| Obvious typographic errors have been corrected. | -| | -| A table of contents has been added. | -| | -+--------------------------------------------------+ - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STRONG AND STEADY*** - - -******* This file should be named 55098.txt or 55098.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/5/0/9/55098 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - 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. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/55098.zip b/old/55098.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index c59a425..0000000 --- a/old/55098.zip +++ /dev/null |
