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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..1268b60 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55725 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55725) diff --git a/old/55725-8.txt b/old/55725-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index a4a1ec9..0000000 --- a/old/55725-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9573 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Train Boy, by Horatio Alger Jr. - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Train Boy - -Author: Horatio Alger Jr. - -Release Date: October 9, 2017 [EBook #55725] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAIN BOY *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, David E. Brown and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - -[Illustration: _Paul Palmer_] - - - - - THE TRAIN BOY. - - By HORATIO ALGER, JR. - - Author of "The Errand Boy," "Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy," "Tom - Thatcher's Fortune," "Joe's Luck," "Tony, the Hero," etc. - - ILLUSTRATED. - - [Illustration] - - NEW YORK - - A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883, - - BY STREET & SMITH, - - in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER. PAGE. - - I.--The Train for Chicago 9 - - II.--A Leap from the Train 17 - - III.--Paul Palmer at Home 25 - - IV.--An Unwelcome Visitor 33 - - V.--Paul to the Rescue 41 - - VI.--Birds of a Feather 48 - - VII.--A Rejected Suitor 56 - - VIII.--The Struggling Artist 64 - - IX.--The First Sitting 72 - - X.--Miss Framley's Economy 79 - - XI.--Paul Gets into Trouble 87 - - XII.--Paul's Critical Position 95 - - XIII.--Grace Dearborn at Home 103 - - XIV.--The Artist's Secret 111 - - XV.--A Fellow-Conspirator 118 - - XVI.--An Unwelcome Appearance 125 - - XVII.--Paul Defends His Mother 131 - - XVIII.--Grace Dearborn's Party 135 - - XIX.--The Artist's Recreation 143 - - XX.--A Persevering Suitor 150 - - XXI.--Miss Framley's Mortification 158 - - XXII.--An Unexpected Change 166 - - XXIII.--A Catastrophe 170 - - XXIV.--The Train-Wrecker 175 - - XXV.--Paul Changes His Business 182 - - XXVI.--Mr. Bradford's Office 190 - - XXVII.--Serving a Tyrant 198 - - XXVIII.--Mr. Manson is Surprised 206 - - XXIX.--The Book-keeper's Triumph 211 - - XXX.--Paul is Promoted 215 - - XXXI.--Paul and His Successor 222 - - XXXII.--Jim Scott 226 - - XXXIII.--Cheyenne 230 - - XXXIV.--Major Ashton in a Quandary 234 - - XXXV.--Wooing the Widow 238 - - XXXVI.--Paul Sells the Mine 246 - - XXXVII.--Diamond Cut Diamond 253 - - XXXVIII.--A Scene at Omaha 261 - - XXXIX.--A Thief Foiled 265 - - XL.--The Lady's Secret 269 - - XLI.--Major Ashton's Engagement 273 - - XLII.--A Revelation 276 - - XLIII.--Major Ashton at Bay 284 - - XLIV.--Conclusion 292 - - - - -THE TRAIN BOY. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -THE TRAIN FOR CHICAGO. - - -The four o'clock afternoon train from Milwaukee, bound for Chicago, had -just passed Truesdell, when the train boy passed through the cars with -a pile of magazines under his arm. - -He handed them to the right and left for passengers to examine, and -after an interval passed back again, to receive pay for any that might -be selected, and gather up the rest. - -"Here's the latest magazines!" he cried, in a pleasant voice. "Harpers, -Scribner's, Lippincott's!" - -As he is to be our hero, I will pause a moment to sketch Paul Palmer. - -He was a boy of sixteen, of medium height for a boy of that age, with -dark brown hair, bright, sparkling eyes, not without a suggestion of -mirthfulness, and round cheeks, with a healthful color. It would be -hard to find a more attractive-looking boy than Paul. - -The first passenger he came to on his return round was an old lady, -bordering upon seventy, who was quite unaccustomed to traveling, and -knew very little of railways and their customs. - -When the magazine had been put in her hands she received it with glad -complacency, supposing it to be a gift from the railroad corporation. - -She hunted up her spectacles, and was looking at the pictures with -considerable interest when Paul touched her on the arm. - -"Want my ticket a'ready?" she asked, thinking it to be the conductor. - -"No, ma'am," answered Paul, smiling. "Please give me the magazine." - -"Why, you give it to me yourself," said the old lady in surprise. - -"No, I only handed it to you to examine," said Paul. - -"I thought, to be sure, you give it to me, and I was goin' to carry it -to my darter Sarah Ann as a present. I'm goin' to spend a week with -Sarah Ann." - -Paul smiled. - -He had met before unsophisticated travelers ready to impart their -family affairs to any one sufficiently interested to listen to them. - -"You can do it now," he said, "if you will buy the magazine. Every body -likes to read Harper's." - -"How much do you ax for it?" asked the old lady, cautiously. - -"Thirty-five cents." - -"Lands sake!" exclaimed the old lady, in dismay. "Thirty-five cents for -a picture-book!" - -"There's some very nice reading in it, ma'am," said Paul, patiently. - -"Maybe there is, but there ain't any covers." - -"If there were I should ask a good deal more." - -"I'll pay you ten cents," said the old lady, with the air of one who -was making a very liberal offer. - -"Couldn't take it, ma'am. I should fail if I did business that way," -said Paul. - -"Well, I guess you'd better take it, then. I can't afford to pay -thirty-five cents for a picture-book." - -Paul took the magazine, and passed on. - -The next passenger was a young lady. She, too, had Harper's magazine in -her hand. - -"Won't you take fifteen cents for it?" she asked, with a smile, for she -had heard the colloquy between Paul and the old lady. - -"I am afraid not," said Paul, smiling back, for he understood her. - -"Then I must pay your price." - -She drew out a purse, through the meshes of which gleamed not only -silver but gold, and put half a dollar into Paul's hand. - -He was about to return her fifteen cents in change, when she said, -pleasantly: - -"Never mind. Keep the change for yourself." - -"Thank you," answered Paul, politely. "I should be glad of many -customers like yourself." - -"Have you parents living?" asked the young lady. - -"My mother is living, but my father died two years since." - -"And I suppose you help your mother with your earnings?" - -"Yes, miss, I give them all to her." - -"I was sure you were a good boy," said the young lady, with a charming -smile. "Tell me, now, do you earn good wages by selling papers and -magazines on the train?" - -"Yes, miss, more than I could get in a store or office. Last week I -made eight dollars. Some lucky weeks I have made as much as eleven." - -"Have you no brother or sister?" - -"Yes, I have a little sister, ten years old." - -"And a brother?" - -"I have a half-brother--ten years older than myself," answered Paul, -with evident hesitation. - -"And does he help your mother also?" inquired the young lady. - -Paul shook his head. - -"We don't see much of him," he answered. "He isn't very steady, and is -more likely to ask help of us than to give it." - -"And he is a strong, young man!" exclaimed the young lady, indignantly. -"Why, he can't have any sense of pride or honor." - -"Not much. We can do better without him than with him." - -"It is lucky for your mother and sister that you are different from -him." - -"That is true enough, miss. I should be ashamed to act like him." - -"What is your little sister's name?" - -"Grace." - -"Why, that is my name. She is a namesake of mine." - -"Then I hope she will be like her namesake," said Paul, gallantly. - -"I see you are old enough to pay compliments," said the young lady, -smiling. "Do you know what I feel like doing?" - -"No." - -"I am going to send a gift to my namesake. Here;" and, opening her -purse once more, she drew from it a two dollar and a half gold piece, -and put it into Paul's hand. - -"Do you really mean this for Grace?" asked the boy, almost incredulous. - -"Certainly." - -"Though you never saw her?" - -"I have seen her brother," said the young lady, "and I have a very good -opinion of him." - -"Thank you very much. Grace will be delighted." - -"Do you live in Chicago?" - -"Yes, miss." - -"Some time bring your little sister to call on me. I live with my aunt, -Mrs. Sheldon, in Ashland avenue." - -She handed Paul her card. Glancing at it, he ascertained that the name -of his liberal friend was Grace Dearborn. - -"Grace shall certainly come, if only to thank you for her present," -said Paul. - -After the boy passed on, Mrs. Sheldon, who sat in the seat just behind, -said: - -"Upon my word, Grace, you are extremely liberal to a perfect stranger." - -"No doubt, aunt; but I took a fancy to the boy." - -"How do you know he told you the truth?" - -"I would stake my life upon his truth," said Grace, warmly. - -"Did you ever see him before?" - -"Never." - -Mrs. Sheldon shrugged her shoulders. - -"You must have great confidence in your knowledge of human nature, -then," she said. - -"I have, aunt," said the young lady, smiling. - -"Well, my dear, you are rich, and are quite able to indulge your -quixotic liberality." - -"Thanks to Providence, aunt." - -"And to your father." - -The two would have taken seats beside each other had there been an -opportunity, but when they entered the car the best they could do was -to take outside seats, one directly behind the other. - -Miss Dearborn's seat companion was a young man of about thirty, with -a complexion preternaturally pale, the pallor being heightened by his -intensely black hair and mustache. - -He was well dressed, and on the middle finger of his right hand he wore -a cameo ring, which was apparently of considerable value. - -When Grace Dearborn was holding her colloquy with Paul, the young man -glanced from behind the paper he was reading, and took notice of the -well-filled purse which she displayed. - -There was a covetous glitter in his eyes, which could hardly have been -expected from one whose appearance seemed to indicate that he was in -easy circumstances. - -He noticed also that Grace replaced the purse in a pocket on the side -nearest to him. - -"I must have that purse," said Luke Denton to himself. - -I may as well say that Denton, originally of good family, had so given -himself up to evil courses that he had been disowned by his relatives, -and was reduced to making a living by preying upon the community. - -In fact, he was an unscrupulous adventurer, and not above being a -thief. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -A LEAP FROM THE TRAIN. - - -Luke Denton still held the paper before him, and appeared to be reading -it; but it had ceased to have an interest for him. He cast furtive -glances from behind it at the young lady by his side, and watched for -an opportunity to transfer to his own pocket the coveted purse. - -This was likely to be more easily effected because Grace Dearborn, -though she had taken but slight notice of him, had made up her -mind from a casual glance that he was what is technically called a -gentleman. That her purse was in danger from a man so well dressed -never occurred to her. - -It so happened that Grace was an interested observer of nature, and so -as the train sped over the road she looked, now out of the windows at -one side, now out of them at the other. - -To a novice, theft under such circumstances would have been difficult, -but it was not the first time Luke Denton had practiced the art of a -pickpocket. - -He seized the opportunity when Grace was looking across the car, -stealthily to insert his hand into her pocket and draw therefrom the -well-filled purse, the young lady meanwhile being quite unconscious -that she was suffering a loss. - -Her aunt, too, had her attention otherwise bestowed, for she was -reading the magazine which her niece had just bought of the train boy. - -It looked as if Luke would easily be able to escape with his booty -before his theft could be discovered. Indeed he had made up his mind to -leave the train at Libertyville, a small station close at hand, so as -to be out of the way when Grace realized her loss; but, unfortunately -for him, there had been an unsuspected witness of his adroit act. - -Paul was just entering the car at the moment, and his first glance, not -unnaturally, was directed toward the pretty young lady who had shown -herself so generous to his little sister. - -He was startled when he saw her pocket being picked, and was rather -surprised that the gentlemanly looking person at her side should be the -thief. - -"What shall I do?" he asked himself. - -His first impulse was to go forward, apprise Miss Dearborn of her loss, -and denounce her seat companion. But this might enable Luke to drop the -purse and assume the airs of an innocent man. Perhaps Denton in his -rage might even attack him. - -Paul therefore framed a different plan. - -He passed through the car into the next, where he met the conductor. To -him he briefly communicated what he had seen. - -"You have done right, Paul," said the conductor, who personally knew -him. "Ten to one the gentleman will be for getting out at Libertyville, -unless we are beforehand with him. There is no time to be lost, as we -are only about a mile from the station. Come back with me." - -The conductor entered the car where Grace was seated, with Paul close -at his heels. - -Luke Denton was looking out of the window, having folded his newspaper. - -"In five minutes I shall be safe," thought he, as not far ahead he -caught a distant view of the few houses which constituted Libertyville. - -The purse he had slipped into the pocket of his pantaloons. - -Meanwhile the conductor and Paul had approached, and stood beside the -seat. - -"Miss Dearborn," said Paul, as the young lady looked up with a smile of -recognition, "will you feel for your purse?" - -The young lady looked surprised, and Luke Denton startled. He was not -ready to commit himself, however, not yet being sure that his agency -was suspected. - -Grace felt in her pocket, and said, in surprise: - -"It is gone!" - -"Is it possible?" ejaculated Denton, affecting surprise. "Perhaps it -dropped on the floor." - -He was trying slyly to get at his pocket to see that the purse was -found on the floor, when Paul said: - -"It is in that man's pocket!" - -All eyes were turned upon Denton, who, with a fierce oath, exclaimed: - -"Boy, take care how you insult _me_!" - -"I am only telling the truth," said Paul, steadily. - -With a glance of alarm and distrust Grace ran precipitately from her -seat, and Luke Denton was not slow in seizing the opportunity to escape. - -He jumped up, nearly overturned the conductor, as he dashed down the -aisle, flung open the door of the car, and with the recklessness -born of desperation and the fear of arrest, with only an instant's -hesitation, _jumped from the platform_! - -The train was not going at full speed. As it approached Libertyville -if was moving slowly, and probably the rate of speed did not exceed -fifteen miles per hour. - -"Good heavens, the man will be killed!" said Grace, alarmed. - -The conductor sprang to the platform, and so did Paul. - -They saw Denton roll over once or twice, and then pick himself up, -apparently not seriously injured. - -"The fellow is safe!" he said, turning to Miss Dearborn. - -"Thank Heaven!" - -"But he has carried off your purse." - -"I don't care for that. That is, I don't care for it in comparison with -the man's life." - -"You are more good-natured than many would be who had suffered such a -loss." - -"There wasn't a large sum of money in the purse," said Grace. - -"Do you remember how much?" asked Paul. - -"I had fifty dollars when I left Milwaukee." - -"And you gave me two dollars and a half for my little sister." - -"And bought a _Harper's Magazine_ of you," added Grace, smiling. - -"Then there should be forty-seven dollars left," continued the train -boy. - -"I suppose so. I wish now I had given you the whole of it for your -little sister." - -"You were very generous as it was, Miss Dearborn." - -"Still I think it would have done her more good than the gentleman who -so unceremoniously borrowed it." - -"Miss Dearborn," said Paul, with a sudden reflection, "now that you -have lost all your money, let me hand you back this gold piece." - -And he offered her the quarter-eagle which she had given him for his -little sister. - -"Oh, no, there is no need that I should recall my gift," she said, -shaking her head. "To be sure I am temporarily penniless, but my aunt -will see that I don't want. Aunt Caroline, is my credit good with you?" - -"To be sure, Grace," said the matronly lady whom she addressed. - -"And you can certify that the loss of my purse won't embarrass me -seriously?" - -"I think not," said Mrs. Sheldon, "considering that you have an income -of----" - -Here she stepped discreetly, just as she was about to reveal an -important secret. - -"Say six hundred dollars a year," chimed in Grace, laughing. "You -see, Paul," she continued, addressing our hero, "you need have no -compunctions about keeping my gift to your sister. It won't entail any -distressing economy." - -They had reached Libertyville, and Paul went out on the platform with -his papers. - -Of course nothing was to be seen or heard of Denton, who had jumped off -the train fully three-quarters of a mile back. - -To the station master the conductor hurriedly communicated what had -passed, and enjoined him to detain Denton if he should appear at the -station, and try to purchase a ticket for the seven o'clock train, -which would start a little over an hour later. - -Again the train moved on. - -"There is no loss without some little gain, Aunt Caroline," said Grace. -"As my seat companion has taken French leave, there will be room for -you to sit beside me the rest of the journey." - -"Rather dearly purchased, Grace," said the elder lady, "since it costs -you forty-seven dollars." - -"Oh, I consider your company worth that sum," said the young lady, -playfully. - -"Really, Grace, you have taken your loss very coolly." - -"Would it do any good to make a lament over it, aunt?" - -"No, perhaps not, but you seem in just as good spirits as if you had -lost nothing." - -"So I am, but I should not be if I were a poor seamstress, or a -milliner's apprentice, for instance. Then it would be a serious thing -for me." - -"Well, Grace, all I can say is that it would annoy me very much if I -had met with such a loss. I dare say I shouldn't sleep to-night." - -"That would be foolish, aunt, to lose sleep as well as money." - -At seven o'clock the train ran into the depot, and Miss Dearborn and -her aunt rose from their seats. - -"Can I call a carriage, Miss Dearborn?" asked Paul, politely. - -"If you please, Paul." - -"My dear, you are too familiar with that boy," said Mrs. Sheldon, while -Paul was gone in search of a hack. - -"He seems very well bred, aunt, and he is certainly polite and -obliging." - -"Come and see me, and bring your little sister," said Grace, smiling, -as Paul handed her into the hack and closed the door after her. - -Paul touched his hat, and then, leaving the depot, bent his steps -toward his humble home, where supper and a warm welcome awaited him. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -PAUL PALMER AT HOME. - - -In a small two-story house, not far from the junction of a side street -with Lake street, lived Mrs. Palmer, Paul's mother. - -It was rather shabby-looking externally, being sadly in want of paint, -but Mrs. Palmer's rooms on the second floor were neatly, though plainly -furnished, and scrupulously clean. - -There was an outside staircase, so that the second floor was -independent of the first. - -Paul ran up stairs, and opened the door, entering at once into the -sitting-room, where his mother and sister were seated. - -Mrs. Palmer's face brightened at the sight of Paul. He was always full -of life and gayety, and his coming never failed to cheer her. - -"So you are back again, Paul," she said, smiling a welcome. - -"Yes, mother, and I am hungry, I can tell you. Is supper most ready?" - -"It will be in five minutes," said his mother, folding up her work and -going into the adjoining room. "I have got some dipped toast for you -to-night." - -"Just what I like." - -"But I delayed putting the toast into the dip till you came. There is -some minced meat." - -"In other words, hash," said Paul, laughing. - -"I think you will find it good, in spite of the name." - -"Oh, I am sure to like it, since it is home-made. At the restaurants I -am a little afraid; I don't know but it may be made of dogs or cats." - -"Do they make it of dogs or cats, Paul?" asked his little sister, -curiously. - -"I don't know," said Paul; "I won't swear to it. All I know is that -there's a lot of dogs and cats that disappear mysteriously every year -in Chicago." - -Meanwhile Mrs. Palmer had been busily completing her arrangements for -supper, and it was ready within the five minutes mentioned. - -"Supper's ready, Paul. I haven't made you wait long," she said. - -"No, mother; you're always on time, like an express train." - -"What sort of a day have you had, Paul? Did you sell much?" - -"Yes, more than usual. How much do you think I made?" - -"A dollar and a quarter?" - -"More than that. A dollar and seventy-five cents." - -"That is very good indeed. It would take me a week to make as much as -that by sewing." - -"They pay mean wages for sewing, mother. I wouldn't slave at that kind -of work." - -"I shouldn't like to depend upon that kind of work altogether, but I -can just as well earn something that way. I don't want you to support -Grace and me in idleness." - -"No danger of your being idle, mother. That doesn't come natural to -you. Some time or other I hope to support you as a lady." - -"I hope you will be prospered, Paul; but I shall never be willing to -fold my hands and do nothing." - -"Then again I don't want always to live in this poor place," pursued -Paul. - -"It is comfortable. I feel fortunate in having so good a home." - -"It would be easier to find a better one if we could afford to pay more -rent. Of course this will do for the present. What have you been doing -to-day, Grace?" - -"I went to school this morning, and I have been studying arithmetic and -geography at home since school was over." - -"You will become a famous scholar in time, Grace." - -"I never expect to know as much as mother," said Grace. - -"I hope you will know a good deal more," said Mrs. Palmer. - -"You know ever so much, mother." - -"You think so now, because I know more than you; but the time will come -when you will understand better how little your mother knows." - -"Didn't you use to keep school, mother?" - -"Yes, but school-teachers don't know everything. Well, Paul, what have -you seen to-day? To go to Milwaukee and back would be a great event to -Grace and myself in our quiet course of life." - -"I've got used to it, mother. It's all in the day's work. Oh, I mustn't -forget to tell you a lady had her pocket picked on our train to-day." - -"Tell me about it, Paul," said Grace, with eager interest. - -So Paul told the story, very much as it has already been told in the -last chapter. - -"Did the pickpocket really jump off the train when it was going?" asked -Grace, her eyes wide open. - -"Yes, Grace." - -"Did he get hurt?" - -"No; the conductor and I watched from the platform, and saw him turn -two or three somersets, but he got up quickly and made off." - -"It was taking a dangerous risk," said Mrs. Palmer. - -"Yes; it is more of a risk than I would take for forty-seven dollars." - -"Was that the sum taken?" - -"Yes." - -"Poor young lady! What a loss it will be to her!" - -"She happens to be a rich young lady, mother. She didn't mind it any -more than I would if I should lose ten cents, and perhaps not as much." - -"Do you think the man will be caught, Paul?" - -"I don't know. I suppose he will keep in hiding for awhile. Anyhow, he -got off with the money. I suppose he doesn't feel very friendly to me, -as I was the one who detected him in the theft." - -"Does he know that?" - -"Oh, yes." - -Mrs. Palmer looked rather alarmed. - -"Be on your guard against him, Paul. He may do you a mischief sometime." - -"I don't doubt he would like to; but I don't believe he will ride on -that railroad again very soon, and I would not recommend him to go -about much in Chicago." - -"How do you know the lady was rich, Paul?" asked Grace. - -"I know more than that. I know what her name is," said Paul. - -"What is it?" - -"Grace Dearborn." - -"Why, her first name is the same as mine." - -"So it is. Don't you think she might send a present to her namesake?" - -"She doesn't know anything about me," said the little girl. - -"Don't be too sure of that." - -"How should she?" - -"Because I told her. I can tell you something more. She sent you a -present." - -"Really and truly?" asked Grace, in a flutter of excitement. - -"Yes, really and truly. Now what do you hope it is?" - -"I don't know, I'm sure. I should like a nice doll. I've got a rag -baby, but that isn't as good." - -"She didn't send you a doll." - -"No; I didn't expect she would; she wouldn't have any with her." - -"No; young ladies do not generally carry dolls round with them. Still, -you can buy a doll with what she did give you." - -Paul drew from his vest-pocket the small gold piece, and handed it to -his little sister. - -"How much is it, Paul?" asked Grace, who wasn't in the habit of seeing -gold coin. - -"Two dollars and a half, Gracie." - -"Why, that's ever so much money. I can get a nice doll on State street -for half a dollar." - -"So you can, and keep the rest of the money for something useful." - -"Miss Dearborn was very kind," said Mrs. Palmer. "I suppose she made -the present before she lost her purse." - -"Yes. She invited me to bring Grace to call upon her some day. She -lives on Ashland avenue." - -"I should like to go, Paul." - -"So you shall, Gracie." - -Meanwhile all the family had done justice to the supper, which, though -certainly very plain, was palatable. - -As they rose from the supper-table, Paul took his hat from a peg, and -said: - -"I'll take a little walk, mother." - -"In what direction, Paul?" - -"I shall go to Randolph street, and perhaps stroll down as far as State -street. It is rather lively that way." - -"Very well, Paul. I suppose you won't be out late?" - -"Oh, no. I always tell you beforehand when I stay out." - -Paul had hardly been gone twenty minutes when an unsteady step was -heard on the staircase outside, and there was a loud knock on the outer -door. - -"I'm afraid it's Stephen," said Mrs. Palmer, nervously. "I wish Paul -were at home!" - -[Illustration: "You don't seem very glad to see me," said Stephen, -scowling.] - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -AN UNWELCOME VISITOR. - - -Mrs. Palmer herself went to the door and opened it. There entered a -thickset young man, of very dark complexion, with an unhealthy color on -his bloated cheeks. His dress was disarranged, his hat sat on his head -with a rakish slant downward, revealing coarse, unkempt black hair. - -"Good-evening, mother," said the new-comer, staggering forward and -sinking into the rocking-chair usually occupied by the widow herself. - -"Good-evening, Stephen," said Mrs. Palmer, gravely. - -"Evenin', sister Grace," said the intruder, looking about for a glimpse -of the little girl, who was staring at him uneasily. - -The little girl responded reluctantly. - -"Where's Paul?" he asked next. - -"He's gone out for a short walk." - -"No matter. I don't like Paul; he puts on airs. He doesn't treat me -with the respect due to a--hic--older brother." - -"Paul's a good boy," said Grace, rather indignantly; for, though timid, -she was always ready to rush to the defense of her favorite brother. - -"Hey! what's that? No impudence, little chicken. Don't you know I'm -your brother, and more than twice as old as you?" - -Grace was about to reply, but her mother gave her a warning glance. - -"You don't seem very glad to see me," said Stephen, scowling. - -"I should be more glad to see you if your habits were good, Stephen," -said Mrs. Palmer, gravely. - -"Who says--hic--that my habits ain't good? Show me the man; that's all -I want. Show him to me, I say. If it's Paul, I'll let him know who I -am," said Stephen, belligerently. - -"I don't need any one to tell me, Stephen. Your appearance is -sufficient to show that you have been drinking." - -"All gentlemen drink, mother. It's good for the health. I ain't one of -your sneaking 'Sons of Temperance.' I know how to behave, I want you to -understand. I'm a gentleman, I am." - -"Gentlemen don't stagger when they walk, and talk thick as you do, -Stephen." - -"You needn't lecture me any more, Mrs. Palmer--don't you hear?" said -Stephen, becoming irritated. - -"When I come in of an evenin' to make a neighborly call, you might -treat me different. Have you had supper?" - -"Yes." - -"I haven't. I haven't eaten a blessed thing since mornin'." - -"If you would like, I will get you something, Stephen." - -"That's the way to talk, old lady. I 'cept--hic--your kind invitation." - -"My mother isn't an old lady," said Grace, who was as ready to stand up -for her mother as for her brother. - -"My mother isn't an old lady!" repeated Stephen, with drunken gravity. -"What is she, then? She isn't an old gentleman. Of course not." - -"Hush, Grace!" said Mrs. Palmer. "It's of no consequence whether I -am called an old lady or not. Would you like some tea, Stephen?" she -inquired. - -"You haven't got any whisky in the house, have you, mother?" - -"No; we don't keep it. Tea will be much better for you." - -In a few minutes a cup of tea, some cold meat, and bread and butter -were placed before Stephen, who ate and drank with eager relish. It was -true, as he had said, that he had not broken his fast since morning, -though he had drank since then more than was good for him. - -His meal seemed somewhat to sober him. - -"I say, mother," he began, pushing back his chair from the table, -"you're livin' in luxury, while I'm a poor, miserable fellow without a -home." - -"I am sorry to hear it, Stephen. It is your own fault. You are surely -able to earn a comfortable living for yourself." - -"My health ain't good, and I can't get work half the time." - -It seemed very ridiculous to one who observed his strong frame to think -of him as being in poor health. - -"Your health would be better if you would abstain from drink, Stephen," -said Mrs. Palmer. - -"Oh, hush up! I've had enough of that talk. I'm a gen'leman, and I'll -do as I please. Mother, will you do me a favor?" - -"What is it, Stephen?" - -"Lend me five dollars. I'll pay it back 'morrow or next day--honor of a -gen'leman." - -Mrs. Palmer surveyed her visitor with some indignation, and answered, -sharply: - -"Are you not ashamed, Stephen Palmer, to ask such a thing of me?" - -"Why should I be 'shamed?" - -"You, a strong young man, with only yourself to support, ask me, a weak -woman, dependent upon a boy for support, to lend you money?" - -"I'll pay it back 'morrow or next day." - -"You know very well you would do no such thing. You would spend it in a -drunken carouse with your disorderly companions. No, Stephen Palmer, I -have no money for you, or such as you." - -"Is that the way you treat a son of yourn?" - -"You are no son of mine. You are my step-son, but your bad conduct -troubled your father for years before his death. You have no claim upon -me or mine." - -Stephen eyed her with dull anger. Even in his drunken condition he felt -the severity of her words. - -"I say, Mrs. Palmer, what did you do with my father's money--the money -that ought to have come to me? You cheated me out of it, and you are -livin' in luxury, while I have no home." - -"You know very well," said Mrs. Palmer, disdainfully, "that your -poor father left no property, except the little furniture you see in -these poor rooms. He might have been in good circumstances had you -not involved him in losses, and reduced him to poverty by your bad -courses." - -"You've got all the money between you--you, and Paul, and Grace," -persisted Stephen, angrily. - -"You know it's a wicked falsehood, Stephen!" said Grace, firing up like -a kitten at her step-brother's insulting words. "You're a bad man!" - -"Hoity-toity! I'm a bad man, am I, little vixen?" said Stephen, -glowering at her. - -"Yes, you are!" - -"Hush, Grace! Little girls should not talk too much!" said her mother, -fearing that Stephen might become dangerously incensed and proceed to -violence. - -Though he was affected by drink, she felt that she could not offer any -adequate resistance in such a case. - -"If Paul would only come home!" she said to herself. He was only a boy; -still with him in the house she would feel comparatively safe. - -"Come, old lady," said Stephen, "I see you want to get rid of me. Give -me some money, and I will begone." - -"I have no money for you, Stephen." - -"Didn't Paul bring home some money to-night?" - -Paul often handed his mother the money he had earned during the day, -and would probably do so before he went to bed, but fortunately, as she -considered, he had not yet done so. - -"He brought home money, but he has it in his own pocket," she answered. - -"Are you sure he didn't give it to you?" asked Stephen, suspiciously. - -"No, he did not." - -"Then he ought to. He's a selfish boy, to--hic--keep it all himself." - -"He doesn't keep it himself. He will probably hand it to me before he -goes to bed." - -"Then I'll come round to-morrow mornin', and you can give me some." - -"It will be of no use, Stephen. Paul's money goes to support the -family, and you have no claim upon it." - -"Haven't you any money in the house, Mrs. Palmer?" - -"I decline to answer the question, Stephen Palmer. All I can say is, -that I have no money for you." - -"Come, old lady, you're puttin' on airs. I won't have it. Do you hear -me? I say I won't have it!" and the wretched fellow pounded on the -table fiercely with his fist. - -Just then, most unluckily, Grace started, and let the gold piece, which -she had been holding firmly in her hand, fall on the floor. - -Her brother espied it, and his eyes gleamed with drunken joy. - -"Ho, ho!" he said. "Gold pieces rollin' 'round! You're mighty poor, -ain't you? That's just what I need." - -He got up from the chair, and approaching Grace, who by this time had -picked up the gold, seized her roughly by the arm, and exclaimed: - -"Give me that gold piece, young one, or I'll wring your neck!" - -Grace shrank and cowered under his brutal grasp, but still clutched the -money, though pale with terror. - -"It's mine!" she said. "You sha'n't have it." - -"We'll see!" said the ruffian, tightening his grasp and shaking her -roughly. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -PAUL TO THE RESCUE. - - -Of course a contest between a burly ruffian of twenty-five and a little -girl of ten could only terminate in one way. Stephen Palmer forcibly -opened the closed hand of his little step-sister, and snatched from it -the coveted coin, which he exultingly held aloft, crying: - -"I told you I would have it, you little minx." - -Grace began to cry, and Mrs. Palmer exclaimed, in justifiable -indignation: - -"Are you not ashamed, Stephen Palmer, to rob a little girl like Grace?" - -"Who talks of robbery?" retorted Stephen. "I've only borrowed it from -her." - -He laughed tauntingly, for he understood, while he spoke, what little -chance Grace would have of recovering her money through his voluntary -restitution. - -"Borrowed it!" repeated Mrs. Palmer, with bitter emphasis. "It is -theft, and nothing else." - -"Do you call me a thief?" blustered Stephen, scowling. - -"You are nothing better, Stephen Palmer!" returned his step-mother, now -thoroughly aroused. - -"Take care what you say, Mrs. Palmer!" said Stephen, advancing a step -toward her. "I'm a bad man when I get mad." - -"You never said a truer word," said Mrs. Palmer, more courageous in -defense of Grace than she would have been for herself. - -"Look here! You just drop that," said Stephen, doggedly, "or I may do -you harm." - -"That would not be surprising," retorted the widow, undaunted. "A man -who will rob a little girl won't hesitate to strike a woman." - -The intoxicated young man was thoroughly incensed by his step-mother's -sarcasm, and forgot the little manliness he ever possessed. - -"If you think so, I'll make your words come true," he said, savagely, -and advanced toward Mrs. Palmer with uplifted arm. - -Mrs. Palmer turned pale, and Grace uttered a shriek of terror. - -"Don't strike my mother, you bad man!" she called out. - -This diverted the current of Stephen's wrath, and he turned upon the -little girl. - -"I'll whip you if you prefer it, Miss Saucebox," he said, and grasped -Grace by the shoulder. - -Mrs. Palmer sprang forward to rescue her child, but the struggle was by -no means equal. The ruffian would probably have injured both but for an -opportune arrival. - -Paul was at the foot of the outside staircase when he heard his little -sister's scream. He had a tender love for the little girl, and the -thought that she was in some peril gave wings to his feet. He fairly -flew up stairs, and burst into the room like a tornado. - -One glance enabled him to understand the situation. He seized Stephen, -and forcibly wrenched him from Grace. - -"What does all this mean?" he demanded, turning to his mother. - -"It means that Stephen has stolen your sister's gold piece, and when I -remonstrated was on the point of assaulting us both." - -"You contemptible coward!" exclaimed Paul, turning upon his -step-brother with flashing eyes, his manner full of disdainful contempt. - -Even Stephen cowered a little before the boy's scorn. - -"I borrowed the money, that's all," he said. "It's a great thing to -make such a fuss about. And what's more," he continued, resuming his -swaggering tone, "I won't stand any impudence from a young whelp like -you. Do you hear?" - -"Grace," said Paul, not noticing the young man's words, "has he got -your gold piece now?" - -"Yes," answered Grace, half crying. - -"Give me back that money!" said Paul, sternly. - -"Not much!" sneered Stephen. "I'll keep it if it's only to spite you. -Do you hear that?" - -"Give me back that money!" persisted Paul, resolutely. - -"No, thank you," answered Stephen, mockingly. "This time next year you -may call for it, and if it's convenient I may give it up." - -Paul opened wide the outer door, and looked out into the street. As he -looked, a policeman was just passing. - -"Shall I hand you over to the police?" he asked, significantly, -pointing at the guardian of the city's peace. - -For the first time Stephen looked uneasy. - -"Don't try to frighten me with such nonsense," he said. "You wouldn't -dare to call him in." - -"You'll see whether I will," said Paul, coolly. - -Stephen looked his young step-brother full in the face, and saw that -Paul was in earnest. His bullying had failed of its effect, and he had -a decided aversion to an encounter with the police. - -"Take your money!" he said, flinging the gold piece on the floor. "I -only wanted to scare you a little." - -"Grace, you can pick up your money," said Paul. - -"As for you, you young rascal," continued Stephen, scowling fiercely at -Paul, "I won't forget your impertinence of to-night. I'll get even with -you some day, see if I don't." - -"Your threats won't prevent my defending my mother and sister against -your brutal violence," said Paul, calmly. - -Stephen staggered out of the room, nearly tumbling down the staircase -in his drunken unsteadiness. - -All felt relieved when he had gone. - -"I should have lost my nice present but for you, Paul," said Grace. - -"I came home just in time," said Paul. "I hope Stephen will keep away -now. I never want to see him." - -"I never knew him to act so disgracefully before," said Mrs. Palmer. -"He has fallen into bad habits, and keeps disreputable company, I fear." - -"There isn't much doubt about that, mother," said Paul. "I have more -than once seen him walking with thieves and gamblers. Now I know where -I have seen that pickpocket before," he exclaimed, with sudden energy. - -"What do you mean, Paul?" - -"I told you about the man who jumped from the train to-day after -picking Miss Dearborn's pocket. Well, there was something in his face -that looked familiar, but I couldn't think where I had met him, though -I was sure I had seen him before. Now I remember meeting him walking in -Randolph street with Stephen one day last week." - -"You don't think Stephen is a pickpocket?" asked Mrs. Palmer. - -"No; it takes training to make a pickpocket. Stephen isn't -light-fingered enough to succeed in any such business; but a man that -keeps company with pickpockets isn't likely to be much better than -they." - -"I am afraid, Paul," said Mrs. Palmer, anxiously, "that Stephen with -some of his bad companions may lie in wait for you and do you some -injury." - -"I will try to take care of myself, mother," said Paul. - -"Why should there be so many wicked people in the world?" sighed the -widow. "I can't see how Stephen turned out so badly. His father was a -good man, and I have heard that he had a good mother; but Mr. Palmer -always had a great deal of trouble with him from a boy." - -"He is lazy, and wants to get a living without work," answered Paul. -"Then again, he drinks." - -"That alone is enough. Oh, Paul, I hope you will never fall into -intemperate habits." - -"You need not fear for me, mother," said Paul, firmly. "I despise -drunkenness as much as anybody can." - -"Yes, you are very different from Stephen, Heaven be thanked! How could -I get along without you, Paul?" - -"I hope you won't have to get along without me, mother. But I have been -thinking that Stephen may possibly come round here again to annoy you -and steal Grace's money. Grace, you had better let me put the money -into a savings-bank for you." - -"That is well thought of, Paul. Then it will be safe, even if we do -have a second visit from Stephen. What do you say, Grace?" - -"Here it is, Paul," said the little girl. "You take care of it for me." - -"I will put it into a bank Saturday evening, when some of the -savings-banks are open. I don't think Stephen will be able to get it -away from me." - -"If Stephen has any sense of shame he will not come here again very -soon," said the widow. - -Paul went to bed early, for he must take the 7:30 train for Milwaukee -in the morning. He slept soundly, for his day's work had fatigued him. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -BIRDS OF A FEATHER. - - -Stephen Palmer left the residence of his step-mother in a state of -furious indignation against the whole family, but his anger was hotter -against Paul than either of the other two members. It is rather -mortifying for a young man to find himself worsted by a boy ten years -his junior, and Stephen was obliged to confess that he himself had come -off second best. The worst of it was, that he had lost the gold coin -which he so much coveted. He was really hard up, his whole available -funds amounting to only ten cents. The gold piece would have been to -him a real bonanza. He had counted upon taking a cheap seat at Hooley's -Theater, and thus passing a pleasant evening, but of course that must -be given up, and there was nothing to do but to go back to his dingy -little room, since anywhere else he would need to spend money. - -"Confound the boy!" ejaculated Stephen. "I'd like to wring his neck. -How dare he talk up to me as he did? But for him," he continued, -dolefully, "I would have got off with the gold. I'll get even with him -sometime, see if I don't." - -Stephen thrust his hands deep into his pockets, and moodily made his -way to his lodging-house. It was a shabby brick house of three stories, -not far from the lake. He had been up late the night before, and -thought he would lie down for awhile to rest. Later in the evening, -perhaps, he would go out, and might have the good fortune to fall in -with some one of his companions who was better fixed than himself -financially. - -He opened the door with a latch-key, and was making his way up stairs -when a little girl of twelve called out from the back stairs in a -shrill voice: - -"Mr. Palmer, my mother wants to see you." - -"Well, she can see me if she comes where I am," said Stephen, not very -good-naturedly. - -He paused on the stairs, and a woman in a faded calico dress soon made -her appearance, coming up from below. - -"What's wanted, Mrs. Jones?" asked Stephen, uncomfortably, for he could -guess what his landlady wished to see him about. - -"I'd be thankful, Mr. Palmer, if you'd pay me your rent. You're owin' -for two weeks and a half, and I need the money very much." - -"I can't pay you to-night," said Stephen. - -"That's what you're always a-sayin'. Didn't you promise me the money -last Tuesday, when the two weeks was up?" - -"I've been disappointed of some money that I expected," muttered -Palmer. "If I had it I'd give it to you." - -"That don't pay for my groceries and fuel," said Mrs. Jones, evidently -much dissatisfied with his answer. - -"Who said it did?" - -"If you'll pay me some money on account," said the landlady, beginning -to understand the character of her lodger, "I'll wait a little longer." - -"I tell you I haven't got any money by me, except this," and Stephen -drew out the dime which constituted his sole wealth. "I suppose you -don't want that." - -"I'll take it on account." - -"No, you don't. I ain't going to strip myself of every penny to oblige -a cormorant of a lodging-house keeper." - -"Is that all you've got to say to me, Mr. Palmer?" asked Mrs. Jones, -indignantly. - -"What more do you want? Don't I promise to pay you when I have the -money?" - -"Do you do any work?" demanded the landlady. "Do you earn anything?" - -"Yes." - -"At what business?" - -"That's my affair. However, I don't mind telling you that I--speculate." - -"Speculate--on ten cents!" retorted the landlady, in a sarcastic tone. - -"All my capital's locked up in stocks at present," said Stephen, with -ready falsehood. "I may have five hundred dollars coming in next week." - -"I don't know whether to believe you or not," said Mrs. Jones, with -justifiable skepticism. - -"Do you doubt the word of a gentleman?" blustered Stephen. - -"If you call yourself a gentleman, act accordin'. I've got just one -thing to say, Mr. Palmer--if you don't pay me three weeks' lodgin' by -next Tuesday, out you go, or my name isn't Jones. I can't afford to let -my rooms to them as don't pay me." - -"It'll be all right next Tuesday," said Stephen, glad of the reprieve. -"There's two or three parties that owe me more than the amount of your -bill, but they don't pay up." - -This was an utter fabrication, as there was no one in the city or -elsewhere whom Stephen could rightfully claim as a debtor, but then a -regard for truth was not one of his strong points. - -Stephen went up stairs to his room, and lay down on the bed. He soon -fell asleep, and was still sleeping, when he was aroused by a loud -pounding at his door. - -"Who's there?" he cried out, only half awake. - -"Come and see," was the reply, in an impatient voice. - -Stephen tumbled out of bed and opened the door. - -"Luke Denton!" he said. "Why, what on earth's the matter with you?" - -Luke Denton it was, but by no means in as good trim as when we first -made his acquaintance in the railroad car. There were patches of mud on -his coat and pantaloons; there was a long scratch on one of his hands, -and a bruise on his forehead, while his nose appeared to have been -bleeding. For a man who was generally very careful of his appearance it -was certainly rather a strange plight to be in. - -"Have you been in a fight?" Stephen asked, not unnaturally. - -"No, but I'd like to be in just one," growled Denton. - -"Who do you want to fight with?" - -"Look here, Stephen! isn't that boy--the train boy, I mean, on the -Milwaukee road--a brother of yours?" - -"Yes." - -"I can't help it--I'd like to mash him, and I will if I get the chance." - -"You have my permission," said Stephen, "and I'd like to stand by and -see you do it." - -"Then there isn't much love lost between you two?" - -"You'd better believe there isn't. But what has he been doing to you? -You don't mean to say he is the cause of all that?" and he pointed to -Luke's disordered dress. - -"Yes, he is." - -"How did it happen?" - -"He made me jump out of the train when it was going fifteen or twenty -miles an hour." - -"But how did he make you do it?" asked Stephen, puzzled. "I can't -understand." - -"You see, I was sitting near a nice young lady, who had a purse pretty -well filled. I noticed it when she took out a gold coin and gave it to -the boy for his sister." - -"Oh, that's the way Grace came by her gold, then!" - -"What! do you know about it?" - -"The girl showed it to me this evening," said Stephen. "But go on." - -"It occurred to me that I stood more in need of the money than she, -and I managed to slip my hand into her pocket and draw it out." - -"I wish I could do it," said Stephen, "but I can't. My fingers are too -clumsy. I should be sure to be caught." - -"I would have got off well enough--in fact, I had made up my mind to -get off at Libertyville, when that sneak of a boy came up and exposed -me." - -"Did he see you take the purse?" - -"It seemed so. I didn't know any one was looking when I took the money." - -"What did you do?" - -"The young lady jumped up in a fright. I saw my opportunity. I had the -inside seat, so I sprang for the door, and, without much thought of the -risk I ran, made a flying leap from the train." - -"You might have been killed. I wouldn't dare to risk it." - -"Perhaps I wouldn't if I had had time to think; but I didn't. Well, I -landed and rolled over two or three times, enough to get these bruises -and stain my clothes. I suppose I was lucky to escape without breaking -my neck or limbs, but I feel too sore to be very thankful." - -"There's a later train, starting from Libertyville. I walked to -Deerfield, and a hard time I had of it. If the train hadn't been nearly -an hour late, I wouldn't have caught it. As it was I did, and here I -am." - -"I suppose you didn't save the money?" - -"Yes, but I did," chuckled Luke. "Look at this." - -He drew out the purse, and displayed it to his companion, whose eyes -glistened as he saw the gold. - -"How much is there?" - -"Nearly fifty dollars." - -"I'd be willing to be bruised a little for that sum." - -"I would have got it without a bruise but for that brother of -yours--dash him!" - -"I owe him a grudge myself. I'm with you." - -"You must hide me for a day or two till this blows over. The police may -be on my track." - -"That depends on whether my landlady will let me stay. She's been -driving me for back rent." - -"How much do you owe her?" - -"Two weeks and a half at two dollars a week." - -"Here, take that and pay her." - -Stephen took the five-dollar gold coin which his companion flung on the -bed, but no part of it found its way into the hands of Mrs. Jones. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A REJECTED SUITOR. - - -In one of the handsomest houses on Ashland avenue lived Grace Dearborn, -the young lady whose acquaintance Paul had made on the train. Perhaps -it would be more proper to say that her aunt, Mrs. Sheldon, lived -here, and Grace was a member of her family. Mr. Sheldon was dead, and -his widow carried on her husband's business--a large retail drygoods -store--through the help of the former chief clerk, now promoted to -general manager, under whose wise and faithful superintendence the -store flourished, and yielded to the widow an ample yearly income. - -But if the aunt was wealthy so was the niece. Miss Dearborn had come -into possession of an independent fortune of one hundred and fifty -thousand dollars, which was so invested as to net her seven per cent., -or a little more than ten thousand dollars a year. - -As this fact was generally known, it will not be thought strange -that Miss Dearborn was much sought after in society, and her hand -was considered a great prize in the matrimonial lottery. Thus far, -however, she had resisted all solicitations, and society waited in -vain to hear of her engagement. - -Let us go back a week, and introduce Miss Dearborn at home on a -Wednesday evening. - -She had been chatting with her aunt on indifferent matters, when a -servant appeared with a card in the presence of the two ladies. - -"A gentleman to see you, Miss Grace," she said. - -"Who is it, my dear?" asked Mrs. Sheldon, as Grace took the card from -the servant's hand. - -"Major Ashton," answered Grace, reading from the card. - -"Will you see him?" - -"I suppose I have no good excuse for declining," said the young lady, -shrugging her shoulders. - -"He may wish to see you on important business," said Mrs. Sheldon, -playfully. - -"I hope not," said the young lady, looking alarmed. "If I thought so, I -wouldn't go down." - -"Oh, don't let my words influence you, my dear. It may be an ordinary -call. Besides, if it were not, the major is considered a desirable -_parti_." - -"Not by me," returned Grace, with emphasis. - -"What have you to object to him? He is good-looking." - -"Ye-es, I suppose so," admitted Grace, with evident reluctance. - -"Let me assure you, my dear Grace, that he is considered decidedly -_distingue_." - -"I would sooner admit that than that he is _good-looking_. He doesn't -look _good_ to me." - -"What is the matter with him?" - -"There is a look in his eyes that I don't like. It is a cruel look, as -if he had a latent fierceness and hardness in his disposition." - -"All fancy, Grace." - -"Perhaps so; but I don't fancy his looks." - -"Then he is rich." - -"I suppose he is, though I don't know." - -"He must be. He lives like a gentleman of large means." - -"I don't attach much importance to wealth, aunt. Surely, in a husband, -other things are more important." - -"You wouldn't marry a penniless lover?" - -"Why not, if I respected and loved him?" - -"My dear Grace, you alarm me. I never supposed you entertained such -quixotic notions. Some day we may have you eloping with a dry-goods -clerk, or a poverty-stricken artist, or----" - -"Don't borrow trouble, Aunt Caroline," said the young lady, with a -merry laugh. "You don't get rid of me so easily. It is possible, of -course, that I may fulfill your prediction, for I have money enough to -enable my future husband to live respectably; but I'll give you fair -warning and sufficient notice. But I must go down, or the major will be -getting impatient." - -Descending to the drawing-room, Grace saluted courteously a gentleman -who rose from a sofa, and advanced to meet her with considerable -_empressement_ of manner. - -"You are very kind to consent to see me, Miss Dearborn," he said. - -"Oh, no," answered Grace, smiling. "I should have been unkind to -decline, since I have no good reason for doing so." - -"At any rate, suffer me to interpret it as kind, since it pleases me to -do so. You do not know how much I attach to it in the present instance." - -A slight shade of dissatisfaction flitted over the face of Miss -Dearborn, for the words and manner of her visitor clearly pointed to a -declaration of love, which she wished to avoid, if possible. - -She was not like some young ladies in society, desirous of extending -the list of her conquests. - -"Thank you, Major Ashton," she answered, lightly, "but compliments are -more in place in the ballroom." - -"I do not mean it as a compliment, Miss Dearborn. Compliments are -often insincere. I beg you to believe that I am sincere." - -"Don't let us make too much of a trifle, Major Ashton. I am ready to -believe you are sincere. Have you been to the opera?" - -There was a brief season of Italian opera in Chicago, and this led to -the question. - -"Yes," answered the major. "Might I hope that you will accept an -invitation to accompany me tomorrow evening?" he asked, eagerly. - -"I am afraid I must decline. I am expecting company, or, rather, my -aunt is." - -"Then, perhaps, another evening?" suggested the major. - -"I fear I cannot accept during the present engagement. You are very -kind to invite me." - -"I wish I might have the privilege of always attending you, Miss -Dearborn." - -Grace blushed, but not with pleasure. - -"What opera did you attend?" she inquired, coldly. - -"'Norma.' I can't say it is my favorite, but the parts were well sung." - -"I have never heard it. In fact, I have to confess that I do not -enjoy the opera as much as many. Probably my musical taste is not -sufficiently developed." - -She spoke rapidly, and somewhat nervously, hoping to prevent the major -from carrying out what she perceived to be his intention. But she had -to do with a man who was resolute of purpose. - -"Miss Dearborn--Grace--" he said, abruptly, "I hope you are not quite -unprepared for what I came here this evening to say. It consists of but -three words--_I love you_!" - -"Of course, I am very much flattered," said Grace, hurriedly, "but I am -sorry to hear it." - -"Why should you be sorry?" - -"Because it is quite impossible for me to reciprocate your feelings." - -"Don't say that, Miss Dearborn," returned Major Ashton, in a tone of -mingled disappointment and mortification. "Can you not learn to love -me?" - -"Love does not come by learning, or by any conscious effort, Major -Ashton. It should be spontaneous, and come from the heart." - -"I do not wish to be vain, or to speak egotistically, Miss Dearborn, -but I am generally considered an eligible match. My social position you -know, and I am able to support a wife in luxury----" - -"I do not care to question it," interrupted Grace. "I hope you will -transfer your flattering proposal to some one who may prove to you a -good wife, and----" - -"I cannot transfer my devotion as easily as you imagine," said Ashton -in a tone of annoyance. "I have long loved you, and thought of you as -the one woman with whom I desired to walk through life. Your refusal, -if persisted in, will wreck my happiness." - -Grace was tempted to survey somewhat closely the man who thus declared -that he should be miserable without her. He did not look like a -despairing lover. His sleek black hair and whiskers, the rather insipid -regularity of his features, his evident foppish attention to his dress, -hardly indicated a soul moved to its lowest depths by romantic and -despairing passion. - -Self-conceit, vanity, a high degree of self complacency could be read -in the major's face, but he did not look like a man who would jump into -Lake Michigan, a victim to the tender passion. - -Grace did not feel that there was any cause to make herself miserable -on her suitors account. - -"I hope, Major Ashton," she replied, courteously, "that time may soften -whatever disappointment you feel. Pardon my saying that you have never -appeared to me the one man with whom I should wish to walk through -life, and this being the case, I should wrong both myself and you by -accepting you." - -"You will consider my proposal? You may change your mind?" - -"Do not hope it, Major Ashton," said Grace, firmly. "It can never be. -And now you will allow me to bid you good-evening." - -She left the room swiftly, and Major Ashton had no choice but to -terminate his call. - -"Confound the girl!" he muttered, when he reached the street. "She was -my trump card, and she has failed me! What shall I do next?" - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -THE STRUGGLING ARTIST. - - -"Here's all the illustrated papers!" - -Of course the speaker was Paul, and again we go back, this time four -weeks. - -It was the same afternoon train from Milwaukee, and there were but -twenty miles to travel before reaching Chicago. - -The conductor chanced to be making his rounds at the same time. He -was calling for the tickets in order to punch them. Among the rest -he came to a young man, slender and graceful, and with one of those -faces that seem to win upon a stranger at first sight--a thoroughly -good face, with an expression of refinement and intellectual power. He -appeared, however, to be in limited circumstances, for his coat was -well worn, and in places there was a suspicious shiningness indicating -a respectable antiquity. - -"Ticket!" said the conductor, addressing himself to the young man. - -The young man felt in his coat-pocket for his ticket, but it was -gone--at least, he could not find it. - -An expression of alarm overspread his face. - -"I can't find my ticket," he murmured, in perplexity. - -The conductor listened coldly, and, it must be added, with incredulity. -He had met such cases before. - -"Then you can pay me the value of the ticket," he said. - -The young man's face flushed. Small as the sum was, he did not have it. - -"Will you be kind enough to give me time, and I may find the ticket?" -he said. - -"I will wait till we reach the next station," said the official, -coldly. "Then you must either show me the ticket or pay your fare." - -"If I can do neither?" - -"Of course I must ask you to leave the train," and the conductor passed -on. - -Paul stood where he could hear this colloquy, and he noticed the -distress of the young man. His sympathies were aroused, for he -suspected that the passenger had not enough money to replace the -missing ticket. - -He, too, knew what it was to be poor, and he pitied him. - -"Excuse me, sir," he said, approaching the young man, after the -conductor had passed on, "but have you lost your ticket?" - -"Yes, I fear that I have." - -"Where did you get on?" - -"At Deerfield." - -"That is not so bad as if it were a through ticket from Milwaukee." - -"No, but I am unable to replace it. I--I am not provided with the -necessary money." - -"The ticket is less than a dollar." - -"Yes, but even that small sum I have not at hand." - -"I hope you won't be offended if I offer to lend you the money," said -Paul. - -"Offended! I thank you heartily, for it is very necessary that I reach -Chicago this evening. My mother is sick, and would be anxious." - -Paul drew from his pocket a dollar bill, and placed it in the young -man's hand. - -"You are very kind to a stranger. Give me your address, that I may Send -it to you." - -Paul did so, adding: - -"Don't put yourself to any trouble. There is no hurry. Wait till it is -convenient." - -"Thank you again," said the young man, recovering his cheerfulness. "I -hope some time to return the favor. I am an artist, and I will paint -your portrait for half price, whenever you get ready to give me a -sitting." - -"Thank you," answered Paul, laughing. "I must wait for that till I am a -little richer." - -Frederic Vernon, for this was his name, had settled in Chicago six -months previously, with his invalid mother, hoping to make a fair -living as an artist, for he was a clever portrait painter, but he met -the usual fortune of young men of merit who establish themselves in a -large city without influential friends. Orders came in slowly, and he -was obliged to accept paltry prices, far below the value of his work. -Yet he would not have complained if he could have obtained enough work, -and been promptly paid for such as he did. - -On the day subsequent to his adventure in the cars, chance, or let us -say Providence, brought him a liberal patroness. - -Grace Dearborn, returning from a shopping excursion, had taken a seat -in one of the city horse-cars when her attention was attracted by the -conversation of two young ladies who were sitting near her. - -"That's a fine portrait of yours, Sarah," said one. - -"Isn't it?" said the other, complacently. "Pa says it is as well -painted as if we had employed a tip-top artist." - -"Didn't you?" - -"No; it was painted by a young man, as poor as poverty, who is obliged -to work for any sum people are willing to pay. Fancy, I only paid -twenty dollars." - -"Only twenty dollars?" - -"Yes; he wanted more, of course, and it took him three or four weeks to -paint it, but that was all I would pay. Pa gave me fifty dollars to pay -for a portrait, so I made thirty dollars out of it," said the selfish -girl, complacently. - -"I should think he would starve--the artist, I mean." - -"He did look dreadfully seedy, but that was nothing to me, you know." - -"I'm a great mind to get him to paint my portrait." - -"You'd better. Let him know that you are a friend of mine, and the -price I paid, and he will paint yours for the same." - -"I will. What is his address?" - -"No.--State street." - -The other took down the address, and so did Grace. Gifted with a warm, -sympathetic nature, she could hardly repress the disgust she felt at -the miserable selfishness of the two handsomely dressed girls, who -counted it a smart thing to obtain the services of an accomplished -artist at a price which would have poorly compensated a hod carrier. - -"I may as well have my portrait painted," she said to herself. "It will -give me an excuse for helping this young man, who has been so cruelly -underpaid by one who could evidently afford to pay him fairly." - -The next morning Frederic Vernon was sitting in his plain studio in a -fit of despondency. He had just had a visit from Miss Framley, who had -given him an order for a portrait, after beating him down to twenty -dollars. - -In vain he had told her that he could not afford to work so cheap. She -protested that she would not pay a cent more than her friend. - -Vernon was on the point of declining the commission, but he reflected -with a sigh that work even at that price was better than to be idle, -and he sadly consented. - -Miss Framley, well pleased with the success of her negotiation, -swept out of the studio, in her seal-skin sacque and costly silk, -feeling that she would be applauded by her father--a wholesale pork -merchant--for her financial success. - -On the stairs, as she was descending, she met Miss Dearborn, whom she -recognized by sight, and would have been glad to know. - -"Is Miss Dearborn going to patronize the artist?" she thought. "If he -gets many patrons like her, he will be getting fashionable, and put up -his prices. I am glad I have made my bargain." - -Miss Dearborn entered the studio, and a hasty glance satisfied her that -the artist was indeed poor. She glanced at the artist, and felt an -immediate interest in him. Though shabbily dressed, she read refinement -and nobility of character in his expressive face, and was extremely -glad she had come. - -"Mr. Vernon, I believe," she said, gently. - -The artist bowed. - -"I am told you paint portraits." - -Another bow. - -"I will give you a commission, if you have the time to execute it." - -"I have something too much of that," said Vernon, smiling faintly. "I -will gladly accept your commission." - -"If you have other work requiring your present attention, I am not in -haste." - -"I have just agreed to paint the portrait of a Miss Framley----" - -"Whom I met on the stairs?" - -"Probably; she just went out." - -"Then I will wait till you have executed her commission. Meanwhile -allow me to pay you one-half in advance." - -Frederic Vernon stared in amazement, as she put in his hands two -fifty-dollar bills. - -"A hundred dollars!" he ejaculated. - -"Yes." - -"Do you know that I have agreed to paint Miss Framley's portrait for -twenty dollars?" - -"I am sorry to hear it. I propose to pay a good price for good work. -There is my card. Be kind enough to apprise me when you are ready for -me." - -"Miss Dearborn," said the artist, his face lighting up with gratitude, -"you have done a great favor to a struggling man. Miss Framley beat -me down, while you offer to pay a price such as only an artist of -established reputation would dare to charge." - -"I'm only anticipating matters a little," said Grace, smiling, as she -left the studio. - -"God bless her!" ejaculated the artist, fervently. "I was almost -discouraged, but now hope lights my pathway. I will move mother out of -that dingy room into a lighter and more cheerful apartment." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE FIRST SITTING. - - -Two days later the young artist sent word to Grace that he was ready to -give her a first sitting. - -She was not long in finding her way to the studio. - -"You have not delayed Miss Framley on my account?" she said. - -"No, but Miss Framley has gone to Milwaukee for a week, leaving me at -leisure." - -When Grace, following directions, had seated herself in the required -attitude, Vernon engaged her in conversation about books and authors, -and each discovered that the other had a mind rarely cultivated. - -Miss Dearborn's face lighted up, and became animated. She forgot that -she was sitting for her portrait, and for that very reason, perhaps, -afforded a better study for the young artist. He could not help, from -time to time, directing glances of scarcely disguised admiration at the -fair sitter. But of this she was unconscious. - -When the sitting closed, she was surprised to learn that she had been -in the studio two hours. - -"I hope you have not found it very tedious," said Vernon, -apologetically. - -"On the contrary," answered Grace, smiling. "The time has passed -quickly." - -"I am glad of that. Then you won't mind giving another sitting soon?" - -"To-morrow, if you like." - -"I should like it exceedingly, if it will not interfere with your -engagements." - -"Oh, my engagements are those of an idle young lady, and can easily be -put off. May I see what progress you have made?" - -"I would rather you would not look just yet. I have only made a -beginning." - -"I will be patient, then. Indeed, I can't say I am over anxious. My own -face is quite familiar enough to me." - -"If I can make it look natural, I shall be quite contented." - -"I have confidence in your talent. Besides, I have heard one of your -portraits highly praised." - -"Indeed! May I ask where?" - -"I cannot tell you. It is a friend of Miss Framley." - -"Miss Cutler?" - -"Very likely. I don't know either of the young ladies, but I overheard -them in a street-car commending highly the portrait you had painted -of Miss Cutler. They seemed equally pleased," she added with a smile, -"with the low price which you asked for your work." - -"Which she compelled me to accept, rather," said Vernon, with a curl of -the lip. "I should starve if all my patrons were as bent upon a good -bargain." - -"Mr. Vernon," said Grace, earnestly, "I don't think you will have to -paint another portrait at such a ridiculously low price." - -"Not if all were as generously disposed as you," returned Vernon, -gratefully. - -"There may be others disposed to pay you a fair price. Indeed, I have -persuaded my aunt to sit to you when my portrait is finished." - -"How can I thank you for your kindness, Miss Dearborn?" - -"No thanks are required where an equivalent service is rendered." - -Frederic Vernon was elated by this second order, for he judged that the -compensation would be equally liberal. - -This was the case, for it was Grace who paid for her aunt's portrait. -Mrs. Sheldon at first objected to sitting till her niece assured her -that she wished the portrait for her own room, and wished the privilege -of paying for it. - -"But, my dear, it will be so tedious sitting in the young man's studio -for an hour or two at a time." - -"Oh, my dear aunt, I won't force you to do it alone. I will accompany -you." - -"If you will, Grace, I shall not mind it so much. I am afraid you will -find it stupid." - -"Oh, no; I think not. I can carry a magazine or novel, you know." - -"To be sure." - -Grace did carry some reading matter, but made little progress in it. - -She and Vernon always found something to talk about, and sometimes her -aunt joined in, when the subject was not above her comprehension. - -She, too, approved the artist. - -"Really, my dear," she said, "the young man seems very intelligent, -and, indeed, _distingue_, if his clothes were better." - -"Artists cannot dress handsomely at their work, Aunt Caroline." - -"No, I suppose not. Still, I fancy Mr. Vernon is poor. He has a very -plain studio." - -"He hopes to get into a better one soon, he tells me." - -"He looks as if he had seen better days," said Mrs. Sheldon, -reflectively. "I've a great mind to ask him." - -"Oh, pray don't, Aunt Caroline!" said Grace, in alarm. - -"Why not?" - -"He may be sensitive on the subject. It may arouse painful thoughts." - -"Possibly; then I won't speak of it." - -"I wouldn't, if I were you." - -When Grace's portrait was sent home, she took pains to show it to -her friends in the hope that she might procure additional work for -the young artist. She was successful, and before Mrs. Sheldon's was -completed, Mr. Vernon had received three orders from friends of the -heiress, one a gentleman, who felt safe in patronizing one whom Miss -Dearborn spoke well of. - -With considerable diffidence, on the recommendation of Grace, Vernon -ventured to charge the same sum--two hundred dollars--and was surprised -to find that his new patrons more readily agreed to pay this sum than -the very modest price he had formerly asked. They took it for granted -that a man who demanded such prices must be an artist of high rank, and -agreed to his terms without a word. - -The fact that he had felt justified in taking a more commodious and -spacious studio, and had purchased a new suit, helped him, for most -people judge by appearances. - -Before he left the old studio, however, he had a call from a friend of -Miss Framley and Miss Cutler, who ignorant of the favorable turn in his -affairs, expected to obtain his work on equally favorable terms. - -Frederic Vernon was alone when the young lady--Miss Henrietta -Simmons--came sailing in, rustling in silk, and modeled after the -latest fashion plate. - -"Mr. Vernon, I suppose?" she said, condescendingly. - -"The same, miss." - -"Two of my friends, Miss Cutler and Miss Framley, have sat to you for -their portraits." - -The artist bowed. - -"Really, you succeeded very well in both," said the young lady, -patronizingly. - -"Thank you for saying so." - -"I have about made up my mind to employ you." - -"I shall be glad to accept your commission." - -"I suppose the terms will be the same," said the young lady, carelessly. - -"I am afraid not." - -"Miss Framley told me you wouldn't charge me any more than she paid." - -"Miss Framley is in error." - -"I might be willing to pay you twenty-five dollars," said the young -lady, disappointed, "though I felt sure you would charge me no more -than my friends." - -"I am charging two hundred dollars now for portraits," said the young -artist, gravely. - -"Two hundred dollars!" ejaculated the visitor. "Surely, no one would -pay you that." - -"I have three orders on hand, each of which will pay me that sum." - -"I can't understand it," said Miss Simmons, bewildered. - -"I believe the quality of my work is getting known and appreciated," -said Vernon, smiling at the young lady's amazement. "Your friends were -fortunate enough to employ me when I was wholly unknown." - -Some months after--to anticipate a little--when Vernon had become a -fashionable portrait painter, Miss Simmons actually sat to him, and -paid his price. - -It is the way of the world. We are willing to pay any sum at the -bidding of Fashion, with little regard to what we pay for. - -But while Vernon's worldly success had improved, there was another -consequence of his acquaintance with Grace which disquieted him. In -spite of all the arguments which reason could offer, he felt that he -was drifting--had already drifted--into love for the beautiful girl to -whose kindness of heart he owed his new prosperity. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -MISS FRAMLEY'S ECONOMY. - - -Three days passed, and nothing more had been seen of Stephen Palmer in -his step-mother's humble home. - -"I hope he'll keep away," said Paul. "His coming can do no good, and -gives no pleasure to any of us." - -"I agree with you, Paul, though it seems hard to say that of one of the -family." - -"He has never behaved like one of the family," said Paul. - -"He was a wayward boy, and even at an early age gave considerable -trouble to his father and myself." - -"He hasn't improved as he has grown older, mother." - -"I am glad you are not like him, Paul." - -"Then I am not altogether a nuisance," said Paul, laughingly. - -"You are my main support--the staff on which I lean, my dear son. You -have always been a good boy." - -"The staff will be stronger some day, mother," said Paul, cheerfully. -"I am not always going to have you spoil your eyes by sewing." - -"I feel better to be doing something. That reminds me--I have just -finished some work for Miss Framley. Do you think you can carry it -after supper?" - -This conversation took place at the tea-table. - -"Certainly, mother; you know I always go out for a walk, and I can just -as well go to Mr. Framley's as anywhere else. How much am I to collect -on it?" - -"A dollar and a half, I think, won't be too much. It has taken me four -days." - -"You ought to charge more, mother. Think of a dollar and a half for -four days' work! Why, it won't half pay you," said Paul, indignantly. - -"I don't dare charge more, Paul, or the Framleys will give me no more -work. I was recommended to her by her friend, Miss Cutler, as one -who would work cheap, and in the only interview I had with her she -impressed this upon me as a matter of great importance." - -"Is she poor? Does she need to grind you down to such low prices?" - -"No; she lives in an elegant house on Wabash avenue, and she is always -dressed in the most costly style. No doubt she has plenty of money at -command." - -"Then she can't be a lady," said Paul, decidedly. - -"She certainly thinks herself so," said Mrs. Palmer. "Her father is -a man once poor, and still uneducated, who made a good deal of money -during the war, and is now ambitious to live in style." - -"Shoddy!" said Paul, contemptuously. "That explains it." - -"Nevertheless I am glad to obtain work from them, Paul." - -"Provided they will pay a reasonable price. You had better let me -charge two dollars, mother." - -"No, it will not do. I shall be satisfied with a dollar and a half." - -"Very well, mother. Of course it is for you to decide." - -Paul finished his supper, and, taking the bundle, made his way--partly -by walking, partly by riding--to Wabash avenue. - -The houses on this avenue were handsome, and looked like the abodes of -luxury. - -"I wish mother could live here," said Paul to himself. "It makes me -discontented with our poor home, after seeing so much elegance." - -At last he reached the house of Mr. Framley, whose daughter has -already made her appearance in our story as the economical patron of -art. - -Paul ascended the steps and rang the bell. - -The summons was answered by a man-servant, who surveyed Paul with an -air of lofty superiority. - -"Well, young feller," he said, "what have you got there?" - -"A bundle of work for Miss Framley, old feller!" answered Paul. - -"Was you addressin' me?" demanded the flunkey, angrily. - -"I was." - -"I am not an old feller." - -"Young feller, then, if you like it better." - -"You are an impertinent boy." - -"I have no business with you," said Paul, coolly. "Take that bundle -to your mistress, if you please, and say to her that the bill is one -dollar and a half." - -"You can call for the money some other time," and the servant was about -to close the door, when Paul said, sharply: - -"That won't do, I can't come here twice. Tell Miss Framley what I said." - -The servant retired, grumbling, and soon returned with a dollar bill, -which he offered to Paul. - -"Miss Framley says the work isn't extra well done, and a dollar's -enough. You can take it and go." - -Paul's eyes flashed with justifiable indignation. - -"I should like to see Miss Framley," he said. "This won't do." - -"She won't see you. Better take the money and go." - -"I will take the money--on account, but not in full payment. I wish to -see Miss Framley." - -That young lady was listening at the head of the stairs, being desirous -of hearing whether the messenger made any fuss about her mean reduction -of a reasonable price, and thought it best to descend the stairs and -argue the matter. - -"Are you the son of Mrs. Palmer?" she asked. - -"Yes, Miss Framley." - -"Then tell your mother she asks too much for her work. A dollar is -quite enough for the little she did." - -"Do you know how long she was occupied with your work?" said Paul. - -"No; I suppose she did it in a day or two," answered the young lady, in -a tone of indifference. - -"It occupied four days, and you wish to pay her at the rate of -twenty-five cents per day." - -"Really, it is nothing to me if your mother is a slow worker. I -oughtn't to suffer for that." - -"Wasn't the work well done?" - -"Tolerably well." - -"My mother is noted for her excellent work, Miss Framley. She is -entitled to one dollar and a half for this piece of work, and that -isn't enough. If she had taken my advice, she would have charged you -two dollars." - -"Really, you are a very presuming boy," said Miss Framley. "My friend, -Miss Cutler, told me your mother would work cheap, and so I employed -her. If she is contented with a dollar, I will send her some more work." - -"She will not be contented with a dollar," said Paul, firmly. "I insist -upon the price named." - -Miss Framley drew out her purse, and, taking a half-dollar from it, -with a spiteful air handed it to our hero. - -"There," she said, "take it, but don't expect me to employ your mother -again." - -"I don't," said Paul. "Good-evening." - -"It is absolute extortion," said the economical young lady, as she -went up stairs again. "It is very provoking, for Mrs. Palmer sews -exquisitely. If I hold off for awhile, I may bring her to my terms. -Twenty-five cents a day is a very fair price for such easy work as -sewing, _in my opinion_." - -"Well," thought Paul, as he bent his steps homeward, "there are -certainly some mean people in the world. Evidently Miss Framley is -rich, but I wouldn't be as mean as she for all her money." - -He wasn't far from home when, in passing one of the brilliantly lighted -stores on Clark street, his attention was drawn to a young lady just -descending from a carriage. As the light fell upon her face, he -recognized his traveling acquaintance of a few days before. - -"Miss Dearborn!" he cried, hastening forward with a pleasant smile of -recognition. - -Grace turned. - -"Why, it is my friend of the train!" she said, cordially. "Aunt -Caroline"--for Mrs. Sheldon was just behind her--"this is Paul Palmer, -who tried to save my purse from the pickpocket." - -"It is a pity he had not succeeded, Grace. I presume the unprincipled -man has spent most of it by this time." - -"Very likely," said Grace, with a laugh. "Well, Paul, have you met with -any more adventures, or rescued any more young ladies from the schemes -of dangerous men?" - -"I have not had a chance, Miss Dearborn." - -"But I don't doubt you would be ready. How is my namesake?" - -"She is very well. She was delighted with your present." - -"I am glad of that. Can you spare five minutes, or are you in a hurry?" - -"Oh, no, I have plenty of time." - -"Then come into this store with me." - -Paul followed Grace, wondering a little why she made the request. When -he came out he carried in his hand a very pretty child's cloak which -Miss Dearborn had purchased. - -"Give it to your little sister, with my love," she said. - -"How generous you are, Miss Dearborn! Grace won't be able to sleep -tonight for joy." - -"Be sure you remember your promise to bring her around to see me." - -"Thank you. Will the evening do? I am on the train during the day." - -"Come next Thursday evening--I will expect you." - -"There is some difference between Miss Dearborn and Miss Framley," -thought Paul. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -PAUL GETS INTO TROUBLE. - - -With a glad heart, notwithstanding the loss of Miss Framley's -patronage, Paul bent his steps toward his humble home. - -Grace was still up, not being willing to go to bed till her brother -came home. - -"What is there in that bundle, Paul?" she asked. - -"You have not brought the work back, Paul?" asked his mother, -apprehensively, for it would have been a serious thing to spend more -time on it, when her time was so poorly paid for. - -"No," answered Paul; "I left the work." - -"Was Miss Framley at home? Did you collect the money?" - -"Yes; but I had some difficulty about it. Do you think, she was mean -enough to try to turn me off with a dollar." - -"A dollar for four days' work! How can the rich be so inconsiderate?" -sighed Mrs. Palmer. - -"Inconsiderate!" exclaimed Paul, indignantly. "That isn't the -word--it's downright meanness." - -"Wouldn't she pay you the dollar and a half?" - -"Yes; I insisted on it. I gave her a piece of my mind." - -"I hope you didn't make her angry, Paul. She won't give me any more -work." - -"No, she won't; but you mustn't mind that. I'll find some one that will -pay you better. Here is the money, mother." - -The widow took the three half-dollars which were handed her, with a -sigh. In spite of Paul's confident assurance, she felt disappointed at -having lost Miss Framley's custom. She was not so hopeful as she had -been at Paul's age, having met with her share of the world's rebuffs. - -"You haven't told me what you've got in that bundle, Paul," said Grace, -returning to the charge. - -"I'll show you, Miss Curiosity," said Paul, and proceeded to open it. - -"Oh, how lovely!" exclaimed Grace, spell-bound with rapturous -admiration as the beautiful little cloak was held up before her. - -"It's for me," said Paul, gravely. "How does it fit?" and he threw it -over his shoulders and walked about, the little cloak barely descending -to his waist. - -"It doesn't fit you at all, Paul. Isn't it for me?" - -"For you? Who would buy such a nice cloak for you, do you think?" - -"I am afraid you have been very extravagant, Paul," said his mother. -"The cloak is very pretty, but we cannot afford such things." - -"It didn't cost me a cent, mother." - -"Then who gave it to you? Not Miss Framley?" - -"I should say not," answered Paul, contemptuously. "Catch her giving -five cents' worth to anybody! No; it was Miss Grace Dearborn, the same -young lady that sent Grace the gold piece." - -"Where did you see her? Did you call at the house?" - -So Paul had to tell the story, which does not require repeating, and -Grace tried on the cloak, which proved to be an excellent fit, though -it hardly harmonized with the child's plain print dress. - -"Some time I'll buy you a new dress, Grace," said her brother, "a dress -that you can wear with the cloak. I wish you had it by next Thursday -evening." - -"Why then, Paul?" asked his mother. - -"Because I have promised to take Grace with me to see Miss Dearborn on -that evening." - -The pleasure excited by the gift was such that Mrs. Palmer was -unusually jubilant, notwithstanding the loss of one of her customers. -She did not seem wholly forsaken, and fortune appeared again to have -smiled upon her. - -Meanwhile, though Paul did not know it, trouble was preparing for him. -He had two enemies--one his own brother, Stephen, already introduced; -the other Luke Denton, whose designs he had frustrated in the car. Luke -had not forgiven him for the leap which he was obliged to make from the -moving train, and the bruises which he received in consequence. - -"I'll be even with the young sneak--see if I don't," said Luke, -vengefully, to Stephen, as they sat together in the room of the latter, -smoking. - -"Don't blame you a bit," said Stephen. - -"I can't help it if he is your brother," continued Luke. "He's injured -me, and I'll make him suffer for it." - -"You needn't think I'm going to stand up for him," said Stephen; "I -hate him myself. Didn't he prevent me from----" - -"Robbing your little sister," said Luke, finishing out the sentence. - -"I didn't mean to rob her," said Stephen, half-angrily. "I needed the -money, and was only goin' to borrow it for a day or two." - -Luke Denton laughed. He did not admire Stephen, though he kept his -company, and felt a malicious pleasure in saying disagreeable things. - -"Of course; that's understood," he said. "You'd have gone round and -returned the loan, with interest; that's the way you always do." - -"I don't like your way of talkin', Luke," said Stephen, frowning. "You -may not mean anything; but I don't like it." - -"Well, never mind that. The main thing is--we both hate that -impertinent stripling, and you won't feel very bad if he gets into a -scrape, even if you are his brother." - -"No; I shall be glad of it." - -"Then I reckon you'll have a chance to be glad very soon." - -"How is that? Is there anything in the wind?" - -Luke nodded, and in a few sentences detailed a plan which he had -devised during the time his physical injuries had obliged him to remain -in the retirement of his friend's room. - -Stephen laughed approvingly. - -"Good!" he said. "Couldn't be better! Good enough for the pious little -fraud! After that, he won't lecture me so much--me, his elder brother! -I wonder I haven't wrung his neck before now." - -"He might resist, you know," said Luke, dryly. - -"Do you think I ain't a match for the little cur?" blustered Stephen. - -"I think he might give you more trouble than you think for. He's strong -and muscular for a boy of his age, and he isn't a coward. I'll give him -credit for so much." - -This led to more boasts on the part of Stephen, to which his companion -listened, with an amused smile. He despised Stephen, who was far -inferior to himself in education and manners; for Luke was fitted for a -better career than he had been led to adopt. - -The next afternoon Paul was returning to Chicago by the usual train. He -had met with fair success in selling his papers and books; indeed with -rather more than the average, having sold three bound novels, which -sale afforded him a handsome profit. - -In passing through the cars, his attention had been turned more than -once to an old man, with a long gray beard and hair of the same color, -who was dressed in rather an old-fashioned suit. Experience had taught -him that men of that appearance are seldom likely to buy anything more -than a daily paper, and he had not left any circulars with the old -Quaker, for such his broad-brimmed hat showed him to be. - -"Come here, boy!" called the old gentleman, as he was passing the -second time. "What has thee to sell?" - -"All the illustrated papers and magazines," answered Paul. "I have -besides some novels, if you want to look at them." - -"Nay, my young friend; life is too brief to read such light books. Has -thee the _Atlantic Monthly_?" - -"Yes, sir; here it is." - -The old man took it, and began gravely to turn over the pages. - -"What does thee ask for it?" he inquired. - -"Thirty-five cents." - -"My wife Ruth likes to read it. I think I will purchase it," said the -old man. - -So saying, he put his hand into his pocket to feel for his wallet. - -Quickly an expression of alarm came over his face, and he exclaimed, -loud enough to be heard by all the passengers near by: - -"I have been robbed! I cannot find my wallet!" - -"It may have dropped out of your pocket," suggested Paul. - -"Nay, I see it. It is in thy pocket, thou young thief!" exclaimed the -old man, reaching out his hand and drawing forth a large wallet from -the side pocket of Paul's sack coat. "It is truly sad to see such -depravity in one so young." - -"Do you mean to say I took your wallet?" asked Paul, thunderstruck. - -"It cannot be otherwise. Did I not find it in thy pocket? Is there an -officer present? This boy should be arrested." - -"I am a detective," said a man near by, showing his badge. - -"Then it is thy duty to arrest the boy. He is a thief!" - -Poor Paul! Brave as he was, his heart sank as he saw the passengers -regarding him with suspicion. - -"I am innocent," he said. "I never stole in my life." - -"So young and so hardened!" said the old man, sorrowfully; and Paul saw -that his denial was not credited. - -[Illustration: "I did not steal the wallet," Paul said firmly.] - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -PAUL'S CRITICAL POSITION. - - -Paul felt that he was in a tight place. He could not understand how -the wallet could have got into his pocket. Yet there it was, and -appearances were decidedly against him in spite of his innocence. - -"I did not steal the wallet," he said, firmly. - -"Then how came it in thy pocket?" asked the old man. - -"I don't know. Some one must have put it there." - -"Verily that is a poor excuse," said the aged Quaker. - -"It's too thin!" said a young man near by, who thought himself a wit. -"It won't wash!" - -Paul looked at him in disdain. Still it troubled him, because he feared -the other passengers would agree with the speaker. - -Just then the conductor entered the car. He was a firm friend of Paul, -whom he had known ever since he first came on board the train. - -"What is the matter?" asked the conductor, looking with surprise at the -group around Paul. - -"A pocket-book has been stolen, I believe," said a quiet passenger. - -The conductor walked up to the scene of excitement. - -Paul looked up at him with a feeling of relief. - -"Mr. Bates," he said, "do you think I would steal?" - -"Certainly not, Paul. Who charges you with it?" - -"This gentleman here," answered our hero, pointing to the Quaker. - -"I fear thee is guilty, for I discovered my wallet in thy pocket," said -the Quaker, mildly. - -"Is this true, Paul?" asked the conductor, puzzled. - -"Yes." - -"Can you explain it?" - -"No. This gentleman asked me for a magazine, and, on looking for his -money, could not find his pocket-book." - -"I looked in thy pocket, and straightway found it," supplemented the -Quaker. - -"What made you look there?" asked the conductor. - -"I thought the boy might have yielded to a sudden temptation. It -grieves me to think he was so weak." - -The detective here spoke. - -"Conductor," said he, "do you know this boy well?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Has any charge ever been made against him before?" - -"No, sir." - -"Has he ever been suspected of dishonesty to your knowledge?" - -"Certainly not. He is the most popular train boy we ever had. I would -stake a years salary on his honesty." - -"Thank you, Mr. Bates," said Paul, gratefully. - -He felt gratified, in this trying emergency, to find that there was one -man who had full confidence in him. - -"He looks honest," said the detective, thoughtfully. - -"Verily, appearances are deceitful," said the Quaker. "I cannot afford -to lose my money because the boy looks honest. Was not the wallet found -in his pocket? I call upon thee, officer, to arrest him." - -Paul felt very uncomfortable. Though he was buoyed up by the -consciousness of his innocence, he was troubled by the thought that -he might be carried back to Chicago handcuffed, or at any rate under -arrest. Suppose he should meet some one whom he knew, would it not -always be remembered against him, even if he were acquitted? - -"You wish to press the charge, then?" said the detective. - -"Verily, it is my duty." - -"I hope, sir," said Paul, "you will not injure me to that extent. I -swear to you that I am innocent." - -"Probably thee art equally regardless of honesty and the truth." - -"Will you be prepared to appear in court upon the charge to-morrow -morning?" asked the detective. - -"Yes, verily," answered the Quaker, with a little hesitation. - -"Do you live in Chicago?" - -"Nay, I live in Philadelphia." - -"Of course, all the broadbrims come from Philadelphia," said the witty -young man. "Yea, verily, they do." - -"Friend, do not deride me," said the old Quaker, looking rebukingly at -the speaker. - -"What is your name, sir?" asked the officer. - -"My name is Ephraim Perry," answered the old man. - -"Where are you staying in Chicago?" - -"At the Commercial Hotel." - -"Shall you be there to-morrow morning?" - -"Yea, verily." - -"It strikes me," thought the detective, who was himself a native of -Philadelphia, "he rather overdoes the 'yea, verily.' I have lived in -Philadelphia, and I never heard any of the 'Friends' use the expression -so freely." - -"How do you identify the wallet?" he asked, aloud. "How do you know it -is yours?" - -"By the appearance." - -"Appearances are deceitful, as you said a little while ago. Can you -tell me what are the contents?" - -So saying, the detective, to whom the wallet had been passed, made a -motion to open the wallet. - -"I trust thee will not open the wallet," said the Quaker, hastily. - -"Why not?" - -"It contains private papers." - -"Such as what? It is necessary that I should satisfy myself that the -wallet is really yours." - -"Will thee not take my word?" asked the Quaker, uneasily. - -"Will you swear that the pocket-book is yours?" - -"Yes. Nay, I never swear," said the Quaker, hastily interrupting -himself. "I will affirm." - -"I am ready to swear that I didn't take the wallet," said Paul. - -"That is different," said the Quaker. "Will not that be satisfactory?" -asked the Quaker, turning to the detective. - -"No." - -"Does thee doubt my word?" asked the old man, reproachfully, and -seeming very uneasy. - -"Not necessarily, but I think you may be mistaken," answered the -detective, composedly. - -"Yes, open the wallet," said the conductor, who, as Paul's friend, was -led to hope that the result of the search might, somehow or other, turn -out for Paul's advantage. - -"Thee shall not do it!" exclaimed the old Quaker, in excitement. "It is -my property, and no one shall open it." - -He thrust out his hand and tried to clutch it, but the detective held -it above his head. - -"I cannot understand your reluctance," he said. "Is there anything in -it that you are anxious to conceal?" - -"Nay," answered the Quaker, faintly; "but it is my property." - -"Will you tell me what is in it?" - -The old man was silent. - -"Then I will open it." - -"Ha!" exclaimed the detective, drawing out two pieces of pasteboard. -"Here are two pool tickets; and here," drawing out another paper, "is -a lottery ticket. Do Quakers deal in such articles?" - -"Some evil-disposed person must have put them there," said the old man, -nervously, "The boy----" - -"The boy had no chance. Come, sir, I believe you are masquerading. Let -me see. Here is a card--Luke Denton. Ha! I begin to see what it all -means." - -With a quick and unsuspected movement, the detective grasped the hat of -the pretended Quaker, and next seized his wig, which came off readily -in his hands, displaying to the gaze of the astonished passengers the -dark hair and the face of a man of thirty-five, instead of an old man -of over sixty. - -"The pickpocket that jumped from the train!" exclaimed Paul, in -excitement. - -"I recognize him now," said the conductor. "This is clearly a plot to -get you into trouble." - -"Yea, verily," chimed in the witty young man. - -"I'll clip your feathers some time, young man!" said Denton, scowling -at the speaker. - -"My Quaker friend," said the detective, "you are wanted for that little -affair on the cars the other day." - -He produced a pair of handcuffs. Luke Denton struggled vigorously, but -the conductor assisted, and his hands were soon securely fastened. - -"I congratulate you, Paul," said the conductor. "It was a mean plot, -and might have succeeded. But I never doubted you." - -"I know you didn't, Mr. Bates. I shall never forget that," said Paul, -gratefully. - -"I came near succeeding," said Denton, grimly. "The next time I will -wholly succeed." - -"Perhaps not," rejoined the detective. "Your disguise was very good, -Mr. Denton; but there was one thing you forgot." - -"What is that?" - -"To wear gloves. Any one would know that the hands did not belong to an -old man. Besides, Quakers don't generally wear rings. I suspected you -from the first." - -"What a consummate fool I was!" muttered Denton, in disgust. "I ought -to have thought of that." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -GRACE DEARBORN AT HOME. - - -Grace Dearborn sat before the fire in her aunt's handsome house, with a -writing-desk in her lap. Before her was a sheet of note-paper on which -she had commenced writing a list of names. - -Her aunt sat near her, dictating a list of persons who were to receive -cards of invitation to a party which she proposed giving in honor of -her niece's birthday. - -Grace had been writing busily for some time. - -"Any one else, Aunt Caroline?" she asked. - -"I believe I have included every one. Let me think. Oh, I came near -forgetting Major Ashton. How stupid of me!" - -"Major Ashton," repeated Grace, as she wrote the name. - -"It would have been singular if we had forgotten to include him," said -the elder lady. - -"I did not forget him," returned Grace. - -"Then why did you not remind me?" - -"I suppose because I was not very anxious to have him invited." - -"Yet he did you the honor of offering you his hand?" - -"He may have considered it an honor; I didn't," said Grace, decidedly. - -"At all events it was a compliment." - -"Be it so! If he would accept his rejection as final I should not mind, -but on the two or three occasions since when we have met he has tried -to introduce the subject again. He does not seem willing to take no for -an answer." - -"Why not reconsider the matter, Grace? He is rich----" - -"As if I cared for that." - -"Well, he is fashionable, and is met everywhere in society. He would -give his wife a desirable position." - -"Will that compensate for the lack of love, Aunt Caroline?" - -"Perhaps not, but love would come in time." - -"Love must come _before_ marriage in my case, Aunt Caroline. With Major -Ashton it would never come afterward." - -"You speak very decidedly, Grace." - -"No more so than I feel. To be quite frank with you, I am more than -indifferent to Major Ashton. I positively dislike him." - -"Why? Can you assign any reason?" - -"None that will fully explain my feelings. The fact is, I cannot myself -account for the antipathy with which he inspires me. It seems almost -instinctive. Without knowing anything against him I feel convinced that -he is a bad and dangerous man." - -"This is silly, Grace." - -"It may be so, but I can't help it." - -"You do not object to my inviting him to your party?" - -"No. I have no right to do that, or rather I do not wish to; since it -would be a gratuitous slight. He must come, of course, though I would -rather he were away." - -"That is all, then, unless any other name occurs to you." - -"There is one other name, Aunt Caroline," said Grace, hesitatingly. - -"Well?" - -"Mr. Vernon." - -"What Mr. Vernon?" - -"Mr. Frederic Vernon, the artist." - -"But, Grace, he is not in society. He does not belong to our circle." - -"He is a gentleman, Aunt Caroline, and is worthy of social -recognition." - -"My dear child, he is very poor. I doubt whether he has a dress suit to -appear in." - -"That is his affair. He may not come, but it will be polite in us to -invite him." - -"You are rather quixotic, Grace." - -"Why do you think so? I know Mr. Vernon to be well educated, and -possessed of culture and refinement in a higher degree than many of the -gentlemen who will receive invitations. I feel like recognizing him as -an equal. Do you seriously object?" - -"Oh, no! Send him a card if you wish. I only wished to set before you -the singularity of inviting a poor, obscure artist to a fashionable -party. We may be criticised." - -"We propose to please ourselves, not the critics, Aunt Caroline," -answered Grace, with a curl of the lip. "Now, there is one on your -list whom I think much more unfit than Mr. Vernon, who is qualified to -appear anywhere among gentlemen and ladies." - -"To whom do you refer, Grace?" - -"To Miss Framley." - -"Do you know anything against her? She was recently introduced to me at -a party, and made herself very agreeable. I could not very well help -sending her a card." - -"I know she is vulgar, and mean in money matters. Before I ever met her -I got an insight into her character from a chance conversation which I -overheard between herself and a friend in a street car." - -"She visits at good houses." - -"Oh, yes, I believe her father is rich, and I know they live in -handsome style, but that doesn't save her from being vulgar and -ill-bred." - -"You are disposed to be too critical, Grace. It won't do to judge our -fashionable acquaintances too rigidly. We must take the world as we -find it." - -"Smiling on those who are prosperous, and frowning on those who are not -wealthy. We must, in other words, apply the standard of gold to all." - -"No; that is overstating it. But if we find persons in good society we -may feel safe in associating with them; then, if we prove mistaken, we -can throw the responsibility on society. To be deceived in good company -is excusable." - -"You judge such matters from a worldly stand-point, Aunt Caroline." - -"Oh, well, I am a woman of the world, my dear," said Mrs. Sheldon, -shrugging her shoulders. "Well, that completes our list, and we can -prepare the cards at our leisure." - -The same evening, about eight o'clock, the servant entered Miss -Dearborn's presence, and said: - -"There is a young man at the door who wishes to see you." - -"Who is it? Did he give you his card?" - -"I don't believe he has any, Miss Grace," said the girl, laughing. -"It's a boy about sixteen, and a little girl." - -"Oh, it's my train boy!" exclaimed Grace, with animation. - -Soon Paul and his little sister entered the room. - -Our hero's manner was modest, but self-possessed, while Grace clung to -him bashfully. - -"I am glad to see you, Paul," said the young lady, with a bright smile. - -"Thank you, Miss Dearborn." - -"So this is your little sister, and my little namesake. How do you do, -my dear child?" - -Grace answered, bashfully, that she was very well. - -"You see, Miss Dearborn, Grace is wearing the cloak you were kind -enough to give her." - -"And very well it becomes her, too. Is your mother well, Paul?" - -"Yes, Miss Dearborn, thank you." - -"I suppose she keeps house with Grace while you are away during the -day?" - -"Yes; but she also sews when she has an opportunity." - -"I suppose she is not very well paid sometimes?" - -"Very poorly at the best; but in some cases those who employ her are -very mean. Now, there was Miss Framley----" - -"Miss Framley!" repeated Grace, with interest. "Tell me the story." - -Paul did tell the story already familiar to us. - -"And this person is to be present at my party!" thought Grace, with -an uncontrollable feeling of disgust. "I shall find it hard to be -ordinarily polite to her." - -"You must not think all ladies are as inconsiderate, Paul," she said. -"Has your mother leisure to do some sewing for me?" - -"She will be glad to do so, Miss Dearborn." - -"Then, if you can call here to-morrow evening, I will have a bundle -ready. I shall pay her double the price she charged Miss Framley." - -"You are very kind, Miss Dearborn, and my mother will be overjoyed. I -do not wish her to sew at all, but she is unwilling to give it up." - -Paul and his sister remained an hour, Grace exerting herself far more -to entertain them than she would have done had they been fashionable -callers. - -"How did you like her, Gracie?" asked Paul, as they were walking -homeward. - -"She's awful nice, Paul," said the little girl. - -"So I think," said Paul. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE ARTIST'S SECRET. - - -Frederic Vernon sat in his studio, toying with his brush. The canvas -was before him, but he seemed to be in a brown study. - -"What has got into me?" he asked himself, impatiently. "I cannot fix -my mind upon my work. I am no longer on the verge of destitution, or -compelled to labor for a mere pittance; yet my mind is less at ease -than when I hardly knew where the next day's food was to come from." - -Vernon's circumstances had improved. He had taken a lighter and more -cheerful studio, and moved with his mother into better rooms. He was -no longer forced to court the penurious patronage of young ladies like -Miss Framley, and, thanks to the influence of Miss Dearborn, he was -never without some work in hand. Yet, though he ought to have been -cheerful, he found himself restless, and his work often had to wait -upon his moods. - -"Frederic, what is the matter with you?" asked his mother, earnestly, -one day. - -"Why do you ask, mother? I am well," he answered, evasively. - -"You have lost your appetite, and your mind seems preoccupied. Is -anything troubling you?" - -"Anything troubling me?" he asked, with a forced smile. "What a strange -idea!" - -"Nay, my son; you cannot conceal it from your mother's eyes that -something is amiss with you. What is it?" - -"I am sure I cannot tell, mother." - -"Is not your work proceeding well, Frederic?" - -"Oh, yes. I had another order to-day." - -"You should look happy, then, my son. Compare your position to-day with -what it was three months since. Then----" - -"I was almost a beggar, mother." - -"True." - -"Forced to paint portraits for mean, shoddy people for a mere song." - -"Yes. But things have changed with you now, Frederic." - -"Yes, thanks to Providence--and Grace Dearborn." - -Unconsciously he pronounced this name with a tenderness which revealed -to his mother something that he had not intended she should know. A -look of intelligence overspread her face. - -"I begin to see how it is, my boy," she said, gently. - -"How what is, mother?" - -"I think I understand what is the matter with you." - -"Have you turned seeress?" he asked, smiling faintly. - -"No; but I can minister to a mind diseased when I know the nature of -the disease." - -"Well, what is my disease, mother mine?" he asked, lightly. - -"Frederic, you are in love!" - -"In love!" he repeated, flushing. "Then perhaps you can tell with whom -I am in love?" - -"I think I can." - -"Say on, mother." - -"You love Grace Dearborn." - -He started, and his face flushed. - -"What makes you think that, mother?" he asked, slowly. - -"Your face would tell me if I had no other evidence. Is it not true?" - -"Well, mother, you have my secret," he answered, after a pause. "You -know my disease. Now canst thou minister to a mind diseased?" - -"Perhaps so." - -"I know what you would say. You would tell me to root out the foolish -fancy from my heart, and devote myself unflinchingly to my art. Well, -mother, I have tried it, and I have failed." - -"You mistake me, Frederic. If you feel that your love for this young -lady is deep and earnest, such a love as comes but once in a life-time, -let her know of it, and give her a chance to accept or reject it." - -"Mother, are you mad? Do you know that Grace Dearborn is a wealthy -heiress--that she moves in the most exclusive society of Chicago--that -she is admired by many who are rated as eligible matches?" - -"Yes, I know all that--or I have guessed it from what you have told me. -And what then?" - -"Do you think of the difference between us? What am I?" - -"You are an artist, a gentleman, and a man of talent." - -"Even were it so, I earn, for my entire income, less in all probability -than this young lady spends for her wardrobe in a single year." - -"That may be, Frederic." - -"And yet you bid me hope?" - -"Yes, I bid you hope. If Miss Dearborn is what I think she is, she will -not set an undue estimate upon wealth. She will understand how many -vulgar and ill-bred men possess it, and will rate higher the talent, -the refinement, and the culture of a gentleman, and the good heart that -makes him ever a loyal and affectionate son. Such a man cannot fail to -make a desirable husband." - -"Ah, mother," said Vernon, smiling, "you are a mother, and, like all -mothers, you overrate your son. If Grace would but look upon me with -your eyes, perhaps I might hope. As it is, were I to open my lips to -her, I should only subject myself to the mortification of having my -suit contemptuously spurned." - -"That would never be. Even if rejected, there would be nothing to -injure your pride or bring a blush of mortification to your cheek." - -"I think you are right there, mother. Grace is too gentle, too much of -a lady, to let me see how unjustifiable were my hopes." - -"Frederic, will you be guided by me in this matter?" - -"Let me hear your advice first, mother. Then I will decide." - -"Try to make yourself more worthy of her. Make the most of your talent. -Become something more than a portrait painter. Become a great artist; -and when all men acknowledge your talent, Miss Dearborn will be proud -to accept your devotion, and to reward it. Is my advice good?" - -"Mother, you put new life into me," said the young man, his face -glowing with new hope. "I have always wished to become a true artist. I -am a portrait painter because poverty made it necessary." - -"And you would become an artist if you could?" - -"Yes; it is my strongest wish." - -"Then form the plan of some great picture, select some worthy and -inspiring subject, devote your leisure to it, and think that you are -working for her you love." - -"I will mother. You are not only my best friend, but my wisest -counselor. Henceforth I shall feel that I have an object for which to -labor." - -Frederic Vernon returned to his studio with quickened steps, and -resumed work with an ardor he had not felt since Grace Dearborn sat -in his studio as the subject of his brush. It was some time before a -suitable idea came to him, but at last it flashed upon him, and he gave -to his picture all the time he could save from his sittings. - -In the midst of his labors there appeared to him one day the postman. - -It was a dainty missive he held in his hand, addressed, in delicate -chirography, to Frederic Vernon, Esq. - -Vernon opened it, and read with a quickened movement of the heart -a card of invitation to a party given by Mrs. Caroline Sheldon, to -celebrate the birthday of her niece, Miss Grace Dearborn. - -Vernon's face lighted up with joy. - -"She has not forgotten me, then," he said to himself. - -Then came the thought, "Shall I go?" Would he feel at home in the -fashionable circle to which he would be a stranger? He hesitated, but -it was not for long. - -"Since Grace bids me, for I know it was at her suggestion that I am -invited, I will attend." - -Just then his studio was invaded by a young lady, upon whose portrait -he was engaged. She did not come alone. With her was Major Ashton, who -has already been named as the unsuccessful suitor of Grace. - -Vernon laid down the invitation hastily, but it was still open, and -Major Ashton, who was observant, saw it, and a glance revealed to him -its contents. - -His face betrayed his surprise and annoyance. - -"Is it possible that Miss Dearborn has invited this portrait painter to -her party?" he asked himself. - -Then his eyes dwelt critically on the refined and handsome face of the -artist, and a vague feeling of jealousy sprang up within him, for he -was still firmly resolved upon marrying Grace. - -"But no," he thought, recovering himself; "Grace would not stoop to a -fellow like that. She only wishes to patronize him." - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -A FELLOW-CONSPIRATOR. - - -Stephen Palmer, since his discomfiture, had not visited his step-mother -or Grace. He felt that he hated the whole family, but most of all Paul. -A bully never forgives the one, boy or man, who humiliates him; and -Stephen felt the more mortified and incensed because our hero was so -much younger than himself. Paul was his equal in height, but Stephen -was broader and stronger, and but for his habits of intoxication, which -robbed him of his strength, would have given his young brother a good -deal of trouble. - -When Luke Denton first unfolded to Stephen the plan he had in view for -getting Paul into trouble, the young man was delighted. - -"What a head you've got, Luke!" he said, admiringly. - -"You like the plan, then?" said Luke, who did not object to flattery, -though he had a very poor opinion of Stephen's understanding. - -"It's capital! Couldn't be better!" exclaimed Stephen. - -"I flatter myself it's rather a clever notion," said Luke, -complacently. "You don't mind your brother being arrested for theft, -then?" - -"No, curse him! He sets up for a young saint, lectures me, who am -almost old enough to be his father." - -"Still, he is your brother," said Luke, dryly. - -"A pretty sort of brother he is! Why, he wouldn't give me a penny to -save me from starvation. The other day, when I was dead broke, and -wanted to borrow a trifle, he made such a row that I had to give it up. -There isn't any love lost between Paul and me." - -"What will become of your mother and sister if Paul goes to prison?" - -"I don't know, and I don't care," said Stephen, spitting viciously. -"They may starve, for all I care." - -"Upon my word, you're a relation worth having," said Luke, lazily -puffing at a meerschaum pipe, for he was somewhat fastidious in his -tastes, and disdained the common clay pipe which Stephen was not above -using. - -In truth, he despised the man with whom he nevertheless spent a -considerable part of his time. There was a community of vice between -them, but Luke was by nature refined and Stephen coarse. - -"You wouldn't expect me to take the young puppy's place and work for -them, would you?" demanded Stephen. - -"If I had a mother and sister, I would do just that," said Denton; and -he spoke with sincerity, for, with all his want of principle, he was -not without domestic affection. - -"You wouldn't if you had folks like mine," said Stephen. "They don't -care a pinch of snuff for me." - -"Strange, when you are so attractive--have such taking ways," said -Luke, ironically. - -"Don't talk that way, Luke Denton, for I don't like it," returned -Stephen, sullenly. - -"You must let me have my little joke, Stephen. What would the world be -without innocent mirth and friendly banter? So you like my plan?" - -"Yes; but can you do it? Can you play the Quaker?" - -"Dost thee doubt it?" - -Stephen went off into a fit of laughter, though there didn't seem much -to laugh at. - -"Don't be frivolous. Restrain thy mirth, and fix thy mind on serious -things," continued Luke, in a tone which he thought befitting the words. - -Again Stephen betrayed symptoms of suffocation. - -He went out with Denton, and assisted in dressing him in the costume -which he hired for the successful personation of a quiet Friend. - -"You'll do," he said, in high satisfaction. - -"Dost thee feel sure, friend Stephen?" - -"Oh, you're too funny for anything! Shall I go with you to the depot?" - -"Not for a hundred dollars! It would destroy my reputation as a grave -and upright Quaker to be seen in such disreputable company. I will go -my ways alone, friend Stephen, but anon I will return and favor thee -with a report of my success. If I don't fail, that young brother of -yours will spend the night at the station-house." - -"When he is tried I'll go and see it. It'll be nuts to me to see the -young sneak tried for theft." - -"I'll do my best to carry out your kind wishes for his welfare." - -So Luke Denton set out on his errand, and we already know how he -fared--how into the pit which he dug for another he fell himself. It -was he and not Paul that spent the night in confinement. - -Stephen waited impatiently for his return. He was eager to hear the -details of the scheme, which he did not doubt would turn out as he -wished. He wanted to hear how Paul acted when confronted with the -charge of theft, and was impatient to have the afternoon pass away and -Denton return. - -But he waited in vain an hour or more after the train should be in, and -still his friend did not appear. Still, he did not dream that Denton -himself had got into trouble, and was hindered by circumstances which -he could not control from coming round to see him. - -As time passed he became more restless and anxious. - -"Denton might have come round to tell me," he muttered, peevishly. "He -might have known that I would want to hear." - -After awhile he concluded to go round to Denton's lodgings and see if -he were in. He might be tired, and lying down. - -It was not far he had to go. Luke Denton lived in more style than -himself. When he was able he paid his rent, and when his purse was low -he did not pay. If, after a time, his landlady became importunate, he -removed to some other place. Probably he did not pay more rent--perhaps -not as much--in the course of a year as Stephen, for he had a more -persuasive and plausible manner, and could obtain credit on the score -of his appearance, while Stephen's only went against him. - -"Is Mr. Denton in?" asked Stephen, of the servant who answered his -summons. - -"No, sir." - -"I suppose he has been in this evening?" - -"No; he went away early in the day, and has not been home since." - -"Can anything have happened to him?" thought Stephen. "No, he could -take care of himself. But what a fool I am!" he exclaimed, with a -sudden thought. "Of course he wouldn't come home in those Quaker -clothes. Very likely he's carried 'em back to the place where he -borrowed 'em." - -So Stephen went round there, but found the place closed. There seemed -no way of finding out what he wanted to know that night. Yes, there -was. He would go round to the lodgings of Mrs. Palmer, and find out -whether Paul had returned. If not, he would be safe in frightening them -and demanding a loan, for, as usual, he was short of money. - -"That's a good idea," he said to himself. "If Paul isn't at home, and -has not been home, I'll know it's all right, and Luke will be round in -good time to tell me how it all came out. Yes, that's the best thing I -can do." - -So Stephen bent his steps in the direction of his step-mother's humble -home. - -When his knock was heard, Paul said: - -"Mother, that's Stephen's knock. Don't let him know where I am. I'll -hide in the next room, and hear what he has to say. I suspect he had -something to do with the attempt that was made to get me into trouble -to-day. Perhaps I can find out." - -"If he asks me if you are here, what am I to say? I must tell the -truth." - -Paul whispered a few words in his mother's ear, and then hastily -retreated into the inner room, while Mrs. Palmer went forward and -opened the door to her step-son. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -AN UNWELCOME APPEARANCE. - - -"Good-evening, mamma!" said Stephen, airily, as he stepped over the -threshold, and entered the room. - -"Good-evening, Stephen," said Mrs. Palmer, soberly. - -Stephen glanced hastily in all directions in search of Paul, and was -glad to find no trace of him. - -"Where's sister Grace?" he inquired. - -"She has gone to bed, Stephen. She always goes to bed at eight o'clock." - -"Has she spent that gold piece yet, that she was too selfish to lend to -her poor brother?" - -"That is a matter you can have no interest in, Stephen." - -"None of my business, eh?" - -"I didn't say that." - -"You meant it, all the same. Where's Paul?" - -"Do you know where he is? Have you come to tell me, Stephen?" - -This question was asked with some appearance of anxiety, and Stephen at -once jumped to the conclusion that all things had gone as he desired, -and Paul had fallen into the trap which had been prepared for him. - -"Why, you don't mean to say the kid isn't at home?" said Stephen, an -irrepressible smile lighting up his face. "Well, that's a good one. -Most likely he's in the station-house. Ho, ho!" - -"And you laugh at the thought!" said Mrs. Palmer, indignantly. - -"Oh, he ain't any better than other boys. You think he can't do -anything wrong, but I'll bet you half a dollar he's been caught -stealing or something." - -"Wherever Paul is, I am sure he is not in the station-house," said Mrs. -Palmer, positively. - -"Don't be too sure of that," chuckled Stephen. "He's a sly one, Paul -is. You wouldn't think butter'd melt in his mouth, but I know him -better'n you do." - -"Paul is a good son and brother, and always has been." - -"And I suppose I am not," sneered Stephen. - -"You must question your own conscience on that subject," said Mrs. -Palmer. - -"You are only my step-mother. You don't expect me to support you and -the kids, do you?" asked Stephen, coarsely. - -"No; I only desire that you will let us alone. We can get on without -your help," returned the widow, with dignity. - -"That is, if Paul remains all right; but you can't be sure of that. He -may slip up any time, and become a boarder at the expense of the State." - -"If you have come here to slander Paul, you can hardly expect that you -will be welcome." - -"Oh, well, I know that Paul is your idol. He can't do anything wrong. I -shouldn't wonder if he was in a scrape now." - -"What kind of a scrape? Don't leave me in suspense, Stephen." - -Stephen Palmer was not over supplied with brains, and he was foolish -enough to fall into the trap, and speak of what he could not be -supposed to know. - -"I heard a report," he said, "that Paul had been arrested for stealing -in the Milwaukee train to-day." - -"Where did you get your information?" asked Mrs. Palmer. - -"She doesn't believe it," said Stephen to himself. "Never mind; she may -have to before long." - -"I don't care to mention where I heard it," he answered. - -"It is not true." - -"Perhaps it isn't; but if that's the case, why doesn't he come home?" - -"He may have been detained by business." - -"Oh, yes; very important business!" chuckled Stephen. "I guess he'll -find it very important and pressing." - -"Is that what you have come to tell me, Stephen Palmer?" - -"No, not exactly. The fact is, Mrs. Palmer, I am hard up." - -"I believe you always are." - -"Right you are. The fact is, I am very unlucky. Nothing seems to go -right with me. I have a hard struggle to get along." - -"There's one remedy you might find, Stephen," said the widow, sternly. - -"What is that?" - -"Work." - -"Work!" repeated Stephen, angrily. "And where am I to find work? -Haven't I tried to get something to do everywhere?" - -"I don't know; but from what I know of you, I presume not. A man who -really wants to work won't go so long without it as you have." - -"Much you know about it. I tell you everything is crowded. How much -money do you think I have got left?" - -"How should I know?" - -"That's all," said Stephen, drawing a quarter from his vest-pocket and -flipping it up in the air. "Mrs. Palmer, you must help me." - -"If you are hungry Stephen, though it is a late hour, I will give you -something to eat." - -"Thank you! I don't want any of your cold victuals," sneered the -vagabond. - -"Then I can do nothing for you." - -"Yes, you can. Give me the little girl's gold piece. You needn't -pretend that she has spent it, for I know better." - -"Whether that is the case or not, I decline to let you have it." - -"Look here, widow," said Stephen, his brow darkening, "I ain't going to -be trifled with or bluffed off; not this time. When down here before -I wasn't quite myself, and that young puppy, Paul, thought it safe to -bully me. Things are different now. I am perfectly sober, and I know -what I'm about. So I tell you once more I want that money, and I advise -you to get it for me, or else give me as much out of your own pocket." - -"Surely you are not in earnest, Stephen Palmer. You won't persist in -this unmanly demand?" - -"Then you don't know me. Paul is not here to defend you now, and I -advise you not to make me angry." - -Stephen rose from his seat, and advanced toward his step-mother with -an ugly look on his mean, evil-looking face. - -Mrs. Palmer started back, and uttered just one word: "Paul!" - -At the call, Paul, who had found it difficult to restrain himself from -rushing into the room sooner, sprang through the door, and, his young -face flaming with just indignation, confronted his step-brother. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -PAUL DEFENDS HIS MOTHER. - - -To say that Stephen was astonished hardly expresses the truth. - -He stood with open mouth, staring at our hero, as if panic-stricken by -his sudden appearance. - -"Where did you come from?" he asked, amazement prevailing over every -other sensation. - -"From the next room, where I heard your contemptible attempt to extort -money from my mother." - -At another time Stephen would have resented this speech, but now he was -anxious to find out what had happened to his friend, and how Paul had -managed to escape the snare that had been so carefully laid for him. - -"How long have you been at home?" he asked. - -"I got home at the usual time. What makes you ask?" - -"Did anything happen to-day?" asked Stephen. - -Foolishly he was betraying himself, and Paul saw clearly that he knew -of the plot, even if he were not concerned in it. - -He resolved that Stephen should betray himself yet further. - -"What should happen?" he asked. - -"I heard you were arrested for theft," said Stephen. - -"What kind of theft?" - -"Stealing a wallet." - -"Where did you hear it?" - -"Never mind!" answered Stephen, sullenly. "I heard it, and that's -enough." - -"It seems then you were misinformed." - -"Didn't you have any trouble at all?" asked Stephen, perplexed. - -"Yes, something happened. A man pretended that I had stolen his wallet." - -"Didn't I say so!" Stephen exclaimed, triumphantly. - -"This Dutchman----" proceeded the train boy. - -"Dutchman!" said Stephen, hastily. "I thought it was a Quaker." - -"Now I think of it, it was a Quaker," said Paul, quietly. - -"What made you say Dutchman?" - -"I wanted to find out how much you knew about it. Did you know this -Quaker?" - -"Did I know the Quaker? I don't know any Quakers." - -"I thought you might. In that case, you won't feel any interest in -knowing what became of him." - -"Did--did anything happen to him?" asked Stephen, in alarm. - -"You seem anxious," said Paul, keenly. - -"Don't trifle with me, boy. Tell me what happened to him. As you've -told part of the story you may as well tell the rest." - -"He proved to be no Quaker at all," said Paul. "If he was a friend of -yours, as I conclude, I think you will have a chance to see him in -court to-morrow." - -"Arrested!" gasped Stephen, in dismay. - -"Yes, his plan didn't succeed. It is probably a disappointment to him -and to you, but it serves you both right for conspiring against a boy." - -"Who said I had anything to do with it?" asked Stephen. - -"You have let it out yourself. I don't want any further proof." - -"After this base conspiracy against your step-brother, Stephen Palmer," -said the widow, with dignity, "I hope you will have the decency to stay -away. Had you behaved with any decent regard to the tie that exists -between us, I would not say this----" - -"You'll repent this, Mrs. Palmer!" said Stephen, his face showing the -malice he felt. "You treat me like a dog, you and your son there. I'll -be even with you yet." - -He left the room and the house, slamming the door behind him, but he -did not renew his demand for money. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -GRACE DEARBORN'S PARTY. - - -The evening of Grace's birthday party arrived. A large number of -invitations had been sent out, for Mrs. Sheldon had a large circle of -acquaintances and friends The daily papers had already mentioned the -forthcoming party as likely to be one of the most memorable of the -season. - -Mrs. Sheldon determined to spare no expense to make it so. She was not -vulgarly lavish, but there are occasions when she thought money should -be spent freely. Moreover, she was determined to do what she could to -secure a brilliant matrimonial alliance for her niece, of whose beauty -she was justifiably proud. Indeed she was a natural match-maker, though -she was compelled not to allow Grace to see her maneuvers too plainly, -as nothing would have been more repugnant to the niece than to think -she was set up as a prize in a matrimonial lottery. - -A professional confectioner was given _carte blanche_ for the supper, -which was to be _recherche_, and the decorations were put into the -hands of a man whose taste was unimpeachable. - -"Aunt Caroline," said Grace, "I am afraid you are going to large -expense on my party." - -"Why should I not, my dear?" - -"It seems wasteful. How many poor families could be relieved by the -money it will cost!" - -"What a quixotic idea, Grace! In my opinion the poor have quite enough -done for them. Would you have us give up all amusements for their sake?" - -"No, I won't go so far as that. Still it ought to check undue -extravagance to reflect that we have so many that are destitute among -us." - -"They shall have their turn, Grace. I am sure you spend a great deal of -money on the poor." - -"Not half enough, aunt." - -"Then spend more, but in this matter don't object to my spending what I -like." - -"I know, my dear aunt, it is all done for my sake." - -"And very properly, my dear. I have no daughter, and all my interest -centers in you. By the way, I met Major Ashton in the street yesterday." - -"Indeed!" said Grace, indifferently. - -"Poor fellow, he looks downcast. Your repulse has wounded him sorely. -He loved you deeply." - -A silvery laugh from Grace greeted this announcement, made with due -solemnity. - -"Really, my dear aunt," she said, "I can't conceive of Major Ashton -loving anybody as well as himself." - -"You do him wrong, Grace." - -"Perhaps so, but I do not believe it." - -"He is coming to the party." - -"I supposed he would," said Grace, shrugging her shoulders. - -"And I do hope, Grace, you will treat him kindly." - -"I shall treat him politely, Aunt Caroline, if that is what you mean. -That is my duty, since he is to be our guest." - -"Major Ashton could marry brilliantly." - -"Let him, then." - -"Everybody considers him an eligible _parti_." - -"Then there is little cause for me to pity him. There are plenty who -will have compassion on him, and console him for my coldness." - -"You must admit that he is a thorough gentleman, Grace." - -"My dear aunt, I am rather tired of Major Ashton as a topic of -conversation. Suppose we drop him. I am ready to admit everything you -desire--he is elegant, a good match, fascinating, if you will, but he -will need to carry his fascinations to another market." - -"She seems resolute," thought Mrs. Sheldon, "but she may change her -mind after all. Who was it said it is always best to begin with a -little aversion?" - -In fact, Mrs. Sheldon had gone so far as to encourage Major Ashton, and -led him to think that there was hope for him after all. He was very -ready to accept this assurance, because he desired to do so. There was -no danger, however, of the major breaking his heart, for it was Grace's -fortune he was in love with, not herself. In fact, he was so far from -romantic that the idea crossed his mind that if the niece refused to -have anything to do with him, he might perhaps take up with the aunt. - -"Mrs. Sheldon is a well-preserved woman," he reflected, "fifteen years -older than myself, perhaps, but her fortune is even greater than Miss -Dearborn's, and would set my affairs right at once, besides insuring -my comfort for the balance of my life. She must be worth at least a -quarter of a million." - -Thinking, then, of the widow as a _dernier resort_, he treated her with -a flattering deference and courtly politeness that prepossessed her -still more in his favor, though she had not the faintest idea of the -direction of his thoughts with regard to herself. - -At last the evening came. The house was a blaze of light and splendor. -Carriage after carriage rolled up the street and deposited its load at -Mrs. Sheldon's door. - -Presently the rooms were well filled with elegantly dressed ladies and -irreproachably attired young men, who, in turn, paid their respects to -the givers of the party. - -Grace was tastefully and even richly dressed, but suffered herself, in -the matter of attire, to be eclipsed by more than one of her guests. -Her aunt insisted on her wearing a superb diamond necklace belonging to -herself, but she declined. - -"No, aunt; I don't want to array myself in borrowed plumes," she said. -"The necklace is yours; wear it yourself." - -Which Mrs. Sheldon did at last. She was ready to lend it to her niece, -but was not insensible to the glances of admiration which it attracted -when displayed on her own neck. - -"It must be worth twenty thousand dollars!" thought Major Ashton. -"Really, the old girl is radiant. If she ever becomes Mrs. Major -Ashton, in place of her niece resigned, I shall slyly substitute a -necklace of paste and convert the jewels to my own use. It is sinful -that so much good money should be locked up." - -It was well for the major's popularity with Mrs. Sheldon that she could -not read his thoughts. Her necklace was her most valued possession, and -nothing except actual need would have induced her to part with it. - -Grace looked about from time to time for the young artist. - -Finally she saw him approaching to salute her. - -"I am glad to see you here, Mr. Vernon," she said, with a smile of -welcome. "You are late." - -"Yes, Miss Dearborn. I hope you will excuse it. As you are aware, I -have few acquaintances here--indeed I do not often stray into such -fashionable surroundings--and only came for a brief space, to show my -appreciation of your kind courtesy in inviting me here, and to offer my -congratulations on your birthday." - -"Thank you, Mr. Vernon, they are welcome. I hope your mother is well." - -"Very well, thank you, and I am sure she will feel proud of your -inquiry." - -"I believe most of my guests have arrived, and I may venture to leave -my duties as assistant hostess. If you will favor me with your arm, I -will walk about a little." - -With a flush of gratification the artist tendered his arm, and the two -promenaded through the elegant parlors, attracting general attention. - -"Why, I declare!" said Miss Framley to her escort; "do you see that?" - -"See what?" - -"Miss Dearborn, promenading with that young man?" - -"Why shouldn't she? He is quite distinguished in his appearance." - -"Distinguished?" repeated Miss Framley, with a sneer. "I guess you -don't know him." - -"He isn't a cook, is he--or a waiter?" - -"No; but he is a poor portrait painter. Why, he painted my picture for -twenty dollars, and he was glad of the job," said Miss Framley, who was -innately vulgar. - -"Poor devil! Then he must have been hard up," said the gentleman, -to whom it occurred that this was an illustration of Miss Framley's -meanness. - -"Oh, yes, he was poor enough; but I believe he is doing a little better -now. Still, it is singular that Miss Dearborn should single him out as -her escort from so many. I wouldn't promenade with him!" continued the -young lady, tossing her head. - -"I ought to feel flattered that you prefer me, Miss Framley." - -"Oh, you are quite a different kind of person," said the young lady, -with a coquettish smile. - -There was another who saw the two pass him with equal disgust, and more -dissatisfaction. This was Major Ashton. - -"Upon my soul!" he said to himself. "What can Grace Dearborn see in -that beggar? I'll soon separate them!" - -He stepped up with his usual assurance, and, bowing, said: - -"May I venture to relieve this gentleman of his pleasant duty, and -substitute myself in his place?" - -"Not at present, Major Ashton," said Grace, coldly; "unless Mr. Vernon -is weary of his charge." - -"Far from it," said the young artist. - -"Presuming puppy!" muttered Major Ashton, as the two passed on. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -THE ARTIST'S RECREATION. - - -Whether Frederic Vernon read in Major Ashton's face the disgust he felt -at the compliment Grace bestowed upon him in singling him out as her -companion, I am not sure. It is clear, however, that the young artist -cared little for it. He was enjoying the companionship of the only -young lady who had ever had power to stir his heart, and for the moment -did not allow himself to think of the distance between them. - -Grace, on her part, was not insensible to the fact that Vernon, though -poor, was as noble in appearance as any of her guests. The young artist -had been remarkably extravagant in providing himself with a dress-suit -of fine quality, and no one would argue his poverty from his appearance. - -"I hope, Mr. Vernon," said the heiress, "that you have plenty of -orders." - -"Enough, at all events, to fill up my time," answered Vernon, "thanks, -I am very sure, to your friendly recommendation." - -"I feel entirely justified in recommending you," said Grace. - -"It is friendly, nevertheless." - -"I shall not dispute that, for I wish to be friendly." - -"I am sincerely grateful for all your kindness, Miss Dearborn," said -the artist, earnestly. "It has done me more good than perhaps you dream -of." - -"I am sincerely glad to hear it, Mr. Vernon." - -"Before painting your portrait I will confess that I was tempted at -times to despair. I had been for a long time struggling hard, and -apparently with little hopes of success. My sitters were unwilling to -pay me even the paltry price I asked." - -"I believe the young lady we have just passed was one of your sitters?" -said Grace, referring to Miss Framley, who had bestowed her attentions -upon a callow youth of eighteen, failing to secure a more eligible -partner. - -"Miss Framley? Yes; but I have small cause to desire such a patronage. -She stared at me as I entered, as if surprised to meet me here." - -"I trust it did not pain you much," said Grace, archly. - -Vernon laughed. - -"I hope I shall have no worse troubles," he said. "To that I am -resigned." - -"Then I shall be quite at ease about you on that score. And now, Mr. -Vernon, I fear I must ask you to hand me to a seat, as my other guests -will be claiming my attention." - -"Thank you for favoring me so far, Miss Dearborn," said Vernon, as he -complied with the young lady's request. - -The young artist caught sight of one of his late sitters, and -presenting himself, was graciously received, so that he was not -compelled to be a wall-flower. - -"It would be like his impudence," thought Miss Framley, "for the -penniless artist to make up to me. If he does, I will soon send him -about his business." - -Miss Framley did not have the opportunity, however, to give Vernon the -rebuff she had in view, as he took no notice of her save by a slight -bow. This annoyed her, and she straightway charged him mentally with -ingratitude in slighting one of his patrons. Consistency was not one of -Miss Framley's strong points. Had she seen him leaning against the wall -unnoticed, she would have been pleased; but Vernon, who was gifted with -unusual external attractions, seemed to have no difficulty in making -his way, and was kindly received by young ladies whom Miss Framley -was compelled to acknowledge as her social superiors. She looked on -discontentedly from a corner where she was temporarily pining from -neglect, when Major Ashton approached. He was far from admiring Miss -Framley, but he knew that her father was reputed rich, and he thought -it best to keep in with her as a possible resort in the event of his -other plans failing. - -"Are you in a reverie, Miss Framley?" he asked. - -"Not precisely, Major Ashton," responded the young lady, smiling with -pleasure at being noticed by so desirable an acquaintance; "I was -resting for a moment. Really fashionable life is so exhausting--parties -and engagements nearly every night in the week. However, you know all -about that." - -"I am not so easily fatigued, perhaps, as if I belonged to the fairer -sex. Will you accept my arm for a promenade, or are you too much -fatigued?" - -"Oh, I am quite rested, I assure you," said the young lady, joyfully. - -"I see the portrait painter is here," remarked Major Ashton, with a -carelessness he did not feel. - -"Yes; isn't it strange Miss Dearborn should invite him?" returned Miss -Framley, eagerly. "Really almost a beggar, as you may say." - -"Is he poor, then?" asked the major. - -"He was miserably poor, but I believe he is doing better now. Why, he -used to paint portraits for twenty dollars!" - -"Hardly enough to pay for the materials," said Ashton, shrugging his -shoulders. - -"Oh, he was glad enough to get orders at that price. I took pity on -him myself, and gave him an order." - -"Very considerate of you, upon my word!" said Major Ashton. - -If there was sarcasm in his words, Miss Framley, who was not over -sharp, except in money matters, did not perceive it. - -"I always try to be considerate," she responded, complacently. "But, as -you were saying, it is very singular Miss Dearborn should pay so much -attention to a man in his sphere of life." - -"I think it was you who said it, Miss Framley; however, I am disposed -to agree with you." - -"And then she selects him as her first escort, and lowers herself, as -one may say, to his level." - -"Perhaps she feels a special interest in him," suggested Major Ashton. - -There was a suspicion of jealousy in his tone as he said this. - -"Oh, dear, no! That would be too ridiculous. She may feel a patronizing -interest in him, and think it will do him good in the way of business -to pay him attention. Grace is so quixotic, you know, Major Ashton." - -Grace would have been amazed had she heard herself spoken of so -familiarly by a young lady to whom she had hardly spoken a dozen words -in her life. - -"I suppose you are quite intimate with her?" said Miss Framley's -escort, pointedly. - -"Why, no; I can't say we are intimate," said Miss Framley, slowly; -"although, of course, I know her very well." - -"I infer from what you say that I shall not be likely to meet the -portrait painter at your house, Miss Framley." - -"Decidedly not!" said the young lady, tossing her head. "I hope I -choose my company better. I am sure I don't know what ma would say if I -should introduce such a person into the house--ma is _very_ particular." - -"And very properly, I am sure." - -Major Ashton politely refrained from laughing, though he happened to -know that Mrs. Framley, who was now so very particular, had been a very -respectable saleswoman in a small dry-goods store up to the time of her -marriage with Jeremiah Framley, who was at that time a drummer in the -employ of a second-class house in the city. - -"Miss Framley is very amusing," thought the major, "though I fancy she -would be a great bore to a matrimonial partner. I hope it may never be -my sad destiny to marry her; though, as her father is rich, I may some -day sacrifice myself to her." - -How we deceive ourselves! Miss Framley was under the impression that -the stylish major, of whose attentions she was proud, was struck with -her, and she was already speculating as to the prominent place she -might take in society as Mrs. Major Ashton, when a waltz struck up. - -"Shall we dance, or are you too fatigued?" asked the major. - -"Oh, not at all! It has quite passed off, I assure you," said the -delighted young lady, and they moved off to the inspiring strains of -one of Strauss' waltzes. - -Miss Framley didn't appear to advantage as a dancer. Her figure was -dumpy, and she had no ear for music, so that her pace was somewhat -heavy and elephantine. The major was a graceful dancer, but it was all -he could do to make up for his partner's deficiencies. He soon tired of -the attempt, and handed his unwilling partner to a seat. - -"I was not at all tired, major," she said, insinuatingly. - -"But I was," he answered, rather abruptly. - -He took leave with a bow, and five minutes later found the opportunity -which he had been seeking all the evening to speak to Miss Dearborn. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -A PERSEVERING SUITOR. - - -Grace saw the approach of Major Ashton, and surmised his object in -seeking an interview. She would have avoided it, but she was at the -moment unengaged, and Major Ashton was one of her guests. She owed him -a measure of courtesy. - -When he offered his arm she accepted it with a bow, which she tried to -accompany with a cordial manner. - -"I congratulate you on the success of your party, Miss Dearborn," the -major commenced. - -"Thank you, Major Ashton. Then I may consider it such?" - -"Decidedly. I trust it may prove auspicious, since it is given in honor -of your birthday." - -"Thank you again. You are very kind." - -"Shall we go into the conservatory?" asked Major Ashton, as they -approached the door that led into it. - -"As you please," said Grace, hesitating. - -She was considering how soon she could politely get rid of the major. - -They entered the conservatory, which at the time was occupied by -another couple. - -Major Ashton glanced at them with a frown, for they were in his way. - -Presently they went back into the parlor, and his opportunity was found. - -"Miss Dearborn--Grace," he began, hurriedly, "I have been waiting for -this chance to speak to you. I hope you have reconsidered your answer -to my suit. I hope you have reflected how much my happiness is involved -in your smiling upon my love." - -"I am sorry you have renewed the subject, Major Ashton," said Grace, -her cheek flushing with the annoyance she felt. - -"I could not do otherwise. I am pleading for life." - -The words and tone were earnest enough, but failed to convey to Grace -the idea of sincerity. - -She was persuaded that Major Ashton, less than any of her -acquaintances, was in danger of dying of a broken heart, and she felt -provoked that he should try to impose upon her. - -"Let me suggest, Major Ashton," she said, "that you have ill chosen -your opportunity. To-night, at least, you might spare me." - -"Spare you!" repeated Major Ashton, in evident pique. "Is then what I -say so disagreeable to you?" - -"It is unwelcome tonight at least." - -"Then will you grant me another interview?" he asked, earnestly. -"Doubtless you are right. I should not take up your time to-night. I -will leave you at once if you will let me call to-morrow, or any other -day soon." - -"You may call, if you desire it, but I must say, plainly, that it will -do no good. The answer I have already given you is final." - -"I am not accustomed to be treated with such disdain," said Ashton, -biting his lip. "It may seem conceited to say so, but there is more -than one young lady here to-night who would gladly accept what I have -offered you. Miss Framley for instance." - -"Then let me suggest that you offer your heart where it will be gladly -accepted," returned Grace, calmly. - -If Major Ashton fancied he could excite Miss Dearborn's jealousy, the -fancy was a very ridiculous one. - -She was entirely willing he should bestow himself wherever he -chose--even upon Miss Framley. - -"I hope you don't think I would throw myself away upon a vulgar -shoddyite like Miss Framley." - -"Miss Framley is my guest, Major Ashton," said Grace, with quiet -dignity. "It doesn't become me to hear any words to her discredit." - -"I think I can penetrate your secret, Miss Dearborn," said Major -Ashton, with a sneer. "You look with favor upon that poverty-stricken -portrait painter with whom you so ostentatiously paraded early in the -evening." - -"You forget yourself, Major Ashton," said Grace, with chilling hauteur. - -She dropped his arm, and left the conservatory unattended, her cheek -flushed, and her heart stirred with indignation. - -She came nearer to hating Major Ashton at that moment than ever before. -He had insulted her, and though she was not one to make a scene, she -was not likely soon to forgive or to forget it. - -Yet there was something in his words which was not altogether -displeasing. They let in a sudden light, by which she read her own -heart, and, with a quicker pulsation, she was compelled to confess that -she did feel an interest in the young artist. - -Just then, too, lifting her eyes, she met the gaze of Frederic Vernon -fixed upon her with an intensity which she could not fail to interpret. - -"He loves me!" she thought, and the thought gave her no displeasure. - -She had no time to analyze her feelings, but of this she felt certain. - -Vernon, meeting her gaze, turned away in some confusion, but Grace was -mistress of herself. Approaching him, she said, smiling: - -"I hope you are enjoying yourself, Mr. Vernon." - -"More so than I anticipated, Miss Dearborn," he answered, recovering -himself. - -"Then you did not anticipate enjoyment?" she asked. - -"Nay, do not misunderstand me. I am of late a stranger to such gay -scenes, and I did not expect to meet many whom I knew, or with whom I -could converse." - -"There is Miss Framley," said Grace. - -"Miss Framley does not feel inclined to notice me. I think she -considers me too humble for recognition." - -"That is amusing, certainly," said Grace. - -"It is quite true." - -"I sympathize with you, Mr. Vernon. Do not let Miss Framley's cruelty -weigh upon you." - -"I can bear it since I have your sympathy," answered Vernon, smiling -brightly. - -"How handsome he is when he smiles," thought Grace. "It is clear he is -a gentleman, notwithstanding the sneer of Major Ashton." - -"Pardon me if I leave your parlor early, Miss Dearborn," said Vernon. -"I may not readily gain opportunity of seeing you to take leave, and do -so now." - -"But why do you leave us so early, Mr. Vernon?" - -"My mother will sit up till I return, and for her the hour is already -late." - -"Then I will make no protest. A mother should always be considered." - -"I was sure you would understand my reason. I shall be able to tell her -that I have enjoyed myself. She wished me to come." - -"You must introduce me to your mother some day, Mr. Vernon. I want to -know her." - -"And she will be delighted to know you." - -Of all the gay company Frederic Vernon was the first to go. - -"So the portrait painter is gone!" said Major Ashton to Miss Framley, -whom he ran across once more. - -"Yes. Poor fellow, he was evidently out of his element, and anxious to -get away." - -"Could not you detain him, Miss Framley, by your powerful fascinations?" - -"As if I would try!" returned Miss Framley, tossing her head. - -"You are too cruel!" - -"He looked at me as if he would like to claim acquaintance," said Miss -Framley, complacently, "but I can tell you, Major Ashton, I am very -careful about my company." - -"But he was an acquaintance of yours," said Ashton. - -"In the same way that ma knows the butcher and baker. I don't choose -to let him think we are social equals. American society is too -promiscuous, as ma often says. Don't you think so yourself, Major -Ashton?" - -"No doubt your honored mother is right," answered Ashton, with a -mocking smile. - -"How nice it must be to live in England, and meet those dear, -delightful earls, and dukes, and barons!" exclaimed Miss Framley, -rapturously. "Did you ever know an earl or a duke, Major Ashton?" - -"Yes, I made the acquaintance of an earl once. We were passengers on -the same steamer." - -"Dear me, what a privilege! And how did he look?" - -"To the best of my remembrance he had the same number of eyes and ears -as the rest of us." - -"But didn't he look very _distangay_? Oh, how I should have admired to -know him!" - -"He seemed very plain-looking, and he was perhaps the worst dressed man -among the passengers." - -"That is so strange!" - -Miss Framley's idea of an earl or a duke was a tall, majestic person, -attired in purple and fine linen, with high-bred, aristocratic -features, that might readily distinguish him from inferior beings. - -"Oh, how I envy you the privilege of knowing him! Did you really become -intimate?" - -"Very!" answered Major Ashton, concealing under a grave face the -amusement he felt. "He told me confidentially how disagreeable his -mother-in-law, the Countess of Somerset, was, and asked my advice as to -how to manage her." - -"How interesting!" ejaculated Miss Framley, opening wide her eyes, as -she speedily swallowed the major's words. - -She felt that it was something to know the intimate mind of an earl. -She remained till the end of the party, and went home fully persuaded -that Major Ashton admired her. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -MISS FRAMLEY'S MORTIFICATION. - - -"Paul," said Mrs. Palmer, "are you at leisure this evening?" - -"Yes, mother, if you have anything for me to do." - -Paul had another plan for the evening, but he felt that duty required -him to defer that, and place himself at the service of his mother. -In this he showed a good feeling and sense of duty which may well be -copied by such of my readers as are young and dependent upon their -parents for more than they fully understand. - -"I don't like to take up your time when you have been all day at work -for us." - -"Never mind that, mother. Why, I enjoy my work. I should feel lost -without it." - -"I have got Miss Dearborn's work done, Paul, and if you can spare time, -I should like to have you take it to her." - -"I am perfectly ready to do that, mother," said Paul, promptly, "I -shall be glad to see her on my own account." - -"I don't know how much I ought to charge her for the work," said Mrs. -Palmer, reflecting. - -"I don't believe she will object to your price, mother, whatever it is. -She is quite a different young lady from Miss Framley." - -"Then you may say two dollars, if she asks the price," said his mother. - -The work was neatly done up, and Paul took charge of it. - -At about eight o'clock he ascended the steps of Mrs. Sheldon's handsome -house, and rang the bell. - -"Is Miss Dearborn at home?" he asked of the servant who answered his -summons. - -"Yes," answered Grace, smiling, for she chanced to hear the question as -she passed through the hall. "Good-evening, Paul. How is your little -sister?" - -"Very well, Miss Dearborn. If she had known I was coming here, she -would have wanted to come, too." - -"You must bring her soon." - -"Won't she trouble you, Miss Dearborn?" - -"Children never trouble me. I like them. Come in and sit down," for -Paul was still standing in the vestibule. "I suppose you have brought -my work." - -"Yes; mother has finished it." - -"Sarah, you may take the bundle." - -"Won't you look at it, Miss Dearborn? Perhaps it may not suit you." - -"I am not afraid of that, Paul. Still I will examine it." - -The examination was followed by cordial praise, which was deserved, for -Mrs. Palmer was an admirable needlewoman. - -"Did your mother mention the price, Paul?" asked the young lady. - -"She named two dollars." - -Grace drew out a pearl porte-monnaie, and drew therefrom a bill, which -she handed to Paul. - -"Give your mother that, with my compliments on her good work," she said. - -Paul saw that it was a five-dollar bill. - -"I am afraid I can't change this," he said. - -"It is not necessary," returned Grace, with a smile. - -"But it is a five. I said two dollars." - -"Tell your mother that if she thinks this too much, she may regard the -balance as a gift." - -"You are very generous, Miss Dearborn," said Paul, his eyes brightening -with the thought of his mother's pleasure when she received such -liberal payment. - -"If I am, I can take small credit for it, since I am blessed with a -fortune." - -"I wish all rich people were like you," said Paul, impulsively. - -"Don't flatter me, Paul. I am probably vain enough already." - -"I may thank you at any rate, Miss Dearborn." - -Paul rose to go, not wishing to intrude further upon the young lady. - -"If you are going home directly, will you object to taking some more -work to your mother?" - -"I shall be very glad to do it." - -"Then wait here five minutes and I will send Sarah to you with a -bundle. Say to your mother that I shall be able to give her almost -constant employment, as I am interested in a number of poor families -for whom I have garments made up as the most useful gifts I can bestow -upon them." - -"This will be good news to mother." - -"Then I shall be the better pleased if I can oblige her while securing -excellent work." - -Paul went home directly, with the more alacrity because he had such -good news to communicate. His mother, as he anticipated, was very much -elated by her good fortune. - -"It is so different from Miss Framley's way of dealing," she said. - -"There are not many young ladies like Miss Dearborn," said Paul. - -"You are right there, Paul. If there were more, the world would be -better off." - -Just then the postman called with a postal for Mrs. Palmer. - -It ran thus: - - "Miss Framley will be obliged if Mrs. Palmer will call or send to - her house to-morrow evening for some work. She hopes that Mrs. - Palmer will not be unreasonable in her charges." - -"That's cool!" ejaculated Paul. - -"I thought Miss Framley did not intend to give me any more work," said -his mother. - -"So she said, but it seems she has changed her mind." - -"I didn't think she would." - -"Oh, she probably finds it difficult to get her work done as well -elsewhere, and finds it for her interest to employ you again." - -"She will think any fair price unreasonable." - -"Of course she will. If you will be guided by my advice, mother, you -will decline to take her work again." - -"It is certainly unpleasant working for one who is unwilling to pay -fairly." - -"Then don't do it. Miss Dearborn said she would give you enough work to -occupy your time, and you know she will pay you handsomely." - -"Then if you think best, Paul," said Mrs. Palmer, doubtfully, for it -seemed a rash thing, in the light of her former struggles, to decline -work. - -"I do think it best, mother, and I shall be glad to call there myself -and give her your answer." - -The next evening, therefore, Paul repaired to the Framley mansion, and -found the young lady at home. He was not invited in, but Miss Framley -came to the door to speak to him. - -"You sent a postal to my mother, Miss Framley," he commenced. - -"Oh, you are the Palmer boy," said Miss Framley, condescendingly. - -"My name is Paul Palmer." - -"I have decided to let your mother have my work again, though she -charged an extortionate price for the last." - -The fact was, as Paul surmised, that Miss Framley had found it -impossible to find any other seamstress whose work pleased her as much -as his mother's, but of course she did not choose to admit that. She -preferred to have it understood that she was conferring a favor. - -"My mother never charges extortionate prices," said Paul, gravely. - -"As a boy, you are not a suitable judge," said the young lady, sharply. -"You may say to your mother that there are plenty who would like to -do my work, but as she is a widow, and poor, I have taken pity on her, -and----" - -"There is no occasion for that, Miss Framley," said Paul. "My mother -can get along very well without your work." - -"It seems to me you are taking a great deal on yourself, young man," -said Miss Framley, sharply. "I have a great mind to give out my work -elsewhere." - -"You will have to do that, Miss Framley," said Paul, with evident -satisfaction, "for my mother requests me to say that she cannot do any -more work for you." - -"Did she tell you to say this?" demanded Miss Framley, astonished. - -"Yes." - -"I never heard of such a thing!" ejaculated the mortified young lady. -"Are you sure this is not a message of your own?" - -"Quite so. Miss Dearborn has promised her as much work as she can do, -at about three times the rate you are willing to pay. Good-evening!" - -"I believe I hate Miss Dearborn?" inwardly commented the vexed Miss -Framley. "Somehow she interferes with me in everything I undertake. If -she chooses to throw away her money, I sha'n't. And now where am I to -find another seamstress like Mrs. Palmer? I wish I hadn't offended her." - -But it was too late. Miss Framley must pay the penalty of her meanness. - -Paul walked home, feeling that the day had been an unusually -satisfactory one. Yet how little can we foresee the future? Within the -next twenty-four hours a great danger menaced him. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -AN UNEXPECTED CHANGE. - - -Paul was on his way home, when, in turning a corner, he came face to -face with his step-brother, Stephen. The latter was much better dressed -than when Paul last saw him. He had thrown aside the shabby and soiled -suit, which had seen service so long that it looked entitled to be -relieved upon a pension. He wore now a new suit, which did not fit him -particularly well, having evidently been purchased at a ready-made -clothing store, but it was at least new, and made Stephen look as -respectable as the nature of the case would admit. - -"Hallo, young one!" said Stephen, with a grin; "where are you bound?" - -"I'm going home," answered Paul, surveying his half-brother with a -puzzled glance. - -"How's the old lady?" - -"Do you mean my mother?" - -"Of course I do. I don't mean Grace." - -"She's well," answered Paul, briefly. - -"She don't like me, and she don't treat me well," said Stephen; "but I -don't bear no malice. The world is big enough for both of us." - -"I hope you are prospering," said Paul, again regarding the new suit. - -"Yes; I'm getting along better'n I was. How do you like my clothes?" - -"They are an improvement on your old ones." - -"I should say so myself. Come, Paul, you're a smart boy, if you are -rather cranky sometimes. Being as we are brothers, I'll stand treat. -Come in and take a drink." - -He made a movement to enter a saloon close at hand, but Paul held back. - -"Thank you all the same, Stephen," he said, "but I don't drink." - -"Don't be afraid. It'll do you good." - -Paul shook his head. He knew it would do no good to argue the point, so -he simply declined once more. - -"Don't be offended, Stephen," he said. "I should have no objection to -drinking with you if I drank at all, but I've signed the pledge." - -"None but babies and simpletons sign the pledge," said Stephen, -contemptuously. - -"If that's the case, you will have to count me either the one or the -other." - -"Can you change me a ten?" asked Stephen, drawing out a wallet, and -producing a ten-dollar bill. - -"I haven't so much money with me," answered Paul, rather surprised at -Stephen's wealth, for he saw other bills besides in the pocket-book. - -"If you had a five now, I'd exchange, and let you give the balance to -sister Grace as a present, so that she needn't think brother Stephen -quite so bad as she thinks." - -Paul did not have a five, having given the one he received from Miss -Dearborn to his mother. Even if he had had it with him, he would have -felt indisposed to avail himself of his half-brother's surprising -generosity, having grievous doubts whether Stephen had come by his -present wealth honestly. - -"Thank you, Stephen," he said. "I haven't a five, but I thank you all -the same for your offer. You must have found profitable employment." - -This was said with a rising inflection calculated to call for Stephen's -confidence, but the latter evaded the inquiry. - -"Yes, I've been lucky," he answered. "I've been speculating." - -Again Paul was puzzled. How could Stephen speculate without capital, -for it was quite certain that he had none. - -"If I only had a five," Stephen said, meditatively, "I'd hand you one -for Grace." - -"Some other time," said Paul. - -"Well, good-night. Tell Grace I wanted to send her something. Tell your -mother, too, and she may think better of me. If you won't drink with -me, I shall have to drink by myself." - -With a hasty nod, Stephen opened the door of the saloon and entered, -while Paul resumed his journey home. - -"I don't understand it at all," he said to himself. "I never saw -Stephen in such a generous mood before. How can he have got hold of -all that money? I hope it is honestly come by. I think I had better -not tell mother about his offer, or she might relent and invite him to -call. We shall do better without him." - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -A CATASTROPHE. - - -"All the latest magazines and papers! Harper's, Frank Leslie's, the -_New York Weekly_!" - -Of course the speaker was Paul, and he was making his rounds on the -succeeding day in the Milwaukee train. - -"Come here, my boy. Let me see what you have got." - -The speaker was an elderly gentleman, with gray hair and beard, tall -and portly. His handsome suit of the finest broadcloth, the solid gold -chain, as thick almost as a cable, that spanned his waistcoat, and his -general air, indicated prosperity and wealth. - -Paul recognized him as a frequent traveler on his train. He even knew -his name, and was aware that he was a substantial Chicago manufacturer, -who had a branch establishment at Milwaukee. - -The name of Alexander Bradford was well known in business circles, and -his name was at any time good at the bank where he dealt for a hundred -thousand dollars, while the sum of his wealth was generally estimated -at considerably over a million. - -"Certainly, Mr. Bradford," answered Paul, politely, as he approached -the rich man with alacrity. - -"Ha, you know my name," said Mr. Bradford. - -"Oh, yes, sir; I have seen you often on the train." - -"I can return the compliment, my young friend," said Bradford, smiling, -"but I am not familiar with your name." - -"My name is not quite so well known as yours, Mr. Bradford. I am Paul -Palmer, at your service!" - -"Paul Palmer! The name sounds very well, my boy. Some day it may be -well known, too. I was not very conspicuous myself at your age. Come, -now, how much do you manage to earn in the course of a week?" - -"I seldom fall short of seven dollars. Sometimes I get up as high as -ten." - -"How old are you?" - -"Sixteen." - -"At your age I was earning about half as much as you." - -"But you didn't depend on it, sir?" - -"Yes, I did. I was a poor boy; had to paddle my own canoe, just as you -are doing--had a mother to help, too." - -"I have a mother and sister to assist," returned Paul. - -"You don't say so?" Mr. Bradford remarked, surveying Paul with -increased interest. "Then your father is not living?" - -"No, sir." - -"I see you are a good boy. Do you give most of your wages to your -mother?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"And you don't think it hard, eh? You don't feel as if you'd rather -spend it on yourself, eh?" - -"If my mother didn't need it, I should certainly like to spend a little -more on myself, but I am glad to feel that I am able to take care of -her." - -"That's well, my boy; I quite approve of that. By the way--it was you, -I believe, who caught the pickpocket that took Miss Dearborn's money?" - -"Yes, sir. Were you on the train at the time?" - -"Yes; I was in the same car. It did you a great deal of credit. You are -evidently sharp." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"I suppose you don't always expect to be a train boy?" - -"I think I shall have to retire by the time I reach fifty, sir; I can't -very well pass for a boy then." - -"Ho, ho!" laughed the old gentleman, appreciating the joke. "I should -say not. And what are you looking to do in place of it?" - -"I should like to get a place in a counting-room or store," said Paul; -"but at present I couldn't afford to take such a situation." - -"It would lead to more." - -"Yes, sir; but I could not expect at first to earn more than half -as much as I do on the train. While I have my mother and sister to -support, I do not dare to make a change." - -"Very true," said the old gentleman, thoughtfully. - -Remaining silent, Paul was about to move on, when Mr. Bradford called -him back. - -"Stay, my young friend," he said; "I haven't made a purchase yet." - -He selected an illustrated paper and a magazine, and drew from his -vest-pocket a two-dollar bill, which he handed to our hero. - -"Ten and thirty-five are forty-five," said Paul, in a business-like -tone. "I must give you a dollar and fifty-five cents in change." - -"Never mind, Paul," said Mr. Bradford, waving his hand. "Keep it for -yourself, or, rather, give it to your mother." - -"Thank you, sir," said Paul, gratefully, for the gift was equal to his -profits for a good day's work. - -He was about to resume his walk through the car when there was a sudden -shock. - -Passengers were hurled from their seats; there were screams of fright -and pain, and a confusion hard to describe. - -The train had run off the track! - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THE TRAIN-WRECKER. - - -What havoc a single minute--nay, a half minute, can make! Here was a -train full of passengers, easy in mind, moving at a speed not beyond -the average. Not a thought of anxiety or apprehension was in the -mind of any. The thought of the pleasant welcome that awaited them -at the end of the journey in the great city, not more than ten miles -away, warmed the hearts of the travelers, and brought to some faces a -contented smile. - -Thirty seconds pass, and the train is a wreck--the cars lying on their -sides, some of the passengers insensible, some maimed, a few, alas! -dead. - -And what has brought all this about? - -Half a dozen rails, lying beside the track, have been placed on it -by some fiend, regardless of the suffering and death he is likely to -cause, in order to obtain a chance to plunder the ill-fated passengers. -Such men are scoundrels for whom hanging would be too good. - -Among those who suffered least was the train boy. He was partially -stunned, but almost immediately recovered his consciousness and -his wits. He sprang to his feet and looked around him. The boy, -unaccustomed to scenes of suffering, shuddered as he saw the mutilated -victims of the latest railway horror. The groans which he heard pierced -his heart, and he could scarcely forbear groaning. Here lay a mother -and her child, both dead, the child's dead hand closely grasping the -hand of the mother who could neither help him nor herself. But I do not -propose to harrow up the soul of the reader by an enumeration of the -terrible scene. I am chiefly interested in giving an account of what -has a bearing upon our hero and his history. - -While Paul, scarcely recovered from his bewilderment, was looking about -him, his attention was drawn to a sight that stirred his indignation. - -Lying upon his back close by was Alexander Bradford, the rich -manufacturer. He was breathing heavily, but appeared insensible. -Bending over him was an ill-looking man, with an expression of covetous -greed, coolly engaged in rifling the pockets of the helpless victim. - -It was not a passenger. Paul knew that at a glance, for he had -repeatedly gone through the train, and his memory of faces was -excellent. - -"That man wrecked the train, or had something to do with it," Paul -instantly concluded, "and now he is gathering in his harvest. I will -take the liberty of interfering with his little game." - -[Illustration: Paul brought down his club on the man's arm with such -force that he howled with pain.] - -He looked about for a weapon, and had not far to look. A piece of wood -from the _debris_ of the broken train furnished him a convenient club. -He did not like to use it till he had given the train-wrecker warning, -however. - -"Stop your villainous work!" he exclaimed, with honest indignation. - -The robber looked up suddenly, but seeing only a boy, recovered his -audacity. - -"Mind your business, boy," he answered. "I know what I'm about." - -"So do I," said Paul, resolutely, "and I order you to stop." - -"You do, hey? I'll break your head, young man, and pay you well for -your impudence." - -He had the prostrate manufacturer's pocket-book in his hand as he -spoke, and was about transferring it to his pocket, when Paul, -perceiving that no time was to be lost, brought down his club on the -man's arm with such force that he howled with pain and dropped the -pocket-book, exclaiming: - -"You've broken my arm, you young vagabond! I'll kill you for that!" - -But he was in too great pain to set about it at once. He began to -nurse his injured arm, casting the while black looks of hatred at the -intrepid train boy. - -Just then Mr. Bradford opened his eyes. - -"Where am I?" he asked, in a bewildered voice. - -Paul bent over him, and asked, anxiously: - -"Are you much hurt, Mr. Bradford?" - -"Is it you, my boy. Tell me where I am." - -"An accident has happened. The train ran off the track." - -"I understand now. It was all so sudden. I was reading, and must have -become unconscious." - -"Are you hurt? Are any of your limbs broken, sir?" asked Paul, -anxiously. - -As Paul was bending over Mr. Bradford, the boy saw a quick expression -of terror on the rich man's face. - -"Look out!" he said, in agitation. - -Paul, instinctively guessing that the danger came from the villain he -had foiled, sprang aside just in time to avoid a terrible blow which -had been aimed at his head by the very club he had himself used. The -blow falling on empty air, by its very impetuosity upset the wretch who -sought to inflict it, and he tumbled prone over the body of Bradford. - -But he had made a serious mistake. The engineer of the train, a man of -immense strength, had seen the abortive attempt, and he sprang forward. - -When the train-wrecker was attempting to rise, he found himself seized -by the collar by an iron hand. He was jerked to his feet with a power -against which he was powerless to contend, and shaken till his bones -seemed to rattle. - -"What are you trying to do, you rascal?" he exclaimed. - -"Stop shaking me, and I will tell you," said the man, sullenly. - -"There; now tell me at once," said the engineer, still grasping him -firmly, but ceasing to shake him. - -"That boy almost broke my arm," said the train-wrecker, with a look of -furious malice, "and I mean to get even with him; that's the whole of -it." - -"No; it isn't quite the whole," said Paul. "What were you doing when I -struck you?" - -"Taking care of this man." - -"Taking care of him!" retorted the train boy, in a tone of sarcasm. -"I'll tell you how he was taking care of him, Mr. Barnes; he was -rifling his pockets." - -"You lie!" said the man, ferociously. - -"I tell the truth. You had in your hand Mr. Bradford's wallet, which -you had taken from his pocket, and you were about transferring it to -your own." - -"Ha!" exclaimed the engineer, a sudden light breaking upon him. "Were -you a passenger on this train?" - -"Yes." - -"Did you see him, Paul, in your rounds?" asked the official. - -"No. I am sure he was not on the train." - -"The boy lies! As if he could remember all the passengers!" - -"Here is a man that will remember," said Paul, as the conductor came -up. "Mr. Bingham, was this man a passenger?" - -The conductor scanned the face of the wrecker, and promptly answered: - -"No. If I had collected fare from him I should have remembered him." - -"I believe this is the man that wrecked the train," said the engineer. - -"It's a base lie!" exclaimed the train-wrecker, growing pale, as he saw -his crime brought home to him. "You are all in a conspiracy against me." - -As two other passengers came up, the engineer asked: - -"Is there any one here that remembers seeing this man?" - -"I do," said a plain, farmer-looking man, who had just come up. - -"You were not on the train yourself," said the conductor, suspiciously, -thinking it was one of the wrecker's confederates. - -"Of course I wasn't," was the prompt reply. "I was forty rods away, -in yonder field. I saw this man placing the rails on the track, just -before the train came along; and surmising mischief, I hurried to the -road to see if I could signal the train and save it. But I came too -late. The scoundrel had done his work." - -The brawny engineer, at this confirmation of his suspicions, shook the -hapless wrecker as if he would shake him to pieces, and was about to -order him bound, when a shot from some unknown quarter penetrated the -forehead of the villain, and with a half-uttered cry he fell to the -earth. - -Who fired the fatal shot was never discovered, but only two rods away -stood a tall man, rough in aspect, who looked like a Western hunter. -He stood motionless and impassive, but it was generally supposed that -it was he who dealt swift retribution to the fiend whose success only -brought him death. It was felt that his fate was deserved, and no -troublesome inquiries were made. No one could pity the wretch who died -amid the ruin he had wrought. - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -PAUL CHANGES HIS BUSINESS. - - -The shooting of the train-wrecker for the moment diverted notice from -the victims of the catastrophe; but their condition speedily recalled -the attention of those who were unhurt. - -Paul once more bent over Mr. Bradford, and repeated his inquiry: - -"Are you much hurt, Mr. Bradford?" - -"I can't tell you. I will try to get up, if you will help me." - -With some difficulty, for the manufacturer was a heavy man, Paul raised -him to a sitting position. - -"Oh, my arm!" cried Mr. Bradford, wincing. - -Paul noticed that his left arm hung helpless at his side. - -"I must have broken my arm," he said; "I can't raise it." - -"I am very sorry," said Paul, his voice showing that he was sincere. - -"It is not a time for regret, since I have escaped a more serious -peril. I feel that I am fortunate in comparison with some of these -poor people. Never mind me, Paul; go and see whom you can help." - -Paul did as he was directed, and rendered effectual assistance. I am -sure my readers will not wish me to go into details, but prefer that -I should confine myself to what has direct bearing upon Paul and his -fortunes. - -When Paul found time he came again to Mr. Bradford's side. - -"Paul," he said, "have you heard whether a train has been sent for to -carry us to the city?" - -"Yes, Mr. Bradford. One will be here in half an hour." - -"I am afraid of taking cold in my arm. Is there a house near by?" - -The farmer already introduced overheard the question, and said: - -"Yes, sir, my house is near at hand." - -"My good friend," said the manufacturer, "can you arrange to keep me -over night? I fear I may take cold here, and my arm is already feeling -stiff. Of course I will see you compensated for your trouble." - -"Whether you do or not, you are welcome to stay at my house." - -"Paul, I want you to stay with me if you will," said Mr. Bradford. "We -will telegraph to both of our families that we are safe, so that the -news of the accident need not terrify them." - -"Yes, sir, I shall be glad to stay with you, if I can let mother know -that no harm has befallen me." - -"Is there a telegraph office near?" - -"At the next station, only a quarter of a mile distant." - -"Then after you have seen about my removal, will you telegraph for me?" - -"Certainly, sir." - -"Have you money with you?" - -"Yes, sir, plenty for that purpose." - -"Very well. Keep an account of what you spend, and I will repay you. -Charge me with the expense of both telegrams." - -"Thank you, sir." - -Paul attended to his errand, and in half an hour Mrs. Palmer received -the following message: - - "An accident has happened, but I am safe. I shall not return - to-night. Am taking care of a gentleman who is hurt. - - "PAUL." - -Fortunately this was the first intelligence Paul's mother received of -the railroad disaster, so that she had no time to feel frightened. -Had she heard the boys crying the extra containing an account of the -accident, she would have been in terrible suspense. - -"Heaven be thanked," she ejaculated, devoutly, "that my boy has been -preserved!" - -She sent out Grace to buy an extra as soon as it appeared, and -shuddered as she read the terrible details. - -Stephen, too, read the paper, but he could not tell whether Paul was -hurt, for no list of names was as yet transmitted. - -"Why, that's Paul's train!" he soliloquized. "Ten to one he's killed or -wounded. I don't want him killed, but if he's only broken a limb, it -may teach him a lesson." - -What the lesson was, Stephen did not specify, and it might have been -hard to say why his young brother needed a lesson, unless it had been -criminal in him to work diligently to support his mother and sister. He -had declined to contribute to the support of an able-bodied brother, -and my readers may be inclined to think with me that he was quite -justified in that. - -Stephen bought a later edition of the paper, and eagerly scanned the -list of casualties. - -"I don't see his name," he muttered. "Well, he always was lucky, while -I had all the bad luck. Humph! things don't seem to be distributed very -equally in this world. However, I'm getting along pretty well now," -Stephen concluded, complacently. - -Meanwhile Paul, as well as Mr. Bradford, was installed in the best -bedroom at the farm-house. A local doctor set the arm, and Paul lay on -a lounge, ready to answer any calls. He was prompt and attentive, and -Mr. Bradford congratulated himself on having secured so attentive a -nurse. - -"Paul," said Mr. Bradford the next morning, "you have been of great -service to me." - -"I am glad I have been able to, sir," answered Paul. - -"You are a good boy." - -"Thank you, sir." - -"How much did you tell me you earned on the train?" - -"Seldom less than seven dollars. One week I made as high as ten." - -"How old are you?" - -"Sixteen." - -"That is very good pay for a boy of your age." - -"Yes, sir; I don't know any other employment that would give me as -much." - -"But of course you must give it up sooner or later." - -"I thought of that, sir." - -"Will you be sorry?" - -"Only because when I take a position elsewhere I must make up my mind -to earn considerably less, and I can't see my way clear to do it while -my mother and sister are so dependent upon me." - -"I suppose you know that I am a rich man?" - -"Yes, sir, I have always heard so," answered Paul, not quite -understanding why Mr. Bradford should say it. - -"I have always held that a rich man owes a debt to the world, and -should try to liquidate it by doing all the good in his power." - -"I am afraid all rich men don't feel so," said Paul. - -"No; riches are apt to harden the heart, while they should soften it. I -am glad to think that there are many who feel with me. But to return to -your prospects. I infer that if you were offered a position paying you -as well as this train service you would accept it. Am I right?" - -"Yes, sir." - -"How much do you make on an average?" - -"Daily or weekly, sir?" - -"Weekly." - -Paul considered a moment, and answered: - -"Eight dollars." - -"Very good; then I will give you a chance to better yourself. I will -take you into my employ, dating from yesterday." - -"And give me eight dollars a week?" asked Paul, eagerly. - -"Ten dollars. I want you to better yourself, you know." - -"You are very kind, sir," said Paul, gratefully, "but I am afraid I -can't earn as much as that." - -"Possibly not. Few boys of your age are worth as much. But you rendered -me yesterday a great service. You saved me from robbery. How much now -do you think my wallet contained?" - -"A hundred dollars," guessed Paul, to whom that seemed a considerable -sum for a man to carry about. - -"Over two thousand!" answered Mr. Bradford, quietly. - -Paul's face showed the amazement he felt. - -"Isn't it imprudent to carry round so much?" he suggested. - -"I had the amount paid me in Milwaukee, in bills, and had no resource -but to take it in that form. But for you that wretch would have got off -safely with it. You see, therefore, that you have saved me more than -enough to pay your wages for two years, even on the liberal scale I -suggest." - -"I was very fortunate to fall in with you, Mr. Bradford. It has given -me the opening I have wanted for a long time." - -"I hope it may prove fortunate for both of us. Consider yourself, then, -already in my employ. After breakfast I shall send you to Chicago for -my own physician, under whose care I hope myself to go thither this -afternoon." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -MR. BRADFORD'S OFFICE. - - -Mr. Bradford was removed to Chicago in the afternoon, and at his -luxurious house was considerably better off than in the farmer's best -chamber. - -He had to keep his room for three or four weeks, but the fracture was -not a serious one, and though confined to the house he was on the whole -very comfortable for a sick man. His sickness did not interfere with, -nor delay the carrying out of his promise to Paul. He arranged to have -the train boy enter his service immediately, and to that end, on the -morning after his removal, dispatched Paul to his counting-house with a -verbal message to his book-keeper that Paul was to be employed there. - -"It happens," he said to Paul, "that I have really a vacancy for a -boy. The one I have hitherto employed, and who is in fact still in my -employ, is to prepare for college in accordance with the wishes of -a wealthy uncle, who has offered to defray his expenses, and it is -understood that I will release him as soon as I can suit myself with -another boy." - -"That is lucky for me," said Paul. - -"Yes, things happen favorably for you." - -"I hope I shall be able to perform my duties to your satisfaction," -said Paul. - -"I do not doubt it. There is nothing very difficult, and John (the -present boy) can in a single day give you all the information you need. -By the by, Mr. Manson, the book-keeper, will be somewhat disappointed, -as he wanted the place for his nephew." - -"I don't like to stand in the way of any other boy," said Paul, -considerately. - -"You will not. This nephew--Julius Clay--I happen to know is an -unreliable boy, who is disobedient at home, and would not give me -satisfaction. In any event I wouldn't take him." - -"Won't Mr. Manson be prejudiced against me?" asked Paul. - -"He has no right to be. I am under no obligations to employ a boy I -have no confidence in, however nearly related he may be to Mr. Manson. -In any event I shall be your friend, and I am inclined to think that -will be sufficient to save you from annoyance." - -Nevertheless Paul, who had some knowledge of human nature, felt sorry -that his entrance at the office was likely to prove disagreeable to a -man occupying so important a position as the book-keeper. - -"However, Mr. Bradford is my friend," he said to himself, "and I won't -trouble myself." - -Mr. Manson had, of course, heard of his employer's narrow escape from -death, and he had gone up to congratulate him, but had not actually -seen him, Mr. Bradford at the time being asleep. He knew nothing of the -details of the casualty, except what he had read in the daily papers, -and was quite ignorant of Paul's existence even. He therefore had no -warning of the engagement which was to bring disappointment to him and -his nephew. - -About ten o'clock in the morning--for Paul had previously called by -appointment at Mr. Bradford's house--our hero entered that gentleman's -counting-room. - -Sitting on a high stool was a tall, thin, sallow-complexioned man, who -looked to be rather over thirty years of age. - -This was Emanuel Manson, the book-keeper. - -To do him justice it must be admitted that Mr. Manson was an excellent -book-keeper. He understood his business thoroughly, and was rapid -and accurate. Personally Mr. Bradford had never liked him, but he -appreciated his abilities, and did not allow personal feeling to -interfere with retaining him. - -"Business is business, and friendship is friendship," the manufacturer -said to himself. "There is many a man whom I would like better, who -yet might prove very inefficient in my business. I should be foolish to -discharge Manson." - -So Mr. Manson was likely to retain his place so long as he did not -offend his employer in any inexcusable way. Mr. Bradford was a mild -man, but when he was roused he could act with decision. - -Mr. Manson turned on his stool as Paul entered. - -"Well, boy, what do you want?" he asked, in a manner that could not be -considered affable. - -"Is this Mr. Manson?" asked Paul, removing his hat. - -"Yes. Why?" demanded the book-keeper, curtly. - -"I come from Mr. Bradford," said our hero. - -"Well, deliver your message, and don't take up my time unnecessarily." - -Paul felt that he should dislike him, but answered, politely: - -"He has engaged me as office-boy." - -"Engaged _you_!" exclaimed the book-keeper, frowning. "Who are you?" - -It was hard to answer politely, but Paul did. - -"My name is Paul Palmer," he said, composedly. - -"And where did you fall in with Mr. Bradford, pray?" - -Paul felt that the book-keeper had no business to ask these questions, -but he resolved that, so far as he was concerned, there should be -nothing to complain of, and he responded in the same tone as before: - -"On the train." - -"And what were you doing on the train, if I may inquire?" - -"Selling papers and magazines." - -"Oh! a train boy!" - -"Yes, sir." - -"Have you ever been in a position before?" - -"Not in an office." - -"What under heaven could induce Mr. Bradford to engage you?" asked the -book-keeper, irritably. - -"I must refer you to Mr. Bradford himself," answered Paul, with dignity. - -"I shall certainly speak to Mr. Bradford on the subject," said Mr. -Manson, significantly. "I am inclined to think there is some mistake. -We have a boy already." - -"Mr. Bradford told me he wished to leave, and that in a day he would -initiate me into my duties." - -"Mr. Bradford has about the same as engaged another boy," said the -book-keeper, with increasing irritability. "He must have forgotten it." - -"I shall be ready to make way for him whenever Mr. Bradford says the -word," said Paul, quietly. - -Manson was surprised and displeased to find Paul so calm. It was easy -to see that he was not a boy who would allow himself to be bullied or -trodden upon. Mr. Manson already hated him for that. He was a natural -tyrant, and liked to see boys quail under his displeasure. The present -boy was a mild, good-natured boy, whom he could easily make nervous. -Indeed, John Graves was a boy more fond of study than business, and -he hailed the termination of his engagement with the more pleasure, -because Mr. Manson found so much fault, and gave him so much discomfort. - -At that moment John entered. He naturally looked inquiringly at Paul, -but he addressed himself to the book-keeper. - -"Here is the mail, Mr. Manson," he said. - -"Why weren't you gone a week for it?" snarled the book-keeper. - -"I went as fast as I could, sir," said John, troubled. - -"Didn't you stop to play on the way?" - -"No, sir." - -"Humph! When I was a boy I could do twice as much in a given time as -you. Here is a boy who has been sent to take your place--_for the -present_." - -These last words were pronounced with an emphasis which Paul -understood, though John did not. He only heard what he considered to be -the intelligence of his own release. - -"Then can I go?" he asked, eagerly. - -"No; you are to remain through the day to instruct this new boy in his -duties." - -"All right." - -"Go to the bank with these checks, and you, whatever your name is, can -go with him." - -When the two boys were in the street, John asked, pleasantly: - -"What is your name?" - -"Paul Palmer. And yours?" - -"John Graves. So you are going to be my successor?" - -"Yes; I hope you are not sorry to go?" - -"Oh, I am delighted. Now I can go to school, and get away from old -Manson. But I suppose I ought not to say anything against him to you." - -"I have had a little specimen of his manners. He doesn't seem to like -my coming into the office." - -"No; he wanted the place for his nephew, Julius Clay." - -"Do you know Julius?" - -"Yes; he's just such another as his uncle in temper, but not in -ability. Mr. Manson is an excellent book-keeper, but Julius would -make a poor office-boy. Do you think you can stand the book-keeper's -temper?" - -"I will get along with him as well as I can," answered Paul. "Mr. -Bradford is my friend." - -"That is good; but you'll hate old Manson before the end of a week." - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -SERVING A TYRANT. - - -If Paul was prejudiced against the book-keeper thus early, Mr. Manson -was not prepossessed in his favor. He would have been prejudiced -against any boy who was selected to fill the place he designed for his -nephew, but besides this there was an indefinable something in Paul's -air and manner that led him to anticipate difficulty in maintaining his -authority. - -"I shall have trouble with that boy, I'm thinking," he said to himself, -with a vicious stab of the pen in the unoffending paper before him. -"Well, that will be bad for him, I reckon. He looks like a mighty -independent young vagabond. I shall have to take him in training." - -The duties of Paul's new place were not difficult to learn. He didn't -need to be shown the way to the post-office, or bank, and he was as -well acquainted with the streets and localities of Chicago as any boy -had occasion to be. - -So when the day was over, he bade a friendly good-night to John Graves -with the remark: - -"I guess I can get along by myself now, John, but I hope to see you -sometimes." - -"Good-night, Paul. I hope you will get along with the book-keeper." - -"I will try to," answered Paul. "That is, I will do all I can -reasonably be expected to, but I shall not allow him to run over me." - -"He'll make the attempt, you may be sure of that." - -"By the way, John, do you mind telling me how much pay you have -received--how much a week, I mean?" - -"Four dollars a week for the first six months. Then I was promoted to -five, though the book-keeper tried hard to prevent it." - -"If you had been his nephew it would have been different." - -"Oh, he would have given Julius five dollars, perhaps six, to start -with." - -"Very likely." - -Paul was glad John did not ask him how much he was to receive, as it -would have been difficult to explain why he should be so favored. -In fact, John supposed no bargain had been made, and that Paul had -questioned him in order to ascertain what he was himself likely to be -paid. - -Paul presented himself the next morning at the office at the usual -hour, which he had been told was eight o'clock. - -"Good-morning, sir!" he said to the book-keeper, who had just arrived. - -"Humph, you're late!" said Manson, sourly. - -Just then a public clock struck eight, and the strokes were audible to -both. - -"Not by that clock, Mr. Manson," said Paul, significantly. - -"Humph! that clock's always slow." - -Paul did not think it necessary to answer. - -"Well, go to work! Don't stand idling there!" said Manson, sharply. - -"Yes, sir, if you will let me know what to do," said Paul, not in the -least nervous. - -"Dust off my desk, and be quick about it." - -Paul did as he was directed. - -"Now go to the post-office. Wait, here is the key to our box." - -Paul went and returned immediately, making unusually good time, but it -is easy for an unreasonable man to find fault, if he has fully made up -his mind to do so. - -"What made you so long?" demanded the book-keeper, irascibly. - -Paul was provoked, and had no hesitation in showing his sense of the -book-keeper's unreasonableness. - -"Because I haven't wings, or seven league boots," he answered, coolly. - -"How do you dare speak thus to me?" demanded Manson, in a rage. - -"Because, sir, neither you nor any one else can make better time -without running." - -As Paul said this, he looked Mr. Manson in the eye, and Manson saw that -the boy did not mean to be imposed upon. But he did not propose to -relinquish his habit of finding fault readily. - -"That's gammon!" he said; "I know what boys are like. They all waste -time." - -"I don't," answered Paul, briefly. - -"Don't be impudent." - -"Then, sir, don't be unreasonable." - -"I have a good mind to discharge you on the spot," said the book-keeper. - -"As you please, sir. If Mr. Bradford sustains you, I shall make no -request to remain." - -Manson felt that he had not come out of the controversy best. Paul -exhibited a coolness and composure that surprised and annoyed him. - -"He won't stay here long, if I can help it," he said to himself. "Why, -he actually defies me." - -Nevertheless, Paul's quiet resolution made him more wary in his -dealings with Paul, as he did not like to run the risk of defeat. - -"You can take this note to Mr. Bradford," he said, an hour later. - -He would have preferred to send some one else, for he did not care that -Paul should have an opportunity of getting into the good graces of his -employer; but he had no choice. This was the boy's duty, and no one -else could be spared. - -The note related to business on which Mr. Bradford would expect to be -consulted. - -"Take that," he said, "and come back some time to-day." - -"I shall come back as soon as Mr. Bradford releases me." - -"Take care you do." - -All this was very annoying, and, indeed, insulting, but Paul was -judicious, and, while resisting aggression and injustice, knew that he -could not make Mr. Manson civil or polite. - -Arrived at the house of Mr. Bradford, Paul was shown into the presence -of the manufacturer. - -"Good-morning, Paul!" said Mr. Bradford, pleasantly. - -"Good-morning, sir. I have come with a note from Mr. Manson." - -Mr. Bradford took it and read it quickly. He took out a pencil and -wrote at the bottom a couple of lines. - -"That is my answer," he said, returning it to Paul. - -"How do you like Mr. Manson?" asked the manufacturer. - -"Not very well, sir." - -"I suppose he does not appear to like you?" - -"No, sir; it is very clear he does not." - -Paul stopped there. - -"Have you any complaints to make?" asked Mr. Bradford. - -"No, sir; I don't care to say anything; but I would like to ask you a -favor." - -"What is it, Paul?" - -"If Mr. Manson makes any complaints against me, will you give me an -opportunity to defend myself?" - -"Certainly I will. Do you apprehend that he will complain of you?" - -"I am pretty sure he will." - -"Why?" - -"He seems determined to find fault with me. However, I shall not be -the first to complain. I propose to do my duty faithfully, and will -bear his scolding as well as I can. If I suit you, sir, I shall be -satisfied. I don't expect to suit Mr. Manson." - -"Well said, Paul. I won't inquire into your relations with the -book-keeper, but if he complains of you, you may rest assured that I -will give you a chance to defend yourself." - -"Thank you, sir; that is all I ask." - -Paul returned to the office, and when, as he expected, Mr. Manson -charged him with loitering on the way, he heard him with a cool -contempt, which angered the book-keeper more than spoken words. - -"Really, this is the most impertinent boy we ever had in the office. He -does not seem to mind me any more than if I was a porter." - -Accustomed to have boys quail before him, he was provoked at the -coolness with which Paul bore his taunts and reproaches, and he felt -all the more resolved either to get him dismissed, or to make him -anxious to resign. - -Among other things, he was accustomed to employ the office-boy to run -on his private errands, though, of course, wholly unauthorized to do -so, and he expected to employ Paul in the same manner. - -About three o'clock he summoned Paul, and said to him: - -"You may go to my room, No. 47 H---- street, and ask my landlady -to give you a bundle of dirty clothes, which you will carry to the -laundry, No. 18 M---- street." - -Paul looked at him in astonishment. - -"Are the clothes Mr. Bradford's?" he asked. - -"No, you little fool, they are mine." - -"Then, sir, I must decline to take them. I am in Mr. Bradford's employ, -not yours." - -"Do you decline to do as I bid you?" gasped Manson, at white heat. - -"Yes, sir. I am not employed to do any such work." - -"You'll repent this!" exclaimed the book-keeper, mortified and -incensed. "It seems you defy my authority." - -"No, sir; I shall do whatever you have a right to demand of me." - -"I'll have you out of this office before the end of the week. See if I -don't." - -Paul walked away, not appearing in the least terrified by this threat. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -MR. MANSON IS SURPRISED. - - -Emanuel Manson felt too late that he had made a mistake. He had -intended to humiliate Paul by making him his own errand boy, but our -hero's firm refusal to serve him made the humiliation his own. He did -not venture to report the matter to Mr. Bradford, for he knew that he -had no right to call upon Paul to do his own errands; yet to let it -pass would seem like a confession of weakness. - -"I can't do anything at present," he decided, "but I will take the -first opportunity to prejudice Mr. Bradford against the young rascal -and procure his dismissal." - -In other words, Mr. Manson proposed to bide his time. He had no idea of -foregoing his vengeance, but thought it politic to defer it. Meanwhile -he had plenty of opportunities to make things disagreeable to Paul, and -availed himself of them. - -At the end of the first week a very disagreeable surprise awaited Mr. -Manson. - -The time came to pay off the clerks, and among others Paul. - -He drew from the cash-box four dollars and handed it to our hero, with -the remark: - -"There's your pay, though it is more than you have earned." - -Paul glanced at the two two-dollar bills which lay in his hand, and -said, quietly: - -"Why do you pay me four dollars?" - -"Three would be enough, but I didn't suppose you would be modest enough -to admit it." - -"I am not. I suppose Mr. Bradford hasn't told you how much my wages are -to be." - -"How much?" inquired the book-keeper, with a sneer. "Ten dollars, I -presume." - -"You are right. I will trouble you to give me six dollars more." - -"Are you crazy?" gasped Manson. - -"Not that I am aware of," answered Paul, coolly. - -"If you are trying to humbug me, you may as well give up the attempt. I -wasn't born last year." - -"I am neither crazy nor trying to humbug you," said Paul, with easy -self-possession. "Mr. Bradford has kindly agreed to pay me ten dollars -a week, and----" - -"I never heard a more outrageous falsehood!" ejaculated Manson. "The -idea of paying a raw, inexperienced boy ten dollars a week! Why, it is -utterly ridiculous. I shall take care to report your attempted swindle -to Mr. Bradford." - -"Just as you like, Mr. Manson; but first, will you cast your eyes over -this note?" - -Paul produced a folded sheet of note-paper, and passed it to the -book-keeper. - -Manson read to his amazement these words over the signature of -Alexander Bradford: - - "I have fixed the wages of Paul Palmer at ten dollars per week, and - you are authorized to pay him that sum." - -"Where did you get this paper?" asked Manson. - -"From Mr. Bradford." - -"When?" - -"Yesterday. He thought you would require his authority for paying so -large a sum." - -"How do I know but you have forged this note?" asked Manson. - -"Probably you know Mr. Bradford's handwriting and signature. Besides, -it would be foolish in me to attempt a forgery which would immediately -be found out." - -In fact, Manson knew that the note was genuine. He could not be -mistaken in Mr. Bradford's handwriting, but he wanted to find some -excuse for delaying or refusing payment. On the whole, he did not -venture to do either, as he knew his employer would be offended. - -"There's your money," he said, throwing the balance on the desk. "I -can't say I understand it at all. I shall feel it necessary to speak to -Mr. Bradford on the subject." - -"I wish you would, sir, so as to remove any doubts you may have." - -"It is about three times as much as you have earned." - -"I won't dispute you, sir. I am quite aware that it is more than I can -earn." - -"Then why did Mr. Bradford pay you so much?" - -"Probably he will tell you when you speak to him on the subject." - -Manson was baffled, but he felt all the more annoyed that his nephew -Julius had lost a situation which carried so much pay with it. - -He dispatched Paul on an errand, and during his absence Julius came in. - -"Well, Julius," said his uncle, "I have just been paying that boy who -has got your place." - -"I wish you had been paying me. I haven't got a cent to my name. Four -dollars would have come mighty convenient." - -"Four dollars!" - -"Yes; isn't that what he gets? Three dollars would be too mean." - -"The boy gets _ten dollars_ a week!" - -"Ten dollars!" gasped Julius. "Oh, come now, you're fooling." - -"Not at all. Do you see that?" - -He showed Julius the note of Mr. Bradford previously referred to. - -"Good gracious! I can't believe it!" exclaimed Julius. "Why, it's -tremendous pay. Can't you turn him off and get me in his place? What a -swell I'd cut on ten dollars a week!" - -"I wish you had the place," said Manson, thoughtfully; "but I don't -know how to manage it." - -"Try to think of some way, Uncle Emanuel," pleaded Julius. "I should -have liked it at four, for ma only gives me a dollar a week allowance, -and that is hardly enough to buy my cigarettes." - -"You'd be a good deal better off if you gave up cigarettes. They are -doing you no good." - -And here Mr. Manson gave his nephew good advice. - -"Put me in the place, and I'll do whatever you want me to," said Julius. - -"I'll do my part," said the book-keeper. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE BOOK-KEEPER'S TRIUMPH. - - -In less time than was anticipated Mr. Bradford came to the office, his -arm being so far well that it no longer gave him any trouble. - -The book-keeper did not delay long to open his batteries upon Paul. On -the second day, our hero being out, Manson began: - -"I would like to say a few words to you, Mr. Bradford, about the new -boy." - -"About Paul?" asked Mr. Bradford, lifting his eyes from the morning -paper. - -"Yes, sir." - -"Very well, proceed." - -"I can't say I am satisfied with him, sir." - -"Indeed! What is the matter?" - -"He is not respectful to me." - -"Indeed!" - -"I may say he is positively impudent at times." - -"That surprises me. He seems to me very unlikely to be guilty of such -offenses." - -"I dare say; he is very artful. I presume he is very respectful to you. -That is policy." - -"I should suppose he would consider it politic to be respectful to you -also, Mr. Manson." - -"All the other boys have, but this boy puts on a great many airs. In -fact, he is mighty independent. I suppose it is on account of the -extremely high wages he receives." - -"Yes, ten dollars is very high pay for a boy of his age," admitted Mr. -Bradford. - -"Of course he doesn't earn it. He doesn't earn half as much." - -"You may be right. I should not be inclined to pay another boy nearly -as much." - -Mr. Manson was sorry to hear this, as, could he obtain the position for -Julius at ten dollars a week, his young nephew had agreed to pay him a -commission of two dollars a week, which the book-keeper, being fond of -money, was not above accepting. - -"Have you any other complaints to make about Paul?" asked Mr. Bradford. -"Doesn't he attend to his duties?" - -"Fairly well," Manson admitted, reluctantly, the fact being that there -had never been a boy in the office so efficient as our hero, the -ex-train boy. - -"Humph! I am glad to hear that." - -"Still it is of course disagreeable to have a boy under me who treats -me with insolence." - -"Do I understand, then, that you would prefer to have a change?" -inquired the manufacturer. - -"I don't want to make any trouble, sir," said the book-keeper, who -could be polite enough to his employer, "but I should really be glad to -have another boy in Paul's place." - -"Very well. I have been thinking of making a change myself." - -Manson could hardly believe his ears. He had entertained very small -hope of effecting his purpose, and Mr. Bradford's ready acquiescence in -his wishes filled him with delight. - -"If I might venture the suggestion," he added, encouraged by his -success, "I should be glad if you would give the place to my nephew -Julius." - -"I don't know how Julius will suit me," said Mr. Bradford, "but I will -try him for a week." - -"At ten dollars a week?" suggested Mr. Manson. - -"At _four_ dollars a week!" replied the manufacturer, with emphasis. -"That is all boys of his age usually get. There were special reasons -why I paid Paul more." - -Manson was disappointed that Julius should be paid only ordinary boys' -wages, but still it was a great triumph to have Paul discharged, and -Julius put in his place. - -"Now," he said to himself, "I've the whip-hand of the young rascal. -I'll pay him off." - -"Shall I tell him, sir, when he comes in?" asked the book-keeper. - -"No; I propose to tell him myself. Send him in to me when he gets back -from his errand." - -"Yes, sir, I will," promptly responded the book-keeper, resuming his -own work with a satisfied smile. - -Ten minutes later Paul came in from the post office, bringing the -afternoon mail. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -PAUL IS PROMOTED. - - -"You are to go to Mr. Bradford at once," said Manson, as he received -the letters Paul had brought. - -There was a triumphant smile on the book-keeper's face which Paul did -not fail to observe. - -"What does it mean?" he thought. "Has he been complaining of me?" - -This would not have troubled him but for Manson's evident satisfaction. -It was clear, he thought, that something disagreeable was about to -happen during the interview that awaited Paul. However, he did not -propose to give his enemy the satisfaction of knowing that he had given -him anxiety. He merely said in his usual tone, "Very well, sir," and -proceeded to open the door of the inner office. - -"Mr. Manson told me you wished to see me, sir," he said. - -"Oh, yes," said Mr. Bradford, wheeling round in his office chair. -"Manson has been making complaints against you." - -"I am not surprised at that, sir. From the first, he appears to have -disliked me. May I ask what he says?" - -"He says you are not respectful to him." - -"I am as respectful as I can be, but he is continually finding fault. -It is impossible to please him." - -"He wants me to discharge you." - -Paul's heart beat quickly. It would be a misfortune to him to leave so -good a place, especially as he was not sure whether he could regain his -place as train boy, and it would operate against him to have it known -that he had been discharged by Mr. Bradford. - -"Of course, sir," he answered, soberly, "that is as you please." - -"Moreover," the manufacturer proceeded, "he wants me to take his -nephew, Julius, in your place." - -"I knew he wanted Julius in my place," said Paul, despondently. - -"And I have about made up my mind to let him try the experiment." - -The blow had fallen! Poor Paul thought it hard, but his pride sustained -him. He could not understand, however, how Mr. Bradford could so desert -him and side with his enemy, the book-keeper. - -"Then, sir, I suppose I am to go," he answered. - -"Well, I can hardly employ two boys in the office, since there is not -more than work enough for one." - -"I am very sorry, sir," said Paul, in a subdued tone. "I have tried to -be faithful to you." - -"And that is the reason why I intend to promote you," said the -manufacturer, smiling. - -Promote! The word fell like music on Paul's ears. It was all right. His -friend had not deserted him after all. - -"Oh, thank you, sir," he said, his face brightening. - -"Come now, Paul, you didn't really think I meant to discharge you, did -you?" - -"It looked like it, sir," said Paul. - -"I shouldn't have made you feel so uncomfortable," said his employer. -"Now about this change. I am letting Manson have his way only to prove -to him how unfit Julius is for the post. He hasn't tried him yet. When -he does he will find him idle, lazy, and unreliable, and he will find -such fault that his nephew will probably himself resign the place in -disgust." - -"I don't know," said Paul. "Ten dollars will reconcile him as it did -me." - -"Oh, bless your soul! Julius isn't to have ten dollars. He is to have -four, like all his predecessors except yourself." - -On the whole Paul was rather glad of that. It made Mr. Manson's -momentary triumph less important. - -"Now about your own affairs," said Mr. Bradford. "Are you willing to -leave Chicago and travel West?" - -"I would like it above all things, sir," said Paul, his eyes sparkling. - -"I thought you would. Well, I am about to give you an important -commission. Do you know where the Black Hills are situated?" - -"Yes, sir; in Wyoming." - -"Precisely. Well, I suppose you know that multitudes have flocked there -in search of gold." - -"Yes, sir." - -"I myself own half a mine there. It is known as the Blackstone. A man -named Fox, who is resident at the mine, owns the other half, and its -working is done under his direction. Now I have a shrewd suspicion -that he is cheating me, taking advantage of my absence and probable -inability to form any adequate judgment of the mine and its value." - -"What makes you think so, sir?" - -"His continually writing discouraging accounts of the mine, expressing -his great disappointment with it. In his last letter he winds up by -saying that he is willing to give or take two thousand dollars for it, -though it cost the two of us ten thousand." - -"Doesn't he run a risk in making such an offer?" - -"Yes, but he thinks I can't attend to it myself, and will sacrifice my -interest readily, just to get rid of anxiety." - -"I see." - -"Now I want you to go out and form a judgment as to the man's motives, -and get an idea of the real value of the mine." - -"But, sir, I don't know anything about mines." - -"Very true. Still you have good common sense, and can institute -inquiries without exciting suspicion. No one would suppose I would -select as my agent a boy of sixteen." - -"Perhaps it is rash," said Paul. - -"Nine out of ten would say so, but somehow I have more confidence in -you than in many men, and I believe you would serve me faithfully." - -"You are right there, sir, at any rate." - -"Now as to the compensation. Will twenty-five dollars a week and your -traveling expenses content you?" - -"Twenty-five dollars!" ejaculated Paul. "Are you in earnest?" - -"Quite so. Paul, I don't pay you according to your age, but according -to the nature of your work, and twenty-five dollars a week is not too -much. Now, when can you start?" - -"Day after to-morrow, sir." - -"That will do." - -"I was thinking how I could arrange about my mother, Mr. Bradford. She -will need money while I am gone." - -"She can call every Saturday at the office and collect what you thinks -she needs. Shall it be ten dollars a week? If so, it can be deducted -from your week's wages." - -"That will be very satisfactory, sir." - -"Very well. Go home, make preparations for setting out, and come to me -to-morrow for instructions. Don't tell anybody except your mother where -you are going." - -"All right sir." - -As Paul entered the presence of the book-keeper, the latter glanced -at him eagerly to see his downcast looks. He was perplexed to see -that Paul seemed in excellent spirits, and feared Mr. Bradford had -reconsidered his decision. But Paul reassured him. - -"Mr. Manson," he said, "I am about to leave you." - -"So Mr. Bradford has found you out, and discharged you," sneered Manson. - -"At any rate," answered Paul, "I shall no longer be office-boy. Julius -is to take my place." - -"If you had been more respectful to me you might have staid," said -Manson. - -"Mr. Bradford didn't say anything about that," said Paul, smiling. -"Well, good-day." - -"There's something about this I don't understand," thought the -perplexed book-keeper. "I thought he would make a fuss. Well, at any -rate, I've carried my point. He's bounced, and Julius is in his place." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -PAUL AND HIS SUCCESSOR. - - -About eleven o'clock the next forenoon Paul, after making some -necessary arrangements, took his way toward Mr. Bradford's -counting-room. - -As he turned into State street he encountered Julius, who had already -entered upon the duties of his office. Naturally, Julius adopted -his uncle's theory, that Paul had given dissatisfaction and been -discharged, and, as he bore no good will to our hero, he was gratified -at the thought. - -"Hallo!" he called out, not averse to exulting over his predecessor. - -"Good-morning, Julius," said Paul, affably. - -"I've got your place," said Julius, not attempting to conceal his -satisfaction. - -"Yes," answered Paul. - -"He doesn't seem to mind it," commented Julius to himself. "I suppose -he is too proud to show me how he feels." - -"What did the old man bounce you for?" asked Julius, rather curious on -the subject. - -"You must ask him," said Paul, still pleasantly. - -"My uncle always told me you wouldn't stay," said Julius. - -"Perhaps he got me turned off," suggested Paul. - -"I reckon he did. He didn't like you much." - -"No; there wasn't much love lost between us." - -"Where are you going now?" - -"Round to the office." - -"What for?" - -"To see Mr. Bradford." - -"If you want him to take you on again," said Julius, rather uneasily, -"you might as well give it up. He won't do it." - -"Are you quite sure?" - -"Oh, yes," answered Julius, hurriedly; "my uncle wouldn't let him do -it." - -"I thought Mr. Bradford was boss, not your uncle," Paul ventured to -observe. - -"He'll let my uncle choose the office-boy, and of course uncle Emanuel -prefers me." - -"Don't be alarmed, Julius. I won't try to deprive you of your place. -Still I want to see Mr. Bradford." - -"Oh, I know what you want," said Julius, nodding. - -"Suppose you tell me?" - -"You want Mr. Bradford to give you a recommendation, so you can get -another place." - -"You are sharp, Julius," said Paul, laughing. - -"It doesn't take much sharpness to see that." - -"Where are you going?" - -"To the post-office." - -"Very well. We may meet in the office. Good-morning." - -"I don't understand that boy," said Julius to himself. "Anybody would -think he was all right, instead of having lost his place and a salary -of ten dollars a week. It's awful mean of the old man to pay me only -four. I'm worth as much as Paul any day." - -Such was the idea of Julius, and he was by no means singular in -thinking well of himself. That is rather common among men as well as -boys. - -Paul went on his way and soon reached the office. - -The book-keeper turned his head as he entered. - -When his eyes rested on Paul he frowned. - -"_You_ back again?" he said. - -"I am back again, Mr. Manson," replied Paul, composedly. - -"What do you want?" asked Manson, rudely. - -"My business is not with you, but with Mr. Bradford," answered Paul, -coldly. - -"It appears to me you have no business whatever in this office after -being discharged," continued Manson. - -"It is plain Mr. Bradford doesn't tell you all his affairs," said Paul. - -"What do you mean by that?" - -"I am still in Mr. Bradford's employ, though not as office-boy." - -"Is this true?" asked Manson, in a tone of unpleasant surprise. - -"Yes, sir. I am here now by Mr. Bradford's appointment." - -The book-keeper's countenance fell. Where now was his triumph? As the -post of office-boy was the lowest in the establishment, it was clear -Paul had been promoted, and the book-keeper would no longer have the -satisfaction of ordering him about or giving him annoyance. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -JIM SCOTT. - - -By advice of Mr. Bradford, Paul selected the Chicago, Rock Island, -Pacific route to Omaha, where he took passage on the Union Pacific -road as far as Cheyenne, in the southern part of Wyoming, known as the -"Magic City of the Plains." He was very much interested in what he saw -from the car windows as he rolled over the prairies of Illinois and the -fertile plains of Iowa. He gazed eagerly at the Mississippi River, of -which he had heard so much, and was somewhat disappointed to find it so -narrow at the point of crossing. - -On again from Omaha, five hundred miles and over, till the train halted -at Cheyenne, and he got out at the station. - -As he stood on the platform, while the train went on, he was accosted -by a roughly dressed man, who might be a miner to judge from his slouch -hat, his loose-fitting clothes, and his long and rather ragged-looking -beard, which seemed a stranger both to razor and scissors. - -"Goin' to stop here, young man?" - -"I shall stop over to-night, I think," answered Paul. - -"And to-morrow I reckon you go to the Hills?" - -"That is my intention," said Paul, guardedly. - -"I don't know but I'll go there myself, though I did calculate to stay -here, or hereabouts, for a time." - -"Have you ever been to the mines?" asked Paul. - -"Have I ever been there? Well, I should smile," answered the stranger, -expectorating profusely. "Why, I own a hotel in Custer City. I left my -cousin in charge, while I made a run down here to learn the fashions." - -This he said with a grim smile, and a glance at his rough attire - -"Have you found them?" asked Paul. - -"Well, I haven't followed 'em. Where might you be from, youngster?" - -"From Chicago." - -"I was there once, long ago, but I drifted on to California, and lived -there up among the mountains for seven or eight years. Somehow I didn't -get rich. But, one day, I heard of the Black Hills, and dusted for 'em." - -"I hope good luck came to you there," said Paul, politely. - -"You bet it did. Why, youngster, rough as I look, I consider myself -worth to-day from fifty to a hundred thousand dollars." - -Paul looked at his new acquaintance with respect as a successful man. - -"That is a good deal of money," he said. - -"So it is. Sometimes I wake up and forget that I'm rich. Seems to -me I'm the same shiftless vagabond that lived for years among the -California mountains, but there's a heap of satisfaction in findin' I'm -mistaken." - -"So I should think." - -"And what's more, I don't mean to gamble away my pile, as most miners -do. I'm gettin' on in life, and I can't afford it." - -"That is where you are sensible," said Paul. - -"And now, youngster, if I may be so bold, what's your name?" - -"Paul Palmer." - -"That sounds like a story name." - -"But it's my real name, for all that." - -"Do you expect to make your fortune out there?" - -"I don't know. I hope to find something to do." - -"You're pretty young to be travelin' alone." - -"Yes; I am only sixteen." - -"Have you got money enough to keep you along till you get something to -do?" - -"I think I can get along." - -"If you get into any trouble, just call on Jim Scott--that's me--and -I'll see you through." - -"Mr. Scott, I am very much obliged to you for such a kind offer to a -stranger." - -"_Mr._ Scott? Oh, you mean me! I'd rather you'd call me Jim--it comes -more natural." - -"Then I say, thank you, Jim," said Paul, offering his hand. - -"That's all right," said Mr. Scott, in a tone of satisfaction. "Now -come round to the hotel, and I'll put you up to a wrinkle or two, and -we'll talk over our trip to Custer City." - -"Then you are going, too?" - -"Yes, if you don't mind my company." - -"I shall be glad to have the benefit of your experience." - -Paul knew that it behooved him to avoid sudden acquaintanceships, but -there was something in Mr. Scott's manner, rough as his appearance was, -that inspired confidence. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -CHEYENNE. - - -Paul looked about him with eager curiosity, for he had all a youth's -keen zest in visiting unknown places. He saw one long street, of -unusual width, lined with an indiscriminate variety of buildings from -one-story saloons and offices to two and three-story buildings. - -The Inter-Ocean Hotel, in front of which his guide halted, was a fine -brick structure of three stories, which seemed hardly at home in the -loosely built town, which had sprung up as if by magic on the prairies. - -"This is where I put up," said Mr. Scott. - -"I'll take a room here, if they can give me one." - -"I'll see that you have one. They know me--Jim Scott--and they'd make -room if they hadn't one. Do you know what they used to call this -settlement?" - -"No." - -"'Hell on Wheels' was the name they give it in early days." - -"Was that to invite settlers?" asked Paul, laughing. - -"I expect it was because it was about the roughest, most lawless place -between Omaha and Frisco. Why the principal occupation of the first -settlers was gamblin', drinkin' rot-gut whisky, and shootin'. There -wasn't a day passed hardly but some chap was found lyin' in the street -with a hole in his head or a bullet in his heart. I tell you them was -rough times." - -"I hope things have changed," said Paul, by no means prepossessed in -favor of Cheyenne by what he had heard. "If they haven't, I don't think -I shall stay here long." - -"Oh, yes, it's settled down, so that life is pretty safe. They had to -raise a vigilance committee to set things straight like they did in -Frisco. It's all right now." - -"I am glad to hear it." - -Meanwhile they had entered the hotel, and Paul succeeded in securing a -room adjoining that of Mr. Scott, or Jim Scott, as he insisted on being -called. - -After he had washed and changed his clothing, he sat down to a -substantial meal, which he enjoyed with the hearty appetite of youth. -Then Mr. Scott invited him to take a walk about the town. - -"I say, youngster, have you got a father and mother?" - -"My father is dead, but I have a mother and sister living." - -"And what did your mother say to your comin' out here?" - -"She was willing, knowing that I had my own way to make." - -"I haven't chick or child myself. I had a wife once, but she died -twenty years ago. Now I've got money, but sometimes I feel lonely." - -"It isn't too late for you to marry again, Mr. Scott." - -"Mr. Scott?" - -"I mean Jim." - -"Maybe you're right, but there ain't many women would hitch on to me -except for my money, and I'm better without such. I say, youngster, do -you mind my keepin' company with you while you stay in these parts?" - -"Certainly not, Jim. I shall feel fortunate in having one with me who -knows so much more about the country than I." - -"That's all right, then. When do you want to start for Custer City?" - -"To-morrow, if there is a chance." - -"Then I'll get ready, too." - -"What is the distance?" - -"Two hundred and fifty miles, and pretty long miles, some of 'em." - -"Do we travel by stage?" - -"Yes. One has been put on lately. When I went first, I traveled by -wagon, and was a week on the road, maybe ten days. Now, if you travel -at night, we can reach Custer City in forty-eight hours or thereabouts." - -"I suppose the road is a lonely one?" - -"You may say that. As far as Fort Laramie it is pretty well settled. -There is a ranch about every twelve miles." - -"Do you call that well settled?" - -"Well," said Jim, "we call it so out here." - -"I shouldn't think people would feel crowded, living at such distances." - -"We like plenty of room, you see, Paul." - -The next morning Paul and his new friend started for Custer City, -and in due time arrived at the Black Hills metropolis without any -adventures that need recording. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -MAJOR ASHTON IN A QUANDARY. - - -We must now leave our hero for a time and return to Chicago, to look -after some of the other characters whom we have introduced in our story. - -Major Ashton, after a late breakfast, sat in a handsome apartment, -with several letters before him. These he had examined without much -apparent satisfaction. Finally he threw down the last with a gesture of -impatience. - -"They all sing the same tune," he said, irritably. "They are all poor -trades-people, who want money. Here's my tailor, who ventures to hope I -will call round and settle his little bill--two hundred and seventeen -dollars!--as he is in great want of money. What business has the rascal -to want money? I dare say he has a plentiful bank account, made by -fleecing customers like myself. Then there's Jones, the boot-maker, -wants me to pay up his bill of sixty-five dollars for boots and shoes. -I can't remember having all the things he charges for. I dare say the -rogue has charged for what I never had. Then here's my landlady has -left on my table a bill for the last two months' board, at the rate of -thirty-five dollars a week. Really, it looks as if all my creditors had -combined to annoy me on this particular evening. - -"The worst of it is," continued the major, after a slight pause, "I -don't see any way out of the difficulty. I haven't even money enough -to pay my way in a cheap boarding-house. If I should descend to such -degradation, farewell to all my social position. Managing mammas would -no more angle for me, and even Miss Framley would turn up her plebeian -pug nose at me, though it would seem as if nature had saved her the -necessity. At present she is trying in desperate earnest to catch me." - -The major was not misled by vanity. Miss Framley knew very well that -the major was regarded as a great catch, and that a match with him -would give her a distinguished position in society. Moreover, she was -under the mistaken impression that he was wealthy. The mistake was a -natural one. The major was always arrayed with irreproachable elegance, -wore expensive jewelry, was known to live handsomely, and indeed to -possess all the outward marks of prosperity. She would gladly have -embraced the opportunity to become Mrs. Major Ashton. - -At one time the major thought of giving her the opportunity. He knew -that Framley _pere_ was rich, and that Miss Framley had fifty thousand -dollars in her own right. How far this money would be at the command of -her husband was an important question. - -Miss Framley forever spoiled her chances one day, when she incautiously -expressed the determination to have her fortune settled on herself. She -was not speaking to the major, but he overheard her. - -"Forewarned is forearmed," he said to himself. "Miss Framley is a pill -which must be sugar-coated to be taken, or, as I may say, well gilded. -If the girl expects to make a good match on the score of her own -personal attractions, she makes an egregious mistake. No, young lady, I -must have your money paid over, or secured to me on the wedding-day, or -your name can never be Mrs. Ashton." - -Of course, while there seemed a chance of securing Grace Dearborn, -the major never gave a thought to Miss Framley, but Grace's manner at -the ball convinced him that to cherish further hopes in that quarter -would be a mere waste of time. He could never hope to marry her, except -against her will, and was compelled to leave her out of the account. -For Grace, it must be owned, he cherished as warm an affection as he -was capable of feeling for any one, and he would have married her even -with the proviso that all her wealth should be settled on herself. He -was, at all events, a man of taste, and he understood very well the -difference between Grace and Miss Framley. - -His affairs now had reached a point when it seemed necessary to take -some step to relieve himself from the claims of creditors, who were -daily becoming more clamorous. In his perplexity, one door of relief -seemed to open to him. His brow cleared, he brought down his hand upon -the table, and exclaimed: - -"Now I see my way clear. It won't be so great a sacrifice after all. If -I can't be Grace's husband, I will be her uncle." - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -WOOING THE WIDOW. - - -Mrs. Sheldon was sitting in her morning-room when a servant appeared -and announced that Major Ashton was in the parlor. - -"Major Ashton!" repeated the widow. "Did you tell him Miss Grace was -out?" - -"Yes'm; but he said it was of no consequence; he wanted to see you." - -"I suppose he wants to inquire about his chances with Grace," thought -Mrs. Sheldon. "I am sorry I can't give him any encouragement. I never -knew Grace more prejudiced against a man than she is against the major. -Tell him I will come down at once." This last to the servant. - -Major Ashton, as already foreshadowed, had changed his plan of -campaign--or, rather, he had changed the object of his campaign. -Knowing that he could not secure the niece, he had come to lay siege to -the aunt. He felt fortunate in having hit a time when Miss Dearborn was -out. - -It was rather a delicate matter to make such a sudden change, and -required a good deal of tact; but Major Ashton had considerable -confidence in his ability to make the transfer without exciting -suspicion. He looked about the room in which he was seated, and -surveyed with satisfaction the signs everywhere of opulence in the -owner. - -"What matter if the widow is fifteen years my senior?" he said to -himself. "I am not going to marry her out of sentiment, but for solid -pecuniary reasons. The older she is, the more chance there is of her -leaving me my freedom with her fortune before I am an old man." - -His reflections were interrupted by the entrance of Mrs. Sheldon, who -advanced to meet him with a gracious smile. - -"I am glad to see you, major," she said. - -"Thank you, Mrs. Sheldon," he replied, in a tone and with an -_empressement_ new to him and to her. - -"Poor fellow! he is in trouble," she thought, not suspecting his change -of front. "He wants my assistance." - -"Grace is not at home," she said, supposing this information would -interest him. - -"Indeed!" he returned, with languid indifference. "Out shopping, I -suppose?" - -"Really, major, you don't show much interest in the subject. But then -that's the way with you men. You are all of you fickle and faithless." - -"No, Mrs. Sheldon; you do me injustice--I am the soul of fidelity. But -you know as well as I do that Miss Dearborn will have nothing to say to -me." - -"'Faint heart ne'er won fair lady,' major." - -"I will answer in the old couplet: - - "'If she be not fair to me, - What care I how fair she be?'" - -"Does that mean that you have quite abandoned the field?" asked Mrs. -Sheldon, in some surprise. - -"So far as Miss Dearborn is concerned--yes." - -"And you don't consider yourself fickle?" - -"No. The fact is, my dear Mrs. Sheldon, I can't go on loving one who -doesn't care a rap for me. I could have loved your niece to the end of -my life if she had reciprocated my affection; but as she does not, I -shall quietly resign her." - -"You are sure you won't break your heart, major?" said the widow, -laughing. - -"Do I look like it?" - -"Well, no; I can't say you do." - -"I have not even sworn never to marry," continued Major Ashton. - -"Perhaps you have already made a second choice?" - -"I have." - -"And you have come to tell me of it? How delightful!" - -"I wish I could be sure you would say that after hearing the name of -that choice." - -"Perhaps I may. Who is it?" - -"Now for it!" thought the major. "Now to test the value of soft sawder!" - -He drew his chair nearer that of Mrs. Sheldon, and began to speak. - -"In paying my attention to Miss Dearborn," he said, "I had an -opportunity of becoming acquainted with the attractive qualities of -another. I was not conscious of the interest which that other excited -in me till my heart, thrown back upon itself in its loneliness, sought -another object for its affection. Do you understand?" - -"I don't think I do," murmured Mrs. Sheldon. "Please be more explicit." - -"I will. Mrs. Sheldon, I am a man of few words, and you may think me -abrupt. Will you deign to accept that which your niece has rejected? -Will you be my wife?" - -Mrs. Sheldon had not dreamed of marrying again, but she was a woman, -and accessible to flattery. She admired the major; she knew that he was -considered a catch, and though she did not love him, she reflected with -exultation that it would be a great triumph for her to carry off the -prize for which so many had sought. - -"You surprise me very much, Major Ashton," she said. "I did not dream -of this." - -"But it is not disagreeable to you, let me hope?" - -"I am of course flattered by your preference, but I am as old as the -hills. Are you aware, Major Ashton, that I shall soon be forty-one?" - -"She's fifty-one if she's a day!" thought the enamored lover; and he -was right. - -"You are at the meridian of your beauty, dear Mrs. Sheldon," he said, -taking her unresisting hand. - -"I am older than you." - -"Not much. I am thirty-eight." - -He was really thirty-five. - -"There are but three years between us," he resumed. "Shall three years -separate us?" - -"You do not look thirty-eight." - -"Nor you forty-one," returned Major Ashton. - -"Heaven forgive me for the lie!" he said, _sotto voce_. - -"What would Grace--what would the world say?" asked the widow, coyly. - -"Why need we care what either will say? Possibly Miss Dearborn may -regret her decision, but it will be too late. I would not resign you -now for her." - -"Are you sincere in this, major?" asked Mrs. Sheldon, with gratified -vanity. - -"Shall I swear it, my dear one?" - -"No; I will believe you, though it seems strange to me that you should -prefer me to one so young and fair." - -"At my age, dear Mrs. Sheldon, a man wants a home presided over by -a fond and faithful wife, who will not have her head turned by the -frivolities of fashion, but will live for her husband. I do not think I -am mistaken in thinking that you will make me such a wife." - -"I hope I may, dear major." - -"Then you grant my suit?" - -"Can you not give me a week?" asked the widow, thinking it best not to -grasp at the offer too eagerly. - -"I could, but I would rather not. Can you not end my suspense to-day? -We have no one to consult. We can decide for ourselves. Why need we -delay?" - -"Well, major, if you insist upon it, I must say yes," said the widow, -"though I fear we are both acting foolishly." - -"I am not, at any rate," said the major; and he was doubtless right, -for the object of his devotion was worth at least a quarter of a -million, while he was harassed by creditors whom he could not satisfy. - -Of what followed it is needless to speak. Half an hour later Major -Ashton left the house, successful and complacent. Henceforth he -would find his path clear. He had only to whisper the secret of his -engagement to appease even his most troublesome creditors. The husband -of the wealthy Mrs. Sheldon would be quite a different person from the -impecunious Major Ashton. - -When Grace Dearborn returned, she found a new look on her aunt's -face--a look of mingled complacence and confusion--for which she could -not account. - -"Has anything happened, Aunt Caroline?" she asked. - -"Not that I am aware of. Major Ashton has been here." - -"Then I am glad I was absent," said Grace, hastily. - -"He would not have troubled you," said Mrs. Sheldon. "He is not very -likely to renew his suit." - -"I am glad to hear that," said Grace, somewhat surprised, nevertheless. - -"Indeed he is engaged to be married to--another." - -"That's news, indeed. Who is it, Aunt Caroline?" asked Grace, with -genuine curiosity. - -"I hardly know how to tell you," said the widow, in a tone which gave -Grace an inkling of the truth, amazing as it was. - -"Perhaps he is going to marry you," she said. - -"You have guessed it, Grace," said the widow, in graceful confusion. - -There was a dead silence. - -"Don't you congratulate me?" she asked, somewhat irritably. - -"My dear aunt, I hope you will be happy; but it seems so--strange," -Grace replied. - -"I don't know why it should be so strange." - -"At any rate, Aunt Caroline, I hope it may be for your happiness;" and -Grace, kissing her aunt hurriedly, left the room. - -"Grace is jealous," thought Mrs. Sheldon, smiling a little to herself. -"She begins to value him now that she has lost him." - -It is hardly necessary to say that she was entirely mistaken. It was -evident to Grace why the major had sought her aunt in marriage, and she -felt that his motives were wholly mercenary. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -PAUL SELLS THE MINE. - - -After a fatiguing trip Paul and his eccentric acquaintance reached -Custer City. It was a rough journey, but Paul enjoyed it, and he was -equally entertained and instructed by the comments of his traveling -companion, who on his part formed a special liking for Paul. - -"Did you say you owned a hotel in Custer City, Mr. Scott?" asked Paul, -when they were near the end of the journey. - -"Jim Scott owns such a hotel," answered Mr. Scott, significantly. - -"Beg pardon, I mean Jim. If the price isn't high, I will stop there." - -"The price is high and the accommodations very or'nary," said Scott, -frankly, "but the price to you won't be anything. You'll be there as my -company." - -"Oh, but Jim, you won't make any money if you act so generously; but I -thank you all the same." - -"I don't want to make any money out of you, youngster." - -"I haven't done anything to deserve such kindness, Jim." - -"Then we'll say you haven't. Look here, youngster, old Jim's been -prospered, and he's got no one to spend his money on. It won't hurt him -to give you free board, and he's goin' to do it." - -Paul grasped the rough hand of his new friend, and frankly accepted the -offer, which acceptance Jim appeared to regard as a personal favor. - -He was installed in a tolerably comfortable room in the Black Hills -Hotel--as comfortable, at any rate, as the hotel, which was a -rough-looking structure, afforded, and soon made himself at home. - -Of course, curiosity soon induced him to roam about the town. It was -composed of extemporaneous structures, for the town was as yet in its -infancy, and built somewhat on the plan of Cheyenne, and other towns -which he had seen along the Union Pacific road. The town lots had -been staked out sixty by one hundred and fifty feet in size, and the -principal street, which had been named after General Crook, was two -hundred feet wide. Other streets were a hundred and fifty feet wide. -The "city" was certainly of mushroom growth, not less than four hundred -buildings having been erected in a single month. - -To Paul everything seemed new, strange, and delightful. It was a state -of society to which he had not been accustomed, and excited his -curiosity and interest. He found that fashionable attire was not at -all required in Custer City. Men went about dressed like day laborers -of the humblest sort, who at home had been accustomed to the comforts -and refinements of life. Everything was free and unconventional, and so -everybody felt thoroughly independent. - -Some of the leading citizens lived in Jim Scott's hotel, which was -pretty well filled. - -Occupying a room just opposite Paul's was a small, elderly man, with -stiff, gray hair, a wizened face, and crafty eyes. - -"Who is my opposite neighbor, Jim?" asked Paul, with some curiosity. - -"Oh, that's old Fox--Simeon Fox." - -Paul pricked up his ears. He remembered that Mr. Bradford's partner -in the Blackstone mine bore the name of Fox. If this was the man, he -didn't doubt from his looks that he was capable of outwitting and -swindling his employer. He didn't think it politic, however, just at -present to show any particular interest in the man. - -"What is his business?" inquired Paul, in an indifferent tone. - -"He is part owner of one of our best mines." - -"What is the name of the mine?" - -"The Blackstone mine." - -"You say he is part owner; who is the partner?" - -"Some rich man in Chicago. Ten to one old Simeon will fleece him." - -"I suppose such a mine as that is worth considerable money." - -"Oh, yes." - -"About how much?" - -"Why, youngster, you don't want to buy into it, do you?" - -"Not in the present state of my finances," answered Paul, laughing. - -"Oh, well, I'd give thirty thousand dollars myself for the Blackstone -mine." - -Thirty thousand dollars! That would make fifteen thousand dollars for a -half interest, and Simeon Fox had tried to induce Mr. Bradford to sell -his half for two thousand dollars! This was an obvious swindle. - -"Would Mr. Fox sell out for that sum, do you think?" asked Paul. - -"It's likely he wouldn't. He's making too much money out of it. But, -youngster, you seem particularly interested in the mine." - -"I am," answered Paul, quietly. - -He had rapidly decided that it would be for his interest to reveal to -Jim Scott his real business at Custer City. - -"Well, that's strange! What can it be to you?" - -"Jim, can you keep a secret?" - -"Can I? I reckon!" - -"Then I will tell you one. I am sent out here by Mr. Bradford, of -Chicago, Simeon Fox's partner." - -Scott whistled, and looked at Paul in evident amazement. - -"He must have great confidence in you, youngster, to send out a boy of -your age." - -"I think he has," answered Paul, with pardonable pride. "Now, I want to -know if you will help me?" - -In answer Mr. Scott put his hard and horny hand into the boy's, and -said: - -"You can depend on Jim Scott every time." - -"Then I'll tell you how the case stands. This Fox is continually -sending on discouraging accounts about the mine to Mr. Bradford, and he -lately offered him two thousand dollars for his half." - -"The mean cuss! I beg your pardon, that ain't the word I meant to use, -but maybe its the best." - -"He thought Mr. Bradford would get discouraged, and sell out without -taking any trouble to verify his statement." - -"I see." - -"But he suspected there was a conspiracy to cheat him, and he sent me -out with full power to act for him." - -"That's a good 'un! And old Fox doesn't know of your bein' here." - -"He has no idea that Mr. Bradford has sent a messenger." - -"I shall be glad to see the old rascal taken in." - -"Mr. Bradford gave five thousand dollars for his half of the mine." - -"And it was a good bargain at that price. But he never ought to have -taken Simeon Fox as a partner." - -"What would you advise me to do, Jim?" - -"You might take old Fox at his word, and buy his half for two thousand -dollars." - -"Then the swindle would be on our side." - -"No, because he proposed the trade." - -"Mr. Bradford is a rich man, and though he wants justice in the matter, -he does not care to take any advantage." - -"Then, Paul, I'll tell you what you'd better do." - -"What, Jim?" - -"Have you full authority to act for Mr. Bradford?" - -"Yes, as I can show you." - -"I'll take your word for it. Sell to me." - -"Are you willing to buy?" - -"Yes, if you'll give me a good bargain?" - -"What would you consider a good bargain, Jim?" - -"I'll pay you twelve thousand dollars for the share you have to sell, -money down, or my draft on Chicago." - -"Will it be worth that to you?" - -"It will be worth more or I wouldn't buy, but it isn't worth that to -your principal, for he can't be here to look after old Fox with his -tricks." - -"He may try some of them on you, Jim." - -"I'll risk it. He'll find I get up in the morning as early as he does. -To be plain with you, Paul, I'll make him an offer, give or take, and -either way I shall make money. If the whole mine is in my hands I can -make it pay." - -"Very well, Jim. I am ready to accept your offer." - -"I didn't much think," said Scott, laughing, "when I came across you in -Cheyenne, that I should buy a mine of you." - -"You didn't think I carried one about with me?" said Paul, laughing. - -"I sha'n't let Simeon know about our bargain just yet. I want you to -have a talk with him, and see what the old rascal has to say." - -[Illustration: Paul approached the old man, and said, politely: "I -believe I am speaking to Mr. Fox."] - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVII. - -DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND. - - -In accordance with Jim Scott's wish, and also because he desired to -have a better idea of Simeon Fox, Paul took a walk one morning out to -the Blackstone mine. - -All seemed activity, and, under the personal direction of Mr. Fox, the -work was proceeding well. - -After a few minutes spent in looking about him, Paul approached the old -man, and said, politely: - -"I believe I am speaking to Mr. Fox?" - -"Yes, that's my name," said the other, fixing his small, round eyes -searchingly on our young hero. - -"You are manager of the Blackstone mine?" - -"Yes; but I have no work to give out," answered the old man, -brusquely--"got all I want." - -Paul smiled. - -"I think you make a mistake," he replied. "I am not looking for work." - -"Then if you have no business with me, I can't stand here wasting my -time." - -"I have business with you, Mr. Fox. In fact, I have come to Custer City -on purpose to see you." - -"I can't waste my time with boys," said Simeon Fox, rudely. - -"I come from Chicago," said Paul, composedly. - -The old man looked at him sharply. - -"What's your name?" he asked. - -"Paul Palmer." - -"How old are you?" - -"Sixteen." - -"Then you'd better wait till you grow a little older before you take up -the time of a business man." - -"I come from Mr. Bradford," continued Paul. - -"Eh?" ejaculated Simeon Fox, astonished. - -"Mr. Bradford, who owns one-half of the Blackstone mine, has sent me -out here to look after his interests." - -"Then Mr. Bradford must be a fool to employ a whipper-snapper like you." - -"That remains to be seen. At any rate, I have come out here with full -powers to act for him in any way I see fit." - -"Do you expect me to believe all that, youngster?" demanded Fox, -surveying our hero disdainfully. - -"Please read that," said Paul, drawing out a paper which conferred upon -him the power he claimed. - -"Well," answered Simeon Fox, "it strikes me there must be a great -scarcity of business men in Chicago, when my partner is obliged to -send out a half-grown boy like you." - -"That doesn't alter the fact that I represent Mr. Bradford, does it?" - -"No," answered the old man, slowly. - -He was thinking to himself: - -"It will be easy to hoodwink this boy. He is inexperienced, and will -swallow all I say." - -"Well," he said, aloud, with a change of manner, "that's my partner's -affair, not mine. Now, young man, what have you to say to me?" - -"How is the mine doing, Mr. Fox?" - -Simeon Fox screwed up his face into a doleful expression, and shook his -head. - -"Badly," he answered. - -"Doesn't it come up to your expectations?" - -"No. You can tell Mr. Bradford that we were badly taken in when we -bought it." - -"You paid ten thousand dollars, Mr. Bradford tells me." - -"Yes; and half the money is thrown away." - -"You don't consider it worth what was paid, then?" - -Simeon Fox shook his head. - -"We shall never get our money back." - -"Will you give five thousand dollars for Mr. Bradford's share in the -mine?" - -"Young man, do you take me for a fool?" demanded Fox, with seeming -indignation. - -"Quite the contrary, Mr. Fox," answered Paul, smiling. - -"Then why do you ask me such ridiculous questions?" - -"I was merely trying to get your idea of the value of the mine." - -"Well, now you know it." - -"You think it is not worth ten thousand dollars?" - -"No!" answered Mr. Fox, with emphasis. - -"Then," continued Paul, "you will have no hesitation in accepting the -offer I am about to make you." - -"An offer?--you make me?" said the old man, suspiciously. - -"Yes, sir. I offer you, in Mr. Bradford's name, five thousand dollars -for your half of the mine." - -"You offer me--five thousand dollars!" ejaculated Fox, staring at Paul -in surprise and consternation. - -"Exactly so." - -"When I tell you it is too much?" - -"Yes, I am offering you a good bargain." - -"Do you mean to throw away Mr. Bradford's money?" gasped Fox. - -"No; but if Mr. Bradford finds fault with me, I will stand the blame." - -"I don't understand this," said Mr. Fox, nervously. "You are joking -with me." - -"I may joke sometimes, Mr. Fox, but I would not be so disrespectful as -to joke with you in a matter of this kind." - -"Why do you offer me five thousand dollars when I say the property--the -whole property--is not worth that?" demanded Fox, irritably. - -"I don't understand you, Mr. Fox. You admit that I offer you a good -price, and yet you make objection to accepting it." - -"What would Mr. Bradford do with the mine if he bought it? He isn't -coming out here," said Fox, eying Paul searchingly. - -"I should select a man to superintend it." - -"You!" repeated Fox, contemptuously. "What do you know about mines?" - -"I should try to learn something," answered Paul, good-naturedly. - -"I never in all my life heard of such a ridiculous thing as intrusting -such important business to a beardless boy. Why, you haven't even a -mustache." - -"I hope to have one in due time," said Paul, laughing. - -"Well, I can't waste any more time with you," said Fox, crustily, and -he turned away. - -"Stay a moment, Mr. Fox," said Paul. "I have made you a serious offer. -Do you accept it or not?" - -"No!" shouted Fox, angrily. - -"Then all I can say is, you have refused a good offer." - -"A good offer!" shouted Fox. "Why, the mine is worth----" - -Then he stopped short in confusion, for he was about to commit himself -badly. - -Paul finished out his sentence for him. - -"The mine is worth a good deal more than I have offered. That is quite -true, Mr. Fox." - -"I didn't say anything of the kind," snarled Fox. - -"No, but you were going to. And now, Mr. Fox, as I see I can't do any -business with you, I may as well tell you that I have sold out Mr. -Bradford's share of the mine for a satisfactory price, and shall not -have any further occasion to take up your time with business." - -"You have sold Mr. Bradford's share?" ejaculated Fox, in dismay. - -"Yes." - -"To whom?" - -"To Jim Scott." - -"Jim Scott! I won't agree to it," returned Fox, in intense disgust, for -he knew that he could not cheat his new partner. - -"Your permission was not needed," said Paul. "Either of you had a -perfect right to dispose of his share of the property to any one he -pleased." - -"Why didn't you offer it to me?" asked Fox, looking deeply disappointed. - -"To be plain with you, Mr. Fox, because it has been your policy to -depreciate the property. You wouldn't have paid five thousand dollars, -while Scott has paid me more than twice as much." - -"I must see him," muttered Simeon Fox; and he went back to the hotel, -looking as if he had just been invited to his own funeral. - -Two days afterward Jim Scott drew Paul aside. - -"Paul," he said, "I have just sold my share of the mine to Simeon Fox." - -"I hope you didn't lose anything by the trade." - -"I guess not," chuckled Jim. "I made the old sinner pay sixteen -thousand dollars." - -"You don't say so!" - -"He fought hard, but he had to pay it. And now do you know what I am -going to do?" - -"No." - -"I have made four thousand dollars by the trade. I am going to give you -half of it." - -"Oh, Mr. Scott--Jim, I mean!" - -"Yes, Paul. You helped me make the money, and half of it is fairly -yours." - -Two thousand dollars! Paul was not sure whether he was awake or -dreaming, but there flashed upon him all the advantage he would derive -from so large a sum of money, and that he could emancipate his mother -at once from the slavery of the needle, and he clasped Jim's hand in -fervent gratitude. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVIII. - -A SCENE AT OMAHA. - - -Paul had good reason to exult in the success of his mission. He had -certainly done well for his employer, for he had sold out his mining -property at a profit of seven thousand dollars, while as for himself he -had two thousand dollars to show as the recompense of his shrewdness. - -Our hero did not immediately leave Custer City, but looked about him, -as instructed by Mr. Bradford. The result was that he purchased a new -mine, paying three thousand dollars, one thousand being on his own -account, the other two-thirds on behalf of his employer. This he left -in charge of his new friend, Jim Scott, and, when matters had been -fully arranged, started on his way home. - -At Omaha Paul decided to stop over for twenty-four hours, having a -little business to attend to for Mr. Bradford. - -He applied at a hotel for accommodations. - -"I am sorry," said the landlord, "that I can't give you a room by -yourself. I am crowded." - -Paul hesitated, for he didn't like sharing the room of a total stranger. - -"Are the other hotels in the city likely to be full?" he asked. - -"More than likely. Still, you can try." - -However, Paul didn't care to take the time for searching, when there -was such a slight chance of success. - -"Where can you put me?" he asked. - -"In No. 37. There is one gentleman there, who seems quiet; I don't -think he will disturb you." - -"Are there two beds?" - -"Yes." - -"Then I suppose I may as well make it do." - -Paul was accordingly shown up to No. 37. He found that it was what is -called a double room. That is, there were two beds in it. - -"Where is the other gentleman?" he asked. - -"He won't be in till late in the evening," was the reply. - -"Do you happen to remember his name?" Paul inquired. - -"John Davenport." - -"Where does he hail from?" - -"Kansas City." - -"Probably he is all right," thought our hero, "though I don't quite -like the idea of rooming with a complete stranger. Well, I will take -the room." - -It was about the middle of the afternoon. Paul deposited his carpet-bag -in the room, but what articles of value he had he left for safe keeping -in the office of the hotel, as prudent travelers generally do, at any -rate when they find themselves paired off with strangers. - -Deferring his business to the next day, Paul took a walk about the -streets and made himself familiar with the outward appearance of a city -which has become one of the most important on the transcontinental -route. He admired the new high-school building, built on the site of -the old capitol, with its spire rising nearly two hundred feet above -the street, the elegant private dwellings on the hill, and perhaps -more than all, the huge railroad bridge that spans the Missouri River. -Everywhere he marked signs of prosperity and enterprise, and he felt -that it must be inspiring to live where growth is so rapid. - -He used his time well, and went back to the hotel to supper. - -About nine o'clock, feeling fatigued with his journey, he decided to go -up stairs to bed, so as to feel quite refreshed the next day. - -The room was empty, his roommate, Mr. Davenport, of Kansas City, not -having arrived. - -Paul undressed and got into bed. How long he had slept he did not -know, but he woke all at once, and from his bed looked on a sight which -instantly awakened him thoroughly. - -A man was exploring his carpet-bag, which for convenience he had -deposited on the table, in search, no doubt, of valuables. - -"What are you doing there?" demanded Paul, sitting up in bed. - -The man turned suddenly, and revealed to Paul the well known features -of Luke Denton. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIX. - -A THIEF FOILED. - - -Until that moment Denton had not taken the trouble to notice the face -of his roommate. He had only observed that he was a boy. - -The recognition was mutual, and it is hard to tell who was the more -surprised. - -"The train boy, as I'm a sinner!" ejaculated Denton, in amazement. - -"Luke Denton!" ejaculated Paul in turn. - -"How came you here?" asked the man. - -"What are you doing with my carpet-bag?" demanded Paul. - -"Oh, bother!" returned Denton, defiantly. "That's my business!" - -"I should say that it was my business," retorted Paul. - -"Where do you keep your money? I don't find any in the bag." - -"I don't keep any there." - -"Give me your pocket-book quick, youngster. I am hard up, and I must -have money." - -As he spoke he advanced toward the bed. - -"You can't have mine, Mr. Denton," said Paul. "When did you get out of -jail?" - -"Boy, do you want me to kill you?" demanded Denton, fiercely. - -"No, and I sha'n't permit you to rob me either." - -"Listen to me!" said Denton, rapidly. "I am a desperate man, as I have -already told you. I have escaped from prison, but I have used up what -money I had. I must have more. I don't forget that you were the means -of sending me to prison, but if you will give me all the money you have -about you, I will let you go this time." - -"Suppose I refuse?" said Paul. - -"Then I will strangle you first, and rob you afterward," answered Luke -Denton, wickedly. - -As he spoke he moved nearer the bed, but he paused suddenly when Paul -drew a revolver from beneath his pillow, and pointed it at him. - -"Stop there, Mr. Luke Denton," he said, firmly. "I should be very -unwilling to shoot you, but I mean to defend myself. One step nearer -and I fire!" - -"You wouldn't dare do it," said Denton, chafing with disappointment. - -"You'd better not take the risk." - -"I was only joking," said Denton. "I thought I would see if I could -scare you. I'm going to bed." - -"Not in this room." - -"What do you mean?" - -"You don't go to bed in this room," repeated Paul. "This room is mine. -I have a better claim to it than you, for I engaged it first." - -"I do not feel safe in passing the night in your company." - -"That is nothing to me." - -"Listen, Luke Denton. Unless you leave this room at once I will ring -the bell, summon the landlord, and denounce you as an escaped convict." - -Luke Denton was so angry that, had he been armed, he might have fired -at our hero, but his stock of money had been too limited to allow him -to purchase a pistol. - -"Nonsense!" he said. "I will do you no harm." - -"Are you going?" asked Paul, still keeping him covered with his weapon. - -There was no help for it. With a muttered execration Luke Denton -left the room, and Paul, glad to be rid of him, locked the door, and -breathed a sigh of relief. - -It may be well to add here that Denton was not recaptured, but months -afterward was shot in California by a miner whom he had robbed. It -was a sad ending to a life which might have been honorably spent, for -he was a man of excellent abilities and capacity, but preferred the -hazardous career of a thief to the more prosaic paths of industry and -honesty. - -Next day Paul purchased a ticket for Chicago. - -As he stood at the depot waiting for his train his attention was drawn -to the pale and sorrowful face of a woman who had just inquired the -price of a ticket to Chicago, and, as if it were beyond her means, -turned away with a deep sigh. - -"Are you in trouble, madam?" he asked. - -"Yes," she answered. "It is important for me to go to Chicago, but I -have not money enough within five dollars." - -"I will advance the money," said Paul, stirred with pity. - -"God bless you, young man!" exclaimed the lady, fervently. "You don't -know how important it is for me to make this journey." - - - - -CHAPTER XL. - -THE LADY'S SECRET. - - -With great politeness Paul selected a seat for the lady, took charge -of her traveling-bag, and then, without betraying the least curiosity, -took a seat in front of her. - -"You are taking a great deal of trouble for me," she said, gratefully. - -"No trouble at all," said Paul, cheerfully. - -"That shows you have a kind heart. Have you a mother?" - -"Yes, madam;" and Paul's face brightened as he thought how soon he -should see her. He had not got weaned from his home and his mother, -though he had reached the age at which many boys consider themselves -entitled to do it. - -"God grant she may long be spared to you!" said the lady. - -"Perhaps you have a son?" said Paul, kindly. - -"No; but if I had, I could wish he were such as you." - -"Thank you." - -"Dutiful and affectionate to his mother, as I am sure you are, and kind -and obliging even to strangers, as you have been to me." - -"I am afraid you have been unfortunate, madam," said Paul, respectfully. - -"Yes, I have met with sorrow. I will make you my confidant, since your -kindness entitles you to my confidence." - -"Do not think it necessary to speak of your troubles if it will give -you pain," said our hero. - -"It will bring me relief to speak to some one who will sympathize with -me." - -Paul could not interpose further objection. Moreover, he was not -without curiosity, and was desirous of learning in what way his new -friend had suffered. - -"Eight years since," she commenced, "in the city of San Francisco, I -met a gentleman who seemed struck with my appearance. At all events, he -paid me marked attention, and it was not long before he asked my hand -in marriage. I must premise that my father was considered rich, and -I myself had a fortune of fifty thousand dollars at my own disposal. -It had been bequeathed me by a sister of my mother. I forgot too late -that it was the knowledge of this fact that had attracted my suitor, -and that he was quite indifferent to me. However, I suspected nothing -at the time. My lover, for he persuaded me that he was such, was not -lacking in devotion. Moreover, he had agreeable manners, and was well -calculated by his smooth plausibility to deceive any one, certainly an -inexperienced girl like myself. - -"Well, to cut matters short, his suit was accepted. Not only did I -favor him, but my father and mother were both well pleased with the -match. We made a brief journey as far as Los Angeles, and on our return -purchased a pleasant house on California street. - -"Though my money was at my own disposal, I could not long resist the -entreaties of my husband to give him the management of it. He professed -to know how to invest it so as to double it in a year's time. On the -strength of expected gains he lived in more expensive style than I -thought prudent, and wasted more than I can guess at the gaming-table. -At any rate, in less than two years the property was gone, and my -father was obliged to come to our help. - -"Now that I had nothing left, my husband began to treat me with cruel -neglect. I feared even that he would raise his hand against me, and -such was my misery that I hardly knew whether I was relieved or -otherwise when one morning I found my husband missing, and a letter of -farewell on my bureau, stating that I should never again see him." - -"Have you never seen him since?" asked Paul, with interest. - -"Never; but I have known for some time that he was in Chicago." - -"And you wish to rejoin him?" - -"No, but to foil him in his wicked plans. I learned, four days since, -that he was about to marry an estimable lady in Chicago, wholly -forgetful of the wife he had deserted. I felt that there was no time -to lose. As I knew my father would not consent to my journeying alone -on such an errand, I departed from San Francisco secretly, and, as it -proved, with insufficient money. You came to my assistance, and I shall -take care that you do not lose by it." - -"I have no anxiety on that point," said Paul. - -"But I do not wish you to suffer for your kindness. You can do me still -another favor." - -"What is that?" - -"When we reach Chicago I do not wish to go to a hotel. If your mother -will allow me to stay with her temporarily, I shall feel much indebted -to her and to you." - -"My mother lives in a very plain--indeed, in an humble style." - -"As if I cared for that. I know she is good, since she has a good son." - -Paul saw no objection, and, on reaching Chicago, took the lady at once -to his mother's lodgings. - - - - -CHAPTER XLI. - -MAJOR ASHTON'S ENGAGEMENT. - - -The announcement that her aunt had agreed to marry Major Ashton was -intensely disagreeable to Grace Dearborn. She knew, if her aunt did -not, that he was simply a mercenary adventurer, who, failing to secure -her hand and fortune, was now scheming for her aunt's larger fortune, -and willing to take her hand with it, in spite of the disparity in -their years. - -"My dear aunt," she said, "I hope you will consider well the step you -propose to take." - -"Why should I need to consider?" asked Mrs. Sheldon, somewhat -displeased. "I have known the major for a considerable time, and I know -the estimation in which he is held in Chicago." - -"I do not think he is an honorable, reliable man." - -"Oh, I understand very well why you are prejudiced against him, Grace," -said her aunt, sharply. - -"And why, Aunt Caroline?" - -"Because he was a suitor of yours, and you are mortified to think he -should accept your rejection as final, and so soon pay his attentions -in another quarter." - -"My dear aunt," said Grace, earnestly, "you were never more mistaken. I -feel no interest in him or his marriage, save as it affects you." - -Mrs. Sheldon was inwardly sensible that she was acting foolishly, -and this made her only the more indisposed to listen to her niece's -remonstrances. - -"What objections can you possibly think of, Grace? Perhaps you do not -think well of second marriages." - -"It is not that, Aunt Caroline. I think second marriages are often -wise." - -"And why not in this case?" demanded Mrs. Sheldon, coldly. - -"You are aware, Aunt Caroline, that you are considerably older than -Major Ashton." - -"Not so very much older. Major Ashton tells me he is thirty-eight." - -"He does not look that. But even then you----" - -"Are a _little_ older," admitted the widow, wondering whether Grace -knew her real age. At any rate, she knew it would be of no use to call -herself forty, as her niece had something like a correct idea of how -much she exceeded that age. "However," she added, quickly steering away -from a topic which was not acceptable, "that is Major Ashton's affair. -I myself made that objection, and mentioned my age, but he said, like -a true gentleman as he is, that it was unimportant in comparison with -the similarity of our tastes." - -"I had not supposed that you and Major Ashton were so similar in your -tastes," said Grace, puzzled. - -"Because you have never understood or appreciated the major, Grace," -returned her aunt. - -"Then you are quite decided upon this marriage, Aunt Caroline?" said -Grace, wistfully. - -"Quite so, Grace." - -"Then I can only hope, Aunt Caroline, that it will meet your wishes and -expectations." - -"I am willing to run the risk, Grace," said her aunt, complacently. - -As Grace left the room Mrs. Sheldon said to herself: - -"I expected Grace would feel disturbed. She may say what she likes, but -it is clear to me that she is jealous and mortified that the major has -so soon recovered from her rejection of him." - - - - -CHAPTER XLII. - -A REVELATION. - - -Grace felt that her aunt's strange resolution to marry was likely -to affect her seriously. Hitherto she had formed one of her aunt's -household, and bearing a part of the expenses, had lived under her -aunt's protection. She felt that should her aunt marry Major Ashton -this arrangement must be broken up. She was not willing to live under -the same roof with Major Ashton, with that gentleman holding toward her -the embarrassing relation of uncle. Nothing could be further from the -truth than her aunt's hypothesis that Grace was suffering from jealousy -and mortified pride. So far from it, she felt an active dislike for the -major, and regarded him with contempt as an unscrupulous fortune hunter. - -When the question of her own future came up before her, she was -perplexed, and with reason. Save Mrs. Sheldon, she had no near -relatives, and she did not feel inclined to set up an independent -establishment for herself, and live alone--that is, until she should -marry. At present there was no prospect of marriage. Of suitors who -had offered themselves there was no lack, but on none of them did she -for a moment seriously think. So far as they were concerned she was -heart-whole. Had she never met one to whom she could fancy herself -happily united? If so, she had not admitted it even to herself. - -On the day after the conversation with her aunt, she was sitting idly -at her desk, her mind occupied by the embarrassments of her position, -when the servant entered the room. - -"Miss Grace," she said, "there is a lady in the parlor who wishes to -see you." - -"A lady? Who is it? Did she give you her card?" - -"No, Miss Grace." - -"Did you ever see her before?" - -"She has never been here before. I think, Miss Grace," added the girl, -hesitating, "that it is some one in trouble." - -"What makes you think so, Jane?" - -"Because she looks so sad." - -"Does she seem like a poor woman?" - -"She was dressed very respectably," answered Jane, who appeared to be -in doubt how to answer the question. - -"Tell her I will be down directly," said Grace, who could not find it -in her heart to refuse a person in trouble, though she suspected there -would be an appeal for money. As she was known to be an heiress, such -applications were of very common occurrence. - -Five minutes later Grace entered the drawing-room. - -Seated on the sofa was a woman, dressed in sober tints, and apparently -rather past middle life. - -She rose as Grace entered, but in the imperfect light the young lady -did not recognize her. - -"Miss Dearborn, you do not remember me?" she said. - -"I cannot at this moment recall you," was the answer. - -"I am Mrs. Vernon." - -"The artist's mother," said Grace, quickly. - -"The same." - -"I hope all is well with you--and him! You look sad." - -"I have reason to be, Miss Dearborn. My poor son is very sick. I do not -know if he will live." - -Grace could not account for the effect of these words, or for the -thrill of emotion which agitated her, for she had not read the secret -of her own heart. - -"How long has this been?" she asked, hurriedly. - -"For a week only. Frederic seems to be suffering from a slow fever, and -the physician tells me that the chief difficulty in the way of recovery -is the mental depression which weighs him down." - -"Has he not been prospering? Is he in pecuniary trouble?" - -"No; he has been unusually prosperous, and has on hand more orders than -he could attend to if he were in health." - -"Have you any knowledge of any other cause for his depression?" - -"Yes, Miss Dearborn; I know it only too well. It is for this I came -here to see you." - -"Name it. If there is anything I can do----" - -"Don't promise too hastily. You may be offended if I tell you my poor -boy's secret." - -"No, no," answered Grace; but her agitation showed that she began to -suspect. - -"Plainly then, my dear young lady, he is madly, hopelessly in love with -you." - -Grace half-rose from her seat, while her expressive face showed a -variety of contending emotions. - -"Do not be angry," implored Mrs. Vernon. "The poor boy cannot help it. -He never would have dared speak to you, nor would he have allowed me to -come to you had he known my intention." - -"May you not be mistaken?" asked Grace, in a low voice. - -"No; he has spoken to me more than once about his love, and in his -delirium your name has been constantly upon his lips." - -Grace was deeply moved. - -"I did not dream of this," she said; "it distresses me." - -"I knew you would sympathize with us," said the poor mother. - -"I should like to do more. Tell me--what can I do for you both?" - -"I was about to tell you. Are you willing to call on my poor boy, to -let him see you once more? A few kind words would do him much good, and -perhaps turn the scales in his favor." - -"I will go--I will go at once, if you wish me." - -"How kind you are! No wonder my poor boy loves you. Oh, Miss Dearborn, -I wish you were poor like ourselves, so that Frederic might have some -hope of gaining your hand. I know of course it is useless. He is a poor -artist--you a rich heiress, and a favorite in society." - -Grace did not reply, but speedily made herself ready and accompanied -Mrs. Vernon to her lodgings. - -They were modest, but no longer humble. As the young artist prospered -he took care to remove his mother from the poor home which they had -been forced to occupy, and were at present in neat apartments, in a -respectable part of the city. - -"I will go in and prepare him," said the mother. - -[Illustration: "I am sorry to see you so ill, Mr. Vernon," said Grace.] - -Grace remained waiting in the outer room till, summoned by Mrs. Vernon, -she entered the sick-chamber. - -The artist was reclining on the bed, his face thinned, and his eyes -unnaturally bright with fever. Over his wasted face there came a look -of glad rapture as he saw the one he loved enter the room. - -"Grace--Miss Dearborn!" he cried. "This is, indeed, kind. Mother, you -did not tell me who had come to see me." - -"No; I wished to surprise you, my boy." - -"It is a glad surprise," he murmured. - -"I am so sorry to see you so ill, Mr. Vernon," said Grace, approaching, -with a look of pity on her face. "Why did I not know before that you -were ill?" - -"I did not know that you would care--much," he said, slowly. - -"I do care much; I look upon you as a valued friend." - -His eyes fell as he heard these words. Yes, she looked upon him as a -friend; but with that he felt he never could be content. - -"Thank you," he said; "you were always kind." After a pause, he said: - -"Miss Dearborn, I am afraid you would no longer be kind if you knew -all." - -"I am sure there is nothing that would change my good opinion of you." - -"Ah! but there may be. If you knew how presumptuous I have been! I -have a great mind to tell you, if you will first promise me your -forgiveness." - -"I promise it!" said Grace, in a low voice. - -"Then, Miss Dearborn, Grace, forgetting the difference between us, -forgetting that you were a rich and brilliant heiress, and I a poor and -struggling artist, I confess that I have dared to love you!" - -She did not start nor exhibit surprise, for she had been forewarned. -Instead she smiled. - -"Surely it is not hard to forgive such an offense as that," she said. - -"Then you are not angry?" he asked, eagerly. - -"No; why should I be when an honorable man--a man of talent--pays me -the highest compliment in his power." - -"Thank you. You make me very happy," sighed Vernon, with relief. "Ah! -if things were different, if you were poor I might hope that you would -look upon me with favor." - -"Is my fortune such an impediment then, Frederic?" asked Grace, smiling. - -"Surely," he exclaimed, his face glowing with sudden hope, "you do not -mean----" - -"I mean that there is nothing in your proposal to offend me. I mean -that, if you will give me time, I will question my own heart, and if -it responds, my fortune shall not separate us." - -"God bless you!" exclaimed Vernon, and his face wore a look of -happiness to which it had long been a stranger. - -Do any of my readers doubt how it will end? - - - - -CHAPTER XLIII. - -MAJOR ASHTON AT BAY. - - -"Well, mother, have you any news to tell me?" asked Paul, when he had -received a joyful welcome from his mother and sister. - -"There is one item," said Mrs. Palmer. "Of course you have not -forgotten Miss Dearborn?" - -"As if I would be likely to! I don't forget one who has been so kind to -all of us. What about her?" - -"She is to be married--a very romantic marriage too--to a young -portrait painter, who is rich in talent, but has no money." - -"Well, I hope he is worthy of her. Miss Dearborn has money enough for -both." - -"Her aunt, too--Mrs. Sheldon--is to be married." - -"What, she?" laughed Paul. "Why, she must be almost sixty." - -"Don't let her hear that you have said that, or she will never forgive -you." - -"But she is that, isn't she?" - -"She is perhaps fifty or over." - -"And who is the happy man?" asked Paul, smiling. - -"Major Ashton." - -As she pronounced his name there was a sudden exclamation from the lady -whom Paul had brought home with him. - -"Major Ashton!" she exclaimed, her face indicating distress. - -"Yes," answered Mrs. Palmer, in response. "Do you know him?" - -"Do I know him?" repeated the lady, pressing her hand to her side. "_He -is my husband!_" - -"Your husband!" exclaimed Paul, in surprise and perplexity. "Then how -can he marry another?" - -"It is a wicked deception!" said the strange lady. "This marriage must -be stopped. I cannot permit him to deceive a worthy lady, as Mrs. -Sheldon doubtless is. Is she wealthy?" - -"She is very wealthy," said Mrs. Palmer. "I have heard her fortune -estimated at a quarter of a million." - -"That explains it," said his unfortunate wife. "He only thinks of -money. He married me for money, and he would make her a second victim." - -"She must beat least fifteen years older than the major," said Mrs. -Palmer. - -"He would care little for that, since it is not love but money that -influences him. Where does Mrs. Sheldon live? I must see her at once, -and warn her." - -"I know where she lives," said Paul. "I will accompany you, if you -wish." - -"Will you, indeed, be so kind?" - -"Certainly. I shall be glad to do anything for a family that has been -so kind to my mother and myself." - -Half an hour later Paul stood on the steps of Mrs. Sheldon's handsome -house, with the lady at his side. - -"Is Mrs. Sheldon at home?" he asked of the servant, who answered his -call. - -"I believe so. What name shall I say?" - -"Paul Palmer. Will you say that my business is urgent?" - -"You can come in," said the servant. - -So the two entered the parlor, and in a few minutes Mrs. Sheldon, in -some surprise at the message, entered also. - -Paul rose and bowed. - -"You are my niece's _protege_, I believe," said Mrs. Sheldon, "or -rather the boy in whom she is interested." - -"Yes, madam, Miss Dearborn has been very kind to me." - -"You have a message for me?" asked the widow, looking inquiringly at -the lady with Paul. - -"This lady wishes to speak to you," said Paul. - -"Oh, indeed," said Mrs. Sheldon, coldly. - -"Madam," cried the stranger, in unmistakable emotion, "is this true -what I hear? Are you engaged to marry Major Ashton?" - -"By what right do you inquire?" demanded Mrs. Sheldon, haughtily. - -"By what right? Oh, madam, by the best of all rights. _I am his wife!_" - -Mrs. Sheldon stared at the stranger in dismay and incredulity. - -"I cannot believe this," she said, sharply. "You must be beside -yourself." - -"No, madam; it is only too true. Look! I have my marriage certificate. -You must believe that." Rapidly she told her story, and, though much -against her will, Mrs. Sheldon was forced to believe the truth of -the story. It was terribly mortifying to find that she had come so -near being duped, and her heart was stirred with indignation against -the smooth-tongued deceiver, who had so craftily schemed against her -happiness. - -Scarcely was the story told when a ring was heard at the door, and the -servant entering announced "Major Ashton." - -"Bring him in!" said Mrs. Sheldon, sternly. "Now I shall know the -truth." - -Major Ashton, dressed in the most careful manner, with a rose in his -button-hole, his heart full of happy anticipations of the fortune that -would soon be his, was ushered in. - -He did not at first notice the other occupants of the room, but hurried -to Mrs. Sheldon, with a very good affectation of a lover's fervor. He -was about to press a kiss on the widow's cheek, when she stepped back -and said: - -"Major Ashton, I wish to introduce you to this lady." - -Mrs. Ashton, the ill-used wife, rose at the words, and threw aside her -veil. - -"Oh, Reginald!" she cried, reproachfully. - -One look was enough, and he stood as if paralyzed. - -"Confusion!" he muttered. "What evil fate brought you here?" - -"I came to prevent your doing a wicked thing, Reginald. I came to -prevent your deceiving this good lady as you deceived, or worse than -deceived me." - -By this time Major Ashton had partially recovered his self-possession. -He meant to fight it out if possible. - -"How did you escape from the asylum?" he asked. - -"From the asylum!" repeated his wife. "What do you mean?" - -"Mrs. Sheldon," said the major, turning to his affianced bride, "I am -sorry you have been disturbed by a madwoman. This lady is my sister. -For years she has been confined in a mad-house. She is under the -singular delusion that she is my wife, and she may have told you so." - -Mrs. Sheldon looked relieved, but it was only for a moment. She -remembered the certificate. - -"I have seen your marriage certificate," she said. - -"A forged paper," he replied, shrugging his shoulders. - -"Mrs. Sheldon," said the wife, "I beg of you not to believe him. He has -no sister, and I have heard him say he never had any. Of my marriage I -can call living witnesses, but it will take time. If, however, you will -telegraph to my father in San Francisco, you will have speedy proof of -the falsehood of his assertions." - -"I believe you," said the widow. "I do not think you would deceive me." - -"Then you choose to be humbugged by a madwoman?" said Major Ashton. -"Have you no more confidence in me?" - -"I will reserve my opinion. Are you willing that I should telegraph to -San Francisco?" - -Major Ashton hesitated a moment. He saw that his last chance was gone. - -His wife's story was sure to be confirmed. - -"Well," he said, recklessly, "the game is up! It is unfortunately true -that I am tied to this lady. I hoped before this she would do me the -favor to die and leave me free." - -"Go, sir!" said Mrs. Sheldon, indignantly. "I am fortunate in being -saved from marriage with such a man." - -"I sha'n't break my heart," said the major, mockingly. "I am sorry to -lose your fortune, but for yourself, I am well rid of the engagement. -If you had not been blind, you would have understood that nothing but -your money would have induced me to marry a woman old enough to be my -mother." - -This was the unkindest cut of all. Poor Mrs. Sheldon sank back in an -arm-chair in a fit of hysterics, and the major, with a cynical smile, -left the room. - -The widow was a kind-hearted woman, and, when she came to herself, -generously insisted upon Mrs. Ashton remaining under her roof till she -had recovered from the fatigue of her journey. Later she purchased her -a return ticket to San Francisco, and secured an escort for her. She -expressed a hope that her recreant husband would return to his duty, -but Mrs. Ashton shook her head. - -"I could never trust him," she said. "I am better off with my father," -and Mrs. Sheldon felt that she was right. - -Major Ashton disappeared from Chicago, but where he went has not -transpired. Perhaps amid other scenes he may be laying snares for other -heiresses. Mrs. Sheldon, at any rate, has been saved from his arts. - - - - -CHAPTER XLIV. - -CONCLUSION. - - -Mr. Emanuel Manson was considerably surprised to see Paul walk into -the office the morning after his arrival. He was not aware that our -hero was still in Mr. Bradford's employ. Though it had been at first -suggested that Mrs. Palmer should come weekly to receive a part of -Paul's salary, Mr. Bradford afterward decided to give his young agent -a hundred dollars in advance, which was placed in his mother's hands, -and obviated the necessity of her calling. Seeing and hearing nothing -of Paul, therefore, Mr. Manson naturally concluded that he had been -discharged, and was seeking for employment elsewhere. - -"Good-morning, Mr. Manson!" said Paul, politely. - -"What, you here again?" exclaimed Manson, by no means pleased. - -"Yes, I am here again." - -"It was hardly worth your while to come," said the book-keeper, with a -sneer. "We have no vacancy." - -Paul smiled, for he saw what was meant. - -"Is Julius here still?" he asked. - -"Yes, he is, and likely to stay. You needn't flatter yourself you can -step into his place." - -"I haven't the slightest wish to do so," said Paul, good-naturedly. - -"Because you are so prosperous, I suppose," sneered Manson. - -"You've hit it, Mr. Manson. I am too prosperous to wish to interfere -with Julius." - -"What are you doing?" asked the book-keeper, not without some curiosity. - -"I have been traveling for a house in this city." - -"Indeed! It was a fortunate house." - -"I agree with you, Mr. Manson. I have done very well for them." - -"You travel! I'd as soon send a baby." - -"I dare say _you_ would. Is Mr. Bradford in?" - -"Yes, but he is busy." - -"Nevertheless, I will venture to disturb him." - -"You'd better not; he won't like it." - -But Paul had already opened the door of the inner office, and stood in -the presence of Mr. Bradford. - -"Bless my soul, Paul! I am glad to see you," said the manufacturer, -rising and shaking hands cordially with our hero. "When did you arrive?" - -"Yesterday afternoon, and I tried to get a chance to call, but----" - -"Of course, your mother wanted to see you. It's all right. Now let me -know all about your trip." - -Paul gave a summary of results, and his employer listened with evident -surprise and approval. - -"You have done splendidly," he said. "I did not dream of realizing -so much for the mine. And you got the better of Fox, too. I value -that as much as I do the money you have made for me. Besides your -wages, I shall make you a present of five hundred dollars, to show my -appreciation of your services." - -"Thank you very much, Mr. Bradford, but I have been handsomely rewarded -by another party," and he mentioned the two thousand dollars paid him -by Jim Scott. - -"I am all the more pleased," said Mr. Bradford. - -"I was not sure whether I ought to accept it," said Paul. - -"You were right in doing so, since it was neither given nor promised -till after you had sold the mine. That, however, will make no -difference with my gift." - -As he spoke, he wrote a check for $500 and handed it to Paul, who -expressed his gratitude warmly. - -"I have also," Paul continued, "made an investment for you and myself." - -"What is that?" - -"I had an opportunity to purchase a promising mine for three thousand -dollars. I secured two-thirds for you, and one-third for myself." - -"So it seems we are partners, Paul," said Mr. Bradford, smiling. - -"Yes, sir, as far as that goes." - -"Very well. I ratify your action." - -At this moment a telegraph boy appeared with a dispatch, which he -handed to Mr. Brandford. - -"What's this?" said the manufacturer. "Who is Jim Scott?" - -"The man I left in charge of our mine." - -"Read that, then." - -Paul took the telegram and read: - - "Your mine is developing richly. Will you sell for fifteen thousand - dollars?" - -Paul's eyes sparkled with delight, not alone at his prospective profit, -but at this proof of his financial shrewdness. - -"Well, Paul, what shall we do?" asked the manufacturer, smiling. "It is -your affair, and you shall decide." - -"We might sell half on that basis," suggested Paul. "Very good. Write -the dispatch, and it shall be sent at once. Moreover, I will consider -you half-owner, and you shall give me back that check for five hundred -dollars. Then we shall have each invested one thousand five hundred -dollars." - -"Thank you very much, Mr. Bradford, I can hardly believe this is real." - -It was indeed hard to realize that besides the thousand dollars which -remained to him after the investment, he would receive three thousand -seven hundred and fifty for the sale of half his share, and retain -the other half, which was probably worth quite as much more. It was -probably no exaggeration to say that he was worth eight thousand -dollars, while three months since he was glad when he managed to earn -eight or ten dollars a week as a train boy. - -"By the way, Paul," said the manufacturer, "I hope you won't retire -from business, now you are rich." - -"I should not like to be idle, sir." - -"I will engage you to travel for my firm, then, and your compensation -will depend on your success. Will that suit you?" - -"Yes, sir; I can ask for nothing better. When shall I report for -service?" - -"You may come here daily to get acquainted with the details of our -trade. I shall not send you out again for a few weeks." - -As Paul passed out of the office, the book-keeper said: - -"Well, won't Mr. Bradford take you on again?" - -"I have never been out of Mr. Bradford's employment," answered Paul, -smiling. - -"What!" ejaculated Manson. "You don't mean to say you have been -traveling for our firm?" - -"That is just what I do say. When I gave up my position to Julius, I -was promoted to traveling salesman." - -"Well, well, I never heard the like. Mr. Bradford must be crazy." - -Paul smiled, and went out. It was not long before the book-keeper -found how Paul stood, and his manner changed accordingly--not from -friendship, but from policy. - -As I write, Paul is nearing his twenty-first birthday. On the day he -attains his majority he is to be admitted into the firm as junior -partner. He is worth fully twenty thousand dollars, and with his -business capacity bids fair eventually to become very rich. He has -bought a comfortable house for his mother, who, I need hardly say, does -not need now to take in sewing. Near them live Grace and her artist -husband. They have recently returned from Italy, where Frederic Vernon -studied art enthusiastically, and with success. He no longer paints -portraits, but devotes his attention to general art. - -Mrs. Sheldon is still a widow, and content to remain so. She is -thankful now for the narrow escape she had from Major Ashton, who -would have dissipated her fortune and made her wretched. Though she did -not approve Grace's choice of a husband, she became reconciled long -ago, and is an almost daily visitor at Mrs. Vernon's happy home. - -Stephen Palmer's temporary prosperity was owing to a connection with -counterfeiters. He fled the country to avoid arrest, going first to -Canada. Once he wrote in great distress to Paul, and our hero sent him -a hundred dollars. For the sake of the relationship, Paul would gladly -set him up in some business; but Stephen is a ne'er-do-well, and will -probably never amount to anything. - -Mr. Manson, the book-keeper, is still at his post, but Julius was long -ago succeeded by another boy. He proved too idle and careless even for -his uncle to tolerate. He envies Paul's success, but will never emulate -the diligence and fidelity which made it possible. - - -THE END. - - - - -THE ALGER SERIES for BOYS - -Uniform with This Volume. - -This series affords wholesome reading for boys and girls, and all the -volumes are extremely interesting.--_Cincinnati Commercial-Gazette._ - - - =JOE'S LUCK; or, A Brave Boy's Adventurer in California.= By - HORATIO ALGER, JR. - - =JULIAN MORTIMER; or, A Brave Boy's Struggles for Home and - Fortune.= By Harry Castlemon. - - =ADRIFT IN THE WILDS; or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked Boys.= - By EDWARD S. ELLIS. - - =FRANK FOWLER, THE CASH BOY.= By HORATIO ALGER, JR. - - =GUY HARRIS, THE RUNAWAY.= By HARRY CASTLEMON. - - =THE SLATE-PICKER; A Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal Mines.= By - HARRY PRENTICE. - - =TOM TEMPLE'S CAREER.= By HORATIO ALGER JR. - - =TOM, THE READY; or, Up from the Lowest.= By RANDOLPH HILL. - - =THE CASTAWAYS; or, On the Florida Reefs.= By JAMES OTIS. - - =CAPTAIN KIDD'S GOLD. The True Story of an Adventurous Sailor Boy.= - By JAMES FRANKLIN FITTS. - - =TOM THATCHER'S FORTUNE.= By HORATIO ALGER JR. - - =LOST IN THE CAÑON. The Story of Sam Willett's Adventures on the - Great Colorado of the West.= By ALFRED R. CALHOUN. - - =A YOUNG HERO; or, Fighting to Win.= By EDWARD S. ELLIS. - - =THE ERRAND BOY; or, How Phil Brent Won Success.= By HORATIO ALGER - JR. - - =THE ISLAND TREASURE; or, Harry Darrel's Fortune.= By FRANK H. - CONVERSE. - - =A RUNAWAY BRIG; or, An Accidental Cruise.= By JAMES OTIS. - - =A JAUNT THROUGH JAVA. The Story of a Journey to the Sacred - Mountain by Two American Boys.= By E. S. ELLIS. - - =CAPTURED BY APES; or, How Philip Garland Became King of Apeland.= - By HARRY PRENTICE. - - =TOM THE BOOT-BLACK; or, The Road to Success.= By HORATIO ALGER JR. - - =ROY GILBERT'S SEARCH. A Tale of the Great Lakes.= By WILLIAM P. - CHIPMAN. - - =THE TREASURE-FINDERS. A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua.= By JAMES - OTIS. - - =BUDD BOYD'S TRIUMPH; or, The Boy Firm of Fox Island.= By WILLIAM - P. CHIPMAN. - - =TONY, THE HERO; or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a Tramp.= By - HORATIO ALGER JR. - - =CAPTURED BY ZULUS. A Story of Trapping in Africa.= By HARRY - PRENTICE. - - =THE TRAIN BOY.= By HORATIO ALGER JR. - - =DAN THE NEWSBOY.= By HORATIO ALGER JR. - - =SEARCH FOR THE SILVER CITY. A Story of Adventure in Yucatan.= By - JAMES OTIS. - - =THE BOY CRUISERS; or, Paddling in Florida.= By ST. GEORGE - RATHBORNE. - - * * * * * - -_The above stories are printed on extra paper, and bound in Handsome -Cloth Binding, in all respects uniform with this volume, at $1.00 per -copy._ - -_For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent post-paid on receipt of -price, by the publisher, =A. L. BURT, 66 Reade St., New York=._ - - - - -BURT'S HOME LIBRARY. - -Comprising two hundred and fifty titles of standard works, embracing -fiction, essays, poetry, history, travel, etc., selected from the -world's best literature, written by authors of world-wide reputation. -Printed from large type, on good paper, and bound in handsome cloth -binding, uniform with this volume. Price, 75 cents per copy. - -[Illustration] - - - =Adam Bede.= By George Eliot. - - =Æsop's Fables.= - - =Alhambra, The.= By Washington Irving. - - =Alice Lorraine.= By R. D. Blackmore. - - =All Sorts and Conditions of Men.= By Besant and Rice. - - =Andersen's Fairy Tales.= - - =Arabian Nights Entertainments.= - - =Armadale.= By Wilkie Collins. - - =Armorel of Lyonesse.= By Walter Besant. - - =Auld Licht Idylls.= By James M. Barrie. - - =Aunt Diana.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.= - - =Averil.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Bacon's Essays.= By Francis Bacon. - - =Barbara Heathcote's Trial.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Barnaby Rudge.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Berber, The.= By W. S. Mayo. - - =Betrothed, The.= By Allessandro Manzoni. - - =Bleak House.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Bondman, The.= By Hall Caine. - - =Bride of the Nile, The.= By George Ebers. - - =Burgomaster's Wife, The.= By George Ebers. - - =Cast up by the Sea.= By Sir Samuel Baker. - - =Caxtons, The.= By Bulwer-Lytton. - - =Charles Auchester.= By E. Berger. - - =Charles O'Malley.= By Charles Lever. - - =Children of the Abbey.= By Regina Maria Roche. - - =Children of Gibeon.= By Walter Besant. - - =Child's History of England.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Christmas Stories.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Cloister and the Hearth.= By Charles Reade. - - =Confessions of an Opium-Eater.= By Thomas De Quincey. - - =Consuelo.= By George Sand. - - =Corinne.= By Madame De Stael. - - =Countess of Rudolstadt.= By George Sand. - - =Cousin Pons.= By Honore de Balzac. - - =Cranford.= By Mrs. Gaskell. - - =Crown of Wild Olive, The.= By John Ruskin. - - =Daniel Deronda.= By George Eliot. - - =Daughter of an Empress, The.= By Louisa Muhlbach. - - =Daughter of Heth, A.= By Wm. Black. - - =David Copperfield.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Deemster, The.= By Hall Caine. - - =Deerslayer, The.= By James Fenimore Cooper. - - =Dombey & Son.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Donal Grant.= By George Macdonald. - - =Donald Ross of Heimra.= By William Black. - - =Donovan.= By Edna Lyall. - - =Dream Life.= By Ik. Marvel. - - =East Lynne.= By Mrs. Henry Wood. - - =Egoist, The.= By George Meredith. - - =Egyptian Princess, An.= By George Ebers. - - =Eight Years Wandering in Ceylon.= By Sir Samuel Baker. - - =Emerson's Essays.= By Ralph Waldo Emerson. - - =Emperor, The.= By George Ebers. - - =Essays of Elia.= By Charles Lamb. - - =Esther.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Far from the Madding Crowd.= By Thos. Hardy. - - =Felix Holt.= By George Eliot. - - =Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World.= By E. S. Creasy. - - =File No. 113.= By Emile Gaboriau. - - =First Violin.= By Jessie Fothergill. - - =For Faith and Freedom.= By Walter Besant. - - =Frederick the Great, and His Court.= By Louisa Muhlbach. - - =French Revolution.= By Thomas Carlyle. - - =From the Earth to the Moon.= By Jules Verne. - - =Goethe and Schiller.= By Louisa Muhlbach. - - =Gold Bug, The, and Other Tales.= By Edgar A. Poe. - - =Gold Elsie.= By E. Marlitt. - - =Great Expectations.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Great Taboo, The.= By Grant Allen. - - =Great Treason, A.= By Mary Hoppus. - - =Green Mountain Boys, The.= By D. P. Thompson. - - =Grimm's Household Tales.= By the Brothers Grimm. - - =Grimm's Popular Tales.= By the Brothers Grimm. - - =Gulliver's Travels.= By Dean Swift. - - =Handy Andy.= By Samuel Lover. - - =Hardy Norseman, A.= By Edna Lyall. - - =Harold.= By Bulwer-Lytton. - - =Harry Lorrequer.= By Charles Lever. - - =Heir of Redclyffe.= By Charlotte M. Yonge. - - =Henry Esmond.= By William M. Thackeray. - - =Her Dearest Foe.= By Mrs. Alexander. - - =Heriot's Choice.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Heroes and Hero Worship.= By Thomas Carlyle. - - =History of Pendennis.= By William M. Thackeray. - - =House of the Seven Gables.= By Nathaniel Hawthorne. - - =How to be Happy Though Married.= - - =Hunchback of Notre Dame.= By Victor Hugo. - - =Hypatia.= By Charles Kingsley. - - =Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow.= By Jerome K. Jerome. - - =In Far Lochaber.= By William Black. - - =In the Golden Days.= By Edna Lyall. - - =In the Heart of the Storm.= By Maxwell Grey. - - =It is Never Too Late to Mend.= By Charles Reade. - - =Ivanhoe.= By Sir Walter Scott. - - =Jack's Courtship.= By W. Clark Russell. - - =Jane Eyre.= By Charlotte Bronte. - - =John Halifax, Gentleman.= By Miss Muloch. - - =Kenilworth.= By Sir Walter Scott. - - =Kit and Kitty.= By R. D. Blackmore. - - =Kith and Kin.= By Jessie Fothergill. - - =Knickerbocker's History of New York.= By Washington Irving. - - =Knight Errant.= By Edna Lyall. - - =L'Abbe Constantin.= By Ludovic-Halevy - - =Lamplighter, The.= By Maria S. Cummins. - - =Last Days of Pompeii.= By Bulwer-Lytton. - - =Last of the Barons.= By Bulwer-Lytton. - - =Last of the Mohicans.= By James Fenimore Cooper. - - =Light of Asia, The.= By Sir Edwin Arnold. - - =Little Dorrit.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Lorna Doone.= By R. D. Blackmore. - - =Louise de la Valliere.= By Alexandre Dumas. - - =Lover or Friend?= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Lucile.= By Owen Meredith. - - =Maid of Sker.= By R. D. Blackmore. - - =Man and Wife.= By Wilkie Collins. - - =Man in the Iron Mask.= By Alexandre Dumas. - - =Martin Chuzzlewit.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Mary St. John.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Master of Ballantrae, The.= By R. L. Stevenson. - - =Master of the Ceremonies, The.= By G. M. Fenn. - - =Masterman Ready.= By Captain Marryat. - - =Merle's Crusade.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Micah Clarke.= By A. Conan Doyle. - - =Michael Strogoff.= By Jules Verne. - - =Middlemarch.= By George Eliot. - - =Midshipman Easy.= By Captain Marryat. - - =Mill on the Floss.= By George Eliot. - - =Molly Bawn.= By The Duchess. - - =Moonstone, The.= By Wilkie Collins. - - =Mosses from an Old Manse.= By Nathaniel Hawthorne. - - =Mysterious Island, The.= By Jules Verne. - - =Natural Law in the Spiritual World.= By Henry Drummond. - - =Nellie's Memories.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Newcomes, The.= By William M. Thackeray. - - =Nicholas Nickleby.= By Charles Dickens. - - =No Name.= By Wilkie Collins. - - =Not Like Other Girls.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Old Curiosity Shop.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Old Ma'm'selle's Secret.= By E. Marlitt. - - =Old Myddelton's Money.= By Mary Cecil Hay. - - =Oliver Twist.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Only the Governess.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =On the Heights.= By Berthold Auerbach. - - =Our Bessie.= By Rosa N. Carey. - - =Our Mutual Friend.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Pair of Blue Eyes, A.= By Thomas Hardy. - - =Past and Present.= By Thomas Carlyle. - - =Pathfinder, The.= By James Fenimore Cooper. - - =Pere Goriot.= By Honore de Balzac. - - =Phantom Rickshaw, The.= By Rudyard Kipling. - - =Phra, the Phoenician.= By Edwin L. Arnold. - - =Picciola.= By X. B. Saintine. - - =Pickwick Papers.= By Charles Dickens. - - =Pilgrim's Progress.= By John Bunyan. - - =Pilot, The.= By James Fenimore Cooper. - - =Pioneers, The.= By James Fenimore Cooper. - - =Prairie, The.= By James Fenimore Cooper. - - =Pride and Prejudice.= By Jane Austen. - - =Prime Minister, The.= By Anthony Trollope. - - =Princess of Thule, A.= By Wm. Black. - - =Professor, The.= By Charlotte Bronte. - - =Put Yourself in His Place.= By Charles Reade. - - =Queen Hortense.= By Louisa Muhlbach. - - =Queenie's Whim.= By Rosa N. 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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: The Train Boy - -Author: Horatio Alger Jr. - -Release Date: October 9, 2017 [EBook #55725] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAIN BOY *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, David E. Brown and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="Paul Palmer" /></div> -<p class="caption"><i>Paul Palmer</i></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> -<h1>THE TRAIN BOY.</h1> - -<p>By HORATIO ALGER, JR.</p> - -<p class="topspace"><small>Author of "The Errand Boy," "Frank Fowler, the Cash Boy," "Tom -Thatcher's Fortune," "Joe's Luck," "Tony, the Hero," etc.</small></p> - -<p class="topspace">ILLUSTRATED.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="topspace">NEW YORK<br /> - -A. L. BURT, PUBLISHER.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="center"> -Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1883,<br /> -<br /> -<span class="smcap">By Street & Smith</span>,<br /> -<br /> -in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.<br /> -</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">CONTENTS</h2></div> - - - -<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2" summary="table"> - -<tr><td align="right">CHAPTER.</td><td> </td><td align="right">PAGE.</td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">I.</td><td>—The Train for Chicago</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_9">9</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">II.</td><td>—A Leap from the Train</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_17">17</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">III.</td><td>—Paul Palmer at Home</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_25">25</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">IV.</td><td>—An Unwelcome Visitor</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_33">33</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">V.</td><td>—Paul to the Rescue</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_41">41</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">VI.</td><td>—Birds of a Feather</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_48">48</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">VII.</td><td>—A Rejected Suitor</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_56">56</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">VIII.</td><td>—The Struggling Artist</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">IX.</td><td>—The First Sitting</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">X.</td><td>—Miss Framley's Economy</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_79">79</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XI.</td><td>—Paul Gets into Trouble</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XII.</td><td>—Paul's Critical Position</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_95">95</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XIII.</td><td>—Grace Dearborn at Home</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_103">103</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XIV.</td><td>—The Artist's Secret</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_111">111</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XV.</td><td>—A Fellow-Conspirator</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_118">118</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XVI.</td><td>—An Unwelcome Appearance</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_125">125</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XVII.</td><td>—Paul Defends His Mother</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_131">131</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XVIII.</td><td>—Grace Dearborn's Party</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_135">135</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XIX.</td><td>—The Artist's Recreation</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_143">143</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XX.</td><td>—A Persevering Suitor</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_150">150</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXI.</td><td>—Miss Framley's Mortification</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_158">158</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXII.</td><td>—An Unexpected Change</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_166">166</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXIII.</td><td>—A Catastrophe</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_170">170</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXIV.</td><td>—The Train-Wrecker</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_175">175</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXV.</td><td>—Paul Changes His Business</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_182">182</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXVI.</td><td>—Mr. Bradford's Office</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_190">190</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXVII.</td><td>—Serving a Tyrant</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_198">198</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXVIII.</td><td>—Mr. Manson is Surprised</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_206">206</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXIX.</td><td>—The Book-keeper's Triumph</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_211">211</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXX.</td><td>—Paul is Promoted</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_215">215</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXXI.</td><td>—Paul and His Successor</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_222">222</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXXII.</td><td>—Jim Scott</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_226">226</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXXIII.</td><td>—Cheyenne</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_230">230</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXXIV.</td><td>—Major Ashton in a Quandary</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_234">234</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXXV.</td><td>—Wooing the Widow</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_238">238</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXXVI.</td><td>—Paul Sells the Mine</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_246">246</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXXVII.</td><td>—Diamond Cut Diamond</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_253">253</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXXVIII.</td><td>—A Scene at Omaha</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_261">261</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XXXIX.</td><td>—A Thief Foiled</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_265">265</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XL.</td><td>—The Lady's Secret</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_269">269</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XLI.</td><td>—Major Ashton's Engagement</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_273">273</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XLII.</td><td>—A Revelation</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_276">276</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XLIII.</td><td>—Major Ashton at Bay</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_284">284</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td align="right">XLIV.</td><td>—Conclusion</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_292">292</a></td></tr> -</table> - - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> -<p class="ph1">THE TRAIN BOY.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I.<br /> - -<small>THE TRAIN FOR CHICAGO.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>The four o'clock afternoon train from Milwaukee, -bound for Chicago, had just passed Truesdell, when -the train boy passed through the cars with a pile of -magazines under his arm.</p> - -<p>He handed them to the right and left for passengers -to examine, and after an interval passed back again, to -receive pay for any that might be selected, and gather -up the rest.</p> - -<p>"Here's the latest magazines!" he cried, in a pleasant -voice. "Harpers, Scribner's, Lippincott's!"</p> - -<p>As he is to be our hero, I will pause a moment to -sketch Paul Palmer.</p> - -<p>He was a boy of sixteen, of medium height for a -boy of that age, with dark brown hair, bright, sparkling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> -eyes, not without a suggestion of mirthfulness, -and round cheeks, with a healthful color. It would -be hard to find a more attractive-looking boy than -Paul.</p> - -<p>The first passenger he came to on his return round -was an old lady, bordering upon seventy, who was -quite unaccustomed to traveling, and knew very little -of railways and their customs.</p> - -<p>When the magazine had been put in her hands she -received it with glad complacency, supposing it to be a -gift from the railroad corporation.</p> - -<p>She hunted up her spectacles, and was looking at -the pictures with considerable interest when Paul -touched her on the arm.</p> - -<p>"Want my ticket a'ready?" she asked, thinking it -to be the conductor.</p> - -<p>"No, ma'am," answered Paul, smiling. "Please -give me the magazine."</p> - -<p>"Why, you give it to me yourself," said the old -lady in surprise.</p> - -<p>"No, I only handed it to you to examine," said -Paul.</p> - -<p>"I thought, to be sure, you give it to me, and I -was goin' to carry it to my darter Sarah Ann as a present. -I'm goin' to spend a week with Sarah Ann."</p> - -<p>Paul smiled.</p> - -<p>He had met before unsophisticated travelers ready<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> -to impart their family affairs to any one sufficiently interested -to listen to them.</p> - -<p>"You can do it now," he said, "if you will buy -the magazine. Every body likes to read Harper's."</p> - -<p>"How much do you ax for it?" asked the old lady, -cautiously.</p> - -<p>"Thirty-five cents."</p> - -<p>"Lands sake!" exclaimed the old lady, in dismay. -"Thirty-five cents for a picture-book!"</p> - -<p>"There's some very nice reading in it, ma'am," said -Paul, patiently.</p> - -<p>"Maybe there is, but there ain't any covers."</p> - -<p>"If there were I should ask a good deal more."</p> - -<p>"I'll pay you ten cents," said the old lady, with the -air of one who was making a very liberal offer.</p> - -<p>"Couldn't take it, ma'am. I should fail if I did -business that way," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"Well, I guess you'd better take it, then. I can't -afford to pay thirty-five cents for a picture-book."</p> - -<p>Paul took the magazine, and passed on.</p> - -<p>The next passenger was a young lady. She, too, -had Harper's magazine in her hand.</p> - -<p>"Won't you take fifteen cents for it?" she asked, -with a smile, for she had heard the colloquy between -Paul and the old lady.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid not," said Paul, smiling back, for he -understood her.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>"Then I must pay your price."</p> - -<p>She drew out a purse, through the meshes of which -gleamed not only silver but gold, and put half a dollar -into Paul's hand.</p> - -<p>He was about to return her fifteen cents in change, -when she said, pleasantly:</p> - -<p>"Never mind. Keep the change for yourself."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," answered Paul, politely. "I should -be glad of many customers like yourself."</p> - -<p>"Have you parents living?" asked the young lady.</p> - -<p>"My mother is living, but my father died two years -since."</p> - -<p>"And I suppose you help your mother with your -earnings?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, miss, I give them all to her."</p> - -<p>"I was sure you were a good boy," said the young -lady, with a charming smile. "Tell me, now, do you -earn good wages by selling papers and magazines on -the train?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, miss, more than I could get in a store or -office. Last week I made eight dollars. Some lucky -weeks I have made as much as eleven."</p> - -<p>"Have you no brother or sister?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have a little sister, ten years old."</p> - -<p>"And a brother?"</p> - -<p>"I have a half-brother—ten years older than myself," -answered Paul, with evident hesitation.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>"And does he help your mother also?" inquired -the young lady.</p> - -<p>Paul shook his head.</p> - -<p>"We don't see much of him," he answered. "He -isn't very steady, and is more likely to ask help of us -than to give it."</p> - -<p>"And he is a strong, young man!" exclaimed the -young lady, indignantly. "Why, he can't have any -sense of pride or honor."</p> - -<p>"Not much. We can do better without him than -with him."</p> - -<p>"It is lucky for your mother and sister that you are -different from him."</p> - -<p>"That is true enough, miss. I should be ashamed -to act like him."</p> - -<p>"What is your little sister's name?"</p> - -<p>"Grace."</p> - -<p>"Why, that is my name. She is a namesake of -mine."</p> - -<p>"Then I hope she will be like her namesake," said -Paul, gallantly.</p> - -<p>"I see you are old enough to pay compliments," -said the young lady, smiling. "Do you know what I -feel like doing?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"I am going to send a gift to my namesake. -Here;" and, opening her purse once more, she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> -drew from it a two dollar and a half gold piece, -and put it into Paul's hand.</p> - -<p>"Do you really mean this for Grace?" asked the -boy, almost incredulous.</p> - -<p>"Certainly."</p> - -<p>"Though you never saw her?"</p> - -<p>"I have seen her brother," said the young lady, -"and I have a very good opinion of him."</p> - -<p>"Thank you very much. Grace will be delighted."</p> - -<p>"Do you live in Chicago?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, miss."</p> - -<p>"Some time bring your little sister to call on me. -I live with my aunt, Mrs. Sheldon, in Ashland avenue."</p> - -<p>She handed Paul her card. Glancing at it, he ascertained -that the name of his liberal friend was Grace -Dearborn.</p> - -<p>"Grace shall certainly come, if only to thank you -for her present," said Paul.</p> - -<p>After the boy passed on, Mrs. Sheldon, who sat in -the seat just behind, said:</p> - -<p>"Upon my word, Grace, you are extremely liberal -to a perfect stranger."</p> - -<p>"No doubt, aunt; but I took a fancy to the boy."</p> - -<p>"How do you know he told you the truth?"</p> - -<p>"I would stake my life upon his truth," said Grace, -warmly.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>"Did you ever see him before?"</p> - -<p>"Never."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Sheldon shrugged her shoulders.</p> - -<p>"You must have great confidence in your knowledge -of human nature, then," she said.</p> - -<p>"I have, aunt," said the young lady, smiling.</p> - -<p>"Well, my dear, you are rich, and are quite able to -indulge your quixotic liberality."</p> - -<p>"Thanks to Providence, aunt."</p> - -<p>"And to your father."</p> - -<p>The two would have taken seats beside each other -had there been an opportunity, but when they entered -the car the best they could do was to take outside seats, -one directly behind the other.</p> - -<p>Miss Dearborn's seat companion was a young man -of about thirty, with a complexion preternaturally -pale, the pallor being heightened by his intensely -black hair and mustache.</p> - -<p>He was well dressed, and on the middle finger of -his right hand he wore a cameo ring, which was apparently -of considerable value.</p> - -<p>When Grace Dearborn was holding her colloquy -with Paul, the young man glanced from behind the -paper he was reading, and took notice of the well-filled -purse which she displayed.</p> - -<p>There was a covetous glitter in his eyes, which could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> -hardly have been expected from one whose appearance -seemed to indicate that he was in easy circumstances.</p> - -<p>He noticed also that Grace replaced the purse in a -pocket on the side nearest to him.</p> - -<p>"I must have that purse," said Luke Denton to -himself.</p> - -<p>I may as well say that Denton, originally of good -family, had so given himself up to evil courses that -he had been disowned by his relatives, and was reduced -to making a living by preying upon the community.</p> - -<p>In fact, he was an unscrupulous adventurer, and not -above being a thief.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II.<br /> - -<small>A LEAP FROM THE TRAIN.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Luke Denton still held the paper before him, and -appeared to be reading it; but it had ceased to have -an interest for him. He cast furtive glances from behind -it at the young lady by his side, and watched for -an opportunity to transfer to his own pocket the coveted -purse.</p> - -<p>This was likely to be more easily effected because -Grace Dearborn, though she had taken but slight -notice of him, had made up her mind from a casual -glance that he was what is technically called a gentleman. -That her purse was in danger from a man so -well dressed never occurred to her.</p> - -<p>It so happened that Grace was an interested observer -of nature, and so as the train sped over the road -she looked, now out of the windows at one side, now -out of them at the other.</p> - -<p>To a novice, theft under such circumstances would -have been difficult, but it was not the first time Luke -Denton had practiced the art of a pickpocket.</p> - -<p>He seized the opportunity when Grace was looking<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> -across the car, stealthily to insert his hand into her -pocket and draw therefrom the well-filled purse, the -young lady meanwhile being quite unconscious that -she was suffering a loss.</p> - -<p>Her aunt, too, had her attention otherwise bestowed, -for she was reading the magazine which her -niece had just bought of the train boy.</p> - -<p>It looked as if Luke would easily be able to escape -with his booty before his theft could be discovered. -Indeed he had made up his mind to leave the train at -Libertyville, a small station close at hand, so as to be -out of the way when Grace realized her loss; but, unfortunately -for him, there had been an unsuspected -witness of his adroit act.</p> - -<p>Paul was just entering the car at the moment, and -his first glance, not unnaturally, was directed toward -the pretty young lady who had shown herself so generous -to his little sister.</p> - -<p>He was startled when he saw her pocket being -picked, and was rather surprised that the gentlemanly -looking person at her side should be the -thief.</p> - -<p>"What shall I do?" he asked himself.</p> - -<p>His first impulse was to go forward, apprise Miss -Dearborn of her loss, and denounce her seat companion. -But this might enable Luke to drop the purse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> -and assume the airs of an innocent man. Perhaps -Denton in his rage might even attack him.</p> - -<p>Paul therefore framed a different plan.</p> - -<p>He passed through the car into the next, where he -met the conductor. To him he briefly communicated -what he had seen.</p> - -<p>"You have done right, Paul," said the conductor, -who personally knew him. "Ten to one the gentleman -will be for getting out at Libertyville, unless we -are beforehand with him. There is no time to be lost, -as we are only about a mile from the station. Come -back with me."</p> - -<p>The conductor entered the car where Grace was -seated, with Paul close at his heels.</p> - -<p>Luke Denton was looking out of the window, having -folded his newspaper.</p> - -<p>"In five minutes I shall be safe," thought he, as -not far ahead he caught a distant view of the few -houses which constituted Libertyville.</p> - -<p>The purse he had slipped into the pocket of his -pantaloons.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile the conductor and Paul had approached, -and stood beside the seat.</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn," said Paul, as the young lady -looked up with a smile of recognition, "will you feel -for your purse?"</p> - -<p>The young lady looked surprised, and Luke Denton<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span> -startled. He was not ready to commit himself, -however, not yet being sure that his agency was suspected.</p> - -<p>Grace felt in her pocket, and said, in surprise:</p> - -<p>"It is gone!"</p> - -<p>"Is it possible?" ejaculated Denton, affecting surprise. -"Perhaps it dropped on the floor."</p> - -<p>He was trying slyly to get at his pocket to see that -the purse was found on the floor, when Paul said:</p> - -<p>"It is in that man's pocket!"</p> - -<p>All eyes were turned upon Denton, who, with a -fierce oath, exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Boy, take care how you insult <i>me</i>!"</p> - -<p>"I am only telling the truth," said Paul, steadily.</p> - -<p>With a glance of alarm and distrust Grace ran precipitately -from her seat, and Luke Denton was not -slow in seizing the opportunity to escape.</p> - -<p>He jumped up, nearly overturned the conductor, -as he dashed down the aisle, flung open the door of -the car, and with the recklessness born of desperation -and the fear of arrest, with only an instant's hesitation, -<i>jumped from the platform</i>!</p> - -<p>The train was not going at full speed. As it approached -Libertyville if was moving slowly, and probably -the rate of speed did not exceed fifteen miles per -hour.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>"Good heavens, the man will be killed!" said -Grace, alarmed.</p> - -<p>The conductor sprang to the platform, and so did -Paul.</p> - -<p>They saw Denton roll over once or twice, and then -pick himself up, apparently not seriously injured.</p> - -<p>"The fellow is safe!" he said, turning to Miss -Dearborn.</p> - -<p>"Thank Heaven!"</p> - -<p>"But he has carried off your purse."</p> - -<p>"I don't care for that. That is, I don't care for it -in comparison with the man's life."</p> - -<p>"You are more good-natured than many would be -who had suffered such a loss."</p> - -<p>"There wasn't a large sum of money in the purse," -said Grace.</p> - -<p>"Do you remember how much?" asked Paul.</p> - -<p>"I had fifty dollars when I left Milwaukee."</p> - -<p>"And you gave me two dollars and a half for my -little sister."</p> - -<p>"And bought a <i>Harper's Magazine</i> of you," added -Grace, smiling.</p> - -<p>"Then there should be forty-seven dollars left," -continued the train boy.</p> - -<p>"I suppose so. I wish now I had given you the -whole of it for your little sister."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>"You were very generous as it was, Miss Dearborn."</p> - -<p>"Still I think it would have done her more good -than the gentleman who so unceremoniously borrowed -it."</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn," said Paul, with a sudden reflection, -"now that you have lost all your money, let me -hand you back this gold piece."</p> - -<p>And he offered her the quarter-eagle which she had -given him for his little sister.</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, there is no need that I should recall my -gift," she said, shaking her head. "To be sure I am -temporarily penniless, but my aunt will see that I -don't want. Aunt Caroline, is my credit good with -you?"</p> - -<p>"To be sure, Grace," said the matronly lady whom -she addressed.</p> - -<p>"And you can certify that the loss of my purse -won't embarrass me seriously?"</p> - -<p>"I think not," said Mrs. Sheldon, "considering -that you have an income of——"</p> - -<p>Here she stepped discreetly, just as she was about -to reveal an important secret.</p> - -<p>"Say six hundred dollars a year," chimed in Grace, -laughing. "You see, Paul," she continued, addressing -our hero, "you need have no compunctions about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> -keeping my gift to your sister. It won't entail any distressing -economy."</p> - -<p>They had reached Libertyville, and Paul went out -on the platform with his papers.</p> - -<p>Of course nothing was to be seen or heard of Denton, -who had jumped off the train fully three-quarters -of a mile back.</p> - -<p>To the station master the conductor hurriedly communicated -what had passed, and enjoined him to detain -Denton if he should appear at the station, and -try to purchase a ticket for the seven o'clock train, -which would start a little over an hour later.</p> - -<p>Again the train moved on.</p> - -<p>"There is no loss without some little gain, Aunt -Caroline," said Grace. "As my seat companion has -taken French leave, there will be room for you to sit -beside me the rest of the journey."</p> - -<p>"Rather dearly purchased, Grace," said the elder -lady, "since it costs you forty-seven dollars."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I consider your company worth that sum," -said the young lady, playfully.</p> - -<p>"Really, Grace, you have taken your loss very -coolly."</p> - -<p>"Would it do any good to make a lament over it, -aunt?"</p> - -<p>"No, perhaps not, but you seem in just as good -spirits as if you had lost nothing."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>"So I am, but I should not be if I were a poor -seamstress, or a milliner's apprentice, for instance. -Then it would be a serious thing for me."</p> - -<p>"Well, Grace, all I can say is that it would annoy -me very much if I had met with such a loss. I dare -say I shouldn't sleep to-night."</p> - -<p>"That would be foolish, aunt, to lose sleep as well -as money."</p> - -<p>At seven o'clock the train ran into the depot, and -Miss Dearborn and her aunt rose from their seats.</p> - -<p>"Can I call a carriage, Miss Dearborn?" asked -Paul, politely.</p> - -<p>"If you please, Paul."</p> - -<p>"My dear, you are too familiar with that boy," said -Mrs. Sheldon, while Paul was gone in search of a -hack.</p> - -<p>"He seems very well bred, aunt, and he is certainly -polite and obliging."</p> - -<p>"Come and see me, and bring your little sister," -said Grace, smiling, as Paul handed her into the hack -and closed the door after her.</p> - -<p>Paul touched his hat, and then, leaving the depot, -bent his steps toward his humble home, where supper -and a warm welcome awaited him.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III.<br /> - -<small>PAUL PALMER AT HOME.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>In a small two-story house, not far from the junction -of a side street with Lake street, lived Mrs. Palmer, -Paul's mother.</p> - -<p>It was rather shabby-looking externally, being sadly -in want of paint, but Mrs. Palmer's rooms on the second -floor were neatly, though plainly furnished, and -scrupulously clean.</p> - -<p>There was an outside staircase, so that the second -floor was independent of the first.</p> - -<p>Paul ran up stairs, and opened the door, entering at -once into the sitting-room, where his mother and sister -were seated.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Palmer's face brightened at the sight of Paul. -He was always full of life and gayety, and his coming -never failed to cheer her.</p> - -<p>"So you are back again, Paul," she said, smiling a -welcome.</p> - -<p>"Yes, mother, and I am hungry, I can tell you. Is -supper most ready?"</p> - -<p>"It will be in five minutes," said his mother, folding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span> -up her work and going into the adjoining room. -"I have got some dipped toast for you to-night."</p> - -<p>"Just what I like."</p> - -<p>"But I delayed putting the toast into the dip till -you came. There is some minced meat."</p> - -<p>"In other words, hash," said Paul, laughing.</p> - -<p>"I think you will find it good, in spite of the -name."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I am sure to like it, since it is home-made. -At the restaurants I am a little afraid; I don't know -but it may be made of dogs or cats."</p> - -<p>"Do they make it of dogs or cats, Paul?" asked his -little sister, curiously.</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said Paul; "I won't swear to it. -All I know is that there's a lot of dogs and cats that -disappear mysteriously every year in Chicago."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile Mrs. Palmer had been busily completing -her arrangements for supper, and it was ready within -the five minutes mentioned.</p> - -<p>"Supper's ready, Paul. I haven't made you wait -long," she said.</p> - -<p>"No, mother; you're always on time, like an express -train."</p> - -<p>"What sort of a day have you had, Paul? Did you -sell much?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, more than usual. How much do you think -I made?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>"A dollar and a quarter?"</p> - -<p>"More than that. A dollar and seventy-five cents."</p> - -<p>"That is very good indeed. It would take me a -week to make as much as that by sewing."</p> - -<p>"They pay mean wages for sewing, mother. I -wouldn't slave at that kind of work."</p> - -<p>"I shouldn't like to depend upon that kind of work -altogether, but I can just as well earn something that -way. I don't want you to support Grace and me in -idleness."</p> - -<p>"No danger of your being idle, mother. That -doesn't come natural to you. Some time or other I -hope to support you as a lady."</p> - -<p>"I hope you will be prospered, Paul; but I shall -never be willing to fold my hands and do nothing."</p> - -<p>"Then again I don't want always to live in this poor -place," pursued Paul.</p> - -<p>"It is comfortable. I feel fortunate in having so -good a home."</p> - -<p>"It would be easier to find a better one if we could -afford to pay more rent. Of course this will do for the -present. What have you been doing to-day, Grace?"</p> - -<p>"I went to school this morning, and I have been -studying arithmetic and geography at home since -school was over."</p> - -<p>"You will become a famous scholar in time, -Grace."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>"I never expect to know as much as mother," said -Grace.</p> - -<p>"I hope you will know a good deal more," said -Mrs. Palmer.</p> - -<p>"You know ever so much, mother."</p> - -<p>"You think so now, because I know more than -you; but the time will come when you will understand -better how little your mother knows."</p> - -<p>"Didn't you use to keep school, mother?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but school-teachers don't know everything. -Well, Paul, what have you seen to-day? To go to -Milwaukee and back would be a great event to Grace -and myself in our quiet course of life."</p> - -<p>"I've got used to it, mother. It's all in the day's -work. Oh, I mustn't forget to tell you a lady had her -pocket picked on our train to-day."</p> - -<p>"Tell me about it, Paul," said Grace, with eager -interest.</p> - -<p>So Paul told the story, very much as it has already -been told in the last chapter.</p> - -<p>"Did the pickpocket really jump off the train when -it was going?" asked Grace, her eyes wide open.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Grace."</p> - -<p>"Did he get hurt?"</p> - -<p>"No; the conductor and I watched from the platform, -and saw him turn two or three somersets, but he -got up quickly and made off."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>"It was taking a dangerous risk," said Mrs. Palmer.</p> - -<p>"Yes; it is more of a risk than I would take for -forty-seven dollars."</p> - -<p>"Was that the sum taken?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Poor young lady! What a loss it will be to her!"</p> - -<p>"She happens to be a rich young lady, mother. -She didn't mind it any more than I would if I should -lose ten cents, and perhaps not as much."</p> - -<p>"Do you think the man will be caught, Paul?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. I suppose he will keep in hiding -for awhile. Anyhow, he got off with the money. I -suppose he doesn't feel very friendly to me, as I was -the one who detected him in the theft."</p> - -<p>"Does he know that?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Palmer looked rather alarmed.</p> - -<p>"Be on your guard against him, Paul. He may do -you a mischief sometime."</p> - -<p>"I don't doubt he would like to; but I don't believe -he will ride on that railroad again very soon, and -I would not recommend him to go about much in -Chicago."</p> - -<p>"How do you know the lady was rich, Paul?" -asked Grace.</p> - -<p>"I know more than that. I know what her name -is," said Paul.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>"What is it?"</p> - -<p>"Grace Dearborn."</p> - -<p>"Why, her first name is the same as mine."</p> - -<p>"So it is. Don't you think she might send a present -to her namesake?"</p> - -<p>"She doesn't know anything about me," said the -little girl.</p> - -<p>"Don't be too sure of that."</p> - -<p>"How should she?"</p> - -<p>"Because I told her. I can tell you something -more. She sent you a present."</p> - -<p>"Really and truly?" asked Grace, in a flutter of excitement.</p> - -<p>"Yes, really and truly. Now what do you hope it -is?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know, I'm sure. I should like a nice doll. -I've got a rag baby, but that isn't as good."</p> - -<p>"She didn't send you a doll."</p> - -<p>"No; I didn't expect she would; she wouldn't have -any with her."</p> - -<p>"No; young ladies do not generally carry dolls -round with them. Still, you can buy a doll with what -she did give you."</p> - -<p>Paul drew from his vest-pocket the small gold piece, -and handed it to his little sister.</p> - -<p>"How much is it, Paul?" asked Grace, who wasn't -in the habit of seeing gold coin.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>"Two dollars and a half, Gracie."</p> - -<p>"Why, that's ever so much money. I can get a -nice doll on State street for half a dollar."</p> - -<p>"So you can, and keep the rest of the money for -something useful."</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn was very kind," said Mrs. Palmer. -"I suppose she made the present before she lost her -purse."</p> - -<p>"Yes. She invited me to bring Grace to call upon -her some day. She lives on Ashland avenue."</p> - -<p>"I should like to go, Paul."</p> - -<p>"So you shall, Gracie."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile all the family had done justice to the -supper, which, though certainly very plain, was palatable.</p> - -<p>As they rose from the supper-table, Paul took his -hat from a peg, and said:</p> - -<p>"I'll take a little walk, mother."</p> - -<p>"In what direction, Paul?"</p> - -<p>"I shall go to Randolph street, and perhaps stroll -down as far as State street. It is rather lively that -way."</p> - -<p>"Very well, Paul. I suppose you won't be out -late?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no. I always tell you beforehand when I stay -out."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>Paul had hardly been gone twenty minutes when an -unsteady step was heard on the staircase outside, and -there was a loud knock on the outer door.</p> - -<p>"I'm afraid it's Stephen," said Mrs. Palmer, nervously. -"I wish Paul were at home!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IV.<br /> - -<small>AN UNWELCOME VISITOR.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Mrs. Palmer herself went to the door and opened -it. There entered a thickset young man, of very dark -complexion, with an unhealthy color on his bloated -cheeks. His dress was disarranged, his hat sat on his -head with a rakish slant downward, revealing coarse, -unkempt black hair.</p> - -<p>"Good-evening, mother," said the new-comer, staggering -forward and sinking into the rocking-chair -usually occupied by the widow herself.</p> - -<p>"Good-evening, Stephen," said Mrs. Palmer, -gravely.</p> - -<p>"Evenin', sister Grace," said the intruder, looking -about for a glimpse of the little girl, who was staring -at him uneasily.</p> - -<p>The little girl responded reluctantly.</p> - -<p>"Where's Paul?" he asked next.</p> - -<p>"He's gone out for a short walk."</p> - -<p>"No matter. I don't like Paul; he puts on airs. -He doesn't treat me with the respect due to a—hic—older -brother."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Paul's a good boy," said Grace, rather indignantly; -for, though timid, she was always ready to -rush to the defense of her favorite brother.</p> - -<p>"Hey! what's that? No impudence, little chicken. -Don't you know I'm your brother, and more than -twice as old as you?"</p> - -<p>Grace was about to reply, but her mother gave her -a warning glance.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p033.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="caption">"You don't seem very glad to see me," said Stephen, scowling.</p> - -<p>"You don't seem very glad to see me," said Stephen, -scowling.</p> - -<p>"I should be more glad to see you if your habits -were good, Stephen," said Mrs. Palmer, gravely.</p> - -<p>"Who says—hic—that my habits ain't good? Show -me the man; that's all I want. Show him to me, I -say. If it's Paul, I'll let him know who I am," said -Stephen, belligerently.</p> - -<p>"I don't need any one to tell me, Stephen. Your -appearance is sufficient to show that you have been -drinking."</p> - -<p>"All gentlemen drink, mother. It's good for the -health. I ain't one of your sneaking 'Sons of Temperance.' -I know how to behave, I want you to -understand. I'm a gentleman, I am."</p> - -<p>"Gentlemen don't stagger when they walk, and -talk thick as you do, Stephen."</p> - -<p>"You needn't lecture me any more, Mrs. Palmer—don't -you hear?" said Stephen, becoming irritated.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>"When I come in of an evenin' to make a neighborly -call, you might treat me different. Have you had -supper?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"I haven't. I haven't eaten a blessed thing since -mornin'."</p> - -<p>"If you would like, I will get you something, -Stephen."</p> - -<p>"That's the way to talk, old lady. I 'cept—hic—your -kind invitation."</p> - -<p>"My mother isn't an old lady," said Grace, who -was as ready to stand up for her mother as for her -brother.</p> - -<p>"My mother isn't an old lady!" repeated Stephen, -with drunken gravity. "What is she, then? She isn't -an old gentleman. Of course not."</p> - -<p>"Hush, Grace!" said Mrs. Palmer. "It's of no -consequence whether I am called an old lady or -not. Would you like some tea, Stephen?" she -inquired.</p> - -<p>"You haven't got any whisky in the house, have -you, mother?"</p> - -<p>"No; we don't keep it. Tea will be much better -for you."</p> - -<p>In a few minutes a cup of tea, some cold meat, and -bread and butter were placed before Stephen, who ate -and drank with eager relish. It was true, as he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span> -said, that he had not broken his fast since morning, -though he had drank since then more than was good -for him.</p> - -<p>His meal seemed somewhat to sober him.</p> - -<p>"I say, mother," he began, pushing back his chair -from the table, "you're livin' in luxury, while I'm a -poor, miserable fellow without a home."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry to hear it, Stephen. It is your own -fault. You are surely able to earn a comfortable living -for yourself."</p> - -<p>"My health ain't good, and I can't get work half -the time."</p> - -<p>It seemed very ridiculous to one who observed -his strong frame to think of him as being in poor -health.</p> - -<p>"Your health would be better if you would abstain -from drink, Stephen," said Mrs. Palmer.</p> - -<p>"Oh, hush up! I've had enough of that talk. I'm -a gen'leman, and I'll do as I please. Mother, will you -do me a favor?"</p> - -<p>"What is it, Stephen?"</p> - -<p>"Lend me five dollars. I'll pay it back 'morrow -or next day—honor of a gen'leman."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Palmer surveyed her visitor with some indignation, -and answered, sharply:</p> - -<p>"Are you not ashamed, Stephen Palmer, to ask -such a thing of me?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>"Why should I be 'shamed?"</p> - -<p>"You, a strong young man, with only yourself to -support, ask me, a weak woman, dependent upon a -boy for support, to lend you money?"</p> - -<p>"I'll pay it back 'morrow or next day."</p> - -<p>"You know very well you would do no such thing. -You would spend it in a drunken carouse with your -disorderly companions. No, Stephen Palmer, I have -no money for you, or such as you."</p> - -<p>"Is that the way you treat a son of yourn?"</p> - -<p>"You are no son of mine. You are my step-son, -but your bad conduct troubled your father for years -before his death. You have no claim upon me or -mine."</p> - -<p>Stephen eyed her with dull anger. Even in his -drunken condition he felt the severity of her words.</p> - -<p>"I say, Mrs. Palmer, what did you do with my -father's money—the money that ought to have come -to me? You cheated me out of it, and you are livin' -in luxury, while I have no home."</p> - -<p>"You know very well," said Mrs. Palmer, disdainfully, -"that your poor father left no property, except -the little furniture you see in these poor rooms. He -might have been in good circumstances had you not -involved him in losses, and reduced him to poverty by -your bad courses."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>"You've got all the money between you—you, and -Paul, and Grace," persisted Stephen, angrily.</p> - -<p>"You know it's a wicked falsehood, Stephen!" said -Grace, firing up like a kitten at her step-brother's -insulting words. "You're a bad man!"</p> - -<p>"Hoity-toity! I'm a bad man, am I, little vixen?" -said Stephen, glowering at her.</p> - -<p>"Yes, you are!"</p> - -<p>"Hush, Grace! Little girls should not talk too -much!" said her mother, fearing that Stephen might -become dangerously incensed and proceed to violence.</p> - -<p>Though he was affected by drink, she felt that -she could not offer any adequate resistance in such -a case.</p> - -<p>"If Paul would only come home!" she said to herself. -He was only a boy; still with him in the house -she would feel comparatively safe.</p> - -<p>"Come, old lady," said Stephen, "I see you want -to get rid of me. Give me some money, and I will -begone."</p> - -<p>"I have no money for you, Stephen."</p> - -<p>"Didn't Paul bring home some money to-night?"</p> - -<p>Paul often handed his mother the money he had -earned during the day, and would probably do so -before he went to bed, but fortunately, as she considered, -he had not yet done so.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>"He brought home money, but he has it in his -own pocket," she answered.</p> - -<p>"Are you sure he didn't give it to you?" asked -Stephen, suspiciously.</p> - -<p>"No, he did not."</p> - -<p>"Then he ought to. He's a selfish boy, to—hic—keep -it all himself."</p> - -<p>"He doesn't keep it himself. He will probably -hand it to me before he goes to bed."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll come round to-morrow mornin', and -you can give me some."</p> - -<p>"It will be of no use, Stephen. Paul's money -goes to support the family, and you have no claim -upon it."</p> - -<p>"Haven't you any money in the house, Mrs. -Palmer?"</p> - -<p>"I decline to answer the question, Stephen Palmer. -All I can say is, that I have no money for you."</p> - -<p>"Come, old lady, you're puttin' on airs. I won't -have it. Do you hear me? I say I won't have it!" -and the wretched fellow pounded on the table fiercely -with his fist.</p> - -<p>Just then, most unluckily, Grace started, and let the -gold piece, which she had been holding firmly in her -hand, fall on the floor.</p> - -<p>Her brother espied it, and his eyes gleamed with -drunken joy.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>"Ho, ho!" he said. "Gold pieces rollin' 'round! -You're mighty poor, ain't you? That's just what I -need."</p> - -<p>He got up from the chair, and approaching Grace, -who by this time had picked up the gold, seized her -roughly by the arm, and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Give me that gold piece, young one, or I'll wring -your neck!"</p> - -<p>Grace shrank and cowered under his brutal grasp, -but still clutched the money, though pale with terror.</p> - -<p>"It's mine!" she said. "You sha'n't have it."</p> - -<p>"We'll see!" said the ruffian, tightening his grasp -and shaking her roughly.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER V.<br /> - -<small>PAUL TO THE RESCUE.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Of course a contest between a burly ruffian of -twenty-five and a little girl of ten could only terminate -in one way. Stephen Palmer forcibly opened the -closed hand of his little step-sister, and snatched from -it the coveted coin, which he exultingly held aloft, -crying:</p> - -<p>"I told you I would have it, you little minx."</p> - -<p>Grace began to cry, and Mrs. Palmer exclaimed, in -justifiable indignation:</p> - -<p>"Are you not ashamed, Stephen Palmer, to rob a -little girl like Grace?"</p> - -<p>"Who talks of robbery?" retorted Stephen. "I've -only borrowed it from her."</p> - -<p>He laughed tauntingly, for he understood, while he -spoke, what little chance Grace would have of recovering -her money through his voluntary restitution.</p> - -<p>"Borrowed it!" repeated Mrs. Palmer, with bitter -emphasis. "It is theft, and nothing else."</p> - -<p>"Do you call me a thief?" blustered Stephen, -scowling.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>"You are nothing better, Stephen Palmer!" returned -his step-mother, now thoroughly aroused.</p> - -<p>"Take care what you say, Mrs. Palmer!" said Stephen, -advancing a step toward her. "I'm a bad man -when I get mad."</p> - -<p>"You never said a truer word," said Mrs. Palmer, -more courageous in defense of Grace than she would -have been for herself.</p> - -<p>"Look here! You just drop that," said Stephen, -doggedly, "or I may do you harm."</p> - -<p>"That would not be surprising," retorted the widow, -undaunted. "A man who will rob a little girl -won't hesitate to strike a woman."</p> - -<p>The intoxicated young man was thoroughly incensed -by his step-mother's sarcasm, and forgot the -little manliness he ever possessed.</p> - -<p>"If you think so, I'll make your words come -true," he said, savagely, and advanced toward Mrs. -Palmer with uplifted arm.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Palmer turned pale, and Grace uttered a -shriek of terror.</p> - -<p>"Don't strike my mother, you bad man!" she -called out.</p> - -<p>This diverted the current of Stephen's wrath, and he -turned upon the little girl.</p> - -<p>"I'll whip you if you prefer it, Miss Saucebox," he -said, and grasped Grace by the shoulder.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>Mrs. Palmer sprang forward to rescue her child, but -the struggle was by no means equal. The ruffian -would probably have injured both but for an opportune -arrival.</p> - -<p>Paul was at the foot of the outside staircase when -he heard his little sister's scream. He had a tender -love for the little girl, and the thought that she was in -some peril gave wings to his feet. He fairly flew -up stairs, and burst into the room like a tornado.</p> - -<p>One glance enabled him to understand the situation. -He seized Stephen, and forcibly wrenched him -from Grace.</p> - -<p>"What does all this mean?" he demanded, turning -to his mother.</p> - -<p>"It means that Stephen has stolen your sister's gold -piece, and when I remonstrated was on the point -of assaulting us both."</p> - -<p>"You contemptible coward!" exclaimed Paul, -turning upon his step-brother with flashing eyes, his -manner full of disdainful contempt.</p> - -<p>Even Stephen cowered a little before the boy's -scorn.</p> - -<p>"I borrowed the money, that's all," he said. "It's -a great thing to make such a fuss about. And what's -more," he continued, resuming his swaggering tone, -"I won't stand any impudence from a young whelp -like you. Do you hear?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span>"Grace," said Paul, not noticing the young man's -words, "has he got your gold piece now?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Grace, half crying.</p> - -<p>"Give me back that money!" said Paul, sternly.</p> - -<p>"Not much!" sneered Stephen. "I'll keep it if it's -only to spite you. Do you hear that?"</p> - -<p>"Give me back that money!" persisted Paul, resolutely.</p> - -<p>"No, thank you," answered Stephen, mockingly. -"This time next year you may call for it, and if -it's convenient I may give it up."</p> - -<p>Paul opened wide the outer door, and looked out -into the street. As he looked, a policeman was just -passing.</p> - -<p>"Shall I hand you over to the police?" he asked, -significantly, pointing at the guardian of the city's -peace.</p> - -<p>For the first time Stephen looked uneasy.</p> - -<p>"Don't try to frighten me with such nonsense," he -said. "You wouldn't dare to call him in."</p> - -<p>"You'll see whether I will," said Paul, coolly.</p> - -<p>Stephen looked his young step-brother full in the -face, and saw that Paul was in earnest. His bullying -had failed of its effect, and he had a decided aversion -to an encounter with the police.</p> - -<p>"Take your money!" he said, flinging the gold<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span> -piece on the floor. "I only wanted to scare you -a little."</p> - -<p>"Grace, you can pick up your money," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"As for you, you young rascal," continued Stephen, -scowling fiercely at Paul, "I won't forget your -impertinence of to-night. I'll get even with you some -day, see if I don't."</p> - -<p>"Your threats won't prevent my defending my -mother and sister against your brutal violence," said -Paul, calmly.</p> - -<p>Stephen staggered out of the room, nearly tumbling -down the staircase in his drunken unsteadiness.</p> - -<p>All felt relieved when he had gone.</p> - -<p>"I should have lost my nice present but for you, -Paul," said Grace.</p> - -<p>"I came home just in time," said Paul. "I hope -Stephen will keep away now. I never want to see -him."</p> - -<p>"I never knew him to act so disgracefully before," -said Mrs. Palmer. "He has fallen into bad habits, -and keeps disreputable company, I fear."</p> - -<p>"There isn't much doubt about that, mother," said -Paul. "I have more than once seen him walking -with thieves and gamblers. Now I know where I have -seen that pickpocket before," he exclaimed, with sudden -energy.</p> - -<p>"What do you mean, Paul?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>"I told you about the man who jumped from the -train to-day after picking Miss Dearborn's pocket. -Well, there was something in his face that looked -familiar, but I couldn't think where I had met him, -though I was sure I had seen him before. Now I remember -meeting him walking in Randolph street with -Stephen one day last week."</p> - -<p>"You don't think Stephen is a pickpocket?" asked -Mrs. Palmer.</p> - -<p>"No; it takes training to make a pickpocket. -Stephen isn't light-fingered enough to succeed in -any such business; but a man that keeps company -with pickpockets isn't likely to be much better than -they."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid, Paul," said Mrs. Palmer, anxiously, -"that Stephen with some of his bad companions may -lie in wait for you and do you some injury."</p> - -<p>"I will try to take care of myself, mother," said -Paul.</p> - -<p>"Why should there be so many wicked people in -the world?" sighed the widow. "I can't see how -Stephen turned out so badly. His father was a good -man, and I have heard that he had a good mother; -but Mr. Palmer always had a great deal of trouble -with him from a boy."</p> - -<p>"He is lazy, and wants to get a living without -work," answered Paul. "Then again, he drinks."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>"That alone is enough. Oh, Paul, I hope you -will never fall into intemperate habits."</p> - -<p>"You need not fear for me, mother," said Paul, -firmly. "I despise drunkenness as much as anybody -can."</p> - -<p>"Yes, you are very different from Stephen, Heaven -be thanked! How could I get along without you, -Paul?"</p> - -<p>"I hope you won't have to get along without me, -mother. But I have been thinking that Stephen may -possibly come round here again to annoy you and -steal Grace's money. Grace, you had better let me -put the money into a savings-bank for you."</p> - -<p>"That is well thought of, Paul. Then it will be -safe, even if we do have a second visit from Stephen. -What do you say, Grace?"</p> - -<p>"Here it is, Paul," said the little girl. "You take -care of it for me."</p> - -<p>"I will put it into a bank Saturday evening, when -some of the savings-banks are open. I don't think -Stephen will be able to get it away from me."</p> - -<p>"If Stephen has any sense of shame he will not -come here again very soon," said the widow.</p> - -<p>Paul went to bed early, for he must take the 7:30 -train for Milwaukee in the morning. He slept -soundly, for his day's work had fatigued him.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VI.<br /> - -<small>BIRDS OF A FEATHER.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Stephen Palmer left the residence of his step-mother -in a state of furious indignation against the -whole family, but his anger was hotter against Paul -than either of the other two members. It is rather -mortifying for a young man to find himself worsted by -a boy ten years his junior, and Stephen was obliged to -confess that he himself had come off second best. -The worst of it was, that he had lost the gold coin -which he so much coveted. He was really hard up, -his whole available funds amounting to only ten cents. -The gold piece would have been to him a real bonanza. -He had counted upon taking a cheap seat at -Hooley's Theater, and thus passing a pleasant evening, -but of course that must be given up, and there -was nothing to do but to go back to his dingy little -room, since anywhere else he would need to spend -money.</p> - -<p>"Confound the boy!" ejaculated Stephen. "I'd -like to wring his neck. How dare he talk up to me as -he did? But for him," he continued, dolefully, "I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span> -would have got off with the gold. I'll get even with -him sometime, see if I don't."</p> - -<p>Stephen thrust his hands deep into his pockets, and -moodily made his way to his lodging-house. It was a -shabby brick house of three stories, not far from the -lake. He had been up late the night before, and -thought he would lie down for awhile to rest. Later -in the evening, perhaps, he would go out, and might -have the good fortune to fall in with some one of -his companions who was better fixed than himself -financially.</p> - -<p>He opened the door with a latch-key, and was making -his way up stairs when a little girl of twelve called -out from the back stairs in a shrill voice:</p> - -<p>"Mr. Palmer, my mother wants to see you."</p> - -<p>"Well, she can see me if she comes where I am," -said Stephen, not very good-naturedly.</p> - -<p>He paused on the stairs, and a woman in a faded -calico dress soon made her appearance, coming up -from below.</p> - -<p>"What's wanted, Mrs. Jones?" asked Stephen, uncomfortably, -for he could guess what his landlady -wished to see him about.</p> - -<p>"I'd be thankful, Mr. Palmer, if you'd pay me -your rent. You're owin' for two weeks and a half, and -I need the money very much."</p> - -<p>"I can't pay you to-night," said Stephen.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>"That's what you're always a-sayin'. Didn't you -promise me the money last Tuesday, when the two -weeks was up?"</p> - -<p>"I've been disappointed of some money that I -expected," muttered Palmer. "If I had it I'd give it -to you."</p> - -<p>"That don't pay for my groceries and fuel," said -Mrs. Jones, evidently much dissatisfied with his answer.</p> - -<p>"Who said it did?"</p> - -<p>"If you'll pay me some money on account," said -the landlady, beginning to understand the character -of her lodger, "I'll wait a little longer."</p> - -<p>"I tell you I haven't got any money by me, -except this," and Stephen drew out the dime which -constituted his sole wealth. "I suppose you don't -want that."</p> - -<p>"I'll take it on account."</p> - -<p>"No, you don't. I ain't going to strip myself of -every penny to oblige a cormorant of a lodging-house -keeper."</p> - -<p>"Is that all you've got to say to me, Mr. Palmer?" -asked Mrs. Jones, indignantly.</p> - -<p>"What more do you want? Don't I promise to -pay you when I have the money?"</p> - -<p>"Do you do any work?" demanded the landlady. -"Do you earn anything?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"At what business?"</p> - -<p>"That's my affair. However, I don't mind telling -you that I—speculate."</p> - -<p>"Speculate—on ten cents!" retorted the landlady, -in a sarcastic tone.</p> - -<p>"All my capital's locked up in stocks at present," -said Stephen, with ready falsehood. "I may have five -hundred dollars coming in next week."</p> - -<p>"I don't know whether to believe you or not," said -Mrs. Jones, with justifiable skepticism.</p> - -<p>"Do you doubt the word of a gentleman?" blustered -Stephen.</p> - -<p>"If you call yourself a gentleman, act accordin'. -I've got just one thing to say, Mr. Palmer—if you -don't pay me three weeks' lodgin' by next Tuesday, -out you go, or my name isn't Jones. I can't afford to -let my rooms to them as don't pay me."</p> - -<p>"It'll be all right next Tuesday," said Stephen, glad -of the reprieve. "There's two or three parties that -owe me more than the amount of your bill, but they -don't pay up."</p> - -<p>This was an utter fabrication, as there was no one in -the city or elsewhere whom Stephen could rightfully -claim as a debtor, but then a regard for truth was not -one of his strong points.</p> - -<p>Stephen went up stairs to his room, and lay down<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span> -on the bed. He soon fell asleep, and was still sleeping, -when he was aroused by a loud pounding at his -door.</p> - -<p>"Who's there?" he cried out, only half awake.</p> - -<p>"Come and see," was the reply, in an impatient -voice.</p> - -<p>Stephen tumbled out of bed and opened the door.</p> - -<p>"Luke Denton!" he said. "Why, what on earth's -the matter with you?"</p> - -<p>Luke Denton it was, but by no means in as good -trim as when we first made his acquaintance in the -railroad car. There were patches of mud on his coat -and pantaloons; there was a long scratch on one -of his hands, and a bruise on his forehead, while his -nose appeared to have been bleeding. For a man -who was generally very careful of his appearance it -was certainly rather a strange plight to be in.</p> - -<p>"Have you been in a fight?" Stephen asked, not -unnaturally.</p> - -<p>"No, but I'd like to be in just one," growled -Denton.</p> - -<p>"Who do you want to fight with?"</p> - -<p>"Look here, Stephen! isn't that boy—the train -boy, I mean, on the Milwaukee road—a brother of -yours?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>"I can't help it—I'd like to mash him, and I will -if I get the chance."</p> - -<p>"You have my permission," said Stephen, "and -I'd like to stand by and see you do it."</p> - -<p>"Then there isn't much love lost between you -two?"</p> - -<p>"You'd better believe there isn't. But what has he -been doing to you? You don't mean to say he is the -cause of all that?" and he pointed to Luke's disordered -dress.</p> - -<p>"Yes, he is."</p> - -<p>"How did it happen?"</p> - -<p>"He made me jump out of the train when it was -going fifteen or twenty miles an hour."</p> - -<p>"But how did he make you do it?" asked Stephen, -puzzled. "I can't understand."</p> - -<p>"You see, I was sitting near a nice young lady, -who had a purse pretty well filled. I noticed it when -she took out a gold coin and gave it to the boy for his -sister."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that's the way Grace came by her gold, -then!"</p> - -<p>"What! do you know about it?"</p> - -<p>"The girl showed it to me this evening," said -Stephen. "But go on."</p> - -<p>"It occurred to me that I stood more in need<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> -of the money than she, and I managed to slip my -hand into her pocket and draw it out."</p> - -<p>"I wish I could do it," said Stephen, "but I can't. -My fingers are too clumsy. I should be sure to be -caught."</p> - -<p>"I would have got off well enough—in fact, I had -made up my mind to get off at Libertyville, when that -sneak of a boy came up and exposed me."</p> - -<p>"Did he see you take the purse?"</p> - -<p>"It seemed so. I didn't know any one was looking -when I took the money."</p> - -<p>"What did you do?"</p> - -<p>"The young lady jumped up in a fright. I saw my -opportunity. I had the inside seat, so I sprang for -the door, and, without much thought of the risk I ran, -made a flying leap from the train."</p> - -<p>"You might have been killed. I wouldn't dare to -risk it."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I wouldn't if I had had time to think; -but I didn't. Well, I landed and rolled over two or -three times, enough to get these bruises and stain my -clothes. I suppose I was lucky to escape without -breaking my neck or limbs, but I feel too sore to be -very thankful."</p> - -<p>"There's a later train, starting from Libertyville. -I walked to Deerfield, and a hard time I had of it. -If the train hadn't been nearly an hour late, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> -wouldn't have caught it. As it was I did, and here -I am."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you didn't save the money?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but I did," chuckled Luke. "Look at -this."</p> - -<p>He drew out the purse, and displayed it to his -companion, whose eyes glistened as he saw the gold.</p> - -<p>"How much is there?"</p> - -<p>"Nearly fifty dollars."</p> - -<p>"I'd be willing to be bruised a little for that -sum."</p> - -<p>"I would have got it without a bruise but for that -brother of yours—dash him!"</p> - -<p>"I owe him a grudge myself. I'm with you."</p> - -<p>"You must hide me for a day or two till this blows -over. The police may be on my track."</p> - -<p>"That depends on whether my landlady will let me -stay. She's been driving me for back rent."</p> - -<p>"How much do you owe her?"</p> - -<p>"Two weeks and a half at two dollars a week."</p> - -<p>"Here, take that and pay her."</p> - -<p>Stephen took the five-dollar gold coin which his -companion flung on the bed, but no part of it found -its way into the hands of Mrs. Jones.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VII.<br /> - -<small>A REJECTED SUITOR.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>In one of the handsomest houses on Ashland avenue -lived Grace Dearborn, the young lady whose acquaintance -Paul had made on the train. Perhaps it -would be more proper to say that her aunt, Mrs. Sheldon, -lived here, and Grace was a member of her family. -Mr. Sheldon was dead, and his widow carried on -her husband's business—a large retail drygoods store—through -the help of the former chief clerk, now promoted -to general manager, under whose wise and -faithful superintendence the store flourished, and -yielded to the widow an ample yearly income.</p> - -<p>But if the aunt was wealthy so was the niece. Miss -Dearborn had come into possession of an independent -fortune of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, -which was so invested as to net her seven per cent., or -a little more than ten thousand dollars a year.</p> - -<p>As this fact was generally known, it will not be -thought strange that Miss Dearborn was much sought -after in society, and her hand was considered a great -prize in the matrimonial lottery. Thus far, however,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span> -she had resisted all solicitations, and society waited in -vain to hear of her engagement.</p> - -<p>Let us go back a week, and introduce Miss Dearborn -at home on a Wednesday evening.</p> - -<p>She had been chatting with her aunt on indifferent -matters, when a servant appeared with a card in the -presence of the two ladies.</p> - -<p>"A gentleman to see you, Miss Grace," she said.</p> - -<p>"Who is it, my dear?" asked Mrs. Sheldon, as -Grace took the card from the servant's hand.</p> - -<p>"Major Ashton," answered Grace, reading from the -card.</p> - -<p>"Will you see him?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose I have no good excuse for declining," -said the young lady, shrugging her shoulders.</p> - -<p>"He may wish to see you on important business," -said Mrs. Sheldon, playfully.</p> - -<p>"I hope not," said the young lady, looking alarmed. -"If I thought so, I wouldn't go down."</p> - -<p>"Oh, don't let my words influence you, my dear. -It may be an ordinary call. Besides, if it were not, -the major is considered a desirable <i>parti</i>."</p> - -<p>"Not by me," returned Grace, with emphasis.</p> - -<p>"What have you to object to him? He is good-looking."</p> - -<p>"Ye-es, I suppose so," admitted Grace, with evident -reluctance.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>"Let me assure you, my dear Grace, that he is considered -decidedly <i>distingue</i>."</p> - -<p>"I would sooner admit that than that he is <i>good-looking</i>. -He doesn't look <i>good</i> to me."</p> - -<p>"What is the matter with him?"</p> - -<p>"There is a look in his eyes that I don't like. It is -a cruel look, as if he had a latent fierceness and hardness -in his disposition."</p> - -<p>"All fancy, Grace."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so; but I don't fancy his looks."</p> - -<p>"Then he is rich."</p> - -<p>"I suppose he is, though I don't know."</p> - -<p>"He must be. He lives like a gentleman of large -means."</p> - -<p>"I don't attach much importance to wealth, aunt. -Surely, in a husband, other things are more important."</p> - -<p>"You wouldn't marry a penniless lover?"</p> - -<p>"Why not, if I respected and loved him?"</p> - -<p>"My dear Grace, you alarm me. I never supposed -you entertained such quixotic notions. Some day we -may have you eloping with a dry-goods clerk, or a -poverty-stricken artist, or——"</p> - -<p>"Don't borrow trouble, Aunt Caroline," said the -young lady, with a merry laugh. "You don't get rid -of me so easily. It is possible, of course, that I may -fulfill your prediction, for I have money enough to enable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span> -my future husband to live respectably; but I'll -give you fair warning and sufficient notice. But I -must go down, or the major will be getting impatient."</p> - -<p>Descending to the drawing-room, Grace saluted -courteously a gentleman who rose from a sofa, and -advanced to meet her with considerable <i>empressement</i> -of manner.</p> - -<p>"You are very kind to consent to see me, Miss -Dearborn," he said.</p> - -<p>"Oh, no," answered Grace, smiling. "I should -have been unkind to decline, since I have no good -reason for doing so."</p> - -<p>"At any rate, suffer me to interpret it as kind, since -it pleases me to do so. You do not know how much -I attach to it in the present instance."</p> - -<p>A slight shade of dissatisfaction flitted over the face -of Miss Dearborn, for the words and manner of her -visitor clearly pointed to a declaration of love, which -she wished to avoid, if possible.</p> - -<p>She was not like some young ladies in society, desirous -of extending the list of her conquests.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Major Ashton," she answered, lightly, -"but compliments are more in place in the ballroom."</p> - -<p>"I do not mean it as a compliment, Miss Dearborn.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> -Compliments are often insincere. I beg you -to believe that I am sincere."</p> - -<p>"Don't let us make too much of a trifle, Major -Ashton. I am ready to believe you are sincere. Have -you been to the opera?"</p> - -<p>There was a brief season of Italian opera in Chicago, -and this led to the question.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered the major. "Might I hope that -you will accept an invitation to accompany me tomorrow -evening?" he asked, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid I must decline. I am expecting company, -or, rather, my aunt is."</p> - -<p>"Then, perhaps, another evening?" suggested the -major.</p> - -<p>"I fear I cannot accept during the present engagement. -You are very kind to invite me."</p> - -<p>"I wish I might have the privilege of always attending -you, Miss Dearborn."</p> - -<p>Grace blushed, but not with pleasure.</p> - -<p>"What opera did you attend?" she inquired, coldly.</p> - -<p>"'Norma.' I can't say it is my favorite, but the -parts were well sung."</p> - -<p>"I have never heard it. In fact, I have to confess -that I do not enjoy the opera as much as many. -Probably my musical taste is not sufficiently developed."</p> - -<p>She spoke rapidly, and somewhat nervously, hoping<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> -to prevent the major from carrying out what she perceived -to be his intention. But she had to do with a -man who was resolute of purpose.</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn—Grace—" he said, abruptly, "I -hope you are not quite unprepared for what I came -here this evening to say. It consists of but three -words—<i>I love you</i>!"</p> - -<p>"Of course, I am very much flattered," said Grace, -hurriedly, "but I am sorry to hear it."</p> - -<p>"Why should you be sorry?"</p> - -<p>"Because it is quite impossible for me to reciprocate -your feelings."</p> - -<p>"Don't say that, Miss Dearborn," returned Major -Ashton, in a tone of mingled disappointment and -mortification. "Can you not learn to love me?"</p> - -<p>"Love does not come by learning, or by any conscious -effort, Major Ashton. It should be spontaneous, -and come from the heart."</p> - -<p>"I do not wish to be vain, or to speak egotistically, -Miss Dearborn, but I am generally considered an eligible -match. My social position you know, and I am -able to support a wife in luxury——"</p> - -<p>"I do not care to question it," interrupted Grace. -"I hope you will transfer your flattering proposal to -some one who may prove to you a good wife, and——"</p> - -<p>"I cannot transfer my devotion as easily as you imagine," -said Ashton in a tone of annoyance. "I have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> -long loved you, and thought of you as the one woman -with whom I desired to walk through life. Your refusal, -if persisted in, will wreck my happiness."</p> - -<p>Grace was tempted to survey somewhat closely the -man who thus declared that he should be miserable -without her. He did not look like a despairing lover. -His sleek black hair and whiskers, the rather insipid -regularity of his features, his evident foppish attention -to his dress, hardly indicated a soul moved to its lowest -depths by romantic and despairing passion.</p> - -<p>Self-conceit, vanity, a high degree of self complacency -could be read in the major's face, but he did -not look like a man who would jump into Lake Michigan, -a victim to the tender passion.</p> - -<p>Grace did not feel that there was any cause to make -herself miserable on her suitors account.</p> - -<p>"I hope, Major Ashton," she replied, courteously, -"that time may soften whatever disappointment you -feel. Pardon my saying that you have never appeared -to me the one man with whom I should wish to walk -through life, and this being the case, I should wrong -both myself and you by accepting you."</p> - -<p>"You will consider my proposal? You may change -your mind?"</p> - -<p>"Do not hope it, Major Ashton," said Grace, firmly. -"It can never be. And now you will allow me -to bid you good-evening."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>She left the room swiftly, and Major Ashton had no -choice but to terminate his call.</p> - -<p>"Confound the girl!" he muttered, when he reached -the street. "She was my trump card, and she has -failed me! What shall I do next?"</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER VIII<br /> - -<small>THE STRUGGLING ARTIST.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>"Here's all the illustrated papers!"</p> - -<p>Of course the speaker was Paul, and again we go -back, this time four weeks.</p> - -<p>It was the same afternoon train from Milwaukee, -and there were but twenty miles to travel before reaching -Chicago.</p> - -<p>The conductor chanced to be making his rounds at -the same time. He was calling for the tickets in order -to punch them. Among the rest he came to a young -man, slender and graceful, and with one of those faces -that seem to win upon a stranger at first sight—a thoroughly -good face, with an expression of refinement and -intellectual power. He appeared, however, to be in -limited circumstances, for his coat was well worn, and -in places there was a suspicious shiningness indicating -a respectable antiquity.</p> - - -<p>"Ticket!" said the conductor, addressing himself to -the young man.</p> - -<p>The young man felt in his coat-pocket for his ticket, -but it was gone—at least, he could not find it.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>An expression of alarm overspread his face.</p> - -<p>"I can't find my ticket," he murmured, in perplexity.</p> - -<p>The conductor listened coldly, and, it must be -added, with incredulity. He had met such cases -before.</p> - -<p>"Then you can pay me the value of the ticket," he -said.</p> - -<p>The young man's face flushed. Small as the sum -was, he did not have it.</p> - -<p>"Will you be kind enough to give me time, and I -may find the ticket?" he said.</p> - -<p>"I will wait till we reach the next station," said the -official, coldly. "Then you must either show me the -ticket or pay your fare."</p> - -<p>"If I can do neither?"</p> - -<p>"Of course I must ask you to leave the train," and -the conductor passed on.</p> - -<p>Paul stood where he could hear this colloquy, and -he noticed the distress of the young man. His sympathies -were aroused, for he suspected that the passenger -had not enough money to replace the missing -ticket.</p> - -<p>He, too, knew what it was to be poor, and he pitied -him.</p> - -<p>"Excuse me, sir," he said, approaching the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> -man, after the conductor had passed on, "but have -you lost your ticket?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I fear that I have."</p> - -<p>"Where did you get on?"</p> - -<p>"At Deerfield."</p> - -<p>"That is not so bad as if it were a through ticket -from Milwaukee."</p> - -<p>"No, but I am unable to replace it. I—I am not -provided with the necessary money."</p> - -<p>"The ticket is less than a dollar."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but even that small sum I have not at hand."</p> - -<p>"I hope you won't be offended if I offer to lend -you the money," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"Offended! I thank you heartily, for it is very -necessary that I reach Chicago this evening. My -mother is sick, and would be anxious."</p> - -<p>Paul drew from his pocket a dollar bill, and placed -it in the young man's hand.</p> - -<p>"You are very kind to a stranger. Give me your -address, that I may Send it to you."</p> - -<p>Paul did so, adding:</p> - -<p>"Don't put yourself to any trouble. There is no -hurry. Wait till it is convenient."</p> - -<p>"Thank you again," said the young man, recovering -his cheerfulness. "I hope some time to return -the favor. I am an artist, and I will paint your portrait<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span> -for half price, whenever you get ready to give me -a sitting."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," answered Paul, laughing. "I must -wait for that till I am a little richer."</p> - -<p>Frederic Vernon, for this was his name, had settled in -Chicago six months previously, with his invalid mother, -hoping to make a fair living as an artist, for he was -a clever portrait painter, but he met the usual fortune -of young men of merit who establish themselves in a -large city without influential friends. Orders came in -slowly, and he was obliged to accept paltry prices, far -below the value of his work. Yet he would not have -complained if he could have obtained enough work, -and been promptly paid for such as he did.</p> - -<p>On the day subsequent to his adventure in the cars, -chance, or let us say Providence, brought him a liberal -patroness.</p> - -<p>Grace Dearborn, returning from a shopping excursion, -had taken a seat in one of the city horse-cars -when her attention was attracted by the conversation -of two young ladies who were sitting near her.</p> - -<p>"That's a fine portrait of yours, Sarah," said one.</p> - -<p>"Isn't it?" said the other, complacently. "Pa says -it is as well painted as if we had employed a tip-top -artist."</p> - -<p>"Didn't you?"</p> - -<p>"No; it was painted by a young man, as poor as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> -poverty, who is obliged to work for any sum people -are willing to pay. Fancy, I only paid twenty dollars."</p> - -<p>"Only twenty dollars?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; he wanted more, of course, and it took him -three or four weeks to paint it, but that was all I would -pay. Pa gave me fifty dollars to pay for a portrait, so -I made thirty dollars out of it," said the selfish girl, -complacently.</p> - -<p>"I should think he would starve—the artist, I -mean."</p> - -<p>"He did look dreadfully seedy, but that was nothing -to me, you know."</p> - -<p>"I'm a great mind to get him to paint my portrait."</p> - -<p>"You'd better. Let him know that you are a friend -of mine, and the price I paid, and he will paint yours -for the same."</p> - -<p>"I will. What is his address?"</p> - -<p>"No.—State street."</p> - -<p>The other took down the address, and so did Grace. -Gifted with a warm, sympathetic nature, she could -hardly repress the disgust she felt at the miserable -selfishness of the two handsomely dressed girls, who -counted it a smart thing to obtain the services of an -accomplished artist at a price which would have poorly -compensated a hod carrier.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>"I may as well have my portrait painted," she said -to herself. "It will give me an excuse for helping -this young man, who has been so cruelly underpaid -by one who could evidently afford to pay him fairly."</p> - -<p>The next morning Frederic Vernon was sitting in -his plain studio in a fit of despondency. He had just -had a visit from Miss Framley, who had given him an -order for a portrait, after beating him down to twenty -dollars.</p> - -<p>In vain he had told her that he could not afford to -work so cheap. She protested that she would not pay -a cent more than her friend.</p> - -<p>Vernon was on the point of declining the commission, -but he reflected with a sigh that work even at -that price was better than to be idle, and he sadly -consented.</p> - -<p>Miss Framley, well pleased with the success of her -negotiation, swept out of the studio, in her seal-skin -sacque and costly silk, feeling that she would be applauded -by her father—a wholesale pork merchant—for -her financial success.</p> - -<p>On the stairs, as she was descending, she met Miss -Dearborn, whom she recognized by sight, and would -have been glad to know.</p> - -<p>"Is Miss Dearborn going to patronize the artist?" -she thought. "If he gets many patrons like her, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> -will be getting fashionable, and put up his prices. I -am glad I have made my bargain."</p> - -<p>Miss Dearborn entered the studio, and a hasty -glance satisfied her that the artist was indeed poor. -She glanced at the artist, and felt an immediate interest -in him. Though shabbily dressed, she read refinement -and nobility of character in his expressive face, -and was extremely glad she had come.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Vernon, I believe," she said, gently.</p> - -<p>The artist bowed.</p> - -<p>"I am told you paint portraits."</p> - -<p>Another bow.</p> - -<p>"I will give you a commission, if you have the -time to execute it."</p> - -<p>"I have something too much of that," said Vernon, -smiling faintly. "I will gladly accept your commission."</p> - -<p>"If you have other work requiring your present attention, -I am not in haste."</p> - -<p>"I have just agreed to paint the portrait of a Miss -Framley——"</p> - -<p>"Whom I met on the stairs?"</p> - -<p>"Probably; she just went out."</p> - -<p>"Then I will wait till you have executed her commission. -Meanwhile allow me to pay you one-half -in advance."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>Frederic Vernon stared in amazement, as she put in -his hands two fifty-dollar bills.</p> - -<p>"A hundred dollars!" he ejaculated.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Do you know that I have agreed to paint Miss -Framley's portrait for twenty dollars?"</p> - -<p>"I am sorry to hear it. I propose to pay a good -price for good work. There is my card. Be kind -enough to apprise me when you are ready for me."</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn," said the artist, his face lighting -up with gratitude, "you have done a great favor to a -struggling man. Miss Framley beat me down, while -you offer to pay a price such as only an artist of established -reputation would dare to charge."</p> - -<p>"I'm only anticipating matters a little," said Grace, -smiling, as she left the studio.</p> - -<p>"God bless her!" ejaculated the artist, fervently. -"I was almost discouraged, but now hope lights my -pathway. I will move mother out of that dingy room -into a lighter and more cheerful apartment."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IX.<br /> - -<small>THE FIRST SITTING.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Two days later the young artist sent word to Grace -that he was ready to give her a first sitting.</p> - -<p>She was not long in finding her way to the studio.</p> - -<p>"You have not delayed Miss Framley on my account?" -she said.</p> - -<p>"No, but Miss Framley has gone to Milwaukee for -a week, leaving me at leisure."</p> - -<p>When Grace, following directions, had seated herself -in the required attitude, Vernon engaged her in -conversation about books and authors, and each discovered -that the other had a mind rarely cultivated.</p> - -<p>Miss Dearborn's face lighted up, and became animated. -She forgot that she was sitting for her portrait, -and for that very reason, perhaps, afforded a better -study for the young artist. He could not help, -from time to time, directing glances of scarcely disguised -admiration at the fair sitter. But of this she -was unconscious.</p> - -<p>When the sitting closed, she was surprised to learn -that she had been in the studio two hours.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span>"I hope you have not found it very tedious," said -Vernon, apologetically.</p> - -<p>"On the contrary," answered Grace, smiling. "The -time has passed quickly."</p> - -<p>"I am glad of that. Then you won't mind giving -another sitting soon?"</p> - -<p>"To-morrow, if you like."</p> - -<p>"I should like it exceedingly, if it will not interfere -with your engagements."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my engagements are those of an idle young -lady, and can easily be put off. May I see what progress -you have made?"</p> - -<p>"I would rather you would not look just yet. I -have only made a beginning."</p> - -<p>"I will be patient, then. Indeed, I can't say I am -over anxious. My own face is quite familiar enough -to me."</p> - -<p>"If I can make it look natural, I shall be quite -contented."</p> - -<p>"I have confidence in your talent. Besides, I have -heard one of your portraits highly praised."</p> - -<p>"Indeed! May I ask where?"</p> - -<p>"I cannot tell you. It is a friend of Miss Framley."</p> - -<p>"Miss Cutler?"</p> - -<p>"Very likely. I don't know either of the young -ladies, but I overheard them in a street-car commending<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> -highly the portrait you had painted of Miss Cutler. -They seemed equally pleased," she added with -a smile, "with the low price which you asked for your -work."</p> - -<p>"Which she compelled me to accept, rather," said -Vernon, with a curl of the lip. "I should starve if -all my patrons were as bent upon a good bargain."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Vernon," said Grace, earnestly, "I don't -think you will have to paint another portrait at such -a ridiculously low price."</p> - -<p>"Not if all were as generously disposed as you," returned -Vernon, gratefully.</p> - -<p>"There may be others disposed to pay you a fair -price. Indeed, I have persuaded my aunt to sit to -you when my portrait is finished."</p> - -<p>"How can I thank you for your kindness, Miss -Dearborn?"</p> - -<p>"No thanks are required where an equivalent service -is rendered."</p> - -<p>Frederic Vernon was elated by this second order, -for he judged that the compensation would be equally -liberal.</p> - -<p>This was the case, for it was Grace who paid for her -aunt's portrait. Mrs. Sheldon at first objected to sitting -till her niece assured her that she wished the portrait -for her own room, and wished the privilege of -paying for it.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>"But, my dear, it will be so tedious sitting in the -young man's studio for an hour or two at a time."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my dear aunt, I won't force you to do it -alone. I will accompany you."</p> - -<p>"If you will, Grace, I shall not mind it so much. -I am afraid you will find it stupid."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no; I think not. I can carry a magazine or -novel, you know."</p> - -<p>"To be sure."</p> - -<p>Grace did carry some reading matter, but made little -progress in it.</p> - -<p>She and Vernon always found something to talk -about, and sometimes her aunt joined in, when the -subject was not above her comprehension.</p> - -<p>She, too, approved the artist.</p> - -<p>"Really, my dear," she said, "the young man -seems very intelligent, and, indeed, <i>distingue</i>, if his -clothes were better."</p> - -<p>"Artists cannot dress handsomely at their work, -Aunt Caroline."</p> - -<p>"No, I suppose not. Still, I fancy Mr. Vernon is -poor. He has a very plain studio."</p> - -<p>"He hopes to get into a better one soon, he tells -me."</p> - -<p>"He looks as if he had seen better days," said Mrs. -Sheldon, reflectively. "I've a great mind to ask him."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>"Oh, pray don't, Aunt Caroline!" said Grace, in -alarm.</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"He may be sensitive on the subject. It may -arouse painful thoughts."</p> - -<p>"Possibly; then I won't speak of it."</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't, if I were you."</p> - -<p>When Grace's portrait was sent home, she took -pains to show it to her friends in the hope that she -might procure additional work for the young artist. -She was successful, and before Mrs. Sheldon's was -completed, Mr. Vernon had received three orders -from friends of the heiress, one a gentleman, who -felt safe in patronizing one whom Miss Dearborn -spoke well of.</p> - -<p>With considerable diffidence, on the recommendation -of Grace, Vernon ventured to charge the same -sum—two hundred dollars—and was surprised to find -that his new patrons more readily agreed to pay this -sum than the very modest price he had formerly asked. -They took it for granted that a man who demanded -such prices must be an artist of high rank, and agreed -to his terms without a word.</p> - -<p>The fact that he had felt justified in taking a more -commodious and spacious studio, and had purchased -a new suit, helped him, for most people judge by appearances.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>Before he left the old studio, however, he had a call -from a friend of Miss Framley and Miss Cutler, who -ignorant of the favorable turn in his affairs, expected -to obtain his work on equally favorable terms.</p> - -<p>Frederic Vernon was alone when the young lady—Miss -Henrietta Simmons—came sailing in, rustling in -silk, and modeled after the latest fashion plate.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Vernon, I suppose?" she said, condescendingly.</p> - -<p>"The same, miss."</p> - -<p>"Two of my friends, Miss Cutler and Miss Framley, -have sat to you for their portraits."</p> - -<p>The artist bowed.</p> - -<p>"Really, you succeeded very well in both," said the -young lady, patronizingly.</p> - -<p>"Thank you for saying so."</p> - -<p>"I have about made up my mind to employ you."</p> - -<p>"I shall be glad to accept your commission."</p> - -<p>"I suppose the terms will be the same," said the -young lady, carelessly.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid not."</p> - -<p>"Miss Framley told me you wouldn't charge me -any more than she paid."</p> - -<p>"Miss Framley is in error."</p> - -<p>"I might be willing to pay you twenty-five dollars," -said the young lady, disappointed, "though I felt sure -you would charge me no more than my friends."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>"I am charging two hundred dollars now for portraits," -said the young artist, gravely.</p> - -<p>"Two hundred dollars!" ejaculated the visitor. -"Surely, no one would pay you that."</p> - -<p>"I have three orders on hand, each of which will -pay me that sum."</p> - -<p>"I can't understand it," said Miss Simmons, bewildered.</p> - -<p>"I believe the quality of my work is getting known -and appreciated," said Vernon, smiling at the young -lady's amazement. "Your friends were fortunate -enough to employ me when I was wholly unknown."</p> - -<p>Some months after—to anticipate a little—when -Vernon had become a fashionable portrait painter, -Miss Simmons actually sat to him, and paid his -price.</p> - -<p>It is the way of the world. We are willing to pay -any sum at the bidding of Fashion, with little regard -to what we pay for.</p> - -<p>But while Vernon's worldly success had improved, -there was another consequence of his acquaintance -with Grace which disquieted him. In spite of all the -arguments which reason could offer, he felt that he -was drifting—had already drifted—into love for the -beautiful girl to whose kindness of heart he owed his -new prosperity.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER X.<br /> - -<small>MISS FRAMLEY'S ECONOMY.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Three days passed, and nothing more had been -seen of Stephen Palmer in his step-mother's humble -home.</p> - -<p>"I hope he'll keep away," said Paul. "His coming -can do no good, and gives no pleasure to any -of us."</p> - -<p>"I agree with you, Paul, though it seems hard -to say that of one of the family."</p> - -<p>"He has never behaved like one of the family," -said Paul.</p> - -<p>"He was a wayward boy, and even at an early -age gave considerable trouble to his father and myself."</p> - -<p>"He hasn't improved as he has grown older, -mother."</p> - -<p>"I am glad you are not like him, Paul."</p> - -<p>"Then I am not altogether a nuisance," said Paul, -laughingly.</p> - -<p>"You are my main support—the staff on which -I lean, my dear son. You have always been a good -boy."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>"The staff will be stronger some day, mother," -said Paul, cheerfully. "I am not always going to -have you spoil your eyes by sewing."</p> - -<p>"I feel better to be doing something. That reminds -me—I have just finished some work for Miss -Framley. Do you think you can carry it after supper?"</p> - -<p>This conversation took place at the tea-table.</p> - -<p>"Certainly, mother; you know I always go out for -a walk, and I can just as well go to Mr. Framley's as -anywhere else. How much am I to collect on it?"</p> - -<p>"A dollar and a half, I think, won't be too much. -It has taken me four days."</p> - -<p>"You ought to charge more, mother. Think of a -dollar and a half for four days' work! Why, it won't -half pay you," said Paul, indignantly.</p> - -<p>"I don't dare charge more, Paul, or the Framleys -will give me no more work. I was recommended -to her by her friend, Miss Cutler, as one who would -work cheap, and in the only interview I had with -her she impressed this upon me as a matter of great -importance."</p> - -<p>"Is she poor? Does she need to grind you down -to such low prices?"</p> - -<p>"No; she lives in an elegant house on Wabash -avenue, and she is always dressed in the most costly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> -style. No doubt she has plenty of money at command."</p> - -<p>"Then she can't be a lady," said Paul, decidedly.</p> - -<p>"She certainly thinks herself so," said Mrs. Palmer. -"Her father is a man once poor, and still uneducated, -who made a good deal of money during the -war, and is now ambitious to live in style."</p> - -<p>"Shoddy!" said Paul, contemptuously. "That explains -it."</p> - -<p>"Nevertheless I am glad to obtain work from them, -Paul."</p> - -<p>"Provided they will pay a reasonable price. You -had better let me charge two dollars, mother."</p> - -<p>"No, it will not do. I shall be satisfied with a dollar -and a half."</p> - -<p>"Very well, mother. Of course it is for you to -decide."</p> - -<p>Paul finished his supper, and, taking the bundle, -made his way—partly by walking, partly by riding—to -Wabash avenue.</p> - -<p>The houses on this avenue were handsome, and -looked like the abodes of luxury.</p> - -<p>"I wish mother could live here," said Paul to himself. -"It makes me discontented with our poor home, -after seeing so much elegance."</p> - -<p>At last he reached the house of Mr. Framley,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span> -whose daughter has already made her appearance in -our story as the economical patron of art.</p> - -<p>Paul ascended the steps and rang the bell.</p> - -<p>The summons was answered by a man-servant, who -surveyed Paul with an air of lofty superiority.</p> - -<p>"Well, young feller," he said, "what have you got -there?"</p> - -<p>"A bundle of work for Miss Framley, old feller!" -answered Paul.</p> - -<p>"Was you addressin' me?" demanded the flunkey, -angrily.</p> - -<p>"I was."</p> - -<p>"I am not an old feller."</p> - -<p>"Young feller, then, if you like it better."</p> - -<p>"You are an impertinent boy."</p> - -<p>"I have no business with you," said Paul, coolly. -"Take that bundle to your mistress, if you please, -and say to her that the bill is one dollar and a half."</p> - -<p>"You can call for the money some other time," -and the servant was about to close the door, when -Paul said, sharply:</p> - -<p>"That won't do, I can't come here twice. Tell -Miss Framley what I said."</p> - -<p>The servant retired, grumbling, and soon returned -with a dollar bill, which he offered to Paul.</p> - -<p>"Miss Framley says the work isn't extra well done, -and a dollar's enough. You can take it and go."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>Paul's eyes flashed with justifiable indignation.</p> - -<p>"I should like to see Miss Framley," he said. -"This won't do."</p> - -<p>"She won't see you. Better take the money and -go."</p> - -<p>"I will take the money—on account, but not in -full payment. I wish to see Miss Framley."</p> - -<p>That young lady was listening at the head of the -stairs, being desirous of hearing whether the messenger -made any fuss about her mean reduction of a reasonable -price, and thought it best to descend the -stairs and argue the matter.</p> - -<p>"Are you the son of Mrs. Palmer?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Miss Framley."</p> - -<p>"Then tell your mother she asks too much for her -work. A dollar is quite enough for the little she -did."</p> - -<p>"Do you know how long she was occupied with -your work?" said Paul.</p> - -<p>"No; I suppose she did it in a day or two," -answered the young lady, in a tone of indifference.</p> - -<p>"It occupied four days, and you wish to pay her at -the rate of twenty-five cents per day."</p> - -<p>"Really, it is nothing to me if your mother is a -slow worker. I oughtn't to suffer for that."</p> - -<p>"Wasn't the work well done?"</p> - -<p>"Tolerably well."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>"My mother is noted for her excellent work, Miss -Framley. She is entitled to one dollar and a half for -this piece of work, and that isn't enough. If she had -taken my advice, she would have charged you two -dollars."</p> - -<p>"Really, you are a very presuming boy," said Miss -Framley. "My friend, Miss Cutler, told me your -mother would work cheap, and so I employed her. -If she is contented with a dollar, I will send her some -more work."</p> - -<p>"She will not be contented with a dollar," said -Paul, firmly. "I insist upon the price named."</p> - -<p>Miss Framley drew out her purse, and, taking a -half-dollar from it, with a spiteful air handed it to our -hero.</p> - -<p>"There," she said, "take it, but don't expect me -to employ your mother again."</p> - -<p>"I don't," said Paul. "Good-evening."</p> - -<p>"It is absolute extortion," said the economical -young lady, as she went up stairs again. "It is very -provoking, for Mrs. Palmer sews exquisitely. If I -hold off for awhile, I may bring her to my terms. -Twenty-five cents a day is a very fair price for such -easy work as sewing, <i>in my opinion</i>."</p> - -<p>"Well," thought Paul, as he bent his steps homeward, -"there are certainly some mean people in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> -world. Evidently Miss Framley is rich, but I wouldn't -be as mean as she for all her money."</p> - -<p>He wasn't far from home when, in passing one -of the brilliantly lighted stores on Clark street, his -attention was drawn to a young lady just descending -from a carriage. As the light fell upon her face, -he recognized his traveling acquaintance of a few days -before.</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn!" he cried, hastening forward with -a pleasant smile of recognition.</p> - -<p>Grace turned.</p> - -<p>"Why, it is my friend of the train!" she said, cordially. -"Aunt Caroline"—for Mrs. Sheldon was just -behind her—"this is Paul Palmer, who tried to save -my purse from the pickpocket."</p> - -<p>"It is a pity he had not succeeded, Grace. I presume -the unprincipled man has spent most of it by -this time."</p> - -<p>"Very likely," said Grace, with a laugh. "Well, -Paul, have you met with any more adventures, or rescued -any more young ladies from the schemes of dangerous -men?"</p> - -<p>"I have not had a chance, Miss Dearborn."</p> - -<p>"But I don't doubt you would be ready. How is -my namesake?"</p> - -<p>"She is very well. She was delighted with your -present."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>"I am glad of that. Can you spare five minutes, -or are you in a hurry?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, I have plenty of time."</p> - -<p>"Then come into this store with me."</p> - -<p>Paul followed Grace, wondering a little why she -made the request. When he came out he carried in -his hand a very pretty child's cloak which Miss Dearborn -had purchased.</p> - -<p>"Give it to your little sister, with my love," she -said.</p> - -<p>"How generous you are, Miss Dearborn! Grace -won't be able to sleep tonight for joy."</p> - -<p>"Be sure you remember your promise to bring her -around to see me."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. Will the evening do? I am on the -train during the day."</p> - -<p>"Come next Thursday evening—I will expect -you."</p> - -<p>"There is some difference between Miss Dearborn -and Miss Framley," thought Paul.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XI.<br /> - -<small>PAUL GETS INTO TROUBLE.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>With a glad heart, notwithstanding the loss of Miss -Framley's patronage, Paul bent his steps toward his -humble home.</p> - -<p>Grace was still up, not being willing to go to bed -till her brother came home.</p> - -<p>"What is there in that bundle, Paul?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"You have not brought the work back, Paul?" -asked his mother, apprehensively, for it would have -been a serious thing to spend more time on it, when -her time was so poorly paid for.</p> - -<p>"No," answered Paul; "I left the work."</p> - -<p>"Was Miss Framley at home? Did you collect the -money?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but I had some difficulty about it. Do you -think, she was mean enough to try to turn me off with -a dollar."</p> - -<p>"A dollar for four days' work! How can the rich -be so inconsiderate?" sighed Mrs. Palmer.</p> - -<p>"Inconsiderate!" exclaimed Paul, indignantly. -"That isn't the word—it's downright meanness."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>"Wouldn't she pay you the dollar and a half?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I insisted on it. I gave her a piece of my -mind."</p> - -<p>"I hope you didn't make her angry, Paul. She -won't give me any more work."</p> - -<p>"No, she won't; but you mustn't mind that. I'll -find some one that will pay you better. Here is the -money, mother."</p> - -<p>The widow took the three half-dollars which were -handed her, with a sigh. In spite of Paul's confident -assurance, she felt disappointed at having lost Miss -Framley's custom. She was not so hopeful as she had -been at Paul's age, having met with her share of the -world's rebuffs.</p> - -<p>"You haven't told me what you've got in that -bundle, Paul," said Grace, returning to the charge.</p> - -<p>"I'll show you, Miss Curiosity," said Paul, and -proceeded to open it.</p> - -<p>"Oh, how lovely!" exclaimed Grace, spell-bound -with rapturous admiration as the beautiful little cloak -was held up before her.</p> - -<p>"It's for me," said Paul, gravely. "How does it -fit?" and he threw it over his shoulders and walked -about, the little cloak barely descending to his waist.</p> - -<p>"It doesn't fit you at all, Paul. Isn't it for me?"</p> - -<p>"For you? Who would buy such a nice cloak for -you, do you think?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>"I am afraid you have been very extravagant, Paul," -said his mother. "The cloak is very pretty, but we -cannot afford such things."</p> - -<p>"It didn't cost me a cent, mother."</p> - -<p>"Then who gave it to you? Not Miss Framley?"</p> - -<p>"I should say not," answered Paul, contemptuously. -"Catch her giving five cents' worth to anybody! No; -it was Miss Grace Dearborn, the same young lady that -sent Grace the gold piece."</p> - -<p>"Where did you see her? Did you call at the -house?"</p> - -<p>So Paul had to tell the story, which does not require -repeating, and Grace tried on the cloak, which proved -to be an excellent fit, though it hardly harmonized -with the child's plain print dress.</p> - -<p>"Some time I'll buy you a new dress, Grace," said -her brother, "a dress that you can wear with the cloak. -I wish you had it by next Thursday evening."</p> - -<p>"Why then, Paul?" asked his mother.</p> - -<p>"Because I have promised to take Grace with me -to see Miss Dearborn on that evening."</p> - -<p>The pleasure excited by the gift was such that Mrs. -Palmer was unusually jubilant, notwithstanding the loss -of one of her customers. She did not seem wholly forsaken, -and fortune appeared again to have smiled -upon her.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, though Paul did not know it, trouble<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> -was preparing for him. He had two enemies—one his -own brother, Stephen, already introduced; the other -Luke Denton, whose designs he had frustrated in the -car. Luke had not forgiven him for the leap which he -was obliged to make from the moving train, and the -bruises which he received in consequence.</p> - -<p>"I'll be even with the young sneak—see if I don't," -said Luke, vengefully, to Stephen, as they sat together -in the room of the latter, smoking.</p> - -<p>"Don't blame you a bit," said Stephen.</p> - -<p>"I can't help it if he is your brother," continued -Luke. "He's injured me, and I'll make him suffer -for it."</p> - -<p>"You needn't think I'm going to stand up for him," -said Stephen; "I hate him myself. Didn't he prevent -me from——"</p> - -<p>"Robbing your little sister," said Luke, finishing -out the sentence.</p> - -<p>"I didn't mean to rob her," said Stephen, half-angrily. -"I needed the money, and was only goin' to -borrow it for a day or two."</p> - -<p>Luke Denton laughed. He did not admire Stephen, -though he kept his company, and felt a malicious -pleasure in saying disagreeable things.</p> - -<p>"Of course; that's understood," he said. "You'd -have gone round and returned the loan, with interest; -that's the way you always do."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>"I don't like your way of talkin', Luke," said -Stephen, frowning. "You may not mean anything; -but I don't like it."</p> - -<p>"Well, never mind that. The main thing is—we -both hate that impertinent stripling, and you won't -feel very bad if he gets into a scrape, even if you are -his brother."</p> - -<p>"No; I shall be glad of it."</p> - -<p>"Then I reckon you'll have a chance to be glad -very soon."</p> - -<p>"How is that? Is there anything in the wind?"</p> - -<p>Luke nodded, and in a few sentences detailed a plan -which he had devised during the time his physical injuries -had obliged him to remain in the retirement of -his friend's room.</p> - -<p>Stephen laughed approvingly.</p> - -<p>"Good!" he said. "Couldn't be better! Good -enough for the pious little fraud! After that, he won't -lecture me so much—me, his elder brother! I wonder -I haven't wrung his neck before now."</p> - -<p>"He might resist, you know," said Luke, dryly.</p> - -<p>"Do you think I ain't a match for the little cur?" -blustered Stephen.</p> - -<p>"I think he might give you more trouble than you -think for. He's strong and muscular for a boy of his -age, and he isn't a coward. I'll give him credit for so -much."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>This led to more boasts on the part of Stephen, to -which his companion listened, with an amused smile. -He despised Stephen, who was far inferior to himself -in education and manners; for Luke was fitted for a -better career than he had been led to adopt.</p> - -<p>The next afternoon Paul was returning to Chicago -by the usual train. He had met with fair success in -selling his papers and books; indeed with rather more -than the average, having sold three bound novels, -which sale afforded him a handsome profit.</p> - -<p>In passing through the cars, his attention had been -turned more than once to an old man, with a long -gray beard and hair of the same color, who was dressed -in rather an old-fashioned suit. Experience had taught -him that men of that appearance are seldom likely to -buy anything more than a daily paper, and he had not -left any circulars with the old Quaker, for such his -broad-brimmed hat showed him to be.</p> - -<p>"Come here, boy!" called the old gentleman, as -he was passing the second time. "What has thee to -sell?"</p> - -<p>"All the illustrated papers and magazines," answered -Paul. "I have besides some novels, if you -want to look at them."</p> - -<p>"Nay, my young friend; life is too brief to read -such light books. Has thee the <i>Atlantic Monthly</i>?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; here it is."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>The old man took it, and began gravely to turn over -the pages.</p> - -<p>"What does thee ask for it?" he inquired.</p> - -<p>"Thirty-five cents."</p> - -<p>"My wife Ruth likes to read it. I think I will purchase -it," said the old man.</p> - -<p>So saying, he put his hand into his pocket to feel for -his wallet.</p> - -<p>Quickly an expression of alarm came over his face, -and he exclaimed, loud enough to be heard by all the -passengers near by:</p> - -<p>"I have been robbed! I cannot find my wallet!"</p> - -<p>"It may have dropped out of your pocket," suggested -Paul.</p> - -<p>"Nay, I see it. It is in thy pocket, thou young -thief!" exclaimed the old man, reaching out his hand -and drawing forth a large wallet from the side pocket -of Paul's sack coat. "It is truly sad to see such depravity -in one so young."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to say I took your wallet?" asked -Paul, thunderstruck.</p> - -<p>"It cannot be otherwise. Did I not find it in thy -pocket? Is there an officer present? This boy should -be arrested."</p> - -<p>"I am a detective," said a man near by, showing -his badge.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>"Then it is thy duty to arrest the boy. He is a -thief!"</p> - -<p>Poor Paul! Brave as he was, his heart sank as he -saw the passengers regarding him with suspicion.</p> - -<p>"I am innocent," he said. "I never stole in my -life."</p> - -<p>"So young and so hardened!" said the old man, -sorrowfully; and Paul saw that his denial was not -credited.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XII.<br /> - -<small>PAUL'S CRITICAL POSITION.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Paul felt that he was in a tight place. He could -not understand how the wallet could have got into his -pocket. Yet there it was, and appearances were decidedly -against him in spite of his innocence.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p095.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="caption">"I did not steal the wallet," Paul said firmly.</p> - -<p>"I did not steal the wallet," he said, firmly.</p> - -<p>"Then how came it in thy pocket?" asked the old -man.</p> - -<p>"I don't know. Some one must have put it -there."</p> - -<p>"Verily that is a poor excuse," said the aged -Quaker.</p> - -<p>"It's too thin!" said a young man near by, who -thought himself a wit. "It won't wash!"</p> - -<p>Paul looked at him in disdain. Still it troubled -him, because he feared the other passengers would -agree with the speaker.</p> - -<p>Just then the conductor entered the car. He was a -firm friend of Paul, whom he had known ever since -he first came on board the train.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter?" asked the conductor, looking -with surprise at the group around Paul.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>"A pocket-book has been stolen, I believe," said a -quiet passenger.</p> - -<p>The conductor walked up to the scene of excitement.</p> - -<p>Paul looked up at him with a feeling of relief.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Bates," he said, "do you think I would -steal?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly not, Paul. Who charges you with it?"</p> - -<p>"This gentleman here," answered our hero, pointing -to the Quaker.</p> - -<p>"I fear thee is guilty, for I discovered my wallet in -thy pocket," said the Quaker, mildly.</p> - -<p>"Is this true, Paul?" asked the conductor, puzzled.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Can you explain it?"</p> - -<p>"No. This gentleman asked me for a magazine, -and, on looking for his money, could not find his -pocket-book."</p> - -<p>"I looked in thy pocket, and straightway found it," -supplemented the Quaker.</p> - -<p>"What made you look there?" asked the conductor.</p> - -<p>"I thought the boy might have yielded to a sudden -temptation. It grieves me to think he was so -weak."</p> - -<p>The detective here spoke.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>"Conductor," said he, "do you know this boy -well?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Has any charge ever been made against him -before?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"Has he ever been suspected of dishonesty to your -knowledge?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly not. He is the most popular train boy -we ever had. I would stake a years salary on his -honesty."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Bates," said Paul, gratefully.</p> - -<p>He felt gratified, in this trying emergency, to find -that there was one man who had full confidence in -him.</p> - -<p>"He looks honest," said the detective, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"Verily, appearances are deceitful," said the Quaker. -"I cannot afford to lose my money because the -boy looks honest. Was not the wallet found in his -pocket? I call upon thee, officer, to arrest him."</p> - -<p>Paul felt very uncomfortable. Though he was -buoyed up by the consciousness of his innocence, -he was troubled by the thought that he might be -carried back to Chicago handcuffed, or at any rate -under arrest. Suppose he should meet some one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> -whom he knew, would it not always be remembered -against him, even if he were acquitted?</p> - -<p>"You wish to press the charge, then?" said the -detective.</p> - -<p>"Verily, it is my duty."</p> - -<p>"I hope, sir," said Paul, "you will not injure me -to that extent. I swear to you that I am innocent."</p> - -<p>"Probably thee art equally regardless of honesty -and the truth."</p> - -<p>"Will you be prepared to appear in court upon the -charge to-morrow morning?" asked the detective.</p> - -<p>"Yes, verily," answered the Quaker, with a little -hesitation.</p> - -<p>"Do you live in Chicago?"</p> - -<p>"Nay, I live in Philadelphia."</p> - -<p>"Of course, all the broadbrims come from Philadelphia," -said the witty young man. "Yea, verily, -they do."</p> - -<p>"Friend, do not deride me," said the old Quaker, -looking rebukingly at the speaker.</p> - -<p>"What is your name, sir?" asked the officer.</p> - -<p>"My name is Ephraim Perry," answered the old -man.</p> - -<p>"Where are you staying in Chicago?"</p> - -<p>"At the Commercial Hotel."</p> - -<p>"Shall you be there to-morrow morning?"</p> - -<p>"Yea, verily."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>"It strikes me," thought the detective, who was -himself a native of Philadelphia, "he rather overdoes -the 'yea, verily.' I have lived in Philadelphia, and I -never heard any of the 'Friends' use the expression so -freely."</p> - -<p>"How do you identify the wallet?" he asked, -aloud. "How do you know it is yours?"</p> - -<p>"By the appearance."</p> - -<p>"Appearances are deceitful, as you said a little -while ago. Can you tell me what are the contents?"</p> - -<p>So saying, the detective, to whom the wallet had -been passed, made a motion to open the wallet.</p> - -<p>"I trust thee will not open the wallet," said the -Quaker, hastily.</p> - -<p>"Why not?"</p> - -<p>"It contains private papers."</p> - -<p>"Such as what? It is necessary that I should satisfy -myself that the wallet is really yours."</p> - -<p>"Will thee not take my word?" asked the Quaker, -uneasily.</p> - -<p>"Will you swear that the pocket-book is yours?"</p> - -<p>"Yes. Nay, I never swear," said the Quaker, hastily -interrupting himself. "I will affirm."</p> - -<p>"I am ready to swear that I didn't take the wallet," -said Paul.</p> - -<p>"That is different," said the Quaker. "Will not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span> -that be satisfactory?" asked the Quaker, turning to the -detective.</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"Does thee doubt my word?" asked the old man, -reproachfully, and seeming very uneasy.</p> - -<p>"Not necessarily, but I think you may be mistaken," -answered the detective, composedly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, open the wallet," said the conductor, who, -as Paul's friend, was led to hope that the result of the -search might, somehow or other, turn out for Paul's -advantage.</p> - -<p>"Thee shall not do it!" exclaimed the old Quaker, -in excitement. "It is my property, and no one shall -open it."</p> - -<p>He thrust out his hand and tried to clutch it, but -the detective held it above his head.</p> - -<p>"I cannot understand your reluctance," he said. -"Is there anything in it that you are anxious to -conceal?"</p> - -<p>"Nay," answered the Quaker, faintly; "but it is -my property."</p> - -<p>"Will you tell me what is in it?"</p> - -<p>The old man was silent.</p> - -<p>"Then I will open it."</p> - -<p>"Ha!" exclaimed the detective, drawing out two -pieces of pasteboard. "Here are two pool tickets;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> -and here," drawing out another paper, "is a lottery -ticket. Do Quakers deal in such articles?"</p> - -<p>"Some evil-disposed person must have put them -there," said the old man, nervously, "The boy——"</p> - -<p>"The boy had no chance. Come, sir, I believe you -are masquerading. Let me see. Here is a card—Luke -Denton. Ha! I begin to see what it all -means."</p> - -<p>With a quick and unsuspected movement, the detective -grasped the hat of the pretended Quaker, and -next seized his wig, which came off readily in his -hands, displaying to the gaze of the astonished passengers -the dark hair and the face of a man of thirty-five, -instead of an old man of over sixty.</p> - -<p>"The pickpocket that jumped from the train!" exclaimed -Paul, in excitement.</p> - -<p>"I recognize him now," said the conductor. "This -is clearly a plot to get you into trouble."</p> - -<p>"Yea, verily," chimed in the witty young man.</p> - -<p>"I'll clip your feathers some time, young man!" -said Denton, scowling at the speaker.</p> - -<p>"My Quaker friend," said the detective, "you are -wanted for that little affair on the cars the other day."</p> - -<p>He produced a pair of handcuffs. Luke Denton -struggled vigorously, but the conductor assisted, and -his hands were soon securely fastened.</p> - -<p>"I congratulate you, Paul," said the conductor.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> -"It was a mean plot, and might have succeeded. But -I never doubted you."</p> - -<p>"I know you didn't, Mr. Bates. I shall never forget -that," said Paul, gratefully.</p> - -<p>"I came near succeeding," said Denton, grimly. -"The next time I will wholly succeed."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps not," rejoined the detective. "Your disguise -was very good, Mr. Denton; but there was one -thing you forgot."</p> - -<p>"What is that?"</p> - -<p>"To wear gloves. Any one would know that the -hands did not belong to an old man. Besides, Quakers -don't generally wear rings. I suspected you from -the first."</p> - -<p>"What a consummate fool I was!" muttered Denton, -in disgust. "I ought to have thought of that."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIII.<br /> - -<small>GRACE DEARBORN AT HOME.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Grace Dearborn sat before the fire in her aunt's -handsome house, with a writing-desk in her lap. Before -her was a sheet of note-paper on which she had -commenced writing a list of names.</p> - -<p>Her aunt sat near her, dictating a list of persons -who were to receive cards of invitation to a party -which she proposed giving in honor of her niece's -birthday.</p> - -<p>Grace had been writing busily for some time.</p> - -<p>"Any one else, Aunt Caroline?" she asked.</p> - -<p>"I believe I have included every one. Let me -think. Oh, I came near forgetting Major Ashton. -How stupid of me!"</p> - -<p>"Major Ashton," repeated Grace, as she wrote the -name.</p> - -<p>"It would have been singular if we had forgotten -to include him," said the elder lady.</p> - -<p>"I did not forget him," returned Grace.</p> - -<p>"Then why did you not remind me?"</p> - -<p>"I suppose because I was not very anxious to have -him invited."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>"Yet he did you the honor of offering you his -hand?"</p> - -<p>"He may have considered it an honor; I didn't," -said Grace, decidedly.</p> - -<p>"At all events it was a compliment."</p> - -<p>"Be it so! If he would accept his rejection as final -I should not mind, but on the two or three occasions -since when we have met he has tried to introduce the -subject again. He does not seem willing to take no -for an answer."</p> - -<p>"Why not reconsider the matter, Grace? He is -rich——"</p> - -<p>"As if I cared for that."</p> - -<p>"Well, he is fashionable, and is met everywhere -in society. He would give his wife a desirable position."</p> - -<p>"Will that compensate for the lack of love, Aunt -Caroline?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps not, but love would come in time."</p> - -<p>"Love must come <i>before</i> marriage in my case, Aunt -Caroline. With Major Ashton it would never come -afterward."</p> - -<p>"You speak very decidedly, Grace."</p> - -<p>"No more so than I feel. To be quite frank with -you, I am more than indifferent to Major Ashton. I -positively dislike him."</p> - -<p>"Why? Can you assign any reason?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>"None that will fully explain my feelings. The -fact is, I cannot myself account for the antipathy -with which he inspires me. It seems almost instinctive. -Without knowing anything against him -I feel convinced that he is a bad and dangerous -man."</p> - -<p>"This is silly, Grace."</p> - -<p>"It may be so, but I can't help it."</p> - -<p>"You do not object to my inviting him to your -party?"</p> - -<p>"No. I have no right to do that, or rather I do -not wish to; since it would be a gratuitous slight. He -must come, of course, though I would rather he were -away."</p> - -<p>"That is all, then, unless any other name occurs to -you."</p> - -<p>"There is one other name, Aunt Caroline," said -Grace, hesitatingly.</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"Mr. Vernon."</p> - -<p>"What Mr. Vernon?"</p> - -<p>"Mr. Frederic Vernon, the artist."</p> - -<p>"But, Grace, he is not in society. He does not belong -to our circle."</p> - -<p>"He is a gentleman, Aunt Caroline, and is worthy -of social recognition."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>"My dear child, he is very poor. I doubt whether -he has a dress suit to appear in."</p> - -<p>"That is his affair. He may not come, but it will -be polite in us to invite him."</p> - -<p>"You are rather quixotic, Grace."</p> - -<p>"Why do you think so? I know Mr. Vernon to -be well educated, and possessed of culture and refinement -in a higher degree than many of the gentlemen -who will receive invitations. I feel like -recognizing him as an equal. Do you seriously -object?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no! Send him a card if you wish. I only -wished to set before you the singularity of inviting a -poor, obscure artist to a fashionable party. We may -be criticised."</p> - -<p>"We propose to please ourselves, not the critics, -Aunt Caroline," answered Grace, with a curl of the -lip. "Now, there is one on your list whom I think -much more unfit than Mr. Vernon, who is qualified to -appear anywhere among gentlemen and ladies."</p> - -<p>"To whom do you refer, Grace?"</p> - -<p>"To Miss Framley."</p> - -<p>"Do you know anything against her? She was recently -introduced to me at a party, and made herself -very agreeable. I could not very well help sending -her a card."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span>"I know she is vulgar, and mean in money matters. -Before I ever met her I got an insight into -her character from a chance conversation which I -overheard between herself and a friend in a street -car."</p> - -<p>"She visits at good houses."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, I believe her father is rich, and I know -they live in handsome style, but that doesn't save her -from being vulgar and ill-bred."</p> - -<p>"You are disposed to be too critical, Grace. It -won't do to judge our fashionable acquaintances too -rigidly. We must take the world as we find it."</p> - -<p>"Smiling on those who are prosperous, and frowning -on those who are not wealthy. We must, in other -words, apply the standard of gold to all."</p> - -<p>"No; that is overstating it. But if we find persons -in good society we may feel safe in associating with -them; then, if we prove mistaken, we can throw the -responsibility on society. To be deceived in good -company is excusable."</p> - -<p>"You judge such matters from a worldly stand-point, -Aunt Caroline."</p> - -<p>"Oh, well, I am a woman of the world, my dear," -said Mrs. Sheldon, shrugging her shoulders. "Well, -that completes our list, and we can prepare the cards -at our leisure."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span>The same evening, about eight o'clock, the servant -entered Miss Dearborn's presence, and said:</p> - -<p>"There is a young man at the door who wishes to -see you."</p> - -<p>"Who is it? Did he give you his card?"</p> - -<p>"I don't believe he has any, Miss Grace," said the -girl, laughing. "It's a boy about sixteen, and a little -girl."</p> - -<p>"Oh, it's my train boy!" exclaimed Grace, with -animation.</p> - -<p>Soon Paul and his little sister entered the room.</p> - -<p>Our hero's manner was modest, but self-possessed, -while Grace clung to him bashfully.</p> - -<p>"I am glad to see you, Paul," said the young lady, -with a bright smile.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Miss Dearborn."</p> - -<p>"So this is your little sister, and my little namesake. -How do you do, my dear child?"</p> - -<p>Grace answered, bashfully, that she was very well.</p> - -<p>"You see, Miss Dearborn, Grace is wearing the -cloak you were kind enough to give her."</p> - -<p>"And very well it becomes her, too. Is your mother -well, Paul?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Miss Dearborn, thank you."</p> - -<p>"I suppose she keeps house with Grace while you -are away during the day?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span>"Yes; but she also sews when she has an opportunity."</p> - -<p>"I suppose she is not very well paid sometimes?"</p> - -<p>"Very poorly at the best; but in some cases those -who employ her are very mean. Now, there was Miss -Framley——"</p> - -<p>"Miss Framley!" repeated Grace, with interest. -"Tell me the story."</p> - -<p>Paul did tell the story already familiar to us.</p> - -<p>"And this person is to be present at my party!" -thought Grace, with an uncontrollable feeling of disgust. -"I shall find it hard to be ordinarily polite to -her."</p> - -<p>"You must not think all ladies are as inconsiderate, -Paul," she said. "Has your mother leisure to do -some sewing for me?"</p> - -<p>"She will be glad to do so, Miss Dearborn."</p> - -<p>"Then, if you can call here to-morrow evening, I -will have a bundle ready. I shall pay her double the -price she charged Miss Framley."</p> - -<p>"You are very kind, Miss Dearborn, and my mother -will be overjoyed. I do not wish her to sew at all, -but she is unwilling to give it up."</p> - -<p>Paul and his sister remained an hour, Grace exerting -herself far more to entertain them than she -would have done had they been fashionable callers.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>"How did you like her, Gracie?" asked Paul, as -they were walking homeward.</p> - -<p>"She's awful nice, Paul," said the little girl.</p> - -<p>"So I think," said Paul.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIV.<br /> - -<small>THE ARTIST'S SECRET.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Frederic Vernon sat in his studio, toying with his -brush. The canvas was before him, but he seemed to -be in a brown study.</p> - -<p>"What has got into me?" he asked himself, impatiently. -"I cannot fix my mind upon my work. I am -no longer on the verge of destitution, or compelled to -labor for a mere pittance; yet my mind is less at ease -than when I hardly knew where the next day's food -was to come from."</p> - -<p>Vernon's circumstances had improved. He had -taken a lighter and more cheerful studio, and moved -with his mother into better rooms. He was no longer -forced to court the penurious patronage of young ladies -like Miss Framley, and, thanks to the influence of -Miss Dearborn, he was never without some work in -hand. Yet, though he ought to have been cheerful, -he found himself restless, and his work often had to -wait upon his moods.</p> - -<p>"Frederic, what is the matter with you?" asked his -mother, earnestly, one day.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>"Why do you ask, mother? I am well," he answered, -evasively.</p> - -<p>"You have lost your appetite, and your mind seems -preoccupied. Is anything troubling you?"</p> - -<p>"Anything troubling me?" he asked, with a forced -smile. "What a strange idea!"</p> - -<p>"Nay, my son; you cannot conceal it from your -mother's eyes that something is amiss with you. What -is it?"</p> - -<p>"I am sure I cannot tell, mother."</p> - -<p>"Is not your work proceeding well, Frederic?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes. I had another order to-day."</p> - -<p>"You should look happy, then, my son. Compare -your position to-day with what it was three months -since. Then——"</p> - -<p>"I was almost a beggar, mother."</p> - -<p>"True."</p> - -<p>"Forced to paint portraits for mean, shoddy people -for a mere song."</p> - -<p>"Yes. But things have changed with you now, -Frederic."</p> - -<p>"Yes, thanks to Providence—and Grace Dearborn."</p> - -<p>Unconsciously he pronounced this name with a tenderness -which revealed to his mother something that -he had not intended she should know. A look of intelligence -overspread her face.</p> - -<p>"I begin to see how it is, my boy," she said, gently.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>"How what is, mother?"</p> - -<p>"I think I understand what is the matter with you."</p> - -<p>"Have you turned seeress?" he asked, smiling -faintly.</p> - -<p>"No; but I can minister to a mind diseased when -I know the nature of the disease."</p> - -<p>"Well, what is my disease, mother mine?" he asked, -lightly.</p> - -<p>"Frederic, you are in love!"</p> - -<p>"In love!" he repeated, flushing. "Then perhaps -you can tell with whom I am in love?"</p> - -<p>"I think I can."</p> - -<p>"Say on, mother."</p> - -<p>"You love Grace Dearborn."</p> - -<p>He started, and his face flushed.</p> - -<p>"What makes you think that, mother?" he asked, -slowly.</p> - -<p>"Your face would tell me if I had no other evidence. -Is it not true?"</p> - -<p>"Well, mother, you have my secret," he answered, -after a pause. "You know my disease. Now canst -thou minister to a mind diseased?"</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so."</p> - -<p>"I know what you would say. You would tell me -to root out the foolish fancy from my heart, and devote -myself unflinchingly to my art. Well, mother, I have -tried it, and I have failed."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>"You mistake me, Frederic. If you feel that your -love for this young lady is deep and earnest, such a -love as comes but once in a life-time, let her know of -it, and give her a chance to accept or reject it."</p> - -<p>"Mother, are you mad? Do you know that Grace -Dearborn is a wealthy heiress—that she moves in the -most exclusive society of Chicago—that she is admired -by many who are rated as eligible matches?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know all that—or I have guessed it from -what you have told me. And what then?"</p> - -<p>"Do you think of the difference between us? What -am I?"</p> - -<p>"You are an artist, a gentleman, and a man of -talent."</p> - -<p>"Even were it so, I earn, for my entire income, less -in all probability than this young lady spends for her -wardrobe in a single year."</p> - -<p>"That may be, Frederic."</p> - -<p>"And yet you bid me hope?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I bid you hope. If Miss Dearborn is what -I think she is, she will not set an undue estimate upon -wealth. She will understand how many vulgar and -ill-bred men possess it, and will rate higher the talent, -the refinement, and the culture of a gentleman, and -the good heart that makes him ever a loyal and affectionate -son. Such a man cannot fail to make a desirable -husband."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>"Ah, mother," said Vernon, smiling, "you are a -mother, and, like all mothers, you overrate your son. -If Grace would but look upon me with your eyes, -perhaps I might hope. As it is, were I to open my -lips to her, I should only subject myself to the mortification -of having my suit contemptuously spurned."</p> - -<p>"That would never be. Even if rejected, there -would be nothing to injure your pride or bring a -blush of mortification to your cheek."</p> - -<p>"I think you are right there, mother. Grace is too -gentle, too much of a lady, to let me see how unjustifiable -were my hopes."</p> - -<p>"Frederic, will you be guided by me in this matter?"</p> - -<p>"Let me hear your advice first, mother. Then I -will decide."</p> - -<p>"Try to make yourself more worthy of her. Make -the most of your talent. Become something more -than a portrait painter. Become a great artist; and -when all men acknowledge your talent, Miss Dearborn -will be proud to accept your devotion, and to -reward it. Is my advice good?"</p> - -<p>"Mother, you put new life into me," said the young -man, his face glowing with new hope. "I have always -wished to become a true artist. I am a portrait painter -because poverty made it necessary."</p> - -<p>"And you would become an artist if you could?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; it is my strongest wish."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>"Then form the plan of some great picture, select -some worthy and inspiring subject, devote your leisure -to it, and think that you are working for her you -love."</p> - -<p>"I will mother. You are not only my best friend, -but my wisest counselor. Henceforth I shall feel that -I have an object for which to labor."</p> - -<p>Frederic Vernon returned to his studio with quickened -steps, and resumed work with an ardor he had -not felt since Grace Dearborn sat in his studio as the -subject of his brush. It was some time before a suitable -idea came to him, but at last it flashed upon him, -and he gave to his picture all the time he could save -from his sittings.</p> - -<p>In the midst of his labors there appeared to him -one day the postman.</p> - -<p>It was a dainty missive he held in his hand, addressed, -in delicate chirography, to Frederic Vernon, -Esq.</p> - -<p>Vernon opened it, and read with a quickened movement -of the heart a card of invitation to a party given -by Mrs. Caroline Sheldon, to celebrate the birthday of -her niece, Miss Grace Dearborn.</p> - -<p>Vernon's face lighted up with joy.</p> - -<p>"She has not forgotten me, then," he said to -himself.</p> - -<p>Then came the thought, "Shall I go?" Would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span> -he feel at home in the fashionable circle to which he -would be a stranger? He hesitated, but it was not -for long.</p> - -<p>"Since Grace bids me, for I know it was at her suggestion -that I am invited, I will attend."</p> - -<p>Just then his studio was invaded by a young lady, -upon whose portrait he was engaged. She did not -come alone. With her was Major Ashton, who has -already been named as the unsuccessful suitor of -Grace.</p> - -<p>Vernon laid down the invitation hastily, but it was -still open, and Major Ashton, who was observant, saw -it, and a glance revealed to him its contents.</p> - -<p>His face betrayed his surprise and annoyance.</p> - -<p>"Is it possible that Miss Dearborn has invited this -portrait painter to her party?" he asked himself.</p> - -<p>Then his eyes dwelt critically on the refined and -handsome face of the artist, and a vague feeling of -jealousy sprang up within him, for he was still firmly -resolved upon marrying Grace.</p> - -<p>"But no," he thought, recovering himself; "Grace -would not stoop to a fellow like that. She only wishes -to patronize him."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XV.<br /> - -<small>A FELLOW-CONSPIRATOR.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Stephen Palmer, since his discomfiture, had not visited -his step-mother or Grace. He felt that he hated -the whole family, but most of all Paul. A bully never -forgives the one, boy or man, who humiliates him; -and Stephen felt the more mortified and incensed -because our hero was so much younger than himself. -Paul was his equal in height, but Stephen was broader -and stronger, and but for his habits of intoxication, -which robbed him of his strength, would have given -his young brother a good deal of trouble.</p> - -<p>When Luke Denton first unfolded to Stephen the -plan he had in view for getting Paul into trouble, the -young man was delighted.</p> - -<p>"What a head you've got, Luke!" he said, admiringly.</p> - -<p>"You like the plan, then?" said Luke, who did not -object to flattery, though he had a very poor opinion -of Stephen's understanding.</p> - -<p>"It's capital! Couldn't be better!" exclaimed Stephen.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>"I flatter myself it's rather a clever notion," said -Luke, complacently. "You don't mind your brother -being arrested for theft, then?"</p> - -<p>"No, curse him! He sets up for a young saint, -lectures me, who am almost old enough to be his -father."</p> - -<p>"Still, he is your brother," said Luke, dryly.</p> - -<p>"A pretty sort of brother he is! Why, he wouldn't -give me a penny to save me from starvation. The -other day, when I was dead broke, and wanted to -borrow a trifle, he made such a row that I had to give -it up. There isn't any love lost between Paul and -me."</p> - -<p>"What will become of your mother and sister if -Paul goes to prison?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know, and I don't care," said Stephen, -spitting viciously. "They may starve, for all I care."</p> - -<p>"Upon my word, you're a relation worth having," -said Luke, lazily puffing at a meerschaum pipe, for he -was somewhat fastidious in his tastes, and disdained -the common clay pipe which Stephen was not above -using.</p> - -<p>In truth, he despised the man with whom he nevertheless -spent a considerable part of his time. There -was a community of vice between them, but Luke was -by nature refined and Stephen coarse.</p> - -<p>"You wouldn't expect me to take the young<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> -puppy's place and work for them, would you?" demanded -Stephen.</p> - -<p>"If I had a mother and sister, I would do just -that," said Denton; and he spoke with sincerity, for, -with all his want of principle, he was not without -domestic affection.</p> - -<p>"You wouldn't if you had folks like mine," said -Stephen. "They don't care a pinch of snuff for me."</p> - -<p>"Strange, when you are so attractive—have such -taking ways," said Luke, ironically.</p> - -<p>"Don't talk that way, Luke Denton, for I don't -like it," returned Stephen, sullenly.</p> - -<p>"You must let me have my little joke, Stephen. -What would the world be without innocent mirth and -friendly banter? So you like my plan?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but can you do it? Can you play the -Quaker?"</p> - -<p>"Dost thee doubt it?"</p> - -<p>Stephen went off into a fit of laughter, though -there didn't seem much to laugh at.</p> - -<p>"Don't be frivolous. Restrain thy mirth, and fix -thy mind on serious things," continued Luke, in a -tone which he thought befitting the words.</p> - -<p>Again Stephen betrayed symptoms of suffocation.</p> - -<p>He went out with Denton, and assisted in dressing -him in the costume which he hired for the successful -personation of a quiet Friend.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>"You'll do," he said, in high satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"Dost thee feel sure, friend Stephen?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, you're too funny for anything! Shall I go -with you to the depot?"</p> - -<p>"Not for a hundred dollars! It would destroy my -reputation as a grave and upright Quaker to be seen -in such disreputable company. I will go my ways -alone, friend Stephen, but anon I will return and favor -thee with a report of my success. If I don't fail, that -young brother of yours will spend the night at the -station-house."</p> - -<p>"When he is tried I'll go and see it. It'll be nuts -to me to see the young sneak tried for theft."</p> - -<p>"I'll do my best to carry out your kind wishes for -his welfare."</p> - -<p>So Luke Denton set out on his errand, and we -already know how he fared—how into the pit which -he dug for another he fell himself. It was he and not -Paul that spent the night in confinement.</p> - -<p>Stephen waited impatiently for his return. He was -eager to hear the details of the scheme, which he did -not doubt would turn out as he wished. He wanted -to hear how Paul acted when confronted with the -charge of theft, and was impatient to have the afternoon -pass away and Denton return.</p> - -<p>But he waited in vain an hour or more after the -train should be in, and still his friend did not appear.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> -Still, he did not dream that Denton himself had got -into trouble, and was hindered by circumstances -which he could not control from coming round to -see him.</p> - -<p>As time passed he became more restless and anxious.</p> - -<p>"Denton might have come round to tell me," he -muttered, peevishly. "He might have known that I -would want to hear."</p> - -<p>After awhile he concluded to go round to Denton's -lodgings and see if he were in. He might be tired, -and lying down.</p> - -<p>It was not far he had to go. Luke Denton lived in -more style than himself. When he was able he paid -his rent, and when his purse was low he did not pay. -If, after a time, his landlady became importunate, he -removed to some other place. Probably he did not -pay more rent—perhaps not as much—in the course -of a year as Stephen, for he had a more persuasive and -plausible manner, and could obtain credit on the score -of his appearance, while Stephen's only went against -him.</p> - -<p>"Is Mr. Denton in?" asked Stephen, of the servant -who answered his summons.</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"I suppose he has been in this evening?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>"No; he went away early in the day, and has not -been home since."</p> - -<p>"Can anything have happened to him?" thought -Stephen. "No, he could take care of himself. But -what a fool I am!" he exclaimed, with a sudden -thought. "Of course he wouldn't come home in -those Quaker clothes. Very likely he's carried 'em -back to the place where he borrowed 'em."</p> - -<p>So Stephen went round there, but found the place -closed. There seemed no way of finding out what he -wanted to know that night. Yes, there was. He -would go round to the lodgings of Mrs. Palmer, and -find out whether Paul had returned. If not, he would -be safe in frightening them and demanding a loan, for, -as usual, he was short of money.</p> - -<p>"That's a good idea," he said to himself. "If Paul -isn't at home, and has not been home, I'll know it's -all right, and Luke will be round in good time to tell -me how it all came out. Yes, that's the best thing I -can do."</p> - -<p>So Stephen bent his steps in the direction of his -step-mother's humble home.</p> - -<p>When his knock was heard, Paul said:</p> - -<p>"Mother, that's Stephen's knock. Don't let him -know where I am. I'll hide in the next room, and -hear what he has to say. I suspect he had something<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> -to do with the attempt that was made to get me into -trouble to-day. Perhaps I can find out."</p> - -<p>"If he asks me if you are here, what am I to say? -I must tell the truth."</p> - -<p>Paul whispered a few words in his mother's ear, and -then hastily retreated into the inner room, while Mrs. -Palmer went forward and opened the door to her step-son.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVI.<br /> - -<small>AN UNWELCOME APPEARANCE.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>"Good-evening, mamma!" said Stephen, airily, as -he stepped over the threshold, and entered the room.</p> - -<p>"Good-evening, Stephen," said Mrs. Palmer, soberly.</p> - -<p>Stephen glanced hastily in all directions in search of -Paul, and was glad to find no trace of him.</p> - -<p>"Where's sister Grace?" he inquired.</p> - -<p>"She has gone to bed, Stephen. She always goes -to bed at eight o'clock."</p> - -<p>"Has she spent that gold piece yet, that she was -too selfish to lend to her poor brother?"</p> - -<p>"That is a matter you can have no interest in, -Stephen."</p> - -<p>"None of my business, eh?"</p> - -<p>"I didn't say that."</p> - -<p>"You meant it, all the same. Where's Paul?"</p> - -<p>"Do you know where he is? Have you come to -tell me, Stephen?"</p> - -<p>This question was asked with some appearance of -anxiety, and Stephen at once jumped to the conclusion -that all things had gone as he desired, and Paul<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> -had fallen into the trap which had been prepared for -him.</p> - -<p>"Why, you don't mean to say the kid isn't at -home?" said Stephen, an irrepressible smile lighting -up his face. "Well, that's a good one. Most likely -he's in the station-house. Ho, ho!"</p> - -<p>"And you laugh at the thought!" said Mrs. Palmer, -indignantly.</p> - -<p>"Oh, he ain't any better than other boys. You -think he can't do anything wrong, but I'll bet you -half a dollar he's been caught stealing or something."</p> - -<p>"Wherever Paul is, I am sure he is not in the -station-house," said Mrs. Palmer, positively.</p> - -<p>"Don't be too sure of that," chuckled Stephen. -"He's a sly one, Paul is. You wouldn't think -butter'd melt in his mouth, but I know him better'n -you do."</p> - -<p>"Paul is a good son and brother, and always has -been."</p> - -<p>"And I suppose I am not," sneered Stephen.</p> - -<p>"You must question your own conscience on that -subject," said Mrs. Palmer.</p> - -<p>"You are only my step-mother. You don't expect -me to support you and the kids, do you?" asked -Stephen, coarsely.</p> - -<p>"No; I only desire that you will let us alone. We<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> -can get on without your help," returned the widow, -with dignity.</p> - -<p>"That is, if Paul remains all right; but you can't -be sure of that. He may slip up any time, and become -a boarder at the expense of the State."</p> - -<p>"If you have come here to slander Paul, you can -hardly expect that you will be welcome."</p> - -<p>"Oh, well, I know that Paul is your idol. He can't -do anything wrong. I shouldn't wonder if he was in -a scrape now."</p> - -<p>"What kind of a scrape? Don't leave me in suspense, -Stephen."</p> - -<p>Stephen Palmer was not over supplied with brains, -and he was foolish enough to fall into the trap, and -speak of what he could not be supposed to know.</p> - -<p>"I heard a report," he said, "that Paul had been -arrested for stealing in the Milwaukee train to-day."</p> - -<p>"Where did you get your information?" asked Mrs. -Palmer.</p> - -<p>"She doesn't believe it," said Stephen to himself. -"Never mind; she may have to before long."</p> - -<p>"I don't care to mention where I heard it," he answered.</p> - -<p>"It is not true."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it isn't; but if that's the case, why doesn't -he come home?"</p> - -<p>"He may have been detained by business."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>"Oh, yes; very important business!" chuckled -Stephen. "I guess he'll find it very important and -pressing."</p> - -<p>"Is that what you have come to tell me, Stephen -Palmer?"</p> - -<p>"No, not exactly. The fact is, Mrs. Palmer, I am -hard up."</p> - -<p>"I believe you always are."</p> - -<p>"Right you are. The fact is, I am very unlucky. -Nothing seems to go right with me. I have a hard -struggle to get along."</p> - -<p>"There's one remedy you might find, Stephen," -said the widow, sternly.</p> - -<p>"What is that?"</p> - -<p>"Work."</p> - -<p>"Work!" repeated Stephen, angrily. "And where -am I to find work? Haven't I tried to get something -to do everywhere?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know; but from what I know of you, I -presume not. A man who really wants to work won't -go so long without it as you have."</p> - -<p>"Much you know about it. I tell you everything -is crowded. How much money do you think I have -got left?"</p> - -<p>"How should I know?"</p> - -<p>"That's all," said Stephen, drawing a quarter from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span> -his vest-pocket and flipping it up in the air. "Mrs. -Palmer, you must help me."</p> - -<p>"If you are hungry Stephen, though it is a late -hour, I will give you something to eat."</p> - -<p>"Thank you! I don't want any of your cold victuals," -sneered the vagabond.</p> - -<p>"Then I can do nothing for you."</p> - -<p>"Yes, you can. Give me the little girl's gold piece. -You needn't pretend that she has spent it, for I know -better."</p> - -<p>"Whether that is the case or not, I decline to let -you have it."</p> - -<p>"Look here, widow," said Stephen, his brow darkening, -"I ain't going to be trifled with or bluffed off; -not this time. When down here before I wasn't quite -myself, and that young puppy, Paul, thought it safe -to bully me. Things are different now. I am perfectly -sober, and I know what I'm about. So I tell -you once more I want that money, and I advise you -to get it for me, or else give me as much out of your -own pocket."</p> - -<p>"Surely you are not in earnest, Stephen Palmer. -You won't persist in this unmanly demand?"</p> - -<p>"Then you don't know me. Paul is not here to -defend you now, and I advise you not to make me -angry."</p> - -<p>Stephen rose from his seat, and advanced toward<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> -his step-mother with an ugly look on his mean, evil-looking -face.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Palmer started back, and uttered just one word: -"Paul!"</p> - -<p>At the call, Paul, who had found it difficult to restrain -himself from rushing into the room sooner, -sprang through the door, and, his young face flaming -with just indignation, confronted his step-brother.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVII.<br /> - -<small>PAUL DEFENDS HIS MOTHER.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>To say that Stephen was astonished hardly expresses -the truth.</p> - -<p>He stood with open mouth, staring at our hero, as -if panic-stricken by his sudden appearance.</p> - -<p>"Where did you come from?" he asked, amazement -prevailing over every other sensation.</p> - -<p>"From the next room, where I heard your contemptible -attempt to extort money from my mother."</p> - -<p>At another time Stephen would have resented this -speech, but now he was anxious to find out what had -happened to his friend, and how Paul had managed -to escape the snare that had been so carefully laid for -him.</p> - -<p>"How long have you been at home?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I got home at the usual time. What makes you -ask?"</p> - -<p>"Did anything happen to-day?" asked Stephen.</p> - -<p>Foolishly he was betraying himself, and Paul saw -clearly that he knew of the plot, even if he were not -concerned in it.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>He resolved that Stephen should betray himself yet -further.</p> - -<p>"What should happen?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"I heard you were arrested for theft," said Stephen.</p> - -<p>"What kind of theft?"</p> - -<p>"Stealing a wallet."</p> - -<p>"Where did you hear it?"</p> - -<p>"Never mind!" answered Stephen, sullenly. "I -heard it, and that's enough."</p> - -<p>"It seems then you were misinformed."</p> - -<p>"Didn't you have any trouble at all?" asked Stephen, -perplexed.</p> - -<p>"Yes, something happened. A man pretended -that I had stolen his wallet."</p> - -<p>"Didn't I say so!" Stephen exclaimed, triumphantly.</p> - -<p>"This Dutchman——" proceeded the train boy.</p> - -<p>"Dutchman!" said Stephen, hastily. "I thought -it was a Quaker."</p> - -<p>"Now I think of it, it was a Quaker," said Paul, -quietly.</p> - -<p>"What made you say Dutchman?"</p> - -<p>"I wanted to find out how much you knew about -it. Did you know this Quaker?"</p> - -<p>"Did I know the Quaker? I don't know any -Quakers."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>"I thought you might. In that case, you won't -feel any interest in knowing what became of him."</p> - -<p>"Did—did anything happen to him?" asked Stephen, -in alarm.</p> - -<p>"You seem anxious," said Paul, keenly.</p> - -<p>"Don't trifle with me, boy. Tell me what happened -to him. As you've told part of the story you -may as well tell the rest."</p> - -<p>"He proved to be no Quaker at all," said Paul. -"If he was a friend of yours, as I conclude, I think -you will have a chance to see him in court to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"Arrested!" gasped Stephen, in dismay.</p> - -<p>"Yes, his plan didn't succeed. It is probably a -disappointment to him and to you, but it serves you -both right for conspiring against a boy."</p> - -<p>"Who said I had anything to do with it?" asked -Stephen.</p> - -<p>"You have let it out yourself. I don't want any -further proof."</p> - -<p>"After this base conspiracy against your step-brother, -Stephen Palmer," said the widow, with dignity, -"I hope you will have the decency to stay -away. Had you behaved with any decent regard to -the tie that exists between us, I would not say -this——"</p> - -<p>"You'll repent this, Mrs. Palmer!" said Stephen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> -his face showing the malice he felt. "You treat me -like a dog, you and your son there. I'll be even with -you yet."</p> - -<p>He left the room and the house, slamming the -door behind him, but he did not renew his demand -for money.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XVIII.<br /> - -<small>GRACE DEARBORN'S PARTY.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>The evening of Grace's birthday party arrived. A -large number of invitations had been sent out, for -Mrs. Sheldon had a large circle of acquaintances and -friends The daily papers had already mentioned the -forthcoming party as likely to be one of the most -memorable of the season.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Sheldon determined to spare no expense to -make it so. She was not vulgarly lavish, but there are -occasions when she thought money should be spent -freely. Moreover, she was determined to do what she -could to secure a brilliant matrimonial alliance for her -niece, of whose beauty she was justifiably proud. Indeed -she was a natural match-maker, though she was -compelled not to allow Grace to see her maneuvers -too plainly, as nothing would have been more repugnant -to the niece than to think she was set up as -a prize in a matrimonial lottery.</p> - -<p>A professional confectioner was given <i>carte blanche</i> -for the supper, which was to be <i>recherche</i>, and the decorations<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span> -were put into the hands of a man whose -taste was unimpeachable.</p> - -<p>"Aunt Caroline," said Grace, "I am afraid you are -going to large expense on my party."</p> - -<p>"Why should I not, my dear?"</p> - -<p>"It seems wasteful. How many poor families could -be relieved by the money it will cost!"</p> - -<p>"What a quixotic idea, Grace! In my opinion the -poor have quite enough done for them. Would you -have us give up all amusements for their sake?"</p> - -<p>"No, I won't go so far as that. Still it ought to -check undue extravagance to reflect that we have -so many that are destitute among us."</p> - -<p>"They shall have their turn, Grace. I am sure you -spend a great deal of money on the poor."</p> - -<p>"Not half enough, aunt."</p> - -<p>"Then spend more, but in this matter don't object -to my spending what I like."</p> - -<p>"I know, my dear aunt, it is all done for my sake."</p> - -<p>"And very properly, my dear. I have no daughter, -and all my interest centers in you. By the way, I met -Major Ashton in the street yesterday."</p> - -<p>"Indeed!" said Grace, indifferently.</p> - -<p>"Poor fellow, he looks downcast. Your repulse -has wounded him sorely. He loved you deeply."</p> - -<p>A silvery laugh from Grace greeted this announcement, -made with due solemnity.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>"Really, my dear aunt," she said, "I can't conceive -of Major Ashton loving anybody as well as -himself."</p> - -<p>"You do him wrong, Grace."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so, but I do not believe it."</p> - -<p>"He is coming to the party."</p> - -<p>"I supposed he would," said Grace, shrugging her -shoulders.</p> - -<p>"And I do hope, Grace, you will treat him kindly."</p> - -<p>"I shall treat him politely, Aunt Caroline, if that is -what you mean. That is my duty, since he is to be -our guest."</p> - -<p>"Major Ashton could marry brilliantly."</p> - -<p>"Let him, then."</p> - -<p>"Everybody considers him an eligible <i>parti</i>."</p> - -<p>"Then there is little cause for me to pity him. -There are plenty who will have compassion on him, -and console him for my coldness."</p> - -<p>"You must admit that he is a thorough gentleman, -Grace."</p> - -<p>"My dear aunt, I am rather tired of Major Ashton -as a topic of conversation. Suppose we drop him. I -am ready to admit everything you desire—he is elegant, -a good match, fascinating, if you will, but he -will need to carry his fascinations to another market."</p> - -<p>"She seems resolute," thought Mrs. Sheldon, "but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span> -she may change her mind after all. Who was it said it -is always best to begin with a little aversion?"</p> - -<p>In fact, Mrs. Sheldon had gone so far as to encourage -Major Ashton, and led him to think that there -was hope for him after all. He was very ready to -accept this assurance, because he desired to do so. -There was no danger, however, of the major breaking -his heart, for it was Grace's fortune he was in love -with, not herself. In fact, he was so far from romantic -that the idea crossed his mind that if the niece -refused to have anything to do with him, he might -perhaps take up with the aunt.</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Sheldon is a well-preserved woman," he -reflected, "fifteen years older than myself, perhaps, -but her fortune is even greater than Miss Dearborn's, -and would set my affairs right at once, besides insuring -my comfort for the balance of my life. She must -be worth at least a quarter of a million."</p> - -<p>Thinking, then, of the widow as a <i>dernier resort</i>, he -treated her with a flattering deference and courtly politeness -that prepossessed her still more in his favor, -though she had not the faintest idea of the direction -of his thoughts with regard to herself.</p> - -<p>At last the evening came. The house was a blaze -of light and splendor. Carriage after carriage rolled -up the street and deposited its load at Mrs. Sheldon's -door.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>Presently the rooms were well filled with elegantly -dressed ladies and irreproachably attired young men, -who, in turn, paid their respects to the givers of the -party.</p> - -<p>Grace was tastefully and even richly dressed, but -suffered herself, in the matter of attire, to be eclipsed -by more than one of her guests. Her aunt insisted on -her wearing a superb diamond necklace belonging to -herself, but she declined.</p> - -<p>"No, aunt; I don't want to array myself in borrowed -plumes," she said. "The necklace is yours; -wear it yourself."</p> - -<p>Which Mrs. Sheldon did at last. She was ready to -lend it to her niece, but was not insensible to the -glances of admiration which it attracted when displayed -on her own neck.</p> - -<p>"It must be worth twenty thousand dollars!" -thought Major Ashton. "Really, the old girl is -radiant. If she ever becomes Mrs. Major Ashton, -in place of her niece resigned, I shall slyly substitute -a necklace of paste and convert the jewels to my own -use. It is sinful that so much good money should be -locked up."</p> - -<p>It was well for the major's popularity with Mrs. -Sheldon that she could not read his thoughts. Her -necklace was her most valued possession, and nothing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> -except actual need would have induced her to part -with it.</p> - -<p>Grace looked about from time to time for the -young artist.</p> - -<p>Finally she saw him approaching to salute her.</p> - -<p>"I am glad to see you here, Mr. Vernon," she said, -with a smile of welcome. "You are late."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Miss Dearborn. I hope you will excuse it. -As you are aware, I have few acquaintances here—indeed -I do not often stray into such fashionable surroundings—and -only came for a brief space, to show -my appreciation of your kind courtesy in inviting me -here, and to offer my congratulations on your birthday."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mr. Vernon, they are welcome. I -hope your mother is well."</p> - -<p>"Very well, thank you, and I am sure she will feel -proud of your inquiry."</p> - -<p>"I believe most of my guests have arrived, and I -may venture to leave my duties as assistant hostess. -If you will favor me with your arm, I will walk about -a little."</p> - -<p>With a flush of gratification the artist tendered his -arm, and the two promenaded through the elegant -parlors, attracting general attention.</p> - -<p>"Why, I declare!" said Miss Framley to her escort; -"do you see that?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>"See what?"</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn, promenading with that young -man?"</p> - -<p>"Why shouldn't she? He is quite distinguished in -his appearance."</p> - -<p>"Distinguished?" repeated Miss Framley, with a -sneer. "I guess you don't know him."</p> - -<p>"He isn't a cook, is he—or a waiter?"</p> - -<p>"No; but he is a poor portrait painter. Why, he -painted my picture for twenty dollars, and he was glad -of the job," said Miss Framley, who was innately -vulgar.</p> - -<p>"Poor devil! Then he must have been hard up," -said the gentleman, to whom it occurred that this was -an illustration of Miss Framley's meanness.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, he was poor enough; but I believe he is -doing a little better now. Still, it is singular that Miss -Dearborn should single him out as her escort from so -many. I wouldn't promenade with him!" continued -the young lady, tossing her head.</p> - -<p>"I ought to feel flattered that you prefer me, Miss -Framley."</p> - -<p>"Oh, you are quite a different kind of person," -said the young lady, with a coquettish smile.</p> - -<p>There was another who saw the two pass him with -equal disgust, and more dissatisfaction. This was -Major Ashton.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>"Upon my soul!" he said to himself. "What can -Grace Dearborn see in that beggar? I'll soon separate -them!"</p> - -<p>He stepped up with his usual assurance, and, bowing, -said:</p> - -<p>"May I venture to relieve this gentleman of his -pleasant duty, and substitute myself in his place?"</p> - -<p>"Not at present, Major Ashton," said Grace, coldly; -"unless Mr. Vernon is weary of his charge."</p> - -<p>"Far from it," said the young artist.</p> - -<p>"Presuming puppy!" muttered Major Ashton, as -the two passed on.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XIX.<br /> - -<small>THE ARTIST'S RECREATION.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Whether Frederic Vernon read in Major Ashton's -face the disgust he felt at the compliment Grace bestowed -upon him in singling him out as her companion, -I am not sure. It is clear, however, that the -young artist cared little for it. He was enjoying the -companionship of the only young lady who had ever -had power to stir his heart, and for the moment did -not allow himself to think of the distance between -them.</p> - -<p>Grace, on her part, was not insensible to the fact -that Vernon, though poor, was as noble in appearance -as any of her guests. The young artist had been remarkably -extravagant in providing himself with a dress-suit -of fine quality, and no one would argue his poverty -from his appearance.</p> - -<p>"I hope, Mr. Vernon," said the heiress, "that you -have plenty of orders."</p> - -<p>"Enough, at all events, to fill up my time," answered -Vernon, "thanks, I am very sure, to your -friendly recommendation."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span>"I feel entirely justified in recommending you," -said Grace.</p> - -<p>"It is friendly, nevertheless."</p> - -<p>"I shall not dispute that, for I wish to be friendly."</p> - -<p>"I am sincerely grateful for all your kindness, Miss -Dearborn," said the artist, earnestly. "It has done -me more good than perhaps you dream of."</p> - -<p>"I am sincerely glad to hear it, Mr. Vernon."</p> - -<p>"Before painting your portrait I will confess that I -was tempted at times to despair. I had been for a -long time struggling hard, and apparently with little -hopes of success. My sitters were unwilling to pay -me even the paltry price I asked."</p> - -<p>"I believe the young lady we have just passed was -one of your sitters?" said Grace, referring to Miss -Framley, who had bestowed her attentions upon a -callow youth of eighteen, failing to secure a more -eligible partner.</p> - -<p>"Miss Framley? Yes; but I have small cause to -desire such a patronage. She stared at me as I entered, -as if surprised to meet me here."</p> - -<p>"I trust it did not pain you much," said Grace, -archly.</p> - -<p>Vernon laughed.</p> - -<p>"I hope I shall have no worse troubles," he said. -"To that I am resigned."</p> - -<p>"Then I shall be quite at ease about you on that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> -score. And now, Mr. Vernon, I fear I must ask you -to hand me to a seat, as my other guests will be -claiming my attention."</p> - -<p>"Thank you for favoring me so far, Miss Dearborn," -said Vernon, as he complied with the young -lady's request.</p> - -<p>The young artist caught sight of one of his late -sitters, and presenting himself, was graciously received, -so that he was not compelled to be a wall-flower.</p> - -<p>"It would be like his impudence," thought Miss -Framley, "for the penniless artist to make up to me. -If he does, I will soon send him about his business."</p> - -<p>Miss Framley did not have the opportunity, however, -to give Vernon the rebuff she had in view, as he -took no notice of her save by a slight bow. This annoyed -her, and she straightway charged him mentally -with ingratitude in slighting one of his patrons. Consistency -was not one of Miss Framley's strong points. -Had she seen him leaning against the wall unnoticed, -she would have been pleased; but Vernon, who was -gifted with unusual external attractions, seemed to -have no difficulty in making his way, and was kindly -received by young ladies whom Miss Framley was -compelled to acknowledge as her social superiors. She -looked on discontentedly from a corner where she was -temporarily pining from neglect, when Major Ashton -approached. He was far from admiring Miss Framley,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> -but he knew that her father was reputed rich, and he -thought it best to keep in with her as a possible resort -in the event of his other plans failing.</p> - -<p>"Are you in a reverie, Miss Framley?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Not precisely, Major Ashton," responded the young -lady, smiling with pleasure at being noticed by so -desirable an acquaintance; "I was resting for a moment. -Really fashionable life is so exhausting—parties -and engagements nearly every night in the week. -However, you know all about that."</p> - -<p>"I am not so easily fatigued, perhaps, as if I belonged -to the fairer sex. Will you accept my arm for -a promenade, or are you too much fatigued?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I am quite rested, I assure you," said the -young lady, joyfully.</p> - -<p>"I see the portrait painter is here," remarked Major -Ashton, with a carelessness he did not feel.</p> - -<p>"Yes; isn't it strange Miss Dearborn should invite -him?" returned Miss Framley, eagerly. "Really almost -a beggar, as you may say."</p> - -<p>"Is he poor, then?" asked the major.</p> - -<p>"He was miserably poor, but I believe he is doing -better now. Why, he used to paint portraits for twenty -dollars!"</p> - -<p>"Hardly enough to pay for the materials," said Ashton, -shrugging his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Oh, he was glad enough to get orders at that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> -price. I took pity on him myself, and gave him an -order."</p> - -<p>"Very considerate of you, upon my word!" said -Major Ashton.</p> - -<p>If there was sarcasm in his words, Miss Framley, -who was not over sharp, except in money matters, did -not perceive it.</p> - -<p>"I always try to be considerate," she responded, -complacently. "But, as you were saying, it is very -singular Miss Dearborn should pay so much attention -to a man in his sphere of life."</p> - -<p>"I think it was you who said it, Miss Framley; -however, I am disposed to agree with you."</p> - -<p>"And then she selects him as her first escort, and -lowers herself, as one may say, to his level."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps she feels a special interest in him," suggested -Major Ashton.</p> - -<p>There was a suspicion of jealousy in his tone as he -said this.</p> - -<p>"Oh, dear, no! That would be too ridiculous. -She may feel a patronizing interest in him, and think -it will do him good in the way of business to pay him -attention. Grace is so quixotic, you know, Major -Ashton."</p> - -<p>Grace would have been amazed had she heard herself -spoken of so familiarly by a young lady to whom -she had hardly spoken a dozen words in her life.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>"I suppose you are quite intimate with her?" said -Miss Framley's escort, pointedly.</p> - -<p>"Why, no; I can't say we are intimate," said Miss -Framley, slowly; "although, of course, I know her -very well."</p> - -<p>"I infer from what you say that I shall not be -likely to meet the portrait painter at your house, Miss -Framley."</p> - -<p>"Decidedly not!" said the young lady, tossing her -head. "I hope I choose my company better. I am -sure I don't know what ma would say if I should introduce -such a person into the house—ma is <i>very</i> -particular."</p> - -<p>"And very properly, I am sure."</p> - -<p>Major Ashton politely refrained from laughing, -though he happened to know that Mrs. Framley, who -was now so very particular, had been a very respectable -saleswoman in a small dry-goods store up to the -time of her marriage with Jeremiah Framley, who was -at that time a drummer in the employ of a second-class -house in the city.</p> - -<p>"Miss Framley is very amusing," thought the major, -"though I fancy she would be a great bore to a matrimonial -partner. I hope it may never be my sad destiny -to marry her; though, as her father is rich, I may -some day sacrifice myself to her."</p> - -<p>How we deceive ourselves! Miss Framley was under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span> -the impression that the stylish major, of whose -attentions she was proud, was struck with her, and she -was already speculating as to the prominent place she -might take in society as Mrs. Major Ashton, when a -waltz struck up.</p> - -<p>"Shall we dance, or are you too fatigued?" asked -the major.</p> - -<p>"Oh, not at all! It has quite passed off, I assure -you," said the delighted young lady, and they moved -off to the inspiring strains of one of Strauss' waltzes.</p> - -<p>Miss Framley didn't appear to advantage as a dancer. -Her figure was dumpy, and she had no ear for music, -so that her pace was somewhat heavy and elephantine. -The major was a graceful dancer, but it was all he -could do to make up for his partner's deficiencies. -He soon tired of the attempt, and handed his unwilling -partner to a seat.</p> - -<p>"I was not at all tired, major," she said, insinuatingly.</p> - -<p>"But I was," he answered, rather abruptly.</p> - -<p>He took leave with a bow, and five minutes later -found the opportunity which he had been seeking all -the evening to speak to Miss Dearborn.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XX.<br /> - -<small>A PERSEVERING SUITOR.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Grace saw the approach of Major Ashton, and surmised -his object in seeking an interview. She would -have avoided it, but she was at the moment unengaged, -and Major Ashton was one of her guests. She -owed him a measure of courtesy.</p> - -<p>When he offered his arm she accepted it with a -bow, which she tried to accompany with a cordial -manner.</p> - -<p>"I congratulate you on the success of your party, -Miss Dearborn," the major commenced.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Major Ashton. Then I may consider -it such?"</p> - -<p>"Decidedly. I trust it may prove auspicious, since -it is given in honor of your birthday."</p> - -<p>"Thank you again. You are very kind."</p> - -<p>"Shall we go into the conservatory?" asked Major -Ashton, as they approached the door that led into it.</p> - -<p>"As you please," said Grace, hesitating.</p> - -<p>She was considering how soon she could politely -get rid of the major.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>They entered the conservatory, which at the time -was occupied by another couple.</p> - -<p>Major Ashton glanced at them with a frown, for -they were in his way.</p> - -<p>Presently they went back into the parlor, and his -opportunity was found.</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn—Grace," he began, hurriedly, "I -have been waiting for this chance to speak to you. I -hope you have reconsidered your answer to my suit. I -hope you have reflected how much my happiness is involved -in your smiling upon my love."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry you have renewed the subject, Major -Ashton," said Grace, her cheek flushing with the annoyance -she felt.</p> - -<p>"I could not do otherwise. I am pleading for -life."</p> - -<p>The words and tone were earnest enough, but failed -to convey to Grace the idea of sincerity.</p> - -<p>She was persuaded that Major Ashton, less than any -of her acquaintances, was in danger of dying of a -broken heart, and she felt provoked that he should -try to impose upon her.</p> - -<p>"Let me suggest, Major Ashton," she said, "that -you have ill chosen your opportunity. To-night, at -least, you might spare me."</p> - -<p>"Spare you!" repeated Major Ashton, in evident -pique. "Is then what I say so disagreeable to you?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>"It is unwelcome tonight at least."</p> - -<p>"Then will you grant me another interview?" he -asked, earnestly. "Doubtless you are right. I should -not take up your time to-night. I will leave you at -once if you will let me call to-morrow, or any other -day soon."</p> - -<p>"You may call, if you desire it, but I must say, -plainly, that it will do no good. The answer I have -already given you is final."</p> - -<p>"I am not accustomed to be treated with such disdain," -said Ashton, biting his lip. "It may seem -conceited to say so, but there is more than one -young lady here to-night who would gladly accept -what I have offered you. Miss Framley for instance."</p> - -<p>"Then let me suggest that you offer your heart -where it will be gladly accepted," returned Grace, -calmly.</p> - -<p>If Major Ashton fancied he could excite Miss -Dearborn's jealousy, the fancy was a very ridiculous -one.</p> - -<p>She was entirely willing he should bestow himself -wherever he chose—even upon Miss Framley.</p> - -<p>"I hope you don't think I would throw myself -away upon a vulgar shoddyite like Miss Framley."</p> - -<p>"Miss Framley is my guest, Major Ashton," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span> -Grace, with quiet dignity. "It doesn't become me -to hear any words to her discredit."</p> - -<p>"I think I can penetrate your secret, Miss Dearborn," -said Major Ashton, with a sneer. "You look -with favor upon that poverty-stricken portrait painter -with whom you so ostentatiously paraded early in the -evening."</p> - -<p>"You forget yourself, Major Ashton," said Grace, -with chilling hauteur.</p> - -<p>She dropped his arm, and left the conservatory unattended, -her cheek flushed, and her heart stirred with -indignation.</p> - -<p>She came nearer to hating Major Ashton at that -moment than ever before. He had insulted her, and -though she was not one to make a scene, she was not -likely soon to forgive or to forget it.</p> - -<p>Yet there was something in his words which was -not altogether displeasing. They let in a sudden light, -by which she read her own heart, and, with a quicker -pulsation, she was compelled to confess that she did -feel an interest in the young artist.</p> - -<p>Just then, too, lifting her eyes, she met the gaze of -Frederic Vernon fixed upon her with an intensity -which she could not fail to interpret.</p> - -<p>"He loves me!" she thought, and the thought gave -her no displeasure.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>She had no time to analyze her feelings, but of this -she felt certain.</p> - -<p>Vernon, meeting her gaze, turned away in some -confusion, but Grace was mistress of herself. Approaching -him, she said, smiling:</p> - -<p>"I hope you are enjoying yourself, Mr. Vernon."</p> - -<p>"More so than I anticipated, Miss Dearborn," he -answered, recovering himself.</p> - -<p>"Then you did not anticipate enjoyment?" she -asked.</p> - -<p>"Nay, do not misunderstand me. I am of late a -stranger to such gay scenes, and I did not expect to -meet many whom I knew, or with whom I could converse."</p> - -<p>"There is Miss Framley," said Grace.</p> - -<p>"Miss Framley does not feel inclined to notice me. -I think she considers me too humble for recognition."</p> - -<p>"That is amusing, certainly," said Grace.</p> - -<p>"It is quite true."</p> - -<p>"I sympathize with you, Mr. Vernon. Do not let -Miss Framley's cruelty weigh upon you."</p> - -<p>"I can bear it since I have your sympathy," answered -Vernon, smiling brightly.</p> - -<p>"How handsome he is when he smiles," thought -Grace. "It is clear he is a gentleman, notwithstanding -the sneer of Major Ashton."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me if I leave your parlor early, Miss Dearborn,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> -said Vernon. "I may not readily gain opportunity -of seeing you to take leave, and do so now."</p> - -<p>"But why do you leave us so early, Mr. Vernon?"</p> - -<p>"My mother will sit up till I return, and for her -the hour is already late."</p> - -<p>"Then I will make no protest. A mother should -always be considered."</p> - -<p>"I was sure you would understand my reason. I -shall be able to tell her that I have enjoyed myself. -She wished me to come."</p> - -<p>"You must introduce me to your mother some day, -Mr. Vernon. I want to know her."</p> - -<p>"And she will be delighted to know you."</p> - -<p>Of all the gay company Frederic Vernon was the -first to go.</p> - -<p>"So the portrait painter is gone!" said Major Ashton -to Miss Framley, whom he ran across once more.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Poor fellow, he was evidently out of his -element, and anxious to get away."</p> - -<p>"Could not you detain him, Miss Framley, by your -powerful fascinations?"</p> - -<p>"As if I would try!" returned Miss Framley, tossing -her head.</p> - -<p>"You are too cruel!"</p> - -<p>"He looked at me as if he would like to claim acquaintance," -said Miss Framley, complacently, "but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> -I can tell you, Major Ashton, I am very careful about -my company."</p> - -<p>"But he was an acquaintance of yours," said -Ashton.</p> - -<p>"In the same way that ma knows the butcher and -baker. I don't choose to let him think we are social -equals. American society is too promiscuous, as ma -often says. Don't you think so yourself, Major Ashton?"</p> - -<p>"No doubt your honored mother is right," answered -Ashton, with a mocking smile.</p> - -<p>"How nice it must be to live in England, and meet -those dear, delightful earls, and dukes, and barons!" -exclaimed Miss Framley, rapturously. "Did you ever -know an earl or a duke, Major Ashton?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I made the acquaintance of an earl once. -We were passengers on the same steamer."</p> - -<p>"Dear me, what a privilege! And how did he -look?"</p> - -<p>"To the best of my remembrance he had the same -number of eyes and ears as the rest of us."</p> - -<p>"But didn't he look very <i>distangay</i>? Oh, how I -should have admired to know him!"</p> - -<p>"He seemed very plain-looking, and he was perhaps -the worst dressed man among the passengers."</p> - -<p>"That is so strange!"</p> - -<p>Miss Framley's idea of an earl or a duke was a tall,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span> -majestic person, attired in purple and fine linen, with -high-bred, aristocratic features, that might readily distinguish -him from inferior beings.</p> - -<p>"Oh, how I envy you the privilege of knowing -him! Did you really become intimate?"</p> - -<p>"Very!" answered Major Ashton, concealing under -a grave face the amusement he felt. "He told me -confidentially how disagreeable his mother-in-law, the -Countess of Somerset, was, and asked my advice as to -how to manage her."</p> - -<p>"How interesting!" ejaculated Miss Framley, opening -wide her eyes, as she speedily swallowed the major's -words.</p> - -<p>She felt that it was something to know the intimate -mind of an earl. She remained till the end of the -party, and went home fully persuaded that Major Ashton -admired her.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXI.<br /> - -<small>MISS FRAMLEY'S MORTIFICATION.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>"Paul," said Mrs. Palmer, "are you at leisure this -evening?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, mother, if you have anything for me to do."</p> - -<p>Paul had another plan for the evening, but he felt -that duty required him to defer that, and place himself -at the service of his mother. In this he showed a -good feeling and sense of duty which may well be -copied by such of my readers as are young and dependent -upon their parents for more than they fully -understand.</p> - -<p>"I don't like to take up your time when you have -been all day at work for us."</p> - -<p>"Never mind that, mother. Why, I enjoy my -work. I should feel lost without it."</p> - -<p>"I have got Miss Dearborn's work done, Paul, and -if you can spare time, I should like to have you take -it to her."</p> - -<p>"I am perfectly ready to do that, mother," said -Paul, promptly, "I shall be glad to see her on my -own account."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>"I don't know how much I ought to charge her for -the work," said Mrs. Palmer, reflecting.</p> - -<p>"I don't believe she will object to your price, -mother, whatever it is. She is quite a different young -lady from Miss Framley."</p> - -<p>"Then you may say two dollars, if she asks the -price," said his mother.</p> - -<p>The work was neatly done up, and Paul took -charge of it.</p> - -<p>At about eight o'clock he ascended the steps of -Mrs. Sheldon's handsome house, and rang the bell.</p> - -<p>"Is Miss Dearborn at home?" he asked of the -servant who answered his summons.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Grace, smiling, for she chanced to -hear the question as she passed through the hall. -"Good-evening, Paul. How is your little sister?"</p> - -<p>"Very well, Miss Dearborn. If she had known I -was coming here, she would have wanted to come, -too."</p> - -<p>"You must bring her soon."</p> - -<p>"Won't she trouble you, Miss Dearborn?"</p> - -<p>"Children never trouble me. I like them. Come -in and sit down," for Paul was still standing in the -vestibule. "I suppose you have brought my work."</p> - -<p>"Yes; mother has finished it."</p> - -<p>"Sarah, you may take the bundle."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>"Won't you look at it, Miss Dearborn? Perhaps it -may not suit you."</p> - -<p>"I am not afraid of that, Paul. Still I will examine -it."</p> - -<p>The examination was followed by cordial praise, -which was deserved, for Mrs. Palmer was an admirable -needlewoman.</p> - -<p>"Did your mother mention the price, Paul?" asked -the young lady.</p> - -<p>"She named two dollars."</p> - -<p>Grace drew out a pearl porte-monnaie, and drew -therefrom a bill, which she handed to Paul.</p> - -<p>"Give your mother that, with my compliments on -her good work," she said.</p> - -<p>Paul saw that it was a five-dollar bill.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid I can't change this," he said.</p> - -<p>"It is not necessary," returned Grace, with a smile.</p> - -<p>"But it is a five. I said two dollars."</p> - -<p>"Tell your mother that if she thinks this too -much, she may regard the balance as a gift."</p> - -<p>"You are very generous, Miss Dearborn," said -Paul, his eyes brightening with the thought of his -mother's pleasure when she received such liberal payment.</p> - -<p>"If I am, I can take small credit for it, since I am -blessed with a fortune."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>"I wish all rich people were like you," said Paul, -impulsively.</p> - -<p>"Don't flatter me, Paul. I am probably vain -enough already."</p> - -<p>"I may thank you at any rate, Miss Dearborn."</p> - -<p>Paul rose to go, not wishing to intrude further upon -the young lady.</p> - -<p>"If you are going home directly, will you object to -taking some more work to your mother?"</p> - -<p>"I shall be very glad to do it."</p> - -<p>"Then wait here five minutes and I will send Sarah -to you with a bundle. Say to your mother that I shall -be able to give her almost constant employment, as I -am interested in a number of poor families for whom -I have garments made up as the most useful gifts I -can bestow upon them."</p> - -<p>"This will be good news to mother."</p> - -<p>"Then I shall be the better pleased if I can oblige -her while securing excellent work."</p> - -<p>Paul went home directly, with the more alacrity -because he had such good news to communicate. His -mother, as he anticipated, was very much elated by her -good fortune.</p> - -<p>"It is so different from Miss Framley's way of dealing," -she said.</p> - -<p>"There are not many young ladies like Miss Dearborn," -said Paul.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>"You are right there, Paul. If there were more, -the world would be better off."</p> - -<p>Just then the postman called with a postal for Mrs. -Palmer.</p> - -<p>It ran thus:</p> - - -<p class="blockquot">"Miss Framley will be obliged if Mrs. Palmer will call -or send to her house to-morrow evening for some work. She -hopes that Mrs. Palmer will not be unreasonable in her -charges."</p> - -<p>"That's cool!" ejaculated Paul.</p> - -<p>"I thought Miss Framley did not intend to give -me any more work," said his mother.</p> - -<p>"So she said, but it seems she has changed her -mind."</p> - -<p>"I didn't think she would."</p> - -<p>"Oh, she probably finds it difficult to get her work -done as well elsewhere, and finds it for her interest to -employ you again."</p> - -<p>"She will think any fair price unreasonable."</p> - -<p>"Of course she will. If you will be guided by my -advice, mother, you will decline to take her work -again."</p> - -<p>"It is certainly unpleasant working for one who is -unwilling to pay fairly."</p> - -<p>"Then don't do it. Miss Dearborn said she would -give you enough work to occupy your time, and you -know she will pay you handsomely."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span>"Then if you think best, Paul," said Mrs. Palmer, -doubtfully, for it seemed a rash thing, in the light of -her former struggles, to decline work.</p> - -<p>"I do think it best, mother, and I shall be glad to -call there myself and give her your answer."</p> - -<p>The next evening, therefore, Paul repaired to the -Framley mansion, and found the young lady at home. -He was not invited in, but Miss Framley came to the -door to speak to him.</p> - -<p>"You sent a postal to my mother, Miss Framley," -he commenced.</p> - -<p>"Oh, you are the Palmer boy," said Miss Framley, -condescendingly.</p> - -<p>"My name is Paul Palmer."</p> - -<p>"I have decided to let your mother have my work -again, though she charged an extortionate price for the -last."</p> - -<p>The fact was, as Paul surmised, that Miss Framley -had found it impossible to find any other seamstress -whose work pleased her as much as his mother's, -but of course she did not choose to admit that. She -preferred to have it understood that she was conferring -a favor.</p> - -<p>"My mother never charges extortionate prices," -said Paul, gravely.</p> - -<p>"As a boy, you are not a suitable judge," said the -young lady, sharply. "You may say to your mother<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span> -that there are plenty who would like to do my work, -but as she is a widow, and poor, I have taken pity on -her, and——"</p> - -<p>"There is no occasion for that, Miss Framley," said -Paul. "My mother can get along very well without -your work."</p> - -<p>"It seems to me you are taking a great deal on -yourself, young man," said Miss Framley, sharply. -"I have a great mind to give out my work elsewhere."</p> - -<p>"You will have to do that, Miss Framley," said -Paul, with evident satisfaction, "for my mother requests -me to say that she cannot do any more work -for you."</p> - -<p>"Did she tell you to say this?" demanded Miss -Framley, astonished.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"I never heard of such a thing!" ejaculated the -mortified young lady. "Are you sure this is not -a message of your own?"</p> - -<p>"Quite so. Miss Dearborn has promised her as -much work as she can do, at about three times the -rate you are willing to pay. Good-evening!"</p> - -<p>"I believe I hate Miss Dearborn?" inwardly commented -the vexed Miss Framley. "Somehow she -interferes with me in everything I undertake. If she -chooses to throw away her money, I sha'n't. And<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> -now where am I to find another seamstress like Mrs. -Palmer? I wish I hadn't offended her."</p> - -<p>But it was too late. Miss Framley must pay the -penalty of her meanness.</p> - -<p>Paul walked home, feeling that the day had been an -unusually satisfactory one. Yet how little can we foresee -the future? Within the next twenty-four hours a -great danger menaced him.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXII.<br /> - -<small>AN UNEXPECTED CHANGE.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Paul was on his way home, when, in turning a -corner, he came face to face with his step-brother, -Stephen. The latter was much better dressed than -when Paul last saw him. He had thrown aside the -shabby and soiled suit, which had seen service so long -that it looked entitled to be relieved upon a pension. -He wore now a new suit, which did not fit him particularly -well, having evidently been purchased at a -ready-made clothing store, but it was at least new, and -made Stephen look as respectable as the nature of the -case would admit.</p> - -<p>"Hallo, young one!" said Stephen, with a grin; -"where are you bound?"</p> - -<p>"I'm going home," answered Paul, surveying his -half-brother with a puzzled glance.</p> - -<p>"How's the old lady?"</p> - -<p>"Do you mean my mother?"</p> - -<p>"Of course I do. I don't mean Grace."</p> - -<p>"She's well," answered Paul, briefly.</p> - -<p>"She don't like me, and she don't treat me well,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> -said Stephen; "but I don't bear no malice. The -world is big enough for both of us."</p> - -<p>"I hope you are prospering," said Paul, again -regarding the new suit.</p> - -<p>"Yes; I'm getting along better'n I was. How do -you like my clothes?"</p> - -<p>"They are an improvement on your old ones."</p> - -<p>"I should say so myself. Come, Paul, you're a -smart boy, if you are rather cranky sometimes. Being -as we are brothers, I'll stand treat. Come in and take -a drink."</p> - -<p>He made a movement to enter a saloon close at -hand, but Paul held back.</p> - -<p>"Thank you all the same, Stephen," he said, "but -I don't drink."</p> - -<p>"Don't be afraid. It'll do you good."</p> - -<p>Paul shook his head. He knew it would do no -good to argue the point, so he simply declined once -more.</p> - -<p>"Don't be offended, Stephen," he said. "I should -have no objection to drinking with you if I drank at -all, but I've signed the pledge."</p> - -<p>"None but babies and simpletons sign the pledge," -said Stephen, contemptuously.</p> - -<p>"If that's the case, you will have to count me either -the one or the other."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>"Can you change me a ten?" asked Stephen, drawing -out a wallet, and producing a ten-dollar bill.</p> - -<p>"I haven't so much money with me," answered -Paul, rather surprised at Stephen's wealth, for he saw -other bills besides in the pocket-book.</p> - -<p>"If you had a five now, I'd exchange, and let you -give the balance to sister Grace as a present, so that -she needn't think brother Stephen quite so bad as she -thinks."</p> - -<p>Paul did not have a five, having given the one he -received from Miss Dearborn to his mother. Even if he -had had it with him, he would have felt indisposed to -avail himself of his half-brother's surprising generosity, -having grievous doubts whether Stephen had come by -his present wealth honestly.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Stephen," he said. "I haven't a five, -but I thank you all the same for your offer. You must -have found profitable employment."</p> - -<p>This was said with a rising inflection calculated to -call for Stephen's confidence, but the latter evaded the -inquiry.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I've been lucky," he answered. "I've been -speculating."</p> - -<p>Again Paul was puzzled. How could Stephen speculate -without capital, for it was quite certain that he -had none.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>"If I only had a five," Stephen said, meditatively, -"I'd hand you one for Grace."</p> - -<p>"Some other time," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"Well, good-night. Tell Grace I wanted to send -her something. Tell your mother, too, and she may -think better of me. If you won't drink with me, I -shall have to drink by myself."</p> - -<p>With a hasty nod, Stephen opened the door of the -saloon and entered, while Paul resumed his journey -home.</p> - -<p>"I don't understand it at all," he said to himself. -"I never saw Stephen in such a generous mood before. -How can he have got hold of all that money? -I hope it is honestly come by. I think I had better -not tell mother about his offer, or she might relent -and invite him to call. We shall do better without -him."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIII.<br /> - -<small>A CATASTROPHE.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>"All the latest magazines and papers! Harper's, -Frank Leslie's, the <i>New York Weekly</i>!"</p> - -<p>Of course the speaker was Paul, and he was making -his rounds on the succeeding day in the Milwaukee -train.</p> - -<p>"Come here, my boy. Let me see what you have -got."</p> - -<p>The speaker was an elderly gentleman, with gray -hair and beard, tall and portly. His handsome suit -of the finest broadcloth, the solid gold chain, as thick -almost as a cable, that spanned his waistcoat, and his -general air, indicated prosperity and wealth.</p> - -<p>Paul recognized him as a frequent traveler on his -train. He even knew his name, and was aware that -he was a substantial Chicago manufacturer, who had a -branch establishment at Milwaukee.</p> - -<p>The name of Alexander Bradford was well known -in business circles, and his name was at any time good -at the bank where he dealt for a hundred thousand -dollars, while the sum of his wealth was generally estimated -at considerably over a million.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>"Certainly, Mr. Bradford," answered Paul, politely, -as he approached the rich man with alacrity.</p> - -<p>"Ha, you know my name," said Mr. Bradford.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, sir; I have seen you often on the -train."</p> - -<p>"I can return the compliment, my young friend," -said Bradford, smiling, "but I am not familiar with -your name."</p> - -<p>"My name is not quite so well known as yours, -Mr. Bradford. I am Paul Palmer, at your service!"</p> - -<p>"Paul Palmer! The name sounds very well, my -boy. Some day it may be well known, too. I was -not very conspicuous myself at your age. Come, -now, how much do you manage to earn in the course -of a week?"</p> - -<p>"I seldom fall short of seven dollars. Sometimes -I get up as high as ten."</p> - -<p>"How old are you?"</p> - -<p>"Sixteen."</p> - -<p>"At your age I was earning about half as much as -you."</p> - -<p>"But you didn't depend on it, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I did. I was a poor boy; had to paddle my -own canoe, just as you are doing—had a mother to -help, too."</p> - -<p>"I have a mother and sister to assist," returned -Paul.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>"You don't say so?" Mr. Bradford remarked, surveying -Paul with increased interest. "Then your -father is not living?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"I see you are a good boy. Do you give most of -your wages to your mother?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"And you don't think it hard, eh? You don't feel -as if you'd rather spend it on yourself, eh?"</p> - -<p>"If my mother didn't need it, I should certainly -like to spend a little more on myself, but I am glad to -feel that I am able to take care of her."</p> - -<p>"That's well, my boy; I quite approve of that. -By the way—it was you, I believe, who caught the -pickpocket that took Miss Dearborn's money?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. Were you on the train at the time?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I was in the same car. It did you a great -deal of credit. You are evidently sharp."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you don't always expect to be a train -boy?"</p> - -<p>"I think I shall have to retire by the time I reach -fifty, sir; I can't very well pass for a boy then."</p> - -<p>"Ho, ho!" laughed the old gentleman, appreciating -the joke. "I should say not. And what are you -looking to do in place of it?"</p> - -<p>"I should like to get a place in a counting-room or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> -store," said Paul; "but at present I couldn't afford to -take such a situation."</p> - -<p>"It would lead to more."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; but I could not expect at first to earn -more than half as much as I do on the train. While I -have my mother and sister to support, I do not dare to -make a change."</p> - -<p>"Very true," said the old gentleman, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>Remaining silent, Paul was about to move on, -when Mr. Bradford called him back.</p> - -<p>"Stay, my young friend," he said; "I haven't made -a purchase yet."</p> - -<p>He selected an illustrated paper and a magazine, -and drew from his vest-pocket a two-dollar bill, which -he handed to our hero.</p> - -<p>"Ten and thirty-five are forty-five," said Paul, in a -business-like tone. "I must give you a dollar and -fifty-five cents in change."</p> - -<p>"Never mind, Paul," said Mr. Bradford, waving his -hand. "Keep it for yourself, or, rather, give it to -your mother."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir," said Paul, gratefully, for the gift -was equal to his profits for a good day's work.</p> - -<p>He was about to resume his walk through the car -when there was a sudden shock.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>Passengers were hurled from their seats; there were -screams of fright and pain, and a confusion hard to -describe.</p> - -<p>The train had run off the track!</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIV.<br /> - -<small>THE TRAIN-WRECKER.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>What havoc a single minute—nay, a half minute, -can make! Here was a train full of passengers, easy -in mind, moving at a speed not beyond the average. -Not a thought of anxiety or apprehension was in the -mind of any. The thought of the pleasant welcome -that awaited them at the end of the journey in the -great city, not more than ten miles away, warmed the -hearts of the travelers, and brought to some faces a -contented smile.</p> - -<p>Thirty seconds pass, and the train is a wreck—the -cars lying on their sides, some of the passengers insensible, -some maimed, a few, alas! dead.</p> - -<p>And what has brought all this about?</p> - -<p>Half a dozen rails, lying beside the track, have been -placed on it by some fiend, regardless of the suffering -and death he is likely to cause, in order to obtain a -chance to plunder the ill-fated passengers. Such men -are scoundrels for whom hanging would be too good.</p> - -<p>Among those who suffered least was the train boy. -He was partially stunned, but almost immediately recovered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> -his consciousness and his wits. He sprang to -his feet and looked around him. The boy, unaccustomed -to scenes of suffering, shuddered as he saw the -mutilated victims of the latest railway horror. The -groans which he heard pierced his heart, and he could -scarcely forbear groaning. Here lay a mother and -her child, both dead, the child's dead hand closely -grasping the hand of the mother who could neither -help him nor herself. But I do not propose to harrow -up the soul of the reader by an enumeration of -the terrible scene. I am chiefly interested in giving -an account of what has a bearing upon our hero and -his history.</p> - -<p>While Paul, scarcely recovered from his bewilderment, -was looking about him, his attention was drawn -to a sight that stirred his indignation.</p> - -<p>Lying upon his back close by was Alexander Bradford, -the rich manufacturer. He was breathing heavily, -but appeared insensible. Bending over him was an -ill-looking man, with an expression of covetous greed, -coolly engaged in rifling the pockets of the helpless -victim.</p> - -<p>It was not a passenger. Paul knew that at a glance, -for he had repeatedly gone through the train, and his -memory of faces was excellent.</p> - -<p>"That man wrecked the train, or had something to -do with it," Paul instantly concluded, "and now he is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> -gathering in his harvest. I will take the liberty of interfering -with his little game."</p> - - - -<p>He looked about for a weapon, and had not far to -look. A piece of wood from the <i>debris</i> of the broken -train furnished him a convenient club. He did not -like to use it till he had given the train-wrecker warning, -however.</p> - -<p>"Stop your villainous work!" he exclaimed, with -honest indignation.</p> - -<p>The robber looked up suddenly, but seeing only a -boy, recovered his audacity.</p> - -<p>"Mind your business, boy," he answered. "I know -what I'm about."</p> - -<p>"So do I," said Paul, resolutely, "and I order you -to stop."</p> - -<p>"You do, hey? I'll break your head, young man, -and pay you well for your impudence."</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p177.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="caption">Paul brought down his club on the man's arm with such force that -he howled with pain.</p> - -<p>He had the prostrate manufacturer's pocket-book in -his hand as he spoke, and was about transferring it to -his pocket, when Paul, perceiving that no time was to -be lost, brought down his club on the man's arm with -such force that he howled with pain and dropped the -pocket-book, exclaiming:</p> - -<p>"You've broken my arm, you young vagabond! -I'll kill you for that!"</p> - -<p>But he was in too great pain to set about it at once.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> -He began to nurse his injured arm, casting the while -black looks of hatred at the intrepid train boy.</p> - -<p>Just then Mr. Bradford opened his eyes.</p> - -<p>"Where am I?" he asked, in a bewildered voice.</p> - -<p>Paul bent over him, and asked, anxiously:</p> - -<p>"Are you much hurt, Mr. Bradford?"</p> - -<p>"Is it you, my boy. Tell me where I am."</p> - -<p>"An accident has happened. The train ran off -the track."</p> - -<p>"I understand now. It was all so sudden. I was -reading, and must have become unconscious."</p> - -<p>"Are you hurt? Are any of your limbs broken, -sir?" asked Paul, anxiously.</p> - -<p>As Paul was bending over Mr. Bradford, the boy saw -a quick expression of terror on the rich man's face.</p> - -<p>"Look out!" he said, in agitation.</p> - -<p>Paul, instinctively guessing that the danger came -from the villain he had foiled, sprang aside just in time -to avoid a terrible blow which had been aimed at his -head by the very club he had himself used. The blow -falling on empty air, by its very impetuosity upset the -wretch who sought to inflict it, and he tumbled prone -over the body of Bradford.</p> - -<p>But he had made a serious mistake. The engineer -of the train, a man of immense strength, had seen the -abortive attempt, and he sprang forward.</p> - -<p>When the train-wrecker was attempting to rise, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> -found himself seized by the collar by an iron hand. -He was jerked to his feet with a power against which -he was powerless to contend, and shaken till his bones -seemed to rattle.</p> - -<p>"What are you trying to do, you rascal?" he exclaimed.</p> - -<p>"Stop shaking me, and I will tell you," said the -man, sullenly.</p> - -<p>"There; now tell me at once," said the engineer, -still grasping him firmly, but ceasing to shake him.</p> - -<p>"That boy almost broke my arm," said the train-wrecker, -with a look of furious malice, "and I mean -to get even with him; that's the whole of it."</p> - -<p>"No; it isn't quite the whole," said Paul. "What -were you doing when I struck you?"</p> - -<p>"Taking care of this man."</p> - -<p>"Taking care of him!" retorted the train boy, in a -tone of sarcasm. "I'll tell you how he was taking -care of him, Mr. Barnes; he was rifling his pockets."</p> - -<p>"You lie!" said the man, ferociously.</p> - -<p>"I tell the truth. You had in your hand Mr. Bradford's -wallet, which you had taken from his pocket, -and you were about transferring it to your own."</p> - -<p>"Ha!" exclaimed the engineer, a sudden light -breaking upon him. "Were you a passenger on this -train?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>"Did you see him, Paul, in your rounds?" asked -the official.</p> - -<p>"No. I am sure he was not on the train."</p> - -<p>"The boy lies! As if he could remember all the -passengers!"</p> - -<p>"Here is a man that will remember," said Paul, as -the conductor came up. "Mr. Bingham, was this -man a passenger?"</p> - -<p>The conductor scanned the face of the wrecker, and -promptly answered:</p> - -<p>"No. If I had collected fare from him I should -have remembered him."</p> - -<p>"I believe this is the man that wrecked the train," -said the engineer.</p> - -<p>"It's a base lie!" exclaimed the train-wrecker, growing -pale, as he saw his crime brought home to him. -"You are all in a conspiracy against me."</p> - -<p>As two other passengers came up, the engineer -asked:</p> - -<p>"Is there any one here that remembers seeing this -man?"</p> - -<p>"I do," said a plain, farmer-looking man, who had -just come up.</p> - -<p>"You were not on the train yourself," said the -conductor, suspiciously, thinking it was one of the -wrecker's confederates.</p> - -<p>"Of course I wasn't," was the prompt reply. "I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span> -was forty rods away, in yonder field. I saw this man -placing the rails on the track, just before the train -came along; and surmising mischief, I hurried to the -road to see if I could signal the train and save it. -But I came too late. The scoundrel had done his -work."</p> - -<p>The brawny engineer, at this confirmation of his -suspicions, shook the hapless wrecker as if he would -shake him to pieces, and was about to order him -bound, when a shot from some unknown quarter -penetrated the forehead of the villain, and with a half-uttered -cry he fell to the earth.</p> - -<p>Who fired the fatal shot was never discovered, but -only two rods away stood a tall man, rough in aspect, -who looked like a Western hunter. He stood motionless -and impassive, but it was generally supposed that -it was he who dealt swift retribution to the fiend whose -success only brought him death. It was felt that his -fate was deserved, and no troublesome inquiries were -made. No one could pity the wretch who died amid -the ruin he had wrought.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXV.<br /> - -<small>PAUL CHANGES HIS BUSINESS.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>The shooting of the train-wrecker for the moment -diverted notice from the victims of the catastrophe; -but their condition speedily recalled the attention of -those who were unhurt.</p> - -<p>Paul once more bent over Mr. Bradford, and repeated -his inquiry:</p> - -<p>"Are you much hurt, Mr. Bradford?"</p> - -<p>"I can't tell you. I will try to get up, if you will -help me."</p> - -<p>With some difficulty, for the manufacturer was a -heavy man, Paul raised him to a sitting position.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my arm!" cried Mr. Bradford, wincing.</p> - -<p>Paul noticed that his left arm hung helpless at -his side.</p> - -<p>"I must have broken my arm," he said; "I can't -raise it."</p> - -<p>"I am very sorry," said Paul, his voice showing that -he was sincere.</p> - -<p>"It is not a time for regret, since I have escaped a -more serious peril. I feel that I am fortunate in comparison<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span> -with some of these poor people. Never mind -me, Paul; go and see whom you can help."</p> - -<p>Paul did as he was directed, and rendered effectual -assistance. I am sure my readers will not wish me to -go into details, but prefer that I should confine myself -to what has direct bearing upon Paul and his -fortunes.</p> - -<p>When Paul found time he came again to Mr. Bradford's -side.</p> - -<p>"Paul," he said, "have you heard whether a train -has been sent for to carry us to the city?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Mr. Bradford. One will be here in half an -hour."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid of taking cold in my arm. Is there a -house near by?"</p> - -<p>The farmer already introduced overheard the question, -and said:</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, my house is near at hand."</p> - -<p>"My good friend," said the manufacturer, "can -you arrange to keep me over night? I fear I may -take cold here, and my arm is already feeling stiff. -Of course I will see you compensated for your -trouble."</p> - -<p>"Whether you do or not, you are welcome to stay -at my house."</p> - -<p>"Paul, I want you to stay with me if you will," -said Mr. Bradford. "We will telegraph to both of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span> -our families that we are safe, so that the news of the -accident need not terrify them."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I shall be glad to stay with you, if -I can let mother know that no harm has befallen -me."</p> - -<p>"Is there a telegraph office near?"</p> - -<p>"At the next station, only a quarter of a mile -distant."</p> - -<p>"Then after you have seen about my removal, will -you telegraph for me?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly, sir."</p> - -<p>"Have you money with you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, plenty for that purpose."</p> - -<p>"Very well. Keep an account of what you spend, -and I will repay you. Charge me with the expense of -both telegrams."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>Paul attended to his errand, and in half an hour -Mrs. Palmer received the following message:</p> - - - -<p class="blockquot">"An accident has happened, but I am safe. I shall not -return to-night. Am taking care of a gentleman who is hurt.</p> - -<p class="blockquotright"><span class="smcap">"Paul</span>."</p> - -<p>Fortunately this was the first intelligence Paul's -mother received of the railroad disaster, so that she -had no time to feel frightened. Had she heard the -boys crying the extra containing an account of the accident, -she would have been in terrible suspense.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>"Heaven be thanked," she ejaculated, devoutly, -"that my boy has been preserved!"</p> - -<p>She sent out Grace to buy an extra as soon as -it appeared, and shuddered as she read the terrible -details.</p> - -<p>Stephen, too, read the paper, but he could not tell -whether Paul was hurt, for no list of names was as yet -transmitted.</p> - -<p>"Why, that's Paul's train!" he soliloquized. "Ten -to one he's killed or wounded. I don't want him -killed, but if he's only broken a limb, it may teach -him a lesson."</p> - -<p>What the lesson was, Stephen did not specify, and -it might have been hard to say why his young -brother needed a lesson, unless it had been criminal -in him to work diligently to support his mother -and sister. He had declined to contribute to the support -of an able-bodied brother, and my readers may -be inclined to think with me that he was quite justified -in that.</p> - -<p>Stephen bought a later edition of the paper, and -eagerly scanned the list of casualties.</p> - -<p>"I don't see his name," he muttered. "Well, he -always was lucky, while I had all the bad luck. -Humph! things don't seem to be distributed very -equally in this world. However, I'm getting along -pretty well now," Stephen concluded, complacently.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>Meanwhile Paul, as well as Mr. Bradford, was installed -in the best bedroom at the farm-house. A -local doctor set the arm, and Paul lay on a lounge, -ready to answer any calls. He was prompt and attentive, -and Mr. Bradford congratulated himself on having -secured so attentive a nurse.</p> - -<p>"Paul," said Mr. Bradford the next morning, "you -have been of great service to me."</p> - -<p>"I am glad I have been able to, sir," answered -Paul.</p> - -<p>"You are a good boy."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir."</p> - -<p>"How much did you tell me you earned on the -train?"</p> - -<p>"Seldom less than seven dollars. One week I -made as high as ten."</p> - -<p>"How old are you?"</p> - -<p>"Sixteen."</p> - -<p>"That is very good pay for a boy of your age."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; I don't know any other employment -that would give me as much."</p> - -<p>"But of course you must give it up sooner or -later."</p> - -<p>"I thought of that, sir."</p> - -<p>"Will you be sorry?"</p> - -<p>"Only because when I take a position elsewhere I -must make up my mind to earn considerably less, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span> -I can't see my way clear to do it while my mother and -sister are so dependent upon me."</p> - -<p>"I suppose you know that I am a rich man?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I have always heard so," answered Paul, -not quite understanding why Mr. Bradford should -say it.</p> - -<p>"I have always held that a rich man owes a debt to -the world, and should try to liquidate it by doing all -the good in his power."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid all rich men don't feel so," said -Paul.</p> - -<p>"No; riches are apt to harden the heart, while -they should soften it. I am glad to think that there -are many who feel with me. But to return to your -prospects. I infer that if you were offered a position -paying you as well as this train service you would -accept it. Am I right?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"How much do you make on an average?"</p> - -<p>"Daily or weekly, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Weekly."</p> - -<p>Paul considered a moment, and answered:</p> - -<p>"Eight dollars."</p> - -<p>"Very good; then I will give you a chance to -better yourself. I will take you into my employ, -dating from yesterday."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>"And give me eight dollars a week?" asked Paul, -eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Ten dollars. I want you to better yourself, you -know."</p> - -<p>"You are very kind, sir," said Paul, gratefully, -"but I am afraid I can't earn as much as that."</p> - -<p>"Possibly not. Few boys of your age are worth as -much. But you rendered me yesterday a great service. -You saved me from robbery. How much now -do you think my wallet contained?"</p> - -<p>"A hundred dollars," guessed Paul, to whom that -seemed a considerable sum for a man to carry -about.</p> - -<p>"Over two thousand!" answered Mr. Bradford, -quietly.</p> - -<p>Paul's face showed the amazement he felt.</p> - -<p>"Isn't it imprudent to carry round so much?" -he suggested.</p> - -<p>"I had the amount paid me in Milwaukee, in bills, -and had no resource but to take it in that form. But -for you that wretch would have got off safely with it. -You see, therefore, that you have saved me more than -enough to pay your wages for two years, even on the -liberal scale I suggest."</p> - -<p>"I was very fortunate to fall in with you, Mr. Bradford. -It has given me the opening I have wanted for -a long time."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>"I hope it may prove fortunate for both of us. -Consider yourself, then, already in my employ. After -breakfast I shall send you to Chicago for my own physician, -under whose care I hope myself to go thither -this afternoon."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXVI.<br /> - -<small>MR. BRADFORD'S OFFICE.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Mr. Bradford was removed to Chicago in the afternoon, -and at his luxurious house was considerably -better off than in the farmer's best chamber.</p> - -<p>He had to keep his room for three or four weeks, -but the fracture was not a serious one, and though confined -to the house he was on the whole very comfortable -for a sick man. His sickness did not interfere -with, nor delay the carrying out of his promise to -Paul. He arranged to have the train boy enter his -service immediately, and to that end, on the morning -after his removal, dispatched Paul to his counting-house -with a verbal message to his book-keeper that -Paul was to be employed there.</p> - -<p>"It happens," he said to Paul, "that I have really -a vacancy for a boy. The one I have hitherto employed, -and who is in fact still in my employ, is to -prepare for college in accordance with the wishes of a -wealthy uncle, who has offered to defray his expenses, -and it is understood that I will release him as soon as -I can suit myself with another boy."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>"That is lucky for me," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"Yes, things happen favorably for you."</p> - -<p>"I hope I shall be able to perform my duties to -your satisfaction," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"I do not doubt it. There is nothing very difficult, -and John (the present boy) can in a single day give -you all the information you need. By the by, Mr. -Manson, the book-keeper, will be somewhat disappointed, -as he wanted the place for his nephew."</p> - -<p>"I don't like to stand in the way of any other boy," -said Paul, considerately.</p> - -<p>"You will not. This nephew—Julius Clay—I happen -to know is an unreliable boy, who is disobedient -at home, and would not give me satisfaction. In any -event I wouldn't take him."</p> - -<p>"Won't Mr. Manson be prejudiced against me?" -asked Paul.</p> - -<p>"He has no right to be. I am under no obligations -to employ a boy I have no confidence in, however -nearly related he may be to Mr. Manson. In -any event I shall be your friend, and I am inclined -to think that will be sufficient to save you from annoyance."</p> - -<p>Nevertheless Paul, who had some knowledge of -human nature, felt sorry that his entrance at the office -was likely to prove disagreeable to a man occupying so -important a position as the book-keeper.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>"However, Mr. Bradford is my friend," he said to -himself, "and I won't trouble myself."</p> - -<p>Mr. Manson had, of course, heard of his employer's -narrow escape from death, and he had gone up to -congratulate him, but had not actually seen him, Mr. -Bradford at the time being asleep. He knew nothing -of the details of the casualty, except what he had read -in the daily papers, and was quite ignorant of Paul's -existence even. He therefore had no warning of the -engagement which was to bring disappointment to -him and his nephew.</p> - -<p>About ten o'clock in the morning—for Paul had -previously called by appointment at Mr. Bradford's -house—our hero entered that gentleman's counting-room.</p> - -<p>Sitting on a high stool was a tall, thin, sallow-complexioned -man, who looked to be rather over thirty -years of age.</p> - -<p>This was Emanuel Manson, the book-keeper.</p> - -<p>To do him justice it must be admitted that Mr. -Manson was an excellent book-keeper. He understood -his business thoroughly, and was rapid and -accurate. Personally Mr. Bradford had never liked -him, but he appreciated his abilities, and did not allow -personal feeling to interfere with retaining him.</p> - -<p>"Business is business, and friendship is friendship," -the manufacturer said to himself. "There is many a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span> -man whom I would like better, who yet might prove -very inefficient in my business. I should be foolish to -discharge Manson."</p> - -<p>So Mr. Manson was likely to retain his place so -long as he did not offend his employer in any inexcusable -way. Mr. Bradford was a mild man, but when -he was roused he could act with decision.</p> - -<p>Mr. Manson turned on his stool as Paul entered.</p> - -<p>"Well, boy, what do you want?" he asked, in a -manner that could not be considered affable.</p> - -<p>"Is this Mr. Manson?" asked Paul, removing his -hat.</p> - -<p>"Yes. Why?" demanded the book-keeper, curtly.</p> - -<p>"I come from Mr. Bradford," said our hero.</p> - -<p>"Well, deliver your message, and don't take up my -time unnecessarily."</p> - -<p>Paul felt that he should dislike him, but answered, -politely:</p> - -<p>"He has engaged me as office-boy."</p> - -<p>"Engaged <i>you</i>!" exclaimed the book-keeper, frowning. -"Who are you?"</p> - -<p>It was hard to answer politely, but Paul did.</p> - -<p>"My name is Paul Palmer," he said, composedly.</p> - -<p>"And where did you fall in with Mr. Bradford, -pray?"</p> - -<p>Paul felt that the book-keeper had no business to -ask these questions, but he resolved that, so far as he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> -was concerned, there should be nothing to complain -of, and he responded in the same tone as before:</p> - -<p>"On the train."</p> - -<p>"And what were you doing on the train, if I may -inquire?"</p> - -<p>"Selling papers and magazines."</p> - -<p>"Oh! a train boy!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Have you ever been in a position before?"</p> - -<p>"Not in an office."</p> - -<p>"What under heaven could induce Mr. Bradford to -engage you?" asked the book-keeper, irritably.</p> - -<p>"I must refer you to Mr. Bradford himself," answered -Paul, with dignity.</p> - -<p>"I shall certainly speak to Mr. Bradford on the -subject," said Mr. Manson, significantly. "I am inclined -to think there is some mistake. We have a boy -already."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Bradford told me he wished to leave, and that -in a day he would initiate me into my duties."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Bradford has about the same as engaged -another boy," said the book-keeper, with increasing -irritability. "He must have forgotten it."</p> - -<p>"I shall be ready to make way for him whenever -Mr. Bradford says the word," said Paul, quietly.</p> - -<p>Manson was surprised and displeased to find Paul -so calm. It was easy to see that he was not a boy who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span> -would allow himself to be bullied or trodden upon. -Mr. Manson already hated him for that. He was -a natural tyrant, and liked to see boys quail under -his displeasure. The present boy was a mild, good-natured -boy, whom he could easily make nervous. -Indeed, John Graves was a boy more fond of study -than business, and he hailed the termination of his -engagement with the more pleasure, because Mr. -Manson found so much fault, and gave him so much -discomfort.</p> - -<p>At that moment John entered. He naturally looked -inquiringly at Paul, but he addressed himself to the -book-keeper.</p> - -<p>"Here is the mail, Mr. Manson," he said.</p> - -<p>"Why weren't you gone a week for it?" snarled the -book-keeper.</p> - -<p>"I went as fast as I could, sir," said John, troubled.</p> - -<p>"Didn't you stop to play on the way?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir."</p> - -<p>"Humph! When I was a boy I could do twice as -much in a given time as you. Here is a boy who has -been sent to take your place—<i>for the present</i>."</p> - -<p>These last words were pronounced with an emphasis -which Paul understood, though John did not. He -only heard what he considered to be the intelligence -of his own release.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>"Then can I go?" he asked, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"No; you are to remain through the day to instruct -this new boy in his duties."</p> - -<p>"All right."</p> - -<p>"Go to the bank with these checks, and you, whatever -your name is, can go with him."</p> - -<p>When the two boys were in the street, John asked, -pleasantly:</p> - -<p>"What is your name?"</p> - -<p>"Paul Palmer. And yours?"</p> - -<p>"John Graves. So you are going to be my successor?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; I hope you are not sorry to go?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I am delighted. Now I can go to school, -and get away from old Manson. But I suppose I -ought not to say anything against him to you."</p> - -<p>"I have had a little specimen of his manners. He -doesn't seem to like my coming into the office."</p> - -<p>"No; he wanted the place for his nephew, Julius -Clay."</p> - -<p>"Do you know Julius?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; he's just such another as his uncle in temper, -but not in ability. Mr. Manson is an excellent -book-keeper, but Julius would make a poor office-boy. -Do you think you can stand the book-keeper's -temper?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>"I will get along with him as well as I can," answered -Paul. "Mr. Bradford is my friend."</p> - -<p>"That is good; but you'll hate old Manson before -the end of a week."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXVII.<br /> - -<small>SERVING A TYRANT.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>If Paul was prejudiced against the book-keeper -thus early, Mr. Manson was not prepossessed in his -favor. He would have been prejudiced against any -boy who was selected to fill the place he designed for -his nephew, but besides this there was an indefinable -something in Paul's air and manner that led him to -anticipate difficulty in maintaining his authority.</p> - -<p>"I shall have trouble with that boy, I'm thinking," -he said to himself, with a vicious stab of the pen in -the unoffending paper before him. "Well, that will -be bad for him, I reckon. He looks like a mighty independent -young vagabond. I shall have to take him -in training."</p> - -<p>The duties of Paul's new place were not difficult to -learn. He didn't need to be shown the way to the -post-office, or bank, and he was as well acquainted -with the streets and localities of Chicago as any boy -had occasion to be.</p> - -<p>So when the day was over, he bade a friendly good-night -to John Graves with the remark:</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span>"I guess I can get along by myself now, John, but -I hope to see you sometimes."</p> - -<p>"Good-night, Paul. I hope you will get along -with the book-keeper."</p> - -<p>"I will try to," answered Paul. "That is, I will do -all I can reasonably be expected to, but I shall not allow -him to run over me."</p> - -<p>"He'll make the attempt, you may be sure of -that."</p> - -<p>"By the way, John, do you mind telling me how -much pay you have received—how much a week, I -mean?"</p> - -<p>"Four dollars a week for the first six months. -Then I was promoted to five, though the book-keeper -tried hard to prevent it."</p> - -<p>"If you had been his nephew it would have been -different."</p> - -<p>"Oh, he would have given Julius five dollars, perhaps -six, to start with."</p> - -<p>"Very likely."</p> - -<p>Paul was glad John did not ask him how much he -was to receive, as it would have been difficult to explain -why he should be so favored. In fact, John supposed -no bargain had been made, and that Paul had -questioned him in order to ascertain what he was himself -likely to be paid.</p> - -<p>Paul presented himself the next morning at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> -office at the usual hour, which he had been told was -eight o'clock.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, sir!" he said to the book-keeper, -who had just arrived.</p> - -<p>"Humph, you're late!" said Manson, sourly.</p> - -<p>Just then a public clock struck eight, and the -strokes were audible to both.</p> - -<p>"Not by that clock, Mr. Manson," said Paul, significantly.</p> - -<p>"Humph! that clock's always slow."</p> - -<p>Paul did not think it necessary to answer.</p> - -<p>"Well, go to work! Don't stand idling there!" said -Manson, sharply.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, if you will let me know what to do," said -Paul, not in the least nervous.</p> - -<p>"Dust off my desk, and be quick about it."</p> - -<p>Paul did as he was directed.</p> - -<p>"Now go to the post-office. Wait, here is the key -to our box."</p> - -<p>Paul went and returned immediately, making unusually -good time, but it is easy for an unreasonable -man to find fault, if he has fully made up his mind to -do so.</p> - -<p>"What made you so long?" demanded the book-keeper, -irascibly.</p> - -<p>Paul was provoked, and had no hesitation in showing -his sense of the book-keeper's unreasonableness.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>"Because I haven't wings, or seven league boots," -he answered, coolly.</p> - -<p>"How do you dare speak thus to me?" demanded -Manson, in a rage.</p> - -<p>"Because, sir, neither you nor any one else can -make better time without running."</p> - -<p>As Paul said this, he looked Mr. Manson in the -eye, and Manson saw that the boy did not mean to be -imposed upon. But he did not propose to relinquish -his habit of finding fault readily.</p> - -<p>"That's gammon!" he said; "I know what boys -are like. They all waste time."</p> - -<p>"I don't," answered Paul, briefly.</p> - -<p>"Don't be impudent."</p> - -<p>"Then, sir, don't be unreasonable."</p> - -<p>"I have a good mind to discharge you on the spot," -said the book-keeper.</p> - -<p>"As you please, sir. If Mr. Bradford sustains you, -I shall make no request to remain."</p> - -<p>Manson felt that he had not come out of the controversy -best. Paul exhibited a coolness and composure -that surprised and annoyed him.</p> - -<p>"He won't stay here long, if I can help it," he said -to himself. "Why, he actually defies me."</p> - -<p>Nevertheless, Paul's quiet resolution made him more -wary in his dealings with Paul, as he did not like to -run the risk of defeat.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>"You can take this note to Mr. Bradford," he said, -an hour later.</p> - -<p>He would have preferred to send some one else, for -he did not care that Paul should have an opportunity -of getting into the good graces of his employer; but -he had no choice. This was the boy's duty, and no -one else could be spared.</p> - -<p>The note related to business on which Mr. Bradford -would expect to be consulted.</p> - -<p>"Take that," he said, "and come back some time -to-day."</p> - -<p>"I shall come back as soon as Mr. Bradford releases -me."</p> - -<p>"Take care you do."</p> - -<p>All this was very annoying, and, indeed, insulting, -but Paul was judicious, and, while resisting aggression -and injustice, knew that he could not make Mr. Manson -civil or polite.</p> - -<p>Arrived at the house of Mr. Bradford, Paul was -shown into the presence of the manufacturer.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, Paul!" said Mr. Bradford, pleasantly.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, sir. I have come with a note -from Mr. Manson."</p> - -<p>Mr. Bradford took it and read it quickly. He took -out a pencil and wrote at the bottom a couple of -lines.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>"That is my answer," he said, returning it to Paul.</p> - -<p>"How do you like Mr. Manson?" asked the manufacturer.</p> - -<p>"Not very well, sir."</p> - -<p>"I suppose he does not appear to like you?"</p> - -<p>"No, sir; it is very clear he does not."</p> - -<p>Paul stopped there.</p> - -<p>"Have you any complaints to make?" asked Mr. -Bradford.</p> - -<p>"No, sir; I don't care to say anything; but I would -like to ask you a favor."</p> - -<p>"What is it, Paul?"</p> - -<p>"If Mr. Manson makes any complaints against -me, will you give me an opportunity to defend myself?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly I will. Do you apprehend that he will -complain of you?"</p> - -<p>"I am pretty sure he will."</p> - -<p>"Why?"</p> - -<p>"He seems determined to find fault with me. However, -I shall not be the first to complain. I propose -to do my duty faithfully, and will bear his scolding as -well as I can. If I suit you, sir, I shall be satisfied. -I don't expect to suit Mr. Manson."</p> - -<p>"Well said, Paul. I won't inquire into your relations -with the book-keeper, but if he complains of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> -you, you may rest assured that I will give you a -chance to defend yourself."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, sir; that is all I ask."</p> - -<p>Paul returned to the office, and when, as he expected, -Mr. Manson charged him with loitering on the -way, he heard him with a cool contempt, which angered -the book-keeper more than spoken words.</p> - -<p>"Really, this is the most impertinent boy we ever -had in the office. He does not seem to mind me any -more than if I was a porter."</p> - -<p>Accustomed to have boys quail before him, he was -provoked at the coolness with which Paul bore his -taunts and reproaches, and he felt all the more resolved -either to get him dismissed, or to make him -anxious to resign.</p> - -<p>Among other things, he was accustomed to employ -the office-boy to run on his private errands, though, of -course, wholly unauthorized to do so, and he expected -to employ Paul in the same manner.</p> - -<p>About three o'clock he summoned Paul, and said to -him:</p> - -<p>"You may go to my room, No. 47 H—— street, -and ask my landlady to give you a bundle of dirty -clothes, which you will carry to the laundry, No. 18 -M—— street."</p> - -<p>Paul looked at him in astonishment.</p> - -<p>"Are the clothes Mr. Bradford's?" he asked.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>"No, you little fool, they are mine."</p> - -<p>"Then, sir, I must decline to take them. I am in -Mr. Bradford's employ, not yours."</p> - -<p>"Do you decline to do as I bid you?" gasped Manson, -at white heat.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. I am not employed to do any such -work."</p> - -<p>"You'll repent this!" exclaimed the book-keeper, -mortified and incensed. "It seems you defy my -authority."</p> - -<p>"No, sir; I shall do whatever you have a right to -demand of me."</p> - -<p>"I'll have you out of this office before the end of -the week. See if I don't."</p> - -<p>Paul walked away, not appearing in the least terrified -by this threat.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXVIII.<br /> - -<small>MR. MANSON IS SURPRISED.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Emanuel Manson felt too late that he had made a -mistake. He had intended to humiliate Paul by -making him his own errand boy, but our hero's firm -refusal to serve him made the humiliation his own. -He did not venture to report the matter to Mr. Bradford, -for he knew that he had no right to call upon -Paul to do his own errands; yet to let it pass would -seem like a confession of weakness.</p> - -<p>"I can't do anything at present," he decided, "but -I will take the first opportunity to prejudice Mr. Bradford -against the young rascal and procure his dismissal."</p> - -<p>In other words, Mr. Manson proposed to bide his -time. He had no idea of foregoing his vengeance, -but thought it politic to defer it. Meanwhile he had -plenty of opportunities to make things disagreeable to -Paul, and availed himself of them.</p> - -<p>At the end of the first week a very disagreeable surprise -awaited Mr. Manson.</p> - -<p>The time came to pay off the clerks, and among -others Paul.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>He drew from the cash-box four dollars and handed -it to our hero, with the remark:</p> - -<p>"There's your pay, though it is more than you have -earned."</p> - -<p>Paul glanced at the two two-dollar bills which lay -in his hand, and said, quietly:</p> - -<p>"Why do you pay me four dollars?"</p> - -<p>"Three would be enough, but I didn't suppose you -would be modest enough to admit it."</p> - -<p>"I am not. I suppose Mr. Bradford hasn't told -you how much my wages are to be."</p> - -<p>"How much?" inquired the book-keeper, with a -sneer. "Ten dollars, I presume."</p> - -<p>"You are right. I will trouble you to give me six -dollars more."</p> - -<p>"Are you crazy?" gasped Manson.</p> - -<p>"Not that I am aware of," answered Paul, coolly.</p> - -<p>"If you are trying to humbug me, you may as well -give up the attempt. I wasn't born last year."</p> - -<p>"I am neither crazy nor trying to humbug you," -said Paul, with easy self-possession. "Mr. Bradford -has kindly agreed to pay me ten dollars a week, -and——"</p> - -<p>"I never heard a more outrageous falsehood!" -ejaculated Manson. "The idea of paying a raw, inexperienced -boy ten dollars a week! Why, it is utterly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> -ridiculous. I shall take care to report your attempted -swindle to Mr. Bradford."</p> - -<p>"Just as you like, Mr. Manson; but first, will you -cast your eyes over this note?"</p> - -<p>Paul produced a folded sheet of note-paper, and -passed it to the book-keeper.</p> - -<p>Manson read to his amazement these words over the -signature of Alexander Bradford:</p> - - -<p class="blockquot">"I have fixed the wages of Paul Palmer at ten dollars per -week, and you are authorized to pay him that sum."</p> - -<p>"Where did you get this paper?" asked Manson.</p> - -<p>"From Mr. Bradford."</p> - -<p>"When?"</p> - -<p>"Yesterday. He thought you would require his -authority for paying so large a sum."</p> - -<p>"How do I know but you have forged this note?" -asked Manson.</p> - -<p>"Probably you know Mr. Bradford's handwriting -and signature. Besides, it would be foolish in me to -attempt a forgery which would immediately be found -out."</p> - -<p>In fact, Manson knew that the note was genuine. -He could not be mistaken in Mr. Bradford's handwriting, -but he wanted to find some excuse for delaying -or refusing payment. On the whole, he did not -venture to do either, as he knew his employer would -be offended.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>"There's your money," he said, throwing the balance -on the desk. "I can't say I understand it at all. -I shall feel it necessary to speak to Mr. Bradford on -the subject."</p> - -<p>"I wish you would, sir, so as to remove any doubts -you may have."</p> - -<p>"It is about three times as much as you have -earned."</p> - -<p>"I won't dispute you, sir. I am quite aware that -it is more than I can earn."</p> - -<p>"Then why did Mr. Bradford pay you so much?"</p> - -<p>"Probably he will tell you when you speak to him -on the subject."</p> - -<p>Manson was baffled, but he felt all the more annoyed -that his nephew Julius had lost a situation -which carried so much pay with it.</p> - -<p>He dispatched Paul on an errand, and during his -absence Julius came in.</p> - -<p>"Well, Julius," said his uncle, "I have just been -paying that boy who has got your place."</p> - -<p>"I wish you had been paying me. I haven't got -a cent to my name. Four dollars would have come -mighty convenient."</p> - -<p>"Four dollars!"</p> - -<p>"Yes; isn't that what he gets? Three dollars -would be too mean."</p> - -<p>"The boy gets <i>ten dollars</i> a week!"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>"Ten dollars!" gasped Julius. "Oh, come now, -you're fooling."</p> - -<p>"Not at all. Do you see that?"</p> - -<p>He showed Julius the note of Mr. Bradford previously -referred to.</p> - -<p>"Good gracious! I can't believe it!" exclaimed -Julius. "Why, it's tremendous pay. Can't you turn -him off and get me in his place? What a swell I'd -cut on ten dollars a week!"</p> - -<p>"I wish you had the place," said Manson, thoughtfully; -"but I don't know how to manage it."</p> - -<p>"Try to think of some way, Uncle Emanuel," -pleaded Julius. "I should have liked it at four, for -ma only gives me a dollar a week allowance, and that -is hardly enough to buy my cigarettes."</p> - -<p>"You'd be a good deal better off if you gave up -cigarettes. They are doing you no good."</p> - -<p>And here Mr. Manson gave his nephew good advice.</p> - -<p>"Put me in the place, and I'll do whatever you -want me to," said Julius.</p> - -<p>"I'll do my part," said the book-keeper.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXIX.<br /> - -<small>THE BOOK-KEEPER'S TRIUMPH.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>In less time than was anticipated Mr. Bradford -came to the office, his arm being so far well that it no -longer gave him any trouble.</p> - -<p>The book-keeper did not delay long to open his -batteries upon Paul. On the second day, our hero being -out, Manson began:</p> - -<p>"I would like to say a few words to you, Mr. Bradford, -about the new boy."</p> - -<p>"About Paul?" asked Mr. Bradford, lifting his eyes -from the morning paper.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"Very well, proceed."</p> - -<p>"I can't say I am satisfied with him, sir."</p> - -<p>"Indeed! What is the matter?"</p> - -<p>"He is not respectful to me."</p> - -<p>"Indeed!"</p> - -<p>"I may say he is positively impudent at times."</p> - -<p>"That surprises me. He seems to me very unlikely -to be guilty of such offenses."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>"I dare say; he is very artful. I presume he is -very respectful to you. That is policy."</p> - -<p>"I should suppose he would consider it politic to -be respectful to you also, Mr. Manson."</p> - -<p>"All the other boys have, but this boy puts on a -great many airs. In fact, he is mighty independent. -I suppose it is on account of the extremely high wages -he receives."</p> - -<p>"Yes, ten dollars is very high pay for a boy of his -age," admitted Mr. Bradford.</p> - -<p>"Of course he doesn't earn it. He doesn't earn -half as much."</p> - -<p>"You may be right. I should not be inclined to -pay another boy nearly as much."</p> - -<p>Mr. Manson was sorry to hear this, as, could he -obtain the position for Julius at ten dollars a week, his -young nephew had agreed to pay him a commission of -two dollars a week, which the book-keeper, being fond -of money, was not above accepting.</p> - -<p>"Have you any other complaints to make about -Paul?" asked Mr. Bradford. "Doesn't he attend to -his duties?"</p> - -<p>"Fairly well," Manson admitted, reluctantly, the -fact being that there had never been a boy in the office -so efficient as our hero, the ex-train boy.</p> - -<p>"Humph! I am glad to hear that."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>"Still it is of course disagreeable to have a boy -under me who treats me with insolence."</p> - -<p>"Do I understand, then, that you would prefer to -have a change?" inquired the manufacturer.</p> - -<p>"I don't want to make any trouble, sir," said the -book-keeper, who could be polite enough to his employer, -"but I should really be glad to have another -boy in Paul's place."</p> - -<p>"Very well. I have been thinking of making a -change myself."</p> - -<p>Manson could hardly believe his ears. He had -entertained very small hope of effecting his purpose, -and Mr. Bradford's ready acquiescence in his wishes -filled him with delight.</p> - -<p>"If I might venture the suggestion," he added, -encouraged by his success, "I should be glad if you -would give the place to my nephew Julius."</p> - -<p>"I don't know how Julius will suit me," said Mr. -Bradford, "but I will try him for a week."</p> - -<p>"At ten dollars a week?" suggested Mr. Manson.</p> - -<p>"At <i>four</i> dollars a week!" replied the manufacturer, -with emphasis. "That is all boys of his age -usually get. There were special reasons why I paid -Paul more."</p> - -<p>Manson was disappointed that Julius should be paid -only ordinary boys' wages, but still it was a great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> -triumph to have Paul discharged, and Julius put in -his place.</p> - -<p>"Now," he said to himself, "I've the whip-hand of -the young rascal. I'll pay him off."</p> - -<p>"Shall I tell him, sir, when he comes in?" asked -the book-keeper.</p> - -<p>"No; I propose to tell him myself. Send him in -to me when he gets back from his errand."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, I will," promptly responded the book-keeper, -resuming his own work with a satisfied smile.</p> - -<p>Ten minutes later Paul came in from the post office, -bringing the afternoon mail.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXX.<br /> - -<small>PAUL IS PROMOTED.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>"You are to go to Mr. Bradford at once," said -Manson, as he received the letters Paul had brought.</p> - -<p>There was a triumphant smile on the book-keeper's -face which Paul did not fail to observe.</p> - -<p>"What does it mean?" he thought. "Has he been -complaining of me?"</p> - -<p>This would not have troubled him but for Manson's -evident satisfaction. It was clear, he thought, that -something disagreeable was about to happen during -the interview that awaited Paul. However, he did not -propose to give his enemy the satisfaction of knowing -that he had given him anxiety. He merely said in his -usual tone, "Very well, sir," and proceeded to open -the door of the inner office.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Manson told me you wished to see me, sir," -he said.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes," said Mr. Bradford, wheeling round in -his office chair. "Manson has been making complaints -against you."</p> - -<p>"I am not surprised at that, sir. From the first,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> -he appears to have disliked me. May I ask what he -says?"</p> - -<p>"He says you are not respectful to him."</p> - -<p>"I am as respectful as I can be, but he is continually -finding fault. It is impossible to please him."</p> - -<p>"He wants me to discharge you."</p> - -<p>Paul's heart beat quickly. It would be a misfortune -to him to leave so good a place, especially as he was -not sure whether he could regain his place as train -boy, and it would operate against him to have it -known that he had been discharged by Mr. Bradford.</p> - -<p>"Of course, sir," he answered, soberly, "that is as -you please."</p> - -<p>"Moreover," the manufacturer proceeded, "he -wants me to take his nephew, Julius, in your place."</p> - -<p>"I knew he wanted Julius in my place," said Paul, -despondently.</p> - -<p>"And I have about made up my mind to let him -try the experiment."</p> - -<p>The blow had fallen! Poor Paul thought it hard, -but his pride sustained him. He could not understand, -however, how Mr. Bradford could so desert -him and side with his enemy, the book-keeper.</p> - -<p>"Then, sir, I suppose I am to go," he answered.</p> - -<p>"Well, I can hardly employ two boys in the office, -since there is not more than work enough for one."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>"I am very sorry, sir," said Paul, in a subdued -tone. "I have tried to be faithful to you."</p> - -<p>"And that is the reason why I intend to promote -you," said the manufacturer, smiling.</p> - -<p>Promote! The word fell like music on Paul's ears. -It was all right. His friend had not deserted him -after all.</p> - -<p>"Oh, thank you, sir," he said, his face brightening.</p> - -<p>"Come now, Paul, you didn't really think I meant -to discharge you, did you?"</p> - -<p>"It looked like it, sir," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"I shouldn't have made you feel so uncomfortable," -said his employer. "Now about this change. I am -letting Manson have his way only to prove to him -how unfit Julius is for the post. He hasn't tried him -yet. When he does he will find him idle, lazy, and -unreliable, and he will find such fault that his nephew -will probably himself resign the place in disgust."</p> - -<p>"I don't know," said Paul. "Ten dollars will -reconcile him as it did me."</p> - -<p>"Oh, bless your soul! Julius isn't to have ten -dollars. He is to have four, like all his predecessors -except yourself."</p> - -<p>On the whole Paul was rather glad of that. It made -Mr. Manson's momentary triumph less important.</p> - -<p>"Now about your own affairs," said Mr. Bradford. -"Are you willing to leave Chicago and travel West?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>"I would like it above all things, sir," said Paul, -his eyes sparkling.</p> - -<p>"I thought you would. Well, I am about to give -you an important commission. Do you know where -the Black Hills are situated?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; in Wyoming."</p> - -<p>"Precisely. Well, I suppose you know that multitudes -have flocked there in search of gold."</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir."</p> - -<p>"I myself own half a mine there. It is known as -the Blackstone. A man named Fox, who is resident -at the mine, owns the other half, and its working is -done under his direction. Now I have a shrewd suspicion -that he is cheating me, taking advantage of my -absence and probable inability to form any adequate -judgment of the mine and its value."</p> - -<p>"What makes you think so, sir?"</p> - -<p>"His continually writing discouraging accounts of -the mine, expressing his great disappointment with it. -In his last letter he winds up by saying that he is willing -to give or take two thousand dollars for it, though -it cost the two of us ten thousand."</p> - -<p>"Doesn't he run a risk in making such an offer?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but he thinks I can't attend to it myself, and -will sacrifice my interest readily, just to get rid of -anxiety."</p> - -<p>"I see."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>"Now I want you to go out and form a judgment -as to the man's motives, and get an idea of the real -value of the mine."</p> - -<p>"But, sir, I don't know anything about mines."</p> - -<p>"Very true. Still you have good common sense, -and can institute inquiries without exciting suspicion. -No one would suppose I would select as my agent a -boy of sixteen."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps it is rash," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"Nine out of ten would say so, but somehow I -have more confidence in you than in many men, and -I believe you would serve me faithfully."</p> - -<p>"You are right there, sir, at any rate."</p> - -<p>"Now as to the compensation. Will twenty-five -dollars a week and your traveling expenses content -you?"</p> - -<p>"Twenty-five dollars!" ejaculated Paul. "Are you -in earnest?"</p> - -<p>"Quite so. Paul, I don't pay you according to -your age, but according to the nature of your work, -and twenty-five dollars a week is not too much. Now, -when can you start?"</p> - -<p>"Day after to-morrow, sir."</p> - -<p>"That will do."</p> - -<p>"I was thinking how I could arrange about my -mother, Mr. Bradford. She will need money while I -am gone."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>"She can call every Saturday at the office and collect -what you thinks she needs. Shall it be ten dollars -a week? If so, it can be deducted from your week's -wages."</p> - -<p>"That will be very satisfactory, sir."</p> - -<p>"Very well. Go home, make preparations for setting -out, and come to me to-morrow for instructions. -Don't tell anybody except your mother where you are -going."</p> - -<p>"All right sir."</p> - -<p>As Paul entered the presence of the book-keeper, -the latter glanced at him eagerly to see his downcast -looks. He was perplexed to see that Paul seemed -in excellent spirits, and feared Mr. Bradford had -reconsidered his decision. But Paul reassured him.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Manson," he said, "I am about to leave -you."</p> - -<p>"So Mr. Bradford has found you out, and discharged -you," sneered Manson.</p> - -<p>"At any rate," answered Paul, "I shall no longer -be office-boy. Julius is to take my place."</p> - -<p>"If you had been more respectful to me you might -have staid," said Manson.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Bradford didn't say anything about that," -said Paul, smiling. "Well, good-day."</p> - -<p>"There's something about this I don't understand,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span> -thought the perplexed book-keeper. "I thought -he would make a fuss. Well, at any rate, I've carried -my point. He's bounced, and Julius is in his -place."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXI.<br /> - -<small>PAUL AND HIS SUCCESSOR.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>About eleven o'clock the next forenoon Paul, after -making some necessary arrangements, took his way -toward Mr. Bradford's counting-room.</p> - -<p>As he turned into State street he encountered -Julius, who had already entered upon the duties of -his office. Naturally, Julius adopted his uncle's -theory, that Paul had given dissatisfaction and been -discharged, and, as he bore no good will to our hero, -he was gratified at the thought.</p> - -<p>"Hallo!" he called out, not averse to exulting over -his predecessor.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, Julius," said Paul, affably.</p> - -<p>"I've got your place," said Julius, not attempting -to conceal his satisfaction.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Paul.</p> - -<p>"He doesn't seem to mind it," commented Julius -to himself. "I suppose he is too proud to show me -how he feels."</p> - -<p>"What did the old man bounce you for?" asked -Julius, rather curious on the subject.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>"You must ask him," said Paul, still pleasantly.</p> - -<p>"My uncle always told me you wouldn't stay," -said Julius.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps he got me turned off," suggested Paul.</p> - -<p>"I reckon he did. He didn't like you much."</p> - -<p>"No; there wasn't much love lost between us."</p> - -<p>"Where are you going now?"</p> - -<p>"Round to the office."</p> - -<p>"What for?"</p> - -<p>"To see Mr. Bradford."</p> - -<p>"If you want him to take you on again," said -Julius, rather uneasily, "you might as well give it up. -He won't do it."</p> - -<p>"Are you quite sure?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes," answered Julius, hurriedly; "my uncle -wouldn't let him do it."</p> - -<p>"I thought Mr. Bradford was boss, not your -uncle," Paul ventured to observe.</p> - -<p>"He'll let my uncle choose the office-boy, and of -course uncle Emanuel prefers me."</p> - -<p>"Don't be alarmed, Julius. I won't try to deprive -you of your place. Still I want to see Mr. Bradford."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I know what you want," said Julius, nodding.</p> - -<p>"Suppose you tell me?"</p> - -<p>"You want Mr. Bradford to give you a recommendation, -so you can get another place."</p> - -<p>"You are sharp, Julius," said Paul, laughing.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>"It doesn't take much sharpness to see that."</p> - -<p>"Where are you going?"</p> - -<p>"To the post-office."</p> - -<p>"Very well. We may meet in the office. Good-morning."</p> - -<p>"I don't understand that boy," said Julius to himself. -"Anybody would think he was all right, instead -of having lost his place and a salary of ten dollars a -week. It's awful mean of the old man to pay me -only four. I'm worth as much as Paul any day."</p> - -<p>Such was the idea of Julius, and he was by no -means singular in thinking well of himself. That is -rather common among men as well as boys.</p> - -<p>Paul went on his way and soon reached the office.</p> - -<p>The book-keeper turned his head as he entered.</p> - -<p>When his eyes rested on Paul he frowned.</p> - -<p>"<i>You</i> back again?" he said.</p> - -<p>"I am back again, Mr. Manson," replied Paul, -composedly.</p> - -<p>"What do you want?" asked Manson, rudely.</p> - -<p>"My business is not with you, but with Mr. Bradford," -answered Paul, coldly.</p> - -<p>"It appears to me you have no business whatever -in this office after being discharged," continued Manson.</p> - -<p>"It is plain Mr. Bradford doesn't tell you all his -affairs," said Paul.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>"What do you mean by that?"</p> - -<p>"I am still in Mr. Bradford's employ, though not -as office-boy."</p> - -<p>"Is this true?" asked Manson, in a tone of unpleasant -surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. I am here now by Mr. Bradford's appointment."</p> - -<p>The book-keeper's countenance fell. Where now -was his triumph? As the post of office-boy was the -lowest in the establishment, it was clear Paul had been -promoted, and the book-keeper would no longer have -the satisfaction of ordering him about or giving him -annoyance.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXII.<br /> - -<small>JIM SCOTT.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>By advice of Mr. Bradford, Paul selected the Chicago, -Rock Island, Pacific route to Omaha, where he took -passage on the Union Pacific road as far as Cheyenne, -in the southern part of Wyoming, known as the -"Magic City of the Plains." He was very much interested -in what he saw from the car windows as he -rolled over the prairies of Illinois and the fertile plains -of Iowa. He gazed eagerly at the Mississippi River, -of which he had heard so much, and was somewhat -disappointed to find it so narrow at the point of -crossing.</p> - -<p>On again from Omaha, five hundred miles and -over, till the train halted at Cheyenne, and he got out -at the station.</p> - -<p>As he stood on the platform, while the train went -on, he was accosted by a roughly dressed man, who -might be a miner to judge from his slouch hat, his -loose-fitting clothes, and his long and rather ragged-looking -beard, which seemed a stranger both to razor -and scissors.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>"Goin' to stop here, young man?"</p> - -<p>"I shall stop over to-night, I think," answered -Paul.</p> - -<p>"And to-morrow I reckon you go to the Hills?"</p> - -<p>"That is my intention," said Paul, guardedly.</p> - -<p>"I don't know but I'll go there myself, though I -did calculate to stay here, or hereabouts, for a time."</p> - -<p>"Have you ever been to the mines?" asked Paul.</p> - -<p>"Have I ever been there? Well, I should smile," -answered the stranger, expectorating profusely. "Why, -I own a hotel in Custer City. I left my cousin in -charge, while I made a run down here to learn the -fashions."</p> - -<p>This he said with a grim smile, and a glance at his -rough attire</p> - -<p>"Have you found them?" asked Paul.</p> - -<p>"Well, I haven't followed 'em. Where might you -be from, youngster?"</p> - -<p>"From Chicago."</p> - -<p>"I was there once, long ago, but I drifted on to -California, and lived there up among the mountains -for seven or eight years. Somehow I didn't get rich. -But, one day, I heard of the Black Hills, and dusted -for 'em."</p> - -<p>"I hope good luck came to you there," said Paul, -politely.</p> - -<p>"You bet it did. Why, youngster, rough as I look,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> -I consider myself worth to-day from fifty to a hundred -thousand dollars."</p> - -<p>Paul looked at his new acquaintance with respect as -a successful man.</p> - -<p>"That is a good deal of money," he said.</p> - -<p>"So it is. Sometimes I wake up and forget that -I'm rich. Seems to me I'm the same shiftless vagabond -that lived for years among the California mountains, -but there's a heap of satisfaction in findin' I'm -mistaken."</p> - -<p>"So I should think."</p> - -<p>"And what's more, I don't mean to gamble away -my pile, as most miners do. I'm gettin' on in life, -and I can't afford it."</p> - -<p>"That is where you are sensible," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"And now, youngster, if I may be so bold, what's -your name?"</p> - -<p>"Paul Palmer."</p> - -<p>"That sounds like a story name."</p> - -<p>"But it's my real name, for all that."</p> - -<p>"Do you expect to make your fortune out there?"</p> - -<p>"I don't know. I hope to find something to do."</p> - -<p>"You're pretty young to be travelin' alone."</p> - -<p>"Yes; I am only sixteen."</p> - -<p>"Have you got money enough to keep you along -till you get something to do?"</p> - -<p>"I think I can get along."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span>"If you get into any trouble, just call on Jim Scott—that's -me—and I'll see you through."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Scott, I am very much obliged to you for -such a kind offer to a stranger."</p> - -<p>"<i>Mr.</i> Scott? Oh, you mean me! I'd rather you'd -call me Jim—it comes more natural."</p> - -<p>"Then I say, thank you, Jim," said Paul, offering -his hand.</p> - -<p>"That's all right," said Mr. Scott, in a tone of satisfaction. -"Now come round to the hotel, and I'll put -you up to a wrinkle or two, and we'll talk over our -trip to Custer City."</p> - -<p>"Then you are going, too?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if you don't mind my company."</p> - -<p>"I shall be glad to have the benefit of your experience."</p> - -<p>Paul knew that it behooved him to avoid sudden -acquaintanceships, but there was something in Mr. -Scott's manner, rough as his appearance was, that inspired -confidence.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXIII.<br /> - -<small>CHEYENNE.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Paul looked about him with eager curiosity, for he -had all a youth's keen zest in visiting unknown places. -He saw one long street, of unusual width, lined with -an indiscriminate variety of buildings from one-story -saloons and offices to two and three-story buildings.</p> - -<p>The Inter-Ocean Hotel, in front of which his guide -halted, was a fine brick structure of three stories, -which seemed hardly at home in the loosely built -town, which had sprung up as if by magic on the -prairies.</p> - -<p>"This is where I put up," said Mr. Scott.</p> - -<p>"I'll take a room here, if they can give me one."</p> - -<p>"I'll see that you have one. They know me—Jim -Scott—and they'd make room if they hadn't one. Do -you know what they used to call this settlement?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"'Hell on Wheels' was the name they give it in -early days."</p> - -<p>"Was that to invite settlers?" asked Paul, laughing.</p> - -<p>"I expect it was because it was about the roughest,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> -most lawless place between Omaha and Frisco. Why -the principal occupation of the first settlers was gamblin', -drinkin' rot-gut whisky, and shootin'. There -wasn't a day passed hardly but some chap was found -lyin' in the street with a hole in his head or a bullet in -his heart. I tell you them was rough times."</p> - -<p>"I hope things have changed," said Paul, by no -means prepossessed in favor of Cheyenne by what he -had heard. "If they haven't, I don't think I shall -stay here long."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, it's settled down, so that life is pretty -safe. They had to raise a vigilance committee to set -things straight like they did in Frisco. It's all right -now."</p> - -<p>"I am glad to hear it."</p> - -<p>Meanwhile they had entered the hotel, and Paul -succeeded in securing a room adjoining that of Mr. -Scott, or Jim Scott, as he insisted on being called.</p> - -<p>After he had washed and changed his clothing, he -sat down to a substantial meal, which he enjoyed with -the hearty appetite of youth. Then Mr. Scott invited -him to take a walk about the town.</p> - -<p>"I say, youngster, have you got a father and mother?"</p> - -<p>"My father is dead, but I have a mother and sister -living."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>"And what did your mother say to your comin' out -here?"</p> - -<p>"She was willing, knowing that I had my own way -to make."</p> - -<p>"I haven't chick or child myself. I had a wife -once, but she died twenty years ago. Now I've got -money, but sometimes I feel lonely."</p> - -<p>"It isn't too late for you to marry again, Mr. -Scott."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Scott?"</p> - -<p>"I mean Jim."</p> - -<p>"Maybe you're right, but there ain't many women -would hitch on to me except for my money, and I'm -better without such. I say, youngster, do you mind -my keepin' company with you while you stay in these -parts?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly not, Jim. I shall feel fortunate in having -one with me who knows so much more about the -country than I."</p> - -<p>"That's all right, then. When do you want to start -for Custer City?"</p> - -<p>"To-morrow, if there is a chance."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll get ready, too."</p> - -<p>"What is the distance?"</p> - -<p>"Two hundred and fifty miles, and pretty long -miles, some of 'em."</p> - -<p>"Do we travel by stage?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>"Yes. One has been put on lately. When I went -first, I traveled by wagon, and was a week on the road, -maybe ten days. Now, if you travel at night, we can -reach Custer City in forty-eight hours or thereabouts."</p> - -<p>"I suppose the road is a lonely one?"</p> - -<p>"You may say that. As far as Fort Laramie it is -pretty well settled. There is a ranch about every -twelve miles."</p> - -<p>"Do you call that well settled?"</p> - -<p>"Well," said Jim, "we call it so out here."</p> - -<p>"I shouldn't think people would feel crowded, living -at such distances."</p> - -<p>"We like plenty of room, you see, Paul."</p> - -<p>The next morning Paul and his new friend started -for Custer City, and in due time arrived at the Black -Hills metropolis without any adventures that need recording.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXIV.<br /> - -<small>MAJOR ASHTON IN A QUANDARY.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>We must now leave our hero for a time and return -to Chicago, to look after some of the other characters -whom we have introduced in our story.</p> - -<p>Major Ashton, after a late breakfast, sat in a handsome -apartment, with several letters before him. These -he had examined without much apparent satisfaction. -Finally he threw down the last with a gesture of impatience.</p> - -<p>"They all sing the same tune," he said, irritably. -"They are all poor trades-people, who want money. -Here's my tailor, who ventures to hope I will call -round and settle his little bill—two hundred and -seventeen dollars!—as he is in great want of money. -What business has the rascal to want money? I dare -say he has a plentiful bank account, made by fleecing -customers like myself. Then there's Jones, the boot-maker, -wants me to pay up his bill of sixty-five dollars -for boots and shoes. I can't remember having all the -things he charges for. I dare say the rogue has charged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> -for what I never had. Then here's my landlady has -left on my table a bill for the last two months' board, -at the rate of thirty-five dollars a week. Really, it -looks as if all my creditors had combined to annoy -me on this particular evening.</p> - -<p>"The worst of it is," continued the major, after a -slight pause, "I don't see any way out of the difficulty. -I haven't even money enough to pay my way -in a cheap boarding-house. If I should descend to -such degradation, farewell to all my social position. -Managing mammas would no more angle for me, and -even Miss Framley would turn up her plebeian pug -nose at me, though it would seem as if nature had -saved her the necessity. At present she is trying in -desperate earnest to catch me."</p> - -<p>The major was not misled by vanity. Miss Framley -knew very well that the major was regarded as a great -catch, and that a match with him would give her -a distinguished position in society. Moreover, she -was under the mistaken impression that he was -wealthy. The mistake was a natural one. The major -was always arrayed with irreproachable elegance, wore -expensive jewelry, was known to live handsomely, and -indeed to possess all the outward marks of prosperity. -She would gladly have embraced the opportunity to -become Mrs. Major Ashton.</p> - -<p>At one time the major thought of giving her the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span> -opportunity. He knew that Framley <i>pere</i> was rich, -and that Miss Framley had fifty thousand dollars in -her own right. How far this money would be at the -command of her husband was an important question.</p> - -<p>Miss Framley forever spoiled her chances one day, -when she incautiously expressed the determination to -have her fortune settled on herself. She was not -speaking to the major, but he overheard her.</p> - -<p>"Forewarned is forearmed," he said to himself. -"Miss Framley is a pill which must be sugar-coated -to be taken, or, as I may say, well gilded. If the girl -expects to make a good match on the score of her -own personal attractions, she makes an egregious mistake. -No, young lady, I must have your money paid -over, or secured to me on the wedding-day, or your -name can never be Mrs. Ashton."</p> - -<p>Of course, while there seemed a chance of securing -Grace Dearborn, the major never gave a thought to -Miss Framley, but Grace's manner at the ball convinced -him that to cherish further hopes in that quarter -would be a mere waste of time. He could never -hope to marry her, except against her will, and was -compelled to leave her out of the account. For -Grace, it must be owned, he cherished as warm an -affection as he was capable of feeling for any one, and -he would have married her even with the proviso that -all her wealth should be settled on herself. He was,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> -at all events, a man of taste, and he understood very -well the difference between Grace and Miss Framley.</p> - -<p>His affairs now had reached a point when it seemed -necessary to take some step to relieve himself from the -claims of creditors, who were daily becoming more -clamorous. In his perplexity, one door of relief -seemed to open to him. His brow cleared, he -brought down his hand upon the table, and exclaimed:</p> - -<p>"Now I see my way clear. It won't be so great a -sacrifice after all. If I can't be Grace's husband, I -will be her uncle."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXV.<br /> - -<small>WOOING THE WIDOW.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Mrs. Sheldon was sitting in her morning-room when -a servant appeared and announced that Major Ashton -was in the parlor.</p> - -<p>"Major Ashton!" repeated the widow. "Did you -tell him Miss Grace was out?"</p> - -<p>"Yes'm; but he said it was of no consequence; he -wanted to see you."</p> - -<p>"I suppose he wants to inquire about his chances -with Grace," thought Mrs. Sheldon. "I am sorry I -can't give him any encouragement. I never knew -Grace more prejudiced against a man than she is -against the major. Tell him I will come down at -once." This last to the servant.</p> - -<p>Major Ashton, as already foreshadowed, had changed -his plan of campaign—or, rather, he had changed the -object of his campaign. Knowing that he could not -secure the niece, he had come to lay siege to the aunt. -He felt fortunate in having hit a time when Miss Dearborn -was out.</p> - -<p>It was rather a delicate matter to make such a sudden<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> -change, and required a good deal of tact; but -Major Ashton had considerable confidence in his ability -to make the transfer without exciting suspicion. He -looked about the room in which he was seated, and -surveyed with satisfaction the signs everywhere of opulence -in the owner.</p> - -<p>"What matter if the widow is fifteen years my -senior?" he said to himself. "I am not going to -marry her out of sentiment, but for solid pecuniary -reasons. The older she is, the more chance there is -of her leaving me my freedom with her fortune before -I am an old man."</p> - -<p>His reflections were interrupted by the entrance of -Mrs. Sheldon, who advanced to meet him with a gracious -smile.</p> - -<p>"I am glad to see you, major," she said.</p> - -<p>"Thank you, Mrs. Sheldon," he replied, in a tone -and with an <i>empressement</i> new to him and to her.</p> - -<p>"Poor fellow! he is in trouble," she thought, not -suspecting his change of front. "He wants my assistance."</p> - -<p>"Grace is not at home," she said, supposing this -information would interest him.</p> - -<p>"Indeed!" he returned, with languid indifference. -"Out shopping, I suppose?"</p> - -<p>"Really, major, you don't show much interest in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> -the subject. But then that's the way with you men. -You are all of you fickle and faithless."</p> - -<p>"No, Mrs. Sheldon; you do me injustice—I am the -soul of fidelity. But you know as well as I do that -Miss Dearborn will have nothing to say to me."</p> - -<p>"'Faint heart ne'er won fair lady,' major."</p> - -<p>"I will answer in the old couplet:</p> - -<p class="blockquot"> -"'If she be not fair to me,<br /> -What care I how fair she be?'"</p> - -<p>"Does that mean that you have quite abandoned -the field?" asked Mrs. Sheldon, in some surprise.</p> - -<p>"So far as Miss Dearborn is concerned—yes."</p> - -<p>"And you don't consider yourself fickle?"</p> - -<p>"No. The fact is, my dear Mrs. Sheldon, I can't -go on loving one who doesn't care a rap for me. I -could have loved your niece to the end of my life if -she had reciprocated my affection; but as she does -not, I shall quietly resign her."</p> - -<p>"You are sure you won't break your heart, major?" -said the widow, laughing.</p> - -<p>"Do I look like it?"</p> - -<p>"Well, no; I can't say you do."</p> - -<p>"I have not even sworn never to marry," continued -Major Ashton.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you have already made a second choice?"</p> - -<p>"I have."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>"And you have come to tell me of it? How delightful!"</p> - -<p>"I wish I could be sure you would say that after -hearing the name of that choice."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps I may. Who is it?"</p> - -<p>"Now for it!" thought the major. "Now to test -the value of soft sawder!"</p> - -<p>He drew his chair nearer that of Mrs. Sheldon, and -began to speak.</p> - -<p>"In paying my attention to Miss Dearborn," he -said, "I had an opportunity of becoming acquainted -with the attractive qualities of another. I was not -conscious of the interest which that other excited in -me till my heart, thrown back upon itself in its loneliness, -sought another object for its affection. Do you -understand?"</p> - -<p>"I don't think I do," murmured Mrs. Sheldon. -"Please be more explicit."</p> - -<p>"I will. Mrs. Sheldon, I am a man of few words, -and you may think me abrupt. Will you deign to -accept that which your niece has rejected? Will you -be my wife?"</p> - -<p>Mrs. Sheldon had not dreamed of marrying again, -but she was a woman, and accessible to flattery. She -admired the major; she knew that he was considered -a catch, and though she did not love him, she reflected -with exultation that it would be a great triumph<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> -for her to carry off the prize for which so many had -sought.</p> - -<p>"You surprise me very much, Major Ashton," she -said. "I did not dream of this."</p> - -<p>"But it is not disagreeable to you, let me hope?"</p> - -<p>"I am of course flattered by your preference, but I -am as old as the hills. Are you aware, Major Ashton, -that I shall soon be forty-one?"</p> - -<p>"She's fifty-one if she's a day!" thought the enamored -lover; and he was right.</p> - -<p>"You are at the meridian of your beauty, dear Mrs. -Sheldon," he said, taking her unresisting hand.</p> - -<p>"I am older than you."</p> - -<p>"Not much. I am thirty-eight."</p> - -<p>He was really thirty-five.</p> - -<p>"There are but three years between us," he resumed. -"Shall three years separate us?"</p> - -<p>"You do not look thirty-eight."</p> - -<p>"Nor you forty-one," returned Major Ashton.</p> - -<p>"Heaven forgive me for the lie!" he said, <i>sotto voce</i>.</p> - -<p>"What would Grace—what would the world say?" -asked the widow, coyly.</p> - -<p>"Why need we care what either will say? Possibly -Miss Dearborn may regret her decision, but it will be -too late. I would not resign you now for her."</p> - -<p>"Are you sincere in this, major?" asked Mrs. Sheldon, -with gratified vanity.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>"Shall I swear it, my dear one?"</p> - -<p>"No; I will believe you, though it seems strange -to me that you should prefer me to one so young -and fair."</p> - -<p>"At my age, dear Mrs. Sheldon, a man wants a -home presided over by a fond and faithful wife, who -will not have her head turned by the frivolities of -fashion, but will live for her husband. I do not think -I am mistaken in thinking that you will make me -such a wife."</p> - -<p>"I hope I may, dear major."</p> - -<p>"Then you grant my suit?"</p> - -<p>"Can you not give me a week?" asked the widow, -thinking it best not to grasp at the offer too eagerly.</p> - -<p>"I could, but I would rather not. Can you not -end my suspense to-day? We have no one to consult. -We can decide for ourselves. Why need we -delay?"</p> - -<p>"Well, major, if you insist upon it, I must say -yes," said the widow, "though I fear we are both -acting foolishly."</p> - -<p>"I am not, at any rate," said the major; and he -was doubtless right, for the object of his devotion was -worth at least a quarter of a million, while he was -harassed by creditors whom he could not satisfy.</p> - -<p>Of what followed it is needless to speak. Half an -hour later Major Ashton left the house, successful and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> -complacent. Henceforth he would find his path clear. -He had only to whisper the secret of his engagement -to appease even his most troublesome creditors. The -husband of the wealthy Mrs. Sheldon would be quite -a different person from the impecunious Major Ashton.</p> - -<p>When Grace Dearborn returned, she found a new -look on her aunt's face—a look of mingled complacence -and confusion—for which she could not account.</p> - -<p>"Has anything happened, Aunt Caroline?" she -asked.</p> - -<p>"Not that I am aware of. Major Ashton has been -here."</p> - -<p>"Then I am glad I was absent," said Grace, hastily.</p> - -<p>"He would not have troubled you," said Mrs. Sheldon. -"He is not very likely to renew his suit."</p> - -<p>"I am glad to hear that," said Grace, somewhat -surprised, nevertheless.</p> - -<p>"Indeed he is engaged to be married to—another."</p> - -<p>"That's news, indeed. Who is it, Aunt Caroline?" -asked Grace, with genuine curiosity.</p> - -<p>"I hardly know how to tell you," said the widow, -in a tone which gave Grace an inkling of the truth, -amazing as it was.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps he is going to marry you," she said.</p> - -<p>"You have guessed it, Grace," said the widow, in -graceful confusion.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>There was a dead silence.</p> - -<p>"Don't you congratulate me?" she asked, somewhat -irritably.</p> - -<p>"My dear aunt, I hope you will be happy; but it -seems so—strange," Grace replied.</p> - -<p>"I don't know why it should be so strange."</p> - -<p>"At any rate, Aunt Caroline, I hope it may be for -your happiness;" and Grace, kissing her aunt hurriedly, -left the room.</p> - -<p>"Grace is jealous," thought Mrs. Sheldon, smiling -a little to herself. "She begins to value him now that -she has lost him."</p> - -<p>It is hardly necessary to say that she was entirely -mistaken. It was evident to Grace why the major had -sought her aunt in marriage, and she felt that his motives -were wholly mercenary.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXVI.<br /> - -<small>PAUL SELLS THE MINE.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>After a fatiguing trip Paul and his eccentric acquaintance -reached Custer City. It was a rough -journey, but Paul enjoyed it, and he was equally -entertained and instructed by the comments of his -traveling companion, who on his part formed a -special liking for Paul.</p> - -<p>"Did you say you owned a hotel in Custer City, -Mr. Scott?" asked Paul, when they were near the end -of the journey.</p> - -<p>"Jim Scott owns such a hotel," answered Mr. Scott, -significantly.</p> - -<p>"Beg pardon, I mean Jim. If the price isn't high, -I will stop there."</p> - -<p>"The price is high and the accommodations very -or'nary," said Scott, frankly, "but the price to you -won't be anything. You'll be there as my company."</p> - -<p>"Oh, but Jim, you won't make any money if you -act so generously; but I thank you all the same."</p> - -<p>"I don't want to make any money out of you, -youngster."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span>"I haven't done anything to deserve such kindness, -Jim."</p> - -<p>"Then we'll say you haven't. Look here, youngster, -old Jim's been prospered, and he's got no one to -spend his money on. It won't hurt him to give you -free board, and he's goin' to do it."</p> - -<p>Paul grasped the rough hand of his new friend, and -frankly accepted the offer, which acceptance Jim appeared -to regard as a personal favor.</p> - -<p>He was installed in a tolerably comfortable room in -the Black Hills Hotel—as comfortable, at any rate, as -the hotel, which was a rough-looking structure, afforded, -and soon made himself at home.</p> - -<p>Of course, curiosity soon induced him to roam -about the town. It was composed of extemporaneous -structures, for the town was as yet in its infancy, and -built somewhat on the plan of Cheyenne, and other -towns which he had seen along the Union Pacific -road. The town lots had been staked out sixty by -one hundred and fifty feet in size, and the principal -street, which had been named after General Crook, -was two hundred feet wide. Other streets were a -hundred and fifty feet wide. The "city" was certainly -of mushroom growth, not less than four hundred -buildings having been erected in a single month.</p> - -<p>To Paul everything seemed new, strange, and delightful. -It was a state of society to which he had not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span> -been accustomed, and excited his curiosity and interest. -He found that fashionable attire was not at -all required in Custer City. Men went about dressed -like day laborers of the humblest sort, who at home -had been accustomed to the comforts and refinements -of life. Everything was free and unconventional, and -so everybody felt thoroughly independent.</p> - -<p>Some of the leading citizens lived in Jim Scott's -hotel, which was pretty well filled.</p> - -<p>Occupying a room just opposite Paul's was a small, -elderly man, with stiff, gray hair, a wizened face, and -crafty eyes.</p> - -<p>"Who is my opposite neighbor, Jim?" asked Paul, -with some curiosity.</p> - -<p>"Oh, that's old Fox—Simeon Fox."</p> - -<p>Paul pricked up his ears. He remembered that -Mr. Bradford's partner in the Blackstone mine bore -the name of Fox. If this was the man, he didn't -doubt from his looks that he was capable of outwitting -and swindling his employer. He didn't think it -politic, however, just at present to show any particular -interest in the man.</p> - -<p>"What is his business?" inquired Paul, in an indifferent -tone.</p> - -<p>"He is part owner of one of our best mines."</p> - -<p>"What is the name of the mine?"</p> - -<p>"The Blackstone mine."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>"You say he is part owner; who is the partner?"</p> - -<p>"Some rich man in Chicago. Ten to one old -Simeon will fleece him."</p> - -<p>"I suppose such a mine as that is worth considerable -money."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes."</p> - -<p>"About how much?"</p> - -<p>"Why, youngster, you don't want to buy into it, -do you?"</p> - -<p>"Not in the present state of my finances," answered -Paul, laughing.</p> - -<p>"Oh, well, I'd give thirty thousand dollars myself -for the Blackstone mine."</p> - -<p>Thirty thousand dollars! That would make fifteen -thousand dollars for a half interest, and Simeon Fox -had tried to induce Mr. Bradford to sell his half for -two thousand dollars! This was an obvious swindle.</p> - -<p>"Would Mr. Fox sell out for that sum, do you -think?" asked Paul.</p> - -<p>"It's likely he wouldn't. He's making too much -money out of it. But, youngster, you seem particularly -interested in the mine."</p> - -<p>"I am," answered Paul, quietly.</p> - -<p>He had rapidly decided that it would be for his -interest to reveal to Jim Scott his real business at -Custer City.</p> - -<p>"Well, that's strange! What can it be to you?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>"Jim, can you keep a secret?"</p> - -<p>"Can I? I reckon!"</p> - -<p>"Then I will tell you one. I am sent out here by -Mr. Bradford, of Chicago, Simeon Fox's partner."</p> - -<p>Scott whistled, and looked at Paul in evident amazement.</p> - -<p>"He must have great confidence in you, youngster, -to send out a boy of your age."</p> - -<p>"I think he has," answered Paul, with pardonable -pride. "Now, I want to know if you will help me?"</p> - -<p>In answer Mr. Scott put his hard and horny hand -into the boy's, and said:</p> - -<p>"You can depend on Jim Scott every time."</p> - -<p>"Then I'll tell you how the case stands. This Fox -is continually sending on discouraging accounts about -the mine to Mr. Bradford, and he lately offered him -two thousand dollars for his half."</p> - -<p>"The mean cuss! I beg your pardon, that ain't -the word I meant to use, but maybe its the best."</p> - -<p>"He thought Mr. Bradford would get discouraged, -and sell out without taking any trouble to verify his -statement."</p> - -<p>"I see."</p> - -<p>"But he suspected there was a conspiracy to cheat -him, and he sent me out with full power to act for -him."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>"That's a good 'un! And old Fox doesn't know of -your bein' here."</p> - -<p>"He has no idea that Mr. Bradford has sent a messenger."</p> - -<p>"I shall be glad to see the old rascal taken in."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Bradford gave five thousand dollars for his -half of the mine."</p> - -<p>"And it was a good bargain at that price. But he -never ought to have taken Simeon Fox as a partner."</p> - -<p>"What would you advise me to do, Jim?"</p> - -<p>"You might take old Fox at his word, and buy his -half for two thousand dollars."</p> - -<p>"Then the swindle would be on our side."</p> - -<p>"No, because he proposed the trade."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Bradford is a rich man, and though he wants -justice in the matter, he does not care to take any advantage."</p> - -<p>"Then, Paul, I'll tell you what you'd better do."</p> - -<p>"What, Jim?"</p> - -<p>"Have you full authority to act for Mr. Bradford?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, as I can show you."</p> - -<p>"I'll take your word for it. Sell to me."</p> - -<p>"Are you willing to buy?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, if you'll give me a good bargain?"</p> - -<p>"What would you consider a good bargain, Jim?"</p> - -<p>"I'll pay you twelve thousand dollars for the share -you have to sell, money down, or my draft on Chicago."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>"Will it be worth that to you?"</p> - -<p>"It will be worth more or I wouldn't buy, but it -isn't worth that to your principal, for he can't be here -to look after old Fox with his tricks."</p> - -<p>"He may try some of them on you, Jim."</p> - -<p>"I'll risk it. He'll find I get up in the morning as -early as he does. To be plain with you, Paul, I'll -make him an offer, give or take, and either way I -shall make money. If the whole mine is in my -hands I can make it pay."</p> - -<p>"Very well, Jim. I am ready to accept your offer."</p> - -<p>"I didn't much think," said Scott, laughing, "when -I came across you in Cheyenne, that I should buy a -mine of you."</p> - -<p>"You didn't think I carried one about with me?" -said Paul, laughing.</p> - -<p>"I sha'n't let Simeon know about our bargain just -yet. I want you to have a talk with him, and see -what the old rascal has to say."</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXVII.<br /> - -<small>DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>In accordance with Jim Scott's wish, and also because -he desired to have a better idea of Simeon Fox, -Paul took a walk one morning out to the Blackstone -mine.</p> - -<p>All seemed activity, and, under the personal direction -of Mr. Fox, the work was proceeding well.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p253.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="caption">Paul approached the old man, and said, politely: "I believe I am -speaking to Mr. Fox."</p> - -<p>After a few minutes spent in looking about him, -Paul approached the old man, and said, politely:</p> - -<p>"I believe I am speaking to Mr. Fox?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, that's my name," said the other, fixing his -small, round eyes searchingly on our young hero.</p> - -<p>"You are manager of the Blackstone mine?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; but I have no work to give out," answered -the old man, brusquely—"got all I want."</p> - -<p>Paul smiled.</p> - -<p>"I think you make a mistake," he replied. "I am -not looking for work."</p> - -<p>"Then if you have no business with me, I can't -stand here wasting my time."</p> - -<p>"I have business with you, Mr. Fox. In fact, I -have come to Custer City on purpose to see you."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>"I can't waste my time with boys," said Simeon -Fox, rudely.</p> - -<p>"I come from Chicago," said Paul, composedly.</p> - -<p>The old man looked at him sharply.</p> - -<p>"What's your name?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Paul Palmer."</p> - -<p>"How old are you?"</p> - -<p>"Sixteen."</p> - -<p>"Then you'd better wait till you grow a little older -before you take up the time of a business man."</p> - -<p>"I come from Mr. Bradford," continued Paul.</p> - -<p>"Eh?" ejaculated Simeon Fox, astonished.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Bradford, who owns one-half of the Blackstone -mine, has sent me out here to look after his -interests."</p> - -<p>"Then Mr. Bradford must be a fool to employ -a whipper-snapper like you."</p> - -<p>"That remains to be seen. At any rate, I have -come out here with full powers to act for him in any -way I see fit."</p> - -<p>"Do you expect me to believe all that, youngster?" -demanded Fox, surveying our hero disdainfully.</p> - -<p>"Please read that," said Paul, drawing out a paper -which conferred upon him the power he claimed.</p> - -<p>"Well," answered Simeon Fox, "it strikes me -there must be a great scarcity of business men in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> -Chicago, when my partner is obliged to send out -a half-grown boy like you."</p> - -<p>"That doesn't alter the fact that I represent Mr. -Bradford, does it?"</p> - -<p>"No," answered the old man, slowly.</p> - -<p>He was thinking to himself:</p> - -<p>"It will be easy to hoodwink this boy. He is inexperienced, -and will swallow all I say."</p> - -<p>"Well," he said, aloud, with a change of manner, -"that's my partner's affair, not mine. Now, young -man, what have you to say to me?"</p> - -<p>"How is the mine doing, Mr. Fox?"</p> - -<p>Simeon Fox screwed up his face into a doleful -expression, and shook his head.</p> - -<p>"Badly," he answered.</p> - -<p>"Doesn't it come up to your expectations?"</p> - -<p>"No. You can tell Mr. Bradford that we were -badly taken in when we bought it."</p> - -<p>"You paid ten thousand dollars, Mr. Bradford tells -me."</p> - -<p>"Yes; and half the money is thrown away."</p> - -<p>"You don't consider it worth what was paid, then?"</p> - -<p>Simeon Fox shook his head.</p> - -<p>"We shall never get our money back."</p> - -<p>"Will you give five thousand dollars for Mr. Bradford's -share in the mine?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>"Young man, do you take me for a fool?" demanded -Fox, with seeming indignation.</p> - -<p>"Quite the contrary, Mr. Fox," answered Paul, -smiling.</p> - -<p>"Then why do you ask me such ridiculous questions?"</p> - -<p>"I was merely trying to get your idea of the value -of the mine."</p> - -<p>"Well, now you know it."</p> - -<p>"You think it is not worth ten thousand dollars?"</p> - -<p>"No!" answered Mr. Fox, with emphasis.</p> - -<p>"Then," continued Paul, "you will have no hesitation -in accepting the offer I am about to make you."</p> - -<p>"An offer?—you make me?" said the old man, suspiciously.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir. I offer you, in Mr. Bradford's name, -five thousand dollars for your half of the mine."</p> - -<p>"You offer me—five thousand dollars!" ejaculated -Fox, staring at Paul in surprise and consternation.</p> - -<p>"Exactly so."</p> - -<p>"When I tell you it is too much?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, I am offering you a good bargain."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean to throw away Mr. Bradford's -money?" gasped Fox.</p> - -<p>"No; but if Mr. Bradford finds fault with me, I -will stand the blame."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>"I don't understand this," said Mr. Fox, nervously. -"You are joking with me."</p> - -<p>"I may joke sometimes, Mr. Fox, but I would not -be so disrespectful as to joke with you in a matter of -this kind."</p> - -<p>"Why do you offer me five thousand dollars when -I say the property—the whole property—is not worth -that?" demanded Fox, irritably.</p> - -<p>"I don't understand you, Mr. Fox. You admit -that I offer you a good price, and yet you make objection -to accepting it."</p> - -<p>"What would Mr. Bradford do with the mine if he -bought it? He isn't coming out here," said Fox, -eying Paul searchingly.</p> - -<p>"I should select a man to superintend it."</p> - -<p>"You!" repeated Fox, contemptuously. "What -do you know about mines?"</p> - -<p>"I should try to learn something," answered Paul, -good-naturedly.</p> - -<p>"I never in all my life heard of such a ridiculous -thing as intrusting such important business to a beardless -boy. Why, you haven't even a mustache."</p> - -<p>"I hope to have one in due time," said Paul, -laughing.</p> - -<p>"Well, I can't waste any more time with you," said -Fox, crustily, and he turned away.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span>"Stay a moment, Mr. Fox," said Paul. "I have -made you a serious offer. Do you accept it or not?"</p> - -<p>"No!" shouted Fox, angrily.</p> - -<p>"Then all I can say is, you have refused a good -offer."</p> - -<p>"A good offer!" shouted Fox. "Why, the mine is -worth——"</p> - -<p>Then he stopped short in confusion, for he was -about to commit himself badly.</p> - -<p>Paul finished out his sentence for him.</p> - -<p>"The mine is worth a good deal more than I have -offered. That is quite true, Mr. Fox."</p> - -<p>"I didn't say anything of the kind," snarled Fox.</p> - -<p>"No, but you were going to. And now, Mr. Fox, -as I see I can't do any business with you, I may -as well tell you that I have sold out Mr. Bradford's -share of the mine for a satisfactory price, and shall not -have any further occasion to take up your time with -business."</p> - -<p>"You have sold Mr. Bradford's share?" ejaculated -Fox, in dismay.</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"To whom?"</p> - -<p>"To Jim Scott."</p> - -<p>"Jim Scott! I won't agree to it," returned Fox, in -intense disgust, for he knew that he could not cheat -his new partner.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span>"Your permission was not needed," said Paul. -"Either of you had a perfect right to dispose of his -share of the property to any one he pleased."</p> - -<p>"Why didn't you offer it to me?" asked Fox, looking -deeply disappointed.</p> - -<p>"To be plain with you, Mr. Fox, because it has -been your policy to depreciate the property. You -wouldn't have paid five thousand dollars, while Scott -has paid me more than twice as much."</p> - -<p>"I must see him," muttered Simeon Fox; and he -went back to the hotel, looking as if he had just been -invited to his own funeral.</p> - -<p>Two days afterward Jim Scott drew Paul aside.</p> - -<p>"Paul," he said, "I have just sold my share of the -mine to Simeon Fox."</p> - -<p>"I hope you didn't lose anything by the trade."</p> - -<p>"I guess not," chuckled Jim. "I made the old -sinner pay sixteen thousand dollars."</p> - -<p>"You don't say so!"</p> - -<p>"He fought hard, but he had to pay it. And now -do you know what I am going to do?"</p> - -<p>"No."</p> - -<p>"I have made four thousand dollars by the trade. -I am going to give you half of it."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Mr. Scott—Jim, I mean!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Paul. You helped me make the money, -and half of it is fairly yours."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>Two thousand dollars! Paul was not sure whether -he was awake or dreaming, but there flashed upon -him all the advantage he would derive from so large a -sum of money, and that he could emancipate his -mother at once from the slavery of the needle, and he -clasped Jim's hand in fervent gratitude.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXVIII.<br /> - -<small>A SCENE AT OMAHA.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Paul had good reason to exult in the success of his -mission. He had certainly done well for his employer, -for he had sold out his mining property at a profit -of seven thousand dollars, while as for himself he had -two thousand dollars to show as the recompense of his -shrewdness.</p> - -<p>Our hero did not immediately leave Custer City, but -looked about him, as instructed by Mr. Bradford. The -result was that he purchased a new mine, paying three -thousand dollars, one thousand being on his own account, -the other two-thirds on behalf of his employer. -This he left in charge of his new friend, Jim Scott, -and, when matters had been fully arranged, started on -his way home.</p> - -<p>At Omaha Paul decided to stop over for twenty-four -hours, having a little business to attend to for Mr. -Bradford.</p> - -<p>He applied at a hotel for accommodations.</p> - -<p>"I am sorry," said the landlord, "that I can't give -you a room by yourself. I am crowded."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>Paul hesitated, for he didn't like sharing the room -of a total stranger.</p> - -<p>"Are the other hotels in the city likely to be full?" -he asked.</p> - -<p>"More than likely. Still, you can try."</p> - -<p>However, Paul didn't care to take the time for -searching, when there was such a slight chance of -success.</p> - -<p>"Where can you put me?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"In No. 37. There is one gentleman there, who -seems quiet; I don't think he will disturb you."</p> - -<p>"Are there two beds?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Then I suppose I may as well make it do."</p> - -<p>Paul was accordingly shown up to No. 37. He -found that it was what is called a double room. That -is, there were two beds in it.</p> - -<p>"Where is the other gentleman?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"He won't be in till late in the evening," was the -reply.</p> - -<p>"Do you happen to remember his name?" Paul inquired.</p> - -<p>"John Davenport."</p> - -<p>"Where does he hail from?"</p> - -<p>"Kansas City."</p> - -<p>"Probably he is all right," thought our hero,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> -"though I don't quite like the idea of rooming with -a complete stranger. Well, I will take the room."</p> - -<p>It was about the middle of the afternoon. Paul deposited -his carpet-bag in the room, but what articles -of value he had he left for safe keeping in the office of -the hotel, as prudent travelers generally do, at any rate -when they find themselves paired off with strangers.</p> - -<p>Deferring his business to the next day, Paul took a -walk about the streets and made himself familiar with -the outward appearance of a city which has become -one of the most important on the transcontinental -route. He admired the new high-school building, -built on the site of the old capitol, with its spire rising -nearly two hundred feet above the street, the elegant -private dwellings on the hill, and perhaps more -than all, the huge railroad bridge that spans the Missouri -River. Everywhere he marked signs of prosperity -and enterprise, and he felt that it must be inspiring -to live where growth is so rapid.</p> - -<p>He used his time well, and went back to the hotel -to supper.</p> - -<p>About nine o'clock, feeling fatigued with his journey, -he decided to go up stairs to bed, so as to feel -quite refreshed the next day.</p> - -<p>The room was empty, his roommate, Mr. Davenport, -of Kansas City, not having arrived.</p> - -<p>Paul undressed and got into bed. How long he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> -slept he did not know, but he woke all at once, and -from his bed looked on a sight which instantly awakened -him thoroughly.</p> - -<p>A man was exploring his carpet-bag, which for convenience -he had deposited on the table, in search, no -doubt, of valuables.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing there?" demanded Paul, sitting -up in bed.</p> - -<p>The man turned suddenly, and revealed to Paul the -well known features of Luke Denton.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XXXIX.<br /> - -<small>A THIEF FOILED.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Until that moment Denton had not taken the -trouble to notice the face of his roommate. He had -only observed that he was a boy.</p> - -<p>The recognition was mutual, and it is hard to tell -who was the more surprised.</p> - -<p>"The train boy, as I'm a sinner!" ejaculated Denton, -in amazement.</p> - -<p>"Luke Denton!" ejaculated Paul in turn.</p> - -<p>"How came you here?" asked the man.</p> - -<p>"What are you doing with my carpet-bag?" demanded -Paul.</p> - -<p>"Oh, bother!" returned Denton, defiantly. "That's -my business!"</p> - -<p>"I should say that it was my business," retorted -Paul.</p> - -<p>"Where do you keep your money? I don't find -any in the bag."</p> - -<p>"I don't keep any there."</p> - -<p>"Give me your pocket-book quick, youngster. I -am hard up, and I must have money."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span>As he spoke he advanced toward the bed.</p> - -<p>"You can't have mine, Mr. Denton," said Paul. -"When did you get out of jail?"</p> - -<p>"Boy, do you want me to kill you?" demanded -Denton, fiercely.</p> - -<p>"No, and I sha'n't permit you to rob me either."</p> - -<p>"Listen to me!" said Denton, rapidly. "I am a -desperate man, as I have already told you. I have -escaped from prison, but I have used up what money -I had. I must have more. I don't forget that you -were the means of sending me to prison, but if you -will give me all the money you have about you, I will -let you go this time."</p> - -<p>"Suppose I refuse?" said Paul.</p> - -<p>"Then I will strangle you first, and rob you afterward," -answered Luke Denton, wickedly.</p> - -<p>As he spoke he moved nearer the bed, but he -paused suddenly when Paul drew a revolver from beneath -his pillow, and pointed it at him.</p> - -<p>"Stop there, Mr. Luke Denton," he said, firmly. -"I should be very unwilling to shoot you, but I mean -to defend myself. One step nearer and I fire!"</p> - -<p>"You wouldn't dare do it," said Denton, chafing -with disappointment.</p> - -<p>"You'd better not take the risk."</p> - -<p>"I was only joking," said Denton. "I thought I -would see if I could scare you. I'm going to bed."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>"Not in this room."</p> - -<p>"What do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"You don't go to bed in this room," repeated Paul. -"This room is mine. I have a better claim to it -than you, for I engaged it first."</p> - -<p>"I do not feel safe in passing the night in your -company."</p> - -<p>"That is nothing to me."</p> - -<p>"Listen, Luke Denton. Unless you leave this -room at once I will ring the bell, summon the landlord, -and denounce you as an escaped convict."</p> - -<p>Luke Denton was so angry that, had he been -armed, he might have fired at our hero, but his -stock of money had been too limited to allow him -to purchase a pistol.</p> - -<p>"Nonsense!" he said. "I will do you no harm."</p> - -<p>"Are you going?" asked Paul, still keeping him -covered with his weapon.</p> - -<p>There was no help for it. With a muttered execration -Luke Denton left the room, and Paul, glad to be -rid of him, locked the door, and breathed a sigh of -relief.</p> - -<p>It may be well to add here that Denton was not recaptured, -but months afterward was shot in California -by a miner whom he had robbed. It was a sad ending -to a life which might have been honorably spent, for -he was a man of excellent abilities and capacity, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span> -preferred the hazardous career of a thief to the more -prosaic paths of industry and honesty.</p> - -<p>Next day Paul purchased a ticket for Chicago.</p> - -<p>As he stood at the depot waiting for his train his -attention was drawn to the pale and sorrowful face of -a woman who had just inquired the price of a ticket to -Chicago, and, as if it were beyond her means, turned -away with a deep sigh.</p> - -<p>"Are you in trouble, madam?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes," she answered. "It is important for me to -go to Chicago, but I have not money enough within -five dollars."</p> - -<p>"I will advance the money," said Paul, stirred with -pity.</p> - -<p>"God bless you, young man!" exclaimed the lady, -fervently. "You don't know how important it is for -me to make this journey."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XL.<br /> - -<small>THE LADY'S SECRET.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>With great politeness Paul selected a seat for the -lady, took charge of her traveling-bag, and then, -without betraying the least curiosity, took a seat in -front of her.</p> - -<p>"You are taking a great deal of trouble for me," -she said, gratefully.</p> - -<p>"No trouble at all," said Paul, cheerfully.</p> - -<p>"That shows you have a kind heart. Have you a -mother?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, madam;" and Paul's face brightened as he -thought how soon he should see her. He had not got -weaned from his home and his mother, though he had -reached the age at which many boys consider themselves -entitled to do it.</p> - -<p>"God grant she may long be spared to you!" said -the lady.</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you have a son?" said Paul, kindly.</p> - -<p>"No; but if I had, I could wish he were such as -you."</p> - -<p>"Thank you."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>"Dutiful and affectionate to his mother, as I am -sure you are, and kind and obliging even to strangers, -as you have been to me."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid you have been unfortunate, madam," -said Paul, respectfully.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I have met with sorrow. I will make you -my confidant, since your kindness entitles you to my -confidence."</p> - -<p>"Do not think it necessary to speak of your troubles -if it will give you pain," said our hero.</p> - -<p>"It will bring me relief to speak to some one who -will sympathize with me."</p> - -<p>Paul could not interpose further objection. Moreover, -he was not without curiosity, and was desirous -of learning in what way his new friend had suffered.</p> - -<p>"Eight years since," she commenced, "in the city -of San Francisco, I met a gentleman who seemed -struck with my appearance. At all events, he paid me -marked attention, and it was not long before he asked -my hand in marriage. I must premise that my father -was considered rich, and I myself had a fortune of -fifty thousand dollars at my own disposal. It had been -bequeathed me by a sister of my mother. I forgot too -late that it was the knowledge of this fact that had -attracted my suitor, and that he was quite indifferent -to me. However, I suspected nothing at the time. -My lover, for he persuaded me that he was such, was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span> -not lacking in devotion. Moreover, he had agreeable -manners, and was well calculated by his smooth plausibility -to deceive any one, certainly an inexperienced -girl like myself.</p> - -<p>"Well, to cut matters short, his suit was accepted. -Not only did I favor him, but my father and mother -were both well pleased with the match. We made a -brief journey as far as Los Angeles, and on our return -purchased a pleasant house on California street.</p> - -<p>"Though my money was at my own disposal, I -could not long resist the entreaties of my husband to -give him the management of it. He professed to -know how to invest it so as to double it in a year's -time. On the strength of expected gains he lived in -more expensive style than I thought prudent, and -wasted more than I can guess at the gaming-table. -At any rate, in less than two years the property was -gone, and my father was obliged to come to our help.</p> - -<p>"Now that I had nothing left, my husband began -to treat me with cruel neglect. I feared even that he -would raise his hand against me, and such was my -misery that I hardly knew whether I was relieved or -otherwise when one morning I found my husband -missing, and a letter of farewell on my bureau, stating -that I should never again see him."</p> - -<p>"Have you never seen him since?" asked Paul, with -interest.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>"Never; but I have known for some time that he -was in Chicago."</p> - -<p>"And you wish to rejoin him?"</p> - -<p>"No, but to foil him in his wicked plans. I -learned, four days since, that he was about to marry -an estimable lady in Chicago, wholly forgetful of the -wife he had deserted. I felt that there was no time to -lose. As I knew my father would not consent to my -journeying alone on such an errand, I departed from -San Francisco secretly, and, as it proved, with insufficient -money. You came to my assistance, and I shall -take care that you do not lose by it."</p> - -<p>"I have no anxiety on that point," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"But I do not wish you to suffer for your kindness. -You can do me still another favor."</p> - -<p>"What is that?"</p> - -<p>"When we reach Chicago I do not wish to go to a -hotel. If your mother will allow me to stay with -her temporarily, I shall feel much indebted to her and -to you."</p> - -<p>"My mother lives in a very plain—indeed, in an -humble style."</p> - -<p>"As if I cared for that. I know she is good, since -she has a good son."</p> - -<p>Paul saw no objection, and, on reaching Chicago, -took the lady at once to his mother's lodgings.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XLI.<br /> - -<small>MAJOR ASHTON'S ENGAGEMENT.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>The announcement that her aunt had agreed to -marry Major Ashton was intensely disagreeable to -Grace Dearborn. She knew, if her aunt did not, that -he was simply a mercenary adventurer, who, failing to -secure her hand and fortune, was now scheming for -her aunt's larger fortune, and willing to take her hand -with it, in spite of the disparity in their years.</p> - -<p>"My dear aunt," she said, "I hope you will consider -well the step you propose to take."</p> - -<p>"Why should I need to consider?" asked Mrs. -Sheldon, somewhat displeased. "I have known the -major for a considerable time, and I know the estimation -in which he is held in Chicago."</p> - -<p>"I do not think he is an honorable, reliable man."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I understand very well why you are prejudiced -against him, Grace," said her aunt, sharply.</p> - -<p>"And why, Aunt Caroline?"</p> - -<p>"Because he was a suitor of yours, and you are -mortified to think he should accept your rejection as -final, and so soon pay his attentions in another -quarter."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>"My dear aunt," said Grace, earnestly, "you were -never more mistaken. I feel no interest in him or his -marriage, save as it affects you."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Sheldon was inwardly sensible that she was -acting foolishly, and this made her only the more -indisposed to listen to her niece's remonstrances.</p> - -<p>"What objections can you possibly think of, Grace? -Perhaps you do not think well of second marriages."</p> - -<p>"It is not that, Aunt Caroline. I think second -marriages are often wise."</p> - -<p>"And why not in this case?" demanded Mrs. Sheldon, -coldly.</p> - -<p>"You are aware, Aunt Caroline, that you are considerably -older than Major Ashton."</p> - -<p>"Not so very much older. Major Ashton tells me -he is thirty-eight."</p> - -<p>"He does not look that. But even then you——"</p> - -<p>"Are a <i>little</i> older," admitted the widow, wondering -whether Grace knew her real age. At any rate, she -knew it would be of no use to call herself forty, as her -niece had something like a correct idea of how much -she exceeded that age. "However," she added, -quickly steering away from a topic which was not -acceptable, "that is Major Ashton's affair. I myself -made that objection, and mentioned my age, but he -said, like a true gentleman as he is, that it was unimportant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> -in comparison with the similarity of our -tastes."</p> - -<p>"I had not supposed that you and Major Ashton -were so similar in your tastes," said Grace, puzzled.</p> - -<p>"Because you have never understood or appreciated -the major, Grace," returned her aunt.</p> - -<p>"Then you are quite decided upon this marriage, -Aunt Caroline?" said Grace, wistfully.</p> - -<p>"Quite so, Grace."</p> - -<p>"Then I can only hope, Aunt Caroline, that it will -meet your wishes and expectations."</p> - -<p>"I am willing to run the risk, Grace," said her -aunt, complacently.</p> - -<p>As Grace left the room Mrs. Sheldon said to -herself:</p> - -<p>"I expected Grace would feel disturbed. She may -say what she likes, but it is clear to me that she is jealous -and mortified that the major has so soon recovered -from her rejection of him."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XLII.<br /> - -<small>A REVELATION.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Grace felt that her aunt's strange resolution to marry -was likely to affect her seriously. Hitherto she had -formed one of her aunt's household, and bearing a -part of the expenses, had lived under her aunt's protection. -She felt that should her aunt marry Major -Ashton this arrangement must be broken up. She -was not willing to live under the same roof with -Major Ashton, with that gentleman holding toward -her the embarrassing relation of uncle. Nothing -could be further from the truth than her aunt's -hypothesis that Grace was suffering from jealousy and -mortified pride. So far from it, she felt an active -dislike for the major, and regarded him with contempt -as an unscrupulous fortune hunter.</p> - -<p>When the question of her own future came up before -her, she was perplexed, and with reason. Save -Mrs. Sheldon, she had no near relatives, and she did -not feel inclined to set up an independent establishment -for herself, and live alone—that is, until she -should marry. At present there was no prospect of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> -marriage. Of suitors who had offered themselves -there was no lack, but on none of them did she for a -moment seriously think. So far as they were concerned -she was heart-whole. Had she never met one -to whom she could fancy herself happily united? If -so, she had not admitted it even to herself.</p> - -<p>On the day after the conversation with her aunt, she -was sitting idly at her desk, her mind occupied by the -embarrassments of her position, when the servant entered -the room.</p> - -<p>"Miss Grace," she said, "there is a lady in the -parlor who wishes to see you."</p> - -<p>"A lady? Who is it? Did she give you her card?"</p> - -<p>"No, Miss Grace."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever see her before?"</p> - -<p>"She has never been here before. I think, Miss -Grace," added the girl, hesitating, "that it is some -one in trouble."</p> - -<p>"What makes you think so, Jane?"</p> - -<p>"Because she looks so sad."</p> - -<p>"Does she seem like a poor woman?"</p> - -<p>"She was dressed very respectably," answered Jane, -who appeared to be in doubt how to answer the -question.</p> - -<p>"Tell her I will be down directly," said Grace, who -could not find it in her heart to refuse a person in -trouble, though she suspected there would be an appeal<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span> -for money. As she was known to be an heiress, -such applications were of very common occurrence.</p> - -<p>Five minutes later Grace entered the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>Seated on the sofa was a woman, dressed in sober -tints, and apparently rather past middle life.</p> - -<p>She rose as Grace entered, but in the imperfect light -the young lady did not recognize her.</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn, you do not remember me?" she -said.</p> - -<p>"I cannot at this moment recall you," was the -answer.</p> - -<p>"I am Mrs. Vernon."</p> - -<p>"The artist's mother," said Grace, quickly.</p> - -<p>"The same."</p> - -<p>"I hope all is well with you—and him! You look -sad."</p> - -<p>"I have reason to be, Miss Dearborn. My poor -son is very sick. I do not know if he will live."</p> - -<p>Grace could not account for the effect of these -words, or for the thrill of emotion which agitated her, -for she had not read the secret of her own heart.</p> - -<p>"How long has this been?" she asked, hurriedly.</p> - -<p>"For a week only. Frederic seems to be suffering -from a slow fever, and the physician tells me that the -chief difficulty in the way of recovery is the mental -depression which weighs him down."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>"Has he not been prospering? Is he in pecuniary -trouble?"</p> - -<p>"No; he has been unusually prosperous, and has -on hand more orders than he could attend to if he -were in health."</p> - -<p>"Have you any knowledge of any other cause for -his depression?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, Miss Dearborn; I know it only too well. It -is for this I came here to see you."</p> - -<p>"Name it. If there is anything I can do——"</p> - -<p>"Don't promise too hastily. You may be offended -if I tell you my poor boy's secret."</p> - -<p>"No, no," answered Grace; but her agitation -showed that she began to suspect.</p> - -<p>"Plainly then, my dear young lady, he is madly, -hopelessly in love with you."</p> - -<p>Grace half-rose from her seat, while her expressive -face showed a variety of contending emotions.</p> - -<p>"Do not be angry," implored Mrs. Vernon. "The -poor boy cannot help it. He never would have dared -speak to you, nor would he have allowed me to come -to you had he known my intention."</p> - -<p>"May you not be mistaken?" asked Grace, in a low -voice.</p> - -<p>"No; he has spoken to me more than once about -his love, and in his delirium your name has been constantly -upon his lips."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span>Grace was deeply moved.</p> - -<p>"I did not dream of this," she said; "it distresses -me."</p> - -<p>"I knew you would sympathize with us," said the -poor mother.</p> - -<p>"I should like to do more. Tell me—what can I -do for you both?"</p> - -<p>"I was about to tell you. Are you willing to call -on my poor boy, to let him see you once more? A -few kind words would do him much good, and perhaps -turn the scales in his favor."</p> - -<p>"I will go—I will go at once, if you wish me."</p> - -<p>"How kind you are! No wonder my poor boy -loves you. Oh, Miss Dearborn, I wish you were poor -like ourselves, so that Frederic might have some hope -of gaining your hand. I know of course it is useless. -He is a poor artist—you a rich heiress, and a favorite -in society."</p> - -<p>Grace did not reply, but speedily made herself ready -and accompanied Mrs. Vernon to her lodgings.</p> - -<p>They were modest, but no longer humble. As the -young artist prospered he took care to remove his -mother from the poor home which they had been -forced to occupy, and were at present in neat apartments, -in a respectable part of the city.</p> - -<p>"I will go in and prepare him," said the mother.</p> - - - - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span>Grace remained waiting in the outer room till, summoned -by Mrs. Vernon, she entered the sick-chamber.</p> - -<p>The artist was reclining on the bed, his face thinned, -and his eyes unnaturally bright with fever. Over his -wasted face there came a look of glad rapture as he -saw the one he loved enter the room.</p> - -<p>"Grace—Miss Dearborn!" he cried. "This is, indeed, -kind. Mother, you did not tell me who had -come to see me."</p> - -<p>"No; I wished to surprise you, my boy."</p> - -<p>"It is a glad surprise," he murmured.</p> - - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/p281.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="caption">"I am sorry to see you so ill, Mr. Vernon," said Grace.</p> - -<p>"I am so sorry to see you so ill, Mr. Vernon," said -Grace, approaching, with a look of pity on her face. -"Why did I not know before that you were ill?"</p> - -<p>"I did not know that you would care—much," he -said, slowly.</p> - -<p>"I do care much; I look upon you as a valued -friend."</p> - -<p>His eyes fell as he heard these words. Yes, she -looked upon him as a friend; but with that he felt he -never could be content.</p> - -<p>"Thank you," he said; "you were always kind." -After a pause, he said:</p> - -<p>"Miss Dearborn, I am afraid you would no longer -be kind if you knew all."</p> - -<p>"I am sure there is nothing that would change my -good opinion of you."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>"Ah! but there may be. If you knew how presumptuous -I have been! I have a great mind to tell -you, if you will first promise me your forgiveness."</p> - -<p>"I promise it!" said Grace, in a low voice.</p> - -<p>"Then, Miss Dearborn, Grace, forgetting the difference -between us, forgetting that you were a rich and -brilliant heiress, and I a poor and struggling artist, I -confess that I have dared to love you!"</p> - -<p>She did not start nor exhibit surprise, for she had -been forewarned. Instead she smiled.</p> - -<p>"Surely it is not hard to forgive such an offense as -that," she said.</p> - -<p>"Then you are not angry?" he asked, eagerly.</p> - -<p>"No; why should I be when an honorable man—a -man of talent—pays me the highest compliment in his -power."</p> - -<p>"Thank you. You make me very happy," sighed -Vernon, with relief. "Ah! if things were different, if -you were poor I might hope that you would look upon -me with favor."</p> - -<p>"Is my fortune such an impediment then, Frederic?" -asked Grace, smiling.</p> - -<p>"Surely," he exclaimed, his face glowing with sudden -hope, "you do not mean——"</p> - -<p>"I mean that there is nothing in your proposal to -offend me. I mean that, if you will give me time, I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> -will question my own heart, and if it responds, my -fortune shall not separate us."</p> - -<p>"God bless you!" exclaimed Vernon, and his face -wore a look of happiness to which it had long been a -stranger.</p> - -<p>Do any of my readers doubt how it will end?</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XLIII.<br /> - -<small>MAJOR ASHTON AT BAY.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>"Well, mother, have you any news to tell me?" -asked Paul, when he had received a joyful welcome -from his mother and sister.</p> - -<p>"There is one item," said Mrs. Palmer. "Of -course you have not forgotten Miss Dearborn?"</p> - -<p>"As if I would be likely to! I don't forget one -who has been so kind to all of us. What about -her?"</p> - -<p>"She is to be married—a very romantic marriage -too—to a young portrait painter, who is rich in talent, -but has no money."</p> - -<p>"Well, I hope he is worthy of her. Miss Dearborn -has money enough for both."</p> - -<p>"Her aunt, too—Mrs. Sheldon—is to be married."</p> - -<p>"What, she?" laughed Paul. "Why, she must be -almost sixty."</p> - -<p>"Don't let her hear that you have said that, or she -will never forgive you."</p> - -<p>"But she is that, isn't she?"</p> - -<p>"She is perhaps fifty or over."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span>"And who is the happy man?" asked Paul, smiling.</p> - -<p>"Major Ashton."</p> - -<p>As she pronounced his name there was a sudden exclamation -from the lady whom Paul had brought home -with him.</p> - -<p>"Major Ashton!" she exclaimed, her face indicating -distress.</p> - -<p>"Yes," answered Mrs. Palmer, in response. "Do -you know him?"</p> - -<p>"Do I know him?" repeated the lady, pressing her -hand to her side. "<i>He is my husband!</i>"</p> - -<p>"Your husband!" exclaimed Paul, in surprise and -perplexity. "Then how can he marry another?"</p> - -<p>"It is a wicked deception!" said the strange lady. -"This marriage must be stopped. I cannot permit -him to deceive a worthy lady, as Mrs. Sheldon doubtless -is. Is she wealthy?"</p> - -<p>"She is very wealthy," said Mrs. Palmer. "I have -heard her fortune estimated at a quarter of a million."</p> - -<p>"That explains it," said his unfortunate wife. "He -only thinks of money. He married me for money, -and he would make her a second victim."</p> - -<p>"She must beat least fifteen years older than the -major," said Mrs. Palmer.</p> - -<p>"He would care little for that, since it is not love -but money that influences him. Where does Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> -Sheldon live? I must see her at once, and warn -her."</p> - -<p>"I know where she lives," said Paul. "I will accompany -you, if you wish."</p> - -<p>"Will you, indeed, be so kind?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly. I shall be glad to do anything for a -family that has been so kind to my mother and myself."</p> - -<p>Half an hour later Paul stood on the steps of -Mrs. Sheldon's handsome house, with the lady at his -side.</p> - -<p>"Is Mrs. Sheldon at home?" he asked of the servant, -who answered his call.</p> - -<p>"I believe so. What name shall I say?"</p> - -<p>"Paul Palmer. Will you say that my business is -urgent?"</p> - -<p>"You can come in," said the servant.</p> - -<p>So the two entered the parlor, and in a few minutes -Mrs. Sheldon, in some surprise at the message, entered -also.</p> - -<p>Paul rose and bowed.</p> - -<p>"You are my niece's <i>protege</i>, I believe," said Mrs. -Sheldon, "or rather the boy in whom she is interested."</p> - -<p>"Yes, madam, Miss Dearborn has been very kind -to me."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>"You have a message for me?" asked the widow, -looking inquiringly at the lady with Paul.</p> - -<p>"This lady wishes to speak to you," said Paul.</p> - -<p>"Oh, indeed," said Mrs. Sheldon, coldly.</p> - -<p>"Madam," cried the stranger, in unmistakable emotion, -"is this true what I hear? Are you engaged to -marry Major Ashton?"</p> - -<p>"By what right do you inquire?" demanded Mrs. -Sheldon, haughtily.</p> - -<p>"By what right? Oh, madam, by the best of all -rights. <i>I am his wife!</i>"</p> - -<p>Mrs. Sheldon stared at the stranger in dismay and -incredulity.</p> - -<p>"I cannot believe this," she said, sharply. "You -must be beside yourself."</p> - -<p>"No, madam; it is only too true. Look! I have -my marriage certificate. You must believe that." -Rapidly she told her story, and, though much -against her will, Mrs. Sheldon was forced to believe -the truth of the story. It was terribly mortifying to -find that she had come so near being duped, and her -heart was stirred with indignation against the smooth-tongued -deceiver, who had so craftily schemed against -her happiness.</p> - -<p>Scarcely was the story told when a ring was heard -at the door, and the servant entering announced -"Major Ashton."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>"Bring him in!" said Mrs. Sheldon, sternly. "Now -I shall know the truth."</p> - -<p>Major Ashton, dressed in the most careful manner, -with a rose in his button-hole, his heart full of happy -anticipations of the fortune that would soon be his, -was ushered in.</p> - -<p>He did not at first notice the other occupants of the -room, but hurried to Mrs. Sheldon, with a very good -affectation of a lover's fervor. He was about to press -a kiss on the widow's cheek, when she stepped back -and said:</p> - -<p>"Major Ashton, I wish to introduce you to this -lady."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Ashton, the ill-used wife, rose at the words, -and threw aside her veil.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Reginald!" she cried, reproachfully.</p> - -<p>One look was enough, and he stood as if paralyzed.</p> - -<p>"Confusion!" he muttered. "What evil fate -brought you here?"</p> - -<p>"I came to prevent your doing a wicked thing, -Reginald. I came to prevent your deceiving this good -lady as you deceived, or worse than deceived me."</p> - -<p>By this time Major Ashton had partially recovered -his self-possession. He meant to fight it out if -possible.</p> - -<p>"How did you escape from the asylum?" he asked.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>"From the asylum!" repeated his wife. "What do -you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Sheldon," said the major, turning to his affianced -bride, "I am sorry you have been disturbed by -a madwoman. This lady is my sister. For years she -has been confined in a mad-house. She is under the -singular delusion that she is my wife, and she may -have told you so."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Sheldon looked relieved, but it was only for a -moment. She remembered the certificate.</p> - -<p>"I have seen your marriage certificate," she said.</p> - -<p>"A forged paper," he replied, shrugging his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"Mrs. Sheldon," said the wife, "I beg of you not -to believe him. He has no sister, and I have heard -him say he never had any. Of my marriage I can call -living witnesses, but it will take time. If, however, -you will telegraph to my father in San Francisco, -you will have speedy proof of the falsehood of his -assertions."</p> - -<p>"I believe you," said the widow. "I do not think -you would deceive me."</p> - -<p>"Then you choose to be humbugged by a madwoman?" -said Major Ashton. "Have you no more -confidence in me?"</p> - -<p>"I will reserve my opinion. Are you willing that I -should telegraph to San Francisco?"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>Major Ashton hesitated a moment. He saw that -his last chance was gone.</p> - -<p>His wife's story was sure to be confirmed.</p> - -<p>"Well," he said, recklessly, "the game is up! It -is unfortunately true that I am tied to this lady. I -hoped before this she would do me the favor to die -and leave me free."</p> - -<p>"Go, sir!" said Mrs. Sheldon, indignantly. "I am -fortunate in being saved from marriage with such -a man."</p> - -<p>"I sha'n't break my heart," said the major, mockingly. -"I am sorry to lose your fortune, but for yourself, -I am well rid of the engagement. If you had not -been blind, you would have understood that nothing -but your money would have induced me to marry a -woman old enough to be my mother."</p> - -<p>This was the unkindest cut of all. Poor Mrs. -Sheldon sank back in an arm-chair in a fit of hysterics, -and the major, with a cynical smile, left the -room.</p> - -<p>The widow was a kind-hearted woman, and, when -she came to herself, generously insisted upon Mrs. -Ashton remaining under her roof till she had recovered -from the fatigue of her journey. Later she purchased -her a return ticket to San Francisco, and -secured an escort for her. She expressed a hope<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span> -that her recreant husband would return to his duty, -but Mrs. Ashton shook her head.</p> - -<p>"I could never trust him," she said. "I am better -off with my father," and Mrs. Sheldon felt that she -was right.</p> - -<p>Major Ashton disappeared from Chicago, but where -he went has not transpired. Perhaps amid other -scenes he may be laying snares for other heiresses. -Mrs. Sheldon, at any rate, has been saved from his -arts.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER XLIV.<br /> - -<small>CONCLUSION.</small></h2></div> - - -<p>Mr. Emanuel Manson was considerably surprised to -see Paul walk into the office the morning after his arrival. -He was not aware that our hero was still in -Mr. Bradford's employ. Though it had been at first -suggested that Mrs. Palmer should come weekly to -receive a part of Paul's salary, Mr. Bradford afterward -decided to give his young agent a hundred dollars in -advance, which was placed in his mother's hands, and -obviated the necessity of her calling. Seeing and hearing -nothing of Paul, therefore, Mr. Manson naturally -concluded that he had been discharged, and was seeking -for employment elsewhere.</p> - -<p>"Good-morning, Mr. Manson!" said Paul, politely.</p> - -<p>"What, you here again?" exclaimed Manson, by no -means pleased.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I am here again."</p> - -<p>"It was hardly worth your while to come," said the -book-keeper, with a sneer. "We have no vacancy."</p> - -<p>Paul smiled, for he saw what was meant.</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>"Is Julius here still?" he asked.</p> - -<p>"Yes, he is, and likely to stay. You needn't flatter -yourself you can step into his place."</p> - -<p>"I haven't the slightest wish to do so," said Paul, -good-naturedly.</p> - -<p>"Because you are so prosperous, I suppose," -sneered Manson.</p> - -<p>"You've hit it, Mr. Manson. I am too prosperous -to wish to interfere with Julius."</p> - -<p>"What are you doing?" asked the book-keeper, not -without some curiosity.</p> - -<p>"I have been traveling for a house in this city."</p> - -<p>"Indeed! It was a fortunate house."</p> - -<p>"I agree with you, Mr. Manson. I have done very -well for them."</p> - -<p>"You travel! I'd as soon send a baby."</p> - -<p>"I dare say <i>you</i> would. Is Mr. Bradford in?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, but he is busy."</p> - -<p>"Nevertheless, I will venture to disturb him."</p> - -<p>"You'd better not; he won't like it."</p> - -<p>But Paul had already opened the door of the inner -office, and stood in the presence of Mr. Bradford.</p> - -<p>"Bless my soul, Paul! I am glad to see you," said -the manufacturer, rising and shaking hands cordially -with our hero. "When did you arrive?"</p> - -<p>"Yesterday afternoon, and I tried to get a chance -to call, but——"</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>"Of course, your mother wanted to see you. It's -all right. Now let me know all about your trip."</p> - -<p>Paul gave a summary of results, and his employer -listened with evident surprise and approval.</p> - -<p>"You have done splendidly," he said. "I did not -dream of realizing so much for the mine. And you -got the better of Fox, too. I value that as much as I -do the money you have made for me. Besides your -wages, I shall make you a present of five hundred dollars, -to show my appreciation of your services."</p> - -<p>"Thank you very much, Mr. Bradford, but I have -been handsomely rewarded by another party," and -he mentioned the two thousand dollars paid him by -Jim Scott.</p> - -<p>"I am all the more pleased," said Mr. Bradford.</p> - -<p>"I was not sure whether I ought to accept it," said -Paul.</p> - -<p>"You were right in doing so, since it was neither -given nor promised till after you had sold the mine. -That, however, will make no difference with my gift."</p> - -<p>As he spoke, he wrote a check for $500 and handed -it to Paul, who expressed his gratitude warmly.</p> - -<p>"I have also," Paul continued, "made an investment -for you and myself."</p> - -<p>"What is that?"</p> - -<p>"I had an opportunity to purchase a promising<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span> -mine for three thousand dollars. I secured two-thirds -for you, and one-third for myself."</p> - -<p>"So it seems we are partners, Paul," said Mr. Bradford, -smiling.</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir, as far as that goes."</p> - -<p>"Very well. I ratify your action."</p> - -<p>At this moment a telegraph boy appeared with a -dispatch, which he handed to Mr. Brandford.</p> - -<p>"What's this?" said the manufacturer. "Who is -Jim Scott?"</p> - -<p>"The man I left in charge of our mine."</p> - -<p>"Read that, then."</p> - -<p>Paul took the telegram and read:</p> - - -<p class="blockquot">"Your mine is developing richly. Will you sell for fifteen -thousand dollars?"</p> - -<p>Paul's eyes sparkled with delight, not alone at his -prospective profit, but at this proof of his financial -shrewdness.</p> - -<p>"Well, Paul, what shall we do?" asked the manufacturer, -smiling. "It is your affair, and you shall -decide."</p> - -<p>"We might sell half on that basis," suggested Paul. -"Very good. Write the dispatch, and it shall be -sent at once. Moreover, I will consider you half-owner, -and you shall give me back that check for five -hundred dollars. Then we shall have each invested -one thousand five hundred dollars."</p> - - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span>"Thank you very much, Mr. Bradford, I can hardly -believe this is real."</p> - -<p>It was indeed hard to realize that besides the thousand -dollars which remained to him after the investment, -he would receive three thousand seven hundred -and fifty for the sale of half his share, and retain the -other half, which was probably worth quite as much -more. It was probably no exaggeration to say that he -was worth eight thousand dollars, while three months -since he was glad when he managed to earn eight or -ten dollars a week as a train boy.</p> - -<p>"By the way, Paul," said the manufacturer, "I -hope you won't retire from business, now you are -rich."</p> - -<p>"I should not like to be idle, sir."</p> - -<p>"I will engage you to travel for my firm, then, and -your compensation will depend on your success. Will -that suit you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, sir; I can ask for nothing better. When -shall I report for service?"</p> - -<p>"You may come here daily to get acquainted with -the details of our trade. I shall not send you out -again for a few weeks."</p> - -<p>As Paul passed out of the office, the book-keeper -said:</p> - -<p>"Well, won't Mr. Bradford take you on again?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span>"I have never been out of Mr. Bradford's employment," -answered Paul, smiling.</p> - -<p>"What!" ejaculated Manson. "You don't mean -to say you have been traveling for our firm?"</p> - -<p>"That is just what I do say. When I gave up -my position to Julius, I was promoted to traveling -salesman."</p> - -<p>"Well, well, I never heard the like. Mr. Bradford -must be crazy."</p> - -<p>Paul smiled, and went out. It was not long before -the book-keeper found how Paul stood, and his manner -changed accordingly—not from friendship, but -from policy.</p> - -<p>As I write, Paul is nearing his twenty-first birthday. -On the day he attains his majority he is to be admitted -into the firm as junior partner. He is worth fully -twenty thousand dollars, and with his business capacity -bids fair eventually to become very rich. He has -bought a comfortable house for his mother, who, I -need hardly say, does not need now to take in sewing. -Near them live Grace and her artist husband. They -have recently returned from Italy, where Frederic Vernon -studied art enthusiastically, and with success. He -no longer paints portraits, but devotes his attention to -general art.</p> - -<p>Mrs. Sheldon is still a widow, and content to remain -so. She is thankful now for the narrow escape she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span> -had from Major Ashton, who would have dissipated -her fortune and made her wretched. Though she did -not approve Grace's choice of a husband, she became -reconciled long ago, and is an almost daily visitor at -Mrs. Vernon's happy home.</p> - -<p>Stephen Palmer's temporary prosperity was owing to -a connection with counterfeiters. He fled the country -to avoid arrest, going first to Canada. Once he wrote -in great distress to Paul, and our hero sent him a -hundred dollars. For the sake of the relationship, -Paul would gladly set him up in some business; but -Stephen is a ne'er-do-well, and will probably never -amount to anything.</p> - -<p>Mr. Manson, the book-keeper, is still at his post, -but Julius was long ago succeeded by another boy. -He proved too idle and careless even for his uncle to -tolerate. He envies Paul's success, but will never -emulate the diligence and fidelity which made it -possible.</p> - - -<p class="ph2">THE END.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">THE ALGER SERIES for BOYS</h2></div> - -<p class="ph2">Uniform with This Volume.</p> - -<p>This series affords wholesome reading for boys and girls, and all the -volumes are extremely interesting.—<i>Cincinnati Commercial-Gazette.</i></p> - - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>JOE'S LUCK; or, A Brave Boy's Adventurer in California.</b> By -<span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>JULIAN MORTIMER; or, A Brave Boy's Struggles for Home -and Fortune.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>ADRIFT IN THE WILDS; or, The Adventures of Two Shipwrecked -Boys.</b> By <span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>FRANK FOWLER, THE CASH BOY.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger, Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>GUY HARRIS, THE RUNAWAY.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Castlemon</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>THE SLATE-PICKER; A Story of a Boy's Life in the Coal -Mines.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Prentice</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>TOM TEMPLE'S CAREER.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>TOM, THE READY; or, Up from the Lowest.</b> By <span class="smcap">Randolph Hill</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>THE CASTAWAYS; or, On the Florida Reefs.</b> By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>CAPTAIN KIDD'S GOLD. The True Story of an Adventurous -Sailor Boy.</b> By <span class="smcap">James Franklin Fitts</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>TOM THATCHER'S FORTUNE.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>LOST IN THE CAÑON. The Story of Sam Willett's Adventures -on the Great Colorado of the West.</b> By <span class="smcap">Alfred R. Calhoun</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>A YOUNG HERO; or, Fighting to Win.</b> By <span class="smcap">Edward S. Ellis</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>THE ERRAND BOY; or, How Phil Brent Won Success.</b> By -<span class="smcap">Horatio Alger Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>THE ISLAND TREASURE; or, Harry Darrel's Fortune.</b> By -<span class="smcap">Frank H. Converse</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>A RUNAWAY BRIG; or, An Accidental Cruise.</b> By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>A JAUNT THROUGH JAVA. The Story of a Journey to the -Sacred Mountain by Two American Boys.</b> By <span class="smcap">E. S. Ellis</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>CAPTURED BY APES; or, How Philip Garland Became King -of Apeland.</b> By <span class="smcap">Harry Prentice</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>TOM THE BOOT-BLACK; or, The Road to Success.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio -Alger Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>ROY GILBERT'S SEARCH. A Tale of the Great Lakes.</b> By -<span class="smcap">William P. Chipman</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>THE TREASURE-FINDERS. A Boy's Adventures in Nicaragua.</b> -By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>BUDD BOYD'S TRIUMPH; or, The Boy Firm of Fox Island.</b> -By <span class="smcap">William P. Chipman</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>TONY, THE HERO; or, A Brave Boy's Adventures with a -Tramp.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>CAPTURED BY ZULUS. A Story of Trapping in Africa.</b> By -<span class="smcap">Harry Prentice</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>THE TRAIN BOY.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>DAN THE NEWSBOY.</b> By <span class="smcap">Horatio Alger Jr.</span></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>SEARCH FOR THE SILVER CITY. A Story of Adventure -in Yucatan.</b> By <span class="smcap">James Otis</span>.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>THE BOY CRUISERS; or, Paddling in Florida.</b> By <span class="smcap">St. George -Rathborne</span>.</p></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><i><b>The above stories are printed on extra paper, and bound in -Handsome Cloth Binding, in all respects uniform with this -volume, at $1.00 per copy.</b></i></p> - -<p><i>For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent post-paid on receipt of price, by the -publisher, <b>A. L. BURT, 66 Reade St., New York</b>.</i></p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">BURT'S HOME LIBRARY.</h2></div> - -<div class="figright"><img src="images/burtbook.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p>Comprising two hundred and -fifty titles of standard works, embracing -fiction, essays, poetry, -history, travel, etc., selected from -the world's best literature, written -by authors of world-wide reputation. -Printed from large type, -on good paper, and bound in -handsome cloth binding, uniform -with this volume. Price, -75 cents per copy.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Adam Bede.</b> By George Eliot.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Æsop's Fables.</b></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Alhambra, The.</b> By Washington -Irving.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Alice Lorraine.</b> By R. D. Blackmore.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>All Sorts and Conditions of Men.</b> -By Besant and Rice.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Andersen's Fairy Tales.</b></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Arabian Nights Entertainments.</b></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Armadale.</b> By Wilkie Collins.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Armorel of Lyonesse.</b> By Walter -Besant.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Auld Licht Idylls.</b> By James M. -Barrie.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Aunt Diana.</b> By Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Autobiography of Benjamin -Franklin.</b></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Averil.</b> By Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Bacon's Essays.</b> By Francis Bacon.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Barbara Heathcote's Trial.</b> By -Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Barnaby Rudge.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Berber, The.</b> By W. S. Mayo.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Betrothed, The.</b> By Allessandro -Manzoni.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Bleak House.</b> By Charles Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Bondman, The.</b> By Hall Caine.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Bride of the Nile, The.</b> By George -Ebers.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Burgomaster's Wife, The.</b> By -George Ebers.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Cast up by the Sea.</b> By Sir Samuel -Baker.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Caxtons, The.</b> By Bulwer-Lytton.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Charles Auchester.</b> By E. Berger.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Charles O'Malley.</b> By Charles -Lever.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Children of the Abbey.</b> By Regina -Maria Roche.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Children of Gibeon.</b> By Walter -Besant.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Child's History of England.</b> By -Charles Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Christmas Stories.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Cloister and the Hearth.</b> By -Charles Reade.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Confessions of an Opium-Eater.</b> -By Thomas De Quincey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Consuelo.</b> By George Sand.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Corinne.</b> By Madame De Stael.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Countess of Rudolstadt.</b> By -George Sand.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Cousin Pons.</b> By Honore de Balzac.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Cranford.</b> By Mrs. Gaskell.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Crown of Wild Olive, The.</b> By -John Ruskin.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Daniel Deronda.</b> By George Eliot.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Daughter of an Empress, The.</b> -By Louisa Muhlbach.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Daughter of Heth, A.</b> By Wm. -Black.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>David Copperfield.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Deemster, The.</b> By Hall Caine.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Deerslayer, The.</b> By James Fenimore -Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Dombey & Son.</b> By Charles Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Donal Grant.</b> By George Macdonald.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Donald Ross of Heimra.</b> By -William Black.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Donovan.</b> By Edna Lyall.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Dream Life.</b> By Ik. Marvel.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>East Lynne.</b> By Mrs. Henry Wood.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Egoist, The.</b> By George Meredith.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Egyptian Princess, An.</b> By -George Ebers.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Eight Years Wandering in Ceylon.</b> -By Sir Samuel Baker.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Emerson's Essays.</b> By Ralph -Waldo Emerson.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Emperor, The.</b> By George Ebers.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Essays of Elia.</b> By Charles Lamb.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Esther.</b> By Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Far from the Madding Crowd.</b> -By Thos. Hardy.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Felix Holt.</b> By George Eliot.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Fifteen Decisive Battles of the -World.</b> By E. S. Creasy.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>File No. 113.</b> By Emile Gaboriau.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>First Violin.</b> By Jessie Fothergill.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>For Faith and Freedom.</b> By -Walter Besant.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Frederick the Great, and His -Court.</b> By Louisa Muhlbach.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>French Revolution.</b> By Thomas -Carlyle.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>From the Earth to the Moon.</b> -By Jules Verne.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Goethe and Schiller.</b> By Louisa -Muhlbach.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Gold Bug, The, and Other Tales.</b> -By Edgar A. Poe.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Gold Elsie.</b> By E. Marlitt.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Great Expectations.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Great Taboo, The.</b> By Grant Allen.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Great Treason, A.</b> By Mary Hoppus.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Green Mountain Boys, The.</b> By -D. P. Thompson.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Grimm's Household Tales.</b> By -the Brothers Grimm.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Grimm's Popular Tales.</b> By the -Brothers Grimm.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Gulliver's Travels.</b> By Dean -Swift.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Handy Andy.</b> By Samuel Lover.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Hardy Norseman, A.</b> By Edna -Lyall.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Harold.</b> By Bulwer-Lytton.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Harry Lorrequer.</b> By Charles -Lever.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Heir of Redclyffe.</b> By Charlotte -M. Yonge.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Henry Esmond.</b> By William M. -Thackeray.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Her Dearest Foe.</b> By Mrs. Alexander.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Heriot's Choice.</b> By Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Heroes and Hero Worship.</b> By -Thomas Carlyle.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>History of Pendennis.</b> By William -M. Thackeray.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>House of the Seven Gables.</b> By -Nathaniel Hawthorne.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>How to be Happy Though Married.</b></p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Hunchback of Notre Dame.</b> By -Victor Hugo.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Hypatia.</b> By Charles Kingsley.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow.</b> -By Jerome K. Jerome.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>In Far Lochaber.</b> By William -Black.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>In the Golden Days.</b> By Edna -Lyall.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>In the Heart of the Storm.</b> By -Maxwell Grey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>It is Never Too Late to Mend.</b> -By Charles Reade.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Ivanhoe.</b> By Sir Walter Scott.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Jack's Courtship.</b> By W. Clark -Russell.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Jane Eyre.</b> By Charlotte Bronte.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>John Halifax, Gentleman.</b> By -Miss Muloch.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Kenilworth.</b> By Sir Walter Scott.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Kit and Kitty.</b> By R. D. Blackmore.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Kith and Kin.</b> By Jessie Fothergill.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Knickerbocker's History of New -York.</b> By Washington Irving.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Knight Errant.</b> By Edna Lyall.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>L'Abbe Constantin.</b> By Ludovic-Halevy</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Lamplighter, The.</b> By Maria S. -Cummins.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Last Days of Pompeii.</b> By Bulwer-Lytton.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Last of the Barons.</b> By Bulwer-Lytton.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Last of the Mohicans.</b> By James -Fenimore Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Light of Asia, The.</b> By Sir Edwin -Arnold.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Little Dorrit.</b> By Charles Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Lorna Doone.</b> By R. D. Blackmore.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Louise de la Valliere.</b> By Alexandre -Dumas.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Lover or Friend?</b> By Rosa N. -Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Lucile.</b> By Owen Meredith.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Maid of Sker.</b> By R. D. Blackmore.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Man and Wife.</b> By Wilkie Collins.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Man in the Iron Mask.</b> By Alexandre -Dumas.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Martin Chuzzlewit.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Mary St. John.</b> By Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Master of Ballantrae, The.</b> By -R. L. Stevenson.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Master of the Ceremonies, The.</b> -By G. M. Fenn.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Masterman Ready.</b> By Captain -Marryat.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Merle's Crusade.</b> By Rosa N. -Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Micah Clarke.</b> By A. Conan Doyle.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Michael Strogoff.</b> By Jules Verne.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Middlemarch.</b> By George Eliot.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Midshipman Easy.</b> By Captain -Marryat.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Mill on the Floss.</b> By George -Eliot.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Molly Bawn.</b> By The Duchess.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Moonstone, The.</b> By Wilkie Collins.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Mosses from an Old Manse.</b> By -Nathaniel Hawthorne.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Mysterious Island, The.</b> By -Jules Verne.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Natural Law in the Spiritual -World.</b> By Henry Drummond.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Nellie's Memories.</b> By Rosa N. -Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Newcomes, The.</b> By William M. -Thackeray.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Nicholas Nickleby.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>No Name.</b> By Wilkie Collins.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Not Like Other Girls.</b> By Rosa -N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Old Curiosity Shop.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Old Ma'm'selle's Secret.</b> By E. -Marlitt.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Old Myddelton's Money.</b> By -Mary Cecil Hay.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Oliver Twist.</b> By Charles Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Only the Governess.</b> By Rosa N. -Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>On the Heights.</b> By Berthold -Auerbach.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Our Bessie.</b> By Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Our Mutual Friend.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Pair of Blue Eyes, A.</b> By Thomas -Hardy.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Past and Present.</b> By Thomas -Carlyle.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Pathfinder, The.</b> By James Fenimore -Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Pere Goriot.</b> By Honore de Balzac.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Phantom Rickshaw, The.</b> By -Rudyard Kipling.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Phra, the Phœnician.</b> By Edwin -L. Arnold.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Picciola.</b> By X. B. Saintine.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Pickwick Papers.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Pilgrim's Progress.</b> By John Bunyan.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Pilot, The.</b> By James Fenimore -Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Pioneers, The.</b> By James Fenimore -Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Prairie, The.</b> By James Fenimore -Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Pride and Prejudice.</b> By Jane -Austen.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Prime Minister, The.</b> By Anthony -Trollope.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Princess of Thule, A.</b> By Wm. -Black.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Professor, The.</b> By Charlotte -Bronte.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Put Yourself in His Place.</b> By -Charles Reade.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Queen Hortense.</b> By Louisa Muhlbach.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Queenie's Whim.</b> By Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Ralph the Heir.</b> By Anthony -Trollope.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Red Rover.</b> By James Fenimore -Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Reproach of Annesley.</b> By Maxwell -Grey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Reveries of a Bachelor.</b> By Ik. -Marvel.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Rhoda Fleming.</b> By George Meredith.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Ride to Khiva, A.</b> By Captain -Fred Barnaby.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Rienzi.</b> By Bulwer-Lytton.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Robinson Crusoe.</b> By Daniel Defoe.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Rob Roy.</b> By Sir Walter Scott.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Romance of a Poor Young Man.</b> -By Octave Feuillet.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Romance of Two Worlds.</b> By -Marie Corelli.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Romola.</b> By George Eliot.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Rory O'More.</b> By Samuel Lover.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Sartor Resartus.</b> By Thomas Carlyle.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Scarlet Letter, The.</b> By Nathaniel -Hawthorne.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Scottish Chiefs.</b> By Jane Porter.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Search for Basil Lyndhurst.</b> By -Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Second Wife, The.</b> By E. Marlitt.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Self-Help.</b> By Samuel Smiles.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Sense and Sensibility.</b> By Jane -Austen.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Sesame and Lilies.</b> By John Ruskin.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Shadow of the Sword.</b> By Robert -Buchanan.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Shirley.</b> By Charlotte Bronte.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Silas Marner.</b> By George Eliot.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Silence of Dean Maitland.</b> By -Maxwell Grey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Sketch-Book, The.</b> By Washington -Irving.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Social Departure, A.</b> By Sara -Jeannette Duncan.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Soldiers Three, etc.</b> By Rudyard -Kipling.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Springhaven.</b> By R. D. Blackmore.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Spy, The.</b> By James Fenimore -Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>St. Katharine's by the Tower.</b> -By Walter Besant.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Story of an African Farm.</b> By -Olive Schreiner.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Swiss Family Robinson.</b> By -Jean Rudolph Wyss.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Tale of Two Cities.</b> By Charles -Dickens.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Talisman, The.</b> By Sir Walter -Scott.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Tartarin of Tarascon.</b> By Alphonse -Daudet.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Tempest Tossed.</b> By Theodore -Tilton.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Ten Years Later.</b> By Alexandre -Dumas.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Terrible Temptation, A.</b> By -Charles Reade.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Thaddeus of Warsaw.</b> By Jane -Porter.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Thelma.</b> By Marie Corelli.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Three Guardsmen.</b> By Alexandre -Dumas.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Three Men in a Boat.</b> By Jerome -K. Jerome.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Tom Brown at Oxford.</b> By -Thomas Hughes.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Tom Brown's School Days.</b> By -Thomas Hughes.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Tom Burke of "Ours."</b> By Charles -Lever.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Tour of the World in Eighty -Days, A.</b> By Jules Verne.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Treasure Island.</b> By Robert Louis -Stevenson.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Twenty Thousand Leagues Under -the Sea.</b> By Jules Verne.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Twenty Years After.</b> By Alexandre -Dumas.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Twice Told Tales.</b> By Nathaniel -Hawthorne.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Two Admirals.</b> By James Fenimore -Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Two Chiefs of Dunboy.</b> By -James A. Froude.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Two on a Tower.</b> By Thomas -Hardy.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Two Years Before the Mast.</b> By -R. H. Dana, Jr.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Uarda.</b> By George Ebers.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Uncle Max.</b> By Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Uncle Tom's Cabin.</b> By Harriet -Beecher Stowe.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Undine and Other Tales.</b> By De -la Motte Fouque.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Vanity Fair.</b> By William M. Thackeray.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Vicar of Wakefield.</b> By Oliver -Goldsmith.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Villette.</b> By Charlotte Bronte.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Virginians, The.</b> By William M. -Thackeray.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Vicomte de Bragelonne.</b> By Alexandre -Dumas.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Vivian Grey.</b> By Benjamin Disraeli.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Water Witch, The.</b> By James -Fenimore Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Waverly.</b> By Sir Walter Scott.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Wee Wifie.</b> By Rosa N. Carey.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Westward Ho!</b> By Charles Kingsley.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>We Two.</b> By Edna Lyall.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>What's Mine's Mine.</b> By George -Macdonald.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>When a Man's Single.</b> By J. M. -Barrie.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>White Company, The.</b> By A. Conan -Doyle.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Wide, Wide World.</b> By Susan -Warner.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Widow Lerouge, The.</b> By Emile -Gaboriau.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship.</b> -By Goethe (Carlyle).</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Wing-and-Wing.</b> By James Fenimore -Cooper.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Woman in White, The.</b> By Wilkie -Collins.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Won by Waiting.</b> By Edna Lyall.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Wooing O't.</b> By Mrs. Alexander.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>World Went Very Well Then, -The.</b> By Walter Besant.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Wormwood.</b> By Marie Corelli.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Wreck of the Grosvenor, The.</b> -By W. Clark Russell.</p> - -<p class="hangingindent"><b>Zenobia.</b> By William Ware.</p></div> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p><i>For sale by all Booksellers, or will be sent post-paid on receipt of price by -the publisher, <b>A. L. BURT, New York</b>.</i></p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="transnote"> - -<p class="center"><strong>TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES:</strong></p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in spelling, punctuation, and hyphenation have been standardized.</p> - -<p>Some illustrations have been moved from their original poisitions in order to be closer to the text that they represent.</p> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Train Boy, by Horatio Alger Jr. - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE TRAIN BOY *** - -***** This file should be named 55725-h.htm or 55725-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/7/2/55725/ - -Produced by David Edwards, David E. 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