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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hector's Inheritance, by Horatio Alger
+#16 in our series by Horatio Alger
+
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+Title: Hector's Inheritance
+       or The Boys of Smith Institute
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: May, 2004 [EBook #5674]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on August 7, 2002]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HECTOR'S INHERITANCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Carrie Fellman
+
+
+
+
+HECTOR'S INHERITANCE
+
+OR
+
+THE BOYS OF SMITH INSTITUTE
+
+HORATIO ALGER, JR.
+
+Author of "Eric Train Boy" "Young Acrobat," "Only an Irish Boy,"
+"Bound to Rise," "The Young Outlaw," "Driven from Home" etc.
+
+NEW YORK
+
+
+
+
+
+
+HECTOR'S INHERITANCE.
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+MR. ROSCOE RECEIVES TWO LETTERS.
+
+
+
+
+
+Mr. Roscoe rang the bell, and, in answer, a servant entered the
+library, where he sat before a large and commodious desk.
+
+"Has the mail yet arrived?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, sir; John has just come back from the village."
+
+"Go at once and bring me the letters and papers, if there are any."
+
+John bowed and withdrew.
+
+Mr. Roscoe walked to the window, and looked thoughtfully out upon a
+smooth, luxuriant lawn and an avenue of magnificent trees, through
+which carriages were driven to what was popularly known as Castle
+Roscoe. Everything, even to the luxuriously appointed room in which
+he sat, indicated wealth and the ease which comes from affluence.
+
+Mr. Roscoe looked around him with exultation.
+
+"And all this may be mine," he said to himself, "if I am only bold.
+What is it old Pindar says? 'Boldness is the beginning of victory.'
+I have forgotten nearly all I learned in school, but I remember
+that. There is some risk, perhaps, but not much, and I owe something
+to my son---"
+
+He was interrupted by the entrance of the servant with a small
+leather bag, which was used to hold mail matter, going from or
+coming to the house.
+
+The servant unlocked the bag, and emptied the contents on the desk.
+There were three or four papers and two letters. It was the last
+which attracted Mr. Roscoe's attention.
+
+We will take the liberty of looking over Mr. Roscoe's shoulder as he
+reads the first. It ran as follows:
+
+"DEAR SIR:-I am in receipt of your favor, asking my terms for
+boarding pupils. For pupils of fifteen or over, I charge five
+hundred dollars per year, which is not a large sum considering the
+exceptional advantages presented by Inglewood School. My pupils are
+from the best families, and enjoy a liberal table. Moreover, I
+employ competent teachers, and guarantee rapid progress, when the
+student is of good, natural capacity, and willing to work.
+
+"I think you will agree with me that it is unwise to economize when
+the proper training of a youth is in question, and that a cheap
+school is little better than no school at all.
+
+"I have only to add that I shall be most happy to receive your young
+nephew, if you decide to send him to me, and will take personal
+pains to promote his advancement. I remain, dear sir, your obedient
+servant,
+
+"DIONYSIUS KADIX."
+
+Mr. Roscoe threw the letter down upon the desk with an impatient
+gesture.
+
+"Five hundred dollars a year!" he exclaimed. "What can the man be
+thinking of? Why, when I went to school, twenty-five years since,
+less than half this sum was charged. The man is evidently rapacious.
+Let me see what this other letter says."
+
+The second letter was contained in a yellow envelope, of cheap
+texture, and was much more plebeian in appearance than the first.
+
+Again we will look over Mr. Roscoe's shoulder, and read what it
+contains. It was postmarked Smithville, and the envelope was
+disfigured by a blot. It commenced:
+
+"DEAR SIR:-It gives me pleasure to answer your inquiries respecting
+my school. I have about fifty pupils, part of whom, say one-third,
+are boarders. Though I say it myself, it will be hard to find any
+school where more thorough instruction is given. I look upon my
+pupils as my children, and treat them as such. My system of
+government is, therefore, kind and parental, and my pupils are often
+homesick in vacation, longing for the time to come when they can
+return to their studies at Smith Institute. It is the dearest wish
+of Mrs. Smith and myself to make our young charges happy, and to
+advance them, by pleasant roads over flowery meads, to the inner
+courts of knowledge.
+
+"Humbug!" muttered Mr. Roscoe. "I understand what all that means."
+He continued:
+
+"I hope you will not consider three hundred dollars per annum too
+much for such parental care. Considering the present high price of
+provisions, it is really as low a price as we can afford to receive.
+
+"I shall be glad if you consider my letter favorable and decide to
+place your nephew under my charge. Yours respectfully,
+
+"SOCRATES SMITH, A. M."
+
+"That is more reasonable," said Mr. Roscoe, to himself, as he laid
+down the letter. "Three hundred dollars I consider a fair price. At
+any rate, I do not propose to pay any more for Hector. I suppose the
+table is plain enough, but I don't believe in pampering the
+appetites of boys. If he were the master of Roscoe Hall, as he
+thinks he is, there might be some propriety in it; but upon that
+head I shall soon undeceive him. I will let him understand that I am
+the proprietor of the estate, and that he is only a dependent on my
+bounty. I wonder how he will take it. I dare say he will make a
+fuss, but he shall soon be made to understand that it is of no use.
+Now to answer these letters."
+
+Mr. Roscoe sat down in a luxurious armchair, and, drawing pen and
+paper toward him, wrote first to Dr. Radix. I subjoin the letter, as
+it throws some light upon the character of the writer:
+
+"ROSCOE HALL, Sept. 10th. DR. DIONYSIUS RADIX.
+
+"My DEAR SIR:-I am in receipt of your letter of the 8th instant,
+answering my inquiries in regard to your school. Let me say at once
+that I find your terms too high. Five hundred dollars a year for
+forty weeks' board and schooling seems to me an exorbitant price to
+ask. Really, at this rate, education will soon become a luxury open
+only to the wealthy.
+
+"You are probably under a misapprehension in reference to my young
+ward. Nephew he is not, in a strict sense of the term. He was
+adopted--not legally, but practically--by my brother, when he was
+only a year old, and his origin has been concealed from him. My
+brother, being childless, has allowed him to suppose that he was his
+own son. Undoubtedly he meant to provide for him in his will, but,
+as often happens, put off will-making till it was too late. The
+estate, therefore, goes to me, and the boy is unprovided for. This
+does not so much matter, since I am willing to educate him, and give
+him a fair start in life, if he acts in a manner to suit me. I do
+not, however, feel called upon to pay an exorbitant price for his
+tuition, and, therefore, shall be obliged to forego placing him at
+Inglewood School. Yours, etc.,
+
+"ALLAN ROSCOE."
+
+"When this letter is sent, I shall have taken the decisive step,"
+thought Mr. Roscoe. "I must then adhere to my story, at whatever
+cost. Now for the other."
+
+His reply to the letter of Socrates Smith, A. M., was briefer, but
+likely to be more satisfactory to the recipient. It ran thus;
+
+"SOCRATES SMITH, A. M.
+
+"DEAR Sir:-Your letter is at hand, and I find it, on the whole,
+satisfactory. The price you charge-three hundred dollars per
+annum--is about right. I hope you are a firm disciplinarian. I do
+not want Hector too much indulged or pampered, though he may expect
+it, my poor brother having been indulgent to excess.
+
+"Let me add, by the bye, that Hector is not my nephew, though I may
+inadvertently have mentioned him as such, and had no real claims
+upon my brother, though he has been brought up in that belief. He
+was adopted, in an informal way, by my brother, when he was but, an
+infant. Under the circumstances, I am willing to take care of him,
+and prepare him to earn his own living when his education is
+completed.
+
+"You may expect to see me early next week. I will bring the boy with
+me, and enter him at once as a pupil in your school.
+
+"Yours, etc., ALLAN ROSCOE."
+
+"There, that clinches it!" said Mr. Roscoe, in a tone of
+satisfaction. "Now for an interview with the boy."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+RESENTING AN INSULT.
+
+
+
+
+
+A stone's throw from the mansion was a neat and spacious carriage
+house. The late master of Castle Roscoe had been fond of driving,
+and kept three horses and two carriages. One of the latter was an
+old-fashioned coach; while there was, besides, a light buggy, which
+Hector was accustomed to consider his own. It was he, generally, who
+used this, for his father preferred to take a driver, and generally
+took an airing, either alone or with Hector, in the more stately
+carriage, drawn by two horses.
+
+Hector walked across the lawn and entered the carriage house, where
+Edward, the coachman, was washing the carriage. As the former is to
+be our hero, we may pause to describe him.
+
+He was fifteen, slenderly but strongly made, with a clear skin and
+dark eyes and a straightforward look. He had a winning smile, that
+attracted all who saw it, but his face could assume a different
+expression if need be. There were strong lines about his mouth that
+indicated calm resolution and strength of purpose. He was not a boy
+who would permit himself to be imposed upon, but was properly
+tenacious of his rights.
+
+As he entered the carriage house, he looked about him in some
+surprise.
+
+"Where is the buggy, Edward?" he asked.
+
+"Master Guy is driving out in it."
+
+"How is that?" said Hector. "Doesn't he know that it is mine? He
+might, at least, have asked whether I intended to use it."
+
+"That is what I told him."
+
+"And what did he say?"
+
+"That it was just as much his as yours, and perhaps more so."
+
+"What could he mean?"
+
+"He said his father had promised to give it to him."
+
+"Promised to give him my buggy!" exclaimed Hector, his eyes
+flashing.
+
+"It's a shame, Master Hector, so it is," said Edward,
+sympathetically. He had known Hector since he was a boy of five, and
+liked him far better than Guy, who was a newcomer, and a boy
+disposed to domineer over those whom he considered his inferiors.
+
+"I don't intend to submit to it," said Hector, trying,
+ineffectually, to curb his anger.
+
+"I don't blame you, Master Hector, but I'm afraid you will have a
+hard time. As your uncle is your guardian, of course he has power
+over you, and he thinks everything of that boy of his, though, to my
+mind, he is an unmannerly cub."
+
+"I don't know how much power he has over me, but he mustn't expect
+me to play second fiddle to his son. I am willing that Guy should
+enjoy as many privileges as I do, though the estate is mine; but he
+mustn't interfere with my rights."
+
+"That's right, Master Hector. Why don't you speak to your uncle
+about it? I would, if I were you."
+
+"So I will, if it is necessary. I will speak to Guy first, and that
+may be sufficient. I don't want to enter complaint against him if I
+can help it."
+
+"You didn't see Master Guy ride out, did you?"
+
+"'No; I was reading. If I had seen him, I would have stopped him."
+
+"I am afraid it wouldn't have done any good."
+
+"Do you mean that he would have taken the buggy in spite of me?"
+asked Hector, indignantly.
+
+"I think he would have tried. To tell the truth, Master Hector, I
+refused to get the buggy ready for him, till he brought out a paper
+from his father commanding me to do it. Then, of course, I had no
+choice."
+
+Hector was staggered by this.
+
+"Have you got the paper?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," answered Edward, fumbling in his vest pocket.
+
+He drew out a small scrap of notepaper, on which was written, "My
+son, Guy, has my permission to ride out in the buggy. You will obey
+me rather than Hector."
+
+This was signed, "Allan Roscoe."
+
+"So it seems my uncle is the trespasser," said Hector. "It is he who
+takes the responsibility. I will go and speak to him at once."
+
+"Wait a minute! There comes Master Guy, returning from his ride. You
+can have it out with him first."
+
+In fact, Hector had only to look down the avenue to see the rapid
+approach of the buggy. Guy held the reins, and was seated in the
+driver's seat with all the air of a master. The sight aggravated
+Hector, and not without reason. He waited until Guy, flinging the
+reins to Edward, leaped from the buggy, then he thought it time to
+speak.
+
+"Guy," he said, calmly, "it seems to me that you owe me an apology."
+
+"Oh, I do, do I?" sneered Guy. "What for, let me ask?"
+
+"You have driven out in my buggy, without asking my permission."
+
+"Oh, it's your buggy, is it?" said Guy, with another sneer.
+
+"Of course it is. You know that as well as I do."
+
+"I don't know it at all."
+
+"Then I inform you of it. I don't want to be selfish; I am willing
+that you should ride out in it occasionally; but I insist upon your
+asking my permission."
+
+Guy listened to these words with a sneer upon his face. He was about
+the same age and size as Hector, but his features were mean and
+insignificant, and there was a shifty look in his eye that stamped
+him as unreliable. He did not look like the Roscoes, though in many
+respects he was in disposition and character similar to his father.
+
+"It strikes me," he said, with an unpleasant smile, "that you're
+taking a little too much upon yourself, Hector Roscoe. The buggy is
+no more yours than mine."
+
+"What do you say, Edward?" said Hector, appealing to the coachman.
+
+"I say that the buggy is yours, and the horse is yours, and so I
+told Master Guy, but he wouldn't take no notice of it."
+
+"Do you hear that, Guy?"
+
+"Yes, I do; and that's what I think of it," answered Guy, snapping
+his fingers. "My father gave me permission to ride out in it, and
+I've got just as much right to it as you, and perhaps more."
+
+"You know better, Guy," said Hector, indignantly; "and I warn you
+not to interfere with my rights hereafter."
+
+"Suppose I do?" sneered Guy.
+
+"Then I shall be under the necessity of giving you a lesson," said
+Hector, calmly.
+
+"You will, will you? You'll give me a lesson?" repeated Guy, nodding
+vigorously. "Who are you, I'd like to know?"
+
+"If you don't know, I can tell you."
+
+"Tell me, then."
+
+"I am Hector Roscoe, the owner of Roscoe Hall. Whether your father
+is to be my guardian or not, I don't know; but there are limits to
+the power of a guardian, and I hope he won't go too far."
+
+"Hear the boy talk!" said Guy, contemptuously.
+
+"I wish to treat my uncle with becoming respect; but he is a
+newcomer here--I never saw him till three months since--and he has
+no right to come here, and take from me all my privileges. We can
+all live at peace together, and I hope we shall; but he must treat
+me well."
+
+"You are quite sure Roscoe Castle belongs to you, are you, Hector?"
+
+"That's the law. Father left no will, and so the estate comes to
+me."
+
+"Ho! ho!" laughed Guy, with malicious glee.
+
+"If you only knew what I know, you wouldn't crow quite so loud. It's
+a splendid joke."
+
+There was something in this that attracted Hector's attention,
+though he was not disposed to attach much importance to what Guy
+said.
+
+"If I only knew what you know!" he repeated.
+
+"Yes; that's what I said."
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"You'll know it soon enough, and I can tell you one thing, it'll
+surprise you. It'll take down your pride a peg or two."
+
+Hector stared at his cousin in unaffected surprise. What could Guy
+possibly mean? Had his father perhaps made a will, and left the
+estate to some one else--his uncle, for example? Was this the
+meaning of Guy's malicious mirth?
+
+"I don't know to what you refer," he said; "but if it's anything
+that is of importance to me, I ought to know it. What is it?"
+
+"Go and ask father," said Guy, with a tantalizing grin.
+
+"I will," answered Hector, "and without delay."
+
+He turned to enter the house, but Guy had not exhausted his malice.
+He was in a hurry to triumph over Hector, whom he disliked heartily.
+
+"I don't mind telling you myself," he said.
+
+"You are not what you suppose. You're a lowborn beggar!"
+
+He had no sooner uttered these words, than Hector resented the
+insult. Seizing the whip from Guy, he grasped him by the collar,
+flung him to the ground and lashed him with it.
+
+"There," said he, with eyes aflame, "take that, Guy Roscoe, and look
+out how you insult me in future!"
+
+Guy rose slowly from the ground, pale with fury, and, as he brushed
+the dust from his clothes, ejaculated:
+
+"You'll pay dearly for this, Hector!"
+
+"I'll take the consequences," said Hector, as coldly as his anger
+would allow. "Now, I shall go to your father and ask the meaning of
+this."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HECTOR LEARNS A SECRET.
+
+
+
+
+
+Hector entered the library with some impetuosity. Usually he was
+quiet and orderly, but he had been excited by the insinuations of
+Guy, and he was impatient to know what he meant--if he meant
+anything.
+
+Allan Roscoe looked up, and remarked, with slight sarcasm:
+
+"This is not a bear garden, Hector. You appear to think you are on
+the playground, judging by your hasty motions."
+
+"I beg your pardon, uncle," said Hector, who never took amiss a
+rebuke which he thought deserved. "I suppose I forgot myself, being
+excited. I beg your pardon."
+
+"What is the cause of your excitement?" asked Mr. Roscoe, surveying
+the boy keenly.
+
+"Guy has said something that I don't understand."
+
+"He must have said something very profound, then," returned Allan
+Roscoe, with light raillery.
+
+"Indeed, Uncle Allan, it is no laughing matter," said Hector,
+earnestly.
+
+"Then let me hear what it is."
+
+"He intimates that he knows something that would let down my pride a
+peg or two. He hints that I am not the heir of Castle Roscoe."
+
+The boy used the term by which the house was usually known.
+
+Allan Roscoe knit his brow in pretended vexation.
+
+"Inconsiderate boy!" he murmured. "Why need he say this?"
+
+"But," said Hector, startled, "is it true?"
+
+"My boy," said his uncle, with simulated feeling, "my son has spoken
+to you of a secret which I would willingly keep from you if I could.
+Yet, perhaps, it is as well that you should be told now."
+
+"Told what?" exclaimed Hector, quite at sea.
+
+"Can you bear to hear, Hector, that it is indeed true? You are not
+the owner of this estate."
+
+"Who is then?" ejaculated the astonished boy.
+
+"I am; and Guy after me."
+
+"What! Did my father leave the estate away from me? I thought he did
+not leave a will?"
+
+"Nor did he."
+
+"Then how can anyone else except his son inherit?"
+
+"Your question is a natural one. If you were his son you would
+inherit under the law."
+
+"If I were his son!" repeated Hector, slowly, his head swimming.
+"What do you mean by that? Of course I am your brother's son."
+
+"It is very painful for me to tell, Hector. It will be distressing
+for you to hear. No tie of blood connects you with the late owner of
+Castle Roscoe."
+
+"I don't believe you, Uncle Allan," said Hector, bluntly.
+
+"Of course, therefore, I am not your uncle," added Allan Roscoe,
+dryly.
+
+"I beg your pardon; I should have said Mr. Allan Roscoe," said
+Hector, bowing proudly, for his heart was sore, and he was deeply
+indignant with the man who sat, smooth and sleek, in his father's
+chair, harrowing up his feelings without himself being ruffled.
+
+"That is immaterial. Call me uncle, if you like, since the truth is
+understood. But I must explain."
+
+"I would like to know what is your authority for so surprising a
+statement, Mr. Roscoe. You cannot expect me to believe that I have
+been deceived all my life."
+
+"I make the statement on your father's authority--I should say, on
+my brother's authority."
+
+"Can you prove it, Mr. Roscoe?"
+
+"I can. I will presently put into your hands a letter, written me by
+my brother some months since, which explains the whole matter. To
+save you suspense, however, I will recapitulate. Where were you
+born?"
+
+"In California."
+
+"That is probably true. It was there that my brother found you."
+
+"Found me?"
+
+"Perhaps that is not the word. My brother and his wife were boarding
+in Sacramento in the winter of 1859. In the same boarding house was
+a widow, with a child of some months old. You were that child. Your
+mother died suddenly, and it was ascertained that she left nothing.
+Her child was, therefore, left destitute. It was a fine, promising
+boy--give me credit for the compliment--and my brother, having no
+children of his own, proposed to his wife to adopt it. She was fond
+of children, and readily consented. No formalities were necessary,
+for there was no one to claim you. You were at once taken in charge
+by my brother and his wife, therefore, and very soon they came to
+look upon you with as much affection as if you were their own child.
+They wished you to consider them your real parents, and to you the
+secret was never made known, nor was it known to the world. When my
+brother returned to this State, three years after, not one of his
+friends doubted that the little Hector was his own boy.
+
+"When you were six years old your mother died--that is, my brother's
+wife. All the more, perhaps, because he was left alone, my brother
+became attached to you, and, I think, he came to love you as much as
+if you were his own son."
+
+"I think he did," said Hector, with emotion. "Never was there a
+kinder, more indulgent father."
+
+"Yet he was not your father," said Allan Roscoe, with sharp
+emphasis.
+
+"So you say, Mr. Roscoe."
+
+"So my brother says in his letter to me."
+
+"Do you think it probable that, with all this affection for me, he
+would have left me penniless?" asked the boy.
+
+"No; it was his intention to make a will. By that will he would no
+doubt have provided for you in a satisfactory manner. But I think my
+poor brother had a superstitious fear of will making, lest it might
+hasten death. At any rate, he omitted it till it was too late."
+
+"It was a cruel omission, if your story is a true one."
+
+"Your--my brother, did what he could to remedy matters. In his last
+sickness, when too weak to sign his name, he asked me, as the legal
+heir of his estate, to see that you were well provided for. He
+wished me to see your education finished, and I promised to do so. I
+could see that this promise relieved his mind. Of one thing you may
+be assured, Hector, he never lost his affection for you."
+
+"Thank Heaven for that!" murmured the boy, who had been deeply and
+devotedly attached to the man whom, all his life long, he had looked
+upon as his father.
+
+"I can only add, Hector," said Mr. Roscoe, "that I feel for your
+natural disappointment. It is, indeed, hard to be brought up to
+regard yourself as the heir of a great estate, and to make the
+discovery that you have been mistaken."
+
+"I don't mind that so much, Mr. Roscoe," said Hector, slowly. "It is
+the hardest thing to think of myself as having no claim upon one
+whom I have loved as a father--to think myself as a boy of unknown
+parentage. But," he added, suddenly, "I have it only on your word.
+Why should I believe it?"
+
+"I will give you conclusive proof, Hector. Read this."
+
+Allan Roscoe took from his pocket a letter, without an envelope. One
+glance served to show Hector that it was in the handwriting of his
+late father, or, at any rate, in a handwriting surprisingly like it.
+
+He began to read it with feverish haste.
+
+The letter need not find a place here. The substance of it had been
+accurately given by Mr. Allan Roscoe. Apparently, it corroborated
+his every statement.
+
+The boy looked up from its perusal, his face pale and stricken.
+
+"You see that I have good authority for my statement," said Mr.
+Roscoe.
+
+"I can't understand it," said Hector, slowly.
+
+"I need only add," said Mr. Roscoe, apparently relieved by the
+revelation, "that my brother did not repose confidence in me in
+vain. I accept, as a sacred charge, the duty he imposed upon me. I
+shall provide for you and look after your education. I wish to put
+you in a way to prepare yourself for a useful and honorable career.
+As a first step, I intend, on Monday next, to place you in an
+excellent boarding school, where you will have exceptional
+privileges."
+
+Hector listened, but his mind was occupied by sad thoughts, and he
+made no comment.
+
+"I have even selected the school with great care," said Mr. Roscoe.
+"It is situated at Smithville, and is under the charge of Socrates
+Smith, A. M., a learned and distinguished educator. You may go now.
+I will speak with you on this subject later."
+
+Hector bowed. After what he had heard, his interest in other matters
+was but faint.
+
+"I shall be glad to get him out of the house," thought Allan Roscoe.
+"I never liked him."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+A SKIRMISH.
+
+
+
+
+
+Hector walked out of the house in a state of mental bewilderment not
+easily described. Was he not Hector Roscoe, after all? Had he been
+all his life under a mistake? If this story were true, who was he,
+who were his parents, what was his name? Why had the man whom he had
+supposed to be his father not imparted to him this secret? He had
+always been kind and indulgent; he had never appeared to regard the
+boy as an alien in blood, but as a dearly loved son. Yet, if he had,
+after all, left him unprovided for, he had certainly treated Hector
+with great cruelty.
+
+"I won't believe it," said Hector, to himself.
+
+"I won't so wrong my dear father's memory at the bidding of this
+man, whose interest it is to trump up this story, since he and his
+son become the owners of a great estate in my place."
+
+Just then Guy advanced toward Hector with a malicious smile upon his
+face. He knew very well what a blow poor Hector had received, for he
+was in his father's confidence, and he was mean enough, and
+malicious enough, to rejoice at it.
+
+"What's the matter with you, Hector?" he asked, with a grin. "You
+look as if you had lost your last friend."
+
+Hector stopped short and regarded Guy fixedly.
+
+"Do you know what your father has been saying to me?" he asked.
+
+"Well, I can guess," answered Guy. "Ho! ho! It's a great joke that
+you have all the time fancied yourself the heir of Castle Roscoe,
+when you have no claim to it at all. I am the heir!" he added,
+drawing himself up proudly; "and you are a poor dependent, and a
+nobody. It's funny!"
+
+"Perhaps you won't think it so funny after this!" said Hector,
+coolly, exasperated beyond endurance. As he spoke he drew off, and
+in an instant Guy measured his length upon the greensward.
+
+Guy rose, his face livid with passion, in a frame of mind far from
+funny. He clinched his fists and looked at Hector as if he wished to
+annihilate him. "You'll pay for this," he screamed. "You'll repent
+it, bitterly, you poor, nameless dependent, low-born, very likely--"
+
+"Hold, there!" said Hector, advancing resolutely, and sternly facing
+the angry boy. "Be careful what you say. If this story of your
+father's is true, which I don't believe, you might have the decency
+to let me alone, even if you don't sympathize with me. If you dare
+to say or hint anything against my birth, I'll treat you worse than
+I have yet."
+
+"You'll suffer for this!" almost shrieked Guy.
+
+"I am ready to suffer now, if you are able to make me," said Hector.
+"Come on, and we'll settle it now."
+
+But Guy had no desire for the contest to which he was invited. He
+had a wholesome fear of Hector's strong, muscular arms, aided, as
+they were, by some knowledge of boxing. Hector had never taken
+regular lessons, but a private tutor, whom his father had employed,
+a graduate of Yale, had instructed him in the rudiments of the
+"manly art of self-defense," and Hector was very well able to take
+care of himself against any boy of his own size and strength. In
+size, Guy was his equal, but in strength he was quite inferior. This
+Guy knew full well, and, angry as he was, he by no means lost sight
+of prudence.
+
+"I don't choose to dirty my hands with you," he said. "I shall tell
+my father, and it would serve you right if he sent you adrift."
+
+In Hector's present mood, he would not, perhaps, have cared much if
+this threat had been carried into execution, but he was not
+altogether reckless, and he felt that it was best to remain under
+Mr. Roscoe's protection until he had had time to investigate the
+remarkable story which he suspected his reputed uncle had trumped up
+to serve his own interests.
+
+"Tell your father, if you like," said Hector, quietly. "I don't know
+whether he will sustain you or not in your insults, but if he does,
+then I shall have two opponents instead of one."
+
+"Does that mean that you will attack my father?" demanded Guy,
+hoping for an affirmative answer, as it would help him to prejudice
+his father against our hero.
+
+"No," answered Hector, smiling, "I don't apprehend there will be any
+necessity, for he won't insult me as you have done."
+
+Guy lost notime in seeking his father, and laying the matter before
+him, inveighing against Hector with great bitterness.
+
+"So he knocked you down, did he, Guy?" asked Allan Roscoe,
+thoughtfully.
+
+"Yes; he took me unawares, or he couldn't have done it," answered
+Guy, a little ashamed at the avowal.
+
+"What did you do?"
+
+"I--I told him he should suffer for it."
+
+"Why did he attack you?"
+
+"It was on account of something I said."
+
+"What was it?"
+
+Guy reluctantly answered this question, and with correctness.
+
+"It was your fault for speaking to him wrhen he was feeling sore at
+making a painful discovery."
+
+"Do you justify him in pitching into me like a big brute?" asked
+Guy, hastily.
+
+"No; but still, I think it, was natural, under the circumstances.
+You should have kept out of his way, and let him alone."
+
+"Won't you punish him for attacking me?" demanded Guy, indignantly.
+
+"I will speak to him on the subject," said Allan Roscoe; "and will
+tell him my opinion of his act."
+
+"Then shan't I be revenged upon him?" asked Guy, disappointed.
+
+"Listen, Guy," said his father. "Is it no punishment that the boy is
+stripped of all his possessions, while you step into his place?
+Henceforth he will be dependent upon me, and later, upon you. He has
+been hurled down from his proud place as owner of Castle Roscoe, and
+I have taken his place, as you will hereafter do."
+
+"Yes," said Guy, gleefully; "it will be a proud day when I become
+master of the estate."
+
+Allan Roscoe was not a specially sensitive man, but this remark of
+his son jarred upon him.
+
+"You seem to forget, Guy, that you do not succeed till I am dead!"
+
+"Yes, I suppose so," answered Guy, slowly.
+
+"It almost seems as if you were in a hurry for me to die."
+
+"I didn't mean that, but it's natural to suppose that I shall live
+longer than you do, isn't it?"
+
+"I suppose so," returned Allan Roscoe, shortly.
+
+"Of course that's what I mean."
+
+"Then, since you are so much better off than Hector, you had better
+be more considerate, and leave him to get over his disappointment as
+well as he can."
+
+"Shall I send in Hector to see you?" asked Guy, as he at length
+turned to leave the room.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You're to go in to my father," said Guy, reappearing on the lawn;
+"he's going to give it to you."
+
+Hector anticipated some such summons, and he had remained in the
+same spot, too proud to have it supposed that he shrank from the
+interview.
+
+With a firm, resolute step, he entered the presence of Allan Roscoe.
+
+"I hear you wish to see me, Mr. Roscoe," he said, manfully.
+
+"Yes, Hector; Guy has come to me with complaints of you."
+
+"If he says I knocked him down for insulting me, he has told you the
+truth," said Hector, sturdily.
+
+"That was the substance of what he said, though he did not admit the
+insult."
+
+"But for that I should not have attacked him."
+
+"I do not care to interfere in boys' quarrels, except in extreme
+cases," said Mr. Roscoe. "I am afraid Guy was aggravatiag, and you
+were unnecessarily violent."
+
+"It doesn't seem to me so," said Hector.
+
+"So I regard it. I have warned him not to add by taunts to the
+poignancy of your disappointment. I request you to remember that Guy
+is my son, and that I am disposed to follow my brother's directions,
+and provide for and educate you."
+
+Hector bowed and retired. He went out with a more favorable opinion
+of Allan Roscoe, who had treated the difficulty in a reasonable
+manner.
+
+Allan Roscoe looked after him as he went out.
+
+"I hate that boy," he said, to himself; "I temporize from motives of
+policy, but I mean to tame his haughty spirit yet."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+PREPARING TO LEAVE HOME.
+
+
+
+
+
+Allan Roscoe's remonstrance with the two boys had the effect of
+keeping the peace between them for the remainder of the week. Guy
+did not think it prudent to taunt Hector, unless backed up by his
+father, and he felt that the change in their relative positions was
+satisfaction enough at present. Besides, his father, in a subsequent
+conversation, had told Guy that it was his purpose to place Hector
+in a boarding school, where the discipline would be strict, and
+where he would be thrashed if he proved rebellious.
+
+"I shall tell Mr. Smith," he added, "that the boy needs a strong
+hand, and that I am not only perfectly willing that he should be
+punished whenever occasion may call for it, but really desire it."
+
+"Good, good!" commended Guy, gleefully. "I hope old Smith'll lay it
+on good."
+
+"I presume he will," said Allan Roscoe, smiling in sympathy with his
+son's exuberance. "I am told by a man who knows him that he is a
+tall man, strong enough to keep order, and determined to do it."
+
+"I should like to be there to see Hector's first flogging," remarked
+the amiable Guy. "I'd rather see it than go to the theater any
+time."
+
+"I don't see how you can, unless you also enter the school."
+
+"No, thank you," answered Guy. "No boarding school for me. That
+isn't my idea of enjoyment. I'd rather stay at home with you. Hector
+won't be here to interfere with my using his horse and buggy."
+
+"They are his no longer. I give them to you."
+
+"Thank you, father," said Guy, very much gratified.
+
+"But I would rather you would not use them till after Hector is
+gone. It might disturb him."
+
+"That's just why I want to do it."
+
+"But it might make trouble. He might refuse to go to school."
+
+"You'd make him go, wouldn't you, father?"
+
+"Yes; but I wish to avoid forcible measures, if possible. Come, Guy,
+it's only till Monday; then Hector will be out of the way, and you
+can do as you please without fear of interference."
+
+"All right, father. I'll postpone my fun till he is out of the way.
+You'll go with him, won't you?"
+
+"Yes, Guy."
+
+"Just tell old Smith how to treat him. Tell him to show him no
+mercy, if he doesn't behave himself."
+
+"You seem to dislike Hector very much. You shouldn't feel so. It
+isn't Christian."
+
+Guy looked at his father queerly out of the corner of his eye. He
+understood him better than Allan Roscoe supposed.
+
+"I hope you won't insist on my loving him, father," he said. "I
+leave that to you."
+
+"I only wish you to avoid coming into collision with him. As for
+love, that is something not within our power."
+
+"Will you be ready to go with me to boarding school on Monday
+morning, Hector?" asked Allan Roscoe, on Saturday afternoon.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+Indeed, Hector felt that it would be a relief to get away from the
+house which he had been taught to look upon as his--first by right
+of inheritance, and later as actual owner. As long as he remained he
+was unpleasantly reminded of the great loss he had experienced.
+Again, his relations with Guy were unfriendly, and he knew that if
+they were permanently together it wouldn't be long before there
+would be another collision. Though in such a case he was sure to
+come off victorious, he did not care to contend, especially as no
+advantage could come of it in the end.
+
+Of the boarding school kept by Mr. Socrates Smith he had never
+heard, but felt that he would, at any rate, prefer to find himself
+amid new scenes. If the school were a good one, he meant to derive
+benefit from it, for he was fond of books and study, and thought
+school duties no task.
+
+"I have carefully selected a school for you," continued Allan
+Roscoe, "because I wish to follow out my poor brother's wishes to
+the letter. A good education will fit you to maintain yourself, and
+attain a creditable station in life, which is very important, since
+you will have to carve your own future."
+
+There was no objection to make to all this. Still, it did grate upon
+Hector's feelings, to be so often reminded of his penniless
+position, when till recently he had regarded himself, and had been
+regarded by others, as a boy of large property.
+
+Smithville was accessible by railroad, being on the same line as the
+town of Plympton in which Roscoe Castle was situated. There was a
+train starting at seven o'dock, which reached Smithville at
+half-past, eight. This was felt to be the proper train to take, as
+it would enable Hector to reach school before the morning session
+began. Allan Roscoe, who was not an early riser, made an effort to
+rise in time, and succeeded. In truth, he was anxious to get Hector
+out of the house. It might be that the boy's presence was a tacit
+reproach, it might be that he had contracted a dislike for him. At
+any rate, when Hector descended to the breakfast room, he found Mr.
+Roscoe already there.
+
+"You are in time, Hector," said Mr. Roscoe. "I don't know how early
+they will get up at school, but I hope it won't be earlier than
+this."
+
+"I have no objection to early rising," said Hector.
+
+"I have," said Allan Roscoe, gaping.
+
+"I am sorry to have inconvenienced you,"
+said Hector, politely. "I could have gone to school alone."
+
+"No doubt; but I wished an interview with Mr. Socrates Smith myself.
+I look upon myself in the light of your guardian, though you are not
+my nephew, as was originally supposed."
+
+"I'd give a good deal to know whether this is true," thought Hector,
+fixing his eyes attentively upon his uncle's face.
+
+I have written "uncle" inadvertently, that being the character in
+which Mr. Roscoe appeared to the world.
+
+"By the way, Hector," said Allan Roscoe, "there is one matter which
+we have not yet settled."
+
+"What is that, sir?"
+
+"About your name."
+
+"My name is Hector Roscoe."
+
+"I beg your pardon. Assuming by brother's communication to be true,
+and I think you will not question his word, you have no claim to the
+name."
+
+"To what name have I a claim, then?" asked Hector, pointedly.
+
+"To the name of your father--the last name, I mean. I have no
+objection to your retaining the name of Hector."
+
+"What was the name of my, father?" asked the boy.
+
+"Ahem! My brother did not mention that in his letter. Quite an
+omission, I must observe."
+
+"Then it is clear that he meant to have me retain his own name,"
+said Hector, decisively.
+
+"That does not follow."
+
+"As I know no other name to which I have a claim, I shall certainly
+keep the name of the kindest friend I ever had, whether he was my
+father or not," said Hector, firmly.
+
+Allan Roscoe looked annoyed.
+
+"Really," he said, "I think this ill-judged, very ill-judged. It
+will lead to misapprehension. It will deceive people into the belief
+that you are a real Roscoe."
+
+"I don't know but I am," answered Hector, with a calm look of
+defiance, which aggravated Allan Roscoe.
+
+"Have I not told you you are not?" he said, frowning.
+
+"You have; but you have not proved it," said Hector.
+
+"I am surprised that you should cling to a foolish delusion. You are
+only preparing trouble for yourself. If my word is not sufficient--"
+
+"You are an interested party. This story, if true, gives you my
+property."
+
+"At any rate, you may take your father's--I mean my brother's--word
+for it."
+
+"If he had told me so, I would believe it," said Hector.
+
+"You have it in black and white, in the paper I showed you. What
+more do you want?"
+
+"I want to be sure that that document is genuine. However, I won't
+argue the question now. I have only been giving you my reasons for
+keeping the name I have always regarded as mine."
+
+Allan Roscoe thought it best to drop the subject; but the boy's
+persistency disturbed him.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+SMITH INSTITUTE.
+
+
+
+
+
+Socrates Smith, A. M., was not always known by the philosophic name
+by which he challenged the world's respect as a man of learning and
+distinguished attainments. When a boy in his teens, and an academy
+student, he was known simply as Shadrach Smith. His boy companions
+used to address him familiarly as Shad. It was clear that no
+pedagogue could retain the respect of his pupils who might readily
+be metamorphosed into Old Shad. By the advice of a brother preacher,
+he dropped the plebeian name, and bloomed forth as Socrates Smith,
+A. M.
+
+I may say, in confidence, that no one knew from what college Mr.
+Smith obtained the degree of Master of Arts. He always evaded the
+question himself, saying that it was given him by a Western
+university causa honoris.
+
+It might be, or it might not. At any rate, he was allowed to wear
+the title, since no one thought it worth while to make the necessary
+examination into its genuineness. Nor, again, had anyone been able
+to discover at what college the distinguished Socrates had studied.
+In truth, he had never even entered college, but he had offered
+himself as a candidate for admission to a college in Ohio, and been
+rejected. This did not, however, prevent his getting up a school,
+and advertising to instruct others in the branches of learning of
+which his own knowledge was so incomplete.
+
+He was able to hide his own deficiencies, having generally in his
+employ some college graduate, whose poverty compelled him to accept
+the scanty wages which Socrates doled out to him. These young men
+were generally poor scholars in more than one sense of the word, as
+Mr. Smith did not care to pay the high salary demanded by a
+first-class scholar. Mr. Smith was shrewd enough not to attempt to
+instruct the classes in advanced classics or mathematics, as he did
+not care to have his deficiencies understood by his pupils.
+
+It pleased him best to sit in state and rule the school,
+administering reproofs and castigations where he thought fit, and,
+best of all, to manage the finances. Though his price was less than
+that of many other schools, his profits were liberal, as he kept
+down expenses. His table was exceedingly frugal, as his boarding
+pupils could have testified, and the salaries he paid to under
+teachers were pitifully small.
+
+So it was that, year by year, Socrates Smith, A. M., found himself
+growing richer, while his teachers grew more shabby, and his pupils
+rarely became fat.
+
+Allan Roscoe took a carriage from the depot to the school.
+
+Arrived at the gate, he descended, and Hector followed him.
+
+The school building was a long, rambling, irregular structure, of no
+known order of architecture, bearing some resemblance to a factory.
+The ornament of architecture Mr. Smith did not regard. He was
+strictly of a utilitarian cast of mind. So long as the institute, as
+he often called it, afforded room for the school and scholars he did
+not understand what more was wanted.
+
+"Is Mr. Smith at leisure?" Mr. Roscoe asked of a bare-arm servant
+girl who answered the bell.
+
+"I guess he's in his office," was the reply.
+
+"Take him this card," said Mr. Roscoe. The girl inspected the card
+with some curiosity, and carried it to the eminent principal. When
+Socrates Smith read upon the card the name
+
+ALLAN ROSCOE,
+
+and, penciled in the corner, "with a pupil," he said, briskly:
+
+"Bring the gentleman in at once, Bridget."
+
+As Mr. Roscoe entered, Mr. Smith beamed upon him genially. It was
+thus he always received those who brought to him new scholars. As he
+always asked half a term's tuition and board in advance, every such
+visitor represented to him so much ready cash, and for ready cash
+Socrates had a weakness.
+
+"I am glad to see you, Mr. Roscoe," said the learned principal,
+advancing to meet his visitor. "And this is the young lad. Dear me!
+he is very well grown, and looks like he was fond of his books."
+
+This was not exactly the way in which a learned scholar might be
+expected to talk; but Mr. Smith's speech was not always elegant, or
+even grammatically correct.
+
+"I believe he is reasonably fond of study," said Mr. Roscoe.
+"Hector, this is your future instructor, Prof. Socrates Smith."
+
+At the name of professor, which he much affected, Socrates Smith
+looked positively benignant.
+
+"My young friend," he said, "we will try to make you happy. Smith
+Institute is a regular beehive, full of busy workers, who are
+preparing themselves for the duties and responsibilities of life. I
+aim to be a father to my pupils, and Mrs. Smith is a mother to them.
+I am truly glad to receive you into my happy family."
+
+Hector scanned attentively the face of his new teacher. He was not
+altogether prepossessed in his favor. That the reader may judge
+whether he had reason to be, let me describe Mr. Smith.
+
+He was a trifle over six feet in height, with yellowish, sandy hair,
+high cheek bones, a rough and mottled skin, a high but narrow
+forehead, a pair of eyes somewhat like those of a ferret, long,
+ungainly limbs, and a shambling walk. A coat of rusty black, with
+very long tails, magnified his apparent height, and nothing that he
+wore seemed made for him.
+
+Perhaps, as the first Socrates was said to have been the homeliest
+of all the Athenians, it was fitting that the man who assumed his
+name should also have the slightest possible claim to beauty.
+
+"He may be a learned man," thought Hector, "but he is certainly
+plain enough. It is well that he has something to compensate for his
+looks."
+
+"I hope you are glad to come here, my boy," said Socrates, affably.
+"I sincerely trust that you will be contented at the institute."
+
+"I hope so, too," said Hector, but he evidently spoke doubtfully.
+
+"I should like a little conversation with you, Professor Smith,"
+said Allan Roscoe. "I don't know that it is necessary to keep Hector
+here during our interview."
+
+Socrates took the hint.
+
+He rang a hand bell, and a lank boy, of fifteen, appeared.
+
+"Wilkius," said Mr. Smith, "this is a new scholar, Hector Roscoe.
+Take him to the playground, and introduce him to Mr. Crabb."
+
+"All right, sir. Come along."
+
+This last was addressed to Hector, who went out with the new boy.
+
+"I thought it best to speak with you briefly about Hector, Professor
+Smith," commenced Allan Roscoe.
+
+"Very appropriate and gratifying, Mr. Roscoe. I can assure you he
+will be happy here."
+
+"I dare say," returned Mr. Roscoe, carelessly. "I wish to guard you
+against misinterpreting my wishes. I don't want the boy pampered, or
+too much indulged."
+
+"We never pamper our boarding pupils," said Socrates, and it is
+quite certain that he spoke the truth.
+
+"It spoils boys to be too well treated."
+
+"So it does," said Socrates, eagerly. "Plain, wholesome diet,
+without luxury, and a kind, but strict discipline--such are the
+features of Smith Institute."
+
+"Quite right and judicious, professor. I may remark that the boy,
+though reared in luxury by my brother, is really penniless."
+
+"You don't say so?"
+
+"Yes, he is solely dependent upon my generosity. I propose, however,
+to give him a good education at my own expense, and prepare him to
+earn his living in some useful way."
+
+"Kind philanthropist!" exclaimed Socrates. "He ought, indeed, to be
+grateful."
+
+"I doubt if he will," said Mr. Roscoe, shrugging his shoulders. "He
+has a proud spirit, and a high idea of his own position, though he
+is of unknown parentage, and has nothing of his own."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"I merely wish to say that you do not need to treat him as if he
+were my nephew. It is best to be strict with him, and make him
+conform to the rules."
+
+"I will, indeed, Mr. Roscoe. Would that all guardians of youth were
+as judicious! Your wishes shall be regarded."
+
+After a little more conversation, Allan Roscoe took his leave.
+
+So, under auspices not the most pleasant, Hector's school life
+began.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE TYRANT OF THE PLAYGROUND.
+
+
+
+
+
+Under the guidance of the lank boy, named Wilkins, Hector left Mr.
+Smith's office, and walked to a barren-looking plot of ground behind
+the house, which served as a playground for the pupils of Smith
+Institute.
+
+Wilkins scanned the new arrival closely.
+
+"I say, Roscoe," he commenced, "what made you come here?"
+
+"Why do boys generally come to school?" returned Hector.
+
+"Because they have to, I suppose," answered Wilkins.
+
+"I thought they came to study."
+
+"Oh, you're one of that sort, are you?" asked Wilkins, curiously.
+
+"I hope to learn something here."
+
+"You'll get over that soon," answered Wilkins, in the tone of one
+who could boast of a large experience.
+
+"I hope not. I shall want to leave school if I find I can't learn
+here."
+
+"Who is it that brought you here--your father?"
+
+"No, indeed!" answered Hector, quickly, for he had no desire to be
+considered the son of Allan Roscoe.
+
+"Uncle, then?"
+
+"He is my guardian," answered Hector, briefly.
+
+They were by this time in the playground. Some dozen boys were
+playing baseball. They were of different ages and sizes, ranging
+from ten to nineteen. The oldest and largest bore such a strong
+personal resemblance to Socrates Smith, that Hector asked if he were
+his son.
+
+"No," answered Wilkins; "he is old Sock's nephew."
+
+"Who is old Sock?"
+
+"Smith, of course. His name is Socrates, you know. Don't let him
+catch you calling him that, though."
+
+"What sort of a fellow is this nephew?" asked Hector.
+
+"He's a bully. He bosses the boys. It's best to keep on the right
+side of Jim."
+
+"Oh, is it?" inquired Hector, smiling slightly.
+
+"Well, I should say so."
+
+"Suppose you don't?"
+
+"He'll give you a thrashing."
+
+"Does his uncle allow that?"
+
+"Yes; I think he rather likes it."
+
+"Don't the boys resist?"
+
+"It won't do any good. You see, Jim's bigger than any of us."
+
+Hector took a good look at this redoubtable Jim Smith.
+
+He was rather loosely made, painfully homely, and about five feet
+nine inches in height. Nothing more need be said, as, in appearance,
+he closely resembled his uncle.
+
+Jim Smith soon gave Hector an opportunity of verifying the
+description given of him by Wilkins.
+
+The boy at the bat had struck a ball to the extreme boundary of the
+field. The fielder at that point didn't go so fast as Jim, who was
+pitcher, thought satisfactory, and he called out in a rough, brutal
+tone:
+
+"If you don't go quicker, Archer, I'll kick you all round the
+field."
+
+Hector looked at Wilkins inquiringly.
+
+"Does he mean that?" he asked.
+
+"Yes, he does."
+
+"Does he ever make such a brute of himself?"
+
+"Often."
+
+"And the boys allow it?"
+
+"They can't help it."
+
+"So, it seems, you have a tyrant of the school?"
+
+"That's just it."
+
+"Isn't there any boy among you to teach the fellow better manners?
+You must be cowards to submit."
+
+"Oh, you'll find out soon that you must submit, too," said Wilkins.
+
+Hector smiled.
+
+"You don't know me yet," he said.
+
+"What could you do against Jim? He's three or four inches taller
+than you. How old are you?"
+
+"I shall be sixteen next month."
+
+"And he is nineteen."
+
+"That may be; but he'd better not try to order me round."
+
+"You'll sing a different tune in a day or two," said Wilkins.
+
+By this time Jim Smith had observed the new arrival.
+
+"What's that you've got with you, Wilkins?" he demanded, pausing in
+his play.
+
+"The new boy."
+
+"Who's he?"
+
+"His name is Roscoe."
+
+"Ho! Hasn't he got any other name?" asked Jim, meaningly.
+
+Wilkins had forgotten the new arrival's first name, and said so.
+
+"What's your name, Roscoe?" asked Jim, in the tone of a superior.
+
+Hector resented this tone, and, though he had no objection, under
+ordinary circumstances, to answering the question, he did not choose
+to gratify his present questioner.
+
+"I don't happen to have a card with me," he answered, coldly.
+
+"Oh, that's your answer, is it?" retorted Jim, scenting
+insubordination with undisguised pleasure, for he always liked the
+task of subduing a new boy.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"I guess you don't know who I am," said Jim, blustering.
+
+"Oh, yes, I do."
+
+"Well, who am I, then?"
+
+"The bully of the school, I should suppose, from your style of
+behavior."
+
+"Do you hear that, boys?" demanded Jim, in a theatrical tone,
+turning to the other boys.
+
+There was a little murmur in response, but whether of approval or
+reprobation, it was not easy to judge.
+
+"That boy calls me a bully! He actually has the audacity to insult
+me! What do you say to that?"
+
+The boys looked uneasy. Possibly, in their secret hearts, they
+admired the audacity that Jim complained of; but, seeing the
+difference between the two boys in size and apparent strength, it
+did not seem to them prudent to espouse the side of Hector.
+
+"Don't you think I ought to teach him a lesson?"
+
+"Yes!" cried several of the smaller boys, who stood in awe of the
+bully.
+
+Hector smiled slightly, but did not seem in the least intimidated.
+
+"Jim," said Wilkins, "the boy's guardian is inside with your uncle."
+
+This was meant as a warning, and received as such. A boy's guardian
+is presumed to be his friend, and it would not be exactly prudent,
+while the guardian was closeted with the principal, to make an
+assault upon the pupil.
+
+"Very well," said Jim; "we'll postpone Roscoe's case. This afternoon
+will do as well. Come, boys, let us go on with the game."
+
+"What made you speak to Jim in that way?" expostulated Wilkins. "I'm
+afraid you've got into hot water."
+
+"Didn't I tell the truth about him?"
+
+"Yes," answered Wilkins, cautiously; "but you've made an enemy of
+him."
+
+"I was sure to do that, sooner or later," said Hector,
+unconcernedly. "It might as well be now as any time."
+
+"Do you know what he'll do this afternoon?"
+
+"What will he do?"
+
+"He'll give you a thrashing."
+
+"Without asking my permission?" asked Hector, smiling.
+
+"You're a queer boy! Of course, he won't trouble himself about that.
+You don't seem to mind it," he continued, eying Hector curiously.
+
+"Oh, no."
+
+"Perhaps you think Jim can't hurt. I know better than that."
+
+"Did he ever thrash you, then?"
+
+"Half a dozen times."
+
+"Why didn't you tell his uncle?"
+
+"It would be no use. Jim would tell his story, and old Sock would
+believe him. But here's Mr. Crabb, the usher, the man I was to
+introduce you to."
+
+Hector looked up, and saw advancing a young man, dressed in rusty
+black, with a meek and long-suffering expression, as one who was
+used to being browbeaten. He was very shortsighted, and wore
+eyeglasses.
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+IN THE SCHOOLROOM.
+
+
+
+
+
+"Mr. Crabb," said Wilkins, "this is the new scholar, Roscoe. Mr.
+Smith asked me to bring him to you."
+
+"Ah, indeed!" said Crabb, adjusting his glasses, which seemed to sit
+uneasily on his nose. "I hope you are well, Roscoe?"
+
+"Thank you, sir; my health is good."
+
+"The schoolbell will ring directly. Perhaps you had better come into
+the schoolroom and select a desk."
+
+"Very well, sir."
+
+"Are you a classical scholar, Roscoe?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And how far may you have gone now?" queried Crabb.
+
+"I was reading the fifth book of Virgil when I left off study."
+
+"Really, you are quite a scholar. I suppose you don't know any
+Greek?"
+
+"I was in the second book of the Anabasis."
+
+"You will go into the first class, then. I hope you will become one
+of the ornaments of the institute."
+
+"Thank you. Is the first class under Mr. Smith?"
+
+"No; I teach the first class," said Crabb, with a modest cough.
+
+"I thought the principal usually took the first class himself?"
+
+"Mr. Smith comes into the room occasionally and supervises, but he
+has too much business on hand to teach regularly himself."
+
+"Is Mr. Smith a good scholar?" asked Hector.
+
+"Ahem!" answered Mr. Crabb, evidently embarrassed; "I presume so.
+You should not ask Ahem! irrelevant questions."
+
+In fact, Mr. Crabb had serious doubts as to the fact assumed. He
+knew that whenever a pupil went to the principal to ask a question
+in Latin or Greek, he was always referred to Crabb himself, or some
+other teacher. This, to be sure, proved nothing, but in an unguarded
+moment, Mr. Smith had ventured to answer a question himself, and his
+answer was ludicrously incorrect.
+
+The schoolroom was a moderate-sized, dreary-looking room, with
+another smaller room opening out of it, which was used as a separate
+recitation room.
+
+"Here is a vacant desk," said Mr. Crabb, pointing out one centrally
+situated.
+
+"I think that will do. Who sits at the next desk?"
+
+"Mr. Smith's nephew."
+
+"Oh, that big bully I saw on the playground?"
+
+"Hush!" said Crabb, apprehensively. "Mr. Smith would not like to
+have you speak so of his nephew."
+
+"So, Mr. Crabb is afraid of the cad," soliloquized Hector. "I
+suppose I may think what I please about him," he added, smiling
+pleasantly.
+
+"Ye-es, of course; but, Master Roscoe, let me advise you to be
+prudent."
+
+"Is he in your class?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is he much of a scholar?"
+
+"I don't think he cares much for Latin and Greek," answered Mr.
+Crabb. "But I must ring the bell. I see that it wants but five
+minutes of nine."
+
+"About my desk?"
+
+"Here is another vacant desk, but it is not as well located."
+
+"Never mind. I will take it. I shall probably have a better
+neighbor."
+
+The bell was rung. Another teacher appeared, an elderly man, who
+looked as if all his vitality had been expended on his thirty years
+of teaching. He, too, was shabbily dressed--his coat being shiny and
+napless, and his vest lacking two out of the five original buttons.
+
+"I guess Smith doesn't pay very high salaries," thought Hector.
+"Poor fellows. His teachers look decidedly seedy."
+
+The boys began to pour in, not only those on the playground, but as
+many more who lived in the village, and were merely day scholars.
+Jim Smith stalked in with an independent manner and dropped into his
+seat carelessly. He looked around him patronizingly. He felt that he
+was master of the situation. Both ushers and all the pupils stood in
+fear of him, as he well knew. Only to his uncle did he look up as
+his superior, and he took care to be on good terms with him, as it
+was essential to the maintenance of his personal authority.
+
+Last of all, Mr. Smith, the learned principal, walked into the
+schoolroom with the air of a commanding general, followed by Allan
+Roscoe, who he had invited to see the school in operation.
+
+Socrates Smith stood upright behind his desk, and waved his hand
+majestically.
+
+"My young friends," he said; "this is a marked day. We have with us
+a new boy, who is henceforth to be one of us, to be a member of our
+happy family, to share in the estimable advantages which you all
+enjoy. Need I say that I refer to Master Roscoe, the ward of our
+distinguished friend, Mr. Allan Roscoe, who sits beside me, and with
+interest, I am sure, surveys our institute?"
+
+As he spoke he turned towards Mr. Roscoe, who nodded an
+acknowledgment.
+
+"I may say to Mr. Roscoe that I am proud of my pupils, and the
+progress they have made under my charge. (The principal quietly
+ignored the two ushers who did all the teaching.) When these boys
+have reached a high position in the world, it will be my proudest
+boast that they were prepared for the duties of life at Smith
+Institute. Compared with this proud satisfaction, the few paltry
+dollars I exact as my honorarium are nothing--absolutely nothing."
+
+Socrates looked virtuous and disinterested as he gave utterance to
+this sentiment.
+
+"And now, boys, you will commence your daily exercises, under the
+direction of my learned associates, Mr. Crabb and Mr. Jones."
+
+Mr. Crabb looked feebly complacent at this compliment, though he
+knew it was only because a visitor was present. In private, Socrates
+was rather apt to speak slightingly of his attainments.
+
+"While I am absent with my distinguished friend, Mr. Roscoe, I
+expect you to pursue your studies diligently, and preserve the most
+perfect order."
+
+With these words, the stately figure of Socrates passed through the
+door, followed by Mr. Roscoe.
+
+"A pleasant sight, Mr. Roscoe," said the principal; "this company of
+ambitious, aspiring students, all pressing forward eagerly in
+pursuit of learning?"
+
+"Quite true, sir," answered Allan Roscoe.
+
+"I wish you could stay with us for a whole day, to inspect at your
+leisure the workings of our educational system."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Smith," answered Mr. Roscoe, with an inward shudder;
+"but I have important engagements that call me away immediately."
+
+"Then we must reluctantly take leave of you. I hope you will feel
+easy about your nephew--"
+
+"My ward," corrected Allan Roscoe.
+
+"I beg your pardon--I should have remembered--your ward."
+
+"I leave him, with confidence, in your hands, my dear sir."
+
+So Allan Roscoe took his leave.
+
+Let us look in upon the aspiring and ambitious scholars, after Mr.
+Smith left them in charge of the ushers.
+
+Jim Smith signalized his devotion to study by producing an apple
+core, and throwing it with such skillful aim that it struck Mr.
+Crabb in the back of the head.
+
+The usher turned quickly, his face flushed with wild indignation.
+
+"Who threw that missile?" he asked, in a vexed tone.
+
+Of course no one answered.
+
+"I hope no personal disrespect was intended," continued the usher.
+
+Again no answer.
+
+"Does anyone know who threw it?" asked Mr. Crabb.
+
+"I think it was the new scholar," said Jim Smith, with a malicious
+look at Hector.
+
+"Master Roscoe," said Mr. Crabb, with a pained look, "I hope you
+have not started so discreditably in your school life."
+
+"No, sir," answered Hector; "I hope I am not so ungentlemanly. I
+don't like to be an informer, but I saw Smith himself throw it at
+you. As he has chosen to lay it to me, I have no hesitation in
+exposing him."
+
+Jim Smith's face flushed with anger.
+
+"I'll get even with you, you young muff!" he said.
+
+"Whenever you please!" said Hector, disdainfully.
+
+"Really, young gentlemen, these proceedings are very irregular!"
+said Mr. Crabb, feebly.
+
+With Jim Smith he did not remonstrate at all, though he had no doubt
+that Hector's charge was rightly made.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+THE CLASS IN VIRGIL.
+
+
+
+
+
+Presently the class in Virgil was called up. To this class Hector
+had been assigned, though it had only advanced about half through
+the third book of the AEneid, while Hector was in the fifth.
+
+"As there is no other class in Virgil, Roscoe, you had better join
+the one we have. It will do you no harm to review."
+
+"Very well, sir," said Hector.
+
+The class consisted of five boys, including Hector. Besides Jim
+Smith, Wilkins, Bates and Johnson belonged to it. As twenty-five
+lines had been assigned for a lesson, Hector had no difficulty in
+preparing himself, and that in a brief time. The other boys were
+understood to have studied the lesson out of school.
+
+Bates read first, and did very fairly. Next came Jim Smith, who did
+not seem quite so much at home in Latin poetry as on the playground.
+He pronounced the Latin words in flagrant violation of all the rules
+of quantity, and when he came to give the English meaning, his
+translation was a ludicrous farrago of nonsense. Yet, poor Mr. Crabb
+did not dare, apparently, to characterize it as it deserved.
+
+"I don't think you have quite caught the author's meaning, Mr.
+Smith," he said. By the way, Jim was the only pupil to whose name he
+prefixed the title "Mr."
+
+"I couldn't make anything else out of it," muttered Jim.
+
+"Perhaps some other member of the class may have been more
+successful! Johnson, how do you read it?"
+
+"I don't understand it very well, sir."
+
+"Wilkins, were you more successful?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"Roscoe, can you translate the passage?"
+
+"I think so, sir."
+
+"Proceed, then."
+
+Hector at once gave a clear and luminous rendering of the passage,
+and his version was not only correct, but was expressed in decent
+English. This is a point in which young classical scholars are apt
+to fail.
+
+Mr. Crabb was not in the habit of hearing such good translations,
+and he was surprised and gratified.
+
+"Very well! Very well, indeed, Roscoe," he said, approvingly. "Mr.
+Smith, you may go on."
+
+"He'd better go ahead and finish it," said Smith, sulkily. "He
+probably got it out of a pony."
+
+My young readers who are in college or classical schools, will
+understand that a "pony" is an English translation of a classical
+author.
+
+"He is mistaken!" said Hector, quietly. "I have never seen a
+translation of Virgil."
+
+Mr. Smith shrugged his shoulders, and drew down the corners of his
+mouth, intending thereby to express his incredulity.
+
+"I hope no boy will use a translation," said the usher; "it will
+make his work easier for the time being, but in the end it will
+embarrass him. Roscoe, as you have commenced, you may continue.
+Translate the remainder of the passage."
+
+Hector did so, exhibiting equal readiness.
+
+The other boys took their turns, and then words were given out to
+parse. Here Jim Smith showed himself quite at sea; though the usher,
+as it was evident, selected the easiest words for him, he made a
+mistake in every one. Apparently he was by no means certain which of
+the words were nouns, and which verbs, and as to the relations which
+they sustained to other words in the sentence he appeared to have
+very little conception.
+
+At length the recitation was over. It had demonstrated one thing,
+that in Latin scholarship Hector was far more accurate and
+proficient than any of his classmates, while Jim Smith stood far
+below all the rest.
+
+"What in the world can the teacher be thinking of, to keep such an
+ignoramus in the class?" thought Hector. "He doesn't know enough to
+join a class in the Latin Reader."
+
+The fact was, that Jim Smith was unwilling to give up his place as a
+member of the highest class in Latin, because he knew it would
+detract from his rank in the school. Mr. Crabb, to whom every
+recitation was a torture, had one day ventured to suggest that it
+would be better to drop into the Caesar class; but he never ventured
+to make the suggestion again, so unfavorably was it received by his
+backward pupil. He might, in the case of a different pupil, have
+referred the matter to the principal, but Socrates Smith was sure to
+decide according to the wishes of his nephew, and did not himself
+possess knowledge enough of the Latin tongue to detect his gross
+mistakes.
+
+After a time came recess. Hector wished to arrange the books in his
+desk, and did not go out.
+
+Mr. Crabb came up to his desk and said: "Roscoe, I must compliment
+you on your scholarship. You enter at the head. You are in advance
+of all the other members of the class."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Hector, gratified.
+
+"There is one member of the class who is not competent to remain in
+it."
+
+"Yes, sir; I observed that."
+
+"But he is unwilling to join a lower class. It is a trial to me to
+hear his daily failures, but, perhaps, he would do no better
+anywhere else. He would be as incompetent to interpret Caesar as
+Virgil, I am afraid."
+
+"So I should suppose, sir."
+
+"By the way, Roscoe," said the usher, hurriedly; "let me caution you
+against irritating Smith. He is the principal's nephew, and so we
+give him more scope."
+
+"He seems to me a bully," said Hector.
+
+"So he is."
+
+"I can't understand why the boys should give in to him as they do."
+
+"He is taller and stronger than the other boys. Besides, he is
+backed up by the principal. I hope you won't get into difficulty
+with him."
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Crabb. Your caution is kindly meant, but I am not
+afraid of this Jim--Smith. I am quite able to defend myself if
+attacked."
+
+"I hope so," said the usher; but he scanned Hector's physical
+proportions doubtfully, and it was very clear that he did not think
+him a match for the young tyrant of the school.
+
+Meanwhile, Jim Smith and his schoolfellows were amusing themselves
+in the playground.
+
+"Where's that new fellow?" asked Jim, looking back to see whether he
+had come out.
+
+"He didn't come out," said Bates.
+
+Jim nodded his head vigorously:
+
+"Just as I expected," he said. "He knows where he is well off."
+
+"Do you think he was afraid to come?" asked Bates.
+
+"To be sure he was. He knew what to expect."
+
+"Are you going to thrash him?" asked Johnson.
+
+"I should say I might."
+
+"He's a very good Latin scholar," remarked Wilkins.
+
+"He thinks he is!" sneered Jim.
+
+"So Mr. Crabb appears to think."
+
+"That for old Crabb!" said Jim, contemptuously, snapping his
+fingers. "He don't know much himself. I've caught him in plenty of
+mistakes."
+
+This was certainly very amusing, considering Smith's absolute
+ignorance of even the Latin rudiments, but the boys around him did
+not venture to contradict him.
+
+"But it don't make any difference whether he knows Latin or not,"
+proceeded Jim. "He has been impudent to me, and he shall suffer for
+it. I was hoping to get a chance at him this recess, but it'll
+keep."
+
+"You might spoil his appetite for dinner," said Bates, who was
+rather a toady to Jim.
+
+"That's just exactly what I expect to do; at any rate, for supper.
+I've got to have a reckoning with that young muff."
+
+The recess lasted fifteen minutes. At the end of that time the
+schoolbell rang, and the boys trooped back into the schoolroom.
+
+Hector sat at his desk looking tranquil and at ease. He alone seemed
+unaware of the fate that was destined for him.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+DINNER AT SMITH INSTITUTE.
+
+
+
+
+
+At twelve o'clock the morning session closed. Then came an
+intermission of an hour, during which the day scholars either ate
+lunch brought with them, or went to their homes in the village to
+partake of a warm repast.
+
+At ten minutes past twelve, a red-armed servant girl made her
+appearance at the back door looking out on the playground, and rang
+a huge dinner bell. The boys dropped their games, and made what
+haste they could to the dining room.
+
+"Now for a feast!" said Wilkins to Hector, significantly.
+
+"Does Mr. Smith furnish good board?" asked Hector, for he felt the
+hunger of a healthy boy who had taken an early breakfast.
+
+"Good grub?" said Wilkins, making a face. "Wait till you see. Old
+Sock isn't going to ruin himself providing his pupils with the
+delicacies of the season."
+
+"I'm sorry for that. I am confoundedly hungry."
+
+"Hungry!" exclaimed Wilkins. "I've been I hungry ever since I came
+here."
+
+"Is it as bad as that?" asked Hector, rather alarmed.
+
+"I should say so. I haven't had a square meal--what I call a square
+meal--for four weeks, and that's just the time since I left home."
+
+They had reached the door of the dining-room by this time.
+
+In the center stood a long table, but there didn't seem to be much
+on it except empty plates. At a side table stood Mrs. Smith, ladling
+out soup from a large tureen.
+
+"That's the first course," whispered Wilkins. "I hope you'll like
+it."
+
+The boys filed in and took seats. The servant girl already referred
+to began to bring plates of soup and set before the boys. It was a
+thin, unwholesome-looking mixture, with one or two small pieces of
+meat, about the size of a chestnut, in each plate, and fragments of
+potatoes and carrots. A small, triangular wedge of dry bread was
+furnished with each portion of soup.
+
+"We all begin to eat together. Don't be in a hurry," said Wilkins,
+in a low tone.
+
+When all the boys were served, Socrates Smith, who sat in an
+armchair at the head of the table, said:
+
+"Boys, we are now about to partake of the bounties of Providence,
+let me hope, with grateful hearts."
+
+He touched a hand bell, and the boys took up their soup spoons.
+
+Hector put a spoonful gingerly into his mouth, and then, stopping
+short, looked at Wilkins. His face was evidently struggling not to
+express disgust.
+
+"Is it always as bad?" he asked, in a whisper.
+
+"Yes," answered Wilkins, shrugging his shoulders.
+
+"But you eat it!"
+
+Wilkins had already swallowed his third spoonful.
+
+"I don't want to starve," answered Wilkins, significantly. "You'll
+get used to it in time."
+
+Hector tried to dispose of a second spoonful, but he had to give it
+up. At home he was accustomed to a luxurious table, and this meal
+seemed to be a mere mockery. Yet he felt hungry. So he took up the
+piece of bread at the side of his plate, and, though it was dry, he
+succeeded in eating it.
+
+By this time his left-hand neighbor, a boy named Colburn, had
+finished his soup. He looked longingly at Hector's almost untasted
+plate.
+
+"Ain't you going to eat your soup?" he asked, in a hoarse whisper
+
+"No."
+
+"Give it to me?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+In a trice, Colburn had appropriated Hector's plate and put his own
+empty one in its place. Just after this transfer had been made, Mr.
+Smith looked over to where Hector was sitting. He observed the empty
+plate, and said to himself: "That new boy has been gorging himself.
+He must have a terrible appetite. Well, that's one good thing, he
+ain't dainty. Some boys turn up their noses at plain, wholesome
+diet. I didn't know but he might."
+
+Presently the hand bell rang again, and the soup plates were
+removed. In their places were set dinner plates, containing a small
+section each of corned beef, with a consumptive-looking potato, very
+probably "soggy." At any rate, this was the case with Hector's. He
+succeeded in eating the meat, but not the potato.
+
+"Give me your potato?" asked his left-hand neighbor.
+
+"Yes."
+
+It was quickly appropriated. Hector looked with some curiosity at
+the boy who did so much justice to boarding-school fare. He was a
+thin, pale boy, who looked as if he had been growing rapidly, as,
+indeed, he had. This, perhaps, it was that stimulated his appetite.
+Afterward Hector asked him if he really liked his meals.
+
+"No," he said; "they're nasty."
+
+He was an English boy, which accounted for his use of the last word.
+
+"You eat them as if you liked them," remarked Hector.
+
+"I'm so hungry," apologized Colburn, mournfully. "I'm always hungry.
+I eat to fill up, not 'cause I like it. I could eat anything."
+
+"I believe he could," said Wilkins, who overheard this conversation.
+"Could you eat fried cat, now?" he asked.
+
+"Yes," answered Colburn, honestly. "There would be something hearty
+and filling about fried cat. I ain't half full now."
+
+It was just after dinner.
+
+Hector might have said the same thing at the end of his first
+dinner. There was, indeed, another course. It consisted of some
+pale, flabby apple pie, about half baked. The slices given were
+about half the size of those that are ordinarily supplied at private
+tables and restaurants. Hector managed to eat the apple, but the
+crust he was obliged to leave. He noticed, however, that his fellow
+pupils were not so fastidious.
+
+When the last fragment of pie had disappeared, Mr. Smith again rang
+the hand bell.
+
+"Boys," he said, "we have now satisfied our appetites."
+
+"I haven't," thought Hector.
+
+"We have once more experienced the bountiful goodness of Providence
+in supplying our material wants. As we sit down to our plain but
+wholesome diet, I wonder how many of us are sensible of our good
+fortune. I wonder how many of us think of the thousands of poor
+children, scattered about the world, who know not where to get their
+daily bread. You have been refreshed, and have reinforced your
+strength; you will soon be ready to resume your studies, and thus,
+also, take in a supply of mental food, for, as you are all aware, or
+ought to be aware, the mind needs to be fed as well as the body.
+There will first be a short season for games and out-of-door
+amusements. Mr. Crabb, will you accompany the boys to the playground
+and superintend their sports?"
+
+Mr. Crabb also had participated in the rich feast, and rose with the
+same unsatisfied but resigned look which characterized the rest. He
+led the way to the playground, and the boys trooped after him.
+
+"Really, Wilkins," said Hector, in a low tone, "this is getting
+serious. Isn't there any place outside where one can get something
+to eat?"
+
+"There's a baker's half a mile away, but you can't go till after
+afternoon session."
+
+"Show me the way there, then, and I'll buy something for both of
+us."
+
+"All right," said Wilkins, brightening up.
+
+"By the way, I didn't see Jim Smith at the table."
+
+"No; he eats with his uncle and aunt afterward. You noticed that old
+Sock didn't eat just now."
+
+"Yes, I wondered at it."
+
+"He has something a good deal better afterward. He wouldn't like our
+dinner any better than we did; but he is better off, for he needn't
+eat it."
+
+"So Jim fares better than the rest of us, does he?"
+
+"Yes, he's one of the family, you know."
+
+Just then pleasant fumes were wafted to the boys' nostrils, and they
+saw through the open window, with feelings that cannot well be
+described, a pair of roast chickens carried from the kitchen to the
+dining-room.
+
+"See what old Sock and Ma'am Sock are going to have for dinner?"
+said Wilkins, enviously.
+
+"I don't like to look at it. It is too tantalizing," said Hector.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+HECTOR RECEIVES A SUMMONS.
+
+
+
+
+
+It so happened that Hector was well provided with money. During the
+life of Mr. Roscoe, whom he regarded as his father, he had a liberal
+allowance--liberal beyond his needs--and out of it had put by
+somewhat over a hundred dollars. The greater part of this was
+deposited for safe-keeping in a savings bank, but he had twenty-five
+dollars in his possession.
+
+At the time he was saving his money, he regarded himself as the heir
+and future possessor of the estate, and had no expectation of ever
+needing it. It had been in his mind that it would give him an
+opportunity of helping, out of his private funds, any deserving poor
+person who might apply to him. When the unexpected revelation had
+been made to him that he had no claim to the estate, he was glad
+that he was not quite penniless. He did not care to apply for money
+to Allan Roscoe. It would have been a confession of dependence, and
+very humiliating to him.
+
+No sooner was school out, than he asked Wilkins to accompany him to
+the baker's, that he might make up for the deficiencies of Mr.
+Smith's meager table.
+
+"I suppose, if I guide you, you'll stand treat, Roscoe?" said
+Wilkins.
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Then let us go," said his schoolfellow, with alacrity. "I'd like to
+get the taste of that beastly dinner out of my mouth."
+
+They found the baker's, but close beside it was a restaurant, where
+more substantial fare could be obtained.
+
+"Wilkins," said Hector, "I think I would rather have a plate of
+meat."
+
+"All right! I'm with you."
+
+So the two boys went into the restaurant, and ordered plates of
+roast beef, which they ate with evident enjoyment.
+
+"I guess," said the waiter, grinning, "you two chaps come from the
+institute."
+
+"Yes," answered Hector. "What makes you think so?"
+
+"The way you eat. They do say old Smith half starves the boys."
+
+"You're not far from right," said Wilkins; "but it isn't alone the
+quantity, but the quality that's amiss."
+
+They ate their dinner, leaving not a crumb, and then rose refreshed.
+
+"I feel splendid," said Wilkins. "I just wish I boarded at the
+restaurant instead of the doctor's. Thank you, Roscoe, for inviting
+me."
+
+"All right, Wilkins! We'll come again some day."
+
+Somehow the extra dinner seemed to warm the heart of Wilkins, and
+inspire in him a feeling of friendly interest for Hector.
+
+"I say, Hector, I'll tell you something."
+
+"Go ahead."
+
+"You've got to keep your eyes open."
+
+"I generally do," answered Hector, smiling, "except at night."
+
+"I mean when Jim Smith's round."
+
+"Why particularly when he is around?"
+
+"Because he means to thrash you."
+
+"What for?"
+
+"You are too independent. You don't bow down to him, and look up to
+him."
+
+"I don't mean to," said Hector, promptly.
+
+"If you don't you'll see trouble, and that very soon."
+
+"Let it come!" said Hector, rather contemptuously.
+
+"You don't seem afraid!" said Wilkins, regarding him curiously.
+
+"Because I am not afraid. Isn't that a good reason?"
+
+"You don't think you can stand up against Jim, do you?"
+
+"I will see when the time comes."
+
+"I shouldn't be a bit surprised if he were looking out for you at
+this very moment, and wondering where you are."
+
+It seemed that Wilkins was right. As they approached the school
+grounds, John Bates came running to meet them.
+
+"Where have you been, you two?" he said.
+
+"To the village," answered Wilkins.
+
+"What for?"
+
+"For a walk," answered Wilkins, with a warning glance at Hector. It
+would have been awkward if the principal had heard that they had
+been compelled to eke out their meager dinner at a restaurant.
+
+"Well, Jim wants you. Leastways, he wants Roscoe."
+
+Bates looked as if he expected Roscoe would immediately hasten to
+comply with the wishes of the redoubtable Jim.
+
+"If he wants me, he can come to me," said Hector, independently.
+
+"But I say, that won't do. Jim won't be satisfied."
+
+"Won't he? I don't know that that particularly concerns me."
+
+"Shall I tell him that?"
+
+"If you choose."
+
+Bates looked as if Hector had been guilty of some enormity. What,
+defy the wishes, the mandates, of Jim Smith, the king of the school
+and the tyrant of all the small boys! He felt that Hector Roscoe was
+rushing on his fate.
+
+"I advise you to come," he said, "Jim's mad with you already, and
+he'll lick you worse if you send him a message like that."
+
+"He will probably have to take blows, as well as give them," said
+Hector.
+
+"Then I am to tell him what you said?"
+
+"Of course."
+
+With a look that seemed to say, "Your fate be on your own head!"
+Bates walked away.
+
+"John Bates is always toadying to Jim," said Wilkins. "So he's prime
+favorite when Jim is good-natured--when he's cross, I've seen him
+kick Bates."
+
+"And Bates didn't resent it?"
+
+"He didn't dare to. He'd come round him the next day the same as
+ever."
+
+"Has the boy no self-respect?" asked Hector, in a tone of disgust.
+
+"He doesn't seem to have."
+
+As soon as school was out, Jim Smith had looked round for the new
+boy, who seemed disposed to defy his authority. On account of eating
+at different tables, they had not met during the noon intermission.
+At any rate, there had not been time to settle the question of
+subserviency. Through the afternoon session Jim had been
+anticipating the signal punishment which he intended to inflict upon
+the newcomer.
+
+"I'll show him!" he said to himself. "Tomorrow he'll be singing a
+different tune, or I am mistaken."
+
+This was the way Jim had been accustomed to break in refractory new
+arrivals. The logic of his fist usually proved a convincing
+argument, and thus far his supremacy had never been successfully
+resisted. He was confident that he would not be interfered with.
+Secretly, his Uncle Socrates sympathized with him, and relished the
+thought that his nephew, who so strongly resembled him in mind and
+person, should be the undisputed boss--to use a word common in
+political circles--of the school. He discreetly ignored the
+conflicts which he knew took place, and if any luckless boy, the
+victim of Jim's brutality, ventured to appeal to him, the boy soon
+found that he himself was arraigned, and not the one who had abused
+him.
+
+"Where's that new boy?" asked Jim, as he left the schoolroom.
+
+He had not seen our hero's departure--but his ready tool, Bates,
+had.
+
+"I saw him sneaking off with Wilkins," said Bates.
+
+"Where did they go?"
+
+"To the Village, I guess."
+
+"They seemed to be in a hurry," said Jim, with a sneer.
+
+"They wanted to get out of your way--that is, the new boy did,"
+suggested Bates.
+
+Jim nodded.
+
+"Likely he did," he answered. "So he went to the village, did he?"
+
+"Yes; I saw him."
+
+"Well, he's put it off a little. That boy's cranky. I'm goin' to
+give him a lesson he won't forget very soon."
+
+"So you will, so you will, Jim," chuckled Bates.
+
+"That's the way I generally take down these boys that put on airs,"
+said Jim, complacently. "This Roscoe's the worst case I've had yet.
+So Wilkins went off with him, did he?"
+
+"Yes; I saw them go off together."
+
+"I'll have to give Wilkins a little reminder, then. It won't be safe
+to take up with them that defy me. I'll just give him a kick to help
+his memory."
+
+"He won't like that much, oh, my!" chuckled Bates.
+
+"When you see them coming, Bates, go and tell Roscoe I want to see
+him," said Jim, with the air of an autocrat.
+
+"All right, Jim," said Bates, obediently.
+
+So he went on his errand, and we know what success he met with.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+THE IMPENDING CONFLICT.
+
+
+
+
+
+Jim Smith stood leaning indolently against a post, when his
+emissary, Bates, returned from his errand. He was experiencing "that
+stern joy" which bullies feel just before an encounter with a foeman
+inferior in strength, whom they expect easily to master. Several of
+the boys were near by--sycophantic followers of Jim, who were
+enjoying in advance the rumpus they expected. I am afraid schoolboys
+do not always sympathize with the weaker side. In the present
+instance, there was hardly a boy who had not at some time or other
+felt the weight of Jim's fist, and, as there is an old saying that
+"misery loves company," it was not, perhaps, a matter of wonder that
+they looked forward with interest to seeing another suffer the same
+ill-treatment which they had on former occasions received!
+
+Presently Bates came back.
+
+Jim looked over his head for the boy whom he expected to see in his
+company.
+
+"Where's the new boy?" he demanded, with a frown.
+
+"He won't come."
+
+"Won't come?" repeated Jim, with an ominous frown. "Did you tell him
+I wanted him?"
+
+"Yes, I did."
+
+"And what did he say?"
+
+"That if you wanted to see him, you could come to him."
+
+All the boys regarded each other with looks of surprise. Was it
+possible that any boy in Smith Institute could have the boldness to
+send such a message to Jim! Most of all, Jim was moved by such a
+bold defiance of his authority. For the moment, he could not think
+of any adequate terms in which to express his feelings.
+
+"Did the new boy say that?" he asked, hoarsely.
+
+"Yes, he did."
+
+Jim nodded his head vigorously two or three times.
+
+"You fellows," he said, appealing to the boys around him, "did you
+ever hear such impudence?"
+
+"No!" "Never!" exclaimed the boys in concert, Bates being the
+loudest and most emphatic.
+
+"I have never been so insulted since I was at the institute," said
+Jim, again looking about him for a confirmation of his statement.
+
+"It's because he's a new boy. He don't understand," suggested one.
+
+"That's no excuse," said Jim, sternly. "He needn't think I'll let
+him off on that account."
+
+"Of course not," answered Bates.
+
+"What would you advise me to do, boys?" asked Jim, with the air of a
+monarch asking the opinion of his counselors.
+
+"Thrash him till he can't stand!" said the subservient Bates. He was
+always ready to go farther than anyone else in supporting and
+defending the authority of the tyrant of the playground.
+
+"Bates, you are right. I shall follow your advice," said Jim. "Where
+is the young reprobate?"
+
+"He is over in Carver's field."
+
+"Is anyone with him?"
+
+"Yes, Wilkins."
+
+"Ha! Wilkins and I will have an account to settle. If he is going to
+side with this young rascal he must take the consequences. So, he's
+over in the field, is he? What's he doing?"
+
+"I think he was going to walk down to the brook."
+
+Carver's field was a tract, several acres in extent, of pasture
+land, sloping down to one corner, where a brook trickled along
+quietly. Here three large trees were located, under whose spreading
+branches the boys, in the intervals of study, used often to stretch
+themselves for a chat or engage in some schoolboy games, such as
+nimble peg or quoits. The owner of the field was an easy-going man,
+who did not appear to be troubled by the visits of the boys, as long
+as they did not maltreat the peaceful cows who gathered their
+subsistence from the scanty grass that grew there.
+
+"He wants to keep out of your way, I guess," volunteered Bates.
+
+As this suggestion was flattering to the pride of the "boss," it was
+graciously received.
+
+"Very likely," he said; "but he'll find that isn't so easy. Boys,
+follow me, if you want to see some fun."
+
+Jim started with his loose stride for the field, where he expected
+to meet his adversary, or, rather, victim, for so he considered him,
+and the smaller boys followed him with alacrity. There was going to
+be a scrimmage, and they all wanted to see it.
+
+Jim and his followers issued from the gate, and, crossing the
+street, scaled the bars that separated Carver's field from the
+highway. Already they could see the two boys--Roscoe and
+Wilkins-slowly walking, and nearly arrived at the brook in the lower
+part of the field.
+
+"He doesn't seem much afraid," remarked Talbot, one of the recent
+comers, incautiously.
+
+Upon him immediately Jim frowned ominously.
+
+"So you are taking sides with him, Talbot, are you?" he said,
+imperiously.
+
+"No, Jim," answered Talbot, hurriedly, for he now saw that he had
+been guilty of an imprudence.
+
+"What made you say he wasn't scared, then?"
+
+"I only said he didn't seem afraid," answered Talbot,
+apologetically.
+
+"Be careful what you say in future, young fellow!" said Jim,
+sternly; "that is, if you are a friend of mine. If you are going
+over to Roscoe, you can go, and I shall know how to treat you."
+
+"But I am not going over to him. I don't like him," said the
+cowardly boy.
+
+"Very well; I accept your apology this time. In future be careful
+what you say."
+
+By this time Wilkins and Roscoe had reached the clump of big trees,
+and had seated themselves under their ample branches. Then, for the
+first time, glancing backward toward the school, they became aware
+of the advancing troop of boys. Wilkins saw them first.
+
+"There's Jim coming!" he exclaimed. "Now you are in a pickle. He
+means business."
+
+"I suppose," said Hector, coolly, "he has decided to accept my
+invitation, and come to see me."
+
+"You'll find he has," said Wilkins, significantly.
+
+"He seems to have considerable company," remarked Hector, scanning
+the approaching party with tranquillity.
+
+"They're coming to see the fun!" said Wilkins.
+
+"I suppose you mean the fight between Jim Smith and myself."
+
+"Well, not exactly. They've come to see you thrashed."
+
+Hector smiled.
+
+"Suppose they should see Jim thrashed instead--what then?"
+
+"They might be surprised: but I don't think they will be," answered
+Wilkins, dryly. He was, on the whole, well disposed toward Hector,
+and he certainly disliked Jim heartily, but he did not allow his
+judgment to be swayed by his preferences, and he could foresee but
+one issue to the impending conflict. There was one thing that
+puzzled him exceedingly, and that was Hector's coolness on the brink
+of a severe thrashing, such as Jim was sure to give him for his
+daring defiance and disregard of his authority.
+
+"You're a queer boy, Hector," he said. "You don't seem in the least
+alarmed."
+
+"I am not in the least alarmed," answered Hector. "Why should I be?"
+
+"You don't mind being thrashed, then?"
+
+"I might mind; but I don't mean to be thrashed if I can help it."
+
+"But you can't help it, you know."
+
+"Well, that will soon be decided."
+
+There was no time for any further conversation, for Jim and his
+followers were close at hand.
+
+Jim opened the campaign by calling Hector to account.
+
+"Look here, you new boy," he said, "didn't Bates tell you that I
+wanted to see you?"
+
+"Yes," answered Hector, looking up, indifferently.
+
+"Well, why didn't you come to me at once, hey?"
+
+"Because I didn't choose to. I sent word if you wished to see me, to
+come where I was."
+
+"What do you mean by such impudence, hey?"
+
+"I mean this, Jim Smith, that you have no authority over me and
+never will have. I have not been here long, but I have been here
+long enough to find out that you are a cowardly bully and ruffian.
+How all these boys can give in to you, I can't understand."
+
+Jim Smith almost foamed at the mouth with rage.
+
+"You'll pay for this," he howled, pulling off his coat, in furious
+haste.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+WHO SHALL BE VICTOR?
+
+
+
+
+
+Hector was not slow to accept the challenge conveyed by his
+antagonist's action. He, too, sprang to his feet, flung off his
+coat, and stood facing the bully.
+
+Hector was three inches shorter, and more than as many years
+younger, than Jim. But his figure was well proportioned and strongly
+put together, as the boys could see. On the other hand; Jim Smith
+was loosely put together, and, though tall, he was not well
+proportioned. His arms were long and his movements were clumsy. His
+frame, however, was large, and he had considerable strength, but it
+had never been disciplined. He had never learned to box, and was
+ignorant of the first rudiments of the art of self-defense. But he
+was larger and stronger than any of his school-fellows, and he had
+thus far had no difficulty in overcoming opposition to his despotic
+rule.
+
+The boys regarded the two combatants with intense interest. They
+could see that Hector was not alarmed, and meant to defend himself.
+So there was likely to be a contest, although they could not but
+anticipate an easy victory for the hitherto champion of the school.
+
+Hector did not propose to make the attack. He walked forward to a
+favorable place and took his stand. The position he assumed would
+have assured the casual observer that he knew something of the art
+in which his larger antagonist was deficient.
+
+"So you are ready to fight, are you?" said Jim.
+
+"You can see for yourself."
+
+Jim rushed forward, intending to bear down all opposition. He was
+whirling his long arms awkwardly, and it was clear to see that he
+intended to seize Hector about the body and fling him to the earth.
+Had he managed to secure the grip he desired, opposition would have
+been vain, and he would have compassed his design. But Hector was
+far too wary to allow anything of this kind. He evaded Jim's grasp
+by jumping backward, then dashing forward while his opponent was
+somewhat unsteady from the failure of his attempt, he dealt him a
+powerful blow in the face.
+
+Jim Smith was unprepared for such prompt action. He reeled, and came
+near falling. It may safely be said, also, that his astonishment was
+as great as his indignation, and that was unbounded.
+
+"So that's your game, is it?" he exclaimed, furiously. "I'll pay you
+for this, see if I don't."
+
+Hector did not reply. He did not propose to carry on the battle by
+words. Already the matter had come to a sterner arbitrament, and he
+stood on the alert, all his senses under absolute control, watching
+his big antagonist, and, from the expression of his face, seeking to
+divine his next mode of attack. He had this advantage over Jim, that
+he was cool and collected, while Jim was angry and rendered
+imprudent by his anger. Notwithstanding his first repulse, he did
+not fully understand that the new boy was a much more formidable
+opponent than he anticipated. Nor did he appreciate the advantage
+which science gives over brute force. He, therefore, rushed forward
+again, with the same impetuosity as before, and was received in
+precisely the same way. This time the blood started from his nose
+and coursed over his inflamed countenance, while Hector was still
+absolutely unhurt.
+
+Meanwhile the boys looked on in decided amazement. It had been as
+far as possible from their thoughts that Hector could stand up
+successfully against the bully even for an instant. Yet here two
+attacks had been made, and the champion was decidedly worsted. They
+could not believe the testimony of their eyes.
+
+Carried away by the excitement of the moment, Wilkins, who, as we
+have said, was disposed to espouse the side of Hector, broke into a
+shout of encouragement.
+
+"Good boy, Roscoe!" he exclaimed. "You're doing well!"
+
+Two or three of the other boys, those who were least under the
+domination of Jim, and were only waiting for an opportunity of
+breaking away from their allegiance, echoed the words of Wilkins. If
+there was anything that could increase the anger and mortification
+of the tyrant it was these signs of failing allegiance. What! was he
+to lose his hold over these boys, and that because he was unable to
+cope with a boy much smaller and younger than himself? Perish the
+thought! It nerved him to desperation, and he prepared for a still
+more impetuous assault.
+
+Somewhere in his Greek reader, Hector had met with a saying
+attributed to Pindar, that "boldness is the beginning of victory."
+He felt that the time had now come for a decisive stroke. He did not
+content himself, therefore, with parrying, or simply repelling the
+blow of his antagonist, but he on his part assumed the offensive. He
+dealt his blows with bewildering rapidity, pressed upon Jim,
+skillfully evading the grasp of his long arms, and in a trice the
+champion measured his length upon the greensward.
+
+Of course, he did not remain there. He sprang to his feet, and
+renewed the attack. But he had lost his confidence. He was
+bewildered, and, to confess the truth, panic-stricken, and the
+second skirmish was briefer than the first.
+
+When, for the third time, he fell back, with his young opponent
+standing erect and vigorous, the enthusiasm of the boys overcame the
+limits of prudence. There was a shout of approval, and the fallen
+champion, to add to his discomfiture, was forced to listen to his
+own hitherto subservient followers shouting, "Hurrah for the new
+boy! Hurrah for Hector Roscoe!"
+
+This was too much for Jim.
+
+He rose from the ground sullenly, looked about him with indignation
+which he could not control, and, shaking his fist, not at one boy in
+particular, but at the whole company, exclaimed: "You'll be sorry
+for this, you fellows! You can leave me, and stand by the new boy if
+you want to, but you'll be sorry for it. I'll thrash you one by one,
+as I have often done before."
+
+"Try Roscoe first!" said one boy, jeeringly.
+
+"I'll try you first!" said Jim; and too angry to postpone his
+intention, he made a rush for the offender.
+
+The latter, who knew he was no match for the angry bully, turned and
+fled. Jim prepared to follow him, when he was brought to by Hector
+placing himself in his path.
+
+"Let that boy alone!" he said, sternly.
+
+"What business is it of yours?" demanded Jim, doggedly; but he did
+not offer to renew the attack, however.
+
+"It will be my business to put an end to your tyranny and bullying,"
+said Hector, undauntedly. "If you dare to touch one of these boys,
+you will have to meet me as well."
+
+Jim had had enough of encountering Hector. He did not care to make a
+humiliating spectacle of himself any more before his old flatterers.
+But his resources were not at an end.
+
+"You think yourself mighty smart!" he said, with what was intended
+to be withering sarcasm. "You haven't got through with me yet."
+
+He did not, however, offer to pursue the boy who had been the first
+to break away from his allegiance. He put on his coat, and turned to
+walk toward the school, saying, "You'll hear from me again, and that
+pretty soon!"
+
+None of his late followers offered to accompany him. He had come to
+the contest with a band of friends and supporters. He left it alone.
+Even Bates, his most devoted adherent, remained behind, and did not
+offer to accompany the discrowned and dethroned monarch.
+
+"What's Jim going to do?" asked Talbot.
+
+"He's going to tell old Sock, and get us all into trouble."
+
+"It'll be a cowardly thing to do!" said Wilkins. "He's been fairly
+beaten in battle, and he ought to submit to it."
+
+"He won't if he can help it."
+
+"I say, boys, three cheers for the new boy!" exclaimed Wilkins.
+
+They were given with a will, and the boys pressed forward to shake
+the hand of the boy whose prowess they admired.
+
+"Thank you, boys!" said Hector, "but I'd rather be congratulated on
+something else. I would rather be a good scholar than a good
+fighter."
+
+But the boys were evidently of a different opinion, and elevated
+Hector straightway to the rank of a hero.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+SOCRATES CALLS HECTOR TO ACCOUNT.
+
+
+
+
+
+Jim Smith, as he walked back to the institute, nursing his wrath,
+felt very much like a dethroned king. He was very anxious to be
+revenged upon Hector, but the lesson he had received made him
+cautious. He must get him into trouble by some means. Should he
+complain to his uncle? It would involve the necessity of admitting
+his defeat, unless he could gloss over the story in some way.
+
+This he decided to do.
+
+On reaching the school he sought his dormitory, and carefully wiped
+away the blood from his face. Then he combed his hair and arranged
+his dress, and sought his uncle.
+
+Mr. Smith was at his desk, looking over his accounts, and estimating
+the profits of the half year, when his nephew made his appearance.
+
+"Uncle Socrates, I'd like to speak to you."
+
+"Very well, James. Proceed."
+
+"I want to complain of the new boy who came this morning."
+
+Socrates Smith looked up in genuine surprise. As a general thing,
+his nephew brought few complaints, for he took the responsibility of
+punishing boys he did not like himself.
+
+"What! Roscoe?" inquired the principal.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Is he in any mischief?"
+
+"Mischief? I should say so! Why, he's a regular young Turk."
+
+"A young Turk? I don't think I understand you, James."
+
+"I mean, he's a young ruffian."
+
+"What has he been doing?" asked Socrates, in surprise.
+
+"He pitched into me a short time ago," said Jim, in some
+embarrassment.
+
+"Pitched into you! You don't mean to say that he attacked you?"
+
+"Yes, I do."
+
+"But he's a considerably smaller boy than you, James. I am surprised
+that he should have dared to attack you."
+
+"Yes, he is small, but he's a regular fighter."
+
+"I suppose you gave him a lesson?"
+
+"Ye-es, of course."
+
+"So that he won't be very likely to renew the attack."
+
+"Well, I don't know about that. He's tough and wiry, and understands
+boxing. I found it hard work to thrash him."
+
+"But you did thrash him?" said Socrates, puzzled.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then what do you want me to do?"
+
+"I thought you might punish him for being quarrelsome."
+
+"It may be a good idea. I remember now that his uncle warned me that
+he would need restraining."
+
+"Just so, uncle," said Jim, eagerly. "His uncle was right."
+
+"Well, I will give him a lecture. He will find that he cannot behave
+as he pleases at Smith Institute," said Socrates, pompously. "He
+will find that I do not tolerate any defiance of authority. I will
+speak of it after vespers."
+
+"Thank you, uncle."
+
+"He'll get a raking down!" thought Jim, with gratification. "I'll
+make it hot for him here, he may be sure of that."
+
+Half an hour after supper was read a brief evening service called
+vespers, and then the boys' study hours commenced. During this time
+they were expected to be preparing their lessons for the next day.
+
+The service was generally read by Socrates Smith, A. M., in person.
+It was one of the few official duties he performed, and he was
+generally very imposing in his manner on this occasion.
+
+When the service had been read on that particular evening, the
+principal did not immediately give the signal for study to be
+commenced. Instead, he cleared his throat, saying:
+
+"Boys, I have a few words to say to you. This morning a new boy made
+his appearance among us. His uncle, or perhaps I should say his
+guardian, attracted by the well-deserved fame of Smith Institute,
+came hither to enter him among my pupils. I received him cordially,
+and promised that he should share with you the rich, the inestimable
+educational advantages which our humble seminary affords. I hoped he
+would be an acquisition, that by his obedience and his fidelity to
+duty he would shed luster on our school."
+
+Here Socrates blew his nose sonorously, and resumed:
+
+"But what has happened? On the very first day of his residence here
+he brutally assaults one of our numbers, my nephew, and displays the
+savage instincts of a barbarian. His uncle did well to warn me that
+he would need salutary restraint."
+
+Hector, who had been amused by the solemn and impressive remarks of
+Socrates, looked up in surprise. Had Allan Roscoe really traduced
+him in this manner, after robbing him of his inheritance, as Hector
+felt convinced that he had done?
+
+"Hector Roscoe!" said Socrates, severely; "stand up, and let me hear
+what you have to say for yourself."
+
+Hector rose calmly, and faced the principal, by no means
+awe-stricken at the grave arraignment to which he had listened.
+
+"I say this, Mr. Smith," he answered, "that I did not attack your
+nephew till he had first attacked me. This he did without the
+slightest provocation, and I defended myself, as I had a right to
+do."
+
+"It's a lie!" muttered Jim, in a tone audible to his uncle.
+
+"My nephew's report is of a different character. I am disposed to
+believe him."
+
+"I regret to say, sir, that he has made a false statement. I will
+give you an account of what actually occurred. On my return from a
+walk he sent a boy summoning me to his presence. As he was not a
+teacher, and had no more authority over me than I over him, I
+declined to obey, but sent word that if he wished to see me he could
+come where I was. I then walked down to the brook in Carver's field.
+He followed me, as soon as he had received my message, and, charging
+me with impertinence, challenged me to a fight. Well, we had a
+fight; but he attacked me first."
+
+"I don't know whether this account is correct or not," said
+Socrates, a little nonplused by this new version of the affair.
+
+"I am ready to accept the decision of any one of the boys," said
+Hector.
+
+"Bates," said Socrates, who knew that this boy was an adherent of
+his nephew, "is this account of Roscoe's true?"
+
+Bates hesitated a moment. He was still afraid of Jim, but when he
+thought of Hector's prowess, he concluded that he had better tell
+the truth.
+
+"Yes, sir," he answered.
+
+Jim Smith darted an angry and menacing glance at his failing
+adherent.
+
+"Ahem!" said Socrates, looking puzzled: "it is not quite so bad as I
+supposed. I regret, however, that you have exhibited such a
+quarrelsome disposition."
+
+"I don't think I am quarrelsome, sir," said Hector.
+
+"Silence, sir! I have Mr. Allan Roscoe's word for it."
+
+"It appears to me," said Hector, undauntedly, "that your nephew is
+at least as quarrelsome as I am. He forced the fight upon me."
+
+"Probably you wrill not be in a hurry to attack him again," said
+Socrates, under the impression that Hector had got the worst of it.
+
+Some of the boys smiled, but Socrates did not see it.
+
+"As you have probably received a lesson, I will not punish you as I
+had anticipated. I will sentence you, however, to commit to memory
+the first fifty lines of Virgil's 'AEneid.' Mr. Crabb, will you see
+that Roscoe performs his penance?"
+
+"Yes, sir," said Crabb, faintly.
+
+"Is your nephew also to perform a penance?" asked Hector, undaunted.
+
+"Silence, sir! What right have you to question me on this subject?"
+
+"Because, sir, he is more to blame than I."
+
+"I don't know that. I am not at all sure that your story is
+correct."
+
+Mr. Crabb, meek as he was, was indignant at this flagrant
+partiality.
+
+"Mr. Smith," he said, "I happen to know that Roscoe's story is
+strictly correct, and that your nephew made an unprovoked attack
+upon him."
+
+Hector looked grateful, and Jim Smith furious.
+
+"Mr. Crabb," said Socrates, angrily, "I did not ask your opinion. So
+far as my nephew is concerned, I will deal with him privately. Boys,
+you may begin your studies."
+
+All the boys understood that Jim was to be let off, and they thought
+it a shame. But Mr. Crabb took care to make Hector's penance as
+light as possible.
+
+And thus passed the first day at Smith Institute.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+THE USHER CONFIDES IN HECTOR.
+
+
+
+
+
+Mr. Crabb acted rashly in siding with Hector, and speaking against
+Mr. Smith's nephew. Socrates showed his displeasure by a frigid
+demeanor, and by seeking occasions for snubbing his assistant. On
+the other hand, Hector felt grateful for his intercession, and an
+intimacy sprang up between them.
+
+A few days afterward, on a half holiday, Mr. Crabb said: "Roscoe, I
+am going out for a walk. Do you care to accompany me?"
+
+"I will do so with pleasure," said Hector, sincerely.
+
+"Mr. Crabb," he said, after they were fairly on their way, "I am
+sorry to see that Mr. Smith has not forgiven you for taking my part
+against Jim."
+
+"I would do it again, Roscoe," said the usher. "I could not sit
+silent while so great an injustice was being done."
+
+"Do you think Jim was punished?"
+
+"I am sure he was not. He is a boy after Mr. Smith's own heart, that
+is, he possesses the same mean and disagreeable qualities, perhaps
+in a greater degree. Has he interfered with you since?"
+
+"No," answered Hector, smiling; "he probably found that I object to
+being bullied."
+
+"You are fortunate in being strong enough to withstand his attacks."
+
+"Yes," said Hector, quietly; "I am not afraid of him."
+
+"Bullies are generally cowards," said the usher.
+
+"I wonder, Mr. Crabb, you are willing to stay at Smith Institute, as
+usher to such a man as Mr. Smith."
+
+"Ah, Roscoe!" said Mr. Crabb, sighing; "it is not of my own free
+will that I stay. Poverty is a hard task-master. I must teach for a
+living."
+
+"But surely you could get a better position?"
+
+"Perhaps so; but how could I live while I was seeking for it. My
+lad," he said, after a pause, "I have a great mind to confide in
+you; I want one friend to whom I can talk unreservedly."
+
+"Mr. Crabb," said Hector, earnestly, "I shall feel flattered by your
+confidence."
+
+"Thank you, Roscoe; or, rather, since we are going to be friends,
+let me distinguish you from the other boys and call you Hector."
+
+"I wish you would, sir."
+
+"I need not tell you that I am poor," continued Mr. Crabb; "you can
+read it in my shabby clothes. I sometimes see the boys looking at my
+poor suit, as if they wondered why I dressed so badly. Smith has
+more than once cast insulting looks at my rusty coat. It is not
+penuriousness, as some of the boys may think--it is poverty that
+prevents me from attiring myself more becomingly."
+
+"Mr. Crabb, I sympathize with you," said Hector.
+
+"Thank you, Hector. Of that I am sure."
+
+"Mr. Smith ought to pay you enough to clothe yourself neatly. He
+makes you work hard enough."
+
+"He pays me twenty dollars a month," said the usher; "twenty dollars
+and my board."
+
+"Is that all?" asked Hector, in amazement. "Why, the girl in the
+kitchen earns nearly that"
+
+"To be sure," answered the usher, bitterly; "but in Mr. Smith's
+estimation, I stand very little higher. He does not value education,
+not possessing it himself. However, you may wonder why, even with
+this sum, I cannot dress better. It is because I have another than
+myself to support."
+
+"You are not married?" asked Hector, in surprise.
+
+"No; but I have an invalid sister, who is wholly dependent upon me.
+To her I devote three-quarters of my salary, and this leaves me very
+little for myself. My poor sister is quite unable to earn anything
+for herself, so it is a matter of necessity."
+
+"Yes, I understand," said Hector, in a tone of sympathy.
+
+"You now see why I do not dare to leave this position, poor as it
+is. For myself, I might take the risk, but I should not feel
+justified in exposing my sister to the hazard of possible want."
+
+"You are right, Mr. Crabb. I am very sorry now that you spoke up for
+me. It has prejudiced Mr. Smith against you."
+
+"No, no; I won't regret that. Indeed, he would hesitate to turn me
+adrift, for he would not be sure of getting another teacher to take
+my place for the same beggarly salary."
+
+"Something may turn up for you yet, Mr. Crabb," said Hector,
+hopefully.
+
+"Perhaps so," answered the usher, but his tone was far from
+sanguine.
+
+When they returned to the school, Hector carried out a plan which
+had suggested itself to him in the interest of Mr. Crabb. He wrote
+to a boy of his acquaintance, living in New York, who, he had heard,
+was in want of a private tutor, and recommended Mr. Crabb, in strong
+terms, for that position. He did this sincerely, for he had found
+the usher to be a good teacher, and well versed in the studies
+preparatory to college. He did not think it best to mention this to
+Mr. Crabb, for the answer might be unfavorable, and then his hopes
+would have been raised only to be dashed to the earth.
+
+Later in the day, Hector fell in with Bates, already referred to as
+a special friend of Jim Smith. The intimacy, however, had been
+diminished since the contest in which Hector gained the victory.
+Bates was not quite so subservient to the fallen champion, and Jim
+resented it.
+
+"I saw you walking out with old Crabb," said Bates.
+
+"He isn't particularly old," said Hector.
+
+"Oh, you know what I mean. Did you ever see such a scarecrow?"
+
+"Do you refer to his dress?" asked Hector.
+
+"Yes; he'll soon be in rags. I shouldn't wonder at all if that old
+suit of his was worn by one of Noah's sons in the ark."
+
+"You don't suppose he wears it from choice, do you?"
+
+"I don't know. He's stingy, I suppose--afraid to spend a cent."
+
+"You are mistaken. He has a sister to support, and his salary is
+very small."
+
+"I can believe that. Old Sock is mean with his teachers. How much
+does he pay Crabb?"
+
+"It is very little, but I don't know that I ought to tell."
+
+"I say, though, Roscoe, I wouldn't go to walk with him again."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"The boys will say that, you are trying to get into his good graces,
+so he'll let you off easy in your lessons."
+
+"I don't want him to let me off easy; I generally intend to be
+prepared."
+
+"I know, but that's what they will say."
+
+"Let them say what they please, and I will do what I please," said
+Hector, independently.
+
+"Old Sock ain't any too fond of Crabb since he took your part the
+other day. Jim says the old man means to bounce him before long."
+
+"I suppose that means discharge him."
+
+"It means giving him his walking papers. Jim will see that he does
+it, too."
+
+Hector did not reply, but he felt more than ever glad that he had
+written a letter which might possibly bring the poor usher more
+profitable and, at the same time, agreeable employment.
+
+"Jim doesn't like you, either," added Bates.
+
+"I never supposed he did. I can do without his favor."
+
+"He will get you into a scrape if he can."
+
+"I have no doubt whatever of his benevolent intentions toward me. I
+shall not let it interfere with my happiness."
+
+Just then a sharp cry was heard, as of a boy in pain. It came from
+the school yard, which the two boys were approaching on their return
+from a walk.
+
+"What's that?" asked Hector, quickly.
+
+"I expect it's the new boy."
+
+One had arrived the day before.
+
+"Is he hurt, I wonder?" asked Hector, quickening his steps.
+
+"Jim's got hold of him, probably," said Bates; "he said this morning
+he was going to give the little chap a lesson to break him into
+school ways."
+
+"He did, did he?" said Hector, compressing his lips. "I shall have
+something to say to that," and he quickened his steps.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+TOSSED IN A BLANKET.
+
+
+
+
+
+The last new boy was a little fellow only eleven years old. His name
+was Tommy Cooper, as he was called at home. It was his first absence
+from the sheltering care of his mother, and he felt lonesome in the
+great, dreary school building, where he was called "Cooper," and
+"you little chap." He missed the atmosphere of home, and the
+tenderness of his mother and sister. In fact, the poor boy was
+suffering from that most distressing malady, homesickness.
+
+Had Mrs. Socrates Smith been a kind, motherly woman, she might have
+done much to reconcile the boy to his new home; but she was a tall,
+gaunt, bony woman, more masculine than feminine, not unlike Miss
+Sally Brass, whom all readers of Dickens will remember.
+
+I am sorry to say that a homesick boy in a boarding school does not
+meet with much sympathy. Even those boys who have once experienced
+the same malady are half ashamed of it, and, if they remember it at
+all, remember it as a mark of weakness. There was but one boy who
+made friendly approaches to Tommy, and this was Hector Roscoe.
+
+Hector had seen the little fellow sitting by himself with a sad
+face, and he had gone up to him, and asked him in a pleasant tone
+some questions about himself and his home.
+
+"So you have never been away from home before, Tommy," he said.
+
+"No, sir," answered the boy, timidly.
+
+"Don't call me sir. I am only a boy like you. Call me Hector."
+
+"That is a strange name. I never heard it before."
+
+"No, it is not a common name. I suppose you don't like school very
+much?"
+
+"I never shall be happy here," sighed Tommy.
+
+"You think so now, but you will get used to it."
+
+"I don't think I shall."
+
+"Oh, yes, you will. It will never seem like home, of course, but you
+will get acquainted with some of the boys, and will join in their
+games, and then time will pass more pleasantly."
+
+"I think the boys are very rough," said the little boy.
+
+"Yes, they are rough, but they don't mean unkindly. Some of them
+were homesick when they came here, just like you."
+
+"Were you homesick?" asked Tommy, looking up, with interest.
+
+"I didn't like the school very well; but I was much older than you
+when I came here, and, besides, I didn't leave behind me so pleasant
+a home. I am not so rich as you, Tommy. I have no father nor
+mother," and for the moment Hector, too, looked sad.
+
+The little fellow became more cheerful under the influence of
+Hector's kind and sympathetic words. Our hero, however, was
+catechised about his sudden intimacy with the new scholar.
+
+"I see you've got a new situation, Roscoe," said Bates, when Hector
+was walking away.
+
+"What do you mean?"
+
+"You've secured the position of nurse to that little cry baby."
+
+"You mean Tommy Cooper?"
+
+"Yes, if that's his name."
+
+"I was cheering up the little fellow a bit. He's made rather a bad
+exchange in leaving a happy home for Smith Institute."
+
+"That's so. This is a dreary hole, but there's no need of crying
+about it."
+
+"You might if you were as young as Tommy, and had just come."
+
+"Shall you take him under your wing?"
+
+"Yes, if he needs it."
+
+We now come to the few minutes preceding the return of Hector from
+his walk, as indicated in the last chapter.
+
+Tommy Cooper was sitting in the school yard, with a disconsolate
+look, when Jim Smith, who was never happier than when he was
+bullying other boys, espied him.
+
+"What's the matter with you, young one?" he said, roughly, "Is your
+grandmother dead?"
+
+"No," answered Tommy, briefly.
+
+"Come here and play."
+
+"I would rather not."
+
+"I am not going to have you sulking round here. Do you hear me?"
+
+"Are you one of the teachers?" asked Tommy, innocently.
+
+"You'll find out who I am," answered Jim, roughly. "Here, Palmer, do
+you want a little fun with this young one?"
+
+Palmer and Bates were Jim Smith's most devoted adherents.
+
+"What are you going to do, Jim?" questioned Palmer.
+
+"I'm going to stir him up a little," said Jim, with a malicious
+smile. "Go and get a blanket."
+
+"All right!" said Palmer.
+
+"We'll toss him in a blanket. He won't look so sulky after we get
+through with him."
+
+There were two or three other boys standing by, who heard these
+words.
+
+"It's a shame!" said one, in a low voice. "See the poor little chap,
+how sad he looks! I felt just as he does when I first came to
+school."
+
+"Jim ought not to do it," said the second. "It's a mean thing to
+do."
+
+"Tell him so."
+
+"No, thank you. He'd treat me the same way."
+
+The two speakers were among the smaller boys, neither being over
+fourteen, and though they sympathized with Tommy, their sympathy was
+not likely to do him any good.
+
+Out came Palmer with the blanket.
+
+"Are there any teachers about?" asked Jim.
+
+"No."
+
+"That's good. We shan't be interfered with. Here, young one, come
+here."
+
+"What for?" asked Tommy, looking frightened.
+
+"Come here, and you'll find out."
+
+But Tommy had already guessed. He had read a story of English school
+life, in which a boy had been tossed in a blanket, and he was not
+slow in comprehending the situation.
+
+"Oh, don't toss me in a blanket!" said the poor boy, clasping his
+hands.
+
+"Sorry to disturb you, but it's got to be done, young one," said
+Jim. "Here, jump in. It'll do you good."
+
+"Oh, don't!" sobbed the poor boy. "It'll hurt me."
+
+"No, it won't! Don't be a cry baby. We'll make a man of you."
+
+But Tommy was not persuaded. He jumped up, and tried to make his
+escape. But, of course, there was no chance for him. Jim Smith
+overtook him in a couple of strides, and seizing him roughly by the
+collar, dragged him to the blanket, which by this time Palmer and
+one of the other boys, who had been impressed into the service
+reluctantly, were holding.
+
+Jim Smith, taking up Tommy bodily, threw him into the blanket, and
+then seizing one end, gave it a violent toss. Up went the boy into
+the air, and tumbling back again into the blanket was raised again.
+
+"Raise him, boys!" shouted Jim. "Give him a hoist!"
+
+Then it was that Tommy screamed, and Hector heard his cry for help.
+
+He came rushing round the corner of the building, and comprehended,
+at a glance, what was going on.
+
+Naturally his hot indignation was much stirred.
+
+"For shame, you brutes!" he cried. "Stop that!"
+
+If there was anyone whom Jim Smith did not want to see at this
+moment, it was Hector Roscoe. He would much rather have seen one of
+the ushers. He saw that he was in a scrape, but his pride would not
+allow him to back out.
+
+"Keep on, boys!" he cried. "It's none of Roscoe's business. He'd
+better clear out, or we'll toss him."
+
+As he spoke he gave another toss.
+
+"Save me, Hector!" cried Tommy, espying his friend's arrival with
+joy.
+
+Hector was not the boy to let such an appeal go unheeded. He sprang
+forward, dealt Jim Smith a powerful blow, that made him stagger, and
+let go the blanket, and then helped Tommy to his feet.
+
+"Run into the house. Tommy!" he said. "There may be some rough work
+here."
+
+He faced round just in time to fend off partially a blow from the
+angry bully.
+
+"Take that for your impudence!" shouted Jim Smith. "I'll teach you
+to meddle with, me."
+
+But Jim reckoned without his host. The blow was returned with
+interest, and, in the heat of his indignation, Hector followed it up
+with such a volley that the bully retreated in discomfiture, and was
+glad to withdraw from the contest.
+
+"I'll pay you for this, you scoundrel!" he said, venomously.
+
+"Whenever you please, you big brute!" returned Hector,
+contemptuously. "It is just like you to tease small boys. If you
+annoy Tommy Cooper again, you'll hear from me."
+
+"I'd like to choke that fellow!" muttered Jim. "Either he or I will
+have to leave this school."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+JIM SMITH'S REVENGE.
+
+
+
+
+
+It would be natural to suppose that Jim Smith, relying upon his
+influence with his uncle, would have reported this last "outrage,"
+as he chose to consider it, to the principal, thus securing the
+punishment of Hector. But he was crafty, and considered that no
+punishment Hector was likely to receive would satisfy him. Corporal
+punishment for taking the part of an ill-used boy, Hector was
+probably too spirited to submit to, and, under these circumstances,
+it would hardly have been inflicted. Besides, Jim was aware that the
+offense for which Hector had attacked him was not likely, if made
+known, to secure sympathy. Even his uncle would be against him, for
+he was fond of money, and had no wish to lose the new pupil, whose
+friends were well able to pay for him.
+
+No! He decided that what he wanted was to bring Hector into
+disgrace. The method did not immediately occur to him, but after a
+while he saw his way clear.
+
+His uncle's bedchamber was on the second floor, and Jim's directly
+over it on the third story. Some of the other boys, including
+Hector, had rooms also on the third floor.
+
+Jim was going upstairs one day when, through the door of his uncle's
+chamber, which chanced to be open, he saw a wallet lying on the
+bureau. On the impulse of the moment, he walked in on tiptoes,
+secured the wallet, and slipped it hurriedly into his pocket. Then
+he made all haste upstairs, and bolted himself into his own room.
+Two other boys slept there, but both were downstairs in the
+playground.
+
+Jim took the wallet from his pocket and eagerly scanned the
+contents. There were eight five-dollar bills and ten dollars in
+small bills, besides a few papers, which may be accurately described
+as of no value to anyone but the owner.
+
+The boy's face assumed a covetous look. He, as well as his uncle,
+was fond of money--a taste which, unfortunately, as he regarded it,
+he was unable to gratify. His family was poor, and he was received
+at half price by Socrates Smith on the score of relationship, but
+his allowance of pocket money was less than that of many of the
+small boys. He made up the deficiency, in part, by compelling them
+to contribute to his pleasures. If any boy purchased candy, or any
+other delicacy, Jim, if he learned the fact, required him to give
+him a portion, just as the feudal lords exacted tribute from their
+serfs and dependents. Still, this was not wholly satisfactory, and
+Jim longed, instead, for a supply of money to spend as he chose.
+
+So the thought came to him, as he scanned the contents of the
+wallet: "Why shouldn't I take out one or two of these bills before
+disposing of it? No one will lay it to me."
+
+The temptation proved too strong for Jim's power of resistance. He
+selected a five-dollar bill and five dollars in small bills, and
+reluctantly replaced the rest of the money in the wallet.
+
+"So far, so good!" he thought. "That's a good idea."
+
+Then, unlocking the door, he passed along the entry till he came to
+the room occupied by Hector. As he or one of the two boys who roomed
+with him might be in the room, he looked first through the keyhole.
+
+"The coast is clear!" he said to himself, in a tone of satisfaction.
+
+Still, he opened the door cautiously, and stepped with catlike tread
+into the room. Then he looked about the room. Hanging on nails were
+several garments belonging to the inmates of the room. Jim selected
+a pair of pants which he knew belonged to Hector, and hurrying
+forward, thrust the wallet into one of the side pockets. Then, with
+a look of satisfaction, he left the room, shutting the door
+carefully behind him.
+
+"There," he said to himself, with exultation. "That'll fix him!
+Perhaps he'll wish he hadn't put on quite so many airs."
+
+He was rather annoyed, as he walked along the corridor, back to his
+own room, to encounter Wilkins. He had artfully chosen a time when
+he thought all the boys would be out, and he heartily wished that
+some untoward chance had not brought Wilkins in.
+
+"Where are you going, Jim?" asked Wilkins.
+
+"I went to Bates' room, thinking he might be in, but he wasn't."
+
+"Do you want him? I left him out on the playground."
+
+"Oh, it's no matter! It'll keep!" said Jim, indifferently.
+
+"I got out of that pretty well!" he reflected complacently.
+
+Perhaps Jim Smith would not have felt quite so complacent, if he had
+known that at the time he entered Hector's room it was occupied,
+though he could not see the occupant. It so chanced that Ben Platt,
+one of Hector's roommates, was in the closet, concealed from the
+view of anyone entering the room, yet so placed that he could see
+through the partially open door what wras passing in the room.
+
+When he saw Jim Smith enter he was surprised, for he knew that that
+young man was not on visiting terms with the boy who had discomfited
+and humiliated him.
+
+"What on earth can Jim want?" he asked himself.
+
+He did not have long to wait for an answer though not a real one;
+but actions, as men have often heard, speak louder than words.
+
+When he saw Jim steal up to Hector's pants, and producing a wallet,
+hastily thrust it into one of the pockets, he could hardly believe
+the testimony of his eyes.
+
+"Well!" he ejaculated, inwardly, "I would not have believed it if I
+hadn't seen it. I knew Jim was a bully and a tyrant, but I didn't
+think he was as contemptible as all that."
+
+The wallet he recognized at once, for he had more than once seen
+Socrates take it out of his pocket.
+
+"It's old Sock's wallet!" he said to himself. "It's clear that Jim
+has taken it, and means to have it found in Roscoe's possession.
+That's as mean a trick as I ever heard of."
+
+Just then Wilkins entered the room. Wilkins and Ben Platt were
+Hector's two roommates.
+
+"Hello, Wilkins! I'm glad you've come just as you have."
+
+"What for, Platt? Do you want to borrow some money?"
+
+"No; there is more money in this room now than there has been for a
+long time."
+
+"What do you mean? The governor hasn't sent you a remittance, has
+he?"
+
+"No."
+
+"Expound your meaning, then, most learned and mysterious chum."
+
+"I will. Within five minutes Jim Smith has been here and left a
+wallet of money."
+
+"Jim been here? I met him in the corridor."
+
+"I warrant he didn't say he had been here."
+
+"No; he said he had been to Bates' room, but didn't find him there."
+
+"That's all gammon! Wilkins, what will you say when I tell you that
+old Sock's wallet is in this very room!"
+
+"I won't believe it!"
+
+"Look here, then!"
+
+As he spoke, Ben went to Hector's pants and drew out the wallet.
+
+Wilkins started in surprise and dismay.
+
+"How did Roscoe come by that?" he asked; "surely he didn't take it?"
+
+"Of course he didn't. You might know Roscoe better. Didn't you hear
+me say just now that Jim brought it here?"
+
+"And put it in Roscoe's pocket?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"In your presence?"
+
+"Yes; only he didn't know that I was present," said Platt.
+
+"Where were you?"
+
+"In the closet. The door was partly open, and I saw everything."
+
+"What does it all mean?"
+
+"Can't you see? It's Jim's way of coming up with Roscoe. You know he
+threatened that he'd fix him."
+
+"All I can say is, that it's a very mean way," said Wilkins in
+disgust.
+
+He was not a model boy--far from it, indeed!--but he had a sentiment
+of honor that made him dislike and denounce a conspiracy like this.
+
+"It's a dirty trick," he said, warmly.
+
+"I agree with you on that point." "What shall we do about it?"
+
+"Lay low, and wait till the whole thing comes out. When Sock
+discovers his loss, Jim will be on hand to tell him where his wallet
+is. Then we can up and tell all we know."
+
+"Good! There's a jolly row coming!" said Wilkins, smacking his lips.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+THE MISSING WALLET IS FOUND.
+
+
+
+
+
+Socrates Smith was, ordinarily, so careful of his money, that it was
+a very remarkable inadvertence to leave it on the bureau. Nor was it
+long before he ascertained his loss. He was sitting at his desk when
+his wife looked in at the door, and called for a small sum for some
+domestic expenditure.
+
+With an ill grace--for Socrates hated to part with his money--he put
+his hand into the pocket where he usually kept his wallet.
+
+"Really, Mrs. Smith," he was saying, "it seems to me you are always
+wanting money--why, bless my soul!" and such an expression of
+consternation and dismay swept over his face, that his wife
+hurriedly inquired:
+
+"What is the matter, Mr. Smith?"
+
+"Matter enough!" he gasped. "My wallet is gone!"
+
+"Gone!" echoed his wife, in alarm. "Where can you have left it?"
+
+Mr. Smith pressed his hand to his head in painful reflection.
+
+"How much money was there in it, Socrates?" asked his wife.
+
+"Between forty and fifty dollars!" groaned Mr. Smith. "If I don't
+find it, Sophronia, I am a ruined man!"
+
+This was, of course, an exaggeration, but it showed the poignancy of
+the loser's regret.
+
+"Can't you think where you left it?"
+
+Suddenly Mr. Smith's face lighted up.
+
+"I remember where I left it, now," he said; "I was up in the chamber
+an hour since, and, while changing my coat, took out my wallet, and
+laid it on the bureau. I'll go right up and look for it."
+
+"Do, Socrates."
+
+Mr. Smith bounded up the staircase with the agility of a man of half
+his years, and hopefully opened the door of his chamber, which Jim
+had carefully closed after him. His first glance was directed at the
+bureau, but despair again settled down sadly upon his heart when he
+saw that it was bare. There was no trace of the missing wallet.
+
+"It may have fallen on the carpet," said Socrates, hope reviving
+faintly.
+
+There was not a square inch of the cheap Kidderminster carpet that
+he did not scan earnestly, greedily, but, alas! the wallet, if it
+had ever been there, had mysteriously taken to itself locomotive
+powers, and wandered away into the realm of the unknown and the
+inaccessible.
+
+Yet, searching in the chambers of his memory, Mr. Smith felt sure
+that he had left the wallet on the bureau. He could recall the exact
+moment when he laid it down, and he recollected that he had not
+taken it again.
+
+"Some one has taken it!" he decided; and wrath arose in his heart,
+He snapped his teeth together in stern anger, as he determined that
+he would ferret out the miserable thief, and subject him to condign
+punishment.
+
+Mrs. Smith, tired of waiting for the appearance of her husband,
+ascended the stairs and entered his presence.
+
+"Well?" she said.
+
+"I haven't found it," answered Socrates, tragically. "Mrs. Smith,
+the wallet has been stolen!"
+
+"Are you sure that you left it here?" asked his wife.
+
+"Sure!" he repeated, in a hollow tone. "I am as sure as that the sun
+rose to-morrow--I mean yesterday."
+
+"Was the door open?"
+
+"No; but that signifies nothing. It wasn't locked, and anyone could
+enter."
+
+"Is it possible that we have a thief in the institute?" said Mrs.
+Smith, nervously. "Socrates, I shan't sleep nights. Think of the
+spoons!"
+
+"They're only plated."
+
+"And my earrings."
+
+"You could live without earrings. Think, rather, of the wallet, with
+nearly fifty dollars in bills."
+
+"Who do you think took it, Socrates?"
+
+"I have no idea; but I will find out. Yes, I will find out. Come
+downstairs, Mrs. Smith; we will institute inquiries."
+
+When Mr. Smith had descended to the lower floor, and was about
+entering the office, it chanced that his nephew was just entering
+the house.
+
+"What's the matter, Uncle Socrates?" he asked; "you look troubled."
+
+"And a good reason why, James; I have met with a loss."
+
+"You don't say so!" exclaimed Jim, in innocent wonder; "what is it?"
+
+"A wallet, with a large amount of money in it!"
+
+"Perhaps there is a hole in your pocket," suggested Jim.
+
+"A hole--large enough for my big wallet to fall through! Don't be
+such a fool!"
+
+"Excuse me, uncle," said Jim, meekly; "of course that is impossible.
+When do you remember having it last?"
+
+Of course Socrates told the story, now familiar to us, and already
+familiar to his nephew, though he did not suspect that.
+
+Jim struck his forehead, as if a sudden thought had occurred to him.
+
+"Could it be?" he said, slowly, as if to himself; "no, I can't
+believe it."
+
+"Can't believe what?" demanded Socrates, impatiently; "if you have
+any clew, out with it!"
+
+"I hardly like to tell, Uncle Socrates, for it implicates one of the
+boys."
+
+"Which?" asked Mr. Smith, eagerly.
+
+"I will tell you, though I don't like to. Half an hour since, I was
+coming upstairs, when I heard a door close, as I thought, and,
+directly afterward, saw Hector Roscoe hurrying up the stairs to the
+third floor. I was going up there myself, and followed him. Five
+minutes later he came out of his room, looking nervous and excited.
+I didn't think anything of it at the time, but I now think that he
+entered your room, took the wallet, and then carried it up to his
+own chamber and secreted it."
+
+"Hector Roscoe!" repeated Mr. Smith, in amazement. "I wouldn't have
+supposed that he was a thief."
+
+"Nor I; and perhaps he isn't. It might be well, however, to search
+his room."
+
+"I will!" answered Socrates, with eagerness, "Come up, James, and
+you, Mrs. Smith, come up, too!"
+
+The trio went upstairs, and entered poor Hector's room. It was not
+unoccupied, for Ben Platt and Wilkins were there. They anticipated a
+visit, and awaited it with curious interest. They rose to their feet
+when the distinguished visitors arrived.
+
+"Business of importance brings us here," said Socrates. "Platt and
+Wilkins, you may leave the room."
+
+The boys exchanged glances, and obeyed.
+
+"Wilkins," said Ben, when they were in the corridor, "it is just as
+I thought. Jim has set a trap for Roscoe."
+
+"He may get caught himself," said Wilkins. "I ain't oversqueamish,
+but that is too confounded mean! Of course you'll tell all you
+know?"
+
+"Yes; and I fancy it will rather surprise Mr. Jim. I wish they had
+let us stay in there."
+
+Meanwhile, Jim skillfully directed the search.
+
+"He may have put it under the mattress," suggested Jim.
+
+Socrates darted to the bed, and lifted up the mattress, but no
+wallet revealed itself to his searching eyes.
+
+"No; it is not here!" he said, in a tone of disappointment; "the boy
+may have it about him. I will send for him."
+
+"Wait a moment, Uncle Socrates," said Jim; "there is a pair of pants
+which I recognize as his."
+
+Mr. Smith immediately thrust his hand into one of the pockets and
+drew out the wallet!
+
+"Here it is!" he exclaimed, joyfully. "Here it is!"
+
+"Then Roscoe is a thief! I wouldn't have thought it!" said Jim.
+
+"Nor I. I thought the boy was of too good family to stoop to such a
+thing. But now I remember, Mr. Allan Roscoe told me he was only
+adopted by his brother. He is, perhaps, the son of a criminal."
+
+"Very likely!" answered Jim, who was glad to believe anything
+derogatory to Hector.
+
+"What are you going to do about it, uncle?"
+
+"I shall bring the matter before the school. I will disgrace the boy
+publicly," answered Socrates Smith, sternly. "He deserves the
+exposure."
+
+"Aha, Master Roscoe!" said Jim, gleefully, to himself; "I rather
+think I shall get even with you, and that very soon."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+A DRAMATIC SCENE.
+
+
+
+
+
+It was generally after vespers that Mr. Smith communicated to the
+school anything which he desired to call to their attention. This
+was to be the occasion of bringing our hero into disgrace.
+
+The boys assembled, most of them quite ignorant that anything
+exceptional was to occur. Hector himself, the person chiefly
+interested, was entirely unconscious that he was to be made "a
+shining mark" for the arrows of suspicion and obloquy. If he had
+noticed the peculiar and triumphantly malicious looks with which Jim
+Smith, the bully and tyrant, whom he had humiliated and deposed,
+regarded him, he might have been led to infer that some misfortune
+was in store for him. But these looks he did not chance to notice.
+
+There were two other boys, however, who did notice them. These were
+Ben Platt and Wil-kins, who had very good reasons, as we know, for
+doing so.
+
+"I believe old Sock is going to pitch into Roscoe at vespers," said
+Ben, in a whisper, to his roommate.
+
+"So do I. There's a look about him like that of a tiger about to
+pounce on his prey."
+
+"Or a cat with murderous designs on a mouse."
+
+"We must expose the whole thing."
+
+"Of course."
+
+"Won't Jim be mad?"
+
+"Let him! He won't dare to thrash us while Roscoe is round."
+
+There was, indeed, about Socrates Smith an air of mystery,
+portentous and suggestive. He looked like one meditating a coup
+d'etat, or, perhaps, it might better be said, a coup de main, as the
+hand is with schoolmasters, generally, the instrument of attack.
+
+When the proper time arrived, Mr. Smith cleared his throat, as he
+always did before beginning to speak.
+
+"Boys," he said, "I have an important, and I may say, a painful,
+communication to make to you."
+
+All the boys looked at each other in curiosity, except the three who
+were already in the secret.
+
+"You know, boys," continued Socrates, "how proud I am of this
+institute, how zealous I am for its good reputation, how unwearied I
+am in my efforts for your progress and welfare."
+
+Mr. Smith's unwearied efforts were largely in the line of making out
+and receipting bills for tuition, and it may be said that this was
+to him by far the most agreeable of the duties he undertook to
+perform.
+
+"I have been proud of my pupils," continued the principal, "and it
+has given me pleasure to reflect that you all reflected credit, more
+or less, upon my teaching. I have, also, sought to form your
+manners, to train you to fill the positions which Providence may
+have in store for you. In a word, while from time to time you may
+have indulged in little escapades, slightly-culpable, I have felt
+that you were all gentlemen."
+
+"What in the world does he mean?" thought more than one puzzled boy.
+"What is all this leading to?"
+
+Among those to whom this thought occurred, was Hector Roscoe, who
+was very far from conjecturing that all this long preamble was to
+introduce an attack upon him.
+
+"But," proceeded Socrates, after a pause, "I have this afternoon
+been painfully undeceived. I have learned, with inexpressible pain,
+that Smith Institute has received an ineffaceable stigma."
+
+"Old Sock is getting eloquent!" whispered Ben Platt.
+
+"I have learned," continued Socrates, with tragic intensity, "that I
+have nourished a viper in my bosom! I have learned that we have a
+thief among us!"
+
+This declaration was greeted with a buzz of astonishment. Each boy
+looked at his next door neighbor as if to inquire, "Is it you?"
+
+Each one, except the three who were behind the scenes. Of these, Jim
+Smith, with an air of supreme satisfaction, looked in a sidelong way
+at Hector, unconscious the while that two pairs of eyes--those of
+Wilkins and Ben Platt--were fixed upon him.
+
+"I thought you would be surprised," said the principal, "except, of
+course, the miserable criminal. But I will not keep you in suspense.
+To-day, by inadvertence, I left my wallet, containing a considerable
+sum of money, on the bureau in my chamber. An hour later,
+discovering my loss, I went upstairs, but the wallet was gone. It
+had mysteriously disappeared. I was at a loss to understand this at
+first, but I soon found a clew. I ascertained that a boy--a boy who
+is presently one of the pupils of Smith Institute--had entered my
+chamber, had appropriated the wallet, had carried it to his
+dormitory, and there had slyly concealed it in the pocket of a pair
+of pants. Doubtless, he thought his theft would not be discovered,
+but it was, and I myself discovered the missing wallet in its place
+of concealment."
+
+Here Mr. Smith paused, and it is needless to say that the schoolroom
+was a scene of great excitement. His tone was so impressive, and his
+statement so detailed, that no one could doubt that he had most
+convincing evidence of the absolute accuracy of what he said.
+
+"Who was it?" every boy had it on his lips to inquire.
+
+"Three hours have elapsed since my discovery," continued Mr. Smith.
+"During that time I have felt unnerved. I have, however, written and
+posted an account of this terrible discovery to the friends of the
+pupil who has so disgraced himself and the school."
+
+Ben Platt and Wilkins exchanged glances of indignation. They felt
+that Mr. Smith had been guilty of a piece of outrageous injustice in
+acting thus before he had apprised the supposed offender of the
+charge against him, and heard his defense. Both boys decided that
+they would not spare Jim Smith, but at all hazards expose the
+contemptible plot which he had contrived against his schoolfellow.
+
+"I waited, however, till I was somewhat more calm before laying the
+matter before you. I know you will all be anxious to know the name
+of the boy who has brought disgrace upon the school to which you
+belong, and I am prepared to reveal it to you. Hector Roscoe, stand
+up!"
+
+If a flash of lightning had struck him where he sat, Hector could
+not have been more astonished. For a moment he was struck dumb, and
+did not move.
+
+"Stand up, Hector Roscoe!" repeated the principal. "No wonder you
+sit there as if paralyzed. You did not expect that so soon your sin
+would find you out."
+
+Then Hector recovered completely his self-possession. He sprang to
+his feet, and not only that, but he strode forward, blazing with
+passion, till he stood before Mr. Smith's desk and confronted him.
+
+"Mr. Smith!" he said, in a ringing tone, "do I understand you to
+charge me with stealing a wallet of yours containing money?"
+
+"I do so charge you, and I have complete evidence of the truth of my
+charge. What have you to say?"
+
+"What have I to say?" repeated Hector, looking around him proudly
+and scornfully. "I have to say that it is an infamous lie!"
+
+"Hold, sir!" exclaimed Socrates, angrily. "Shameless boy, do you
+intend to brazen it out? Did I not tell you that I had complete
+proof of the truth of the charge?"
+
+"I don't care what fancied proof you have. I denounce the charge as
+a lie."
+
+"That won't do, sir! I myself took the wallet from the pocket of
+your pantaloons, hanging in the chamber. Mrs. Smith was with me and
+witnessed my discovery, and there was another present, one of the
+pupils of this institute, who also can testify to the fact. It is
+useless for you to deny it!"
+
+"You found the wallet in the pocket of my pantaloons?" asked Hector,
+slowly.
+
+"Yes. There can be no doubt about that."
+
+"Who put it there?" demanded Hector, quickly.
+
+Socrates Smith was staggered, for he had not expected this query
+from the accused.
+
+"Who put it there?" he repeated.
+
+"Yes, sir," continued Hector, firmly. "If the matter is as you state
+it, some one has been mean enough to put the wallet into my pocket
+in order to implicate me in a theft."
+
+"Of course you put it there yourself, Roscoe. Your defense is very
+lame."
+
+Hector turned round to his fellow-scholars.
+
+"Boys," he said, "you have heard the charge that has been made
+against me. You know me pretty well by this time. Is there any one
+of you that believes it to be true?"
+
+"No! No!" shouted the boys, with one exception. Jim Smith was heard
+to say distinctly, "I believe it!"
+
+"Silence in the school!" shouted Socrates. "This is altogether
+irregular, and I won't have it."
+
+Hector turned to the principal, and said, calmly:
+
+"You see, Mr. Smith, that, in spite of your proof, these boys will
+not believe that your charge is well founded."
+
+"That is neither here nor there, Roscoe. Will anyone step up and
+prove your innocence?"
+
+There was another sensation. In the second row back a boy was seen
+to rise.
+
+"Mr. Smith," said Ben Platt, "I can prove Roscoe's innocence!"
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+HECTOR GAINS A VICTORY.
+
+
+
+
+
+There were two persons on whom Ben Platt's declaration made a
+profound impression. These were Jim Smith and his uncle, the learned
+Socrates. The latter was surprised, for he was fully persuaded that
+the charge he had made was a true one, and Hector was a thief. As
+for Jim, his surprise was of a very disagreeable nature. Knowing as
+he did that, he himself had taken the money, he was alarmed lest his
+offense was to be made known, and that the pit which he had digged
+for another should prove to be provided for himself.
+
+Socrates was the first to speak after taking time to recover himself
+from his surprise.
+
+"This is a very extraordinary statement, Platt," he said. "You say
+you can prove Roscoe's innocence?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Platt, firmly.
+
+"I wish no trifling here, sir," said the principal, sharply. "I
+myself found the wallet in Roscoe's pocket."
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Ben Platt, "I know it was there."
+
+"You knew it was there!" repeated Socrates. "How did you know it was
+there?"
+
+"Because I saw it put in."
+
+Here Jim Smith's face turned from red to pale, and he moved about
+uneasily in his seat. "Could Ben Platt have been hidden somewhere in
+the room?" he asked himself, "If so, what was he to do?" There was
+but one answer to this question. He must brazen it out, and boldly
+contradict the witness. But he would bide his time. He would wait to
+hear what Ben had to say.
+
+"Did you put it in yourself?" asked Socrates, savagely.
+
+"No, Mr. Smith, I didn't put it in," answered Ben, indignantly.
+
+"None of your impudence, sir!" said the schoolmaster, irritated.
+
+"I merely answered your question and defended myself," answered Ben.
+
+There was a little murmur among the pupils, showing that their
+sympathy was with the boy who had been so causelessly accused by the
+principal.
+
+"Silence!" exclaimed Socrates, annoyed. "Now," he continued, turning
+to Ben, "since you know who put the wallet into Roscoe's pocket--a
+very remarkable statement, by the way--will you deign to inform me
+who did it?"
+
+"James Smith did it!" said Ben, looking over to the principal's
+nephew, who was half expecting such an attack.
+
+"It's a base lie!" cried Jim, but his face was blanched, his manner
+was nervous and confused, and he looked guilty, if he were not so.
+
+"My nephew?" asked Socrates, flurried.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"It isn't so, Uncle Socrates," said Jim, excited. "I'll lick you,
+Ben Platt, when we get out of school."
+
+"You forget yourself, James," said Socrates, with a mildness he
+would not have employed with any other pupil.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Uncle Socrates," said Jim, with contrition, "but
+I can't be silent when I am accused of things I don't do."
+
+"To be sure, you have some excuse, but you should remember the
+respect you owe to me. Then you did not do it?"
+
+"Certainly not, sir."
+
+"So it appears, Platt, that you have brought a false charge against
+your fellow-pupil," said Mr. Smith, severely. "I can conceive of
+nothing meaner."
+
+"Mr. Smith," said Hector, "what right have you to say that the
+charge is false? Is it the denial of your nephew? If he took the
+wallet he would, of course, deny it."
+
+"So would you!" retorted Socrates.
+
+"No one saw me conceal it," said Hector, significantly.
+
+Then Wilkins rose.
+
+"Mr. Smith," he said, "I have some evidence to offer."
+
+"Out with it, sir," said the principal, angrily, for he was fighting
+against an iaward conviction that his nephew was really the guilty
+party.
+
+"I was walking along the corridor about the time Platt speaks of
+Smith's visit to Roscoe's room, and I met your nephew walking in the
+opposite direction. When I entered the room, Platt told me that,
+half-concealed by the closet door, he had seen Jim Smith enter and
+thrust the wallet into Roscoe's pocket. Soon after, you and Mrs.
+Smith came into the room, guided by your nephew, who let you know
+just where the wallet was hidden. He had very good reasons for
+knowing," added Wilkins.
+
+If a look would have annihilated Wilkins, the look directed towards
+him by Jim Smith would have had that effect.
+
+"It's a conspiracy against me, Uncle Socrates," said Jim, intent
+upon brazening it out. "They're all in league together."
+
+"The testimony of Wilkins doesn't amount to much!" said Mr. Smith.
+"He may have seen James in the corridor, but that is by no means a
+part of his complicity in this affair."
+
+"Just so!" said Jim, eagerly.
+
+"Ben Platt's evidence ought to count for something," said Hector.
+"He saw your nephew putting the wallet into the pocket of my pants."
+
+Socrates was clearly perplexed. In spite of his partiality for his
+nephew, the case against him certainly looked very strong.
+
+Hector, however, determined to make his defense even stronger.
+
+"I would like to ask Platt," he said, "at what time this took
+place?"
+
+"At three o'clock."
+
+"How do you know it was three?" asked the principal, sharply.
+
+"Because I heard the clock on the village church strike three."
+
+"I would like to ask another boy--Frank Lewis--if he heard the clock
+strike three?"
+
+Lewis answered in the affirmative.
+
+"Where were you at the time?"
+
+"In the playground."
+
+"What were you doing?"
+
+"Playing ball."
+
+"Was I in the game?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"How long had the game been going on?"
+
+"Half an hour."
+
+"How long had the game been going on, do you know?"
+
+"From half to three-quarters of an hour."
+
+"Can you remember whether I was with you all the time?"
+
+"You were."
+
+"Now, Platt, will you tell me how long after the wallet was put into
+my pocket before Mr. Smith appeared in search of it?"
+
+"Not over half an hour."
+
+"I submit, then," said Hector, in a matter-of-fact manner, "that I
+was absent in the playground during the entire time when it was
+found in my room. I believe this is what lawyers call an alibi that
+I have, fortunately, been able to prove."
+
+"You are a very smart lawyer!" sneered the principal.
+
+The boys were by this time so incensed at Mr. Smith's evident effort
+to clear his nephew at the expense of Roscoe, that there was a very
+audible hiss, in which at least half a dozen joined.
+
+"Is this rebellion?" asked Socrates, furiously.
+
+"No, sir," said Ben Platt, firmly. "We want justice done; that is
+all."
+
+"You shall have justice--all of you!" exclaimed Socrates, carried
+beyond the limits of prudence.
+
+"I am glad to hear that, sir," said Hector. "If you do not at once
+exonerate me from this charge, which you know to be false, and write
+to my guardian retracting it, I will bring the matter before the
+nearest magistrate."
+
+This was more than Socrates had bargained for. He saw that he had
+gone too far, and was likely to wreck his prospects and those of the
+school.
+
+"I will look into the matter," he said, hurriedly, "and report to
+the school hereafter. You may now apply yourselves to your studies."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+THE USHER IS DISCHARGED.
+
+
+
+
+
+Among the boys of Smith Institute there was but one opinion on the
+subject of the principal's wallet. All acquitted Roscoe of having
+any part in the theft, and they were equally unanimous in the belief
+that Jim Smith had contrived a mean plot against the boy whom he
+could not conquer by fair means. There was a little informal
+consultation as to how Jim should be treated. It was finally decided
+to "send him to Coventry."
+
+As this phrase, which is well understood in English schools, may not
+be so clear to my readers, I will explain that Jim was to be refused
+notice by his schoolfellows, unless he should become aggressive,
+when he was to be noticed in a manner far from agreeable.
+
+Jim could not help observing the cold looks of the boys, who but
+lately were glad enough to receive notice from him, and he became
+very angry. As to being ashamed of the exposure, he was not
+sensitive, nor did he often have any feeling of that kind. Naturally
+vindictive, he felt especially angry with the two boys, Ben Platt
+and Wilkins, whose testimony had proved so uncomfortable for him.
+
+"I'll thrash those boys if I never thrash another," he said to
+himself. "So they have turned against me, have they? They're only
+fit to black my boots anyway. I'll give 'em a lesson."
+
+Platt and Wilkins were expecting an attack. They knew that Jim would
+seize the opportunity of attacking them singly, and in the absence
+of Hector, of whom he was afraid, and with good reason. They
+concerted measures, accordingly, for defeating the common enemy.
+
+Jim was stalking about the next day, looking sullen and feeling
+ugly. He could not help observing that whenever he approached a
+group of boys they immediately scattered and walked away in various
+directions. This naturally chafed him, for, having no intellectual
+resources, he found solitude oppressive. Besides, he had been
+accustomed to the role of boss, and where is a boss without
+followers?
+
+Tired of the schoolroom precincts, Jim went to walk. In a rustic
+lane, much to his delight, he saw approaching him one of the boys
+who had so seriously offended him.
+
+It was Ben Platt.
+
+Ben was sauntering along in idle mood when he came face to face with
+the dethroned boss.
+
+"So it's you, Platt, is it?" said Jim, grimly.
+
+"I believe it is," answered Ben, coolly.
+
+"I've got a word or two to say to you," said Jim, significantly.
+
+"Say them quick," said Ben, "for I'm in a hurry."
+
+"I'm not," said Jim, in his old tone, "and it makes no difference
+whether you are or not."
+
+"Indeed! you are as polite as usual," returned Ben.
+
+"Look here, you young whelp!" Jim broke forth, unable any longer to
+restrain his wrath, "what, did you mean by lying about me last
+evening?"
+
+"I didn't lie about you," said Ben, boldly.
+
+"Yes, you did. What made you say you saw me put that wallet into
+Roscoe's pocket?"
+
+"I can't think of any reason, unless because it was true," said Ben.
+
+"Even if it were, how dared you turn against me? First you play the
+spy, and then informer. Paugh!"
+
+"I see you admit it," said Ben. "Well, if you want an answer I will
+give you one. You laid a plot for Hector Roscoe--one of the meanest,
+dirtiest plots I ever heard of, and I wasn't going to see you lie
+him into a scrape while I could prevent it."
+
+"That's enough, Platt!" exclaimed Jim, furiously. "Now, do you know
+what I am going to do?"
+
+"I don't feel particularly interested in the matter."
+
+"You will be, then. I am going to thrash you."
+
+"You wouldn't if Hector Roscoe were here," said Ben, not appearing
+to be much frightened.
+
+"Well, he isn't here, though if he were it wouldn't make any
+difference. I'll whip you so you can't stand."
+
+Ben's reply was to call "Wilkins!"
+
+From a clump of bushes, where he had lurked, unobserved hitherto,
+sprang Wilkins, and joined his friend.
+
+"There are two of us, Smith!" said Ben Platt.
+
+"I can thrash you both," answered Jim, whose blood was up.
+
+Before the advent of Hector no two boys would have ventured to
+engage Jim in combat, but his defeat by a boy considerably smaller
+had lost him his prestige, and the boys had become more independent.
+He still fancied himself a match for both, however, and the conflict
+began. But both of his antagonists were in earnest, and Jim had a
+hard time.
+
+Now, it so happened that Mr. Crabb, the usher, was taking a solitary
+walk, and had approached the scene of conflict unobserved by any of
+the participants. He arrived at an opportune time. Jim had managed
+to draw Wilkins away, and by a quick movement threw him. He was
+about to deal his prostrate foe a savage kick, which might have hurt
+him seriously, when the usher, quiet and peaceful as he was by
+nature, could restrain himself no longer. He rushed up, seized him
+by the collar, dragged him back and shook him with a strength he did
+not suppose he possessed, saying:
+
+"Leave that boy alone, you brute!"
+
+Jim turned quickly, and was very much surprised when he saw the meek
+usher, whom he had always despised, because he looked upon him as a
+Miss Nancy.
+
+"So it's you, is it?" he said, with a wicked glance.
+
+"Yes, it is I," answered the usher, manfully; "come up just in time
+to stop your brutality."
+
+"Is it any of your business?" demanded Jim, looking as if he would
+like to thrash the usher.
+
+"I have made it my business. Platt and Wilkins, I advise you to join
+me, and leave this fellow, who has so disgraced himself as to be
+beneath your notice."
+
+"We will accompany you with pleasure, sir," said the boys.
+
+They regarded the usher with new respect for this display of
+courage, for which they had not given him credit.
+
+"I'll fix you, Crabb," said Jim Smith, insolently, "and don't you
+forget it!"
+
+Mr. Crabb did not deign to answer him.
+
+Jim Smith was as good as his word.
+
+An hour later Mr. Crabb was summoned to the presence of the
+principal.
+
+Socrates received him with marked coldness.
+
+"Mr. Crabb," he said, "I cannot conceal the amazement I feel at a
+complaint which has just been made by my nephew."
+
+"Well, sir?"
+
+Mr. Crabb had nerved himself for the worst, and did not cower or
+show signs of fear, as Socrates expected he would.
+
+"James tells me that you attacked him savagely this afternoon when
+he was having a little sport with two of his schoolfellows."
+
+"Is that what he says, Mr. Smith?"
+
+"Yes, sir, and I require an explanation."
+
+"You shall have it. The sport in which your nephew was engaged was
+attempting to thrash Wilkins. He had him down, and was about to deal
+him a savage kick when I fortunately came up."
+
+"And joined in the fight," sneered Socrates.
+
+"Yes, if you choose to put it so. Would you have had me stand by,
+and see Wilkins brutally used?"
+
+"Of course, you color the affair to suit yourself," said Socrates,
+coldly. "The fact is that you, an usher, have lowered yourself by
+taking part in a playful schoolboy contest."
+
+"Playful!" repeated Mr. Crabb.
+
+"Yes, and I shall show how I regard it by giving you notice that I
+no longer require your services in my school. I shall pay you up at
+the end of the week and then discharge you."
+
+"Mr. Smith," said the usher, "permit me to say that anything more
+disgraceful than your own conduct within the last twenty-four hours
+I have never witnessed. You have joined your nephew in a plot to
+disgrace an innocent boy, declining to do justice, and now you have
+capped the climax by censuring me for stopping an act of brutality,
+merely because your nephew was implicated in it!"
+
+"This to me?" exclaimed Socrates Smith, hardly crediting the
+testimony of his ears.
+
+"Yes, sir, and more! I predict that the stupid folly which has
+characterized your course will, within six months, drive from you
+every scholar you have in your school!"
+
+"Mr. Crabb," gasped Socrates, never more surprised in his life than
+he was at the sudden spirit exhibited by the usher, "I will not be
+so insulted. Leave me, and to-morrow morning leave my service."
+
+"I will, sir. I have no desire to remain here longer."
+
+But when Mr. Crabb had walked away his spirit sank withia him. How
+was he to obtain another situation? He must consult immediately with
+Hector Roscoe, in whose judgment, boy as he was, he reposed great
+confidence.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+THE WELCOME LETTER.
+
+
+
+
+
+"Hector," said Mr. Crabb, nervously, "I am going to leave the
+institute at the end of the week."
+
+"Have you secured another situation, Mr. Crabb?" asked Hector,
+hopefully.
+
+"No," answered the usher, shaking his head. "I have been
+discharged."
+
+"For what reason?"
+
+"For interfering with Mr. Smith's nephew when he was brutally
+abusing Wilkins."
+
+"Did Mr. Smith fully understand the circumstances?"
+
+"Yes; but he stands by his nephew right or wrong. He blamed me for
+checking his nephew's brutality."
+
+"This is shameful!" said Hector, warmly. "May I ask, Mr. Crabb, if
+you have formed any plans?"
+
+"No, except to seek a new position!" answered Crabb. "I fear," he
+added, despondently, "that it may be some time before I am so
+fortunate. Roscoe, I don't know what to do when I leave the school.
+I shall barely have five dollars, and you know I have not only
+myself, but another to support."
+
+"Keep up your courage, Mr. Crabb! It is nearly time for me to hear
+from the friend in New York to whom I wrote is your behalf. If you
+can secure the position of his private tutor--"
+
+"If I can, I will hail it as providential. It will relieve me at
+once from all anxiety."
+
+"I don't think I shall long remain here myself, Mr. Crabb," said
+Hector. "I came here with the full intention of making the most of
+the facilities the institute affords for education, but I find the
+principal incompetent, and disposed to connive at injustice and
+brutality. The only good I have got here has been derived from your
+instructions."
+
+"Thank you, Roscoe. Such a tribute is, indeed, welcome," said the
+usher, warmly.
+
+"It is quite sincere, Mr. Crabb, and I hope my good wishes may bring
+you the advantage which I have in view."
+
+"Thank you, Roscoe. I don't blame you for being disgusted with the
+management of the school. You have yourself suffered injustice."
+
+"Yes; in writing home, and charging me with theft, before he had
+investigated the circumstances, Mr. Smith did me a great injustice.
+I doubt whether he has since written to correct the false charge, as
+I required him to do. If not, I shall owe it to myself to leave the
+school."
+
+"You will be justified in doing so." The next day brought Hector two
+letters. One was from Allan Roscoe, and read as follows:
+
+"HECTOR: I have received from your worthy teacher a letter which has
+filled me with grief and displeasure. I knew you had great faults,
+but I did not dream that you would stoop so low as to purloin money,
+as it seems you have done. Mr. Smith writes me that there is no room
+to doubt your guilt. He himself discovered in the pocket of your
+pantaloons a wallet containing a large sum of money, which he had
+missed only a short time before. He learned that you had entered his
+chamber, and taken the money, being tempted by your own dishonest
+and depraved heart.
+
+"I cannot express the shame I feel at this revelation of baseness. I
+am truly glad that you are not connected with me by blood. Yet I
+cannot forget that my poor brother treated you as a son; and took
+pains to train you up in right ideas. It would give him deep pain
+could he know how the boy whom he so heaped with benefits has turned
+out! I may say that Guy is as much shocked as I am, but he, it
+seems, had a better knowledge of you than I; for he tells me he is
+not surprised to hear it. I confess I am, for I thought better of
+you.
+
+"Under the circumstances I shall not feel justified in doing for you
+as much as I intended. I proposed to keep you at school for two
+years more, but I have now to announce that this is your last term,
+and I advise you to make the most of it. I will try, when the term
+closes, to find some situation for you, where your employer's money
+will not pass through your hands. ALLAN ROSCOE."
+
+Hector read the letter with conflicting feelings, the most prominent
+being indignation and contempt for the man who so easily allowed
+himself to think evil of him.
+
+The other letter he found more satisfactory.
+
+It was from his young friend in New York, Walter Boss. As it is
+short, I subjoin it:
+
+"DEAR HECTOR: I am ever so glad to hear from you, but I should like
+much better to see you. I read to papa what you said of Mr. Crabb,
+and he says it is very apropos, as he had made up his mind to get me
+a tutor. I am rather backward, you see, not having your taste for
+study, and papa thinks I need special attention. He says that your
+recommendation is sufficient, and he will engage Mr. Crabb without
+any further inquiry; and he says he can come at once. He will give
+him sixty dollars a month and board, and he will have considerable
+time for himself, if he wants to study law or any other profession.
+I don't know but a cousin may join me in my studies, in which case
+he will pay a hundred dollars per month, if that will be
+sastisfactory.
+
+"Why can't you come and make me a visit? We'll have jolly fun. Come
+and stay a month, old chap. There is no one I should like
+better. Your friend, WALTER Boss."
+
+Hector read this letter with genuine delight. It offered a way of
+escape, both for the unfortunate usher aad himself. Nothing could be
+more "apropos" to quote Walter's expression.
+
+Our hero lost no time in seeking out Mr. Crabb.
+
+"You seem in good spirits, Roscoe," said the usher, his careworn
+face contrasting with the beaming countenance of his pupil.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Crabb, I have reason to be, and so have you."
+
+"Have you heard from your friend?" asked the usher, hopefully.
+
+"Yes, and it's all right."
+
+Mr. Crabb looked ten years younger.
+
+"Is it really true?" he asked.
+
+"It is true that you are engaged as private tutor to my friend,
+Walter. You'll find him a splendid fellow, but I don't know if the
+pay is sufficient," continued Hector, gravely.
+
+"I am willing to take less pay than I get here," said the usher,
+"for the sake of getting away."
+
+"How much do you receive here?"
+
+"Twenty dollar a month and board. I might, perhaps, get along on a
+little less," he added doubtfully.
+
+"You won't have to, Mr. Crabb. You are offered sixty dollars a month
+and a home."
+
+"You are not in earnest, Roscoe?" asked the usher, who could not
+believe in his good fortune.
+
+"I will read you the letter, Mr. Crabb."
+
+When it was read the usher looked radiant. "Roscoe," he said, "you
+come to me like an angel from heaven. Just now I was sad and
+depressed; now it seems to me that the whole future is radiant.
+Sixty dollars a month! Why, it will make me a rich man."
+
+"Mr. Crabb," said Hector, with a lurking spirit of fun, "can you
+really make up your mind to leave Smith Institute, and its kind and
+benevolent principal?"
+
+"I don't think any prisoner ever welcomed his release with deeper
+thankfulness," said the usher. "To be in the employ of a man whom
+you despise, yet to feel yourself a helpless and hopeless dependent
+on him is, I assure you, Roscoe, a position by no means to be
+envied. For two years that has been my lot."
+
+"But it will soon be over."
+
+"Yes, thanks to you. Why can't you accompany me, Hector? I ought
+not, perhaps, to draw you away, but--"
+
+"But listen to the letter I have received from my kind and
+considerate guardian, as he styles himself," said Hector.
+
+He read Allan Roscoe's letter to the usher.
+
+"He seems in a great hurry to condemn you," said Mr. Crabb.
+
+"Yes, and to get me off his hands," said Hector, proudly. "Well, he
+shall be gratified in the last. I shall accept Walter's invitation,
+and we will go up to New York together."
+
+"That will, indeed, please me. Of course, you will undeceive your
+guardian."
+
+"Yes. I will get Wilkins and Platt to prepare a statement of the
+facts in the case, and accompany it by a note releasing Mr. Roscoe
+from any further care or expense for me."
+
+"But, Hector, can you afford to do this?"
+
+"I cannot afford to do otherwise, Mr. Crabb. I shall find friends,
+and I am willing to work for my living, if need be,"
+
+At this point one of the boys came to Mr. Crabb with a message from
+Socrates, desiring the usher to wait upon him at once.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+ANOTHER CHANCE FOR THE USHER.
+
+
+
+
+
+Mr. Smith had been thinking it over. He had discharged Mr. Crabb in
+the anger of the moment, but after his anger had abated, he
+considered that it was not for his interest to part with him. Mr.
+Crabb was a competent teacher, and it would be well-nigh impossible
+to obtain another so cheap. Twenty dollars a month for a teacher
+qualified to instruct in Latin and Greek was certainly a beggarly
+sum, but Mr. Crabb's dire necessity had compelled him to accept it.
+Where could he look for another teacher as cheap? Socrates Smith
+appreciated the difficulty, and decided to take Mr. Crabb back, on
+condition that he would make an apology to Jim.
+
+To do Mr. Crabb justice, it may be said that he would not have done
+this even if he saw no chance of another situation. But this Mr.
+Smith did not know. He did observe, however, that the usher entered
+his presence calm, erect and appearing by no means depressed, as he
+had expected.
+
+"You sent for me, sir?" said the usher interrogatively.
+
+"Yes, Mr. Crabb. You will remember that I had occasion to rebuke
+you, when we last conferred together, for overstepping the limits of
+your authority?"
+
+"I remember, Mr. Smith, that you showed anger, and found fault with
+me."
+
+"Exactly so."
+
+"Why doesn't he ask to be taken back?" thought Socrates.
+
+"I have thought the matter over since," continued the principal,
+"and have concluded we might be able to arrange matters."
+
+The usher was surprised. He had not expected that Mr. Smith would
+make overtures of reconciliation. He decided not to mention at
+present his brighter prospects in New York, but to wait and see what
+further his employer had to say.
+
+Mr. Crabb bowed, but did not make any reply.
+
+"I take it for granted, Mr. Crabb, that your means are limited,"
+proceeded Socrates.
+
+"You are right there, sir. If I had not been poor I should not have
+accepted the position of teacher in Smith Institute for the pitiful
+salary of twenty dollars a month."
+
+"Twenty dollars a month and your board, Mr. Crabb," said Socrates,
+with dignity, "I consider a very fair remuneration."
+
+"I do not, Mr. Smith," said the usher, in a decided tone.
+
+"I apprehend you will find it considerably better than to be out of
+employment," said Socrates, rather angry.
+
+"You are right there, sir."
+
+"I am glad you show signs of returning reason. Well, Mr. Crabb, I
+have thought the matter over, and I have a proposal to make to you."
+
+"Very well, sir!"
+
+"I do not wish to distress you by taking away your means of
+livelihood."
+
+"You are very considerate, sir."
+
+There was something in Mr. Crabb's tone that Socrates did not
+understand. It really seemed that he did not care whether he was
+taken back or not. But, of course, this could not be. It was
+absolutely necessary for him, poor as he was, that he should be
+reinstated. So Mr. Smith proceeded.
+
+"To cut the matter short, I am willing to take you back on two
+conditions."
+
+"May I ask you to name them?"
+
+"The first is, that you shall apologize to my nephew for your
+unjustifiable attack upon him day before yesterday."
+
+"What is the other, Mr. Smith?"
+
+"The other is, that hereafter you will not exceed the limits of your
+authority."
+
+"And you wish my answer?" asked the usher, raising his eyes, and
+looking fixedly at his employer.
+
+"If you please, Mr. Crabb."
+
+"Then, sir, you shall have it. Your proposal that I should apologize
+to that overgrown bully for restraining him in his savage treatment
+of a fellow-pupil is both ridiculous and insulting."
+
+"You forget yourself, Mr. Crabb," said Socrates, gazing at the
+hitherto humble usher in stupefaction.
+
+"As to promising not to do it again, you will understand that I
+shall make no such engagement."
+
+"Then, Mr. Crabb," said Socrates, angrily, "I shall adhere to what I
+said the other day. At the end of this week you must leave me."
+
+"Of course, sir, that is understood!"
+
+"You haven't another engagement, I take it," said Mr. Smith, very
+much puzzled by the usher's extraordinary independence.
+
+"Yes, sir, I have."
+
+"Indeed!" said Socrates, amazed. "Where do you go?" Then was Mr.
+Crabb's time for triumph.
+
+"I have received this morning an offer from the city of New York,"
+he said.
+
+"From New York! Is it in a school?"
+
+"No, sir; I am to be private tutor in a family."
+
+"Indeed! Do you receive as good pay as here?"
+
+"As good!" echoed the usher. "I am offered sixty dollars a month and
+board, with the possibility of a larger sum, in the event of extra
+service being demanded."
+
+Socrates Smith had never been more surprised.
+
+This Mr. Crabb, whom he had considered to be under his thumb, as
+being wholly dependent upon him, was to receive a salary which he
+considered princely.
+
+"How did you get this office?" he asked.
+
+"Through my friend, Hector Roscoe," answered the usher.
+
+"Probably he is deceiving you. It is ridiculous to offer you such a
+sum."
+
+"I am quite aware that you would never think of offering it, but,
+Mr. Smith, there are other employers more generous."
+
+Mr. Crabb left the office with the satisfied feeling that he had the
+best of the encounter.. He would have felt gratified could he have
+known the increased respect with which he was regarded by the
+principal as a teacher who could command so lucrative an engagement
+in the great city of New York.
+
+Before closing this chapter I must take notice of one circumstance
+which troubled Mr. Smith, and in the end worked him additional loss.
+
+I have already said that Jim Smith, in appropriating his uncle's
+wallet, abstracted therefrom a five-dollar bill before concealing it
+in Hector's pocket.
+
+This loss Mr. Smith speedily discovered, and he questioned Jim about
+it.
+
+"I suppose Roscoe took it," said Jim, glibly.
+
+"But he says he did not take the wallet," said Socrates, who was
+assured in his own mind that his nephew was the one who found it on
+the bureau. Without stigmatizing him as a thief, he concluded that
+Jim meant to get Hector into trouble.
+
+"Wasn't it found in his pants' pocket?" queried Jim.
+
+"Yes, but why should he take five dollars out of the wallet?"
+
+"I don't know."
+
+"It doesn't look likely that he would!" said Socrates, eying Jim
+keenly.
+
+"Then it may have been Ben Platt or Wilkins," said Jim, with a
+bright idea.
+
+"So it might," said the principal, with a feeling of relief.
+
+"They said they were in the room--at any rate, Platt said so--at the
+time it was concealed, only he made a mistake and took Roscoe for
+me."
+
+"There is something in that, James. It may be as you suggest."
+
+"They are both sneaks," said Jim, who designated all his enemies by
+that name. "They'd just as lieve do it as not. I never liked them."
+
+"I must look into this matter. It's clear that some one has got this
+money, and whoever has it has got possession of it dishonestly."
+
+"To be sure," answered Jim, with unblushing assurance. "If I were
+you I would find out who did it, that is, if you don't think Roscoe
+did it."
+
+"No, I don't think Roscoe did it, now. You may tell Platt and
+Wilkins that I wish to see them."
+
+Jim could not have been assigned a more pleasing duty. He hated the
+two boys quite as much as he did Hector, and he was glad to feel
+that they were likely to get into hot water.
+
+He looked about for some time before he found the two boys. At
+length he espied them returning from a walk.
+
+"Here, you two!" he called out, in a voice ef authority. "You're
+wanted!"
+
+"Who wants us?" asked Ben Platt.
+
+"My uncle wants you," answered Jim, with malicious satisfaction.
+"You'd better go and see him right off, too. You won't find it a
+trifling matter, either."
+
+"Probably Jim has been hatchng some mischief," said Wilkins. "He
+owes us a grudge. We'll go and see what it is."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+THE YOUNG DETECTIVES.
+
+
+
+
+
+When Mr. Smith had made the two boys' understand that he suspected
+them of purloining the missing five-dollar bill, they were naturally
+very indignant.
+
+"Mr. Smith," said Ben Platt, in a spirited tone, "no one ever
+suspected me of dishonesty before."
+
+"Nor me," said Wilkins.
+
+"That's neither here nor there," said the principal, dogmatically.
+"It stands to reason that some one took the money. Money doesn't
+generally walk off itself," he added, with a sneer.
+
+"I don't dispute that," said Ben; "but that does not prove that
+Wilkins or I had anything to do with it."
+
+"You were in the room with the money for half an hour, according to
+your own confession," said Socrates.
+
+"Yes, I was."
+
+"And part of that time Wilkins was also present."
+
+"Yes, sir," assented Wilkins.
+
+"I am no lawyer," said the principal, triumphantly, "but that seems
+to me a pretty good case of circumstantial evidence."
+
+"You seem to forget, sir, that there is another person who had an
+excellent chance to take the money," said Ben Platt.
+
+"You mean Hector Roscoe? That is true. It lies between you three."
+
+"No, Mr. Smith, I do not mean Hector Roscoe. I have as much
+confidence in Roscoe as myself."
+
+"So have I," sneered Socrates.
+
+"And I know he would not take any money that did not belong to him.
+I mean a very different person--your nephew, James Smith."
+
+Socrates Smith frowned with anger. "There seems to be a conspiracy
+against my unfortunate nephew," he said. "I don't believe a word of
+your mean insinuations, and I am not deceived by your attempt to
+throw your own criminality upon him. It will not injure him in my
+eyes. Moreover, I shall be able to trace back the theft to the
+wrongdoer. The missing bill was marked with a cross upon the back,
+and should either of you attempt to pass it, your guilt will be made
+manifest. I advise you to restore it to me while there is yet time."
+
+"The bill was marked?" asked Wilkins, eagerly.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then, sir, you may have a chance to find out who took it."
+
+"The discovery might not please you," said Socrates, with a sneer.
+
+"It would give me the greatest pleasure, Mr. Smith. If I can in any
+way help you discover the missing note, I will do so."
+
+"You can go," said Socrates, abruptly.
+
+When the two boys had left the presence of the principal, Ben Platt,
+said, "What are you going to do about it, Wilkins?"
+
+"First of all," answered Wilkins, promptly, "I am going to find out
+if Jim took that money."
+
+"How can you find out?"
+
+"Did you notice that he had come out with a new ring?"
+
+"No, I didn't observe it."
+
+"He has bought it since that money was lost!" said Wilkins,
+significantly.
+
+"Do you think he purchased it with the missing bill?"
+
+"I wouldn't wonder at all. At any rate, I am going to find out. He
+must have bought it from Washburn, the jeweler. Will you go with me,
+and ask?"
+
+"Yes," answered Ben, eagerly. "Let us go alone. If we can only prove
+the theft upon Jim, so that old Sock can't help believing that he
+stole the money, we shall be cleared; though, as to that, there
+isn't a scholar in school who would believe the charge against us."
+
+"Still, we may as well do what we can to bring the guilt home to Jim
+Smith."
+
+Ten minutes later the two boys entered the shop of Mr. Washburn.
+
+"Will you show me some rings, Mr. Washburn?" asked Wilkins.
+
+"Certainly," answered the jeweler, politely.
+
+"What is the price of that?" asked Wilkins, pointing to one exactly
+like the one he had seen on Jim's finger.
+
+"Three dollars and a half. It is a very pretty pattern."
+
+"Yes, sir. There's one of our boys who has one just like it."
+
+"You mean James Smith, the principal's nephew."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"He bought it of me yesterday."
+
+The two boys exchanged a quick glance.
+
+They felt that they were on the brink of a discovery.
+
+"Did he give you a five-dollar bill in payment?" asked Ben Platt.
+
+"Yes," answered the jeweler, in surprise.
+
+"Could you identify that bill?"
+
+"What are you driving at, boys?" asked Mr. Washburn, keenly.
+
+"I will explain to you if you will answer my questions first."
+
+"Yes, I could identify the bill."
+
+"Have you it in your possession still?"
+
+"I have."
+
+"How will you know it?"
+
+"It seems to me, my boy, you are in training for a lawyer."
+
+"I have a very urgent reason for asking you this question, Mr.
+Washburn."
+
+"Then I will answer you. When the note was given me, I noticed that
+it was on the Park Bank of New York."
+
+"Will you be kind enough to see if you can find it?"'
+
+"Certainly."
+
+The jeweler opened his money drawer, and after a brief search,
+produced the bill in question.
+
+It was a five-dollar bill on the Park Bank of New York, as he had
+already told the boys.
+
+"Now, Mr. Washburn," asked Wilkins, trying to repress his
+excitement, "will you examine the back of the bill, and see if there
+is any mark on it."
+
+The jeweler did as requested, and announced, after slight
+examination, that there was a cross on the back of the bill in the
+upper right hand corner.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted Ben, impulsively.
+
+To the wondering jeweler he explained his precise object in the
+inquiry he had made, and the boys were complimented by Mr. Washburn
+for their shrewdness.
+
+"If I ever meet with a loss, I shall certainly call on you for
+assistance, boys," he said.
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Washburn," answered Wilkins, "but I do not expect to
+be here to be called upon."
+
+"You are not going to leave the institute, are you?"
+
+"I shall write to my father in what manner I have been treated, and
+let him understand how the principal manages the school, and I feel
+sure he will withdraw me."
+
+"Ditto for me!" said Ben Platt. "Old Sock's partiality for his
+nephew has been carried too far, and now that the only decent
+teacher is going--Mr. Crabb--I don't mean, to stay here if I can
+help it."
+
+The boys, upon their return to the school, sought out the principal.
+
+"Well, boys," he said, "have you come to confess?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Ben, "but we have come to give you some
+information about your money."
+
+"I was sure you knew something about it," said Socrates, with a
+sneer. "I am glad you have decided to make a clean breast of it."
+
+"You are mistaken, sir."
+
+"Well, out with your information!" said the principal, roughly.
+
+"A five-dollar bill, marked as you have described, was paid to Mr.
+Washburn, the jeweler, only yesterday."
+
+"Ha! Well?"
+
+"The one who offered it purchased a gold ring."
+
+"I don't care what he bought. Who was it that offered the money?"
+
+"Your nephew, James Smith!"
+
+"I don't believe it," said the teacher, very much disconcerted.
+
+"Then, sir, I advise you to question Mr. Washburn."
+
+"How can he identify the bill? Is it the only five-dollar bill he
+has?"
+
+"The only five-dollar bill on the Park Bank of New York, and he says
+he noticed that this was the bank that issued the bill handed him by
+your nephew."
+
+"What of that?"
+
+"The note, which he still has in his possession, is marked just
+exactly as you have described."
+
+"It may have been marked since it came into Mr. Washburn's hands,"
+said Socrates, but he was evidently very much disturbed by the
+intelligence. He might not confess it, but he could not help
+believing that Jim was the thief, after all.
+
+"You can go," he said, harshly. "I will look into this improbable
+story."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+SMITH INSTITUTE GROWS UNPOPULAR.
+
+
+
+
+
+Hector lost no time in drawing up a statement of the facts connected
+with the loss of the wallet, which he got Wilkins and Ben Platt to
+sign. This he put into an envelope directed to Allan Roscoe,
+accompanied by a brief note, which I subjoin:
+
+"MR. ROSCOE: I send you a statemeat, signed by two of my
+schoolmates, showing that the charge which Mr. Smith was in such a
+hurry to bring against me, in order to screen his nephew, who is the
+real thief, is wholly unfounded. I am not particularly surprised
+that you were ready to believe it, nor do I care enough for your
+good opinion to worry. I consider that it is due to myself, however,
+to prove to you that I have done nothing of which I need be ashamed.
+Finding the scholars here in terror of a bully, who imposed upon his
+schoolfellows with impunity because, being the principal's nephew,
+he was protected in so doing, I taught him a lesson which may not do
+him good, but has certainly been of benefit to his fellow-pupils. In
+so doing, I have incurred his enmity, and that of his uncle, who,
+for more than one reason, is utterly unfit to conduct a school of
+this kind.
+
+"You threaten to remove me from school at the end of this term. I do
+not wish to remain, and shall remove myself at the end of this week.
+I shall not look to you for support, nor do I expect again to depend
+upon the estate to which I once thought myself the heir, unless I
+should be able to prove that I am the son of your brother, as I
+fully believe, notwithstanding the letter you exhibit."
+
+"HECTOR ROSCOE."
+
+When Mr. Allan Roscoe received this letter he was very much
+disturbed. As he had no affection for Hector, and did not care what
+became of him, this may, perhaps, excite surprise. Could it be the
+last sentence which excited his alarm?
+
+"Is that letter from Hector?" asked Guy, who had noticed the
+postmark as it lay upon his father's table.
+
+"Yes," answered Allan Roscoe.
+
+"Does he try to explain his theft?" asked Guy.
+
+"He says he had nothing to do with it."
+
+"Oh, of course!" sneered Guy. "You don't believe it, do you?"
+
+"He sends a statement of two of the pupils to the effect that the
+wallet was taken by another pupil, a nephew of the principal."
+
+"That's too thin!"
+
+"I don't know. It may be true. I don't like the boy, but I hardly
+think it probable he would steal."
+
+"You think better of him than I do. I suppose he wants to get into
+your good graces again?"
+
+"No; he says he shall leave school at the end of this week, and will
+not again look to me for support."
+
+"That's jolly!" exclaimed Guy, much pleased. "You're well rid of
+him, papa. Let him go away and make a living as he can. He'll have
+to turn newsboy, or something of that sort--perhaps he'll have to be
+a bootblack. Wouldn't that be a good come down for a boy like
+Hector?"
+
+Guy spoke with great glee, but his father did not seem to enjoy his
+release as well as Guy. He showed that he understood the boy better
+when he said:
+
+"Hector will not have to resort to any such employmeat. He has a
+good education, and he can get some decent position, probably. On
+the whole, I am sorry he is going to leave my protection, for
+friends of the family may, perhaps, blame me."
+
+"But it isn't your fault, papa. He is taking his own course."
+
+"To be sure. You are right there!"
+
+Mr. Roscoe thought so much on the subject, however, that the next
+day he went to Smith Institute to see Hector, without telling Guy
+where he was going.
+
+Arrived there, he asked to see Mr. Smith.
+
+The latter did not appear to be in a happy frame of mind.
+
+"How do you do, Mr. Roscoe?" he said.
+
+"Very well," answered Mr. Roscoe, briefly. "Mr. Smith, I wish to see
+my ward."
+
+"I am sorry you cannot see him, Mr. Roscoe."
+
+"Cannot see him! Why not?"
+
+"Because he has left the institute."
+
+Allan Roscoe frowned.
+
+"Why has he left?" he asked.
+
+"He has left against my will. I think he has been influenced by an
+usher in my employ who has behaved very ungratefully. I took him,
+sir, when he was in danger of starving, and now he leaves me at a
+day's notice, after doing all he can to break up my school."
+
+"I feel no particular interest in your usher," said Allan Roscoe,
+coldly. "I wish to obtain information about the boy I placed under
+your charge. Do you know where he has gone?"
+
+"No; he did not tell me," answered the principal.
+
+"You wrote me that he had been detected in stealing a wallet!"
+
+"Yes," answered Socrates, embarrassed. "Appearances were very much
+against him."
+
+"Do you still think he took it?"
+
+"I may have been mistaken," answered Mr. Smith, nervously, for he
+began to see that the course he had been pursuing was a very unwise
+one.
+
+"Hector has written me, inclosing a statement signed by two of his
+schoolfellows, implicating your own nephew, and he charges that you
+made the charge against him out of partiality for the same."
+
+"There is considerable prejudice against my nephew," said Socrates.
+
+"And for very good reasons, I should judge," said Allan Roscoe,
+severely. "Hector describes him as an outrageous bully and tyrant. I
+am surprised, Mr. Smith, that you should have taken his part."
+
+Now, Socrates had already had a stormy interview with his nephew.
+Though partial to Jim, and not caring whether or not he bullied the
+other boys, as soon as he came to see that Jim's presence was
+endangering the school, he reprimanded him severely. He cared more
+for himself--for number one--than for anyone else in the universe.
+He had been exceedingly disturbed by receiving letters from the
+fathers of Wilkins and Ben Platt, and two other fathers, giving
+notice that they should remove their sons at the end of the term,
+and demanding, in the meantime, that his nephew should be sent away
+forthwith.
+
+And now Allan Roscoe, whom he had hoped would side with him, had
+also turned against him. Then he had lost the services of a
+competent usher, whom he got cheaper than he could secure any
+suitable successor, and, altogether, things seemed all going against
+him.
+
+Moreover, Jim, who had been the occasion of all the trouble, had
+answered him impudently, and Socrates felt that he had been badly
+used. As to his own agency in the matter, he did not give much
+thought to that.
+
+"My nephew is going to leave the school, Mr. Roscoe," said Socrates,
+half-apologetically.
+
+"I should think it was full time, Mr. Smith."
+
+"Perhaps so," said Smith; "but if I have stood by him, it has been
+in ignorance. I cannot think him as wrong as your ward has probably
+represented. Hector was jealous of him."
+
+"Of his scholarship, I presume?"
+
+"Well, no," answered the principal, reluctantly, "but of his
+physical superiority, and--and influence in the school. I may say,
+in fact, Mr. Roscoe, that till your ward entered the school it was a
+happy and harmonious family. His coming stirred up strife and
+discontent, and I consider him primarily responsible for all the
+trouble that has occurred."
+
+"I don't defend Hector Roscoe," said Allan, "but he writes me that
+your nephew was a bully, who imposed upon his schoolfellows, and
+that he, by taking their part and stopping this tyranny, incurred
+his ill-will and yours."
+
+"I supposed I should be misrepresented," said Socrates, meekly. "I
+am devoted to my school and my pupils, Mr. Roscoe. I am wearing out
+my life in their service. I may make mistakes sometimes, but my
+heart--my heart, Mr. Roscoe," continued Socrates, tapping his
+waistcoat, "is right, and acquits me of any intentional injustice."
+
+"I am glad to hear it, Mr. Smith," said Allan Roscoe, stiffly. "As
+Hector has left you, I have only to settle your bill, and bid you
+good-day."
+
+"Will you not exert your influence to persuade the boy to return?"
+pleaded Socrates.
+
+"As I don't know where he is, I don't see how I can," said Allan
+Roscoe, dryly.
+
+"That man is an arch hypocrite!" he said to himself, as he was
+returning home.
+
+I may state here that at the end of the term half the pupils left
+Smith Institute, and Socrates Smith lamented too late the folly that
+had made him and his school unpopular.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+HECTOR'S ARRIVAL IN NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+
+Mr. Crabb and Hector were sitting side by side in a railroad car,
+speeding away from Smith Institute. In the heart of each was a
+feeling of relief, which increased as each minute carried them
+farther away from the school.
+
+"Hector," said the usher, looking younger and happier than his pupil
+had ever known him, "I feel like a free man now. It is a feeling
+that I have not had since I first set foot in Smith Institute."
+
+"I think you will lead a happier life in New York, Mr. Crabb."
+
+"I am sure of it. Thanks to your considerate kindness, I shall for
+the first time earn an ample salary, and even be able to lay up
+money. Is my future pupil about your age?"
+
+"He is a year younger."
+
+"Where did you make his acquaintance?"
+
+"At Saratoga, My father and I spent two months at Congress Hall two
+summers ago, and as Walter's family were also there, we naturally
+got to be friends. He is a capital fellow, and you will be sure to
+like him."
+
+"I am ready to like him after reading that letter he wrote you. Is
+he fond of study?"
+
+"That is his weak point," said Hector, laughing. "Walter was never
+cut out for a scholar. I don't mean, of course, that he hasn't fair
+capacity, but his taste doesn't lie that way. However, he won't give
+you any trouble, only you won't succeed as well as you may wish in
+pushing him on."
+
+"All boys are not cut out for scholars," said the usher. "Now you,
+Hector, would do excellently, and might hope to make a very
+successful professional man."
+
+Hector shook his head.
+
+"I must look to a different career," he said. "I am to be the
+architect of my own fortune, you know."
+
+"What are your plans, Hector?" asked the usher.
+
+"I will consult with Mr. Boss, Walter's father. By the way, he knows
+nothing of the change in my circumstances. He supposes me to be the
+heir to the Roscoe estate."
+
+"Trouble has come upon you early, Hector. Should you need help
+hereafter, you must remember that I am earning a good salary and--"
+
+"Thank you, Mr. Crabb," gratefully, "but you will need all you earn.
+I don't look upon my loss of fortune as a trouble. I think it will
+make me more manly and self-reliant, and stimulate me to exertion. I
+have a fair education, and I am sure I can earn my living in some
+honest way."
+
+"If that is your spirit, Hector, I am sure you will succeed. You are
+young and hopeful. I am too much inclined to despond. I have always
+been timid about the future. It is a matter of temperament."
+
+It was early in the afternoon when they reached New York. As they
+emerged from the depot a bright-faced boy came up eagerly and
+greeted them.
+
+"How are you, Hector?" he said. "You see, I came to meet you. I have
+been longing to have you come."
+
+"I am just as glad to see you, Walter," said Hector, heartily. "Mr.
+Crabb, here is your future pupil, Walter Boss."
+
+"I hope we may soon be friends, Walter," said the usher, attracted
+by the bright, sunny face of the boy.
+
+Walter gave the usher his hand.
+
+"I hope so, too," he said, smiling. "I'll try not to worry you any
+more than I can help."
+
+"I have no misgivings," said Mr. Crabb, as he mentally contrasted
+his new pupil with Jim Smith, and two or three others at the
+institute, who had been a frequent source of trouble and annoyance.
+
+"Here is the carriage," said Walter, pointing out a plain but
+handsome carriage waiting outside. "Bundle in, both of you! I beg
+your pardon, Mr. Crabb, for my familiarity. That was intended for
+Hector."
+
+"I am ready to be classed with Hector," said Mr. Crabb.
+
+"I am glad to hear you say so. I was afraid you would be stiff and
+dignified."
+
+"I think I shall take my cue from you."
+
+"Oh, my rule is, go as you please. Edward, drive home!"
+
+The house occupied by Mr. Boss was a fine brown-stone dwelling on
+Forty-second Street. Arrived there, Mr. Crabb was shown into a
+spacious chamber, on the third floor, furnished with a luxury to
+which the poor usher was quite unaccustomed.
+
+"Now, Hector, you can have a room to yourself, or you may share my
+den," said Walter.
+
+"I would rather share the den," said Hector.
+
+"That's what I hoped. You see, we shall have ever so much to say to
+each other. We haven't seen each other for over a year."
+
+A slight shade of gravity overspread Hector's face. Since he had met
+his friend, his father had died, and he had been reduced from the
+heir of wealth to a penniless orphan. Of this last change Walter
+knew nothing, but Hector did not mean long to leave him in
+ignorance.
+
+At dinner the two newcomers saw Mr. Ross, from whom they received a
+friendly welcome. The usher was put at his ease at once.
+
+"I hope you'll get along with my boy," said the bluff city merchant.
+"Of one thing you may be assured, your scholarship won't be severely
+taxed in educating him. Walter is a pretty good boy, but he isn't a
+prodigy of learning."
+
+"I may be some day, father," said Walter, "with Mr. Crabb's help."
+
+"I take it Mr. Crabb isn't able to perform miracles," said Mr. Ross,
+good-humoredly. "No, Mr. Crabb, I shan't expect too much of you. Get
+your pupil on moderately fast, and I shall be satisfied. I am glad,
+Hector, that you were able to pay Walter a visit at this time."
+
+"So am I, sir."
+
+"I thought you might not be able to leave your studies."
+
+"I have given up study, sir."
+
+"I am surprised at that, Hector. I thought you contemplated going to
+college."
+
+"So I did, sir, but circumstances have changed my plans."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"Yes, sir; I will explain after dinner, and will ask your advice."
+
+Mr. Ross dropped the subject, and after dinner led the way to the
+library, where he sank into an armchair, and, breathing a sigh of
+satisfaction, said: "This, Mr. Crabb, is the most enjoyable part of
+the twenty-four hours for me. I dismiss business cares and
+perplexities, and read my evening paper, or some new book, in
+comfort."
+
+As the usher looked about him and saw costly books, engravings,
+furniture and pictures, he could well understand that in such
+surroundings the merchant could take solid comfort. It was a most
+agreeable contrast to the plain and poverty-stricken room at Smith
+Institute, where the boys pursued their evening studies under his
+superintendence.
+
+"Well, Hector, so you don't propose to go back to school," said the
+merchant. "Isn't that rather a sudden resolution?"
+
+"Yes, sir; but, as I said, circumstances have changed."
+
+"What circumstances? Because you are rich, you don't think you ought
+to be idle, I hope?"
+
+"Oh, no, sir. It is because I have discovered that I am not rich."
+
+"Not rich! I always understood that your father left a large
+estate," said Mr. Ross, in surprise.
+
+"So he did, sir."
+
+"Didn't it descend to you?"
+
+"I thought so till recently."
+
+"Why don't you think so now?"
+
+In answer, Hector told the story of the revelation made to him by
+Allan Roscoe, after his father's death.
+
+"You see, therefore," he concluded, "that I am penniless, and a
+dependent upon Mr. Allan Roscoe's generosity."
+
+"This is a most extraordinary story!" said the merchant, after a
+pause.
+
+"Yes, sir; it changes my whole future."
+
+"I suppose Mr. Allan Roscoe is the beneficiary, and the estate goes
+to him?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Did your father--the late Mr. Roscoe--ever hint to you anything
+which could lead you to suspect that you were not his own, but an
+adopted son?"
+
+"Never, Mr. Ross," answered Hector, with emphasis.
+
+"Did he continue to treat you with affection."
+
+"Always. Nothing in his manner ever would have led me to imagine
+that I was not his own son."
+
+"He left no will?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"What are your plans?"
+
+"I do not wish to remain dependent upon Allan Roscoe. I should like
+to obtain a situation of some kind in the city, if I can."
+
+"I can probably serve you, then, after a while. For the present,
+stay here as Walter's companion."
+
+"Thank you, sir; I should like nothing better."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVII.
+
+LARRY DEANE.
+
+
+
+
+
+Not altogether in accordance with his inclinations, Walter was set
+to work at his studies immediately under the direction of Mr. Crabb.
+He asked his father for a week's vacation to go about the city with
+Hector, but his father answered in the negative.
+
+"You are too far behind in your studies, Walter," he said. "You are
+two years, at least, behind Hector, and cannot spare the time as
+well as he."
+
+"Hector will have to go round alone," objected Walter.
+
+"It will do him no harm to get acquainted with the different parts
+of the city, as that will be a kind of knowledge he may require if
+he should obtain a situation."
+
+"I shan't see much of him."
+
+"Oh, yes, you will; Mr. Crabb will not make you study all day. Mr.
+Crabb, you may work with Walter from nine to one. This, with perhaps
+an hour or more devoted to study in the afternoon or evening, will
+enable him to make fair progress."
+
+This arrangement struck Walter favorably, as he could, whenever he
+desired it, spend the whole afternoon with Hector.
+
+Hector found it very pleasant to act upon the suggestion made by Mr.
+Ross. He had visited the city of New York at different times, but
+had never enjoyed the opportunity of exploring it by himself. His
+first visit was made to Central Park, where he mingled with the
+crowds wandering about in search of pleasure.
+
+He made his way to the lake, and took passage in one of the skiffs
+which, in charge of a skilled oarsman, makes a tour of the pretty
+and picturesque sheet of water.
+
+The second morning he turned his steps southward, and walked down
+Broadway. It was a leisurely walk, for he had no scruple in stopping
+wherever he saw anything in the streets or in the shop windows that
+seemed to him worthy of attention. About the corner of Canal Street
+he was very much surprised at a boy who was on his knees, blacking
+the boots of an elderly gentleman--a boy whom he recognized at once
+as the son of a man who had for years been in his father's employ as
+gardener at Castle Roscoe.
+
+"What brings him here?" thought Hector, much surprised.
+
+"Larry Deane!" he said, as the boy finished his job, and rose from
+his feet to receive his pay.
+
+"Hector Roscoe!" exclaimed Larry, not much less surprised.
+
+"What brings you here, and what has reduced you to such work?"
+inquired Hector.
+
+Larry Deane was a boy of about Hector's age. He was a
+healthy-looking country lad, looking like many another farmer's son,
+fresh from the country. He had not yet acquired that sharp, keen
+look which characterizes, in most cases, the New York boy who has
+spent all his life in the streets.
+
+"I can answer both your questions with the same word, Master
+Hector," said Larry, as a sober look swept over his broad, honest
+face.
+
+"Don't call me master, Larry. We are equals here. But what is that
+word?"
+
+"That word is trouble,'" answered the bootblack.
+
+"Come with me into this side street," said Hector, leading the way
+into Howard Street. "You have a story to tell, and I want to hear
+it."
+
+"Yes, I have a story to tell."
+
+"I hope your father and mother are well," said Hector, interrupting
+him.
+
+"Yes, they are well in health, but they are in trouble, as I told
+you."
+
+"What is the trouble?"
+
+"It all comes of Mr. Allan Roscoe," answered Larry, "and his son,
+Guy."
+
+"Tell me all about it."
+
+"I was walking in the fields one day," said Larry, "when Guy came
+out and began to order me round, and call me a clodhopper and other
+unlikely names, which I didn't enjoy. Finally he pulled off my hat,
+and when I put it back on my head, he pulled it off again. Finally I
+found the only way to do was to give him as good as he sent. So I
+pulled off his hat and threw it up in a tree. He became very angry,
+and ordered me to go up after it. I wouldn't do it, but walked away.
+The next day my father was summoned to the house, where Mr. Allan
+Roscoe complained of me for insulting his son. He asked my father to
+thrash me, and when father refused, he discharged him from his
+employment. A day or two afterward a new gardener came to Roscoe
+Castle, and father understood that there was no chance of his being
+taken back."
+
+"That was very mean in Mr. Roscoe," said Hector, indignantly.
+
+"Yes, so it was; but father couldn't do anything. He couldn't get a
+new place, for it wasn't the right time of year, and Mr. Roscoe said
+he wouldn't give him a recommendation. Well, we had very little
+money in the house, for mother has been sick of late years, and all
+father's extra earnings went to pay for medicines and the doctor's
+bill. So one day I told father I would come to New York and see if I
+couldn't find something to do."
+
+"I think you did the right thing, Larry," said Hector, approvingly.
+"It was your duty to help your father if you could."
+
+"I can't help him much," answered Larry.
+
+"What made you take up this business, Larry?"
+
+"I couldn't get anything else to do. besides, this pays better than
+working in a store or office."
+
+"How--much can you earn at it?"
+
+"Six or seven dollars a week."
+
+"I should think it would require all that to support you."
+
+"It would if I went to a boarding house, but I can't afford that,"
+
+"Where do you live?"
+
+"At the Newsboys' Lodging House."
+
+"How much does that cost you?"
+
+"For eighteen cents a day I get supper, lodging and breakfast. In
+the middle of the day I go to a cheap restaurant."
+
+"Then you are able to save something?"
+
+"Yes; last week I sent home three dollars, the week before two
+dollars and a half."
+
+"Why, that is doing famously. You are a good boy, Larry."
+
+"Thank you, Hector; but, though it is doing very well for me, it
+isn't as much as they need at home. Besides, I can't keep it up, as,
+after a while, I shall need to buy some new clothes. If your father
+had been alive, my father would never have lost his place. Master
+Hector, won't you use your influence with your uncle to have him
+taken back?"
+
+Hector felt keenly how powerless he was in the matter. He looked
+grave, as he answered:
+
+"Larry, you may be sure that I would do all in my power to have your
+father restored to the position from which he never should have been
+removed; but I fear I can do nothing."
+
+"Won't you write to Mr. Roscoe?" pleaded Larry, who, of course, did
+not understand why Hector was powerless.
+
+"Yes, I will write to him, but I am sorry to say that I have very
+little influence with Mr. Roscoe."
+
+"That is strange," said Larry; "and you the owner of the estate."
+
+Hector did not care to explain to Larry just how matters stood, so
+he only said:
+
+"I can't explain to you what seems strange to you, Larry, but I may
+be able to do so some time. I will certainly write to Mr. Roscoe, as
+you desire; but you must not build any hopes upon it. Meanwhile,
+will you accept this from me, and send it to your father?"
+
+As he spoke, he drew from his pocketbook a five-dollar bill and
+handed it to his humble friend.
+
+Larry would not have accepted it had he known that Hector was nearly
+as poor as himself, but, supposing him to be the heir of a large and
+rich estate, he felt no hesitation.
+
+"Thank you very much, Hector," he said; "you had always a kind
+heart. This money will do my father very much good. I will send it
+to him to-day."
+
+"Do you generally stand here, Larry?" asked Hector.
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Then I will take pains to see you again."
+
+"Shall you stay long in the city, Master Hector?"
+
+"Not Master Hector."
+
+"Then Hector, if you don't mind."
+
+"I shall be here for the present--I don't know how long."
+
+"Then let me black your boots for nothing every time you come by--I
+want to do something for you."
+
+"Thank you, Larry; but I don't like to have a friend perform such a
+service. Remember me to your father when you write."
+
+"I wish I could do something for Larry," said Hector, to himself, as
+he walked away. "As it is, I stand in need of help myself."
+
+He was to make a friend that day under rather unusual circumstances.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVIII.
+
+TWO MORE ACQUAINTANCES.
+
+
+
+
+
+Hector continued his walk downtown. Despite the crowds of persons
+who thronged the sidewalks, he did not anticipate meeting anyone
+else that he knew. But he was destined to another surprise. On the
+corner of Murray Street he saw two persons advancing toward him, the
+last, perhaps, that he expected to see. Not to keep the reader in
+suspense, it was Allan Roscoe and his son, Guy.
+
+Guy was the first to recognize Hector. Of course, he, too, was
+surprised.
+
+"Why, there's Hector!" he exclaimed, directing his father's
+attention to our hero.
+
+Allan Roscoe looked up quickly. It is hard to tell whether he felt
+glad or the reverse at this meeting with the boy whom he called his
+ward.
+
+An instant later Hector recognized Guy and his father.
+
+"How do you do, Mr. Roscoe?" he said, politely.
+
+"Very well. When did you reach New York?"
+
+"On Saturday."
+
+It should have been explained that Hector had spent Sunday quietly
+with Mr. Ross and Walter, and that this was Monday.
+
+"Ahem! I was very much surprised at your leaving the institute,"
+said Mr. Roscoe.
+
+"I explained to you in my letter why I proposed to leave it," Hector
+answered, coldly.
+
+"I did not think your reason sufficient."
+
+"As Mr. Smith saw fit to bring a base charge against me, and
+persisted in it, even after he must have been convinced that his
+nephew was guilty, I was unwilling to remain under his charge any
+longer."
+
+"The circumstances were against you," said Mr. Roscoe.
+
+"You might have known me better than that, Mr. Roscoe," said Hector,
+proudly. "Yet you condemned me unheard."
+
+"Of course, I am very glad that the charge is unfounded," said Mr.
+Roscoe, awkwardly.
+
+"Where there is smoke there is generally fire," said Guy,
+spitefully.
+
+"I understand you, Guy," said Hector, half turning to look at the
+boy who had usurped his place. "I hope you won't think it impolite
+if I say that I care nothing whatever for your opinion."
+
+"You put on as many airs as ever," sneered Guy. "I should think you
+would be a little more humble in your changed position."
+
+"I have not changed, even if my position has," answered Hector.
+"Money is nothing to be proud of."
+
+"I apprehend that the world judges differently," said Allan Roscoe.
+"Since you have taken your destiny into your own hands, you will
+excuse me for asking how you intend to earn your living?"
+
+"I hope to get a mercantile position," answered Hector.
+
+"Take my advice," said Guy, with a derisive smile, "and buy yourself
+a blacking box and brush. I am told bootblacks make a good deal of
+money."
+
+"Hush, Guy!" said his father. "Do not insult Hector."
+
+But Hector concerned himself but little with any slight received
+from Guy Roscoe. His words, however, recalled his thoughts to the
+boy he had so recently met, Larry Deane, and he resolved to see if
+he could not help him by an appeal to Allan Roscoe.
+
+"Mr. Roscoe," said he, quickly, "I nearly forgot something I want
+very much to say to you."
+
+"What is it?" asked his guardian, suspiciously. It occurred to him
+that Hector wished to borrow some money, and he was considering how
+little he could decently give him.
+
+"I hear you have discharged Reuben Deane from his position?"
+
+"How did you hear it?"
+
+"From his son, Larry."
+
+"Where did you see Larry?" asked Allan, in some curiosity.
+
+"He has been driven to take up that employment which Guy so kindly
+recommended to me."
+
+"Larry Deane a bootblack! That's a good one!" exclaimed Guy, with
+evident relish.
+
+"I don't think so," said Hector. "The poor boy is picking a poor
+living, and sending home what he can to his father, who cannot get
+new employment. Mr. Roscoe, why did you discharge him?"
+
+"I can answer that question, though it's none of your business all
+the same," volunteered Guy. "The boy Larry was impudent to me, and
+his father took his part."
+
+"Mr. Roscoe," said Hector, "Reuben Deane was in my father's employ
+before I was born. Larry and I used to play together when we were
+little boys, and since when we were older."
+
+"A bootblack is a nice playmate," said Guy, with his usual sneer.
+
+"He was not a bootblack then," retorted Hector, "nor would he be now
+but for your mean spite. Mr. Roscoe, as I happen to know, my father
+always valued the services of Reuben Deane, and I ask, in his name,
+that you give him back his place."
+
+"My brother may have been deceived in him," said Allan Roscoe,
+coldly, emphasizing the first two words, in order to remind Hector
+that he was no longer to consider him as his father; "but I cannot
+promise to adopt all his views and protege's. I have displaced Deane
+and substituted for him a gardener with whom I am better pleased."
+
+"Have you no sympathy for the poverty and distress of a man who has
+served our family faithfully for so many years?" asked Hector, half
+indignantly.
+
+"My father is competent to manage his own affairs," said Guy,
+offensively.
+
+"You don't appear to think so, or you would not answer for him,"
+retorted Hector.
+
+"Boys, I must request you to desist from this bickering," said Allan
+Roscoe. "I am sorry, Hector, that I cannot comply with your request.
+By the way, you did not tell me where you were staying."
+
+"With a gentlman on Forty-second Street."
+
+"What is his name?"
+
+"Andrew Ross."
+
+"Not the eminent merchant of that name?" asked Allan Roscoe, in
+surprise.
+
+"Yes, I believe so."
+
+"He is worth a million."
+
+"I supposed he was rich. He lives in an elegant house."
+
+"Where did you get acquainted with him, Hector?"
+
+"At Saratoga, a year and a half ago."
+
+"Did you beg him to take you in?" asked Guy, unpleasantly.
+
+Hector quietly ignored the question.
+
+"Walter Boss and I have been very intimate, and I was invited to pay
+him a visit."
+
+"Does he know that you are a poor boy?" asked Guy.
+
+"I have communicated to Mr. Ross what your father told me," answered
+Hector, coldly. "He is a real friend, and it made no difference in
+his treatment of me. I hope to get a situation through his
+influence."
+
+"You are lucky to have such a man for a friend," said Allan Roscoe,
+who would himself have liked to become acquainted with a man whose
+social position was so high. "I hope you will not misrepresent me to
+him. Should any opportunity occur, I will try to procure you
+employment."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Hector, but his tone lacked heartiness. He
+saw that his being a visitor to Mr. Ross and his son had made a
+difference in his favor. Guy, too, began to think he might be a
+little more gracious. He, like his father, liked to associate with
+boys of high social position, and he would have liked to be
+introduced to Walter Ross.
+
+"What is your number?" he asked of Hector, "I don't know but I'll
+call and see you some time. Is Walter Ross generally at home?"
+
+"Don't put yourself to any inconvenience to call," said Hector,
+significantly. "Walter and I are generally away in the afternoon."
+
+"Oh, I don't care to call upon you," said Guy, annoyed. "I can have
+all the company I want."
+
+"I won't detain you any longer, Mr. Roscoe," said Hector, realizing
+that the conversation had occupied considerable time.
+"Good-morning."
+
+"That boy is as proud as ever," said Guy, after Hector had left
+them. "He doesn't seem to realize that he has lost his money."
+
+"He has not had time to realize it yet. It won't be long before he
+will understand the difference it makes."
+
+"I am glad he isn't my cousin," continued Guy. "I dislike him more
+than any boy I know."
+
+Allan Roscoe looked thoughtful.
+
+"I fear that boy will give me trouble yet," he said to himself. "He
+evidently suspects that something is wrong."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIX.
+
+JIM SMITH EFFECTS A LOAN.
+
+
+
+
+
+After parting with Allan Roscoe and Guy, Hector kept on his way
+downtown. He did not expect to meet any more acquaintances, but he
+was again to be surprised. Standing on the sidewalk having his boots
+blacked, he recognized the schoolfellow he had least reason to
+like--Jim Smith.
+
+"What brings Jim here?" he asked himself, in some surprise.
+
+He did not feel inclined to go up and claim acquaintance, but it
+chanced that he became witness of a piece of meanness characteristic
+of Jim.
+
+When the young bootblack had finished polishing his shoes, he waited
+for his customary fee.
+
+Jim fumbled in his pockets, and finally produced two cents.
+
+"There, boy," he said, placing them in the hand of the disgusted
+knight of the brush.
+
+"What's that for?" he asked.
+
+"It's your pay."
+
+"Look here, mister, you've made a mistake; here's only two cents."
+
+"I know it."
+
+"Do you think I work for any such price as that?"
+
+"Perhaps you expect a dollar!" sneered Jim.
+
+"No, I don't; but a nickel's my lowest price. Plenty of gentlemen
+give me a dime."
+
+"That's too much; I've paid you all I'm going to."
+
+"Wait a minute. That boot don't look as well as the other."
+
+Jim unsuspiciously allowed the boy to complete his work, but he had
+occasion to regret it. The bootblack hastily rubbed his brush in the
+mud on the sidewalk and daubed it on one of Jim's boots, quite
+effacing the shine.
+
+"There, that'll do," he said, and, scrambling to his feet, ran round
+the corner.
+
+Then, for the first time, Jim looked down, and saw what the boy had
+done. He uttered an exclamation of disgust and looked round hastily
+to see where the offender had betaken himself. His glance fell upon
+Hector, who was quietly looking on, and not without a sense of
+enjoyment.
+
+It often happens that we greet cordially those for whom we have even
+a feeling of aversion when we meet them unexpectedly away from our
+usual haunts. Jim, who was beginning to regret that circumstances
+had forced him to leave the serene sanctuary of Smith Institute,
+since now he would be under the necessity of making his own living,
+was glad to see our hero.
+
+"Is it you, Roscoe?" he said, eagerly.
+
+"Yes," answered Hector, coolly.
+
+"What are you doing?"
+
+"Walking about the city, just at present."
+
+"Suppose we go together."
+
+Hector hardly knew how to refuse, and the two boys kept down
+Broadway in company.
+
+"You're surprised to see me, ain't you?" asked Jim.
+
+"Rather so."
+
+"You see, I got tired of the school. I're been there three years, so
+I told my uncle I would come to New York and see if I couldn't get
+work."
+
+"I hope you may succeed," said Hector, for he would not allow his
+dislikes to carry him too far. He felt that there was room in the
+world for Jim and himself, too.
+
+"Are you going to work?" asked Jim.
+
+"I hope so."
+
+"Got anything in view?"
+
+"Not exactly.'"
+
+"It would be a good thing if we could get into the same place."
+
+"Do you say that because we have always agreed so well?" asked
+Hector, amused.
+
+"We may be better friends in future," said Jim, with a grin.
+
+Hector was judiciously silent.
+
+"Where are you staying?"
+
+"Up on Forty-second Street."
+
+"That's a good way uptown, isn't it?"
+
+"Yes, pretty far up."
+
+"Are you boarding?"
+
+"No; I am visiting some friends."
+
+"Couldn't you get me in there as one of your school friends?"
+
+This question indicated such an amount of assurance on the part of
+his old enemy that at first Hector did not know how to reply in
+fitting terms.
+
+"I couldn't take such a liberty with my friends," he said. "Besides,
+it doesn't strike me that we were on very intimate terms."
+
+But Jim was not sensitive to a rebuff.
+
+"The fact is," he continued, "I haven't got much money, and it would
+be very convenient to visit somebody. Perhaps you could lend me five
+dollars?"
+
+"I don't think I could. I think I shall have to say good-morning."
+
+"I can't make anything out of him," said Jim to himself,
+philosophically. "I wonder if he's got any money. Uncle Socrates
+told me his uncle had cast him off."
+
+Going up Broadway instead of down, it was not long before Jim met
+Allan Roscoe and Guy, whom he immediately recognized. Not being
+troubled with immodesty, he at once walked up to Mr. Roscoe and held
+out his hand.
+
+"Good-morning, Mr. Roscoe!" he said, in an ingratiating voice.
+
+"Good-morning, young man. Where have I met you?" asked Allan Roscoe,
+puzzled.
+
+"At Smith Institute. I am the nephew of Mr. Smith."
+
+"What! Not the nephew who--"
+
+Mr. Roscoe found it hard to finish the sentence. He didn't like to
+charge Jim with stealing to his face.
+
+"I know what you mean," said Jim, boldly. "I am the one whom your
+nephew charged with taking money which he took himself. I don't want
+to say anything against him, as he is your nephew, but he is an
+artful young--but no matter. You are his uncle."
+
+"He is not my nephew, but was only cared for by my brother," said
+Allan Roscoe. "You may tell me freely, my good fellow, all the
+truth. You say that Hector stole the money which your uncle lost."
+
+"Yes; but he has made my uncle believe that I took it. It is hard
+upon me," said Jim, pathetically, "as I was dependent upon my uncle.
+I have been driven forth into the cold world by my benefactor
+because your nephew prejudiced his mind against me."
+
+"I believe him, papa," said Guy, who was only too glad to believe
+anything against Hector. "I have thought all along that Hector was
+guilty."
+
+"Is that your son?" asked the crafty Jim. "I wish he had come to the
+institute, instead of Hector. He is a boy that I couldn't help
+liking."
+
+There are few who are altogether inaccessible to flattery. At any
+rate, Guy was not one of this small number.
+
+"I feel sure you are not guilty," said Guy, regarding Jim
+graciously. "It was a very mean thing in Hector to get you into
+trouble."
+
+"It was, indeed," said Jim. "I am cast out of my uncle's house, and
+now I have no home, and hardly any money."
+
+"Hector is in the city. Have you seen him?" asked Allan Roscoe.
+
+"Yes; I met him a few minutes since."
+
+"Did you speak to him?"
+
+"Yes; I reproached him for getting me into trouble, but he only
+laughed in my face. He told me he hated you both," added Jim,
+ingenuously.
+
+"Just like Hector!" said Guy. "What have I always told you, papa?"
+
+"I am sorry you have suffered such injustice at the hands of anyone
+in any way connected with my family," said Mr. Roscoe, who, like
+Guy, was not indisposed to believe anything to the discredit of
+Hector. "I do not feel responsible for his unworthy acts, but I am
+willing to show my sympathy by a small gift."
+
+He produced a five-dollar note and put it into Jim's ready hand.
+
+"Thank you, sir," he said. "You are a gentleman."
+
+So the interview closed, and Jim left the spot, chuckling at the
+manner in which he had wheedled so respectable a sum out of Allan
+Roscoe.
+
+Meanwhile Hector, after looking about him, turned, and, getting into
+a Broadway stage, rode uptown as far as Twenty-third Street, where
+the stage turned down toward Sixth Avenue. He concluded to walk the
+remainder of the way.
+
+As he was walking up Madison Avenue, his attention was drawn to a
+little girl in charge of a nursemaid. The latter met an acquaintance
+and forgot her charge. The little girl, left to herself, attempted
+to cross the street just as a private carriage was driven rapidly up
+the avenue. The driver was looking away, and it seemed as if,
+through the double neglect of the driver and the nurse, the poor
+child would be crushed beneath the hoofs of the horses and the
+wheels of the carriage.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXX.
+
+A BRAVE DEED.
+
+
+
+
+
+Hector's heart stood still as he realized the peril of the child. He
+dashed forward on the impulse of the moment, and barely succeeded in
+catching up the little girl and drawing her back out of harm's way.
+The driver, who had done his best to rein up his horses, but without
+success, ejaculated with fervent gratitude, for he, too, had a child
+of his own about the age of the little girl, "God bless you, boy."
+
+The little girl seemed less concerned than anyone of the spectators.
+She put her hand confidently in Hector's, and said: "Take me to
+Mary."
+
+"And who is Mary?" asked Hector, kindly.
+
+He did not require an answer, for the nurse, who, rather late in the
+day, had awakened to the fact that her charge was in danger, came
+running forward, crying: "Oh! Miss Gracie, what made you run away?"
+
+"The little girl would have been killed but for this boy's timely
+help," said a middle-aged spectator, gravely.
+
+"I'm sure I don't know what possessed her to run away," said Mary,
+confusedly.
+
+"She wouldn't if she had been properly looked after," said the
+gentleman, sharply, for he had children of his own.
+
+Hector was about to release the child, now that he had saved her,
+but she was not disposed to let him go.
+
+"You go with me, too!" she said.
+
+She was a pretty child, with a sweet face, rimmed round by golden
+curls, her round, red cheeks glowing with exercise.
+
+"What is her name?" asked Hector, of the nurse.
+
+"Grace Newman," answered the nurse, who felt the necessity of saying
+something in her own defense. "She's a perfect little runaway. She
+worries my life out running round after her."
+
+"Grace Newman!" said the middle-aged gentleman already referred to.
+"Why, she must be the child of my friend, Titus Newman, of Pearl
+Street."
+
+"Yes, sir," said the nurse.
+
+"My old friend little knows what a narrow escape his daughter has
+had."
+
+"I hope you won't tell him, sir," said Mary, nervously.
+
+"Why not?"
+
+"Because he would blame me."
+
+"And so he ought!" said the gentleman, nodding vigorously. "It's no
+merit of yours that she wasn't crushed beneath the wheels of that
+carriage. If you had been attending to your duty, she wouldn't have
+been in danger."
+
+"I don't see as it's any business of yours," said Mary, pertly. "You
+ain't her father, or her uncle."
+
+"I am a father, and have common humanity," said the gentleman, "and
+I consider you unfit for your place."
+
+"Come along, Grace!" said Mary, angry at being blamed. "You've
+behaved very badly, and I'm going to take you home."
+
+"Won't you come, too?" asked the little girl, turning to Hector.
+
+"No, there's no call for him to come," said the nurse, pulling the
+child away.
+
+"Good-by, Gracie," said Hector, kindly.
+
+"Good-by!" responded the child.
+
+"These nursemaids neglect their charges criminally," said the
+gentleman, directing his remarks to Hector. "Mr. Newman owes his
+child's safety, perhaps her life, to your prompt courage."
+
+"She was in great danger," said Hector. "I was afraid at first I
+could not save her."
+
+"A second later and it would have been too late. What is your name,
+my brave young friend?"
+
+"Hector Roscoe, sir."
+
+"It is a good name. Do you live in the city?"
+
+"At present I do, sir. I was brought up in the country."
+
+"Going to school, I take it."
+
+"I am looking for a place, sir."
+
+"I wish I had one to give you. I retired from business two years
+since, and have no employment for anyone."
+
+"Thank you, sir; I should have liked to serve you."
+
+"But I'll tell you what, my young friend, I have a considerable
+acquaintance among business men. If you will give me your address, I
+may have something to communicate to you ere long."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+Hector drew a card from his pocket, and added to it the number of
+Mr. Ross' house.
+
+"I am much obliged to you for your kind offer," he said.
+
+"You don't look as if you stood in need of employment," said the
+gentleman, noticing the fine material of which Hector's suit was
+made.
+
+"Appearances are sometimes deceitful," said Hector, half smiling.
+
+"You must have been brought up in affluence," said Mr. Davidson, for
+this was his name.
+
+"Yes, sir, I was. Till recently I supposed myself rich."
+
+"You shall tell me the story some time; now I must leave you."
+
+"Well," thought Hector, as he made his way homeward, "I have had
+adventures enough for one morning."
+
+When Hector reached the house in Forty-second Street, he found
+Walter just rising from his lessons.
+
+"Well, Hector, what have you been doing?" asked Walter.
+
+"Wandering about the city."
+
+"Did you see anybody you knew while doing so?"
+
+"Oh, yes! I was particularly favored. I saw Allan Roscoe and Guy--"
+
+"You don't say so! Were they glad to see you?"
+
+"Not particularly. When Guy learned that I was staying here, he
+proposed to call and make your acquaintance."
+
+"I hope you didn't encourage him," said Walter, with a grimace.
+
+"No; I told him that we were generally out in the afternoon."
+
+"That is right."
+
+"I suppose you have been hard at work, Walter?"
+
+"Ask Mr. Crabb."
+
+"Walter has done very well," said the usher. "If he will continue to
+study as well, I shall have no fault to find."
+
+"If I do, will you qualify me to be a professor in twelve months'
+time?"
+
+"I hope not, for in that case I should lose my scholar, and have to
+bow to his superior knowledge."
+
+"Then you don't know everything, Mr. Crabb?"
+
+"Far from it! I hope your father didn't engage me in any such
+illusion."
+
+"Because," said Walter, "I had one teacher who pretended to know all
+there was worth knowing. I remember how annoyed he was once when I
+caught him in a mistake in geography."
+
+"I shall not be annoyed at all when you find me out in a mistake,
+for I don't pretend to be very learned."
+
+"Then I think we'll get along," said Walter, favorably impressed by
+the usher's modesty.
+
+"I suppose if I didn't know anything we should get along even
+better," said Mr. Crabb, amused.
+
+"Well, perhaps that might be carrying things too far!" Walter
+admitted.
+
+In the afternoon Hector and Walter spent two hours at the gymnasium
+in Twenty-eighth Street, and walked leisurely home after a healthful
+amount of exercise.
+
+For some reason, which he could not himself explain, Hector said
+nothing to Walter about his rescue of the little girl on Madison
+Avenue, though he heard of it at the gymnasium.
+
+One of the boys, Henry Carroll, said to Walter: "There was a little
+girl came near being run over on Madison Avenue this noon!"
+
+"Did you see it?"
+
+"No, but I heard of it."
+
+"Who was the little girl?"
+
+"Grace Newman."
+
+"I know who she is. How did it happen?"
+
+The boy gave a pretty correct account.
+
+"Some boy saved her," he concluded, "by running forward and hauling
+her out of the road just in time. He ran the risk of being run over
+himself. Mr. Newman thinks everything of little Grace. I'd like to
+be in that boy's shoes."
+
+Neither of the boys noticed that Hector's face was flushed, as he
+listened to the account of his own exploit.
+
+The next morning, among the letters laid upon the breakfast table
+was one for Hector Roscoe.
+
+"A letter for you, Hector," said Mr. Ross, examining the envelope in
+some surprise. "Are you acquainted with Titus Newman, the Pearl
+Street merchant?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Hector, in secret excitement.
+
+"He seems to have written to you," said Mr. Ross.
+
+Hector took the letter and tore open the envelope.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXI.
+
+AN IMPORTANT LETTER.
+
+
+
+
+
+The letter alluded to in the last chapter ran thus. It was written
+from Mr. Newman's house in Madison Avenue, though inclosed in a
+business envelope:
+
+"MASTER HECTOR ROSCOE: I learn that I am indebted to you for the
+rescue of my little daughter from imminent peril during my absence
+from home yesterday. A friend who witnessed her providential escape
+has given me such an account of your bravery in risking your own
+life to save that of an unknown child, that I cannot rest till I
+have had an opportunity of thanking you in person. You will do me a
+favor, if not otherwise engaged, if you will call at my house this
+evening, about eight o'clock. Yours gratefully,
+
+"Titus NEWMAN."
+
+It is needless to say that Hector read this letter with feelings of
+gratification. It is true, as we are often told, that "virtue is its
+own reward," but it is, nevertheless, pleasant to feel that our
+efforts to do well and serve others are appreciated.
+
+"No bad news, I hope, Hector?" said Walter.
+
+"No," answered Hector. "You may read the letter, if you like, Mr.
+Ross."
+
+Mr. Ross did so, and aloud, much to the surprise of everyone at
+table.
+
+"You did not tell me of this," said Walter, in astonishment.
+
+"No," answered Hector, smiling.
+
+"But why not?"
+
+"Because Hector is modest," Mr. Ross answered for him. "Now, if you
+had done such a thing, Walter, we should have been sure to hear of
+it."
+
+"I don't know," returned Walter, comically. "You don't know how many
+lives I have saved within the last few years."
+
+"Nor anyone else, I fancy," replied his father. "By the way, Hector,
+there is a paragraph about it in the Herald of this morning. I read
+it, little suspecting that you were the boy whose name the reporter
+was unable to learn."
+
+Hector read the paragraph in question with excusable pride. It was,
+in the main, correct.
+
+"How old was the little girl?" asked Walter.
+
+"Four years old, I should think."
+
+"That isn't quite so romantic as if she had been three times as
+old."
+
+"I couldn't have rescued her quite as easily, in that case."
+
+Of course, Hector was called upon for an account of the affair,
+which he gave plainly, without adding any of those embellishments
+which some boys, possibly some of my young readers, might have been
+tempted to put in.
+
+"You are fortunate to have obliged a man like Titus Newman, Hector,"
+said Mr. Ross. "He is a man of great wealth and influence."
+
+"Do you know him, papa?" asked Walter.
+
+"No--that is, not at all well. I have been introduced to him."
+
+Punctually at eight o'clock Hector ascended the steps of a handsome
+residence on Madison Avenue. The door was opened by a colored
+servant, of imposing manners.
+
+"Is Mr. Newman at home?" asked Hector, politely.
+
+"Yes, sar."
+
+"Be kind enough to hand him this card?"
+
+"Yes, sar."
+
+Presently the servant reappeared, saying:
+
+"Mr. Newman will see you, sar, in the library. I will induct you
+thither."
+
+"Thank you," answered Hector, secretly amused at the airs put on by
+his sable conductor.
+
+Seated at a table, in a handsomely furnished library, sat a stout
+gentleman of kindly aspect. He rose quickly from his armchair and
+advanced to meet our hero.
+
+"I am glad to see you, my young friend," he said. "Sit there,"
+pointing to a smaller armchair opposite. "So you are the boy who
+rescued my dear little girl?"
+
+His voice softened as he uttered these last few words, and it was
+easy to see how strong was the paternal love that swelled his heart.
+
+"I was fortunate in having the opportunity, Mr. Newman."
+
+"You have rendered me a service I can never repay. When I think that
+but for you the dear child--" his voice faltered.
+
+"Don't think of it, Mr. Newman," said Hector, earnestly. "I don't
+like to think of it myself."
+
+"And you exposed yourself to great danger, my boy!"
+
+"I suppose I did, sir; but that did not occur to me at the time. It
+was all over in an instant."
+
+"I see you are modest, and do not care to take too great credit to
+yourself, but I shall not rest till I have done something to express
+my sense of your noble courage. Now, I am a man of business, and it
+is my custom to come to the point directly. Is there any way in
+which I can serve you."
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"I am glad to hear it. Name it."
+
+"I am looking for a situation in some mercantile establishment, Mr.
+Newman."
+
+"Pardon me, but, judging from your appearance, I should not suppose
+that it was a matter of importance to you."
+
+"Yes, sir; I am poor."
+
+"You don't look so."
+
+"You judge from my dress, no doubt"--Hector was attired in a suit
+of fine texture--"I suppose I may say," he added, with a smile,
+"that I have seen better days."
+
+"Surely, you are young to have met with reverses, if that is what
+you mean to imply," the merchant remarked, observing our hero with
+some curiosity.
+
+"Yes, sir; if you have time, I will explain to you how it happened."
+
+As the story has already been told, I will not repeat Hector's
+words.
+
+Mr. Newman listened with unaffected interest.
+
+"It is certainly a curious story," he said. "Did you, then, quietly
+surrender your claims to the estate simply upon your uncle's
+unsupported assertion?"
+
+"I beg pardon, sir. He showed me my father's--that is, Mr.
+Roscoe's--letter."
+
+"Call him your father, for I believe he was."
+
+"Do you, sir?" asked Hector, eagerly.
+
+"I do. Your uncle's story looks like an invention. Let me think, was
+your father's name Edward Roscoe?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"And in what year were you born?"
+
+"In the year 1856."
+
+"At Sacramento?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Then I feel quite sure that I made your father's acquaintance in
+the succeeding year, and your own as well, though you were an
+infant--that is, you were less than a year old."
+
+"Did my father say anything of having adopted me?"
+
+"No; on the contrary, he repeatedly referred to you as his child,
+and your mother also displayed toward you an affection which would
+have been at least unusual if you had not been her own child."
+
+"Then you think, sir--" Hector began.
+
+"I think that your uncle's story is a mere fabrication. He has
+contrived a snare in which you have allowed yourself to be
+enmeshed."
+
+"I am only a boy, sir. I supposed there was nothing for me to do but
+to yield possession of the estate when my uncle showed me the
+letter."
+
+"It was natural enough; and your uncle doubtless reckoned upon your
+inexperience and ignorance of the law."
+
+"What would you advise me to do, sir?"
+
+"Let me think."
+
+The merchant leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and gave
+himself up to reflection. In the midst of his reverie the pompous
+servant entered, bringing a letter upon a silver salver.
+
+"A letter, sar," he said.
+
+"That will do. You can go, Augustus."
+
+"Yes, sar."
+
+Mr. Newman glanced at the postmark, tore open the letter, read it
+with a frown, and then, as if he had suddenly formed a resolution,
+he said:
+
+"This letter has helped me to a decision."
+
+Hector regarded him with surprise. What could the letter have to do
+with him?
+
+"Have you any objection to going out to California by the next
+steamer?" asked Mr. New-man.
+
+"No, sir," answered Hector, with animation "Am I to go alone?"
+
+"Yes, alone."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXII.
+
+A WAYWARD YOUTH.
+
+
+
+
+
+It is needless to say that Hector was very much surprised, not to
+say startled, at this sudden proposal. What could Mr. Newman
+possibly want him to go to California for? If on business, how did
+it happen that he trusted a mere boy with so responsible a mission?
+
+The explanation came soon.
+
+"No doubt, you are surprised," said the merchant, "at the proposal I
+have made you. I am not prepared myself to say that I am acting with
+good judgment. In making it, I have obeyed a sudden impulse, which
+is not always prudent. Yet, in more than one instance, I have found
+advantage in obeying such an impulse. But to my explanation. By the
+way, let me first ask you two or three questions. Have you any taste
+for any kind of liquor?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Hector, promptly.
+
+"Even if you had, do you think you would have self-control enough to
+avoid entering saloons and gratifying your tastes?"
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"That is well. Do you play pool?"
+
+"No, sir," answered Hector, wondering whither all these questions
+tended.
+
+"I ask because playing pool in public rooms paves the way for
+intemperance, as bars are generally connected with such
+establishments."
+
+"I don't even know how to play pool, sir," said Hector.
+
+"Do you ever bet or gamble?" continued the merchant.
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"You will understand why I ask all these questions when I tell you
+that I have a nephew now nineteen years of age, who does all these
+things. He is not only my nephew, but my ward. I have a moderate sum
+of money in my charge which belongs to him--enough, if he were a
+young man of correct habits, to buy him an interest in a respectable
+business. That use I had proposed to make of it when he reached
+twenty-one, or rather, to recommend to him, but for his yielding to
+temptation in more than one form, and, finally, running away from my
+protection."
+
+"Where is he now, sir?"
+
+"In California. Three months since he disappeared, and it was some
+weeks before I learned where he had gone. As I do not intend to
+conceal anything from you, I must tell you that he carried with him
+five hundred dollars purloined from my desk. This grieved me most of
+all. I wrote out to a mercantile friend in San Francisco, who knows
+the boy by sight, to hunt him up, and see if he could do anything
+for him. He writes me--this is the letter I hold in my hand--that he
+has seen Gregory, and expostulated with him, but apparently without
+effect. The boy has pretty much run through his money, and will soon
+be in need. I do not intend, however, to send him money, for he
+would misuse it. I don't think it will do him any harm to suffer a
+little privation, as a fitting punishment for his wayward courses. I
+would not wish him to suffer too much, and I am anxious lest he
+should go further astray. I now come to the explanation of my
+proposal to you. I wish you to go to California, to seek out
+Gregory, obtain his confidence, and then persuade him to give up his
+bad course, and come home with you, prepared to lead a worthier
+life. Are you willing to undertake it?"
+
+"Yes, sir," answered Hector. "I will undertake it, since you are
+willing to place such a responsibility upon me. I will do my best to
+accomplish what you desire, but I may fail."
+
+"In that case I will not blame you," answered the merchant.
+
+"What sort of a boy is Gregory? Shall I find it difficult to gain
+his confidence?"
+
+"No; he is a youth of very amiable disposition--indeed, he was
+generally popular among his companions and associates, but he is
+morally weak, and finds it difficult to cope with temptation. I
+believe that a boy like you will stand a better chance of
+influencing him than a man of mature age."
+
+"I will do my best, sir."
+
+"One thing more. You may assure Gregory that I forgive him the theft
+of my money, though it gave me great pain to find him capable of
+such an act, and that I am prepared to receive him back into my
+favor if he will show himself worthy of it. I will give you a letter
+to that effect. Now, when will you be ready to start?"
+
+"By the next steamer."
+
+"That is well."
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIII.
+
+MR. ROSCOE MAKES A DISCOVERY.
+
+
+
+
+
+The California steamer was to start in two days. This gave Hector
+but little time for preparation, but then he had but scanty
+preparation to make. Mr. Ross and Walter were naturally surprised at
+the confidence placed in Hector by a stranger, but were inclined to
+think that our hero would prove himself worthy of it.
+
+"Don't be gone long, Hector," said Walter. "I shall miss you. I
+depended upon having your company for a good while yet."
+
+"Come back to my house, Hector," said Mr. Ross, cordially, "when you
+return, whether you are successful or not. Consider it a home where
+you are always welcome."
+
+"Thank you, sir," said Hector, gratefully. "I wish you were my uncle
+instead of Mr. Allan Roscoe."
+
+"By the way, Hector, take time, while you are in California, to go
+to Sacramento to see if you can learn anything of your early
+history. It is most important to you, and I'm sure Mr. Newman will
+not object."
+
+"He has already suggested it to me," said Hector. "Moreover, he has
+given me the name of the minister who baptized me, and, should he be
+dead or removed, he has given me the name of another person--a
+lady--with whom my father boarded during his residence in
+Sacramento."
+
+"It is to be hoped that one or the other of these persons may still
+be living. It will afford me sincere pleasure if, by reliable
+testimony, you can defeat the wicked conspiracy into which Mr.
+Roscoe has entered, with the object of defrauding you of your
+inheritance."
+
+Hector's ticket was purchased by Mr. Newman, and he was provided
+with a considerable sum of money as well as an order upon a bank in
+San Francisco for as much more as he might need.
+
+"You are trusting me to an unusual extent, Mr. Newman," said Hector.
+
+"That is true, but I have no hesitation in doing so. I am a close
+observer, and, though I have seen but little of you, I have seen
+enough to inspire me with confidence."
+
+"I hope I shall deserve it, sir."
+
+"That depends upon yourself, so far as integrity and fidelity go.
+Whether you succeed or not in your undertaking depends partly upon
+circumstances."
+
+My young readers may wonder how Hector would be expected to
+recognize a young man whom he had never seen. He was provided with a
+photograph of Gregory, which had been taken but six months before,
+and which, as Mr. Newman assured him, bore a strong resemblance to
+his nephew.
+
+"He may have changed his name," he said, "but he cannot change his
+face. With this picture you will be able to identify him."
+
+The great steamer started on her long voyage. Walter and Mr. Crabb
+stood on the pier and watched it till Hector's face was no longer
+distinguishable for the distance, and then went home, each feeling
+that he had sustained a loss.
+
+Among those who watched the departure of the steamer was a person
+who escaped Hector's notice, for he arrived just too late to bid
+good-by to an acquaintance who was a passenger on board.
+
+This person was no other than Allan Roscoe.
+
+When he recognized Hector's face among the passengers he started in
+surprise and alarm.
+
+"Hector Roscoe going to California!" he inwardly ejaculated. "What
+can be his object, and where did he raise money to go?"
+
+Conscience whispered: "He has gone to ferret out the fraud which you
+have practiced upon him, and his mission is fraught with peril to
+you."
+
+Allan Roscoe returned to his elegant home in a state of nervous
+agitation, which effectually prevented him from enjoying the
+luxuries he was now able to command. A sword seemed suspended over
+him, but he resolved not to give up the large stake for which he
+played so recklessly without a further effort.
+
+By the next mail he wrote a confidential letter to an old
+acqaintance in San Francisco.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXIV.
+
+FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
+
+
+
+
+
+Hector was seasick for the first twenty-four hours, but at the end
+of that time he had become accustomed to the rise and fall of the
+billows, and was prepared to enjoy himself as well as he could in
+the confined quarters of an ocean steamer.
+
+Of course, he made acquaintances. Among them was a clergyman, of
+middle age, who was attracted by our hero's frank countenance. They
+met on deck, and took together the "constitutional" which travelers
+on shipboard find essential for their health.
+
+"You seem to be alone?" said the clergyman.
+
+"Yes, sir."
+
+"Pardon me, but it is uncommon to meet one so young as yourself who
+is making so long a journey. I suppose, however, you have friends or
+relatives in California."
+
+"No, sir; I know no one, to my knowledge, in the Golden State."
+
+"Then, perhaps, you go out in search of employment?"
+
+"No, sir; I go out on business."
+
+"You are a young business man," said the clergyman, smiling.
+
+"Perhaps I should rather say, on a mission. I am sent out, by a New
+York merchant, in search of his nephew, who is somewhere in San
+Francisco."
+
+Hector explained himself further. The minister, Mr. Richards,
+listened with attention.
+
+"Certainly," he said, "a great responsibility rests upon you. Mr.
+Newman must have great confidence in you."
+
+"I hope he will not find it misplaced," answered Hector, modestly.
+
+"It is certainly a compliment to you that a shrewd business man
+should consider you worthy of such confidence. The presumption is
+that he has good reason for his confidence. I think, my young
+friend, that you will enjoy your visit to our State."
+
+"Then you reside there, sir?"
+
+"Oh, yes. I went out twenty years since; in fact, just after I
+graduated from the theological school. I spent a year at the mines;
+but, at the end of that time, finding an opening in my profession, I
+accepted the charge of a church in Sacramento."
+
+"In Sacramento?" exclaimed Hector, eagerly.
+
+"Yes. Have you any associations with that city?"
+
+"It is my birthplace, sir."
+
+"Then you are not a stranger to California?"
+
+"Yes, sir; I came away so early that I have no recollection of the
+place."
+
+"What is your name?" asked the clergyman.
+
+"Hector Roscoe."
+
+"Roscoe? The name sounds familiar to me," said the minister,
+thoughtfully.
+
+"How long since you went to Sacramento, Mr. Richards?"
+
+"I went there in 1855."
+
+"And I was born there in 1856. My father and mother lived there for
+some time afterwards."
+
+"It is probable that I met them, for Sacramento was a small place
+then. Shall you go there?"
+
+"Yes, sir. I have a special reason for going--a reason most
+important to me."
+
+As Mr. Richards naturally looked inquisitive, Hector confided in him
+further.
+
+"You see, sir," he concluded, "that it is most important to me to
+ascertain whether I am really the son of the man whom I have always
+regarded as my father. If so, I am heir to a large fortune. If not,
+my uncle is the heir, and I certainly should not wish to disturb him
+in the enjoyment of what the law awards him."
+
+"That is quite proper," said Mr. Richards. "In your investigation,
+it is quite possible that I may be able to help you materially,
+through my long residence and extensive acquaintance in Sacramento.
+When you come there, lose no time in calling upon me. Whatever help
+I can render you shall cheerfully be given."
+
+"Thank you, sir."
+
+"Shall you be much disappointed if you find that you are only the
+adopted, instead of the real, son of Mr. Roscoe?"
+
+"Yes, sir; but it won't be chiefly on account of the property. I
+shall feel alone in the world, without relations or family
+connections, with no one to sympathize with me in my successes, or
+feel for me in my disappointments."
+
+"I understand you, and I can enter into your feelings."
+
+Arrived in San Francisco, Hector took lodgings at a comfortable
+hotel on Kearney Street. He didn't go to the Palace Hotel, or
+Baldwin's, though Mr. Newman had supplied him with ample funds, and
+instructed him to spend whatever he thought might be necessary.
+
+"I mean to show myself worthy of his confidence," said Hector to
+himself.
+
+He arrived in the evening, and was glad to remain quietly at the
+hotel the first evening, and sleep off the effects of his voyage.
+After the contracted stateroom, in which he had passed over twenty
+days, he enjoyed the comfort and luxury of a bed on shore and a
+good-sized bedroom. But, in the morning, he took a long walk, which
+was full of interest. Less than five minutes' walk from his hotel
+was the noted Chinese quarter. Curiously enough, it is located in
+the central part of the business portion of San Francisco. Set a
+stranger down in this portion of the city, and the traveler finds it
+easy to imagine himself in some Chinese city. All around him,
+thronging the sidewalks, he will see almond-eyed men, wearing long
+queues, and clad in the comfortable, but certainly not elegant,
+flowing garments which we meet only occasionally in our Eastern
+cities, on the person of some laundryman. Then the houses, too, with
+the curious names on the signs, speak of a far-off land. On every
+side, also, is heard the uncouth jargon of the Chinese tongue.
+
+There is a part of San Francisco that is known as the Barbary Coast.
+It is that part which strangers will do well to avoid, for it is the
+haunt of the worst portion of the population. Here floats many a
+hopeless wreck, in the shape of a young man, who has yielded to the
+seductions of drink and the gaming table--who has lost all hope and
+ambition, and is fast nearing destruction.
+
+If Hector allowed himself to explore this quarter, it was not
+because he found anything to attract him, for his tastes were
+healthy, but he thought, from the description of Gregory Newman,
+that he would stand a better chance of meeting him here than in a
+more respectable quarter.
+
+Hector halted in front of a building, which he judged to be a
+gambling house. He did not care to enter, but he watched, with
+curiosity, those who entered and those who came out.
+
+As he was standing there, a man of forty touched him on the
+shoulder.
+
+Hector turned, and was by no means attracted by the man's
+countenance. He was evidently a confirmed inebriate, though not at
+that time under the influence of liquor. There was an expression of
+cunning, which repelled Hector, and he drew back.
+
+"I say, boy," said the stranger, "do you want to go in?"
+
+"No, sir."
+
+"If you do, I know the ropes, and I'll introduce you and take care
+of you."
+
+"Thank you," said Hector, "but I don't care to go in."
+
+"Are you afraid?" asked the man, with a slight sneer.
+
+"Yes. Haven't I a reason?"
+
+"Come, sonny, don't be foolish. Have you any money?"
+
+"A little."
+
+"Give it to me and I'll play for you. I'll double it in ten minutes,
+and I'll only ask you five dollars for my services."
+
+"Suppose you lose?"
+
+"I won't lose," said the man, confidently. "Come," he said, in a
+wheedling tone, "let me make some money for you."
+
+"Thank you, but I would rather not. I don't want to make money in
+any such way."
+
+"You're a fool!" said the man, roughly, and with an air of disgust
+he left the spot, much to Hector's relief.
+
+Still Hector lingered, expecting he hardly knew what, but it chanced
+that fortune favored him. He was just about to turn away, when a
+youth, two or three years older than himself in appearance, came out
+of the gambling house. He was pale, and looked as if he had kept
+late hours. He had the appearance, also, of one who indulges in
+drink.
+
+When Hector's glance fell upon the face of the youth, he started in
+great excitement.
+
+"Surely," he thought, "that must be Gregory Newman!"
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXV.
+
+THE PRODIGAL.
+
+
+
+
+
+As the best way of getting into communication with the youth whom he
+suspected to be the object of his search, Hector asked him the name
+of the street.
+
+On receiving an answer, he said, in an explanatory way:
+
+"I am a stranger here. I only arrived on the last steamer."
+
+The other looked interested.
+
+"Where do you come from?"
+
+"From New York."
+
+"I used to live there," said Gregory--for it was he--with a sigh.
+
+"Have you bettered yourself by coming out here?" asked Hector.
+
+Gregory shook his head.
+
+"No," he said; "I begin to think I was a fool to come at all."
+
+"Perhaps you had poor prospects in New York?" said Hector.
+
+"No; my uncle is a rich merchant there. I have some property, also,
+and he is my guardian."
+
+"Did he favor your coming?"
+
+"No; he was very much opposed to it."
+
+"Perhaps I ought not to take such a liberty, but I begin to agree
+with you about your being a fool to leave such prospects behind
+you."
+
+"Oh, I am not offended. It is true enough."
+
+"I suppose you haven't prospered, then," said Hector.
+
+"Prospered? Look at me! Do you see how shabby I am?"
+
+Gregory certainly did look shabby. His clothes were soiled and
+frayed, and he had the appearance of a young tramp.
+
+"That isn't the worst of it," he added, bitterly. "I have spent my
+last cent, and am penniless."
+
+"That is bad, certainly. Did you lose any of it in there?" said
+Hector, indicating the gaming house.
+
+"I have lost full half of it there," answered Gregory. "This morning
+I found myself reduced to four bits--"
+
+"To what?" inquired Hector, puzzled.
+
+"Oh, I forgot you had just arrived. Four bits is fifty cents. Well,
+I was reduced to that, and, instead of saving it for my dinner, I
+went in there and risked it. If I had been lucky, I might have
+raised it to ten dollars, as a man next to me did; but I'm out of
+luck, and I don't know what to do."
+
+"Why don't you go back to your uncle in New York?"
+
+"What! and walk all the way without food?" said Gregory, bitterly.
+
+"Of course you couldn't go without money. Suppose you had the money,
+would you go?"
+
+"I should be afraid to try it," said Gregory, smiling.
+
+"Why? Don't you think he would receive you back?"
+
+"He might but for one thing," answered Gregory.
+
+"What is that?"
+
+"I may as well tell you, though I am ashamed to," said Gregory,
+reluctantly. "I left New York without his knowledge, and, as I knew
+he wouldn't advance me money out of my own property, I took five
+hundred dollars from his desk."
+
+"That was bad," said Hector, quietly, but he didn't look shocked or
+terror-stricken, for this would probably have prevented any further
+confidence.
+
+"It wasn't exactly stealing," said Gregory, apologetically, "for I
+knew he could keep back the money from my property. Still, he could
+represent it as such and have me arrested."
+
+"I don't think he would do that."
+
+"I don't want to run the risk. You see now why I don't dare to go
+back to New York. But what on earth I am to do here I don't know."
+
+"Couldn't you get employment?" asked Hector, for he wished Gregory
+to understand his position fully.
+
+"What! in this shabby suit? Respectable business men would take me
+for a hoodlum."
+
+Hector knew already that a "hoodlum" in San Francisco parlance is a
+term applied to street loafers from fifteen to twenty-five years of
+age, who are disinclined to work and have a premature experience of
+vice.
+
+"Suppose you were assured that your uncle would receive you back and
+give you another chance?"
+
+Gregory shook his head.
+
+"I don't believe he would, and I am afraid I don't deserve it. No, I
+must try to get to the mines in some way. How are you fixed?" said
+Gregory, turning suddenly to Hector. "Could you spare a five-dollar
+gold piece for a chap that's been unfortunate?"
+
+"Perhaps I might; but I am afraid you would go back into the
+gambling house and lose it, as you did your other money."
+
+"No, I won't; I promise you that. Four bits was nothing. Five
+dollars would give me a chance of going somewhere where I could earn
+a living."
+
+Gregory seemed to speak sincerely, and Hector thought it would do
+him no harm to reveal himself and his errand.
+
+"Your name is Gregory Newman, isn't it?" he inquired.
+
+Gregory stared at him in uncontrollable amazement.
+
+"How do you know that?" he inquired.
+
+"And your uncle's name is Titus Newman?"
+
+"Yes, but--"
+
+"He lives on Madison Avenue, does he not?"
+
+"Yes, yes; but who are you that seem to know so much about me?"
+
+"My name is Hector Roscoe."
+
+"Did I know you in New York?"
+
+"No; I never met you, to my knowledge."
+
+"Then how do you recognize me and know my name?"
+
+In answer, Hector took from his pocket a photograph of Gregory and
+displayed it.
+
+"How did you come by that?" asked Gregory, hurriedly. "Are you a
+detective?"
+
+Gregory looked so startled that Hector had hard work not to laugh.
+It seemed ludicrous to him that he should be supposed to be a
+detective on Gregory's track, as the boy evidently suspected.
+
+"No," he answered, "I am not a detective, but a friend. I have come
+out to San Francisco especially to find you."
+
+"You won't inform against me?" asked Gregory, nervously.
+
+"Not at all. I come as a friend, with a message from your uncle---"
+
+"What is it?" asked Gregory, eagerly.
+
+"He wants you to come back to New York, and he will give you another
+chance."
+
+"Is this true?"
+
+"Yes; will you come?"
+
+"I shall be glad to leave San Francisco," said Gregory, fervently.
+"I have had no luck since I arrived here."
+
+"Do you think you deserved any?" said Hector, significantly.
+
+"No, perhaps not," Gregory admitted.
+
+"When will you be ready to return?"
+
+"You forget that I have no money."
+
+"I have, and will pay your passage."
+
+Gregory grasped the hands of our hero gratefully.
+
+"You are a trump!" said he.
+
+Then he looked at his wretched and dilapidated suit.
+
+"I don't like to go home like this," he said. "I should be mortified
+if I met my uncle or any of my old acquaintances."
+
+"Oh, that can be remedied," said Hector. "If you can lead the way to
+a good clothing house, where the prices are moderate, I will soon
+improve your appearance."
+
+"That I will!" answered Gregory, gladly.
+
+Within five minutes' walk was a good clothing house, on Kearney
+Street. The two entered, and a suit was soon found to fit Gregory.
+Then they obtained a supply of underclothing, and Gregory breathed a
+sigh of satisfaction. His self-respect returned, and he felt once
+more like his old self.
+
+"Now," said Hector, "I shall take you to my hotel, and enter your
+name as a guest. You and I can room together."
+
+"Do you know," said Gregory, "I almost fear this is a dream, and
+that I shall wake up again a tramp, as you found me half an hour
+ago? I was almost in despair when you met me."
+
+Though Gregory seemed quite in earnest in his desire to turn over a
+new leaf, Hector thought it prudent to keep the funds necessary for
+their journey in his own possession. He gave a few dollars to
+Gregory as spending money, but disregarded any hints looking to a
+further advance.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVI.
+
+HOW HECTOR SUCCEEDED IN SACRAMENTO.
+
+
+
+
+
+Now that Hector had succeeded in the main object of his journey, he
+had time to think of his own affairs. It was most important for him
+to visit Sacramento and make inquiries into the matter that so
+nearly concerned him.
+
+"I must find out," he said to himself, "whether I am entitled to the
+name I bear, or whether I only received it by adoption."
+
+The second day after his discovery of Gregory Newman, he said to
+him:
+
+"Gregory, business of importance calls me to Sacramento. Do you wish
+to go with me?"
+
+"Does the business in any way relate to me?" asked Gregory.
+
+"Not at all."
+
+"Then I prefer to remain in San Francisco."
+
+"Can I trust you not to fall back into your old ways?" asked Hector.
+
+"Yes; I have had enough of them," answered Gregory, and there was a
+sincerity in his tone which convinced Hector that he might safely
+leave him.
+
+"I shall probably stay overnight," he said. "If I stay any longer, I
+will telegraph to you."
+
+Arrived in Sacramento, Hector sought out the residence of the Rev.
+Mr. Richards, whose acquaintance he had made on board the steamer.
+
+His clerical friend received him with evident pleasure.
+
+"How have you fared, my young friend?" he asked.
+
+"Very well, sir. I have succeeded in my mission."
+
+"Then you have found the youth you were in search of?"
+
+"Yes, sir; moreover, I have induced him to return home with me, and
+turn over a new leaf."
+
+"That is indeed good news. And now, I think I have also good news
+for you."
+
+"Please let me know it, sir," said Hector, eagerly.
+
+"I have found the lady with whom your father and mother boarded
+while they were in Sacramento."
+
+"What does she say?"
+
+"She says," answered Mr. Richards, promptly, "that you are Mr.
+Roscoe's own son, and were born in her house."
+
+"Thank Heaven!" ejaculated Hector.
+
+"Nor is this all. I have found the minister who baptized you. He is
+still living, at a very advanced age--the Rev. Mr. Barnard. I called
+upon him, and recalled his attention to the period when your father
+lived in the city. I found that he remembered both your parents very
+well. Not only that, but he has a very full diary covering that
+time, in which he showed me this record:
+
+"'Baptized, June 17th, Hector, the son of Thomas and Martha Roscoe;
+a bright, healthy child, in whom the parents much delight."
+
+"Then it seems to me," said Hector, "that my case is a very strong
+one."
+
+"Unusually so. In fact, it could not be stronger. I marvel how Allan
+Roscoe, your uncle, could have ventured upon a fraud which could be
+so easily proved to be such."
+
+"He depended upon Sacramento being so far away," said Hector. "He
+thought I would accept my father's letter without question."
+
+"That letter was undoubtedly forged," said the minister.
+
+"It must have been, but it was very cleverly forged. The handwriting
+was a very close copy of my father's." It was a great pleasure to
+Hector that he could say "my father" without a moment's doubt that
+he was entitled to say so.
+
+"He thought, also, that you would not have the means to come here to
+investigate for yourself," said Mr. Richards.
+
+"Yes, and he would have been right but for the commission Mr. Newman
+gave me. What course would you advise me to take," asked Hector, a
+little later, "to substantiate my claim?"
+
+"Get Mrs. Blodgett's and Rev. Mr. Barnard's sworn affidavits, and
+place them in the hands of a reliable lawyer, requesting him to
+communicate with your uncle."
+
+This advice seemed to Hector to be wise, and he followed it.
+Fortunately, he had no difficulty in inducing both parties to accede
+to his request. The next day he returned to San Francisco.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVII.
+
+A NARROW ESCAPE.
+
+
+
+
+
+Armed with the affidavits which were to restore to him the position
+in life of which his uncle had wickedly deprived him, Hector
+returned to San Francisco. He found Gregory unaffectedly glad to see
+him.
+
+"Glad to see you back, Hector," he said; "I missed you."
+
+Hector was glad to find that Gregory had not taken advantage of his
+absence to indulge in any of his old excesses. He began to hope that
+he had already turned over the new leaf which was so desirable.
+
+"I know what you are thinking of," said Gregory, after Hector had
+returned his salutation. "You are wondering whether I 'cut up' any
+while you were gone."
+
+"You don't look as if you had," said Hector, smiling.
+
+"No; I have had enough of sowing wild oats. It doesn't pay. Shall I
+tell you what I did last evening?"
+
+"If you like."
+
+"I attended a lecture illustrated with the stereopticon. I was in
+bed at ten."
+
+"Gregory," said Hector, taking his hand, "you don't know how glad I
+am to hear this. I am sure your uncle will be delighted when you
+return to him so changed."
+
+"I've made a great fool of myself," said Gregory, candidly.
+"Hereafter I am going to make you my model."
+
+Hector blushed deeply, for he was a modest boy.
+
+"You compliment me too much, Gregory," he said. "Still, if you are
+in earnest, I will try to set you a good example."
+
+"You won't have any trouble in doing that. You are one of the
+fellows that find it easy to be good."
+
+"I am not sure of that, Gregory. Still, I mean to do my best."
+
+In the evening the two boys attended a theatrical performance. It
+was not till after eleven o'clock that they emerged from the
+theatre, and slowly, not by the most direct way, sauntered home.
+
+There was no thought of danger in the mind of either, yet, as a
+fact, Hector had never in his life been exposed to peril so serious
+as that evening. Lurking behind in the shadow a shabby-looking man
+followed the two boys, keeping his eyes steadily on Hector. At a
+place specially favorable, our hero was startled by hearing a bullet
+whiz by his ear. He turned instantly, and so did Gregory. They saw a
+man running, and they pursued him. They might not have caught up
+with him, but that he stumbled and fell. Instantly they were upon
+him.
+
+"Well," he said, sullenly, "you've caught me after all."
+
+"Were you the man who fired at me?" asked Hector, "or was it my
+friend here you sought to kill?"
+
+"I was firing at you," answered their captive, coolly. "Now, what
+are you going to do with me?"
+
+"Was this forced upon you by want? Did you wish to rob me?"
+
+"No; I had another motive."
+
+"What was it?"
+
+"If I tell you, will you let me go free?"
+
+Hector hesitated.
+
+The man proceeded, speaking with emphasis.
+
+"If I tell you who put me up to this, and furnish you proofs so that
+you can bring it to him, will you let me go?"
+
+"You will not renew the attempt?" asked Hector.
+
+"No," answered the man; "it isn't likely; I shall have no further
+motive."
+
+"Yes, I agree."
+
+"Read that letter, then."
+
+"There isn't light enough. Will you accompany me to the hotel, where
+I can read it?"
+
+"I will."
+
+The three walked together to the hotel, where Hector and Gregory
+were staying. There Hector read the letter. He was astonished and
+horrified when he discovered that it was from his uncle to this man,
+with whom he seemed to have an acquaintance, describing Hector, and
+promising him a thousand dollars if he would put him out of the way.
+
+"This is very important," said Hector, gravely. "Are you ready to
+accompany me to New York and swear to this?"
+
+"Yes, if you will pay my expenses."
+
+By the next steamer Hector, Gregory and the stranger, who called
+himself Reuben Pearce, sailed for New York.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXXVIII.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+
+
+
+Allan Roscoe sat at the breakfast table with Guy opposite him.
+Though Mr. Roscoe was not altogether free from anxiety since he had
+learned of Hector's expedition to California, he had taught himself
+to believe that there was little chance of the boy's ferreting out
+the imposition he had practiced upon him. He had been a poor and
+struggling man most of his life, having, when quite a young man,
+squandered his inheritance, and his present taste of affluence was
+most agreeable. He felt that he could not part with Castle Roscoe.
+
+"But I am safe enough," he said to himself; "even if Hector
+discovered anything, something might happen to him, so that he might
+be unable to return."
+
+"Father," said Guy, who had just dispatched an egg, "I want ten
+dollars this morning."
+
+"Ten dollars!" said his father, frowning. "How is this? Did I not
+give you your week's allowance two days since?"
+
+"Well, I've spent it," answered Guy, "and I need some more."
+
+"You must think I am made of money," said his father, displeased.
+
+"It's pretty much so," said Guy, nonchalantly. "Your income must be
+ten thousand a year."
+
+"I have a great many expenses. How have you spent your allowance?"
+
+"Oh, I can't tell exactly. It's gone, at any rate. You mustn't
+become mean, father."
+
+"Mean! Don't I give you a handsome allowance? Look here, Guy, I
+can't allow such extravagance on your part. This once I'll give you
+five dollars, but hereafter, you must keep within your allowance."
+
+"Can't you make it ten?"
+
+"No, I can't," said his father, shortly.
+
+Guy rose from the table, and left the room, whistling.
+
+"The old man's getting mean," he said. "If he doesn't allow me more,
+I shall have to get in debt."
+
+As Guy left the room, the mail was brought in. On one of the
+envelopes, Mr. Roscoe saw the name of his lawyer. He did not think
+much of it, supposing it related to some minor matter of business.
+The letter ran thus:
+
+"ALLAN ROSCOE, ESQ.:
+
+"DEAR SIR: Be kind enough to come up to the city at once. Business
+of great importance demands your attention.
+
+"Yours respectfully, TIMOTHY TAPE."
+
+"Mr. Tape is unusually mysterious," said Allan Roscoe to himself,
+shrugging his shoulders. "I will go up to-day. I have nothing to
+keep me at home."
+
+Mr. Roscoe ordered the carriage, and drove to the depot. Guy,
+noticing his departure, asked permission to accompany him.
+
+"Not to-day, Guy," he answered. "I am merely going up to see my
+lawyer."
+
+Two hours later Mr. Roscoe entered the office of his lawyer.
+
+"Well, Tape, what's up?" he asked, in an easy tone. "Your letter was
+mysterious."
+
+"I didn't like to write explicitly," said Mr. Tape, gravely.
+
+"The matter, you say, is of great importance?"
+
+"It is, indeed! It is no less than a claim for the whole of your
+late brother's estate."
+
+"Who is the claimant?" asked Allan Roscoe, perturbed.
+
+"Your nephew, Hector."
+
+"I have no nephew Hector. The boy called Hector Roscoe is an adopted
+son of my brother."
+
+"I know you so stated. He says he is prepared to prove that he is
+the lawful son of the late Mr. Roscoe."
+
+"He can't prove it!" said Allan Roscoe, turning pale.
+
+"He has brought positive proof from California, so he says."
+
+"Has he, then, returned?" asked Allan, his heart sinking.
+
+"He is in the city, and expects us to meet him at two o'clock this
+afternoon, at the office of his lawyer, Mr. Parchment."
+
+Now, Mr. Parchment was one of the most celebrated lawyers at the New
+York bar, and the fact that Hector had secured his services showed
+Allan Roscoe that the matter was indeed serious.
+
+"How could he afford to retain so eminent a lawyer?" asked Allan
+Roscoe, nervously.
+
+"Titus Newman, the millionaire merchant, backs him."
+
+"Do you think there is anything in his case?" asked Allan, slowly.
+
+"I can tell better after our interview at two o'clock."
+
+At five minutes to two Allan Roscoe and Mr. Tape were ushered into
+the private office of Mr. Parchment.
+
+"Glad to see you, gentlemen," said the great lawyer, with his usual
+courtesy.
+
+Two minutes later Hector entered, accompanied by Mr. Newman. Hector
+nodded coldly to his uncle. He was not of a vindictive nature, but
+he could not forget that this man, his own near relative, had not
+only deprived him of his property, but conspired against his life.
+
+"Hector," said Allan Roscoe, assuming a confidence he did not feel,
+"I am amazed at your preposterous claim upon the property my brother
+left to me. This is a poor return for his kindness to one who had no
+claim upon him."
+
+"Mr. Parchment will speak for me," said Hector, briefly.
+
+"My young client," said the great lawyer, "claims to be the son of
+the deceased Mr. Roscoe, and, of course, in that capacity, succeeds
+to his father's estate."
+
+"It is one thing to make the claim, and another to substantiate it,"
+sneered Allan Roscoe.
+
+"Precisely so, Mr. Roscoe," said Mr. Parchment. "We quite agree with
+you. Shall I tell you and your learned counsel what we are prepared
+to prove?"
+
+Mr. Roscoe nodded uneasily.
+
+"We have the affidavits of the lady with whom your brother boarded
+in Sacramento, and in whose house my young client was born. We have,
+furthermore, the sworn testimony of the clergyman, still living, who
+baptized him, and we can show, though it is needless, in the face of
+such strong proof, that he was always spoken of in his infancy by
+Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe as their child."
+
+"And I have my brother's letter stating that he was only adopted,"
+asserted Allan Roscoe.
+
+"Even that, admitting it to be genuine," said Mr. Parchment, "cannot
+disprove the evidence I have already alluded to. If you insist upon
+it, however, we will submit the letter to an expert, and--"
+
+"This is a conspiracy. I won't give up the estate," said Allan,
+passionately.
+
+"We also claim that there is a conspiracy," said Mr. Parchment,
+smoothly, "and there is one circumstance that will go far to confirm
+it."
+
+"What is that?" demanded Allan Roscoe.
+
+"It is the attempt made upon my young client's life in San Francisco
+by an agent of yours, Mr. Roscoe."
+
+"It is a lie!" said Allan, hoarsely, shaking, nevertheless, with
+fear.
+
+At a sign from Mr. Parchment, Hector opened the door of the office
+to give admission to Reuben Pearce.
+
+At a sight of this man Allan Roscoe utterly collapsed. He felt that
+all was lost!
+
+"Gentlemen," he said, "I will give up the estate, but for Heaven's
+sake, don't prosecute me for this!"
+
+There was an informal conference, in which it was agreed that Allan
+Roscoe should make no resistance to Hector's claim, but restore the
+estate to him. Hector promised, though this was against his lawyer's
+advice, to give his uncle, who would be left penniless, the sum of
+two thousand dollars in cash, and an allowance of a hundred dollars
+per month for his life. He appointed Mr. Newman his guardian, being
+a minor, and was once more a boy of fortune. He resolved to continue
+his studies, and in due time go to college, thus preparing himself
+for the high position he would hereafter hold.
+
+As for Allan Roscoe, he and his son, Guy, lost no time in leaving
+the neighborhood. Guy was intensely mortified at this turn of the
+wheel, which had again brought his cousin uppermost, and was quite
+ready to accompany his father to Chicago, where they are living at
+present. But he had formed extravagant tastes, and has been a source
+of trouble and solicitude to his father, who, indeed, hardly
+deserves the comfort of a good son.
+
+Hector lost no time, after being restored to his old position, in
+re-engaging Larry Deane's father, who had been discharged by his
+uncle.
+
+He paid him his usual wages for all the time he had been out of
+place, and considerably raised his pay for the future.
+
+"Larry shall never want a friend as long as I live," he assured Mr.
+Deane. "He was a friend to me when I needed one, and I will take
+care to give him a good start in life." He redeemed this promise by
+securing Larry a place in Mr. Newman's employ, and voluntarily
+allowed him as large a weekly sum as the merchant paid him in
+addition, so that Larry could live comfortably in the city. I am
+glad to say that Larry has shown himself deserving of this kindness,
+and has already been promoted to an important and better paid
+position.
+
+A word about Smith Institute. It never recovered from the blow that
+it had received at the time when Hector found himself forced to
+leave it. One after another the pupils left, and Mr. Smith felt that
+his race as a schoolmaster was run. He advertised the institute for
+sale, and who do you think bought it? Who but Hector Roscoe, who
+probably paid more for it than anyone else would.
+
+My readers will hardly suppose that he wanted it for himself. In a
+cordial letter he presented it to Mr. Crabb, the late usher, when he
+had finished his engagement with Walter Boss, and the name was
+changed to "Crabb Institute." It was not long before it regained its
+old patronage, for Mr. Crabb was not only a good scholar, but was
+fair and just to the pupils, ruling them rather by love than fear.
+He has married the daughter of a neighboring clergyman, who is a
+judicious helper and contributes to the success of the school.
+
+As for Jim Smith, the last heard of him was to this effect: He had
+strayed out to St. Louis, and, after a few months of vicissitude,
+had secured the position of bartender in a low liquor saloon. He has
+very little chance of rising higher. The young tyrant of Smith
+Institute has not done very well for himself, but he has himself to
+blame for it.
+
+To return to Hector. I think we are justified in predicting for him
+a prosperous future. He behaved well in adversity. He is not likely
+to be spoiled by prosperity, but promises to grow up a good and
+manly man, who will seek to do good as he goes along, and so
+vindicate his claim to the exceptional good fortune which he enjoys.
+
+THE END.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Hector's Inheritance, by Horatio Alger
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+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HECTOR'S INHERITANCE ***
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