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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Hector's Inheritance, by Horatio Alger
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Hector's Inheritance
+       or The Boys of Smith Institute
+
+Author: Horatio Alger
+
+Release Date: May, 2004 [EBook #5674]
+Posting Date: April 2, 2009
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HECTOR'S INHERITANCE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Carrie Fellman
+
+
+
+
+
+HECTOR'S INHERITANCE
+
+OR
+
+THE BOYS OF SMITH INSTITUTE
+
+
+By 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 no time 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 when 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 aggravating, 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'clock, 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 will 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 inward 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 within 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 and 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 statement, 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 employment. 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 gentleman 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've 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 acquaintance 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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